Patent Application
20240392990
Embodiments herein generally relate to devices and methods for regulating the temperature of an user in an environment.
Buildings, rooms, vehicles, or the like, are not always heated and cooled uniformly. Sometimes cold spots can exist near an AC vent, drafts can occur by a window or door, in some vehicles certain vents may perform differently, etc. In addition, every person has their own sensitivities, preferences, likes, etc. when it comes to their own comfort. Some individuals are sensitive to cold and like warmer environments, while another individual may become easily sweaty in warmer environments and desire to be cooler. Consequently, individuals can become uncomfortable in certain indoor environments when a simple movement from one location to another location in the environment would greatly increase the comfort level for that individual.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming common place for use in association with electronic devices. Whether to assist in making choices for an individual while shopping, customizing use, or just recognizing different individuals, AI is becoming more prominent in day-to-day settings. AI applications include AI algorithms that attempt to utilize numerous variables based on information received to make determinations regarding choices that are to be made. The AI algorithms utilize initial assumptions to determine the variables, and as individuals make choices, the variables are modified to reflect an individual's choice.
A need exists for improved control and operation of electronic device for providing comfort to a user within an environment.
In accordance with embodiments herein, a system for controlling an environment of interest is provided that includes a primary electronic device that can have a memory to store executable instructions and one or more processors. When implementing the executable instructions, the one or more processors are configured to obtain context data within an environment of interest and determine a condition within the environment of interest related to a user based on the context data. The one or more processors are also configured to communicate a message from the primary electronic device to the user, or dynamically adjust a characteristic of an environmental electronic device based on the condition within the environment.
Optionally, the primary electronic device can obtain the context data from at least one of a sensor of the primary electronic device or a communication from a secondary electronic device. In one aspect, the environmental electronic device can be a wearable electronic device. In another aspect, the environmental electronic device can be a cooling sock. In yet another aspect, the environment of interest can be within a vehicle. In one example, the condition can be a temperature of a location within the environment of interest. In another example, to communicate the message from the primary electronic device to the user, the message can be displayed on a display of the primary electronic device. In yet another example, dynamically adjusting the characteristic of the environmental electronic device can include varying a temperature of the environmental electronic device.
In accordance with embodiments herein, a method is provided where under control of one or more processors including program instructions the method can include obtaining context data within an environment of interest and determining a condition within the environment of interest related to a user based on the context data. The method can also include communicating a message from a primary electronic device to the user, or dynamically adjust a characteristic of an environmental electronic device based on the condition within the environment.
In one example, to obtain the context data the one or more processors may also include program instructions to communicate with a secondary electronic device to receive the context data. Optionally, the condition can be a temperature of a location within the environment of interest. In one aspect to communicate the message from the primary electronic device to the user, the message can be displayed on a display of the primary electronic device. In another aspect to dynamically adjust the characteristic of the environmental electronic device can comprise varying temperature of the environmental electronic device. In yet another example, to determine the condition an artificial intelligence algorithm can utilize the context data. In yet another aspect, the one or more processors can also be configured to obtain auxiliary context data from a remote device and utilize the auxiliary context data to determine the condition using the artificial intelligence algorithm.
In accordance with embodiments herein, a computer program product is provided that includes a non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising computer executable code that can obtain context data within an environment of interest and determine a condition within the environment of interest related to a user based on the context data. The executable code can also communicate a message from a primary electronic device to the user, or dynamically adjust a characteristic of an environmental electronic device based on the condition within the environment.
Optionally, to obtain the context data the computer executable code can communicate with a secondary electronic device to receive the context data. In one aspect to communicate the message from the primary electronic device to the user, the message may be displayed on a display of the primary electronic device. In one example, to dynamically adjust the characteristic of the environmental electronic device can include varying temperature of the environmental electronic device. In yet another example, to determine the condition an artificial intelligence algorithm can utilize the context data.
