WO2009020370A2

WO2009020370A2 - Method and apparatus of saving power using distance information

Info

Publication number: WO2009020370A2
Application number: PCT/KR2008/004620
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dae-Wha Seo; Yun-Jung Lee; Jung-Woo Lee
Original assignee: Kyungpook National University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation
Priority date: 2007-08-08
Filing date: 2008-08-08
Publication date: 2009-02-12
Also published as: KR20090015352A; KR100919866B1; WO2009020370A3

Abstract

A power saving method using distance information for a power saving system is disclosed. The power saving system includes a user location notification module carried by a user, a power control assistance device, and a power saving-type electric device. The user location notification module, provided to the user, transmits a message for detection of the location of the user at a regular period. When the message is received, the power control assistance device or the power saving-type electric device detects the Received Signal Strength Indication/Indicator (RSSI) of the received message. The power control assistance device or the power saving-type electric device controls the power output of the power control assistance device or the power of the power saving-type electric device based on a distance corresponding to the RSSI.

Description

[DESCRIPTION] [Invention Title]

METHOD AND APPARATUS OF SAVING POWER USING DISTANCE INFORMATION

[Technical Field]

<i> The present invention relates, in general, to an apparatus for saving power, and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for saving power, which minimizes unnecessary power consumption which occurs in the standby or operating state of at least one electric device.

<2>

[Background Art]

<3> Generally, power for domestic, commercial or industrial uses which is supplied along a transmission line is consumed by at least one electric device connected to an end of the transmission line. Here, the power may be divided into effective operating power, non-effective operating power, and standby power depending on the type of consumption. The effective operating power indicates power which is consumed for realizing a desired and original purpose using an electric device. The non-effective operating power indicates power which is consumed in the state in which electricity is not effectively being used by a user since the user quits a specific location for a moment when the electric device is being operated. The standby power indicates power which is consumed in order to react to the operation of a user during a time period for which the power of the electric device is cut off.

<4> Conventionally, various types of efforts have been continuously made in order to minimize the standby power. For example, a method of increasing the efficiency of power supply means which is always in operation in electric devices, a method of providing a switch for each power electric outlet or extension bar, thereby easily cutting off power, and a method of controlling the supply of power using a human detection sensor based on the existence of a person have been proposed. However, although the methods are effective in reducing standby power, they are difficult to reduce non-effective operating power. Further, since power is supplied again and light is turned on only when a user enters a dark room as detected by a sensor, the methods have a disadvantage in that power initiation time point is retarded.

<5>

[Disclosure]

[Technical Problem]

<6> Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for saving power using distance information, which automatically controls power depending on a predetermined distance by which a user location notification module, carried by a user, is spaced apart from a power control device.

<7>

[Technical Solution]

<8> In order to accomplish the above object and solve the problems of the prior art, the present invention provides a power saving method using distance information, the method including the steps of the user location notification module, provided to the user, transmitting a message for detection of a location of the user at a regular period; when the message is received, the power control assistance device or the power saving-type electric device detecting a Received Signal Strength Indication/Indicator (RSSI) of the received message; and the power control assistance device or the power saving-type electric device controlling power output of the power control assistance device or power of the power saving-type electric device based on a distance corresponding to the RSSI.

<9> The present invention automatically controls power depending on a predetermined distance by which a user location notification module, carried by a user, is spaced apart from a power control device <io> [Advantageous Effects]

<12> The present invention detects the distance between at least one electric device and a user, and automatically saves the power of the electric device using the distance, thereby having an advantage of improving an insufficient power saving effect and the inconvenience of the use of conventional power saving methods.

<i3> Further, when a user approaches a dark room whose light is turned off, a method using an existing sensor has a disadvantage of a malfunction attributable to the limitation on the distance which can be detected by the sensor, and a disadvantage in that the light is turned on only when a user opens a door and then enters the dark room. The present invention can predict the access of the user using distance information, thereby mitigating the inconvenience.

