Smart Home Controller Area-Based Device Rules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of connected devices in smart homes creates a digital environment that prioritizes screen attention over human interactions, compromising home safety and relaxation.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and smart home controller system that defines areas in a real-world indoor environment using wearable electronic devices with indoor positioning modules, attributing rules to these areas to control connected devices, such as setting smartphones to 'Silent mode' or turning off lights, based on user presence, to create a relaxing and safe digital environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of connected devices is increased to enhance smart home functionality, then the versatility and control capabilities are improved, but digital distractions increase and human interactions are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-defines geographic areas and associates them with specific rules before users enter those areas. When a user enters a predefined area, the corresponding rules are automatically applied to control connected devices, reducing digital distractions before they can occur. This preliminary setup allows the system to proactively manage device behavior based on location, rather than reactively responding to user actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a smart home controller as an intermediary between users and connected devices. This controller automatically manages device behavior based on user location and predefined rules, acting as a mediator that reduces the need for direct user interaction with devices. The intermediary handles the complexity of device control, allowing users to benefit from enhanced functionality without being overwhelmed by digital distractions.
2Ease of operation
If automated device control is implemented to enhance convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but home safety may be jeopardized due to reduced user awareness
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different control rules to different geographic areas within the home. Each area can have customized rules that appropriately balance automation and safety based on its specific context. For example, certain areas may have rules that prioritize safety monitoring, while others focus on convenience. This localized approach ensures that safety considerations are maintained in appropriate areas while still providing automated convenience where suitable.
3Productivity
If connected devices continuously monitor and control the environment, then productivity and automation are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring and control, the system uses periodic action triggered by user entry into predefined areas. Devices are controlled based on discrete location-based events rather than continuous operation. This approach maintains productivity by automatically applying rules when needed, while reducing energy consumption by keeping devices in low-power states between triggered events.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method in a smart home system is provided. The method comprises defining, by sensing an indoor position of a wearable electronic device comprising an indoor positioning module, an area in a real-world indoor environment, and attributing a rule to the defined area, the rule comprising one or more settings to be applied to one or more electronic devices upon a user being detected in the defined area.