Activity Tracking via Power Line Signal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for remotely tracking a person's activity in a building are expensive, require numerous sensors, and can be unreliable due to interference from pets, air currents, and sunlight, while also making the person feel surveilled, which hinders installation.
Innovation Solution
A method that detects changes in electrical operating states of building equipment using electrical signals on the power supply system, allowing for tracking of activity through a single detection point, such as a clamp-on ammeter, without the need for multiple sensors, and uses probabilistic analysis to determine activity indicators based on equipment usage patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If numerous dedicated sensors are installed to track person's activity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into existing electrical equipment that is already present in the building. The detection device monitors electrical signals from multiple equipment sources (lights, appliances, HVAC) to infer activity patterns, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors throughout the building.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device serves multiple functions: it monitors electrical signals from various equipment, tracks activity patterns, detects anomalies, and provides surveillance. This single device replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized sensors for different measurement purposes.
2Measurement precision
If numerous dedicated sensors are installed to track person's activity, then measurement precision is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes electrical equipment that already exists in the building and is already consuming power. By monitoring the electrical signals from this existing infrastructure, the system avoids the need to purchase, install, and power additional dedicated sensing equipment, significantly reducing installation costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device acts as an intermediary that extracts activity information from the electrical power supply system itself, rather than requiring direct physical sensors on persons or objects. This intermediary approach uses the existing electrical infrastructure as the sensing medium.
3Measurement precision
If traditional sensors are used to detect person's presence, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing function from vulnerable physical sensors exposed to environmental disturbances and relocates it to the electrical power supply system. By monitoring electrical signals from equipment, the system removes the detection process from the physical environment where disturbances like air currents, sunlight, and pets cause false readings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the presence of electrical equipment (which traditional systems would need to avoid as potential sources of interference) into a reliable sensing resource. The electrical signals from equipment provide a stable, controllable, and equipment-specific signature that is far more reliable than physical presence detection.
4Measurement precision
If visible detection means are deployed to track activity, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to psychological discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device serves as an unobtrusive intermediary that gathers information indirectly through electrical signals rather than through direct observation or visible sensors. This indirect measurement method maintains privacy while achieving accurate activity tracking, reducing psychological discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes visible detection means from the environment and extracts the sensing capability into the electrical infrastructure. Since electrical wiring and equipment are already accepted fixtures in buildings, the detection system becomes invisible and non-intrusive, improving user acceptance.
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
This approach provides reliable and inexpensive remote tracking of a person's activity, reducing the feeling of surveillance and improving installation simplicity, while allowing for detailed and representative activity monitoring adapted to the person's habits and environment.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining, from a detection device capable of detecting in said building's electrical power supply system at least one predefined electrical signal produced by a piece of electrical equipment of said building when a change of electrical operating state occurs in said piece of electrical equipment
Data Source
AI summary
Predefined electrical signals, produced by an electrical equipment in the building during a change of electrical operating state of said equipment, are detected on the building's power supply system. By analyzing each detected electrical signal, tracking data is generated including information relating to the date of detection, the electrical equipment originating the signal and the corresponding change in electrical state. At least one parameter representative of the activity carried out by said person is determined, in the form of a probability of an activity or a type of activity being carried out, based on tracking data generated during a predefined period of time.