Commissioning of Building Control Equipment Based on Mobile Applications

Abstract

The invention is titled "Commissioning of Building Control Devices Based on Mobile Applications". By placing the icon of each of the multiple security devices at a position on the floor plan corresponding to the physical location of the corresponding security device, the application on the mobile device is notified of the relative position of each of the multiple security devices within the building space. Use the mobile device to scan and save the scannable code encoded configuration information of a specific security device. Receive and save additional configuration information of the specific security device from the user. Repeat these steps for each of the multiple security devices. Upload the first configuration information and the second configuration information saved for each of the multiple security devices to a remote server, and use the uploaded first configuration information and second configuration information to operate the building control system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to commissioning building control equipment. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to using a mobile application in building control equipment commissioning. Background Art

[0002] Building control systems (such as, but not limited to, heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning (HVAC) control systems, lighting control systems, fire alarm and / or fire suppression systems, and building security systems) can include a large number of building control devices installed on a facility. For example, a building security system can include a large number of security devices, such as, but not limited to, security cameras and access control devices installed on the facility. Once each of the building control devices in the building control equipment is installed, it needs to be configured or commissioned. It should be understood that a large facility can include hundreds or even thousands of building control devices. Configuring each of the building control devices in the building control equipment can be a long and time-consuming process in which errors are easily made. There is a desire for methods and systems for using a mobile device to help configure each of the installed building control devices in a simple and error-prone manner. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure relates to using a mobile application in building control equipment commissioning. In one example, an illustrative method provides for using an application program running on a mobile device to configure a plurality of security devices. The application program on the mobile device is used to access a floor plan corresponding to a building space that has a plurality of security devices each installed at a corresponding physical location within the building space. The plurality of security devices await configuration. The relative position of each of the plurality of security devices within the building space is notified to the application program by placing an icon of each of the plurality of security devices at a location on the floor plan corresponding to the physical location of the corresponding security device in the building space. A scannable code protected relative to a particular security device among the plurality of security devices is scanned using the mobile device (such as using the camera of the mobile device). The scannable code encodes first configuration information of the particular security device that can be decoded by the mobile device. Second configuration information of the particular security device is received from a user of the mobile device via one or more screens that are displayed by the application program running on the mobile device. The first configuration information and the second configuration information of the particular security device are saved in the memory of the mobile device. The scanning step, the receiving step, and the saving step are repeated for each of the plurality of security devices. The first configuration information and the second configuration information saved for each of the plurality of security devices are uploaded to a remote server. Subsequently, the uploaded first configuration information and second configuration information are used to operate the building control system.

[0004] In another example, an illustrative method provides for using an application running on a mobile device to configure a plurality of building control devices of a building control system. In this illustrative method, the application on the mobile device is used to access a floor plan corresponding to a building space that has a plurality of building control devices each installed at a corresponding physical location within the building space. The application on the mobile device is used to display a list of building control devices. The user drags an icon from the list of building control devices for each of the plurality of building control devices and places the icon at a location on the floor plan corresponding to the physical location of the corresponding building control device within the building space to inform the application of the relative position of each of the plurality of building control devices within the building space. A mobile device (such as using the camera of the mobile device) is used to scan a scannable code that is protected relative to a particular one of the plurality of building control devices. The scannable code encodes first configuration information of the particular building control device. Second configuration information of the particular building control device is received from the user via one or more screens that are displayed by the application running on the mobile device. The first configuration information and the second configuration information of the particular building control device are saved in the memory of the mobile device. The scanning step, the receiving step, and the saving step are repeated for each of the plurality of building control devices. The first configuration information and the second configuration information saved for each of the plurality of building control devices are uploaded to a remote server. Subsequently, the uploaded first configuration information and second configuration information are used to operate the building control system.