It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations in addition to the described example embodiments. Thus, the following more detailed description of the example embodiments, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments as claimed, but is merely representative of example embodiments.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” (or the like) means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment” or the like in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, the described features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obfuscation. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain example embodiments.
The terms “audio/video” and “AV” shall mean audio and/or video and shall include audio only, video only, or a combination of audio and video. For example, AV content may include 1) only audio content, with no video content 2) only video content, with no audio content, or 3) a combination of audio and video content. As another example, an AV output device may include a device to 1) output only audio content, and not video content, 2) output only video content, and not audio content, or 3) output a combination of audio and video content. As another example, an AV source may represent 1) a source that provides audio content but does not provide video content, 2) a source that provides video content but does not provide audio content, or 3) a source that provides both audio and video content.
The phrase “environment of interest” refers to a physical region in which a user is located. In example embodiments, a controller can obtain context data within the environment of interest or related to the environment of interest. In one example, one or more electronic devices and AV output devices are in the environment of interest and in which AV content output by the AV output device(s) is perceived (e.g., heard, seen, felt) by individuals. By way of example, an environment of interest may refer to one or more rooms within a home, office or other structure, the interior of a vehicle, or the like. An environment of interest may or may not have physical boundaries. For example, an environment of interest instead be defined based upon a range over which individuals may perceive actions by electronic devices. When an electronic device is portable and/or handheld, an environment of interest associated with the electronic device may shift over time when the electronic device is moved. For example, an environment of interest surrounding a smart phone, tablet device or laptop computer moves with the smartphone, tablet device or laptop computer. An environment of interest surrounding an electronic device will shift each time the electronic device is relocated, such as when moved between different rooms of a home, office building or other residential or commercial structure, or the like.
The term “network resource” refers to any device, system, controller, etc. that may monitor and communicate data and information that is related to an individual. Network resources can include servers, applications, remote processors, the cloud, etc. The network resource may communicate with an electronic device over a wire, through one or more wireless protocols including Bluetooth, GSM, infrared wireless LAN, HIPERLAN, 4G, 5G, satellite, or the like.
The terms “electronic device context model” and “EDC model” shall mean advanced models and/or algorithms, including machine learning models or algorithms, artificial intelligence model or algorithms, or the like, that utilize context data to identify context of an environment of interest. The context data can be received from a primary electronic device, secondary electronic device, environmental electronic device, etc. including from sensors that utilize image recognition software, gesture recognition software, voice recognition software, global positioning system (GPS) software, and the like. The EDC model determines the context of an environment of interest for an individual based on analysis of the context data obtained from a primary electronic device and/or context data obtained from another electronic device (e.g., secondary electronic device, environmental electronic device, etc.).
The term “primary electronic device” shall mean any device, system, controller, etc. that may monitor and communicate data and information that is related to a user. Primary electronic devices can include smart phones, smart watches, smart remotes, smart clothes, vehicle controllers, etc. that can obtain context data. The primary electronic device is also configured to communicate with secondary electronic devices to receive context data and information related to the individual, environment of interest, etc. and can be utilized within an EDC model. The primary electronic device may communicate with one or more secondary electronic devices over a wire, through one or more wireless protocols including Bluetooth, GSM, infrared wireless LAN, HIPERLAN, 4G, 5G, satellite, or the like.
The term “secondary electronic device” shall mean any device, system, controller, etc. that may monitor and communicate data and information that is related to an individual, environment of interest, etc. that is not a primary electronic device. The primary electronic device utilizes the EDC model to make determinations related to context data that is obtained by the secondary electronic device. Secondary electronic devices include Internet of Things (IoT) devices, smart phones, smart watches, smart TVs, tablet devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), voice-controlled intelligent personal assistant service devices including Alexa®, Siri®, Google Home®, smart speakers, etc. that are utilized to obtain context data that can be communicated to the primary electronic device.
