Sensor Management Server for Building Condition Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional smart home software solutions lack effective communication and analysis capabilities between different sensors, leading to erroneous alerts and inefficient management of building condition data due to limited intra-communication and high data volume across various networks and computing infrastructures.

Innovation Solution

A central server system that receives data from motion sensors, generates instructions for camera sensors to capture images, identifies inhabitants, retrieves environmental preference data, and adjusts environmental conditions by communicating with connected devices to modify building settings accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensors are installed to monitor different aspects of the building, then the coverage and monitoring capability are improved, but the data volume and communication complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoiddata volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the building monitoring system into multiple independent sensor units (motion sensors, camera sensors, environmental sensors) that each collect specific types of data. This segmentation allows the system to handle diverse monitoring requirements while managing data volume through localized processing at each sensor node before transmitting summarized information to the central server.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to data management by implementing multiple levels of processing: local sensor-level processing, network-level aggregation, and central server-level analysis. This dimensional approach allows the system to handle large volumes of sensor data efficiently by filtering and preprocessing data at lower levels before transmitting only essential information upward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If sensors operate independently without central coordination, then system simplicity is maintained, but communication efficiency and error verification capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidcommunication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a central server as an intermediary that coordinates communication between sensors. The server receives data from motion sensors, triggers camera sensors when needed, verifies data accuracy through cross-sensor correlation, and manages environmental devices. This intermediary structure enables efficient coordinated operation while maintaining relatively simple sensor units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the central server receives data from sensors, processes it, and sends control instructions back to environmental devices (HVAC, lighting, etc.). The system also uses feedback for error verification by cross-checking data from multiple sensors and providing confirmation alerts to users, thereby improving communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If all sensor data is transmitted to the central server for analysis, then data accuracy and verification are improved, but network bandwidth consumption and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having motion sensors perform initial data collection and filtering before transmitting to the central server. The server then selectively triggers camera sensors only when motion is detected, rather than continuously activating all sensors. This preliminary processing at the sensor level reduces the volume of data requiring central analysis while maintaining accuracy through targeted verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If camera sensors are activated continuously to verify motion detection, then alert accuracy is improved, but energy consumption and device wear increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealert accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by activating camera sensors only at specific intervals triggered by motion detection events, rather than continuously. When a motion sensor detects movement, the server temporarily activates the camera to capture verification images, then deactivates it. This periodic activation maintains alert accuracy through selective verification while dramatically reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS11416941B1Electronic sensor management
Publication Date: 2022.08.16 UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION (USAA)
  • US11416941B1 patent drawing
  • US11416941B1 patent drawing
  • US11416941B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer device and method for managing multiple electronic sensors is provided where a server receives building condition data from a motion sensor, analyzes the received data, and activates (or reconfigures) a camera sensor to capture an image of the inhabitants present within the building; the server then identifies the inhabitant of the building and retrieves profile data associated with the identified inhabitant; the server then, based on the profile data, generates an instruction to modify one or more conditions within the building (e.g., the environmental conditions of the building) and transmits the instruction to one or more devices (e.g., an environmental device) within the building.