Description:
BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a utility management system and particularly to a desk-level utility management system.
Description of Related Art
[002] Energy management in workspaces has traditionally relied on centralized control systems that regulate electricity consumption at a room or building level. These solutions, such as energy management systems (EMS) and smart switchboards, optimize facility-wide energy usage but lack the granularity to control energy consumption at individual workstations. While these systems improve overall efficiency, they do not account for variations in desk-level utility needs, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and increased operational costs. Additionally, traditional motion sensors used in workspace automation struggle to differentiate between static human presence and inanimate objects, resulting in inaccurate occupancy detection.
[003] Existing solutions for office automation primarily focus on remote control of utilities through smart switches and IoT-enabled devices. These technologies allow wireless control of lighting, air conditioning, and other electrical equipment but remain limited in their ability to optimize consumption based on human presence or behavior. Furthermore, current attendance monitoring mechanisms, such as biometric scanners or RFID-based systems, require active employee participation and are susceptible to proxy attendance. As a result, organizations often experience inefficiencies in tracking real-time occupancy and ensuring energy is consumed only when necessary.
[004] The demand for intelligent energy management has driven interest in AI-driven monitoring systems that integrate real-time analytics and behavioral tracking. However, most available solutions focus on broad-scale facility management rather than personalized, desk-specific control. The lack of adaptive systems that can dynamically adjust energy consumption based on employee presence, environmental conditions, and work patterns leaves a significant gap in workplace efficiency. Addressing these limitations requires a compact, integrated solution that enhances energy efficiency, improves security, and minimizes waste without requiring extensive modifications to existing infrastructure.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced desk-level utility management system that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a desk-level utility management system. The system comprising a human presence sensor adapted to sense a presence of a human at a desk. The system further comprising an imaging unit adapted to monitor a behavior of the human present at the desk. The system further comprising an energy consumption monitor adapted to analyze an electricity consumed by peripherals at the desk. The system further comprising a utility control engine adapted to monitor an operational status of the peripherals at the desk. The system further comprising a control unit communicatively connected to the human presence sensor, the imaging unit, the energy consumption monitor, and to the utility control engine. The control unit is configured to detect the human presence using the human presence sensor; monitor the behavior of the human present using the imaging unit; monitor the peripherals usage via the utility control engine to verify a workstation activity; analyze electricity consumption through the energy consumption monitor to authenticate users and track attendance; control the peripherals via the utility control engine based on occupancy and predefined usage patterns; and adjust the peripherals intensity dynamically based on the behavior of the human and environmental conditions via the utility control engine.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for desk-level utility management. The method comprising steps of: detecting a human presence using a human presence sensor; monitoring a behavior of the human present using an imaging unit; monitoring peripherals usage via a utility control engine to verify a workstation activity; analyzing electricity consumption through an energy consumption monitor to authenticate users and track attendance; controlling the peripherals via the utility control engine based on occupancy and predefined usage patterns; and adjusting the peripherals intensity dynamically based on the behavior of the human and environmental conditions via the utility control engine.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a desk-level utility management system.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a utility management system that provides precise, desk-specific control, reducing unnecessary power consumption and improving energy efficiency.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a utility management system that ensures precise detection of human presence, even during static activities, overcoming the limitations of motion-based sensors that often fail to detect non-moving occupants.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a utility management system that tracks employee attendance based on desk-specific electricity usage patterns, eliminating the need for separate biometric or RFID-based attendance systems and reducing the risk of proxy attendance.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a utility management system that features prevent unauthorized workstation usage, ensuring that only authorized individuals access the desk utilities.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a utility management system that provides actionable insights on energy consumption, environmental impact, and carbon footprint reduction, enabling organizations to optimize resource usage and implement sustainability initiatives effectively.
