Field device and method for controlling near field communication via near field communication system of field device

Abstract

A field device (130) of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (100) and a method for controlling near field communication via a near field communication system (131) of the field device (130), the field device (130) comprising: a microcontroller configured to control the field device (130); a near field communication system connected to the microcontroller and comprising a near field communication chip and an antenna, where the near field communication system is configured for near field communication with a near field communication device (170), where the near field communication system is configured to control the near field communication in response to receiving a control signal from the microcontroller or the near field communication device (170).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a field device and a method for controlling near field communication via a near field communication system of the field device. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a field device, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system including the field device, a method for controlling near field communication via a near field communication system of the field device, and a computer program product for controlling near field communication via a near field communication system of the field device. Background Art

[0002] A heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC system for short) is a system that uses various techniques to control temperature, humidity, purity and / or other parameters in an enclosed space or at least partially enclosed space. Conventional HVAC systems include, for example, heating systems, cooling systems and / or ventilation systems to control the above parameters of the enclosed space. For example, an enclosed space is a building or a specific area within a building.

[0003] In order to control and adjust the above parameters of the enclosed space, the HVAC system conventionally includes at least one field device. For example, the field device is a sensor unit, an actuator unit, a valve unit, a damper unit or a combination of the above units. The field device measures, for example, a temperature value, which is transmitted to the central unit of the HVAC system for processing. The central unit can use the received temperature value to control a specific valve unit (field device) of the HVAC system to increase or decrease the amount of fluid flow, thereby increasing or decreasing the temperature in the enclosed space.

[0004] A particularly important aspect of HVAC systems is the correct configuration and adjustment of the system upon commissioning / startup of the HVAC system. Different components of the HVAC system, such as the central unit and / or field devices, may have to be adjusted and configured. The initial configuration may be performed via a near field communication (NFC) interface between the central unit / field devices and a commissioning device. The commissioning device is, for example, a specific device that an operator uses to configure specific field devices and / or additional components of the HVAC system. Commissioning an HVAC system via an available NFC interface is relatively simple, since no wired connection is required between the specific device and the field devices to be commissioned.

[0005] This relatively easy access possibility to the HVAC system also provides a relatively easy access point to the HVAC system for third parties. In order to avoid such accidental access or intrusion into the HVAC system, the HVAC system may include barriers to avoid accidental access by third parties. A conventional barrier to accessing an HVAC system is to place the different components / units of the HVAC system in restricted areas of a building, which require specific access rights. However, in this scenario, the HVAC system itself is not protected from accidental access by third parties. In particular, during a construction phase or renovation phase of a building, the restricted areas may not always be closed to third parties, which may allow third parties to access the HVAC system. Further, the HVAC system or different components of the HVAC system may be attacked during transportation or installation. Summary of the invention

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a field device and a method for controlling near field communication of a field device. In particular, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a field device and a method for controlling near field communication of a field device which do not have at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, these objects are addressed by the features of the independent claims. Furthermore, further advantageous embodiments result from the dependent claims and the description.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a field device of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is specifically described. The field device includes: a microcontroller configured to control the field device; a near field communication system connected to the microcontroller and including a near field communication chip and an antenna, the near field communication system is configured to perform near field communication with the near field communication device, wherein the near field communication system is configured to control the near field communication in response to receiving a control signal from the microcontroller or the near field communication device.

[0009] In an embodiment, the near field communication system is configured to disable the near field communication in response to identifying a disable signal in the control signal, or the near field communication system is configured to enable the near field communication in response to identifying an enable signal in the control signal. The control signal includes a disable signal or an enable signal that can be recognized by the near field communication system.

[0010] In an embodiment, the field device further comprises a power supply terminal configured to supply power to the field device, and the microcontroller is configured to detect a lack of power supply on the power supply terminal, and upon detecting the lack of power supply, send a control signal including a disable signal to the near field communication system. In a further embodiment, the microcontroller is configured to detect a presence of power supply on the power supply terminal, and upon detecting the presence of power supply, send a control signal including an enable signal to the near field communication system.

[0011] In an embodiment, the field device comprises a power monitoring system, the power monitoring system being configured to monitor the power supply terminal, and wherein the power monitoring system is configured to transmit current power supply information to the microcontroller and / or the near field communication device. The power supply information can be used to determine the absence / presence of power supply to the field device via the power supply terminal.

[0012] In an embodiment, the field device further comprises a bus interface and / or an Ethernet interface configured to transmit data from and to the field device, and the microcontroller is configured to detect a missing interface connection and, upon detecting the missing interface connection, send a control signal comprising a disable signal to the near field communication system.