<14>

[Description of Drawings] <i5> FIG. 1 is diagram showing a power saving system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; <16> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a transmission device in the form of an identification card according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; <i7> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a power control device provided in a power switch according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; <18> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a power control device provided in a light device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; <i9> FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a power control device provided in an electric outlet according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; <20> FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a power control device provided in an extension bar according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; <2i> FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a power control device provided in an electric device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and <22> FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a power control device provided in a remote controller according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

<23>

[Best Mode]

<24> Hereinafter, a power saving system according to preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

<25> FIG. 1 is a diagram generally showing a power saving system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the power saving system largely includes a user location notification module 100, a power control assistance device 102, a power saving-type electric device 104, and a power saving control remote controller 106. The user location notification module 100 is manufactured in the form of an identification card or an entrance card, and configured to be activated based on the discretion of a user and to transmit a message used to provide notification of location at a regular period. The power control assistance device 102 and the power saving-type electric device 104 are configured to be activated based on the discretion of the user, and to detect the Received Signal Strength Indication/Indicator (RSSI) of a received message when the message is received from the user location notification module 100, to cut off power when a predetermined time period has elapsed in the state in which a distance corresponding to the detected RSSI is greater than a predetermined value, and to supply power when the distance corresponding to the detected RSSI is equal to or less than the predetermined value, so that the supply of power is automatically controlled based on the location of the user. Further, when a power saving command is received from the power saving control remote controller 106, each of the power control assistance device 102 and the power saving-type electric device 104 controls power according to the command. The power saving control remote controller 106 transmits the power saving command to the power control assistance device 102 and the power saving-type electric device 104 based on an operation performed by the user. <26> <User location notification module>

<27> The configuration and operation of the user location notification module 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 2 below.

<28> The user location notification module 100 includes a control device 200, a user interface 202, a wireless communication module 204, and a display unit 206. The control device 200 is configured to control each of the units of the user location notification module 100, and, in particular, is configured to be activated based on an activation command input through the user interface 202 and to transmit a message used to provide notification of location at a regular period through the wireless communication module 204. Further, the control device 200 provides notification of the activation state to the user through the display unit 206. The user interface 202 is formed of, for example, buttons, and configured to receive a command from the user to activate or inactivate the user location notification module 100 and to transmit the command to the control device 200. The wireless communication module 204 transmits a message used to provide notification of location at a regular period under the control of the control device 200. The display unit 206 provides notification of the activation or inactivation state of the user location notification module 100 under the control of the control device 200. The power unit 208 supplies driving power to each of the units of the user location notification module 100. Further, the power control assistance device 102 includes a power switch, an extension bar, or an electric outlet.

<29> <Power switch>

<30> The configuration of the power switch according to a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3 below.

