Occupancy Sensor Range Determination Using Spatial Association Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control systems face challenges in configuring and associating load control devices without spatial information, leading to difficulties in understanding the relative locations of devices and ensuring compatibility during installation and operation.
Innovation Solution
A load control system that utilizes a system controller and graphical user interface software to associate control-source devices with control-target devices through digital messages, allowing for the creation of relationships between devices and storing unique identifiers for enabling control and communication, thereby facilitating the configuration and operation of electrical loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an association table is created to link input devices with load control devices, then device association and control recognition are enabled, but spatial information and relative location data between devices are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the association data into multiple components: basic device identification (input device ID, load control device ID) and spatial information (relative location, distance, orientation). This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable device association while preserving spatial data for future occupancy sensor configuration decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the traditional flat association table by incorporating location coordinates, distance measurements, and orientation data. This transforms the association data from a two-dimensional table into a multi-dimensional dataset that includes both logical connections and physical spatial relationships between devices.
2Ease of manufacture
If occupancy sensors are selected and installed without spatial information, then device installation is simplified, but proper sensor selection and placement become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing spatial information during the initial device association phase, before occupancy sensors are selected or installed. The system stores location data, distance measurements, and orientation information in the association table, which later guides proper sensor selection and placement decisions without complicating the installation process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If spatial information is collected and stored during device association, then occupancy sensor configuration is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically utilize stored spatial information for occupancy sensor configuration recommendations. The system autonomously processes the spatial data to determine appropriate sensor types, ranges, and placement locations, reducing the need for manual configuration complexity while improving adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A load control system may be configured using a graphical user interface software. The graphical user interface software may display a first icon and a second icon. The first icon may represent a first electrical device and the second icon may represent a second electrical device. The first icon and the second icon may represent the relative location of the first electrical device and the second electrical device within a load control environment. The graphical user interface software may display a line from a selected icon (e.g., first icon) to a cursor. The graphical user interface software may adjust the line from the selected icon, for example, as the cursor moves. The graphical user interface software may define and store an association between the first electrical device and a second electrical device, for example, in response to the user selecting the first icon and the second icon.