The term “environmental electronic device” shall mean any device, system, controller, etc. that may monitor and communicate data and information that is related to an individual, environment of interest, etc. that can dynamically adjust at least a part or portion of the environment of interest or provide suggested related to the user and the environment of interest. For the avoidance of doubt, an environmental electronic device is a secondary electronic device that may or may not obtain context data; however, certain secondary electronic devices are not environmental electronic devices. In example embodiments the environmental electronic device can be operated by, or receive commands from, the primary electronic device. To this end, in some embodiments, the environmental electronic device does not obtain context data, and instead is utilized only to vary the environment of a user. For example, the environmental electronic device can be a wearable electronic device such as smart clothes (e.g., cooling socks that are made of a material that can vary temperature based on electronic commands to increase temperature, increase insulation, decrease temperature, decrease insulation or the like to meet the desires of the user). Such wearable electronic devices may include sensors that obtain context data that can be communicated to the primary electronic device, or alternatively include no sensors or ability to obtain context data to be communicated to the primary electronic device.
The term “context” shall mean any and all parameters, characteristics, variables, properties, etc. that can be utilized to make determinations related to the environment of interest. The context can be utilized to make a determination, or as part of a calculation, formula, decision tree, or the like to make the determination. Context data can be obtained from sensors of a primary electronic device, sensors of a secondary electronic device, a storage device of a primary electronic device or secondary electronic device, a determination made from information communicated from a secondary electronic device to a primary electronic device, a determination made from data detected by a primary electronic device or secondary electronic device, data detected by a primary electronic device or secondary electronic device, or the like. The context data can include temperature readings, the number of individuals in an environment, motion data, location data, individual data, etc.
The phrase “dynamically adjust” or “dynamically adjusting” or “dynamically adjusted” may be used interchangeably and when used herein refers to changing or varying in real time in response to a condition, or otherwise.
The phrase “real time” as used herein shall mean at the same time, or a time substantially contemporaneous, with an occurrence of another event or action. For the avoidance of doubt, as an example, a dynamically adjusted object or device is changed immediately, or within a second or two.
The term “obtains” and “obtaining”, as used in connection with data, signals, information and the like, include at least one of i) accessing memory of an external device or remote server where the data, signals, information, etc. are stored, ii) receiving the data, signals, information, etc. over a wireless communications link between the base device and a secondary device, and/or iii) receiving the data, signals, information, etc. at a remote server over a network connection. The obtaining operation, when from the perspective of a base device, may include sensing new signals in real time, and/or accessing memory to read stored data, signals, information, etc. from memory within the base device. The obtaining operation, when from the perspective of a secondary device, includes receiving the data, signals, information, etc. at a transceiver of the secondary device where the data, signals, information, etc. are transmitted from a base device and/or a remote server. The obtaining operation may be from the perspective of a remote server, such as when receiving the data, signals, information, etc. at a network interface from a local external device and/or directly from a base device. The remote server may also obtain the data, signals, information, etc. from local memory and/or from other memory, such as within a cloud storage environment and/or from the memory of a personal computer.
It should be clearly understood that the various arrangements and processes broadly described and illustrated with respect to the Figures, and/or one or more individual components or elements of such arrangements and/or one or more process operations associated of such processes, can be employed independently from or together with one or more other components, elements and/or process operations described and illustrated herein. Accordingly, while various arrangements and processes are broadly contemplated, described and illustrated herein, it should be understood that they are provided merely in illustrative and non-restrictive fashion, and furthermore can be regarded as but mere examples of possible working environments in which one or more arrangements or processes may function or operate.
A device and methods are provided for providing recommendations, or alternatively modifying an environment of interest or equipment such as smart clothing based on context data. A primary electronic device obtains context data from manual inputs, sensors, secondary electronic devices, or the like such that an EDC model can make determinations related to an environment of interest. Based on the determinations, the system and method can provide recommendations to a user such as where in a room, building, vehicle, etc. to sit, stand, walk, or the like based on preferences of the user. Alternatively, the system and method can control smart clothes such as socks, shirts, etc. to vary temperature of the smart clothes based on the context data to make the user more comfortable in an environment of interest.