<3i> The power switch includes a control device 300, a user interface 302, a wireless communication module 304, a display unit 306, a power control switch unit 308, and a power unit 310. The control device 300 is configured to generally control the power switch, to be activated based on the discretion of a user, to detect the RSSI of a message when the message is received from the user location notification module 100 through the wireless communication module 304, to control the power control switch unit 308 when a predetermined time period has elapsed in the state in which a distance corresponding to the detected RSSI is greater than a predetermined value so that commercial power is prevented from being output to the electric device, and to control the power control switch unit 308 when the distance corresponding to the detected RSSI is equal to or less than the predetermined value so that commercial power is output to the electric device. Here, the control device 300 detects a distance from the user location notification module 100 using a table in which location information corresponding to the RSSI is mapped. Further, the control device 300 provides notification of the activation state through the display unit 306. Further, when a power saving control command is received from the power saving control remote controller 106 through the wireless communication module 304, the control device 300 controls the power control switch unit 308 according to the power saving control command. The user interface 302 is formed of, for example, buttons, and configured to receive a command to activate or inactivate a power saving function from the user through the power switch and to transmit the command to the control device 300. The wireless communication module 304 receives the message from the user location notification module 100 and transmits the message to the control device 300, and then receives a power saving control command from the power saving control remote controller 106 and transmits the power saving control command to the control device 300. The display unit 306 provides notification of the activation or inactivation state of the power saving function under the control of the control device 300. The power control switch unit 308 is configured to supply or cut off commercial power to the electric device under the control of the control device 300, and to include a semiconductor, such as a Field Effect Transistor (FET), a Semiconductor Controlled Rectifier (SCR) or Triac, and a mechanical switch such as a relay. The power unit 310 receives commercial power, converts it into driving power used to drive each of the units of the power switch, and then supplies the driving power to the each of the units of the power switch. As described above, the power switch is configured to be activated depending on the discretion of the user and receive the message from the user location notification module 100, to detect the RSSI of the message, to automatically cut off power to be supplied to the electric device when a distance corresponding to the detected RSSI is greater than a predetermined value, and to automatically supply power to the electric device when the distance is less than or equal to the predetermined value, so that not only standby power but also non-effective operating power can be efficiently controlled. Further, the power switch controls power to be supplied to the electric device from the power saving control remote controller 106 according to the power saving control command, thereby providing convenience of power control.

<32>

[Mode for Invention]

<33> <Electric outlet>

<34> The configuration of an electric outlet which is a power control assistance device 102 according to another embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4 below.

<35> The electric outlet includes a control device 400, a user interface 402, a wireless communication module 404, a power control switch unit 406, and a power unit 408. The control device 400 is configured to generally control the electric outlet, to be activated based on the discretion of a user, to detect the RSSI of a message when the message is received from the user location notification module 100 through the wireless communication module 404, to control the power control switch unit 406 when a predetermined time period has elapsed in the state in which a distance corresponding to the detected RSSI is greater than a predetermined value so that commercial power is prevented from being output to an electric outlet output terminal, and to control the power control switch unit 406 when the distance corresponding to the detected RSSI is equal to or less than the predetermined value so that the commercial power is output to the electric outlet output terminal. Here, the control device 400 detects a distance from the user location notification module 100 using a table in which location information corresponding to the RSSI is mapped. Further, the control device 400 provides notification of the activation state through the display unit 306. Further, when a power saving control command is received from the power saving control remote controller 106 through the wireless communication module 404, the control device 400 controls the power control switch unit 406 according to the power saving control command. The user interface 402 is formed of, for example, buttons, and configured to receive a command to activate or inactivate a power saving function through the electric outlet from the user and to transmit the command to the control device 400. The wireless communication module 404 receives a message from the user location notification module 100 and transmits the message to the control device 400, and then receives a power saving control command from the power saving control remote controller 106 and transmits the power saving control command to the control device 400. <36> The power control switch unit 406 is configured to supply or cut off the commercial power to the electric outlet under the control of the control device 400, and to include a semiconductor, such as an FET, an SCR or a Triac, or a mechanical switch such as a relay. The power unit 408 receives the commercial power, converts it into driving power used to drive each of the units of the electric outlet, and then supplies the driving power to the each of the units of the electric outlet. As described above, the electric outlet is configured to be activated depending on the discretion of the user and receive a message from the user location notification module 100, to detect the RSSI of the message, to automatically cut off power to be supplied to the electric outlet when a distance corresponding to the detected RSSI is greater than a predetermined value, and to automatically output power through the electric outlet output terminal when the distance is less than or equal to the predetermined value, so that not only standby power but also non^¬ effective operating power can be efficiently controlled. Further, the power switch controls power to be supplied to the electric device from the power saving control remote controller 106 according to the power saving control command, thereby providing convenience of power control.

<37> Further, the electric outlet controls power to be output from the power saving control remote controller 106 to the electric outlet output terminal according to the power saving control command, thereby providing convenience of power control .

