Technologies for optimally individualized building automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building automation systems face challenges due to high installation costs and lack of retrofitability, as well as the need for extensive recalibration of fixed sensors in large areas, which renders initial costs sunk costs.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing mobile computing devices with sensors to generate individualized sensor data, which is used to fine-tune building systems, reducing the need for extensive fixed sensor networks and improving sensor coverage and accuracy by leveraging redundant data from multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed sensors are installed throughout the building to monitor and control building systems, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but installation costs and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling mobile devices to serve multiple functions: they act as sensors for environmental monitoring, provide location tracking, and function as communication devices. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated fixed sensor installations, reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement capabilities through the device's existing sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by deploying multiple mobile devices throughout the building space, each creating a portable sensing node. Instead of installing permanent fixed sensors, the system copies sensing capabilities across numerous mobile devices, achieving comprehensive coverage through redundant distributed measurements without the complexity of fixed infrastructure
2Area of stationary object
If fixed sensors are installed throughout the building to monitor and control building systems, then sensor coverage is improved, but installation costs and retrofitability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static fixed sensor installations to dynamic mobile device-based sensing. Mobile devices can be freely moved throughout the building, providing adaptive coverage that adjusts to occupancy patterns and operational needs without requiring physical reinstallation of fixed infrastructure, thereby enabling easy retrofitting of existing buildings
Solution Approach 2:
The system copies sensing functionality across multiple mobile devices rather than installing permanent fixed sensors. This copying approach allows comprehensive spatial coverage to be achieved through the collective presence of mobile devices throughout the building, eliminating retrofitting barriers associated with fixed sensor installation while maintaining broad area monitoring capabilities
3Area of stationary object
If fixed sensors are used in large areas of building infrastructure, then sensor coverage is improved, but recalibration requirements and sunk costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling mobile devices to be relocated to different building areas as needed. This dynamic deployment allows the same sensing hardware to serve multiple zones over time, reducing the total number of sensors required for large-area coverage and minimizing recalibration needs since each device maintains its calibration while being moved between locations
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers and reuses mobile devices across different building areas and time periods. Instead of deploying permanent fixed sensors that require recalibration when moved or replaced, the mobile devices are recovered after use in one location and deployed to another, eliminating recalibration sunk costs while maintaining comprehensive building area coverage through repeated reuse of the same calibrated devices
Data Source
AI summary
A method for a building automation system to control a comfort level in a building includes tracking a building occupant's activity data using a wearable activity tracker. A smartphone is coupled to the wearable activity tracker. Activity data is collected from the wearable activity tracker using a smartphone app operating on the building occupant's smartphone, and a comfort value is determined using the smartphone app based on the activity data. A report of the comfort value is transmitted to a building automation system (BAS) app from the smartphone, and the output of a building system is controlled based on the comfort value.