Method and apparatus for accessing a building system model

Abstract

A software interface is disclosed for a model of a building system stored in a memory, wherein the model comprises a plurality of building space objects. The software interface comprises: (a) logic for receiving a call comprising a function identifier and at least one object identifier, the function identifier representative of a function applicable to a plurality of object types; and (b) logic for employing the function identifier and the at least one object to call a software function in a function library, the software function corresponding to the function applicable to the object type that corresponds to the at least one object.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60 / 583,519, 60 / 583,572, and 60 / 583,585, each filed Jun. 28, 2004, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to building automation systems, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for representing and / or storing building automation system data. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Building automation systems are comprehensive and distributed control and data collection systems for a variety of building automation functions. Such functions may include comfort systems (also known as heating, ventilation and air condition or HVAC systems), security systems, fire safety systems, as well as others. Building automation systems include various end points from which data is collected. Examples of such end points include temperature sensors, smoke sensors, and light sensors. Building automation systems further include ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an improved building system model and method for accessing the same for use in software applications. The model is a data mode that links information regarding building topology and building automation devices, among other things. The model facilitates a large set of extended services. The first embodiment is a model of a building system that includes a plurality of building space objects and at least one building automation device object. Each building automation device object includes a reference to at least one corresponding building space object and information regarding one or more operating values of the building automation device. The second embodiment is a method of generating a model of a building system by selecting an object template for an element of the building system and instantiating first and second information into the selected object template. The resulting model of these embodiments links building automation device information to a building structure or space information, which is preferably arranged in a hierarchical manner. Overall, the invention provides a useful representation of a building system.

Problems solved by technology

However, most building systems have limited ability to associate sensor values with other building system or general building attributes.

While systems with such graphics provide at least some integrated visible representation of portions of the building automation system, the ability to use such data is limited.

Images