WO2020178627A1

WO2020178627A1 - System and method for home automation

Info

Publication number: WO2020178627A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/057280
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bidhan Podder
Original assignee: Bidhan Podder
Priority date: 2019-03-07
Filing date: 2019-08-29
Publication date: 2020-09-10

Abstract

A system and method for home automation is provided. The system includes a plurality of sensors is configured to sense an operating status of the plurality of devices. The system also includes a controller is configured to retrieve the operating status of the plurality of switches. The controller also configured to retrieve an operating status of the plurality of switches. The controller includes a power optimization module configured to retrieve usage data of the plurality of devices from the plurality of sensors. The power optimization module also configured to determine usage pattern of the plurality of the devices by using analysis techniques. The power optimization module also configured to determine user preference of the plurality of devices usages based on a determined usage pattern. The controller also includes an instruction module is configured to instruct to regulate usage of power for the plurality of the devices.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HOME AUTOMATION

This International Application claims priority from a complete patent application filed in India having Patent Application No. 201931008958, filed on March 07, 2019 and titled“SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HOME AUTOMATION”.

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments of a present disclosure relate to a system for sensing and controlling appliances, and more particularly to a system and method for sensing and controlling home appliances through home automation.

BACKGROUND

Home automation refers to a process of sensing and controlling home appliances (such as fan, light, oven, electric water boiler, air conditioner, air purifier, television, refrigerator, and the like) from anywhere via internet. Many ways are being implemented to monitor and control the home appliances. A conventional home automation system includes networked, controllable devices that work together and makes the usage of home appliances more easy, customized, efficient, and secure. In such conventional home automation system, cannot track user usage data of a home appliance so the conventional home automation system fails to power down when it is not necessary. The conventional home automation system fails to optimize the power which may lead to the wastage of energy (E.g., Electric energy) and money.

The conventional home automation system needs to manage a greater number of sensors to sense and control the home appliances which demands the usage of the complex and costly controller. The cost of the controller that is used in the conventional home automation is very high.

A newer home automation system includes a predetermined number of home appliances, but the issue is people’s requirements may vary based on the people’s taste and affordability so that the new home automation system makes the user unhappy with their predetermined system. In the newer approach, the home automation system runs with specific branded home appliances available for controlling through the Internet, but the branded home appliances are product specific and expensive. Hence, there is a need for an improved system for home automation to address the aforementioned issues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a system for home automation is provided. The system includes a plurality of sensors operatively coupled to the plurality of devices. The plurality of sensors is configured to sense an operating status of the plurality of devices. The system also includes a controller operatively coupled to the plurality of sensors. The controller is configured to operate a plurality of switches. The controller also configured to retrieve an operating status of the plurality of switches. The controller includes a power optimization module configured to retrieve usage data of the plurality of devices from the plurality of sensors. The power optimization module also configured to determine a usage pattern of the plurality of the devices from a retrieved usage data by using analysis techniques. The power optimization module also configured to determine user preference of the plurality of devices based on a determined usage pattern. The controller also includes an instruction module operatively coupled to the power optimization module. The instruction module is configured to generate an instruction to regulate usage of power for the plurality of the devices based on a determined usage preference.

In accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure, a method for home automation is provided. The method includes sensing an operating status of a plurality of devices by a plurality of sensors. The method also includes retrieving the operating status of the plurality of devices by the plurality of sensors. The method also includes operating a plurality of switches by a controller. The method also includes retrieving an operating status of the plurality of switches by the controller. The method also includes retrieving usage data of the plurality of devices from the plurality of sensors by a power optimization module. The method also includes determining a usage pattern of the plurality of the devices from a retrieved usage data by using analysis techniques by the power optimization module. The method also includes determining user preference of the plurality of devices usages based on a determined usage pattern by the power optimization module. The method also includes generating an instruction to regulate usage of power for the plurality of the devices based on a determined usage preference by an instruction module. To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of a system for home automation in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram representation of one embodiment of the system for home automation of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 block diagram of a computer or a server of the system for home automation of FIG. lin accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram representing steps involved in a method for home automation in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAIFED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

The terms "comprise", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms“a”, “an”, and“the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system for home automation. The system includes a plurality of sensors operatively coupled to the plurality of devices. The plurality of sensors is configured to sense an operating status of the plurality of devices. The system also includes a controller operatively coupled to the plurality of sensors. The controller is configured to operate a plurality of switches. The controller also configured to retrieve an operating status of the plurality of switches. The controller includes a power optimization module configured to retrieve usage data of the plurality of devices from the plurality of sensors. The power optimization module also configured to determine a usage pattern of the plurality of the devices from a retrieved usage data by using analysis techniques. The power optimization module also configured to determine user preference of the plurality of devices based on a determined usage pattern. The controller also includes an instruction module operatively coupled to the power optimization module. The instruction module is configured to generate an instruction to regulate usage of power for the plurality of the devices based on a determined usage preference.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of a system (10) for home automation in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term ‘home automation’ is defined as a process of sensing and controlling home appliances from anywhere via internet. It uses a combination of hardware and software technologies that enable control and management over appliances and devices within a home.

