Modular Wall Units for Smart Home Object Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart home configurations are challenging due to incompatibilities between brands, differing connection protocols, and complex setup processes, making it difficult for consumers to customize, scale, and reconfigure their smart home systems effortlessly.
Innovation Solution
A modular and configurable system with host units and modular accessories that use communication protocols like UWB to determine distances and orientations, automatically authenticate devices, and generate floor plans, allowing for easy integration and reconfiguration of smart home components without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional smart home systems are configured manually with complex setup processes, then system functionality can be achieved, but user ease of operation deteriorates due to incompatibilities between brands, differing connection protocols, and laborious configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic device discovery, authentication, and network configuration without user intervention. Host units automatically detect additional host units and objects, establish secure connections using cryptographic protocols, and generate floor plans autonomously, eliminating the need for manual configuration steps
Solution Approach 2:
Cryptographic authentication credentials and device identities are pre-configured in devices before deployment. When devices join the network, these pre-established credentials enable immediate secure authentication and communication without requiring users to perform setup procedures
2Adaptability or versatility
If smart home systems support multiple brands and protocols, then system versatility improves, but device complexity increases due to integration challenges and configuration difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal cryptographic authentication framework that works across all host units and devices regardless of brand or device type. This single authentication mechanism provides universal compatibility, eliminating the need for brand-specific integration procedures while maintaining support for diverse devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts communication parameters and authentication methods based on device capabilities and network conditions. This allows seamless integration of devices with different protocols and specifications without requiring complex manual configuration or dedicated integration procedures for each device type
3Extent of automation
If automatic object detection and authentication features are added, then system functionality improves, but use of energy increases due to continuous communication and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic rather than continuous communication and detection cycles. Host units perform object detection and status updates at scheduled intervals, allowing devices to enter low-power states between measurements while still maintaining automated functionality and detecting changes in the environment
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to adjust detection and communication activity based on detected conditions. When no objects or changes are detected, the system reduces communication frequency and processing activity to conserve energy, while maintaining readiness to detect and respond to significant events
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to effortlessly customize, scale, and reconfigure their smart home environments by automatically detecting objects, differentiating between animate and inanimate objects, and authenticating users, thereby simplifying the setup and operation of smart home systems.
Implementation Method 1
The attribute may be a time-of-flight (TOF) of the sent or received communication data, where the one or more processors are further configured to measure a distance between the host unit and each of the one or more additional host units based on the TOF of the sent or received communication data
Implementation Method 2
Alternatively or additionally, the attribute can be an angle of signal arrival of the communication between the host unit and each of the one or more additional host units
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include one or more processors and a host unit installed in a support structure of a building, the host unit including a communication module configured to send or receive communication data with at least one or more additional host units installed in the building, where the one or more processors are configured to measure an attribute of the sent or received communication data and detect a presence of an object based on a threshold change in the measured attribute of the sent or received communication data between the host unit and the one or more additional host units. The attribute can be an angle-of-signal (AoS) arrival of the communication between the host unit and each of the one or more additional host units, where the threshold change in the measured attribute is a threshold change in the measured AoS arrival.