[0013] In another embodiment, the microcontroller is configured to detect the presence of an interface connection, and upon detecting the presence of an interface connection, send a control signal including a disable signal to the near field communication system. In this embodiment, accidental access to a remote server from a near field communication device via a field device can be prevented.

[0014] In an embodiment, the microcontroller includes an energy buffer configured to supply electrical energy to the microcontroller, wherein the microcontroller is configured to use energy from the energy buffer to send a control signal to the near field communication system. For example, the energy buffer is a small battery that provides electrical energy to the microcontroller when the power supply is not powered. In an embodiment, the energy buffer is a parasitic capacitor that still provides enough electrical energy for the microcontroller to send the disable signal. In an embodiment, the energy buffer is provided via the near field communication device. In an embodiment, the energy buffer is also used to supply electrical energy to the power monitoring system.

[0015] In an embodiment, the field device is configured to transmit power supply information to the near field communication device, and the near field communication system is configured to receive a control signal including a disable signal from the near field communication device in response to the power supply information indicating a lack of power supply.

[0016] In an embodiment, the power supply information comprises information about power supply of a microcontroller and / or a near field communication chip of the near field communication system. In a further embodiment, the power supply information is a missing response to a request from the near field communication device.

[0017] In an embodiment, the near field communication system is configured to permanently disable the near field communication in response to identifying a permanent disable signal in the control signal. In this embodiment, the control signal includes a permanent disable signal that can be identified by the near field communication system. The permanent disablement of the near field communication is irreversible. In other words, the permanent disable signal is a so-called "chip hunting" control signal or control command.

[0018] In an embodiment, the microcontroller is configured to detect configuration of the field device by the near field communication device via the near field communication system, and the near field communication system is configured to permanently disable the near field communication only after the configuration of the field device is detected. The permanent disable signal is, for example, sent before or after accessing and configuring the field device. Configuring the field device may include debugging the field device, adjusting settings of the field device, or performing initial settings on the field device.

[0019] In an embodiment, the near field communication system further comprises a switch element, which is configured to control the near field communication of the field device using a control signal, wherein the control by the switch element comprises interrupting or closing an internal connection of the near field communication chip or a connection between the near field communication chip and the microcontroller and / or the antenna. Thus, the switch element is configured to enable and / or disable the near field communication of the near field communication system.

[0020] In an embodiment, the switch element for controlling the near field communication comprises a fuse or is a fuse, preferably an electronic fuse. The fuse is particularly configured to permanently disable the near field communication. The electronic fuse is controlled, for example, by a microcontroller or a near field communication chip, for example, to interrupt the connection for disabling the near field communication.

[0021] In an embodiment, the microcontroller is configured to determine a current geographic location of the field device, compare the current geographic location of the field device with a predefined geographic area, and upon detecting that the current geographic location of the field device is outside the predefined geographic area, send a control signal including a disable signal to the near field communication system. In a further embodiment, the microcontroller is configured to send a control signal including an enable signal to the near field communication system upon detecting that the current geographic location of the field device is within the predefined geographic area. For example, the current geographic location is determined using a location detection unit of the field device or the near field communication device.

[0022] In an embodiment, the near field communication system disables near field communication as a default setting. In a further embodiment, the near field communication system receives a control signal including an enable signal based on specific attributes of the field device, such as power supply status, current geographic location and connection status and / or time specific attributes.

[0023] The predefined geographic area may be stored in the field device and / or the near field communication device. The predefined geographic area may also be stored in a remote server and may be retrieved by the near field communication device or the field device based on a specific field device. In an embodiment, the predefined geographic area is a predefined location of use of the field device. In other words, the predefined location of use may be an area of ​​a building where the field device is intended to be used. In another embodiment, the predefined geographic area is a continent, a country or a region within a country, a building within a region, or a building portion of a building.

[0024] In an embodiment, control signals including the enable signal are only received by the near field communication system during one or more predefined time spans.

[0025] In an embodiment, the near field communication system is configured to control the near field communication in response to receiving a control signal from a microcontroller or a near field communication device via a building automation system (BAS). A building automation system is a system in a building that connects different field devices, servers and / or access devices in a specific area of ​​a building or a building. A control signal (including, for example, an enable signal or a disable signal) is, for example, sent from a network infrastructure (inside or outside) to a building automation system, which, for example, sends the control signal to a field device, in particular to a microcontroller of the field device, via its bus connection, which further sends the control signal to the near field communication system. For example, an operator accesses a local or remote building automation system via a network infrastructure or a mobile device for sending a control signal. In a further embodiment, a control signal is sent from a building automation system to a near field communication device, which transmits the control signal to a field device, in particular to a near field communication device. In this case, the control signal is received by the near field communication system via the building automation system and the near field communication device, for example, sent or triggered via a remote server.

