Apparatuses, computer-implemented methods, and computer program products for building automation based on environment inferences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional building sensors have limited capabilities, producing unreliable data due to their narrow focus and lack of contextualization, which hinders effective data analysis and optimization of building functions.
Innovation Solution
A standalone sensing device equipped with multiple sensors (vibration, temperature, occupancy, air quality, etc.) that provides holistic, real-time environmental data to a cloud platform for comprehensive analysis and generation of prescriptive insights for optimizing building operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional building sensors are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of environmental data deteriorate due to narrow focus and lack of contextualization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple different sensors (occupancy sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, air quality sensors, lighting sensors, noise sensors, vibration sensors, and asset sensors) into a single integrated standalone sensing device. This merging approach enables comprehensive environmental monitoring with contextualized data, improving measurement precision and reliability while maintaining manageable device complexity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The standalone sensing device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of monitoring various environmental parameters (occupancy, temperature, humidity, air quality, lighting, noise, vibration) and asset conditions simultaneously. This universal sensing capability allows a single device to replace multiple specialized sensors, enhancing data comprehensiveness without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are integrated in a standalone device, then measurement precision and contextualization improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors are merged into a single integrated device with shared power, communication, and processing resources. This approach improves data reliability through contextualized multi-parameter monitoring while controlling complexity through unified architecture rather than separate deployed sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The standalone sensing device operates autonomously, collecting, processing, and transmitting environmental and asset data without requiring external intervention for each measurement type. The device self-manages its multiple sensing functions, reducing operational complexity despite the advanced capabilities provided.
3Loss of information
If centralized data aggregation is implemented, then information completeness improves, but information timeliness deteriorates as data becomes outdated quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where environmental sensors constantly monitor conditions and automatically trigger appropriate building systems (HVAC, lighting, curtains) in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures both complete environmental assessment and timely response, preventing data obsolescence by acting on current conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary environmental assessment and prediction, anticipating future conditions based on current sensor data. By predicting occupancy patterns, temperature trends, and environmental changes in advance, the system prepares appropriate actions before conditions deteriorate, maintaining both information completeness and timeliness.
4Productivity
If traditional feedback systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but building optimization capability deteriorates due to lack of predictive and prescriptive functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary environmental assessment and prediction, analyzing current sensor data to forecast future occupancy patterns, temperature trends, and environmental conditions. This predictive capability enables proactive building optimization, adjusting systems in advance of actual conditions to maximize energy efficiency and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where environmental sensors monitor conditions in real-time and automatically trigger appropriate building systems (HVAC, lighting, curtains) based on inferred occupancy and environmental states. This closed-loop feedback enables dynamic optimization of building functions, transforming static traditional systems into adaptive intelligent systems that continuously improve productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides embodiments for improved monitoring of building environments for building automation based on environment inferences and various aspects associated therewith. A method can include receiving, via a standalone sensing device positioned in a monitored building environment, real-time environmental sensor data. The method can include generating, for the monitored building environment and based on the real-time environmental sensor data, an environmental building inference indicative of a state of at least one of an occupancy of the monitored building environment, an asset within the monitored building environment, or an ambience of the monitored building environment. The method can include generating, for the monitored building environment based on the environmental building inference, a prescriptive building insight.