<38> <Extension bar>

<39> The configuration of an extension bar which is a power control assistance device 102 according to another embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5 below.

<40> The extension bar includes a control device 500, a user interface 502, a wireless communication module 504, a power control switch unit 506, and a power unit 508. The control device 500 is configured to generally control each of the units of the extension bar, to be activated based on the discretion of the user, to detect the RSSI of a message when the message is received from the user location notification module 100 through the wireless communication module 504, to control the power control switch unit 506 when a predetermined time period has elapsed in the state in which a distance corresponding to the detected RSSI is greater than a predetermined value so that commercial power is prevented from being output to a plurality of output terminals, and to control the power control switch unit 506 when the distance corresponding to the detected RSSI is equal to or less than the predetermined value so that the commercial power is output to the plurality of output terminals. Here, the control device 500 detects a distance from the user location notification module 100 using a table in which location information corresponding to the RSSI is mapped. Further, when a power saving control command is received from the power saving control remote controller 106 through the wireless communication module 504, the control device 500 controls the power control switch unit 506 according to the power saving control command. The user interface 502 is formed of, for example, buttons, and configured to receive a command to activate or inactivate a power saving function through the extension bar from the user and to transmit the command to the control device 500. The wireless communication module 504 receives a message from the user location notification module 100 and transmits the message to the control device 500, and then receives a power saving control command from the power saving control remote controller 106 and transmits the power saving control command to the control device 500. The power control switch unit 506 is configured to supply or cut off the commercial power to the output terminals of the electric outlet under the control of the control device 500, and to include a semiconductor, such as an FET, an SCR or a Triac, or a mechanical switch such as a relay.

<4i> The power unit 508 receives the commercial power, converts it into driving power used to drive the each of the units of the extension bar, and then supplies the driving power to the each of the units of the extension bar. As described above, the extension bar is configured to be activated depending on the discretion of the user and receive a message from the user location notification module 100, to detect the RSSI of the message, to automatically cut off power to be supplied to the plurality of output terminals of the extension bar when a distance corresponding to the detected RSSI is greater than a predetermined value, and to automatically output power through the plurality of output terminals when the distance is less than or equal to the predetermined value, so that not only standby power but also non-effective operating power can be efficiently controlled. Further, the extension bar controls power to be supplied to the plurality of output terminals from the power saving control remote controller 106 according to the power saving control command, thereby providing convenience of power control .

<42> The power saving-type electric device 104 includes a light device, an electric device, and a remote controller. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of each of the power saving-type electric devices will be described. <43> <Light device>

<44> The configuration of the light device of the power saving-type electric device 104 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6 below.

<45> The light device includes a control device 600, a wireless communication module 602, a power control switch unit 604, an electric light 606, and a power unit 608. The control device 600 is configured to generally control each of the units of the light device, to be activated based on the discretion of the user, to detect the RSSI of a message when the message is received from the user location notification module 100 through the wireless communication module 602, to control the power control switch unit 604 when a predetermined time period has elapsed in the state in which a distance corresponding to the detected RSSI is greater than a predetermined value so that commercial power is prevented from being supplied to the electric light 606, and to control the power control switch unit 604 when the distance corresponding to the detected RSSI is equal to or less than the predetermined value so that the commercial power is supplied to the electric light 606. Here, the control device 600 detects a distance from the user location notification module 100 using a table in which location information corresponding to the RSSI is mapped. Further, when a power saving control command is received from the power saving control remote controller 106 through the wireless communication module 602, the control device 600 controls the power control switch unit 604 according to the power saving control command. The user interface 602 receives a message from the user location notification module 100 and then transmits it to the control device 600. The power control switch unit 604 is configured to supply or cut off the commercial power to the electric light 606 under the control of the control device 600, and to include a semiconductor, such as an FET, an SCR or a Triac, or a mechanical switch such as a relay. The power unit 608 receives the commercial power, converts it into driving power used to drive the each of the units of the light device, and then supplies the driving power to the each of the units of the light device.

