Hierarchical Model Builder for Constructing a Hierarchical Model for Controlling Assets

Abstract

The present invention discloses a spatial hierarchical model. The spatial hierarchical model is constructed by receiving user input to add and name each of one or more first-level spaces in a first level of the spatial hierarchical model and select a selected one of the first-level spaces in the first level of the spatial hierarchical model of the spatial hierarchical model, and adding and naming each of one or more sub-level spaces that are spatial parts of the selected first-level space in a second level of the spatial hierarchical model. A graphical representation of one or more of the first-level spaces and one or more corresponding sub-level spaces is displayed together with a list of at least some of the plurality of building control assets. User input is received to assign a selected building control asset from the list of at least some of the plurality of building control assets to the selected sub-level space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to spatial modeling of control assets. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to flexible spatial modeling of control assets that can be deployed for a variety of different vertical domains. Background Art

[0002] Control systems can include a large number of control assets that are partitioned among parts of a building or other facility, among different buildings or facilities within a region, and / or among different geographical regions where a particular enterprise conducts business. Examples of vertical domains include buildings and building control systems, various industrial and manufacturing processing plants, large facilities such as aircraft, data centers, etc. It should be understood that based on the vertical domain in which the control assets are deployed and the specific needs of the end user, the control assets and how they are arranged can vary significantly. What is desired is a method and system for organizing a large number of assets in a hierarchical model. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure relates to spatial modeling of control assets. In one example, a method provides constructing a spatial hierarchical model of a plurality of building control assets, the spatial hierarchical model being configured to provide a spatial context of the plurality of building control assets to an operator when the operator monitors and / or controls the plurality of building control assets. Illustrative methods include receiving user input via one or more screens to add and name each of one or more first-level spaces in a first level of the spatial hierarchical model, and receiving user input via one or more screens to select a selected one of the first-level spaces in the first level of the spatial hierarchical model, and adding and naming each of one or more sub-level spaces that are spatial parts of the selected first-level space in a second level of the spatial hierarchical model. Displaying a graphical representation of the one or more first-level spaces and the one or more corresponding sub-level spaces together with a list of at least some of the plurality of building control assets. Receiving user input to assign a selected building control asset from the list of at least some of the plurality of building control assets to the selected sub-level space.

[0004] In another example, a method includes displaying one or more screens that enable a user to create folders at one or more geographical region levels of a hierarchical folder structure. Displaying one or more screens that enable the user to create one or more location-specific folders within the folders at one or more geographical region levels of the hierarchical folder structure. Displaying one or more screens that enable the user to arrange one or more assets within one or more folders of the hierarchical folder structure. Analyzing the hierarchical folder structure to determine relationships between the folders at one or more geographical region levels, the one or more location-specific folders, and the one or more assets, in order to assign unique identifiers to each folder and each asset in the hierarchical folder structure. Displaying one or more screens that display the hierarchical folder structure.

[0005] In another example, a system monitors and / or controls multiple building control assets. The system includes an input / output, a display, and one or more processors operatively coupled to the input / output and the display and operatively coupled to the multiple assets. The one or more processors are configured to display on the display one or more screens that allow a user to add and name each of one or more first-level spaces in a first level of a spatial hierarchical model, and to display on the display one or more screens that allow the user to select a selected one of the first-level spaces in the first level of the spatial hierarchical model and to add and name each of one or more sub-level spaces that are spatial parts of the selected first-level space in a second level of the spatial hierarchical model. The one or more processors are configured to display a graphical representation of the one or more first-level spaces and the one or more corresponding sub-level spaces, and to display a list of at least some of the multiple building control assets operatively coupled to the input / output. The one or more processors are configured to receive user input to assign a selected building control asset from the list of at least some of the multiple building control assets to the selected sub-level space, and to receive user input to monitor and / or control at least some of the multiple building control assets using the spatial hierarchical model.

[0006] The foregoing invention content is provided to facilitate understanding of some of the 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 in connection with the following description of various examples, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an illustrative system for organizing and monitoring various control assets;

[0009] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of an illustrative monitoring system;

[0010] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative spatial hierarchical model;

[0011] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an illustrative method;

[0012] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an illustrative method;

[0013] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an illustrative method;

[0014] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an illustrative method;

[0015] Figure 8A and Figure 8B are a flowchart showing an illustrative method together;

[0016] Figure 9A and Figure 9B are a flowchart showing an illustrative method together;

[0017] Figure 10A and Figure 10B are a flowchart showing an illustrative method together;

[0018] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an illustrative method;

[0019] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an illustrative method;

[0020] Figures 13 to 18 is a screenshot showing an example method of creating a spatial hierarchical model;

[0021] Figure 19 is a screenshot showing an example method of assigning an asset to a specific level of a spatial hierarchical model created in Figures 13 to 18 ;

[0022] Figure 20 and Figure 21 is a screenshot showing an example method of assigning a label to a specific feature of a spatial hierarchical model created in Figures 13 to 18 ;

[0023] Figure 22 is a screenshot showing in tabular format the inFigures 13 to 18 A screenshot of the spatial hierarchical model created in

[0024] Figure 23 is a screenshot showing an alternative way of forming a spatial hierarchical model;

[0025] Figure 24 is a screenshot showing an illustrative healthy building dashboard; and

[0026] Figure 25 is a screenshot showing an illustrative healthy building dashboard.

[0027] 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. However, it should be understood that the intention is not to limit the present disclosure to the specific 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

[0028] 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. Although 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.

[0029] 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).

[0030] 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 inclusive sense of "and / or" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0031] It should be noted that the recitation of "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "other embodiments", etc. in the specification indicates 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 the feature, structure, or characteristic may apply to other embodiments whether or not explicitly described, unless clearly stated to the contrary otherwise.

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an illustrative system 10 for organizing and monitoring various control assets. The illustrative system 10 includes a plurality of asset groups 12, individually labeled 12a, 12b through 12n. For example, a particular asset group 12 may include at least some of the assets within a building or a portion of a building, such as a wing of a building, or perhaps a particular floor of a building. A particular asset group 12 may include at least some of the assets grouped within two or more buildings within a geographic area. A particular asset group 12 may include at least some of the assets grouped within two or more different geographic areas within an enterprise (such as a business). The assets may be grouped differently than shown. These are merely examples.

[0033] The system 10 may include any number of asset groups 12. Each asset group 12 may include any one of a variety of different assets. Examples of assets include, but are not limited to, devices such as cameras and access control devices, door alarms, window alarms, etc. Assets may include a variety of different types of sensors, such as, but not limited to, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, occupancy sensors, lighting sensors, etc. In some cases, the assets included within each asset group 12 may include heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system components, such as a heat source and a cooling source. In some cases, at least some of the assets within one or more asset groups 12 may include environmental sensors, such as, but not limited to, air temperature (both indoor and outdoor), air humidity (both indoor and outdoor), CO (carbon monoxide) sensors, CO2 (carbon dioxide) sensors, NO x (nitric acid) sensors, TVOC (total volatile organic compound) sensors, etc. In some cases, the assets included within each asset group 12 may include industrial and / or manufacturing process control assets. These are merely examples.

[0034] The illustrative system 10 may include a plurality of monitoring systems 14, individually labeled 14a, 14b, and 14n. In some cases, a particular monitoring system 14 may be operatively coupled to at least some of the assets within a particular asset group 12 and may receive operating and / or other information from at least some of the assets within the particular asset group 12. The particular monitoring system 14 may provide operating instructions to at least some of the assets within the particular asset group 12. While Figure 1 one monitoring system 14 coupled to one asset group 12 is shown, it should be understood that this is merely illustrative. In some cases, one monitoring system 14 may be operatively coupled to two or more different asset groups 12. For example, one asset group 12 may be operatively coupled to two or more different monitoring systems 14.

