Premises Monitor Segmentation for Simplified Remote Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional home energy control and automation devices operate independently and lack integration with other systems, resulting in limited features, high costs, and user difficulty in programming and accessing their functions, which hinders energy efficiency and resource management.
Innovation Solution
A premises monitor and control system that includes a processor to execute components for simplified programming, separating the presentation layer from the storage layer, allowing for intuitive configuration displays and data population based on user inputs, enabling efficient energy management and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional premises monitor devices operate independently without network integration, then device simplicity is maintained, but feature sets are limited and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the premises monitor device into two functional segments: a simple local device that performs monitoring and basic control, and a remote server that provides advanced processing, storage, and networking capabilities. This segmentation allows the local device to remain simple while gaining access to extensive features through network connectivity to the remote server.
Solution Approach 2:
A remote server acts as an intermediary between the simple local premises monitor device and the complex processing/storage requirements. The server handles data aggregation, advanced analytics, cloud storage, and integration with other systems, allowing the local device to maintain simplicity while benefiting from enhanced capabilities through the intermediary service.
2Ease of operation
If conventional thermostats use legacy technology interfaces, then device manufacturing is simplified, but user programming becomes difficult and counterintuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The system moves the complex programming interface from the physical device to a remote digital dimension (web browser or mobile application). Users can access sophisticated programming capabilities through graphical user interfaces on computers or smartphones, eliminating the need for complex physical buttons and displays on the thermostat itself while providing intuitive visual programming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical interface elements (physical buttons, switches, and local displays) with electronic/digital interface elements (web browsers, mobile applications, and graphical user interfaces). This substitution provides more intuitive programming capabilities while simplifying the physical device structure.
3Ease of operation
If conventional devices lack remote access capabilities, then device simplicity is maintained, but user accessibility and convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts remote access functionality from the local device and places it on a remote server. The local device maintains simplicity by only handling local sensing and control, while all remote access, web interface, and network communication functions are taken out and implemented on the remote server, providing accessibility without complicating the local device.
Data Source
AI summary
Enhancements to premises monitor or control device (e.g., thermostats, etc.) are detailed herein. For example, enhanced relating to simplification of scheduling, are described as well as other enhancements relating to reducing device costs or consumption costs, providing richer features or more robust feature sets, and/or delivering associated product or services with increased simplicity, convenience, or ease.