Smart Device Away Mode via Point of Sale Transaction Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Smart devices often fail to automatically switch to low power modes when users are away due to the inability to determine their absence from home.

Innovation Solution

A method that detects transactions at a point of sale system to determine if a user is away, sending a command via a network to activate an 'away mode' in smart devices, which reduces power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If smart devices operate in normal mode continuously, then device functionality is maintained, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiddevice functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts device operating modes based on real-time occupancy detection. When absence is detected through point of sale transaction data, devices transition from normal mode to away mode, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from point of sale transaction data to determine occupancy status and automatically adjusts device modes accordingly. This closed-loop approach ensures devices switch to energy-saving modes when users are away and return to normal mode when users return.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by stationary object

If user manually toggles smart device settings, then energy saving is achieved, but user convenience decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects user absence through point of sale transaction data and autonomously activates away mode on smart devices without requiring user intervention. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual toggling while achieving energy savings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary detection mechanism (point of sale transaction monitoring) that automatically determines occupancy status and triggers appropriate device modes, removing the need for direct user interaction with device settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Extent of automation

If system monitors user presence continuously, then automatic mode switching is enabled, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic mode switchingVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system leverages existing point of sale transaction infrastructure for occupancy detection purposes, rather than deploying dedicated monitoring hardware. This multi-functional use of existing systems reduces overall system complexity while enabling automatic mode switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10877546B2Automatic away mode for smart devices

Publication Date: 2020.12.29 CAPITAL ONE SERVICES LLC

AI summary

A processor may detect a transaction made using a point of sale system. The processor may determine that the transaction indicates a smart device is not in use. The processor may send a command causing the smart device to operate in an away mode.