[0005] In another example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores instructions thereon. When the instructions are executed by one or more processors of a mobile device, the mobile device is caused to access a floor plan corresponding to a building space in which a plurality of security devices await configuration. The user is allowed to inform the application of the relative position of each of the plurality of security devices within the building space by placing an icon representing each of the plurality of security devices at an appropriate location within the floor plan. The user is allowed to scan a scannable code provided relative to a particular one of the plurality of security devices in order to identify the particular security device, and the user is allowed to enter appropriate information of the identified security device on one or more screens that are displayed by the application running on the mobile device. The mobile device is caused to save the configuration of the particular security device in the memory of the mobile device. The mobile device repeats the scanning step, the configuration step, and the saving step for each of the plurality of security devices, and uploads the configuration saved for each of the plurality of security devices to a remote server.

[0006] The foregoing Summary is provided to facilitate understanding of some innovative features specific to the present disclosure and is not intended as a complete description. A full understanding of the present disclosure can be obtained by considering the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present disclosure can be more fully understood by considering the following description of various examples in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an illustrative building control system that includes an illustrative mobile device useful for configuring the illustrative building control system;

[0009] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an illustrative method of configuring multiple security devices;

[0010] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an illustrative method of configuring multiple building control devices;

[0011] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an illustrative method of configuring multiple security devices; and

[0012] Figures 5 to 12 is a screenshot showing how to configure a building control device using an illustrative mobile device.

[0013] While the present disclosure is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, details thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the present disclosure to the particular examples described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The following description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are numbered in the same manner. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and depict examples that are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. While examples of various elements are shown, those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples provided have suitable alternatives that can be utilized.

[0015] It is assumed herein that all numbers are modified by the term "about" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

[0016] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally used in its sense including "and / or" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0017] It should be noted that references in the specification to "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "other embodiments", etc., indicate that the described embodiments may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but each embodiment may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Additionally, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is contemplated that, whether or not explicitly described, that feature, structure, or characteristic may apply to other embodiments unless explicitly stated to the contrary.

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an illustrative building control system 10. Although the building control system 10 can represent any suitable building control system, such as a heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning (HVAC) system, a lighting control system, a fire alarm and / or fire suppression system, and / or a security system having any suitable building control devices, for the sake of brevity and clarity, Figure 1 only security devices are shown. Thus, Figure 1 an illustrative building control system 10 including a building control system controller 12 is shown, which is operatively coupled to security devices 14. The security devices 14 are labeled 14a and 14b, respectively. It should be understood that the building control system 10 can include any number of security devices 14 and, in some cases, can include a relatively large number of security devices 14. The security devices 14 can be considered examples of building control devices. Each security device 14 can independently represent a camera. Each security device 14 can independently represent an access control device. Examples of access control devices include card readers, electronic door locks, etc. The security devices 14 are shown located within a floor plan 16. The floor plan 16 is schematically shown and includes only a first room or space 18 and a second room or space 20. Although only a pair of rooms 18, 20 are shown, it should be understood that the floor plan 16 can include additional rooms or spaces.

[0019] Room 18 includes doorway 18a, and room 20 includes doorway 20a. In some cases, for example, security device 14a may be considered to be set at a location where security device 14a can control access through doorway 18a, and / or may be at a location where security device 14a can view doorway 18a and thus can see an individual passing through or attempting to pass through doorway 18a. Similarly, security device 14b may be considered to be set at a location where security device 14b can control access through doorway 20a, and / or may be at a location where security device 14b can view doorway 20a and thus can see an individual passing through or attempting to pass through doorway 20a.

[0020] Before each security device 14 can be put into operation, each security device 14 generally needs to be configured or debugged using building control system 10. To this end, each illustrative security device 14 includes codes 22 respectively labeled 22a and 22b. Each code 22 can independently be a bar code, a QR code, or any other code that can be scanned or entered to determine the information represented within code 22. The code 22 can be printed, for example, on the housing of security device 14, or the code 22 can be located inside the housing, which requires removing the housing to expose the code 22. The code 22 can be printed on a label set relative to the corresponding security device 14. In some examples, the code 22 includes information related to a particular security device 14, such as but not limited to the media access control (MAC) address of the particular security device 14, sometimes referred to as the physical address. The code 22 can also include information such as the device name, device model, communication protocol, and the like.