[0014] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0015] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a desk-level utility management system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 1B illustrates an installation of the desk-level utility management system in a premise, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for desk-level utility management, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0022] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0023] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0024] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a desk-level utility management system 100 (hereinafter referred to as the system 100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 may be adapted to monitor an attendance and an attentiveness of a human at a corresponding workstation. Further, the system 100 may be adapted to manage resources expenditure per human based on their presence and efficiency. The system 100 may be installed at premise such as, but not limited to, an office, a college, a workshop, a school, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any premise, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies, for installation of the system 100. The humans monitored by the system 100 may be, but not limited to, a student, a worker, an employee, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any working group of humans that may be monitored by the system 100.
[0025] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the system 100 may incorporate non-limiting hardware components to enhance the processing speed and efficiency such as the system 100 may comprise a human presence sensor 102, an imaging unit 104, an energy consumption monitor 106, a utility control engine 108, a control unit 110, and a computing unit 112. In an embodiment of the present invention, the hardware components of the system 100 may be integrated with computer-executable instructions for overcoming the challenges and the limitations of the existing systems.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the human presence sensor 102 may be adapted to sense a presence of the human at a desk. The human presence sensor 102 may be a passive infrared (PIR) sensor, a microwave sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor. These sensors detect motion or heat signatures to determine human presence. Additionally, the sensor 102 may incorporate advanced technologies such as time-of-flight (ToF) sensors or capacitive sensing for enhanced accuracy in detecting stationary or minimally moving individuals.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the imaging unit 104 may be adapted to monitor a behavior of the human present at the desk. The imaging unit 104 may be an Artificial Intelligence enabled facial recognition camera. The imaging unit 104 may collaborate with the human presence sensor 102 to ensure precise and continuous monitoring, overcoming challenges associated with minimal human movements, low light, occlusions, limited visibility, and so forth. The imaging unit 104 may also employ thermal imaging or depth-sensing cameras to improve detection in varying environmental conditions.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the energy consumption monitor 106 may be adapted to analyze electricity consumed by peripherals at the desk. The energy consumption monitor 106 may include smart plugs, current sensors, or power meters integrated with IoT capabilities. These devices provide real-time data on energy usage, enabling the system to identify inefficiencies and optimize power consumption for individual peripherals such as monitors, printers, and chargers.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the utility control engine 108 may be adapted to monitor an operational status of the peripherals at the desk. The utility control engine 108 may be a smart hub or an IoT-based controller capable of managing and automating the peripherals. It may include relay switches, smart plugs, or programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to turn devices on or off, adjust brightness, or modify operational settings based on occupancy and usage patterns.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 110 may be communicatively connected to the human presence sensor 102, the imaging unit 104, the energy consumption monitor 106, and to the utility control engine 108. The control unit 110 may be a cloud based processor. The control unit 110 may be configured to detect the human presence using the human presence sensor 102. The control unit 110 may be configured to monitor the behavior of the human present using the imaging unit 104. The control unit 110 may be configured to monitor the peripherals' usage via the utility control engine 108 to verify a workstation activity. The control unit 110 may be configured to analyze electricity consumption through the energy consumption monitor 106 to authenticate users and track attendance. The control unit 110 may be configured to control the peripherals via the utility control engine 108 based on occupancy and predefined usage patterns.
[0031] The control unit 110 may be configured to adjust the peripherals intensity dynamically based on the behavior of the human and environmental conditions via the utility control engine 108. The control unit 110 may be configured to identify unauthorized access and behavioral anomalies using the imaging unit 104. The control unit 110 may be configured to conduct a surveillance on the peripherals using the imaging unit 104. The control unit 110 may be configured to transmit real-time alerts upon detecting unauthorized use of the peripherals. The control unit 110 may be configured to generate energy consumption reports and sustainability insights through the energy consumption monitor 106 and the utility control engine 108
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the computing unit 112 may be adapted to receive the real-time alerts transmitted by the control unit 110. The computing unit 112 may further be adapted to enable remote access to utility usage analytics, employee attendance records, and behavioral insights for operational efficiency and decision-making. The computing unit 112 may include a web-based dashboard or a mobile application, providing administrators with actionable insights and control over the system.