[0026] In further aspects of the present disclosure, a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is described, the system including the field device described above or below.

[0027] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling near field communications via a near field communications system of a field device of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is described, the method comprising:

[0028] receiving, by the near field communication system, a control signal sent from a microcontroller of the field device or from a near field communication device, the near field communication device being configured for near field communication with the near field communication system; and

[0029] By the near field communication system, the near field communication is controlled in response to the received control signal.

[0030] In an embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0031] disabling, by the near field communication system, near field communication in response to identifying a disabling signal in the control signal; or

[0032] By the near field communication system, near field communication is enabled in response to identifying the enable signal in the control signal.

[0033] In an embodiment, the method further comprises: determining, by the microcontroller, a missing power supply on a power supply terminal of the field device; after detecting the missing power supply, sending, by the microcontroller, a control signal including a disabling signal to the near field communication system.

[0034] In an embodiment, the method includes receiving, by a microcontroller, current power supply information from a power monitoring system configured to monitor the power supply of a field device, wherein when the current power supply information from the power monitoring system is used to determine that the power supply is missing, a control signal sent from the microcontroller or from a near field communication device to disable near field communication is received by the near field communication system. The current power supply information or current power supply information includes information or data of the current power supply of the field device. In other words, the latest or most recent information of the power supply of the field device.

[0035] In an embodiment, the method comprises receiving, by a near field communication system, a control signal comprising a disabling signal, the control signal being sent from a microcontroller or from a near field communication device in a case where a missing bus connection via a bus interface of the field device and / or a missing connection via an Ethernet interface of the field device is determined by the microcontroller or the near field communication device.

[0036] In an embodiment, the method further comprises sending the control signal to the near field communication system via the microcontroller using energy from an energy buffer in the field device, the energy buffer being configured to supply electrical energy to the microcontroller.

[0037] In an embodiment, the method further comprises transmitting power supply information to the near field communication device by the field device and receiving a control signal including a disable signal by the near field communication system, the control signal being sent from the near field communication device when the transmitted power supply information indicates a lack of power supply to the field device.

[0038] In an embodiment, controlling the near field communication comprises permanently disabling the near field communication by the near field communication system in response to identifying the permanent disabling signal in the control signal.

[0039] In an embodiment, the method further comprises detecting, by the microcontroller, a configuration of the field device via the near field communication system and permanently disabling the near field communication only after the configuration of the field device has been detected.

[0040] In an embodiment, controlling the near field communication comprises interrupting or closing an internal connection of the near field communication chip or a connection between the near field communication chip and a microcontroller or an antenna by a switch element of the near field communication system.

[0041] In an embodiment, the method further includes: determining a current geographic location of the field device through a microcontroller; comparing the current geographic location with a predefined geographic area through the microcontroller; and after detecting that the current geographic location of the field device is outside the predefined geographic area, sending a control signal including a disable signal to the near field communication system through the microcontroller; or receiving a control signal including a disable signal from the near field communication device through the near field communication system in response to the current geographic location of the near field communication device being outside the predefined geographic area.

[0042] The predefined geographic area may be stored in the field device and / or the near field communication device. The predefined geographic area may also be stored in a remote server and may be retrieved by the near field communication device based on a specific field device. In an embodiment, the predefined geographic area is a predefined location of use of the field device. In other words, the predefined location of use may be an area of ​​a building where the field device is intended to be used.

[0043] In an embodiment, the method further comprises disabling the near field communication as a default setting as an initial step. In a further embodiment, the method comprises receiving a control signal including an enabling signal from a microcontroller or a near field communication device via a near field communication system based on specific attributes of the field device, such as power supply status, current geographical location and connection status and / or time specific attributes.

[0044] In an embodiment, the method comprises receiving, by a near field communication system, a control signal comprising an enabling signal, the control signal being sent from a microcontroller or a near field communication device only during one or more predefined time spans. According to this embodiment, for example, the reception of the control signal is possible only during a predefined time span.

[0045] In an embodiment, the method for controlling near field communication via a near field communication system of a field device further comprises receiving, by the near field communication system, a control signal sent from a building automation system (BAS) via a microcontroller or a near field communication device. The control signal (including, for example, an enable signal or a disable signal) is, for example, sent from a network infrastructure (internal or external) to a building automation system, which, for example, sends the control signal to the field device, in particular to a microcontroller of the field device, via its bus connection, and the microcontroller further sends the control signal to the near field communication system. For example, an operator accesses a local or remote building automation system via a network infrastructure or a mobile device for sending the control signal. In a further embodiment, the control signal is sent from the building automation system to a near field communication device, which transmits the control signal to the field device, in particular to the near field communication system. In this case, the control signal is received by the near field communication system via the building automation system and the near field communication device, for example, sent or triggered via a remote server.

[0046] In a further aspect, a computer program product is embodied, the computer program product including computer program code configured to direct a field device of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system such that the field device performs the above and below steps.

[0047] In still another aspect, a computer-readable medium, particularly a non-transitory computer-readable medium, is specifically described, which has a computer program code stored therein, and the computer program code is configured to instruct a field device of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system so that the field device performs the above-mentioned and following steps. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] The present disclosure will be explained in more detail by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0049] Figure 1 : shows a first block diagram schematically illustrating an HVAC system including field devices,

[0050] Figure 2 : Shown schematically illustrates the Figure 1 A second block diagram of an HVAC system showing the field devices in more detail,

[0051] Figure 3 : Shown schematically illustrates the Figure 2 The third block diagram of the field device shown,

[0052] Figure 4 : shows a first flow chart illustrating a sequence of steps for controlling near field communication of a field device,

[0053] Figure 5 : shows a second flow chart illustrating a first sequence of steps for disabling near field communication of a field device,

[0054] Figure 6 : shows a third flow chart illustrating a second sequence of steps for disabling near field communication of a field device,

[0055] Figure 7 : showing a fourth flow chart illustrating a third sequence of steps for disabling near field communication of a field device,

[0056] Figure 8 : shows a fifth flow chart illustrating a first sequence of steps for permanently disabling near field communication of a field device,

[0057] Fig. 9 : shows a sixth flow chart illustrating a second sequence of steps for permanently disabling near field communication of a field device,

[0058] Fig.10 : A seventh flow chart illustrating a third sequence of steps for permanently disabling near field communications of a field device is shown.

[0059] Fig.11 : An eighth flow chart illustrating a first sequence of steps for disabling near field communications of a field device using a current geographic location is shown.

[0060] Fig.12 : A ninth flow chart illustrating a second sequence of steps for disabling near field communications of a field device using a current geographic location is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Figure 1 (abbreviation: Figure 1 , as used in the figure) schematically shows a block diagram schematically illustrating an HVAC system 100. The HVAC system 100 includes a field device 130, which is configured to control a valve / damper / actuator 140 to control, for example, a fluid flow of the HVAC system 100. In this embodiment, the field device 130 transmits, for example, a torque to the valve / damper via a shaft, in which embodiment, the field device 130 forms, for example, an actuator unit. In another embodiment, the field device 130 is connected to a sensor 142 and is configured to receive and process sensor measurement data, in which embodiment, the field device 130 forms a sensor unit. In a further embodiment, the field device 130 can transmit control data to an actuator 140 (e.g., located outside the field device 130), which in turn generates a torque to control a driven component, such as a valve 140 or a damper 140. The field device 130 can also be a combination of the above-mentioned embodiments. Figure 1 It is further schematically shown that the field device 130 is connected to the building automation system 110 via a bus interface (ModBus, RS-485). Further, for example, other devices of the HVAC system 100 are also connected to the building automation system 110. Figure 1 In the present disclosure, the field device 130 is supplied with electric energy via the power supply unit 120. For example, the power supply unit 120 is a power grid of a building, a battery system and / or a combination of the above items. The power supply unit 120 provides electric energy to the field device 130 via a power supply terminal 121 having a voltage of, for example, 12 volts to 240 volts, preferably 24 volts or 230 volts.

[0062] Figure 1Further shown is an access possibility for an operator 180 to access / contact the field device 130. The operator 180 can control a PC / laptop 160, which is connected to a gateway 150 via a USB connection, which is connected to the field device 130 via a bus system. According to this embodiment, the field device 130 is accessible via the PC / laptop 160 for configuring, debugging or adapting the settings of the field device 130 or for reading data from the field device 130. The PC / laptop 160 is connected to a remote server 200 via a network infrastructure 190. The network infrastructure 190 uses, for example, a mobile data network, such as a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) or Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, and / or uses Wi-Fi, and / or other wireless area network (WLAN) types and standard short-range wireless communication interfaces. For example, the remote server 200 is configured to store data that is used by the PC / laptop 160 and / or different devices.

