Window Position Control Using Sound Signals for Noise Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current window automation systems are limited by relying solely on weather information, leading to inaccuracies and increased complexity due to the need for multiple sensors, and do not account for non-weather contexts such as noise nuisance, which can result in premature wear and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling domestic equipment using sound signal analysis to generate commands for actuators, allowing for position modification based on captured sound signals, including noise level, type, and predicted duration, to manage noise nuisance and weather conditions effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are added to increase automation contexts, then the automation capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sound sensor serves multiple functions: it detects noise levels for comfort control, identifies weather conditions (rain, wind) through acoustic signatures, and can recognize various environmental contexts. This single multi-functional sensor replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors, thereby increasing automation contexts while maintaining device complexity at acceptable levels.
2Device complexity
If window opening/closing automation is based solely on weather information, then the control simplicity is maintained, but the automation contexts are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical/weather-based sensing approaches with acoustic field analysis. By analyzing sound signals, the system can infer both weather conditions and noise contexts, thereby expanding automation contexts beyond what traditional weather sensors provide while maintaining control system simplicity through a unified acoustic sensing approach.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the window opens and closes frequently due to intermittent noise, then the noise protection is improved, but the wear on window parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the sound signal to predict its duration and persistence before triggering window closure. By evaluating whether the noise is transient or sustained, the system可以避免 unnecessary opening/closing cycles for brief noises while still responding appropriately to persistent noise sources, thereby protecting window parts from premature wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic monitoring and evaluation of sound signals with programmed time slots and thresholds. Rather than reacting immediately to every noise event, the system uses periodic assessment to determine whether noise persists beyond programmed thresholds, reducing frequent opening/closing cycles while maintaining effective noise protection.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to the position control of household equipment, in particular the opening, closing, and tilting of wall windows, skylights (also called sloping windows), French doors, and doors. One object of the invention is a method for position control of household equipment. This method comprises generating a command based on a detected sound signal. The generated command is capable of triggering the control of a household appliance by an actuator, the actuator moving the appliance to a position determined by the command. Thus, the number of automation scenarios is increased to include non-weather-related scenarios, such as those triggered by noise or sound signals, and potentially also weather-related scenarios.