[0021] In some cases, mobile device 24 can be used to scan code 22 in order to obtain the information represented within code 22. The mobile device 24 can be, for example, a tablet computer or a smart phone, and includes a user interface 26. The user interface 26 can include the display of the mobile device 24. The mobile device 24 can include a keyboard that is displayed on the display and is touch-sensitive. The mobile device 24 can be sensitive to a person sliding their finger around the displayed keyboard, and this technique can be used, to a large extent, when sending text messages. The user interface 26 can include a voice interface that allows a person to enter information by talking to the mobile device 24. Illustrative mobile device 24 includes, for example, a camera 28 that can be used to scan code 22. In some instances, the camera 28 can be considered to be part of the user interface 26 because the camera 28 can be used to provide information to the mobile device 24.

[0022] The mobile device 24 includes a memory 30 that can be used to store executable programs for the mobile device 24 to execute. When configuration information is input / scanned into the mobile device 24, the memory 30 can be used to store the configuration information. Once the user uses the mobile device 24 to scan the code 22 and the mobile device 24 receives / decodes the configuration information represented within the code 22, the mobile device 24 can display one or more screens that allow the user to input additional configuration information into the mobile device 24. The information represented within the code 22 can be referred to as first configuration information, while the information subsequently input by the user can be referred to as second configuration information.

[0023] The illustrative mobile device 24 includes a transceiver 32 that allows the mobile device 24 to communicate with other devices. The transceiver 32 can be configured to allow the mobile device 24 to communicate, for example, via a cellular network. In some cases, the transceiver 32 can also be configured to communicate via other wireless communication protocols such as, but not limited to, Bluetooth and / or Wi-Fi. The transceiver 32 can represent two or more different transceivers, each configured to communicate via a different wireless communication protocol. The illustrative mobile device 24 includes a processor 34 that is operably coupled to the user interface 26, the camera 28, the memory 30, and the transceiver 32. Although shown as a single processor 34, it should be understood that in some cases, the mobile device 24 can have two or more different processors 34. The processor 34 can be configured to execute an executable application that is stored in the memory 30 and that allows the mobile device 24 to, for example, scan the code 22 and display appropriate screens that allow the user to input additional (e.g., second) configuration information.

[0024] In some cases, the transceiver 32 allows the mobile device 24 to communicate with one or more of the security devices 14. In some instances, the transceiver 32 allows the mobile device 23 to communicate with a remote server 36. The remote server 36 can be cloud-based, for example, and can represent one or more different servers or other computing resources. The remote server 36 can communicate with, for example, the building control system controller 12 and can thus be capable of downloading information to and / or uploading information from the building control system controller 12. The remote server 36 can be configured to receive all configuration information related to each security device 14, such as first configuration information and second configuration information, directly or indirectly from the mobile device 24.

[0025] Figure 2It is a flowchart of an illustrative method 40 of showing the use of an application running on a mobile device (such as mobile device 24) to configure a plurality of security devices (such as security device 14) of a building control system (such as building control system 10). Using an application on the mobile device to access a floor plan corresponding to a building space, the building space having a plurality of security devices each installed at a corresponding physical location in the building space, the plurality of security devices waiting to be configured, as indicated at block 42. Using an application on the mobile device to access the floor plan may include using a camera of the mobile device (such as camera 28) to scan or take a photo of an available copy of the floor plan. Using an application on the mobile device to access the floor plan may include downloading the floor plan from a remote source. In some instances, the floor plan itself may be programmed into the application running on the mobile device.

[0026] In some cases, using an application on the mobile device to access the floor plan may further include: accessing a list of security devices installed in the building and corresponding icons for each of the security devices included in the list of security devices. Informing the application of the relative positions of each of the plurality of security devices within the building space by placing the icon of each of the plurality of security devices at a location on the floor plan corresponding to the physical location of the corresponding security device in the building space, as indicated at block 44. This may include dragging each icon from the list of security devices and placing the icon at a location on the floor plan corresponding to the physical location of the corresponding security device in the building space. In some cases, the positions of the icons of at least some of the security devices may be pre-placed at locations on the floor plan according to predefined design specifications of the building. When provided as such, and in some cases, the user of the mobile device may be allowed to move the icon from its pre-set position on the floor plan as needed to match the actual installation position of the corresponding security device in the building.

[0027] Using the mobile device (such as via camera 28) to scan a scannable code protected relative to a particular security device among the plurality of security devices. The scannable code encodes first configuration information of the particular security device, as indicated at block 46. This may include removing the cover of the particular security device to access the scannable code. In some cases, the scannable code includes a barcode or QR code that can be scanned by the camera 28 of the mobile device. The first configuration information encoded by the scannable code may include, for example, a unique identifier that uniquely identifies the particular security device. The first configuration information encoded by the scannable code may include, for example, a media access control (MAC) address of the particular security device, model information of the particular security device, and / or one or more of any other suitable configuration information.

[0028] Second configuration information for a particular security device can be received from a user via one or more screens that are displayed by an application running on a mobile device, as indicated at block 48. In some cases, the second configuration information can include a network address (e.g., an IP address) of the particular security device. The first configuration information and the second configuration information for the particular security device are saved in the memory of the mobile device, as indicated at block 50.

[0029] At decision block 52, it is determined whether all security devices have been configured. For example, this determination can be made by the user. If not all security devices have been configured, control returns to block 46 and the process continues. However, if at decision block 52 it is determined that all security devices have been configured, control passes to block 54, in which the first configuration information and the second configuration information saved for each of the plurality of security devices are uploaded to a remote server (such as remote server 36). In some cases, the scanning step (block 46), the receiving step (block 48), and the saving step (block 50) can be performed for each of the security devices prior to the remote server 36 being online or otherwise available to receive the upload of the first configuration information and the second configuration information. Subsequently, the building control system is operated using the uploaded first configuration information and second configuration information, as indicated at block 56.

[0030] In some cases, receiving the second configuration information from the user can include: requesting, via one or more screens that are displayed by an application running on the mobile device, the second configuration information required to configure the particular security device from the user; and accepting, via one or more screens that are displayed by the application running on the mobile device, at least some of the requested information from the user. At least some of the security devices can include security cameras and access control devices. In some cases, the plurality of security devices installed within a building space are divided into a plurality of groups, where different users are assigned to each group, where each user uses a different mobile device to configure each of the security devices within the group assigned to that user, and where the different users upload the first configuration information and the second configuration information that the user has saved for each of the security devices within the group assigned to that user to the remote server.

[0031] Figure 3is a flowchart showing an illustrative method 60 of configuring a plurality of building control devices of a building control system using an application running on a mobile device. The illustrative method 60 includes using an application on the mobile device to access a floor plan corresponding to a building space that has a plurality of building control devices each installed at a corresponding physical location within the building space, and the plurality of building control devices are waiting to be configured, as indicated at block 62. The application on the mobile device is used to display a list of building control devices, as indicated at block 64. The user drags an icon from the list of building control devices for each of the plurality of building control devices and places the icon at a location on the floor plan corresponding to the physical location of the corresponding building control device within the building space to inform the application of the relative position of each of the plurality of building control devices within the building space, as indicated at block 66. In some cases, the positions of the icons of at least some of the building control devices may be pre-placed at locations on the floor plan according to predefined design specifications of the building. When so provided, and in some cases, the user of the mobile device may be allowed to move the icon from its pre-set position on the floor plan as needed to match the actual installation position of the corresponding building control device in the building.

[0032] Use a mobile device (such as camera 28) to scan a scannable code protected relative to a particular building control device among the plurality of building control devices. The scannable code encodes first configuration information of the particular building control device, as indicated at block 68. The first configuration information may include a unique identifier that uniquely identifies the particular building control device. The first configuration information may include one or more of the media access control (MAC) address of the particular building control device, the model information of the particular building control device, and / or any other suitable configuration information.