<46> As described above, the light device is configured to be activated depending on the discretion of the user and receive a message from the user location notification module 100, to detect the RSSI of the message, to automatically cut off power to be supplied to the electric light when a distance corresponding to the detected RSSI is greater than a predetermined value, and to automatically supply power to the electric light when the distance is less than or equal to the predetermined value, so that not only standby power but also non-effective operating power can be efficiently controlled. Further, the light device controls power to be supplied to the electric light from the power saving control remote controller 106 according to the power saving control command, thereby providing convenience of power control .

<47> <Electric device>

<48> The configuration of the electric device of the power saving-type electric device 104 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7 below.

<49> The electric device 710 is formed of, for example, a video device or an audio device, and configured to additionally include a power control module 700. The power control module 700 includes a control device 702, a wireless communication module 704, a power control switch unit 706, and a power unit 708. The control device 702 is configured to generally control each of the units of the power control module 700, to be activated based on the discretion of a user, to detect the RSSI of a message when the message is received from the user location notification module 100 through the wireless communication module 704, to control the power control switch unit 706 when a predetermined time period has elapsed in the state in which a distance corresponding to the detected RSSI is greater than a predetermined value so that commercial power is prevented from being supplied to the electric device 710, and to control the power control switch unit 706 when the distance corresponding to the detected RSSI is equal to or less than the predetermined value so that commercial power is supplied to the electric device 710. Here, the control device 702 detects a distance from the user location notification module 100 using a table in which location information corresponding to the RSSI is mapped.

<50> Further, when a power saving control command is received from the power saving control remote controller 106 through the wireless communication module 704, the control device 702 controls the power control switch unit 706 according to the power saving control command. The wireless communication module 704 receives a message from the user location notification module 100 and then transmits it to the control device 702. The power control switch unit 706 is configured to supply or cut off the commercial power to the electric device 710 under the control of the control device 702, and to include a semiconductor, such as an FET, an SCR or a Triac, or a mechanical switch such as a relay. The power unit 708 receives the commercial power, converts it into driving power used to drive the each of the units of the power control module 700, and then supplies the driving power to the each of the units of the power control module 700. As described above, the power control module 700 is configured to be activated depending on the discretion of the user and to receive a message from the user location notification module 100, to detect the RSSI of the message, to automatically cut off power to be supplied to the electric device 710 when a distance corresponding to the detected RSSI is greater than a predetermined value, and to automatically supply power to the electric device 710 when the distance is less than or equal to the predetermined value, so that not only standby power but also non-effective operating power can be efficiently controlled.

<5i> Further, the power control module 700 controls power to be supplied to the electric device 710 from the power saving control remote controller 106 according to the power saving control command, thereby providing convenience of power control .

<52> <Power saving control remote control ler>

<53> In the above-described preferred embodiment of the present invention, the user location notification module 100 can not only execute the automatic power saving function but also wirelessly transmit a power saving command.

<54> The configuration of the power saving control remote controller 106 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 8. The power saving control remote controller 106 includes a control device 800, a user interface 802, a wireless communication module 804, a display unit 806, and a power unit 808. The control device 800 is configured to generally control each of the units of the power saving control remote controller 106, and, in particular, to transmit the power saving control command of the user, which is input through the user interface 802, through the wireless communication module 804. The user interface 802 is formed of, for example, buttons, and configured to provide the power saving control command input by the user to the control device 800. The wireless communication module 804 wirelessly transmits the power saving control command under the control of the control device 800. The display unit 806 displays various types of information under the control of the control unit 800. The power unit 808 supplies power to the each of the units of the power saving control remote controller. The power saving control remote controller 106 can not only automatically execute a power saving function using the user location notification module 100 but also wirelessly transmit the power saving command.

