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INTEGRATED ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR CLASSROOM UTILITIES USING REAL-TIME OCCUPANCY DETECTION

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INTEGRATED ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR CLASSROOM UTILITIES USING REAL-TIME OCCUPANCY DETECTION

ORDINARY APPLICATION

Published

date

Filed on 26 November 2024

Abstract

The present invention is an embedded system for managing classroom utilities based on real-time occupancy data, integrating control of lighting, fans, air conditioning, and restroom water flow to optimize energy efficiency. Proximity sensors detect motion and occupant distance, allowing the system to activate or deactivate utilities through a controller that processes the sensor inputs. A notable feature is the air conditioning control mechanism, which dynamically adjusts temperature based on occupant distance for personalized comfort. An infrared transmitter communicates with the AC’s IR receiver, automating temperature settings without manual intervention. Additionally, the system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) to monitor and manage energy consumption, offering detailed feedback and trend insights. The system’s coordinated control of multiple utilities within a single framework supports sustainable energy practices, enhancing both resource efficiency and occupant comfort in classroom environments.

Patent Information

Application ID202441092013
Invention FieldMECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Date of Application26/11/2024
Publication Number48/2024

Inventors

NameAddressCountryNationality
INDHUMATHI NAssistant Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Kongu Engineering College, Perundurai 638060.IndiaIndia
MAHESWARAN SAssociate Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Kongu Engineering College, Perundurai 638060IndiaIndia
ELANGO SDepartment of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Kongu Engineering College, Perundurai 638060IndiaIndia
JAYA KRISHNA PRASATH SDepartment of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Kongu Engineering College, Perundurai 638060IndiaIndia
SARAN PDepartment of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Kongu Engineering College, Perundurai 638060IndiaIndia

Applicants

NameAddressCountryNationality
KONGU ENGINEERING COLLEGEPERUNDURAI RAILWAY STATION ROAD, THOPPUPALAYAM, PERUNDURAI, ERODE.IndiaIndia

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to a low-cost embedded system for energy-efficient management of classroom utilities, particularly controlling lighting, fans, air conditioning, and restroom water flow based on occupancy data, and more particularly to a system utilizing proximity sensors to dynamically adjust individual utilities and monitor energy consumption through a graphical user interface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Many classrooms use simple PIR sensors to turn lights on or off based on occupancy. These systems often only control lighting, and once the room is unoccupied, the lights switch off. However, they may not account for other devices such as fans and air conditioners, leading to potential energy waste when these devices remain on without occupants. Some more advanced systems integrate occupancy sensors with heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to manage heating and cooling based on occupancy. These systems can adjust temperature settings when rooms are unoccupied but typically lack real-time adjustments based on the actual distance of occupants from the air conditioning. Conventional water management in restrooms may involve manual controls or timers that don't adapt to real-time usage. These systems can lead to excessive water usage if they fail to account for actual occupancy or flow needs.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

One or more of the problems of the conventional prior art may be overcome by various embodiments of the system and methods of the present invention.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide an embedded system that controls classroom utilities, such as fans, lights, air conditioners, and water flow, based on real-time occupancy data.

Another object of the invention is to utilize proximity sensors to detect motion and distance, enabling personalized adjustments to air conditioning temperature settings for improved comfort.

A further object is to offer a graphical user interface (GUI) for detailed monitoring and management of energy consumption across individual utilities within the classroom.

Yet another object of the invention is to precisely regulate restroom water flow based on sensor inputs, reducing water waste compared to conventional systems.

An additional object is to create an integrated, holistic energy management system that enhances efficiency by coordinating multiple utilities through a single framework.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, according to the basic aspect of the present invention, there is provided an embedded system for managing classroom utilities based on occupancy data. The embedded system is designed to optimize classroom energy management by automating the control of utilities such as lights, fans, air conditioning, and water flow based on occupancy data. The system employs proximity sensors strategically mounted on parallel classroom walls, typically positioned at a height of around 2 meters, to detect motion and distance. These sensors relay data to a controller unit, which processes the information to determine occupancy status and adjust the operation of various utilities accordingly. The controller's relay mechanisms activate or deactivate utilities, thus ensuring efficient use of resources based on real-time occupancy.

Another aspect of the present invention, wherein the proximity sensors are positioned at an optimal height to enhance the accuracy of occupancy detection. By placing the sensors at a set height, the system can better distinguish between moving and stationary occupants and differentiate between occupancy in specific areas, enabling more targeted utility control. This height calibration helps minimize false detections and ensures efficient operation of utilities, reducing energy wastage due to unintentional activations.