[0035] Surveillance system 14 is shown as operatively coupled to a cloud-based server 16. The cloud-based server 16 may represent one or more different computing sources, such as one or more servers. In some cases, each surveillance system 14 may receive operating instructions from the cloud-based server 16, and the surveillance system 14 may pass those operating instructions or their translations down to the appropriate assets within the asset group 12. The surveillance system 14 may pass operating data from the assets within the asset group 12 to the cloud-based server 16. Although each surveillance system 14 is shown as being different from both the cloud-based server 16 and their corresponding asset group 12, it is contemplated that at least some functions of at least some of the surveillance systems 14 may manifest within the cloud-based server 16. In some cases, at least some functions of at least some of the surveillance systems 14 may manifest within one or more of the assets within the asset group 12. In some cases, the surveillance system 14 may be at least partially implemented by an edge controller (such as an edge gateway, etc.).

[0036] The cloud-based server 16 may be configured to monitor the performance of the assets within the asset group 12. This may include any one of a variety of different Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) systems. This may include monitoring the performance of security-related assets, including detecting alarms. Some alarms may be legitimate, while other alarms may be false alarms that can be cancelled once investigated. Alternatively or additionally, this may include monitoring the performance of HVAC, lighting, fire protection, and / or industrial and / or manufacturing control systems. In some cases, the cloud-based server 16 may be configured to monitor or track various healthy building-related standards, which may be used to confirm how well a facility or a part of a facility, a facility within a geographical area, and / or each facility within multiple geographical areas under a company's umbrella are performing in terms of meeting healthy building guidelines.

[0037] In some cases, the cloud-based server 16 may be configured to organize the assets within the asset group 12 into a spatial hierarchical model that provides a spatial context to the assets. Such a spatial hierarchical model may facilitate the ability to monitor and track the assets at the respective hierarchical levels within the spatial hierarchical model, as will be further discussed herein.

[0038] Figure 2is a schematic block diagram of illustrative monitoring system 18. Monitoring system 18 can be considered an example of monitoring system 14. Monitoring system 18 is configured to monitor and / or control a plurality of building control assets 20, individually labeled 20a, 20b, and up to 20n. Building control assets 20 can be considered examples of assets within asset group 12. Monitoring system 18 can include input / output 22 operably coupled to the plurality of building control assets 20. Input / output 22 can include one or more ports configured to send instructions and other data to and / or receive information from each of the plurality of building control assets 20. In the example shown, monitoring system 18 includes display 24 and processor 26, which is operably coupled to input / output 22 and display 24. Although one processor 26 is shown, it should be understood that processor 26 can represent two or more different processors within monitoring system 18.

[0039] Processor 26 is configured to display on display 24 one or more screens that allow a user to add and name each of one or more first-level spaces in a first level of a spatial hierarchical model. Processor 26 is configured to display on display 24 one or more screens that allow a user to select a selected one of the first-level spaces in the spatial hierarchical model and add and name each of one or more sub-level spaces that are spatial portions of the selected first-level space at a second level of the spatial hierarchical model. Processor 26 is configured to display a graphical representation of the one or more first-level spaces and the one or more corresponding sub-level spaces and display a list of at least some of the plurality of building control assets operably coupled to the input / output. Processor 26 can be configured to receive user input to assign a selected building control asset 20 from the list of at least some of the plurality of building control assets 20 to the selected sub-level space and receive user input to monitor and / or control at least some of the plurality of building control assets 20 using the spatial hierarchical model. In some cases, receiving user input to assign a selected building control asset 20 from the list of at least some of the plurality of building control assets 20 to the selected sub-level space includes dragging and dropping the selected building control asset from the list of at least some of the plurality of building control assets 20 to the selected sub-level space. Regarding Figures 13 to 19 specific examples of such systems have been shown and described.

[0040] Reference has been made to the hierarchical levels within the spatial hierarchical model. Figure 3It is a schematic diagram of the illustrative spatial hierarchical model 30. It should be understood that the illustrative spatial hierarchical model 30 is highly schematic. As an actual spatial hierarchical model, even for a part of a building, it may include additional hierarchical levels relative to what is shown here, and at least some of the hierarchical levels may include a significantly larger number of assets located within those hierarchical levels. As shown, the spatial hierarchical model 30 may include a parent hierarchical level object 32. If needed, there may be additional higher-level hierarchical level objects (not shown) on the parent hierarchical level object 32. Below the parent hierarchical level object 32, as indicated by the relative indentation, are two sub-hierarchical level objects 34 and 36. In this example, the parent hierarchical level object 32 may refer to the company's site, and the two sub-hierarchical level objects 34 and 36 may each refer to a specific building within that site. In another example, the parent hierarchical level object 32 may refer to a company with operations in two geographical regions (east and west), and each of the sub-hierarchical level objects 34 and 36 refers to one of those two geographical regions within the company represented by the parent hierarchical level object 32. These are just examples.

[0041] As shown, the spatial hierarchical model 30 also includes grandchild hierarchical level objects 38 and 40. Both the grandchild hierarchical level object 38 and the grandchild hierarchical level object 40 are at the same organizational level and are children of the sub-hierarchical level object 36. In the previous example, if the sub-hierarchical level object 36 represents a geographical region, then the grandchild hierarchical level objects 38 and 40 may each represent a specific building within the geographical region represented by the sub-hierarchical level object 36. Continuing this example, it can be envisioned that the spatial hierarchical model 30 may include the following multiple great-grandchild hierarchical level objects. For example, the grandchild hierarchical level object 38, each of which represents a specific area or space within the specific building represented by the grandchild hierarchical level object 38. These are just examples. It can be envisioned that the spatial hierarchical model 30 may have any suitable number of hierarchical levels, depending on the application.

[0042] Multiple assets have been placed within the spatial hierarchical model 30. Specifically, asset 34a and asset 34b have been placed within the sub-hierarchical level object 34. Similarly, asset 36a and asset 36b have been placed within the sub-hierarchical level object 36. Asset 38a and asset 38b have been placed within the grandchild hierarchical level object 38. Asset 40a and asset 40b have been placed within the grandchild hierarchical level object 40. Although only two assets are shown in each hierarchical level, it should be understood that each hierarchical level object 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 may include any number of assets, and depending on what the specific hierarchical level object 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 represents, may include a significantly larger number of assets.

[0043] An asset can be considered to belong to the hierarchical level object to which it is assigned, as well as higher hierarchical level objects (e.g., parent and grandparent hierarchical level objects). For example, asset 38a can be considered to belong to the grandchild hierarchical level object 38, as well as the child hierarchical level object 36 and the parent hierarchical level object 32. It should be understood that in the context of monitoring the performance of healthy buildings across any one of multiple buildings, other facilities, geographical regions, and even companies, the spatial hierarchical model 30 helps to enable the compilation and tracking of aggregate data, while also allowing easy drilling down to lower hierarchical level objects in the model, as well as specific assets at (and below) that lower hierarchical level object, in order to better confirm performance with respect to healthy building guidelines.

[0044] Figure 4 is a flowchart of an illustrative method 50 for constructing a spatial hierarchical model (such as spatial hierarchical model 30) of multiple building control assets (such as building control assets 20), the spatial hierarchical model being configured to provide a spatial context of the multiple building control assets to an operator when the operator monitors and / or controls the multiple building control assets. In some cases, at least some of the multiple building control assets include video cameras. In some scenarios, at least some of the multiple building control assets include HVAC system assets. These are just examples.

[0045] Method 50 includes receiving user input via one or more screens to add and name each of one or more first-level spaces in a first level of the spatial hierarchical model, as shown in block 52. In some cases, receiving user input via one or more screens to add and name each of one or more first-level spaces in a first level of the spatial hierarchical model can include receiving a selection of an add new space icon, displaying a pop-up menu in response to the selection of the add new space icon, and receiving the name of at least one of the one or more first-level spaces. The term "space" can be considered a general term and can refer to Figure 3 any of the hierarchical level objects referred to in. For example, a space can correspond to a region, site, building, and / or space / zone within a building, to name just a few.