<55> Although the present invention has been described based on the limited embodiments and the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. Various modifications and applications can be made by those skilled in the art based on the description of the embodiments. Therefore, the spirit of the present invention should be interpreted by the disclosed accompanying claims, and uniform and equivalent modifications are included in the scope of the spirit of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

<56> The method and apparatus for saving power according to the present invention may be widely used for domestic or official use depending on the discretion of a user.

Claims

[CLAIMS] [Claim 1] <58> A power saving method using distance information for a power saving system, the power saving system including a user location notification module carried by a user, a power control assistance device, and a power saving-type electric device, the method comprising the steps of: <59> (a) transmitting a message for detection of a location of the user at a regular period, performed by the user location notification module, provided to the user; <60> (b) when the message is received, detecting a Received Signal Strength

Indication/Indicator (RSSI) of the received message, performed by the power control assistance device or the power saving-type electric device,' and <6i> (c) controlling power output of the power control assistance device or power of the power saving-type electric device based on a distance corresponding to the RSSI, performed by the power control assistance device or the power saving-type electric device.

<62>

[Claim 2]

<63> The power saving method according to claim 1, wherein step (c) is performed when a predetermined time period has elapsed in a state in which the distance corresponding to the RSSI is greater than a predetermined value.

<64>

[Claim 3] <65> The power saving method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: <66> (d) transmitting a power saving control command, performed by a remote controller, provided to the user; and <67> (e) controlling the power output of the power control assistance device or the power of the power saving-type electric device according to the power saving control command, performed by the power control assistance device or the power saving-type electric device. <68>

[Claim 4]

<69> The power saving method according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the power control assistance device comprises a power switch, an electric outlet, and an extension bar.

<70>

[Claim 5]

<7i> The power saving method according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the power saving-type electric device comprises a power control module for controlling the power of the power saving-type electric device based on the distance corresponding to the RSSI, or controlling the power of the power saving-type electric device according to the power saving control command.

<72>

[Claim 6] <73> A user location notification module for performance of a power saving function using distance information, the user location notification module comprising:

<74> a wireless communication module; and <75> a control device for transmitting a message for detection of a separation distance at a regular period through the wireless communication module.

<76>

[Claim 7]

<77> The user location notification module according to claim 6, further comprising a user interface and a display unit;

<78> wherein the control device transmits the message at a regular period according to an activation command set by a user through the user interface, and provides notification of an activation state through the display unit.

<79>

[Claim 8] <80> A power control assistance device for performance of a power saving function using distance information, the power control assistance device comprising:

<8i> a wireless communication module; <82> a power control switch unit for outputting or cutting off input power to an electric outlet output terminal, a plurality of output terminals, or an electric device; and <83> a control device for, if a message is received through the wireless communication module, detecting an RSSI of the message, and controlling the power control switch unit based on a distance corresponding to the RSSI.

<84>

[Claim 9]

<85> The power control assistance device according to claim 8, further comprising a user interface and a display unit;

<86> wherein the control device controls power based on the distance according to an activation command set by a user through the user interface and provides notification of an activation state through the display unit.

<87>

[Claim 10]

<88> The power control assistance device according to claim 8, wherein, when a predetermined time period has elapsed in a state in which the distance corresponding to the RSSI is greater than a predetermined value, the control device controls the power control switch unit so that the input power is cut off, and thus the input power is not output to an electric outlet output terminal, a plurality of output terminals, or an electric device.

<89>

[Claim 11]

<90> The power control assistance device according to claim 8, wherein, when a power control command is received through the wireless communication module, the control device controls the power control switch unit according to the power control command.

<91>

[Claim 12]

<92> An electric device comprising the power control assistance device set forth in any one of claims 8 to 11.

<93>

[Claim 13]

<94> A power saving control remote controller, comprising: <95> a wireless communication module; <96> a user interface; and

<97> a control device for transmitting a power control command, input through the user interface, through the wireless communication module.

<98>