Smart Outlet Controller With Weather-Based Sprinkler Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated control systems for managing electronic devices like sprinklers and lights lack integration with external data sources for optimized operation and security features to prevent unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A smart electronic device management system with a control unit that connects electronic devices via outlets, incorporates environmental sensors, a wireless communication module for data retrieval from external sources like weather APIs, and security features such as encryption and authentication, enabling automated scheduling and remote monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated control systems are implemented to manage electronic devices, then operational efficiency is improved, but security vulnerabilities increase due to lack of authentication mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication and authorization actions before allowing device control operations. The authentication module verifies user credentials in advance, and the authorization module pre-establishes permission levels, ensuring security is embedded before operational efficiency is compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication module that mediates between users and the automated control system. This module acts as a security gateway, verifying credentials and managing authorization tokens, thereby protecting the system without interfering with the efficiency of approved operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external data sources are integrated for optimized device operation, then system intelligence is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into distinct functional modules: data retrieval module for external weather data, data processing module for analyzing the retrieved information, and device control module for executing optimized operations. This segmentation manages complexity by organizing intelligence functions into separate, manageable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it retrieves external data, processes weather information, calculates sprinkler schedules, and controls various electronic devices. By making the control unit universal and multi-functional, the system integrates intelligence without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Loss of energy
If automated sprinkler scheduling is implemented using weather data, then water efficiency is improved, but calculation accuracy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously retrieves current weather data, compares it with forecasted conditions, and adjusts sprinkler schedules accordingly. This feedback loop ensures calculation accuracy by using real-time weather information to optimize water efficiency dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary calculations of sprinkler schedules based on forecasted weather data before execution. By pre-calculating optimal sprinkler timing and duration based on predicted conditions, the system ensures accurate water application while improving overall water efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A smart electronic device management system is a device that is utilized to manage and control electronic devices. The device includes a housing structure that may be mounted to a surface such as a wall. A video capture device provides a live video feed of the surrounding areas while at least one environmental sensor allows monitoring of conditions in the surrounding areas. A wireless communication module allows the device to be associated with an external computing device. Various electronic devices may be connected to the device through a plurality of electrical outlets on the housing structure. A control unit allows the device to monitor and manage electronic devices that are wirelessly connected to the device or connected through the plurality of electrical outlets. The control unit is configured to calculate a sprinkler schedule using data retrieved through the wireless communication module.