[0046] Receiving user input via one or more screens to select a selected first-level space in the first level of the spatial hierarchy model and adding and naming, at the second level of the spatial hierarchy model, each of one or more sub-level spaces that are spatial parts of the selected first-level space, as shown in block 54. In some cases, receiving user input via one or more screens to select a selected first-level space in the first level of the spatial hierarchy model and adding and naming, at the second level of the spatial hierarchy model, each of one or more sub-level spaces that are spatial parts of the selected first-level space may include receiving a selection of the selected first-level space in the first level of the spatial hierarchy model, receiving a selection of an add new space icon, displaying a pop-up menu in response to the selection of the add new space icon, and receiving a name for at least one of the one or more sub-level spaces. Displaying a graphical representation of one or more first-level spaces and one or more corresponding sub-level spaces, as shown in block 56.

[0047] In the example shown, displaying a list of at least some of the building control assets among a plurality of building control assets, as shown in block 58. Receiving user input to assign a selected building control asset from the list of at least some of the building control assets among the plurality of building control assets to a selected sub-level space, as shown in block 60. In some scenarios, receiving user input to assign a selected building control asset to a selected sub-level may include dragging and dropping the selected building control asset from the list of at least some of the building control assets among the plurality of building control assets to the selected sub-level space. In some cases, the list of at least some of the building control assets among the plurality of building control assets displayed may include building control assets that are connected and visible on a building control network that uses the spatial hierarchy model for monitoring and / or control. In some cases, the list of at least some of the building control assets among the plurality of building control assets displayed may include building control assets that are not connected and not visible on a building control network that uses the spatial hierarchy model for monitoring and / or control. Displaying the list of at least some of the building control assets among the plurality of building control assets may include filtering the plurality of building control assets using filtering criteria and only displaying the building control assets that meet the filtering criteria. In some cases, method 50 may include deploying the spatial hierarchy model, as shown in block 62. Method 50 may include monitoring and / or controlling at least some of the building control assets among the plurality of building control assets using the deployed spatial hierarchy model, as shown in block 64.

[0048] Figure 5is a flowchart of an illustrative method 70 of constructing a spatial hierarchical model (such as spatial hierarchical model 30) of multiple building control assets (such as building control asset 20), the spatial hierarchical model being configured to provide a spatial context of the multiple building control assets to an operator when the operator monitors and / or controls the multiple building control assets. In some cases, at least some of the multiple building control assets include video cameras. In some scenarios, at least some of the multiple building control assets include HVAC system assets. These are just examples. The illustrative method 70 includes receiving user input via one or more screens to add and name each of one or more first-level spaces in a first level of the spatial hierarchical model, as shown in block 72. In some cases, receiving user input via one or more screens to add and name each of one or more first-level spaces in a first level of the spatial hierarchical model may include receiving a selection of an add new space icon, displaying a pop-up menu in response to the selection of the add new space icon, and receiving a name for at least one of the one or more first-level spaces.

[0049] Receiving user input via one or more screens to select a selected one of the first-level spaces in the spatial hierarchical model and to add and name each of one or more sub-level spaces that are spatial parts of the selected first-level space in a second level of the spatial hierarchical model, as shown in block 74. In some cases, receiving user input via one or more screens to select a selected one of the first-level spaces in the spatial hierarchical model and to add and name each of one or more sub-level spaces that are spatial parts of the selected first-level space in a second level of the spatial hierarchical model may include receiving a selection of the selected one of the first-level spaces, receiving a selection of the add new space icon, displaying a pop-up menu in response to the selection of the add new space icon, and receiving a name for at least one of the one or more sub-level spaces. Displaying a graphical representation of the one or more first-level spaces and the one or more corresponding sub-level spaces, as shown in block 76.

[0050] In the example shown, displaying a list of at least some of the multiple building control assets, as shown in block 78. An indication of unassigned building control assets among the multiple building control assets may be displayed, as shown in block 80. In some cases, unassigned building control assets may be displayed, for example, in a different color or may be made bold relative to how assigned building control assets are displayed. In some cases, only unassigned building control assets are displayed and those that are assigned are not shown in the list.

[0051] Receive user input to assign a selected building control asset from a list of at least some of a plurality of building control assets to a selected sub - level space, as shown in block 82. In some scenarios, receiving user input to assign a selected building control asset to a selected sub - level may include dragging and dropping the selected building control asset from a list of at least some of a plurality of building control assets to the selected sub - level space. The list of at least some of the plurality of displayed building control assets may include building control assets that are connected and visible on a building control network that uses a spatial hierarchical model for monitoring and / or controlling. Displaying the list of at least some of the plurality of building control assets may include filtering the plurality of building control assets using filtering criteria and only displaying the building control assets that meet the filtering criteria.

[0052] In some scenarios, method 70 may further include assigning unique identifiers to each of one or more first - level spaces, one or more sub - level spaces, and one or more building control assets assigned to the sub - level space, as shown in block 84. This may be done automatically without user input. In some cases, method 70 may include receiving user input via one or more screens to assign searchable tags to at least some of the first - level spaces, sub - level spaces, and / or assigned building control assets, as shown in block 86. The searchable tags may allow the user to categorize and / or group at least some of the first - level spaces, sub - level spaces, and / or assigned building control assets for subsequent reference.

[0053] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an illustrative method 90. Method 90 includes displaying one or more screens that enable a user to create one or more folders at the geographical region level of a hierarchical folder structure, as shown in block 92. Displaying one or more screens that enable a user to create one or more location - specific folders within one or more folders at the geographical region level of the hierarchical folder structure, as shown in block 94. The folders mentioned here may be similar to Figure 3 the respective hierarchical - level objects referred to in

[0054] In the illustrated example, one or more screens are displayed that enable a user to arrange one or more assets within one or more folders of a hierarchical folder structure, as shown in block 96. In some cases, the one or more screens that enable a user to arrange one or more assets within one or more folders of a hierarchical folder structure allow the user to drag and drop a selected asset from a list of available assets into a selected folder of the hierarchical folder structure. The hierarchical folder structure is analyzed to determine the relationships between the one or more folders at the geographical region level, the one or more location-specific folders, and the one or more assets, in order to assign unique identifiers to each folder and each asset in the hierarchical folder structure, as shown in block 98. One or more screens are displayed that show the hierarchical folder structure, as shown in block 100.

[0055] In some cases, method 90 may further include generating a spatial hierarchical model based on the hierarchical folder structure, as shown in block 102. The spatial hierarchical model may be deployed, as shown in block 104. The deployed spatial hierarchical model may be used to monitor and / or control at least some of the assets, as shown in block 106.

[0056] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an illustrative method 110. Method 110 includes displaying one or more screens that enable a user to create one or more folders at the geographical region level of a hierarchical folder structure, as shown in block 112. Displaying one or more screens that enable a user to create one or more location-specific folders within one or more folders at the geographical region level of the hierarchical folder structure, as shown in block 114. Displaying one or more screens that enable a user to arrange one or more assets within one or more folders of the hierarchical folder structure, as shown in block 116. In some cases, the one or more screens that enable a user to arrange one or more assets within one or more folders of the hierarchical folder structure allow the user to drag and drop a selected asset from a list of available assets into a selected folder of the hierarchical folder structure.

