A method of generating for a user augmented reality information related to an HVAC component

Abstract

For generating for a user augmented reality information (12) related to an HVAC component (2), a circuit of a mobile communication device (1) obtains a component identification of the HVAC component (2) and generates the augmented reality information (12) using the component identification. The augmented reality information (12) is displayed on a display unit (11) of the mobile communication device (1) and includes a user interface element (121) for initiating an operation of the HVAC component (2). Responsive to activation of the user interface element (121), the circuit generates a control command for the operation of the HVAC component (2) and transmits the control command via a cloud-based computer system (3) to the HVAC component (2), commanding the HVAC component (2) to perform the operation and enabling the user to visually verify execution of the operation by the HVAC component (2).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The invention relates to a method and a mobile communication device for generating for a user augmented reality information related to an HVAC component.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]HVAC systems often involve a plurality of HVAC components installed at different sites of a facility or a building. Typically, the HVAC components, such as valves and actuators, sensors, thermostats etc. are each controllable and exhibit varying states depending on operation of the HVAC component. For monitoring, controlling and maintenance purposes, it is therefore desired to obtain fast and efficient information on the status of each HVAC component in an HVAC system.[0003]For regulating the operation of HVAC systems, remotely located central control systems, such as Building Automation Systems are typically used. However, on-site maintenance is regularly required, where field workers often face uncertainty about the identification of the respective HVAC component among the plur...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]It is an object of the invention to provide a method and a mobile communication device for generating for a user augmented reality information related to an HVAC component, which at least partially improves the prior art of controlling HVAC components of an HVAC system.

[0008]The cloud-based computer system makes it possible that each HVAC component can be remotely monitored and controlled independently from the location of the user. Further, data and support regarding the HVAC system can be readily provided anywhere and at any time. However, for large HVAC systems including a plurality of HVAC components, it often occurs that a specific HVAC component is not actually installed as indicated and recorded in the cloud-based computer system, for example at the specific registered position, which hampers on-site inspection, as described above. The inventive method provides the advantage that the HVAC components connected to the cloud-based computer system can be inspected on-site by visually verifying the execution of an operation by the HVAC component initiated by a control command which is transmitted from the mobile communication device via the cloud-based computer system to the HVAC component. Generating the control command responsive to activation of the user interface element which is displayed within the augmented reality information, provides the advantage of ease of access for controlling operation of the HVAC component, independent of the actual physical accessibility of the HVAC component.

[0013]In an embodiment, the method further comprises the circuit of the mobile communication device receiving current status information from the HVAC component, and generating augmented reality information which visualizes execution of the operation by the HVAC component, using the current status information, enabling visual verification of the operation of the HVAC component by the user when the HVAC component is not visible to the user.

[0022]This provides the advantage that the HVAC component is not required to generate the component identification continuously, but only upon transmission of the identification command to the HVAC component. For example, a Bluetooth module of the HVAC component may be activated only upon transmission of the identification command for generating the component identification.

[0025]After installation of an HVAC component, it may be desirable to mount additional components in addition to the installed HVAC component. For this purpose, holes may be drilled, for example into a wall or a duct where the HVAC component is installed, in order to mount the additional component. Using the drilling template displayed within the augmented reality information provides the advantage that the field worker does not have to carry the drilling templates for the various HVAC components and additional components during on-site inspection.

[0035]According to a further aspect, the present invention is also directed to a computer program product comprising a non-transient computer readable medium having stored thereon computer program code configured to control a circuit of a mobile communication device such that the circuit executes the steps of: obtaining a component identification of an HVAC component; generating for a user augmented reality information related to the HVAC component using the component identification, the augmented reality information including a displayable user interface element for initiating an operation of the HVAC component; displaying the augmented reality information on a display unit connected to the mobile communication device; and generating, responsive to activation of the user interface element, a control command for the operation of the HVAC component, and transmitting the control command via a cloud-based computer system to the HVAC component, commanding the HVAC component to perform the operation and enabling the user to visually verify execution of the operation by the HVAC component.

Problems solved by technology

However, for large HVAC systems including a plurality of HVAC components, it often occurs that a specific HVAC component is not actually installed as indicated and recorded in the cloud-based computer system, for example at the specific registered position, which hampers on-site inspection, as described above.

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