In one example, a primary electronic device 102 is provided that can obtain context data related to an environment of interest. The context data can include manual inputs, temperatures, pressures, moisture levels, humidity, wind characteristics, location, pollen count, air quality, smoke detection, etc. In one example, the primary electronic device 102 can be coupled to and in communication with a secondary electronic device 104 that obtains context data. The context data of the secondary electronic device 104 can be obtained in the same manner as the primary electronic device 102. In one example, at least one of secondary electronic device is an environmental electronic device 105 that can control at least a portion are part of the environment of interest. In one example, the environmental electronic device 105 can be a wearable electronic device such as cooling socks or an electric neck fan that cools the neck of a user.
In one example, system 100 can include one or more secondary electronic devices 104, and one or more servers 120. By way of example, the primary electronic device 102 may be a mobile device, such as a cellular telephone, smartphone, tablet computer, personal digital assistant, laptop/desktop computer, gaming system, a media streaming hub device, IoT device, or other electronic terminal that includes a user interface and is configured to access a network 140 over a wired or wireless connection. As non-limiting examples, the primary electronic device 102 may access the network 140 through a wireless communications channel and/or through a network connection (e.g. the Internet). The primary electronic device 102 in one embodiment is in communication with a network resource 130 via the network. The network resource 130 can be a server, application, remote processor, the cloud, etc. In one example, the network resource 130 is one or more processors of a secondary electronic device 104 that communicates over the network 140 with the electronic device 102. The network 140 may represent one or more of a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), an Intranet or other private network that may not be accessible by the general public, or a global network, such as the Internet or other publicly accessible network.
Additionally or alternatively, the primary electronic device 102 may be a wired or wireless communication terminal, such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, network-ready television, set-top box, and the like. The primary electronic device 102 may be configured to access the network using a web browser or a native application executing thereon. In some embodiments, the primary electronic device 102 may have a physical size or form factor that enables it to be easily carried or transported by a user, or the primary electronic device 102 may have a larger physical size or form factor than a mobile device.
The primary electronic device can include one or more sensors 106, 108 for detecting environmental characteristics of the environment of interest. Environmental characteristics can include temperature, temperature changes or fluctuations, locations of heating or cooling equipment, locations of air circulation devices such as fans, vents, or the like, locations of windows, doors, glass, etc. air quality, air pressure, pollution, carbon dioxide level, smoke content, or the like. In particular, environmental characteristics can include any data or information that makes a location in the environment of interest more or less desirable, or that indicates a change to an environmental electronic device is desired. For example, the primary electronic device 102 can include a first sensor 106 and a second sensor 108 that each obtain information related to a user, the local environment of interest, etc. The first sensor 106 and second sensor 108 may be beam-forming microphones, passive infrared sensors, time-of-flight, or LiDAR sensors, high-resolution red green blue (RGB) cameras, high-resolution RGB wide-angle camera, light level sensors, temperature sensors, global navigation systems, etc. While only the first sensor 106 and second sensor 108 are illustrated, in other examples three or more sensors are provided. Each of the first sensor 106 and second sensor 108 can provide a different type of information that may be utilized by the one or more processors, an environmental application, an AI application, a network AI application, or the like.
The sensors 106 and 108 can obtain context data such as characteristics of interest related to an environment of interest, user, etc. and based on the characteristics of interest, determine a condition in the environment of interest. Based on the context data the primary electronic device 102 can include an environmental application 110 that includes an EDC model that determines conditions in the environment of interest such as temperature fluctuations in the local environment of interest, locations of heating and cooling equipment, or the like. To this end, in one example, the condition can be temperature or temperature changes at a location within the environment of interest. Based on this context data recommendations such as where in an auditorium or vehicle to sit, pathways to take through a building, etc. may be provided by the environmental application onto a display 112 of the primary electronic device. In yet another example, auditory suggestions can be provided via speakers of the primary electronic device. In yet another example, the environmental application can provide commands, or instructions, to an environmental electronic device 105 such as smart clothes. The commands, or instructions, can include varying a characteristic of the environmental electronic device 105.