[0057] Analyze the hierarchical folder structure to determine the relationships between one or more folders at the geographical region level, one or more location - specific folders, and one or more assets, so as to assign unique identifiers to each folder and each asset in the hierarchical folder structure, as shown in block 118. This can be performed automatically without user input. In the example shown, one or more screens are displayed that show the hierarchical folder structure, as shown in block 120. In some scenarios, method 110 may further include displaying one or more screens that enable a user to create one or more building - specific folders within one or more location - specific folders, as shown in block 122. Illustrative method 110 may further include displaying one or more screens that enable a user to arrange one or more assets within one or more building - specific folders, as shown in block 124.

[0058] Figure 8A and Figure 8B together provide a flowchart of an illustrative method 130 that shows compliance with healthy building guidelines using a spatial hierarchical model

[0059] The illustrative method 130 provides a spatial context to a plurality of building control assets arranged within multiple hierarchical levels of a spatial hierarchical model. The healthy building guidelines may be at least partially based on one or more healthy building standards. The illustrative method 130 includes allowing a user to select a particular hierarchical level of the spatial hierarchical model, as shown in block 132. Identifying non - compliance events that do not meet one or more healthy building standards of the healthy building guidelines, where the non - compliance events are detected by building control assets arranged at and below the particular hierarchical level of the spatial hierarchical model, as shown in block 134.

[0060] For each of one or more healthy building standards, aggregate non - compliance events detected by building control assets arranged at and below a specific hierarchical level of a spatial stratification model, as shown in block 136. In some scenarios, aggregating non - compliance events detected by building control assets arranged at and below a specific hierarchical level of a spatial stratification model for each of one or more healthy building standards may include, for each of one or more healthy building standards, separately aggregating non - compliance events detected by building control assets arranged at and below a specific hierarchical level of a spatial stratification model over a period of time. For example, using a healthy building dashboard, a user can select a time period. Generate a healthy building dashboard that includes a representation of aggregated non - compliance events for each of at least some of the one or more healthy building standards, the non - compliance events being detected by building control assets arranged at and below a specific hierarchical level of a spatial stratification model, as shown in block 138. The healthy building dashboard is displayed on a display, as shown in block 140. Allow the user to select different hierarchical levels of the spatial stratification model, as shown in block 142.

[0061] Identify non - compliance events that do not meet one or more healthy building standards of the healthy building guidelines, the non - compliance events being detected by building control assets arranged at and below a newly selected different specific hierarchical level of the spatial stratification model, as shown in block 144. Control passes to anchor 146, which repeats at the Figure 8B top. For each of one or more healthy building standards, aggregate non - compliance events detected by building control assets arranged at and below a newly selected different specific hierarchical level of the spatial stratification model, as shown in block 148. Aggregating non - compliance events detected by building control assets arranged at and below a newly selected different specific hierarchical level of the spatial stratification model for each of one or more healthy building standards may include, for each of one or more healthy building standards, separately aggregating non - compliance events detected by building control assets arranged at and below a newly selected different specific hierarchical level of the spatial stratification model over a period of time. Generate an updated healthy building dashboard that includes a representation of aggregated non - compliance events for each of at least some of the one or more healthy building standards, the non - compliance events being detected by building control assets arranged at and below a newly selected different specific hierarchical level of the spatial stratification model, as shown in block 150. The updated healthy building dashboard is displayed on a display, as shown in block 152.

[0062] In some scenarios, method 130 may further include generating a first overall compliance score for a particular hierarchical level of the spatial hierarchy model, at least in part based on aggregated non - compliance events detected by building control assets disposed at and below a particular hierarchical level of the spatial hierarchy model for each of one or more healthy building criteria, and displaying the first overall compliance score on a healthy building dashboard, as shown in block 154. In some scenarios, method 130 may further include generating a second overall compliance score for a newly selected different particular hierarchical level of the spatial hierarchy model, at least in part based on aggregated non - compliance events detected by building control assets disposed at and below the newly selected different particular hierarchical level of the spatial hierarchy model for each of one or more healthy building criteria, and displaying the second overall compliance score on an updated healthy building dashboard, as shown in block 156.

[0063] In some cases, one or more building control assets may include video cameras, and at least some of the healthy building criteria non - compliance events that do not meet one or more healthy building criteria of the healthy building guidelines may be detected by performing video analysis on video streams provided by one or more video cameras. The non - compliance events that do not meet one or more healthy building criteria of the healthy building guidelines may include one or more of a non - compliant occupancy level, non - compliant social distancing behavior, and / or non - compliant mask behavior. One or more building control assets may include temperature sensors, and at least one non - compliance event that does not meet one or more healthy building criteria of the healthy building guidelines includes a non - compliant space temperature. One or more building control assets may include humidity sensors, and at least one non - compliance event that does not meet one or more healthy building criteria of the healthy building guidelines may include a non - compliant space humidity. One or more building control assets may include thermal sensors for sensing the body temperature of occupants, and at least one non - compliance event that does not meet one or more healthy building criteria of the healthy building guidelines may include a non - compliant body temperature.

[0064] Figure 9A and Figure 9BTogether provided is a flowchart showing an illustrative method 160 for monitoring compliance with healthy building guidelines using a spatial hierarchical model, the illustrative method providing spatial context to a plurality of building control assets arranged within a plurality of hierarchical levels of the spatial hierarchical model. The healthy building guidelines can be based at least in part on one or more healthy building criteria. Method 160 includes allowing a user to select a particular hierarchical level of the spatial hierarchical model, as shown in block 162. Identify non - compliance events that do not meet one or more healthy building criteria of the healthy building guidelines, the non - compliance events being detected by building control assets arranged at and below the particular hierarchical level of the spatial hierarchical model, as shown in block 164.

[0065] In the example shown, for each healthy building criterion of one or more healthy building criteria, aggregate the non - compliance events aggregated by building control assets arranged at and below the particular hierarchical level of the spatial hierarchical model, as shown in block 166. In some scenarios, aggregating the non - compliance events detected by building control assets arranged at and below the particular hierarchical level of the spatial hierarchical model for each healthy building criterion of one or more healthy building criteria can include, for each healthy building criterion of one or more healthy building criteria, separately aggregating the non - compliance events detected by building control assets arranged at and below the particular hierarchical level of the spatial hierarchical model over a period of time. For example, using a healthy building dashboard, the user can select a time period. Generate a healthy building dashboard that includes a representation of the aggregated non - compliance events for at least some of each healthy building criterion of one or more healthy building criteria, the non - compliance events being detected by building control assets arranged at and below the particular hierarchical level of the spatial hierarchical model, as shown in block 168. The healthy building dashboard is displayed on a display, as shown in block 170. Allow the user to select a different hierarchical level of the spatial hierarchical model, as shown in block 172.

[0066] Identify non - compliance events that do not meet one or more healthy building criteria of the healthy building guidelines, the non - compliance events being detected by building control assets arranged at and below the newly selected different particular hierarchical level of the spatial hierarchical model, as shown in block 174. Control passes to anchor 176, which is at Figure 9BThe top repeats. For each healthy building standard of one or more healthy building standards, aggregate non - compliance events detected by building control assets arranged at and below newly - selected different specific hierarchical levels of the spatial stratification model, as shown in block 178. Aggregating non - compliance events detected by building control assets arranged at and below newly - selected different specific hierarchical levels of the spatial stratification model for each healthy building standard of one or more healthy building standards may include, for each healthy building standard of one or more healthy building standards, separately aggregating non - compliance events detected by building control assets arranged at and below newly - selected different specific hierarchical levels of the spatial stratification model over a period of time. Generate an updated healthy building dashboard that includes a representation of the aggregated non - compliance events for each healthy building standard of at least some of the one or more healthy building standards, where the non - compliance events are detected by building control assets arranged at and below newly - selected different specific hierarchical levels of the spatial stratification model, as shown in block 180. The updated healthy building dashboard is displayed on a display, as shown in block 182.