Another aspect of the present invention, wherein the system provisioned with a temperature adjustment mechanism for air conditioning based on the distance of occupants from the AC unit. By calculating how close or far individuals are, the system can adjust the AC temperature dynamically, allowing for personalized comfort settings. This method ensures that occupants near the AC feel a cooler effect, while those further away experience a comfortable ambient temperature, preventing unnecessary energy expenditure and enhancing comfort.

Another aspect of the present invention, wherein the air conditioning control mechanism incorporates an infrared (IR) transmitter that communicates with the AC's IR receiver. Based on data from the proximity sensors, the controller sends specific commands-such as turning the AC on or off or adjusting the temperature up or down-to maintain comfort and optimize energy consumption. This feature allows the system to autonomously manage AC settings without manual intervention, aligning air conditioning use with actual occupancy patterns.

Another aspect of the present invention, wherein the system provisioned to have an ability to control lights and fans through relay mechanisms that respond to occupancy data. The controller activates these utilities when motion is detected, ensuring lights and fans are only operational when the classroom is occupied. This method reduces energy wastage, as lights and fans automatically deactivate when the room becomes unoccupied, promoting energy-efficient management of lighting and ventilation.

Another aspect of the present invention, wherein the water management feature introduces a valve control mechanism specifically for restroom areas. Using occupancy data from proximity sensors, the system opens and closes water valves based on restroom usage. This real-time control of water flow helps reduce wastage compared to conventional automatic systems that may keep the water running for fixed intervals. The valve control system is designed to allow water flow only when necessary, contributing to water conservation.

Another aspect of the present invention, wherein the system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides users with real-time data on energy consumption. Each utility's energy usage is displayed, allowing users to monitor which devices are active and how much energy they consume. This visual feedback enables users to make informed decisions about energy management and adjust settings to optimize classroom energy use.

Another aspect of the present invention, wherein the GUI extends its functionality by offering insights into energy consumption trends, providing historical data that users can analyze to understand consumption patterns. This data-driven approach enables users to identify peak usage times and adjust reduce energy costs. By fostering energy awareness, the GUI helps create an environment focused on sustainable energy practices.

Another aspect of the present invention, wherein the proximity sensors operate within a predefined detection range. This feature allows the system to accurately monitor occupancy, activating utilities only when occupants are detected within the set range. By refining the detection range, the system reduces the likelihood of false activations, further improving energy efficiency and preventing unnecessary usage of utilities.

Another aspect of the present invention, wherein the control of lighting, fans, air conditioning, and water management, the system offers a holistic energy management solution that responds to occupancy in real time. The controller unit coordinates the operation of all utilities, maximizing energy efficiency and creating a seamless system that provides a comfortable and resource-efficient classroom environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a functional flow of operations involved in the embedded system for managing classroom utilities based on occupancy data, according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

Referring to Figure 1, in an aspect, the functional flow of operations performed by the embedded system for managing classroom utilities based on occupancy data is illustrated. The present invention provides a comprehensive embedded system designed to optimize classroom energy management by intelligently controlling various utilities based on occupancy data. This system leverages proximity sensors mounted on the walls of a classroom to detect both motion and distance, enabling precise tracking of occupants within the room. These sensors, installed at an optimal height of approximately 2 meters, are strategically placed to capture the necessary data for determining occupancy patterns, which the system then uses to control lights, fans, air conditioning, and water flow in restrooms. The controller unit, which forms the core of the system, processes the real-time sensor data to automate utility management, activating and deactivating devices according to the presence and location of individuals within the classroom.

The air conditioning control feature of this system is particularly innovative. By calculating the distance of occupants from the AC unit, the system can adjust temperature settings dynamically, offering a more personalized comfort experience. Traditional systems merely activate or deactivate based on occupancy without adjusting for individual location, while this invention adapts the AC output to align with occupant proximity, ensuring that comfort levels are maintained efficiently. For instance, occupants seated closer to the AC experience cooler air, whereas those farther away enjoy ambient temperature regulation. This method not only enhances comfort but also minimizes unnecessary energy use, reducing operational costs and improving overall energy efficiency.

To facilitate seamless communication with the AC, the system includes an infrared (IR) transmitter that interfaces with the AC's built-in IR receiver. The transmitter sends commands such as on, off, increase, or decrease temperature based on the processed data from the proximity sensors, enabling autonomous AC control without manual intervention. This approach aligns air conditioning use directly with the actual occupancy conditions, ensuring that the AC operates only as necessary, further contributing to energy conservation.

