Rule-Based Occupancy Sensing for Automated Energy Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current alarm systems and energy monitoring technologies lack the ability to automatically and efficiently control energy-consuming devices based on real-time occupancy and environmental data, leading to inefficient energy usage and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes sensors to monitor occupancy, device status, and environmental conditions to automatically control energy-consuming devices such as thermostats and lighting systems, adjusting settings based on predefined rules and user profiles to optimize energy usage and conserve energy when properties are unoccupied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If alarm systems are equipped with control panels and sensors for security monitoring, then security protection capability is improved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous operation of monitoring devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts energy-consuming devices based on detected occupancy status without requiring manual intervention. Sensors detect presence/absence and the control panel automatically responds by adjusting thermostats, lighting, and other energy-consuming devices, enabling the security system to serve dual purposes of protection and energy management
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation state of energy-consuming devices based on real-time sensor data. When occupancy is detected, devices operate at full capacity; when unoccupied, devices are adjusted to energy-saving modes, creating a dynamic response that adapts to changing conditions
2Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring of sensor data and device status is implemented, then control accuracy is improved, but computational resources and processing time are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors sensor data and device status, analyzing the information against predefined rules and user profiles. This feedback loop enables real-time automated adjustments while maintaining accuracy through systematic evaluation of occupancy patterns and environmental conditions
3Loss of energy
If automated control of energy-consuming devices is implemented based on occupancy detection, then energy conservation is improved, but system complexity increases due to integration of sensors, control panels, and multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel serves multiple functions: security monitoring, occupancy detection coordination, and automated control of various energy-consuming devices. By making the control panel universal, the system reduces the need for separate dedicated controllers for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving energy conservation
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges security monitoring functions with energy management functions into a unified automated system. Sensors that detect occupancy for security purposes are also used to trigger energy-saving actions, combining multiple functions into a single integrated system that reduces overall complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for providing remote device (e.g., thermostat, lighting, appliance, etc.) control and/or energy monitoring. A system monitors sensor data captured by one or more sensors that sense attributes relevant to user presence at one or more monitored properties and status of one or more energy consuming devices associated with the one or more monitored properties. The system analyzes the monitored sensor data and the monitored device status with respect to a set of one or more rules and performs an operation related to controlling the one or more energy consuming devices based on the analysis of the monitored sensor data and the monitored device status with respect to the set of one or more rules.