[0067] In some scenarios, method 160 may further include determining a non - compliance trend over a trend time period for the aggregated non - compliance events for each healthy building standard of at least some of the one or more healthy building standards, where the non - compliance events are detected by building control assets arranged at a specific hierarchical level of and below the spatial stratification model, as shown in block 184. In some scenarios, the trend time period may be user - selectable. The non - compliance trend may be displayed on the healthy building dashboard, as shown in block 186. In some scenarios, method 160 may further include displaying a plurality of most recent non - compliance events on the healthy building dashboard, as shown in block 188.

[0068] Figure 10A and Figure 10B together provide a flowchart of an illustrative method 190 for monitoring compliance with healthy building guidelines within a spatial stratification model. The illustrative method provides spatial context to a plurality of building control assets arranged at multiple hierarchical levels of the spatial stratification model, where the healthy building guidelines are at least partially based on one or more healthy building standards. Method 190 includes allowing a user to select a specific hierarchical level of the spatial stratification model, as shown in block 192. Identify non - compliance events that do not meet one or more healthy building standards of the healthy building guidelines, where the non - compliance events are detected by building control assets arranged at a specific hierarchical level of and below the spatial stratification model, as shown in block 194.

[0069] For each healthy building standard among one or more healthy building standards, aggregate non - compliance events detected by building control assets arranged at and below a specific hierarchical level of the spatial stratification model, as shown in block 196. In some scenarios, aggregating non - compliance events detected by building control assets arranged at and below a specific hierarchical level of the spatial stratification model for each healthy building standard among one or more healthy building standards may include, for each healthy building standard among one or more healthy building standards, separately aggregating non - compliance events detected by building control assets arranged at and below a specific hierarchical level of the spatial stratification model over a period of time. For example, using a healthy building dashboard, a user can select a time period. Generate a healthy building dashboard that includes a representation of aggregated non - compliance events for each healthy building standard among at least some healthy building standards among one or more healthy building standards, the non - compliance events being detected by building control assets arranged at and below a specific hierarchical level of the spatial stratification model, as shown in block 198. The healthy building dashboard is displayed on a display, as shown in block 200. Allow the user to select different hierarchical levels of the spatial stratification model, as shown in block 202.

[0070] Identify non - compliance events that do not meet one or more healthy building standards of the healthy building guidelines, the non - compliance events being detected by building control assets arranged at and below a newly selected different specific hierarchical level of the spatial stratification model, as shown in block 204. Control is passed to anchor 206, which is repeated at the top of Figure 10B. For each healthy building standard among one or more healthy building standards, aggregate non - compliance events detected by building control assets arranged at and below the newly selected different specific hierarchical level of the spatial stratification model, as shown in block 208. Aggregating non - compliance events detected by building control assets arranged at and below the newly selected different specific hierarchical level of the spatial stratification model for each healthy building standard among one or more healthy building standards may include, for each healthy building standard among one or more healthy building standards, separately aggregating non - compliance events detected by building control assets arranged at and below the newly selected different specific hierarchical level of the spatial stratification model over a period of time. Generate an updated healthy building dashboard that includes a representation of aggregated non - compliance events for each healthy building standard among at least some healthy building standards among one or more healthy building standards, the non - compliance events being detected by building control assets arranged at and below the newly selected different specific hierarchical level of the spatial stratification model, as shown in block 210. The updated healthy building dashboard is displayed on a display, as shown in block 212.

[0071] In some scenarios, method 190 further includes, for each of at least some of the one or more healthy building criteria, aggregating non - compliance events for each of two or more hierarchical levels of the spatial hierarchical model, as shown in block 214. In some scenarios, method 190 may further include, for each of at least some of the one or more healthy building criteria, simultaneously displaying a representation of the aggregated non - compliance events for each of two or more hierarchical levels of the spatial hierarchical model, as shown in block 216.

[0072] In some cases, method 190 may further include forming a spatial hierarchical model. The spatial hierarchical model may be formed as, for example Figures 4 to 7 shown. As a specific example, the spatial hierarchical model may be formed by receiving user input via one or more screens to add and name each of one or more first - level spaces in a first level of the spatial hierarchical model, and receiving user input via one or more screens to select a selected one of the first - level spaces in the first level of the spatial hierarchical model, and adding and naming each of one or more sub - level spaces that are spatial parts of the selected first - level space in a second level of the spatial hierarchical model. A graphical representation of the one or more first - level spaces and the one or more corresponding sub - level spaces may be displayed. A list of at least some of the multiple building control assets may be displayed. User input may be received to assign a selected building control asset from the list of at least some of the multiple building control assets to the selected sub - level space.

[0073] In some scenarios, receiving user input to assign a selected building control asset from the list of at least some of the multiple building control assets to the selected sub - level space may include dragging and dropping the selected building control asset from the list of at least some of the multiple building control assets to the selected sub - level space. In some cases, receiving user input via one or more screens to add and name each of one or more first - level spaces in a first level of the spatial hierarchical model may include receiving a selection of an add new space icon, displaying a pop - up menu in response to the selection of the add new space icon, and receiving the name of at least one of the one or more first - level spaces.

[0074] Figure 11is a flowchart showing an illustrative method 220 for monitoring compliance with healthy building standards within a spatial hierarchical model, the illustrative method providing spatial context to a plurality of building control assets arranged within a plurality of hierarchical levels of the spatial hierarchical model. Method 220 includes identifying a non-compliance event for one or more healthy building standards that do not comply with healthy building guidelines, the non-compliance event being detected by building control assets arranged at and below a particular hierarchical level of the spatial hierarchical model, as shown in block 222. For each healthy building standard among the one or more healthy building standards, aggregate the non-compliance events detected by building control assets arranged at and below a particular hierarchical level of the spatial hierarchical model over a period of time, as shown in block 224. Generate a healthy building dashboard that includes a representation of the aggregated non-compliance events for each healthy building standard among at least some of the one or more healthy building standards, the non-compliance events being detected by building control assets arranged at and below a particular hierarchical level of the spatial hierarchical model, as shown in block 226. Display the healthy building dashboard on a display, as shown in block 228. In some cases, non-compliance events for one or more healthy building standards that do not comply with healthy building guidelines may include one or more of a non-compliant occupancy level, non-compliant social distancing behavior, non-compliant mask behavior, and elevated body temperature.

[0075] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an illustrative method 230 for monitoring compliance with healthy building standards within a spatial hierarchical model, the illustrative method providing spatial context to a plurality of building control assets arranged within a plurality of hierarchical levels of the spatial hierarchical model, at least some of the plurality of building control assets including video cameras. Method 230 includes allowing a user to select a particular hierarchical level of the spatial hierarchical model, as shown in block 232. Obtain a video stream from a video camera arranged at or below a particular hierarchical level of the spatial hierarchical model over a period of time, as shown in block 234. Perform video analysis on the video stream over a period of time to identify non-compliance events for one or more healthy building standards that do not comply with healthy building guidelines, as shown in block 236.

[0076] For each of one or more healthy building criteria, aggregate non - compliance events detected by video cameras disposed at and below a particular hierarchical level of a spatial hierarchical model, as shown in block 238. Generate a healthy building dashboard that includes a representation of the aggregated non - compliance events for each of at least some of the one or more healthy building criteria, the non - compliance events being detected by video cameras disposed at and below a particular hierarchical level of a spatial hierarchical model, as shown in block 240. Display the healthy building dashboard, as shown in block 242.

