Low-Energy Wireless Sensor for Resource Presence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing workplace resources such as desk availability and employee location in flexible office spaces is challenging due to inefficiencies in existing technologies like WIFI triangulation and IoT device detection, which can lead to increased costs and time consumption.
Innovation Solution
A low-energy wireless sensor apparatus that detects resource presence states and transmits modified identification data to an application server via a network device, using sensors like RFID or BLE beacons to provide real-time occupancy information and visual indicators, enabling better resource management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If WIFI triangulation or IoT device detection is used to manage workplace resources, then resource presence can be detected, but running costs and time resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs low-cost, disposable-like sensors (RFID readers, ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors) deployed throughout the workspace instead of expensive, complex WIFI triangulation systems. These simple sensors provide sufficient detection capability without the high computational overhead and cost associated with WIFI-based solutions, thereby reducing both running costs and processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex electromagnetic triangulation system (WIFI) with simpler sensor-based detection mechanisms (RFID, ultrasonic, infrared). This substitution uses fundamentally different physical principles that are more straightforward to implement and process, reducing computational complexity and time consumption while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If WIFI triangulation or IoT device detection is used to manage workplace resources, then resource presence can be detected, but running costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs low-cost, disposable-like sensors (RFID readers, ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors) deployed throughout the workspace instead of expensive, complex WIFI triangulation systems. These simple sensors provide sufficient detection capability without the high computational overhead and cost associated with WIFI-based solutions, thereby reducing both running costs and processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental detection parameters from WIFI signal triangulation (requiring multiple access points and complex calculations) to simple sensor presence detection (RFID tags, ultrasonic pulses, infrared signatures). This parameter change reduces both the hardware cost and the energy consumption for processing, while maintaining adequate detection precision for workplace resource management.
3Measurement precision
If sensors continuously monitor resource presence, then accurate location information is provided, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sensing rather than continuous monitoring. Sensors are activated at intervals or triggered by events (such as employee badge swipes or scheduled checks), allowing the system to maintain accurate location information while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses passive RFID tags and event-triggered sensing where employees essentially 'service' the detection system by carrying their badges or entering spaces, which automatically triggers presence detection without requiring active power consumption from multiple continuous monitoring sources.
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
This solution simplifies resource management, saves time, enhances collaboration, and reduces energy consumption by providing accurate location information and improving workplace resource allocation, while being less intrusive and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a low energy wireless sensor configured to detect a resource presence state at a location
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed an apparatus, system and method for determining the presence of a resource in a network infrastructure. The apparatus comprises a sensor to detect a resource presence state at a location, a processor arranged to modify an identification data of the apparatus based on the presence state at the location, and a transmitter to transmit the modified identification data to an application server.