[0033] FIG. 1B illustrates an installation of the system 100 in the premise, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the human presence sensor 102, the imaging unit 104, the energy consumption monitor 106, and the utility control engine 108 may be installed in the premise as depicted in the FIG. 1B. The human presence sensor 102 may be mounted on the desk or ceiling to ensure optimal coverage. The imaging unit 104 may be positioned to capture a clear view of the workspace while maintaining privacy compliance. The energy consumption monitor 106 may be integrated into power outlets or connected to individual devices. The utility control engine 108 may be centrally located to manage all peripherals efficiently. The system 100 may also include additional components such as environmental sensors (e.g., light, temperature, and humidity sensors) to further enhance workspace optimization and energy efficiency.
[0034] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 for desk-level utility management, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] At step 202, the system 100 may detect the human presence using the human presence sensor 102.
[0036] At step 204, the system 100 may monitor the behavior of the human present using the imaging unit 104.
[0037] At step 206, the system 100 may monitor the peripherals usage via the utility control engine 108 to verify the workstation activity.
[0038] At step 208, the system 100 may analyze the electricity consumption through the energy consumption monitor 106 to authenticate the users and track the attendance.
[0039] At step 210, the system 100 may control the peripherals via the utility control engine 108 based on the occupancy and the predefined usage patterns.
[0040] At step 212, the system 100 may adjust the peripheral's intensity dynamically based on the behavior of the human and the environmental conditions via the utility control engine 108.
[0041] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0042] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A desk-level utility management system (100), the system (100) comprising:
a human presence sensor (102) adapted to sense a presence of a human at a desk;
an imaging unit (104) adapted to monitor a behavior of the human present at the desk;
an energy consumption monitor (106) adapted to analyze an electricity consumed by peripherals at the desk;
a utility control engine (108) adapted to monitor an operational status of the peripherals at the desk; and
a control unit (110) communicatively connected to the human presence sensor (102), the imaging unit (104), the energy consumption monitor (106), and to the utility control engine (108), characterized in that the control unit (110) is configured to:
detect the human presence using the human presence sensor (102);
monitor the behavior of the human present using the imaging unit (104);
monitor the peripherals usage via the utility control engine (108) to verify a workstation activity;
analyze electricity consumption through the energy consumption monitor (106) to authenticate users and track attendance;
control the peripherals via the utility control engine (108) based on occupancy and predefined usage patterns; and
adjust the peripherals intensity dynamically based on the behavior of the human and environmental conditions via the utility control engine (108).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the imaging unit (104) is an Artificial Intelligence enabled facial recognition camera.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (110) is configured to identify unauthorized access and behavioral anomaly using the imaging unit (104).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (110) is configured to conduct a surveillance on the peripherals using the imaging unit (104).
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (110) is configured to transmit real-time alerts upon detecting unauthorized use of the peripherals.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a computing unit (112) adapted to receive real-time alerts transmitted by the control unit (110).
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (110) is configured to generate energy consumption reports and sustainability insights through the energy consumption monitor (106) and the utility control engine (108).
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (110) is established on a cloud based processor.
9. A method (200) for desk-level utility management, the method (200) is characterized by the steps of:
detecting a human presence using a human presence sensor (102);
monitoring a behavior of the human present using an imaging unit (104);
monitoring peripherals usage via a utility control engine (108) to verify a workstation activity;
analyzing electricity consumption through an energy consumption monitor (106) to authenticate users and track attendance;
controlling the peripherals via the utility control engine (108) based on occupancy and predefined usage patterns; and
adjusting the peripherals intensity dynamically based on the behavior of the human and environmental conditions via the utility control engine (108).
10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the imaging unit (104) is an Artificial Intelligence enabled facial recognition camera.
Date: March 11, 2025
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant