US-20260126762-A1 - SMART FIXTURE SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS FOR CONTEXTUAL MONITORING, INTERACTIVE RESPONSE, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, AND METHODS FOR OPERATION

US20260126762A1US 20260126762 A1US20260126762 A1US 20260126762A1US-20260126762-A1

Abstract

A method for operating a plurality of smart fixtures is disclosed. The smart fixtures are integrated into elements of a building infrastructure such as power receptacles, light switches, and vents, and are configured to monitor environmental conditions using embedded sensors. The method includes capturing environmental and identification data, transmitting the data to a processor, and performing actions such as interacting with occupants through an artificial intelligence-enabled communication interface, tracking objects based on transmitted signals, and communicating with other smart fixtures. Audio can be output through integrated speakers in coordination with other fixtures to provide dynamic surround sound based on environmental or identification data. The system further enables identity profiling of occupants, gesture recognition, and adaptive interaction. Communication among smart fixtures and end-user devices occurs over powerline and wireless channels, allowing the fixtures to function as Wi-Fi extenders or nodes in a mesh network to enhance building-wide connectivity.

Inventors

Bruce Eliot Ross, Jr.

Assignees

ARQAIOS INC.

Dates

Publication Date: 20260507
Application Date: 20250922

Claims (17)

1 . A method for operating a plurality of smart fixtures for providing artificial intelligence-enabled monitoring, communication, and response within a building, the method comprising: monitoring environmental conditions within a space of the building using a sensor disposed in a smart fixture, wherein the smart fixture is defined by at least one of a power receptacle, a light switch, and a vent; capturing data with the sensor disposed in the smart fixture, the data comprising at least one of: (i) environmental data within the space; and (ii) identification data of an object within the space; transmitting the environmental data to a processor in operative communication with the smart fixture; and performing at least one of: (i) interacting with an occupant of the building using an artificial intelligence-enabled communications interface; (ii) detecting and tracking the object based on the identification data; and (iii) communicating with a second smart fixture within the building.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein detecting and tracking the object based on the identification data comprises receiving a signal from a transmitter associated with the object, and determining a position of the object based at least one of a strength of the signal and the identification data transmitted over the signal.
3 . The method of claim 2 , further comprising outputting audio through at least one integrated speaker of the smart fixture, the at least one integrated speaker configured to operate as part of a distributed audio system to provide surround sound with the second smart fixture having a second integrated speaker.
4 . The method of claim 3 further comprising outputting audio dynamically through the integrated speaker of the smart fixture and the second integrated speaker of the second smart fixture such that the audio is output based on at least one of the environmental data within the space and the identification data of the object such that the audio transitions in real time between the smart fixture and the second smart fixture.
5 . The method of claim 4 , further comprising: generating and storing an identity profile of the occupant based on identity data captured using the smart fixture, wherein the identity data comprises at least one of a voice characteristic, a facial recognition data, a device association data, a movement pattern, and a habit pattern of the occupant; and wherein identity data further comprises at least one of gait, velocity, breathing patterns, heart rate, location, and input from an electronic device.
6 . The method of claim 5 , further comprising; detecting, with the sensor of the smart fixture, a perceivable gesture of the occupant; calculating, based on the perceivable gesture, a degree of likelihood of an intended response; and interacting with the occupant based on the intended response when the degree of likelihood satisfies a predefined threshold, the interaction being based on the stored identity profile of the occupant.
7 . The method of claim 6 , wherein interacting with the occupant further comprises conducting non-emergency communications including providing spoken greetings, generating and delivering notifications, and engaging in a conversation with the occupant based on the stored identity profile.
8 . The method of claim 7 , wherein communicating with the second smart fixture within the building comprises at least one of: transmitting and receiving data over a powerline communication channel established through an existing in-wall electrical conductor; transmitting and receiving data over a wireless communication channel; and communicating with at least one end-user device selected from a cell phone, a tablet, a gaming console, and a wearable device, wherein the communication comprises transmitting data from the smart fixture to the end-user device and receiving data from the end-user device.
9 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the powerline communication channel between the smart fixture and the second smart fixture further functions as a local area network, and wherein the smart fixture is configured to operate as at least one of: a Wi-Fi extender and a node in a mesh network to improve wireless coverage within the building.
10 . A method for operating a plurality of smart fixtures for providing artificial intelligence-enabled monitoring, communication, and response within a building, the method comprising: monitoring environmental conditions within a space of the building using a sensor disposed in a smart fixture, wherein the smart fixture is defined by at least one of a power receptacle, a light switch, and a vent; wherein the smart fixture comprises a communication module configured for transmitting and receiving data over at least one of: (i) a powerline communication channel established through an existing in-wall electrical conductor; (ii) a wireless communication channel; and (iii) a communication link with at least one end-user device selected from a cell phone, a tablet, a gaming console, and a wearable device, wherein the communication comprises transmitting data from the smart fixture to the end-user device and receiving data from the end-user device; capturing data with the sensor disposed in the smart fixture, the data comprising at least one of: (i) environmental data within the space; and (ii) identification data of an object within the space; transmitting the environmental data to a processor in operative communication with the smart fixture; and performing at least one of: (i) interacting with an occupant of the building using an artificial intelligence-enabled communications interface; (ii) detecting and tracking the object based on the identification data; and (iii) communicating with a second smart fixture within the building;
11 . The method of claim 10 , wherein detecting and tracking the object based on the identification data comprises receiving a signal from a transmitter associated with the object, and determining a position of the object based at least one of a strength of the signal and the identification data transmitted over the signal.
12 . The method of claim 10 , further comprising outputting audio through at least one integrated speaker of the smart fixture, the at least one integrated speaker configured to operate as part of a distributed audio system to provide surround sound with the second smart fixture having a second integrated speaker.
13 . The method of claim 10 further comprising outputting audio dynamically through the integrated speaker of the smart fixture and the second integrated speaker of the second smart fixture such that the audio is output based on at least one of the environmental data within the space and the identification data of the object such that the audio transitions in real time between the smart fixture and the second smart fixture.
14 . The method of claim 10 , further comprising: generating and storing an identity profile of the occupant based on identity data captured using the smart fixture, wherein the identity data comprises at least one of a voice characteristic, a facial recognition data, a device association data, a movement pattern, and a habit pattern of the occupant.
15 . The method of claim 10 , further comprising; detecting, with the sensor of the smart fixture, a perceivable gesture of the occupant; calculating, based on the perceivable gesture, a degree of likelihood of an intended response; and interacting with the occupant based on the intended response when the degree of likelihood satisfies a predefined threshold, the interaction being based on the stored identity profile of the occupant.
16 . The method of claim 10 , wherein interacting with the occupant further comprises conducting non-emergency communications including providing spoken greetings, generating and delivering notifications, and engaging in a conversation with the occupant based on the stored identity profile.
17 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the powerline communication channel between the smart fixture and the second smart fixture further functions as a local area network, and wherein the smart fixture is configured to operate as at least one of: a Wi-Fi extender and a node in a mesh network to improve wireless coverage within the building.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part patent application that claims the benefit of U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 19/087,146, titled “SMART FIXTURE SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS FOR EMERGENCY DETECTION AND RESPONSE, AND METHODS FOR OPERATION”, and filed on 21 Mar. 2025, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 19/087,146 is a continuation-in-part patent application that claims the benefit of U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 18/935,187, titled “Communication-Enabled Power Management Apparatus, Systems, and Methods”, and filed on 1 Nov. 2024, now patent as U.S. Pat. No. 12,282,307 issued on 22 Apr. 2025, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference. CROSS-REFERENCES Not applicable. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT Not applicable. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK Not applicable. TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to the field of intelligent building systems, and more specifically to the field of artificial intelligence-enabled environmental monitoring, occupant interaction, and communication management for integrated smart fixtures. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In modern residential and commercial environments, managing energy consumption is increasingly important due to the rising costs of electricity and the need for energy efficiency. As more electrical devices are integrated into homes and businesses, there is a growing demand for systems that can intelligently manage power distribution and consumption. Traditional power outlets and switches lack the intelligence needed to monitor, analyze, and control energy usage effectively. They typically provide only basic functionality, such as switching devices on or off, without any insight into the power being consumed or the ability to react to environmental changes. In particular, conventional outlets and switches are passive components. They do not offer the capability to monitor power parameters such as voltage, current, or energy consumption. Users are left without real-time information on their energy use or the ability to control power remotely. This lack of control and insight often leads to inefficient power usage, with devices remaining on even when not in use or when there is no occupancy in the area. Another significant limitation in the existing systems is the absence of integrated safety and security features. Current outlets and switches do not have the ability to detect motion, respond to emergency events such as fires or break-ins, or track the real-time location of individuals within a space. As a result, in the event of an emergency, there is no automated system to alert users, adjust connected devices, or take preventative actions such as cutting power or activating safety mechanisms. Moreover, power failures or fluctuations in electrical supply often leave users without any backup power solution at the outlet level. Traditional systems rely on central backup power systems, which may not be practical or cost-effective for smaller-scale applications. This creates challenges in maintaining the continuity of power supply to critical devices during outages. Recent advancements in smart home technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT) have introduced some solutions to these issues, but they are often fragmented, requiring multiple devices and platforms that are not well-integrated. There remains a need for a comprehensive, communication-enabled system that can integrate power management, environmental monitoring, and security functions within a single, self-contained device. Such a system would offer users greater control over their energy usage, improve safety, and increase the overall efficiency of electrical systems in residential and commercial settings. Modern building infrastructure increasingly incorporates automation and intelligent control systems aimed at enhancing occupant comfort, energy efficiency, security, and convenience. Conventional building automation systems typically rely on centralized controllers and dedicated sensor networks that are often expensive to install, maintain, and scale. These systems may require extensive retrofitting, specialized wiring, and centralized integration platforms to enable environmental monitoring, occupant tracking, and system coordination. Existing smart home and smart building devices, such as thermostats, cameras, and speakers, tend to operate as isolated units or require external hubs to function cohesively. This fragmentation often results in inconsistent system behavior, latency in responses, and limited contextual awareness. Additionally, many current systems lack the ability to leverage existing in-wall infrastructure, such as power receptacles or light switches, to enable pervasive sensing and communication without significant disruption to existing building layouts. Furt