The system (10) includes a plurality of sensors (20) operatively coupled to the plurality of devices (30). In one embodiment, the plurality of devices (30) may be placed in a predetermined area of indoor environment (E.g., Home) with the plurality of sensors (20). In one embodiment, the plurality of devices (30) may include but not limited to, fan, light, oven, electric water boiler, air conditioner, air purifier, television, refrigerator. In one embodiment, the plurality of sensors includes at least one of a temperature sensor, a proximity sensor, a pressure sensor, a water quality sensor, a chemical sensor, a gas sensor, a smoke sensor, Infra-red sensor (IR), a level sensor, an image sensor, a motion detection sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a humidity sensor, and an optical sensor.

The plurality of sensors (20) is configured to sense an operating status of the plurality of devices (30). In one embodiment, the operating status of the plurality of devices (30) may include an ON status, and an OFF status. The system (10) also includes a plurality of switches. The plurality of switches is operatively coupled to the corresponding plurality of sensors (20) and a controller (40). Each of the plurality of switches includes a unique identifier. Each of the plurality of switches is synced with a (RF) radio frequency code and a RF pulse length for operating the corresponding plurality of devices. The controller (40) transmits the RF code and the RF pulse length to the plurality of switches. Based on the RF code and the RF pulse length, the plurality of switches operates (E.g., on and off) the plurality of devices (30) and return feedback of status (on/off) to the controller (40). The plurality of switches may be identified by the unique identifier. The plurality of switches operates the plurality of devices (30) wirelessly through radio frequency.

Furthermore, the system (10) also includes the controller (40) operatively coupled to the plurality of sensors (20). In one embodiment, the controller may be connected with the plurality of switches through the radio frequency. The controller (40) is configured to operate a plurality of switches. The controller (40) is also configured to retrieve the operating status of the plurality of devices (30) from the plurality of switches.

The controller (40) includes a power optimization module (50) configured to retrieve usage data of the plurality of devices from the plurality of sensors (20). As used herein, the term‘usage data’ is defined as data which relates to the functioning time of a device. In one embodiment, the usage data may collect from the device with help of the plurality of sensors. In one embodiment, the usage data may include, but not limited to, type of a device, time duration of usage of the plurality of devices (30), amount of energy consumed by the plurality of devices (30).

The power optimization module (50) is also configured to determine a usage pattern of the plurality of the devices (30) from retrieved usage data by using analysis techniques. In one embodiment, the analysing technique may include one of, but not limited to, an artificial intelligence technique and machine learning technique. In one embodiment, the usage pattern may vary based on a user. As used herein, the term ‘usage pattern’ means how users use the plurality of devices (30). In one embodiment, the usage pattern may include, but not limited to, type of features frequently used by the user, and what time user used the particular features of the device.

As used herein, the term‘Artificial Intelligence’ is a simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. These processes include learning (the acquisition of information and rules for using the information), reasoning (using rules to reach approximate or definite conclusions) and self-correction. As used herein, the term‘Machine Learning’ is an application of artificial intelligence that provides systems the ability to automatically learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed. The analysis process may occur in real-time by using the artificial intelligence and machine learning. The power optimization module (50) is also configured to determine user preference of the plurality of devices based on a determined usage pattern. In one embodiment, the power optimization module (50) may also be configured to determine user preference of the plurality of devices (30) by comparing a determined usage pattern of a device‘A’ of the plurality of devices (30) with a determined usage pattern of a device ‘B’ of the plurality of devices (30). In one embodiment, the user preference may include, but not limited to user requirement of the plurality of devices (30).

The controller (40) also includes an instruction module (60) operatively coupled to the power optimization module (50). The instruction module (60) is configured to generate an instruction to regulate usage of power for the plurality of the devices (30). In one embodiment, the power optimization module (50) generates the instruction based on the determined usage preference.

