Occupancy Detection via Electronic Locks and Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing occupancy detection systems for shared office spaces face challenges in providing seamless user experience, security, and efficient space utilization without permanent staff presence, as they often rely on surveillance systems and manual counting, which are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An occupancy detection system comprising electronic locks and sensors that automatically determine the number of users in a space by tracking entry and exit events, with optional user registration via Wi-Fi access, allowing for centralized data processing and accurate user counting without the need for cameras or personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surveillance systems and manual counting are used for occupancy detection, then occupancy information can be obtained, but the system becomes costly and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the occupancy detection function from complex surveillance systems and manual counting methods, isolating only the essential components needed: electronic locks to detect entry events and sensors to detect presence. This extraction eliminates unnecessary complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing access control infrastructure (electronic locks) to automatically provide occupancy detection data without requiring additional manual intervention or complex processing. The electronic lock system serves dual purposes: access control and occupancy detection, eliminating the need for separate surveillance systems.
2Productivity
If electronic locks and sensors are used for automated occupancy detection, then the system becomes cost-effective and efficient, but challenges in providing seamless user experience and security arise
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic lock system performs multiple functions: it provides access control security and simultaneously generates occupancy detection data. This multi-functionality ensures that security requirements are met while enabling automated occupancy tracking without adding separate systems that could compromise reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously receives feedback from electronic locks and sensors to update occupancy status in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate tracking while maintaining security protocols, as the system can respond to occupancy changes and adjust access control accordingly.
3Loss of energy
If no staff are present on site, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but the office space may feel unwelcoming and comfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The automated occupancy detection system acts as an intermediary between users and the office space management. It provides seamless occupancy information through centralized data processing, allowing users to make informed decisions about space selection without requiring physical staff presence, thereby maintaining user experience while reducing operational costs.
4Loss of information
If centralized occupancy information is provided, then users can make informed space selection, but the system requires sophisticated data processing and communication infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data processing function with the existing access control system infrastructure. The electronic locks and sensors that are already part of the security system also provide occupancy data, eliminating the need for separate sophisticated data processing systems and reducing overall complexity while ensuring information availability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An occupancy detection system allows for an automatic and reliable determination of a number of users in a space (11), for example, a shared office space. In particular, a data processing device (14) is in communication with an electronic lock provided at an entrance to the space (11), and at least one sensor (15) provided at the entrance. The at least one sensor is configured to detect a user entering or exiting through the entrance or a door of the entrance (13) being opened or closed. The electronic lock (21) is configured to selectively lock and unlock the entrance to the space. An unlocking of the electronic lock (21) and a detection by the sensor (15) are communicated to the data processing device (14), and on the basis of said communications the data processing device determines whether a number of users in the space has increased or decreased.