User Presence Sensing for Proximity-Weighted Device Settings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current smart device systems cannot detect and differentiate between individuals within a space, leading to ineffective adjustment of local devices based on personal preferences, as they lack the ability to recognize and respond to specific users and their spatial location.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes radio waves emitted from smart devices to determine the location and preferences of users within a space, adjusting devices such as lighting and audio settings based on the detected users' profiles and their proximity to the devices, with optional weighting for priority settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motion sensor detects a person to turn on lights, then the lighting is activated when someone is present, but the system cannot identify which person is present or adjust settings based on individual preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a smartphone as an intermediary device between the motion sensor and the lighting system. The motion sensor detects presence, the smartphone identifies the user through authentication, and then the system adjusts lighting based on stored user preferences. This intermediary layer enables personalized control while maintaining automatic activation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system adjusts devices based on individual user profiles, then personalized settings are provided, but the system cannot differentiate between multiple users in the same space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or simple sensor-based detection systems with radio frequency (RF) technology. Smartphones emit RF signals that are detected by receivers, enabling precise identification and location tracking of multiple users simultaneously. This substitution provides accurate user differentiation based on spatial position and device recognition.
3Measurement precision
If multiple users are detected in the same area, then the system can recognize individual users, but it becomes difficult to determine which user's preferences should take precedence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving different weights to user preferences based on their proximity to each device. Instead of a global conflict resolution rule, the system evaluates each device independently and applies the preferences of the closest user with higher weight. This localized approach simplifies the complexity by making decisions device-by-device rather than requiring global user priority management.
4Ease of operation
If users farther from devices have equal influence as closer users, then all users are treated equally, but the experience does not reflect the spatial relationship and immediate needs of users near devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic weighting where user influence on device settings changes based on real-time spatial relationships. As users move closer to or farther from devices, their weight in the preference calculation dynamically adjusts. This creates a flexible system that adapts to changing spatial configurations while maintaining ease of use through automatic adjustment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively tailors environmental settings to individual preferences by accurately identifying and locating users and adjusting devices accordingly, providing a personalized experience even in multi-user scenarios, ensuring that users closer to devices have a greater influence on settings.
Implementation Method 1
determining a location of users within an area (e.g. utilizing signal strengths or triangulation of a radio signal transmitted from a device on the person of the user)
Data Source
AI summary
A system determines who is present within an area by reading radio waves emitted from a device carried by the user and then adjusts various devices within or near the area of the user based upon a profile(s) of the user(s) that are in the area. The devices (e.g. speaker systems, lighting systems, televisions, music systems) are controlled based upon profiles of the users, giving more control priority to the users that are closer to the devices.