Furthermore, the system (10) also includes a notification module operatively coupled to the controller (40). The notification module is configured to notify the operating status of the plurality of devices (30) to a user. In such embodiment, the user may receive the notification via a computing device. In such embodiment, the computing device may be a hand-held device. In one embodiment, the computing device may include, but not limited to, a laptop, a desktop, a notebook, a tablet, a smartphone and the like. In such another embodiment, the computing device may be a portable device. In one embodiment, the plurality of notifications may include at least one of a text message, a push notification, and a multimedia message.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram representation of one embodiment of the system (70) for home automation of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The present embodiment of the system (70) discloses the home automation for sensing and controlling home appliances via internet. A user‘X’ (80) can monitor and operate a fan (150), and an air conditioner (140) via a hand-held device (90). The user‘X’ (80) can sense an operating status of the fan (150), and the air conditioner (140) with help of the plurality of sensors (130). A controller (100) can operate a first switch (160), a second switch (170) based on user input. The controller (100) retrieves an operating status of the first switch (160), the second switch (170). A power optimization module (110) retrieves the details which relates to type of a device, time duration of usage of the plurality of devices (30), amount of energy consumed by the fan (150), and the air conditioner (140). The power optimization module (110) determines type of features frequently used by the user, and what time user used the particular features of the fan (150), and the air conditioner (140) from a retrieved usage data by using an artificial intelligence technique and machine learning technique. The power optimization module (110) determines user requirement of the fan (150), and the air conditioner (140) based on the type of features frequently used by the user, and what time user used the particular features of the device. An instruction module generates instruction to regulate usage of power for the fan (150), and the air conditioner (140) based on a determined user requirement.

The plurality of sensors (130), a fan (150), an air conditioner (160), the controller (100), the power optimization module (110), and the instruction module (120), in the FIG. 2 are substantially similar to a plurality of sensors (20), a plurality of devices (30), a controller (40), a power optimization module (50), and an instruction module (60)of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 block diagram of a computer or a server of the system (180) for home automation of FIG. lin accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (180) includes a processor(s) (210), and a memory (190) coupled to the processor(s) (210).

The processor(s) (210), as used herein, means any type of computational circuit, such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing microprocessor, a very long instruction word microprocessor, an explicitly parallel instruction computing microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or any other type of processing circuit, or a combination thereof.

Computer memory elements may include any suitable memory device(s) for storing data and executable program, such as read only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable read only memory, electrically erasable programmable read only memory, hard drive, removable media drive for handling memory cards and the like. Embodiments of the present subject matter may be implemented in conjunction with program modules, including functions, procedures, data structures, and application programs, for performing tasks, or defining abstract data types or low-level hardware contexts. Executable program stored on any of the above-mentioned storage media may be executable by the processor(s).

The memory (190) includes a plurality of modules stored in the form of an executable program which instructs the processor to perform designated steps. The memory (190) has the following modules: a power optimization module (50), and a an instruction module (60).

The plurality of sensors operatively coupled to the plurality of devices, and configured to sense an operating status of the plurality of devices. The controller operatively coupled to the plurality of sensors, and configured to operate a plurality of switches. The controller also configured to retrieve an operating status of the plurality of switches. The controller includes a power optimization module, and configured to retrieve usage data of the plurality of devices from the plurality of sensors. The power optimization module also configured to determine a usage pattern of the plurality of the devices from a retrieved usage data by using analysis techniques. The power optimization module also configured to determine user preference of the plurality of devices based on a determined usage pattern. The controller also includes an instruction module operatively coupled to the power optimization module, and configured to instruct to regulate usage of power for the plurality of the devices based on a determined user preference.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram representing steps involved in a method (220) for home automation in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (220) includes sensing an operating status of a plurality of devices in step 230. In one embodiment, sensing the operating status includes sensing the operating status of the plurality of devices by a plurality of sensors. In one embodiment, the plurality of devices may be placed in a predetermined area of indoor environment (E.g., Home) with the plurality of sensors.

In one embodiment, the plurality of devices may include, but not limited to, fan, light, oven, electric water boiler, air conditioner, air purifier, television, refrigerator. In one embodiment, the plurality of sensors includes at least one of a temperature sensor, a proximity sensor, a pressure sensor, a water quality sensor, a chemical sensor, a gas sensor, a smoke sensor, Infra-red sensor (IR), a level sensor, an image sensor, a motion detection sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a humidity sensor, and an optical sensor. In one embodiment, the operation status may include an ON status, and an OFF status.

The method (220) also includes retrieving the operating status of the plurality of devices in step 230. In one embodiment, retrieving the operating status includes retrieving the operating status of the plurality of devices by the plurality of sensors.

The method (220) also includes operating a plurality of switches in step 240. In one embodiment, operating the plurality of switches includes operating the plurality of switches by a controller.

The method (220) also includes retrieving an operating status of the plurality of switches in step 250. In one embodiment, retrieving the operating status includes retrieving the operating status of the plurality of switches by the controller.

The method (220) also includes retrieving usage data of the plurality of devices from the plurality of sensors in step 260. In one embodiment, retrieving the usage data includes retrieving the usage data of the plurality of devices from the plurality of sensors by a power optimization module. In one embodiment, the usage data may include, but not limited to, duration of usage of the plurality of devices. As used herein, the term‘usage data’ is defined as data which relates to the functioning time of a device. In one embodiment, the usage data may collect from the device with help of the plurality of sensors. In one embodiment, the usage data may include, but not limited to, type of a device, time duration of usage of the plurality of devices, amount of energy consumed the plurality of devices.