As an example, when the environmental electronic device 105 is a smart wearable electronic device such as cooling socks that can decrease or increase the temperature of the material of the cooling socks, the command can result in dynamically adjusting the temperature of the material of the cooling socks in real time. In one example, a determination can be made whether a characteristic of the environmental electronic device 105 can be dynamically adjusted to vary the environment of interest. Based on this determination, the message provided to the user can vary. For example, if the primary electronic device 102 makes a determination that a characteristic of the environmental electronic device that is a smart shirt can be made, the temperature of the smart shirt may be varied, and the message may indicate to sit away from a group of windows that are allowing sun into the environment of interest. In another embodiment, no message at all is displayed and only the temperature of the smart shirt is varied. Alternatively, when a determination is made that there is no environmental electronic device 105 in the environment of interest, or that characteristics of such an environmental device 105 cannot be varied, a different message, or recommendation can be presented, such as a recommendation to sit under a cooling vent. In this manner, depending on whether an environmental electronic device 105 is available in an environment of interest can vary the message, or suggestion made to the user to provide more information, different information, etc.
In an example, when determining whether a determined condition, threshold, occurrence, or the like is occurring within a local environment of interest based on the context data, an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm, or AI application 114 can be used to make such determinations. To this end, context data such as temperature changes, air quality, heating and cooling equipment locations, etc. can all provide characteristics of interest that represent variables used to determine whether the threshold, condition, occurrence, etc. exists. In one example, the AI application, and/or environmental application can communicate over the network to a remote database related to the characteristics of interest resulting in accurate determinations of the determined condition, threshold, occurrence. By using data and information from numerous AI or environmental applications, more accurate determinations can be made to improve functionality.
Each transceiver 202 can utilize a known wireless technology for communication. Exemplary operation of the wireless transceivers 202 in conjunction with other components of the primary electronic device 102 may take a variety of forms and may include, for example, operation in which, upon reception of wireless signals, the components of primary electronic device 102 detect communication signals from secondary electronic devices 207 and the transceiver 202 demodulates the communication signals to recover incoming information, such as responses to inquiry requests, voice and/or data, transmitted by the wireless signals. The one or more processors 204 format outgoing information and convey the outgoing information to one or more of the wireless transceivers 202 for modulation to communication signals. The wireless transceiver(s) 202 convey the modulated signals to a remote device, such as a cell tower or a remote server (not shown).
The local storage medium 206 can encompass one or more memory devices of any of a variety of forms (e.g., read only memory, random access memory, static random access memory, dynamic random access memory, etc.) and can be used by the one or more processors 204 to store and retrieve data. The data that is stored by the local storage medium 206 can include, but need not be limited to, operating systems, applications, obtained context data, and informational data. Each operating system includes executable code that controls basic functions of the device, such as interaction among the various components, communication with external devices via the wireless transceivers 202, and storage and retrieval of applications and context data to and from the local storage medium 206. In one example, the transceivers can be in communication with a secondary electronic device 207 such as an environmental electronic device that operates to vary a characteristic of the secondary electronic device 207 (e.g., a characteristic of a smart wearable electronic device). The characteristic varied can be the temperature of the secondary electronic device 207. In addition, the transceivers can also be in communication with a remote device 211 that has a remote database to communicate context data and determinations made by the one or more processors 202 and to obtain context data from one or more secondary electronic devices 207.
