METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING A SMART DEVICE

Smart overview of the Invention

The patent application outlines a method for controlling smart devices through user interactions with home furnishings. This method involves analyzing sensor data captured by imaging sensors to identify user-furniture interaction activities. These activities are then compared against a set of predetermined activities, each linked to specific rules for controlling smart devices. By determining the specific interaction activity, the method enables the control of smart devices according to the associated rule.

Field of Technology

This innovation is situated within the domain of methods and devices for managing smart devices, particularly in the context of the Internet of Things (IoT). As IoT continues to expand, integrating technology into household items enhances convenience and can aid in home health care. Existing smart furnishings often require built-in sensors, which can be complex to retrofit. This method offers an alternative by enabling interaction without additional sensors.

Methodology

The process involves capturing sensor data via imaging sensors, which could include video cameras or 3D-scanning technologies like LIDAR or radar. The data is used to analyze user interactions with furniture, identifying specific interaction activities. These are then matched with predefined activities that dictate how a smart device should respond. This approach allows for controlling smart devices without altering the furniture's aesthetics or structure.

User and Furniture Identification

The method can customize interactions based on identifying specific users and furniture items. User identification allows for personalized control preferences, while furniture identification can use object detection algorithms or optically readable codes like QR codes. This dual identification process ensures precise and efficient control of smart devices tailored to both user and furniture characteristics.

Interaction Flexibility

User-furniture interactions could include various body movements or specific gestures involving different body parts and furniture areas. For example, moving an arm onto an armrest might trigger a different response than placing it on a table. This flexibility enhances the method's adaptability, allowing similar gestures to produce different outcomes depending on contextual factors like the furniture's functional role.