Occupancy Detection Using Power Consumption Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing occupancy detection methods, such as cameras and motion detectors, are impractical due to high costs and installation complications, and they do not effectively integrate with existing power infrastructure to optimize energy management.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a processor and memory to determine energy consumption data and occupancy by analyzing energy consumption patterns, integrating with existing power infrastructure, and incorporating historical data and external inputs like GPS locations to predict occupancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cameras and motion detectors are used for occupancy detection, then occupancy detection capability is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical occupancy detection devices (cameras, motion detectors) with an electrical system that uses power consumption analysis. The processor analyzes power data from existing electrical infrastructure to infer occupancy status, substituting complex mechanical sensing systems with a simpler electrical measurement and computation approach.
2Measurement precision
If cameras and motion detectors are used for occupancy detection, then occupancy detection capability is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing electrical infrastructure and power consumption data to perform occupancy detection, making the existing power system serve a dual purpose: providing power to appliances and enabling occupancy detection. This eliminates the need for separate, expensive occupancy sensing hardware and its associated installation costs.
3Loss of energy
If energy management settings are adjusted based on occupancy, then energy waste is reduced, but occupancy detection accuracy must be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors power consumption data and uses the processor to analyze patterns, providing ongoing feedback about occupancy status. This feedback mechanism enables real-time adjustment of energy management settings based on detected occupancy, allowing for dynamic optimization of energy usage while maintaining accurate detection through continuous data analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, methods, and systems for occupancy detection are described herein. One device embodiment includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to determine energy consumption data associated with a structure at a point in time, and determine whether the structure is occupied at the point in time based, at least in part, on the determined energy consumption data.