The electronic device 102 in one embodiment also includes a communications interface 208 that is configured to communicate with a network resource (
The electronic device 102 also includes the first sensor 106, a second sensor 108, an artificial intelligence (AI) application 218, and environmental application 220 as described in relation to
In one example, by obtaining information related to a user or an environment of interest, the one or more processors 204 can determine a profile related to an individual to provide a setting for the first sensor 106 and second sensor 108. In particular, a profile may be related to an individual, including the operating settings for the first sensor 106 and second sensor 108 based on the conditions within the environment of interest. To this end, on a primary electronic device that is shared by multiple individuals, a first individual may have a first profile, while a second individual has a second profile. Alternatively, the first individual may have a first profile for when the individual is in their home compared to a second profile for when the individual is in an office. For example, a first individual may be sensitive to heat and may easily become sweaty when in an environment where excess heat is provided. Meanwhile, a second individual may like heat, but may be sensitive to cold and may become easily chilled. As such, each profile has different settings for the primary electronic device and may also provide different recommendations or suggestions. When a first profile is provided and a person is sensitive to heat, a suggestion can be provided not to sit in a row of seats in a classroom that receive sunlight during a determined period (e.g., during a class period). Whereas, alternatively, when a second profile is utilized and a person likes to be warm and does not like to be chilled, the recommendation may be provided to have the person sit in one of the seats of the classroom that receives the sunlight during the determined period. In this manner, the environmental application bases the recommendations on the user themselves. To this end, a user can provide manual inputs related to their preferences, sensitivities, or the like.
The AI application 218 and the environmental application 220 in one embodiment are stored within storage medium 206 and each include executable code. Both the AI application 218 and the environmental application 220 obtain information, including context data, from the first sensor 106, second sensor 108, along with other sensors, information input by a user, a remote device, etc. For example, the AI application 218 may obtain the context data related to the user and the environment of the user, or environment of interest, to make determinations about where a user should locate themselves for the most enjoyable experience within the environment of interest. The AI application 218 may also receive auxiliary context data from the remote device 211 related to similarly situated systems and environments to provide more accurate calculations related to the context data of the environment of interest.
The environmental application 220 in one example is accessed through input device 209. In particular, the environmental application 220 determines operating states of the primary electronic device. The environmental application 220 obtains context data such as characteristics of interest from the first sensor 106 and second sensor 108 that can be utilized to make determination regarding recommendations for the user or how to dynamically adjust a secondary electronic device that is an environmental electronic device such as smart clothing in real-time to improve the comfort of the user. In one example the electronic device 102 is a smart phone that has applications that includes the environmental application 120 that provides suggestions and controls at least one operation of at least one secondary electronic device. Alternatively, the electronic device 102 can be a controller that can be utilized to control or operate the secondary electronic device. The controller can include sensors, or can be in communication with other secondary electronic devices in the environment of interest that have sensors to obtain the characteristics of interest of the environment of interest, characteristics of interest of a user, etc.
As illustrated, within room 304 with the air conditioning vent 308 a user 310 is present with a primary electronic device 312. The primary electronic device 312 can include one or more inputs such as sensors that can detect context data such as light levels, temperature, time of day, sound, or the like. To this end, in example embodiments a sensor can be a light detector, camera, infrared camera, digital camera, microphone, thermostat, thermometer, or the like. The primary electronic device 312 can include an environmental application that utilizes context data to make determinations about the environment of interest, and suggestions for the user when in the environment of interest.
For example, if the user is visiting the dwelling and the room 304 has two couches with the air conditioning vent 308 above a first couch and no air conditioning vent above the second couch, the environmental application can determine sitting on the first couch is a cooler location than the second couch in the environment of interest. The environmental application can then use a profile of the user to determine whether a user likes a cooler environment or warmer environment. Alternatively, the environmental application can utilize additional context data to determine whether user 310 is hot or cold. For example, if a GPS monitor indicates that the user 310 has just moved from outside the dwelling 303 to inside the dwelling on a hot day, or that the user has been exercising by receiving context data of an increase heart rate, or the like a determination can be made that the user desires a cooler environment. In any case, when a determination is made that a cooler environment is desired, the environmental application can provide a command to provide an suggestion or instruction at an output of the primary electronic device 312 to sit on the first couch under the air vent 308. Alternatively, if a user prefers a warmer environment, a suggestion can be displayed to sit on the second couch where the air vent 308 is not located overhead.