The method (220) also includes determining a usage pattern of the plurality of the devices from a retrieved usage data by using analysis techniques in step 270. In one embodiment, determining usage pattern includes determining the usage pattern of the plurality of the devices from a retrieved usage data by using analysis techniques by the power optimization module. In one embodiment, the analysing technique may include one of, but not limited to, an artificial intelligence technique and machine learning technique. In one embodiment, the usage pattern may vary based on the user. As used herein, the term‘usage pattern’ means how users use the plurality of devices. In one embodiment, the usage pattern may include, but not limited to, type of features frequently used by the user, and what time user used the features of the device.

As used herein, the term‘Artificial Intelligence’ is a simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. These processes include learning (the acquisition of information and rules for using the information), reasoning (using rules to reach approximate or definite conclusions) and self-correction. As used herein, the term‘Machine Learning’ is an application of artificial intelligence that provides systems the ability to automatically learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed. The analysis process may occur in real-time by using the artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The method (220) also includes determining user preference of the plurality of devices usages based on a determined usage pattern in step 280. In one embodiment, determining the user preference of the plurality of devices includes determining user preference of the plurality of devices usages based on a determined usage pattern by the power optimization module. In one embodiment, the power optimization module (50) may also be configured to determine user preference of the plurality of devices (30) by comparing a determined usage pattern of a device‘A’ of the plurality of devices (30) with a determined usage pattern of a device‘B’ of the plurality of devices (30). In one embodiment, the user preference may include, but not limited to user requirement of the plurality of devices.

The method (220) also includes generating an instruction to regulate usage of power for the plurality of the devices in step 290. In one embodiment, instructing to regulate usage of power include generating the instruction to regulate usage of power for the plurality of the devices by an instruction module. In one embodiment, the plurality of notifications may include at least one of a text message, a push notification, and a multimedia message. In one embodiment, the power optimization module (50) generates the instruction based on the determined usage preference.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure enable the system to track the user usage data of a plurality of home appliances to optimize the power. The present disclosure may save energy and money by optimizing the power. In addition to that, the present disclosure helps the user to reduce the controller cost by using less expensive and efficient controller. Furthermore, the present disclosure is not a brand specific so that the system will work with all branded home appliances.

While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependant on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A system (10) for home automation comprising: a plurality of sensors (20) operatively coupled to the plurality of devices (30), and configured to sense an operating status of the plurality of devices (30); a controller (40) operatively coupled to the plurality of sensors, (20) and configured to: operate a plurality of switches; retrieve an operating status of the plurality of switches, wherein the controller (40) comprises: a power optimization module (50) configured to: retrieve usage data of the plurality of devices from the plurality of sensors; determine a usage pattern of the plurality of the devices from a retrieved usage data by using analysis techniques; determine user preference of the plurality of devices based on a determined usage pattern; and an instruction module (60) operatively coupled to the power optimization module (50), and configured to instruct to regulate usage of power for the plurality of the devices based on a determined user preference.

2. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user preference comprises user requirement of the plurality of devices (30).

3. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of switches operatively coupled to the plurality of sensors (20), and the controller (40), wherein the plurality of switches comprising a unique identifier, wherein the plurality of switches is configured to operate the plurality of devices (30).

4. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a notification operatively coupled to the controller (40), and configured to notify the operating status of the plurality of devices (30) to a user.

5. A method (220) for home automation, comprising: sensing, by a plurality of sensors, an operating status of a plurality of devices; retrieving, by the plurality of sensors, the operating status of the plurality of devices; operating, by a controller, a plurality of switches; retrieving, by the controller, an operating status of the plurality of switches; retrieving, by a power optimization module, usage data of the plurality of devices from the plurality of sensors; determining, by the power optimization module, a usage pattern of the plurality of the devices from a retrieved usage data by using analysis techniques; determining, by the power optimization module, user preference of the plurality of devices by comparing user preference of the plurality of devices based on a determined usage pattern; and generating, by an instruction module, an instruction to regulate usage of power for the plurality of the devices based on a determined usage preference.

6. The method (220) as claimed in claim 5, further comprising determining user preference of the plurality of devices by comparing user preference of the plurality of devices based on a determined usage pattern comprising determining user requirement of the plurality of devices by comparing user preference of the plurality of devices based on a determined usage pattern.

7. The method (220) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the plurality of switches comprises a unique identifier.

8. The method (220) as claimed in claim 5, further comprising notifying, by a notification module, the operating status of the plurality of devices to a user.