The embedded system also incorporates relay mechanisms for controlling lights and fans based on sensor inputs. When motion is detected, the controller activates the lights and fans, providing immediate lighting and ventilation to the occupants. Once the classroom becomes unoccupied, the relays deactivate these utilities, minimizing energy wastage associated with leaving lights and fans running unnecessarily. This automatic control of lighting and ventilation supports a sustainable classroom environment, where utility usage is directly tied to real-time occupancy.

Additionally, the system features an innovative water management function for restrooms. Using occupancy data, the controller activates a valve mechanism to regulate water flow based on actual restroom usage. Unlike conventional automatic water systems that may run for fixed durations, this system responds dynamically to occupancy, reducing water wastage by ensuring that water flows only when needed. This approach offers a significant advancement in water conservation, especially in settings where water usage can be high.

A graphical user interface (GUI) enhances the system by displaying real-time energy consumption data for each utility within the classroom. This interface allows users to monitor energy usage of individual devices, providing a clear picture of active and inactive utilities at any given time. This detailed feedback fosters energy awareness among users and encourages more mindful energy management practices. Beyond real-time monitoring, the GUI also provides insights into historical energy consumption patterns, allowing users to track trends over time. By analyzing these trends, users can identify peak usage periods and make informed decisions to further reduce energy consumption, optimizing the classroom's overall energy footprint.

To ensure accurate occupancy detection, the proximity sensors operate within a set detection range, calibrated to activate utilities only when individuals are present within a specified distance. This feature minimizes false activations, enhancing system reliability and preventing unnecessary operation of devices. By fine-tuning the detection range, the system achieves high accuracy in occupancy tracking, ensuring that utilities are only active when truly needed.

The controller unit acts as the centralized hub, integrating all these functionalities into a single framework. This consolidated approach enables coordinated management of lighting, fans, air conditioning, and water flow, creating a unified system that responds to occupancy changes in real time. By consolidating multiple utilities into one integrated system, the invention simplifies energy management and promotes an efficient, comfortable classroom environment. This holistic control strategy represents a significant advancement over traditional systems that manage only one aspect of energy use, positioning this invention as a comprehensive solution for smart classroom energy management.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
, Claims:1. An embedded system for managing classroom utilities based on occupancy data, comprising:
proximity sensors mounted on classroom walls to detect motion and distance;
a controller unit configured to process sensor data; and
relay mechanisms to control the operation of lights, fans, air conditioning, and restroom water flow in response to the occupancy detected.

2. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the proximity sensors are positioned at a specific height from the ground to optimize motion detection and distinguish between occupied and unoccupied areas within the classroom.

3. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the controller unit is configured to adjust the air conditioning temperature based on the calculated distance of occupants from the AC unit, thereby providing personalized comfort.

4. The system as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising an infrared (IR) transmitter configured to communicate with the AC's IR receiver, sending commands such as on, off, temperature increase, or decrease based on the real-time data from the proximity sensors.

5. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the controller unit activates or deactivates lights and fans via relays, according to sensor inputs indicating the presence or absence of occupants.

6. The system as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising a valve control mechanism for regulating restroom water flow, where the controller unit activates the valve based on occupancy in the restroom area, thereby minimizing water wastage.

7. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a graphical user interface (GUI) is integrated to display real-time energy consumption data of individual utilities in the classroom, allowing users to monitor and manage energy usage.

8. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the GUI further provides insights into energy consumption trends, enabling users to adjust improve overall energy efficiency.

9. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the proximity sensors operate within a predefined detection range to ensure accurate occupancy monitoring and prevent false activations of utilities.

10. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the controller unit is configured to operate multiple utilities in coordination through a single framework, integrating lighting, fan, air conditioning, and water management functions for comprehensive energy management.

Documents

NameDate
202441092013-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [26-11-2024(online)].pdf26/11/2024
202441092013-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [26-11-2024(online)].pdf26/11/2024
202441092013-DRAWINGS [26-11-2024(online)].pdf26/11/2024
202441092013-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION(S) [26-11-2024(online)].pdf26/11/2024
202441092013-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI [26-11-2024(online)].pdf26/11/2024
202441092013-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI(FORM-28) [26-11-2024(online)].pdf26/11/2024
202441092013-FORM 1 [26-11-2024(online)].pdf26/11/2024
202441092013-FORM FOR SMALL ENTITY(FORM-28) [26-11-2024(online)].pdf26/11/2024
202441092013-FORM-9 [26-11-2024(online)].pdf26/11/2024
202441092013-POWER OF AUTHORITY [26-11-2024(online)].pdf26/11/2024
202441092013-REQUEST FOR EARLY PUBLICATION(FORM-9) [26-11-2024(online)].pdf26/11/2024

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