In another example, the user can be in an environment of interest where the user does not have control over changing the environment of interest. Such environments of interest can include a conference room where vents, breezes due to doorways, sunshine as the result of windows, heat for a heater or the like can exist where the use has little if no ability to make changes in the environment. In another example, the environment of interest can be an auditorium or classroom that again can have area that are cooler, warmer, breezier, or the like. When the user is in such an environment of interest, the environmental application can provide a text message, pop-up, text on a display of the primary electronic device, etc. to communicate a preferred seat for the user within the conference room, auditorium, classroom or the like. In this manner user can sit next to, or away from determined locations in the environment of interest such as by a vent, heater, window, door, etc.
In addition to inputs of the primary electronic device 312, the primary electronic device 312 can be in communication with secondary electronic devices 314 within the dwelling. In one example, the primary electronic device 312 can determine all electronic device connected to a network related to the dwelling and communication pathways are provided accordingly. To this end, the secondary electronic devices 314 may include electronic device sensors 316 such as temperature sensors, light sensors, cameras, microphones, global satellite positioning systems, or the like that can provide additional context data such as environmental characteristics related to the dwelling. In one example, a secondary electronic device is smartphone of another individual in room 304. In yet another example a secondary electronic device 314 is a thermostat within room 304.
In one embodiment, at least one of the secondary electronic devices 314 is an environmental electric device such as an electronic device that includes smart wearable material such as cooling socks, a cooling fan neck wearable, smart jewelry, head bands, shirts/pants, or the like that is worn by the user 310. The smart wearable material can be electronically controlled to vary a characteristic of the smart wearable device such as the speed of a cooling fan, or the temperature of the cooling socks. To this end, when the secondary electronic device 314 is an environmental electronic device that includes a smart wearable material, the secondary electronic device may not obtain context data and instead may only function to provide additional comfort for a user. Instead, the wearable device can be dynamically adjusted in real-time to provide additional comfort to the user 310 in the environment of interest.
At 502, one or more processors of a primary electronic device obtain context data regarding an environment of interest such as environmental characteristics. The one or more processors may obtain the context data from a first sensor, have the information input into the electronic device, obtain the context data from a secondary electronic device, or the like. The context data can include data obtained utilizing auditory, visual, haptic, infrared, temperature, etc. methodologies. The environment of interest can be a room, a dwelling, a home, an office building, a vehicle, an auditorium, or the like.
At 504, one or more processors of the primary electronic device identify a condition present in the environment of interest based on context data. The condition present in one embodiment can be the temperature within the environment of interest, heartbeat, or other physiological parameter or characteristic of the user, air quality of the environment of interest including pollen or allergen detection, smoke detection, etc. The condition present can be identified by using a lookup table, decision tree, mathematical model, computer generated model, machine learning, artificial intelligence algorithm(s), or the like.
At 506, optionally, one or more processors obtain a user profile in response to identifying the condition in the environment. In particular, in some embodiments the user can provide inputs and personal preferences related to themselves, including whether they are sensitive to heat, sensitive to cold, or the like. Based on the user profile, an environmental application can have the one or more processors make determinations related to the user accordingly.