[0033] Second configuration information of the particular building control device may be received from the user via one or more screens displayed by an application running on the mobile device, as indicated at block 70. In some cases, the second configuration information may include a network address (e.g., an IP address) of the particular building control device. The first configuration information and the second configuration information of the particular building control device are saved in the memory of the mobile device, as indicated at block 72.

[0034] At decision block 74, it is determined whether all building control devices have been configured. For example, this determination can be made by the user. If not all security devices have been configured, control returns to block 68 and the process continues. However, if at decision block 74 it is determined that all building control devices have been configured, control passes to block 76 where the first configuration information and the second configuration information saved for each of the plurality of building control devices are uploaded to a remote server (such as remote server 36). The building control system is then operated using the uploaded first configuration information and second configuration information, as indicated at block 78.

[0035] Figure 4 FIG. is a flowchart showing an illustrative method 80. Illustrative method 80 includes accessing a floor plan of a building space having a plurality of security devices installed therein, the plurality of security devices awaiting configuration, as indicated at block 82. The user is allowed to inform the application of the relative position of each of the plurality of security devices within the building space by placing an icon representing each of the plurality of security devices in an appropriate location within the floor plan, as indicated at block 84. The user is allowed to scan a scannable code set relative to a particular one of the plurality of security devices in order to identify the particular security device, as indicated at block 86. The user is allowed to configure the identified security device by entering appropriate information on one or more screens displayed by an application running on a mobile device, as indicated at block 88. The configuration of the particular security device is saved in the memory of the mobile device, as indicated at block 90.

[0036] At decision block 92, it is determined whether all security devices have been configured. For example, this determination can be made by the user. If not all security devices have been configured, control returns to block 86 and the process continues. However, if at decision block 92 it is determined that all security devices have been configured, control passes to block 94 where the first configuration information and the second configuration information saved for each of the plurality of security devices are uploaded to a remote server (such as remote server 36).

[0037] Figures 5 to 12 Screen shots are provided illustrating the use of an application running on a mobile device to configure a plurality of security devices. Figure 5 An illustrative screen shot of screen 100 is provided, which includes a site overview notifying the user via a pop-up window 102 that a floor plan has not been added. Pop-up window 102 includes an add floor plan button 104 that the user can select to add a floor plan. Pressing add floor plan button 104 causes the mobile device to display illustrative screen 110, as Figure 6 seen.

[0038] Figure 6 Shows screen 110, which allows a user to add a floor plan via the Add Floor Plan button 112. Screen 110 includes an Add Floor Plan section 114 that the user can use to inform the mobile device which floor plan to add. The Add Floor Plan section 114 includes a box 116 for adding a floor plan name and a box 118 for adding a file name corresponding to the floor plan named in box 116. The Add Floor Plan section 114 includes a box 116a that notifies the user of what should be entered into box 116. The Add Floor Plan section 114 also includes a box 118a that notifies the user of what should be entered into box 118. Once the user has entered the name of the floor plan into box 116 and the file name corresponding to that floor plan into box 118, the user can select the Upload button 120. Selecting the Upload button 120 will cause the application running on the mobile device to upload the named floor plan to the mobile device. Selecting the Cancel button 122 will cancel the operation of uploading the floor plan.

[0039] Although not shown in Figure 6 , in some cases, screen 110 may prompt the user to take a photo of the floor plan using the camera 28 of the mobile device, resulting in the corresponding floor plan image file being stored on the mobile device. In some cases, Figure 6 box 118 of

[0040] Figure 7 An illustrative screenshot showing screen 130 is provided, which the mobile device may display after uploading a floor plan (as shown in Figure 6 ). Screen 130 includes a floor plan 132 displayed by the mobile device. Once a floor plan has been uploaded, the user can continue to place icons at locations on the floor plan corresponding to the actual locations of security devices within the space represented by the floor plan. The user can select a specific icon on the floor plan and, once selected, scan a scannable code on the corresponding security device in order to obtain first configuration information related to the specific security device, and then the user can subsequently enter additional or second configuration information for the specific security device. This can be done for each of the security devices 14a and 14b.

[0041] Figure 8An illustrative screenshot of screen 140 is provided, which shows a scannable code of a specific security device. Screen 140 includes a frame 142 in which the user aligns an image of the scannable code provided by the camera 28 of the mobile device. The scannable code can be located outside the specific security device. In some cases, the scannable code can be located inside the specific security device, and it is necessary to temporarily remove or otherwise open the cover of the specific security device to expose the scannable code. In Figure 8 In the specific example shown, the scannable code is a QR code. For example, the user can move around the mobile device to align the image within the frame 142. Once the image is aligned with the frame 142, the mobile device captures an image of the QR code and decodes the information represented by the QR code. This constitutes at least a part of the first configuration information. In some cases, the user is able to manually select when to capture the image.

[0042] Screen 140 also includes a message 144 that provides the user with an option to turn off the camera flash of the mobile device by clicking on an appropriate location on screen 140. Screen 140 also includes an Enter Manual Mode button 146. If the user is unable to capture an image of the QR code, the user can select the Enter Manual Mode button 146. This can occur if the QR code is partially obscured, or has a crease or is dirty. For example, this can also occur if the camera flash is not working and the QR code is in a relatively dark environment. Selecting the Enter Manual Mode button 146 allows the user to manually enter the information that would otherwise be captured by scanning the QR code.

[0043] Figure 9 An illustrative screenshot of screen 150 is provided, which provides the user with options for configuring a security panel, which can be considered an example of a security device. The MAC address 152 of the security panel is displayed at the top of screen 150, as well as a message 154 indicating that information has been successfully downloaded / scanned from the security panel. Screen 150 includes a section 156 that includes additional information about the selected security panel. Screen 150 includes a Settings Details section 158 with a Panel Settings Usage menu 158a and a Set Time menu 158b. Screen 150 includes an Integrated Menu 160 and a Go to My Panel button 162. Selecting an appropriate option under the Panel Settings Usage menu 158a causes the mobile device to display screen 170, as Figure 10 seen.

[0044] Figure 10An illustrative screenshot showing screen 170 is provided, which provides the user with additional options for configuring the security panel. Screen 170 includes a connection section 172 with a WEB option 172a and a MAXPRO Cloud option 174. In this example, the WEB option 172a has been selected. For this particular security panel, screen 170 includes a panel cycling function section 174, which has a primary option 174a and a secondary option 174b. In this example, the primary option 174a has been selected. Screen 170 includes a section 176 that identifies the cycling communication mode and has an ON / OFF radio button 176a related to the time synchronization setting. In this example, the radio button 176a is set to ON. If the save button 178 is selected, it indicates that the mobile device saves the settings that have been selected. If the cancel button 180 is selected, the operation is cancelled and the mobile device will return to the previous screen. This information can be considered part of the second configuration information collected by the user.

[0045] Figure 11 An illustrative screenshot showing screen 190 is provided, which shows several devices that have been added to the uploaded floor plan. The name of the floor plan is shown at 192. Screen 190 includes a selection bar 194 with a device option 194a and a zone option 194b. In this example, the device option 194a has been selected. Screen 190 includes a list 196 of installed security door devices corresponding to the selected and uploaded floor plan. Screen 190 includes a synchronize doors button 198, which, if selected, indicates that the mobile device uploads the saved configuration to the remote server.

[0046] Figure 12 An illustrative screenshot showing screen 200 is provided, which provides the user with an opportunity to add and configure a controller. Screen 200 includes an add controller button 204 under a controller tab 202. Screen 200 includes a section 206 that enables the user to make one or more appropriate selections for the particular controller they add.

[0047] Although several illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described as such, those skilled in the art will readily understand that other embodiments can be made and used within the scope of the appended claims herein. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is illustrative in many respects. Changes can be made to the details (especially those related to the shape, size, arrangement of parts, and exclusion and order of steps) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Of course, the scope of the present disclosure is defined in the language of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of configuring a plurality of security devices of a building control system using an application running on a mobile device, the method comprising: Using the application on the mobile device to access a floor plan corresponding to a building space, the building space having the plurality of security devices respectively installed at corresponding physical locations in the building space, the plurality of security devices waiting to be configured; Informing the application of the relative position of each of the plurality of security devices within the building space by placing an icon of each security device of the plurality of security devices at a position on the floor plan corresponding to the physical location of the corresponding security device in the building space; Using the mobile device to scan a scannable code fixed relative to a specific security device of the plurality of security devices, the scannable code encoding first configuration information of the specific security device; Receiving second configuration information of the specific security device via one or more screens displayed by the application running on the mobile device, wherein the second configuration information includes additional options and / or settings for configuring the specific security device other than the first configuration information and the position of the specific security device on the floor plan; Saving the first configuration information and the second configuration information of the specific security device in the memory of the mobile device; Repeating the scanning step, the receiving step, and the saving step for each security device of the plurality of security devices; Uploading the first configuration information and the second configuration information saved for each security device of the plurality of security devices to a remote server, wherein the plurality of security devices installed in the building space are divided into a plurality of groups, each group being assigned to a different user, wherein each user is assigned a different mobile device for configuring the security devices within the group assigned to it, and the different mobile devices upload the first configuration information and the second configuration information saved for each security device within the group assigned to them to the remote server; and Operating the building control system using the uploaded first configuration information and second configuration information.

2. The method according to claim 1, comprising performing the scanning step, the receiving step, and the saving step for each security device of the plurality of security devices before the remote server is available to receive the upload of the first configuration information and the second configuration information.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Using the application on the mobile device to access the floor plan further comprises: accessing a list of security devices installed in the building space and corresponding icons of each of the security devices included in the security device list.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein Informing the application of the relative position of each of the plurality of security devices within the building space includes: dragging each icon from the security device list; and placing the icon at a position on the floor plan corresponding to the physical location of the corresponding security device in the building space.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein The scannable code includes a barcode or a QR code that can be scanned by a camera of the mobile device.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first configuration information encoded by the scannable code includes a unique identifier that uniquely identifies the specific security device.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first configuration information encoded by the scannable code includes one or more of a media access control (MAC) address of the specific security device and model information of the specific security device, and the second configuration information includes a network address of the specific security device.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Receiving the second configuration information of the specific security device includes: requesting, via one or more screens, second configuration information required to configure the specific security device, the one or more screens being displayed by the application running on the mobile device; and receiving, via one or more screens, at least some of the requested information in the requested information, the one or more screens being displayed by the application running on the mobile device.

9. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by one or more processors of a mobile device, cause the mobile device to: access a floor plan of a building space corresponding to a plurality of security devices installed therein, the plurality of security devices awaiting configuration; divide the plurality of security devices into a plurality of groups, each group being assigned to a different user, wherein each user is assigned a different mobile device to configure the security devices within the group assigned to the user; receive, by receiving a placement location of an icon representing each of the plurality of security devices within a security device group assigned to a mobile device user at an appropriate location within the floor plan, a relative position of each of the plurality of security devices within the security device group assigned to the mobile device user; scan a scannable code for a specific security device setting relative to the plurality of security devices within a security device group assigned to a mobile device user, the scannable code encoding first configuration information of the specific security device; configure the identified security device by receiving second configuration information collected via one or more screens, the one or more screens being displayed by an application running on the mobile device, wherein the second configuration information includes additional options and / or settings other than the first configuration information of the identified security device; save the first configuration information and the second configuration information of the specific security device in a memory of the mobile device; repeat the scanning step, the configuration step, and the saving step for each of the plurality of security devices within the security device group assigned to the mobile device user; and upload the first configuration information and the second configuration information saved for the plurality of security devices within the security device group assigned to the mobile device user from the mobile device to a remote server.

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