Building Automation Control Using Mobile and Stationary Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building engineering systems rely on distributed sensors for controlling systems like illumination, but their detection quality and local resolution are limited by sensor type and number, leading to inaccurate position information and control signals, especially for non-moving individuals.
Innovation Solution
A system combining a mobile device with sensors and a data processing unit, connected via a communications network, generates more accurate control signals by combining information from mobile device sensors and stationary sensors, enhancing detection quality without the need for additional stationary units, allowing for improved calibration and control of building systems like lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If distributed stationary sensors are used for detecting presence and generating control signals, then the system can provide automated control of building systems, but the local resolution and detection quality are limited by the number and arrangement of sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) as intermediary carriers that contain sensors and communicate with the central control unit. These mobile devices act as mediators between the physical environment and the building automation system, providing position information without requiring additional stationary sensors. The mobile device's sensor data serves as an intermediary source that enhances the existing sensor network's capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the multi-functionality of mobile devices that users already carry. These devices serve multiple purposes: they are personal communication devices, navigation tools, and simultaneously become sensors for the building automation system. By utilizing the existing sensors in mobile devices (accelerometers, GPS, cameras), the system achieves enhanced detection capabilities without adding dedicated sensing infrastructure.
2Reliability
If motion-based presence detection is used, then the system can detect movement and activate controls, but non-moving persons are no longer detected after a pre-set period of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection approaches by merging data from stationary motion sensors with data from mobile devices. The mobile device's sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, GPS) provide complementary information that can detect presence even when the person is stationary. By fusing these data sources, the system overcomes the limitation of motion-based detection and reliably detects both moving and stationary persons.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the mobile device continuously reports its status and position to the control unit. This continuous feedback loop ensures that even if a person remains stationary, their presence is continuously confirmed through the mobile device's sensor data, preventing the system from incorrectly assuming the person has left the detection range.
3Measurement precision
If more stationary sensor units with improved quality are installed to enhance detection accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the installation costs and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by utilizing sensors that users already possess and carry with them. Instead of requiring the building owner to invest in additional high-quality stationary sensors, the system leverages the existing sensors in mobile devices. This shifts the sensing capability to the users themselves, eliminating the need for expensive additional infrastructure while maintaining or improving detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device effectively creates a portable copy of the sensing capability that would otherwise require expensive stationary infrastructure. Rather than installing multiple high-quality sensors throughout the building, the system uses the mobile device's sensors to provide equivalent or superior detection accuracy at a fraction of the cost, as the sensing function is copied to a device the user already owns.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for controlling building systems engineering on the basis of measured values detected by sensors. The system comprises a mobile device (3), at least one stationary sensor unit (14.1, 14.2, 14.3) and a data processing unit (16). The mobile device (3), the at least one sensor unit (14.1, 14.2, 14.3) and the data processing unit (16) are connected by at least one communications network. The system is distinguished in that the mobile device (3) has at least one sensor (5) for detecting a physical variable, and the data processing unit (16) generates a control signal for the building engineering system on the basis of a combination of information about the physically detected variable of the sensor of the mobile device (3) and of the stationary sensor unit (14.1, 14.2, 14.3).