Building Switch Terminal Spatial Relationship Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building automation systems are limited in their ability to provide adaptive control and sophisticated functionality, particularly in home environments, where they are often disrupted by electrical disturbances and can only control a limited number of devices, lacking advanced features like predictive occupancy analysis.
Innovation Solution
A building adaptive control system that uses a network of switch terminals with integrated sensors and machine learning algorithms to provide spatial relationship information and predict occupant activity, allowing for advanced control of lighting and electrical loads through a mesh network and cloud infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If power-line carrier control systems are used to control building appliances, then cost is reduced and existing wiring is utilized, but the systems are easily disrupted by electrical disturbances and can only control a limited number of device types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless communication modules and mesh network infrastructure as intermediary components that enable control functionality without relying on power-line carrier systems. This allows the system to maintain cost-effectiveness while eliminating susceptibility to electrical disturbances, as the wireless mesh network operates independently of the building's electrical wiring.
2Device complexity
If predetermined limited control systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the number of supported devices and building occupant interfaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control platform with standardized communication protocols and a centralized management system that can interface with diverse device types including lighting, HVAC, security, and entertainment systems. This universal architecture allows the system to maintain relatively simple individual components while achieving high overall versatility through the ability to support multiple device types and occupancy scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from limiting device quantity to enabling device diversity by introducing a multi-dimensional control architecture. Instead of expanding horizontally with more device-specific controllers, the system adds vertical sophistication through a centralized platform that manages heterogeneous devices through standardized interfaces, occupancy detection, and intelligent algorithms that adapt to different usage patterns.
3Extent of automation
If sophisticated building automation systems with multiple sensors are deployed, then adaptive control and predictive capabilities are improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (occupancy, ambient light, proximity) and control functions into integrated switch terminal units that serve multiple purposes. These merged devices simultaneously perform occupancy detection, lighting control, power management, and communication functions, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying system architecture while maintaining sophisticated adaptive control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-learning algorithms and automated configuration capabilities that allow the system to reduce its operational complexity over time. The occupancy detection and prediction algorithms automatically adapt to building usage patterns without requiring manual programming, and the system performs self-diagnosis and optimization, reducing the burden of system management while maintaining high levels of automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for controlling a first switch terminal of a building occupied by one or more building occupants. The system includes a plurality of switch terminals at the building. A first computer system is coupled to the first switch terminal or equivalent of the building at a first location of the building. The first computer system runs on at least one platform. A first plurality of sensors is coupled to the first switch terminal and the first computer system. At least a portion of the sensors provide signal data to the first computer system. The first computer system produces a command or data output that relates to at least one of: a command output for a local control system, a command output for a different system, a data output for a different system, a command output for a non-local device or a data output that is a non-local device. A second switch terminal includes a second plurality of sensors coupled to a second computer system. The system is configured to provide information of how at least a portion of the first plurality of sensors relate to the second plurality of sensors.