[0077] Figures 13 to 18 is a screenshot showing the creation of a spatial hierarchical model. In Figure 13 it, screen 250 is seen. Screen 250 includes a workspace 252 where the user can construct a spatial hierarchical model in an intuitive manner. As shown, a hierarchical level object 254 labeled "Oracle" has been created on the workspace 252. The hierarchical level object 254 is accompanied by an ADD NEW FOLDER button 256 and an ADD MULTIPLE NEW FOLDERS button 258. These options are replicated in a pop - up menu 260, along with a delete folder option. In some cases, the pop - up menu 260 may appear due to the hierarchical level object 254 being selected. It can be seen that the hierarchical level object 254 is highlighted, meaning that the hierarchical level object 254 has been selected. Screen 250 also includes an asset list 262. It can be seen that each asset within the asset list 262 includes the name of the asset, the IP address, and may include the current allocation of that particular asset. Figures 14 to 18 An example of creating a spatial hierarchical model will be shown step - by - step, starting with the hierarchical level object 254.

[0078] Figure 14 Screen 270 is shown. Screen 270 is similar to screen 250, but includes a pop - up box 272 that allows the user to create multiple new folders under the hierarchical level object 254. The remainder of screen 270 separate from the pop - up box 272 can be a grayscale version of screen 250 to make it easier for the user to understand that they should interact with the pop - up box 272. Since the user has selected (regarding Figure 13)When the ADD MULTIPLE FOLDERS button 258 or the appropriate option within the pop - up menu 260 is selected, the pop - up box 272 can appear. It can be seen that the pop - up box 272 identifies the hierarchical level (hierarchical level 254, labeled "Oracle") where the new folder will be placed. The pop - up box 272 includes a space 274 where the user can type the name of the new folder. The user has entered a new folder named "Ground Floor" and a new folder named "First Floor". The pop - up box 272 will allow the user to keep entering the name of the new folder to be created under the hierarchical level object 254 until the user selects the CANCEL button 276 or the CREATE 2 FOLDERS button 278. It should be understood that the count within the name of the button 278 will change depending on how many new folders are created. It should be understood that a similar pop - up box can be displayed in response to the user selecting the ADD NEW FOLDER button 256 or the corresponding option within the pop - up menu 260, but only a single new folder will be added.

[0079] When the user selects the CREATE 2 FOLDERS button 278, the screen 290 is displayed as shown in FIG. 15. The screen 290 includes the hierarchical level object 254, but now also includes a hierarchical level object 292 labeled "Ground Floor" and a hierarchical level object 294 labeled "First Floor". It can be seen that the hierarchical level objects 292 and 294 are indented from the hierarchical level object 254, indicating that the hierarchical level objects 292 and 294 are sub - levels relative to the hierarchical level object 254, and both "Ground Floor" and "First Floor" are within the hierarchical level object labeled "Oracle". In this example, "Oracle" can be the name of a building.

[0080] Figure 16 The screen 310 that can be displayed due to the user selecting the hierarchical level object 292 labeled "Ground Floor" in the screen 290 is shown. Figure 16 It can be seen that the hierarchical level object 292 has been highlighted. Since the hierarchical level object 292 has been selected, the pop - up menu 312 is displayed. The pop - up menu 312 includes options to create a new folder in "Ground Floor", create multiple folders in "Ground Floor", or delete a folder. Selecting multiple folders causes the screen 320 to be displayed, as Figure 17 shown.

[0081] Figure 17Displays screen 320. Screen 320 is similar to screen 310, but includes a pop-up box 322. In some cases, except for the pop-up box 322, screen 320 is the same as screen 310, but all events excluding the pop-up box 322 are grayed out to make it easier for the user to understand that they should interact with the pop-up box 322.

[0082] It can be seen that the pop-up box 322 identifies the hierarchical level (hierarchical level object 292, labeled "Ground Floor") where the new folder will be placed. The pop-up box 322 includes a space 324 where the user can type the name of the new folder. The user has entered new folders named "Reception", "Server Room", "Office Supplies", "Healthcare", and "Elevator Area". The pop-up box 322 will allow the user to keep entering the names of new folders to be created under the hierarchical level object 292 until the user selects the CANCEL button 326 or the CREATE 5 FOLDERS button 328. It should be understood that the count within the name of the button 328 will change depending on how many new folders are created. It should be understood that a similar pop-up box may be displayed in response to the user having selected the ADD NEW FOLDER button 256 or the corresponding option within the pop-up menu 312, but only a single new folder will be added. Selecting the CREATE 5 FOLDERS button 328 will cause screen 340 to be displayed, as Figure 18 shown.

[0083] It can be seen that the spatial hierarchical model displayed within the workspace 252 has grown. The spatial hierarchical model still includes the hierarchical level object 254 labeled "Oracle", the hierarchical level object 292 labeled "Ground Floor", and the hierarchical level object 294 labeled "First Floor", and also includes additional hierarchical level objects that are at a sub-level relative to the hierarchical level object 292 and at a grandchild level relative to the hierarchical level object 254. These new hierarchical levels include the hierarchical level object 342 labeled "Reception", the hierarchical level object 344 labeled "Server Room", the hierarchical level object 346 labeled "Office Supplies", the hierarchical level object 348 labeled "Healthcare", and the hierarchical level object 350 labeled "Elevator Area". It should be understood that additional sub-hierarchical level objects can be created relative to the hierarchical level object 294 labeled "First Floor", and additional hierarchical level objects can be added relative to the hierarchical level object 254 labeled "Oracle", such as "Second Floor", "Third Floor", etc. or perhaps a parking lot.

[0084] Figure 19 An illustrative screen 360 is shown, which shows the assignment of assets to a specific level of the spatial hierarchical model created in Figure 1 3 to Figure 1 8. In this example, the asset 362 included in the asset list 262 is assigned to the hierarchical level object 342 labeled "Reception Area". This can be achieved by dragging the asset 362 from the asset list 262 and dropping the asset 362 onto the desired hierarchical level, which in this case is the hierarchical level object 342. The pop-up box 364 identifies the asset 362, which serves as a double-check that the correct asset has been assigned to the desired hierarchical level object. The asset 362 is also highlighted within the asset list 262, and the target hierarchical level object 342 is also highlighted. It should be understood that this process can be repeated until all desired assets have been correctly assigned to the appropriate hierarchical level objects. As the spatial hierarchical model is constructed in this way, a powerful tool is created that allows the user to capture global information while also being able to drill down to specific hierarchical levels or even specific installed and assigned assets.

[0085] Figure 20Examples of allocated additional assets are provided. The spatial hierarchy model includes the same hierarchical level objects 254, 292, 294, 442, 344, 346, 348, and 350, as shown in the previous figures. The entrance camera 382 has been allocated to the hierarchical level object 342 labeled "Reception". The controller 384 and the camera 386 have been allocated to the hierarchical level object 344 labeled "Server Room". The camera 388 has been allocated to the hierarchical level object 346 labeled "Office Supplies". The reader 390 and the camera 392 have been allocated to the hierarchical level object 348 labeled "Healthcare". The camera 394 has been allocated to the hierarchical level object 350 labeled "Elevator Area".

[0086] Once the spatial hierarchy model has been created and put into use, the user may want to search within the spatial hierarchy model. For example, the search and / or filtering can be performed using the name or a partial name of the hierarchical level object. For example, perhaps the user wants to see the assets allocated to each "Reception" area in the company,

[0087] scattered in multiple buildings in multiple geographical regions. The user can search and / or filter the search results for "reception" to obtain this information. The search and / or filtering can be performed using the name or a partial name of the assets allocated to various hierarchical level objects. For example, the user can decide that they want to see the location of each access control device in the building. For example, they can search for "access control" or "reader" or something similar.

[0088] Another way the user can search and / or filter the search results is by using something that can be called tags. Referring to Figures 13 to 20 , it can be seen that each of the displayed hierarchical level objects 254, 292, 294, 442, 344, 346, 348, and 350 includes an "Add Tags" icon as part of the displayed hierarchical level object. Referring specifically to Figure 20 , it can be seen that the camera 394 under the hierarchical level object 350 includes a tag 396 that reads "Elevator". For example, this provides an easy way to find all the assets associated with the elevator. In Figure 20 , it can be seen that the hierarchical level object 292 labeled "GroundFloor" includes an Add Tags icon 398. In fact, each of the displayed hierarchical level objects and the allocated assets includes an Add Tags icon 398,

[0089] Although not labeled for simplicity, each Add Tags icon 398 is not shown. Selecting an “Add Tags” icon 398 causes screen 400 to be displayed as Figure 21 shown.