At 508, one or more processors determine whether to present a suggestion or recommendation to the user. Based on context data obtained, including from sensors of the system or sensors of secondary electronic devices within an environment of interest and in communication with the system, a determination related to a condition in the environment of interest is made and whether to automatically provide a suggestion. In example embodiments, the determination can also be based at least in part on a provided user profile. In one example, the condition could be that a person has just been exercising outside on a hot day determined from an increased heart rate and outside temperature. As a result, if such a determination is made, a text message, pop-up on a display screen, or the like can direct the user to a chair, seat, couch, or the like under a fan, air vent, where air is circulated, away from a window providing sunshine, device that creates heat, or the like. Alternatively, if no such condition is present the one or more processors continue monitoring the context data accordingly. In another example, the message, or suggestion/recommendation can depend on whether an environmental electronic device is in the environment of interest such that the environmental electronic device can affect the user. If no such environmental electronic device is in the environment of interest, a more detailed message or communication can be provided, including multiple suggestions. Whereas when an environmental electronic device is within the environment of interest, a determination can be made to not provide a message, or alternatively, to vary the suggestion in consideration of the environmental electronic device.
Optionally, or in addition to determining whether to present a suggestion, in response to determining the condition, at 510 the one or more processors can determine whether to dynamically adjust an environmental electronic device to vary the local environment of the user in real-time. In example embodiments the environmental electronic device can be a smart wearable device, car seat warmer, cooling socks, neck fan, other fan, or the like that can be dynamically adjusted in real time to provide additional comfort to the user that would not be provided if the environmental electronic device was not dynamically adjusted. In this manner, not only can suggestions be made, but environmental electronic devices can be dynamically adjusted to improve the environment of interest for a user.
As will be appreciated, various aspects may be embodied as a system, method or computer (device) program product. Accordingly, aspects may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment or an embodiment including hardware and software that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects may take the form of a computer (device) program product embodied in one or more computer (device) readable data storage device(s) having computer (device) readable program code embodied thereon.
Any combination of one or more non-signal computer (device) readable mediums may be utilized. The non-signal medium may be a data storage device. The data storage device may be, for example, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of a data storage device may include a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.
Program code for carrying out operations may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on a single device, partly on a single device, as a stand-alone software package, partly on single device and partly on another device, or entirely on the other device. In some cases, the devices may be connected through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made through other devices (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider) or through a hard wire connection, such as over a USB connection. For example, a server having a first processor, a network interface and a storage device for storing code may store the program code for carrying out the operations and provide this code through the network interface via a network to a second device having a second processor for execution of the code on the second device.
Aspects are described herein with reference to the figures, which illustrate example methods, devices and program products according to various example embodiments. These program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device or information handling device to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via a processor of the device implement the functions/acts specified. The program instructions may also be stored in a device readable medium that can direct a device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the device readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified. The instructions may also be loaded onto a device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the device to produce a device implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the device provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified.
The units/modules/applications herein may include any processor-based or microprocessor-based system including systems using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computers (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor capable of executing the functions described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the modules/controllers herein may represent circuit modules that may be implemented as hardware with associated instructions (for example, software stored on a tangible and non-transitory computer readable data storage device, such as a computer hard drive, ROM, RAM, or the like) that perform the operations described herein. The above examples are exemplary only, and are thus not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term “controller.” The units/modules/applications herein may execute a set of instructions that are stored in one or more storage elements, in order to process data. The storage elements may also store data or other information as desired or needed. The storage element may be in the form of an information source or a physical memory element within the modules/controllers herein. The set of instructions may include various commands that instruct the modules/applications herein to perform specific operations such as the methods and processes of the various embodiments of the subject matter described herein. The set of instructions may be in the form of a software program. The software may be in various forms such as system software or application software. Further, the software may be in the form of a collection of separate programs or modules, a program module within a larger program or a portion of a program module. The software also may include modular programming in the form of object-oriented programming. The processing of input data by the processing machine may be in response to user commands, or in response to results of previous processing, or in response to a request made by another processing machine.
It is to be understood that the subject matter described herein is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the description herein or illustrated in the drawings hereof. The subject matter described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings herein without departing from its scope. While the dimensions, types of materials and coatings described herein are intended to define various parameters, they are by no means limiting and are illustrative in nature. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the embodiments should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects or order of execution on their acts.