[0090] Figure 21 A screen 400 similar to screen 380 is provided, but includes a pop-up box 402 that can be used to add tags. Tags that have been used can be added, or new tags can be created. The pop-up box 402 includes a box 404 that allows the user to enter the name of the tag they wish to assign to a specific hierarchical level object or assigned asset. The pop-up box 402 includes a list 406 of recently used tags that allows the user to easily select one of those tags rather than having to re-type the name into box 404. The pop-up box 402 also includes a SAVE AND EXIT button 408 that, when selected

[0091] creates a new tag and its association with the hierarchical level object or assigned asset. It should be understood that the pop-up box 402 shows the creation and assignment of the tag 396 that reads “Elevator” in Figure 20 .

[0092] Figure 22 is a screenshot of screen 420, which shows a spatial hierarchical model created in Figure 13 to Figure 18 displayed in tabular format. Screen 420 shows a portion of a spreadsheet that can be displayed using various software such as, but not limited to, Microsoft Excel, Apple Numbers, Google Sheets, Quip, EtherCalc, ZohoSheets, LibreOffice, Apache OpenOffice Calc, Smartsheet, and Airtable, etc. Figure 22 An example using Microsoft Excel is provided, but of course, other spreadsheet software, etc. can be utilized as needed.

[0093] Screen 420 shows multiple columns, including a type column 422, a name column 424, a parent column 426, a device type column 428, an IP column 430, and a tag 1 column 432. It should be understood that screen 420 includes Figure 13 to Figure 18The same information about the spatial hierarchy model, just in different formats. Row 434 of the spreadsheet has a folder type and name "Oracle". This corresponds to the hierarchical level object 254 labeled "Oracle". Row 436 has a folder type, name "Ground Floor", and the parent of "Oracle". This corresponds to the hierarchical level object 292 labeled "Ground Floor". Row 438 of the spreadsheet has a folder type, name "First Floor", and the parent of "Oracle". This corresponds to the hierarchical level object 294 labeled "First Floor". Similarly, row 438 of the spreadsheet corresponds to the hierarchical level object 342 labeled "Reception". Row 440 of the spreadsheet corresponds to the hierarchical level object 344 labeled "Server Room". Row 442 of the spreadsheet corresponds to the hierarchical level object 346 labeled "Office Supplies". Row 444 of the spreadsheet corresponds to the hierarchical level object 348 labeled "Healthcare". Row 446 of the spreadsheet corresponds to the hierarchical level object 350 labeled "Elevator Area". Row 448 of the spreadsheet corresponds to the hierarchical level object 294 labeled "First Floor". It should be understood that similar inferences can be made between the devices shown in Figure 22 the devices shown and, for example, Figure 20 those shown in Figure 20 . For example, device 450 with the name "Camera4 (Camera 4)" corresponds to

[0094] Figure 23Screen 460 is provided that shows an alternative way of creating a spatial hierarchical model. Very similar to screen 420, screen 460 can be displayed by any preferred spreadsheet software, etc. For this particular example, Microsoft Excel is used. Screen 460 includes a column 462 labeled "Space ID". This column increments by one for each row and provides a numerical identifier for the row and the hierarchical level object or device included in that particular row. Column 464 is labeled "Space Name" and provides the space for the name to be entered along with the "\" character indicating the depth. Using a single " / " character indicates a higher level than using two " / " characters. Using three " / " characters indicates a lower level than using two " / " characters. This is merely illustrative as any particular character can be chosen or used to indicate relative depth. Column 466 labeled "SpaceType" provides space for the user to enter this information.

[0095] In the spatial hierarchical model shown on screen 460, there are two regions named "US EAST" and "US WEST", as indicated by these names having a single " / " character before the name. Within the US EAST region, there is the "ATLANTA" site, and within the "ATLANTA" site, there is the "HONEYWELL MIDTOWN" building. There is also a "NEW JERSEY" site within the "US EAST" region, where the "HONEYWELL NJ OFFICE" building is within the "NEW JERSEY" site. Each site has two " / " characters before the site name, and each building has three " / " characters before the building name. Similarly, the "US WEST" region includes the "SAN FRANCISCO" site, where the "HONEYWELL SFD OFFICE" building is within the "SAN FRANCISCO" site. The "US WEST" region also includes the "SAN DIEGO" site, but no building has been entered within the "SAN DIEGO" site.

[0096] Figure 24It is a screenshot of screen 480 that provides the healthy building dashboard 482. The dashboard 482 includes a hierarchical level indicator 484 that notifies the user that the dashboard 482 is displaying aggregated data from a specific hierarchical level. It should be understood that in order to display aggregated data from a specific hierarchical level, this will include data from any and all sub - hierarchical levels and grand - sub - hierarchical levels relative to that specific hierarchical level. In this particular example, the hierarchical level 484 reads "All Spaces". The dashboard 482 includes a time frame drop - down menu 486 that allows the user to display information for a desired time frame. The drop - down menu 486 can include any desired time frame selected from, such as "Past 24 Hours", "Past Week", "Past 15 Days", "Past 30 Days", "Past Year", etc. In some cases, the drop - down menu 486 can instead provide a calendar from which the user can select a start point and an end point. The drop - down menu 486 can instead be a box in which the user can directly type in a desired time frame or specific start and end points. As shown, the drop - down menu 486 reads "Past 15 Days". The dashboard 482 includes a date indicator 488 that provides the actual dates corresponding to the time frame selected using the drop - down menu 486.

[0097] Since the hierarchical level indicator 484 reads "All Spaces", for each specific healthy building standard, the aggregated data displayed within the dashboard 482 represents the sum of events related to that specific healthy building standard, not only for the selected hierarchical level but also for all sub - hierarchical levels and grand - sub - hierarchical levels under the selected hierarchical level. For this example, assume that the space hierarchical model represented by the dashboard 482 is the same as the Figure 23 space hierarchical model shown in.

[0098] The dashboard 482 includes a "COMPLIANCE OVERVIEW" section 490 that shows the aggregated totals for each displayed healthy building standard from the selected hierarchical level (as indicated by the hierarchical level indicator 484) and all sub - levels. In this example, the COMPLIANCE OVERVIEW section 490 includes a CAPACITY indicator 490a, an INCIDENTS indicator 490b, a NO MASKS indicator 490c, and an ELEVATED BODY TEMPERATURE indicator 490d. As indicated, in the last 15 days, during the time period "January 17, 2021 to January 31, 2021", the average capacity without incidents exceeded the capacity limit, and there were a total of 250 open incidents.

[0099] There are 30 incidents where people are not wearing masks and 10 incidents where people are found to have elevated body temperatures.

[0100] The dashboard 482 can also display additional details. For example, the dashboard 482 provides a graphical representation 492 that indicates that for the selected time period and for the selected hierarchical level, the average occupancy rate has a capacity of 80.7%. In this case, the capacity can indicate the sum of the actual capacity limits of each included facility, such as but not limited to the capacity limits set by the fire department for a particular facility. The capacity can alternatively indicate a reduced number of capacities, such as 25% capacity or 50% capacity guided by infectious disease protocols. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many local governments have guided such reduced capacity numbers. The dashboard 482 can also include a graphical representation 494 of the actual occupancy rate over time. Although there are several transient periods where the actual occupancy rate exceeds the capacity limit, it can be seen that overall the average occupancy rate does not. In some cases, the graphical representation 494 can use, for example, different colors to indicate the time when the actual occupancy rate exceeds the capacity.

[0101] In some cases, selecting the hierarchical level indicator 484 can cause the screen 500 to be displayed, as shown in FIG. 25. The screen 500 includes the dashboard 482, although the drop-down menu 502 provides options for controlling the content displayed on the dashboard 482. The drop-down menu 502 includes a FILTER option 504 that can be used to filter the displayed content. The drop-down menu 502 includes a search option 506 that can be used to initiate a SEARCH. The drop-down menu 502 also includes a spatial hierarchical model indicator 508. It should be understood that the spatial hierarchical model indicator 508 will typically be much larger than shown and thus the spatial hierarchical model indicator 508 can include a scroll bar (not shown) that allows the user to move vertically within the spatial hierarchical model indicator 508. It should be understood that the spatial hierarchical model indicator 508 matches the one shown in Figure 23 As shown, the spatial hierarchical model indicator 508 also includes an indicator 510 displayed opposite the ATLANTA site and an indicator 512 displayed opposite the SAN FRANCISCO site. These indicators 510, 512, if displayed, can include numbers displayed within the indicators 510, 512 that notify the user that these particular hierarchical levels may have issues that require attention.

[0102] As shown in the figure, checking all the boxes means that the aggregated data displayed within the dashboard 482 includes all the data from the US EAST region and the US WEST region. The US EAST region includes the ATLANTA site, which itself includes the "Honeywell Midtown" building and the NEW JERSEY site, which itself includes the "Honeywell NJ Office" building. The US WEST region includes the SAN FRANCISCO site, which itself includes the "Honeywell SF Office" building and the SAN DIEGO site, which does not yet have any buildings indicated.

[0103] If, for example, the US EAST box is checked (instead of checking the "Select All" box), of course, the ATLANTA site and the "Honeywell Midtown" building will also be checked. The aggregated data displayed on the dashboard 482 will include only the data aggregated from each of the ATLANTA site and the "Honeywell Midtown" building. It should be understood that the ATLANTA site may include multiple buildings, but in this example, only one building has been entered so far. To continue the example, occupancy sensors within the "Honeywell Midtown" building may provide a signal indicating a particular room in which the occupancy sensor has been installed and assigned. This signal will indicate a potential problem in this particular room in the "Honeywell Midtown" building. For example, this signal will also indicate a potential problem on the particular floor that includes this particular room. A building can be further divided into areas or sections, and this signal will also indicate a problem within any area or section that includes the particular room to which the particular sensor is assigned. This signal will also indicate a problem with the ATLANTA site and the US EAST region.

[0104] If the US EAST box is checked, then for the "Honeywell Midtown" building, the occupancy data that may be displayed on dashboard 482 will include the aggregation of signals from each occupancy sensor within the "Honeywell Midtown" building. Continuing the example, the occupancy data that may be displayed on dashboard 482 at the ATLANTA site will include the occupancy data from the "Honeywell Midtown" building and any other buildings (not shown) within the ATLANTA site. The occupancy data that may be displayed on dashboard 482 in the US EAST region will include the aggregated occupancy data for the ATLANTA site, the NEWJERSEY site, and any other sites (not yet entered) allocated within the US EAST region.

[0105] Although several illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been thus described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other embodiments may 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 may be made to the details, particularly details relating to the shape, size, arrangement of parts, and the 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 for constructing a spatial hierarchical model of multiple building control assets, the spatial hierarchical model being configured to provide a spatial context of the multiple building control assets in the building to an operator when the operator monitors and / or controls the multiple building control assets in the building, the method comprising: Receiving user input via one or more screens to add and name each of one or more first-level spaces in the building at a first level of the spatial hierarchical model to construct the spatial hierarchical model; Receiving user input via one or more screens to select a selected one of the first-level spaces in the spatial hierarchical model and to add and name each of one or more sub-level spaces that are spatial parts of the selected first-level space in the building at a second level of the spatial hierarchical model to continue constructing the spatial hierarchical model; Simultaneously displaying: A graphical representation of at least a portion of the spatial hierarchical model during construction of the spatial hierarchical model; And A list of at least some of the multiple building control assets available for the user to add to the spatial hierarchical model; And Accepting user input to assign one or more selected building control assets from the displayed list of at least some of the multiple building control assets to a selected sub-level space within the spatial hierarchical model displayed simultaneously with the one or more selected building control assets.

2. The method according to claim 1, the method further comprising: Deploying the spatial hierarchical model; And Using the deployed spatial hierarchical model to monitor and / or control at least some of the multiple building control assets.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein receiving user input to assign a selected building control asset from the list of at least some of the multiple building control assets to one or more selected sub-level spaces comprises dragging and dropping one or more selected building control assets from the displayed list of at least some of the multiple building control assets into the selected sub-level space displayed simultaneously with the one or more selected building control assets.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein receiving user input via one or more screens to add and name each of one or more first-level spaces in the building at the first level of the spatial hierarchical model comprises: Receiving a selection of an add new space icon; In response to the selection of the add new space icon, displaying a pop-up menu; And Receiving a name of at least one of the one or more first-level spaces.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein receiving user input via one or more screens to select a selected first-level space in the first-level space of the spatial hierarchical model and adding and naming, in the second level of the spatial hierarchical model, each sub-level space of one or more sub-level spaces of the building that are spatial parts of the selected first-level space of the building includes: Receiving a selection of a selected first-level space in the first-level space; Receiving a selection of an add new space icon; In response to the selection of the add new space icon, displaying a pop-up menu; And Receiving a name for at least one sub-level space of the one or more sub-level spaces.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the list of at least some of the plurality of building control assets shown includes building control assets that are connected and visible on a building control network that uses the spatial hierarchical model for monitoring and / or control.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein displaying the list of at least some of the plurality of building control assets includes filtering the plurality of building control assets using filtering criteria and only showing the building control assets that meet the filtering criteria.

8. The method according to claim 1, the method further comprising displaying a visual indication of building control assets of the plurality of building control assets that have not been assigned.

9. The method according to claim 1, the method further comprising assigning a unique identifier to each of the one or more first-level spaces, the one or more sub-level spaces, and the one or more building control assets assigned to the sub-level spaces.

10. A system for monitoring and / or controlling a plurality of building control assets of a building, the system comprising: Input / output, the input / output being operatively coupled to the plurality of building control assets; A display; One or more processors, the one or more processors being operatively coupled to the input / output and the display, the one or more processors being configured to: Display on the display one or more screens that allow a user to add and name each first-level space of one or more first-level spaces of the building in a first level of a spatial hierarchical model; Display on the display one or more screens that allow the user to select a selected first-level space in the first-level space of the spatial hierarchical model and add and name, in a second level of the spatial hierarchical model, each sub-level space of one or more sub-level spaces of the building that are spatial parts of the selected first-level space of the building to continue building the spatial hierarchical model, wherein one or more of the screens includes an option to add multiple folders that allows the user to effectively add multiple sub-level spaces to the selected first-level space of the building; In response to a user selecting the option to add multiple folders, one or more additional screens are displayed on the display, the one or more additional screens being configured to receive names input by the user for each of the multiple folders, each folder defining a sub-level space of the selected first-level space of the building, and adding each of the multiple folders with all the names input by the user to the second level of the space hierarchy model under the selected first-level space of the building; Simultaneously display the following: A graphical representation of at least a portion of the space hierarchy model when constructing the space hierarchy model; And A list of at least some of the building control assets of the multiple building control assets available for the user to add to the space hierarchy model; Accept user input to assign one or more selected building control assets from the displayed list of at least some of the building control assets of the multiple building control assets to a selected sub-level space within the space hierarchy model displayed simultaneously with the one or more selected building control assets; And Accept user input to monitor and / or control at least some of the building control assets of the multiple building control assets using the space hierarchy model.

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