[0063] Figure 1 A near field communication device 170 (NFC device) that can be operated by an operator 180 is further shown. The near field communication device 170 is, for example, a mobile device 172, such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, or other portable electronic device. The near field communication device 170 is configured to contact or access (read / write) the field device 130 via near field communication (NFC). Near field communication is a communication protocol that enables communication between two electronic devices within a distance of, for example, 100 mm or less. According to this embodiment, the near field communication device 170 is also connected to the remote server 200 via the network infrastructure 190. In addition, according to this embodiment, the near field communication device 170 is also connected to the gateway 150 via a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) interface. Figure 1 It is further shown that the field device 130 includes a user interface (UI) that the operator 180 can use to directly adjust / configure the field device 130. For example, the configuration possibilities accessible via the user interface of the field device 130 are limited. In an embodiment, the near field communication device 170 may include a dongle / gateway for near field communication, wherein the dongle / gateway is connected via The connection is connected to the mobile device 172 .

[0064] Figure 2 Schematically shows a more detailed illustration of Figure 1 1 is a block diagram of an HVAC system 100. In particular, field devices 130 and access possibilities to field devices 130 are illustrated in a more detailed manner. Figure 2A field device 130 including a microcontroller 132 and a near field communication system 131 is shown. The microcontroller 132 is configured to control the field device 130. The valve / damper / actuator 140 and the sensor 142 are connected to the microcontroller 132 so that the microcontroller 132 can control these devices. The near field communication system 131 includes a near field communication chip 134, a near field communication antenna 136, and a switch element 138. The near field communication chip 134 is a silicon component or integrated circuit (IC) that, when connected to an appropriate antenna (such as the near field communication antenna 136), enables short-range wireless communication between two devices using a near field communication protocol to be performed within a distance of, for example, 100 mm or less, preferably 40 mm or less. The microcontroller 132 is further connected to the near field communication chip 134 of the near field communication system 131 via a serial communication bus (e.g., I2C). The switch element 138 is configured to interrupt or close the connection between the near field communication chip 134 and the antenna 136, which enables or disables the near field communication possibility of the near field communication system 131. The switch element 138 can be arranged in different positions. For example, the switch element 138 is controlled by the microcontroller 132 or the near field communication chip 134. The switch element 138 provides a particularly simple and reliable method to control (e.g., activate or deactivate) the near field communication of the near field communication system 131. The near field communication chip 134 is configured to execute commands from the microcontroller 132 and / or from the near field communication device 170. The near field communication chip 134 is further configured to transmit data from the near field communication device 170 to the microcontroller 132. In an embodiment, the switch element 138 for controlling the near field communication includes a fuse or is a fuse, preferably an electronic fuse. The fuse is particularly configured to be used to permanently disable the near field communication. The electronic fuse is controlled, for example, by the microcontroller 132 or the near field communication chip 134 , for example, so as to interrupt the connection for disabling the near field communication.

[0065] Figure 2 It is further shown that the PC / laptop 160 can be directly connected to the field device 130 via the Ethernet connection ENET. In addition, Figure 2Further shown is a position detection unit 173a arranged in the near field communication device 170. The position detection unit 173a can be a separate device or can be integrated in the near field communication device 170. The position detection unit 173a is configured to determine the current geographic location of the near field communication device 170. It is also conceivable that the field device 130 alternatively or additionally includes a position detection unit 173b, which is configured to determine the current geographic location of the field device 130. The position detection unit 173a and / or 173b uses, for example, a satellite-based radio navigation system (also known as a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), such as a global positioning system GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and / or BeiDou) to determine the geographic location. In another embodiment, the position detection unit 173a and / or 173b uses a Wi-Fi-based positioning system, a cellular positioning system (e.g., a positioning system for a global system for mobile communications (GSM)), or a different kind of positioning system.

[0066] Figure 1 and Figure 2 It is further shown that the building automation system 110 can also be connected to a remote server 200 via a network infrastructure 190, which enables, for example, remote access to the building automation system 110. Further, the figures show that the operator 180 can access the building automation system 110 directly (e.g. via a local access terminal) or indirectly (via a mobile device 172 and a respective network infrastructure 190 or via a PC / laptop 160 and a respective network infrastructure 190).

[0067] Figure 3 A schematic diagram is shown. Figure 2 A third block diagram of a field device 130 is shown. Figure 3 Shown are field devices 130 and possible connections and interfaces of the field devices 130. In particular, the field devices 130 show a connection to a building automation system (BAS) 110, a power supply terminal 121 to a power supply unit 120, a connection to a valve / damper / actuator 140 (e.g. via an axis), a connection to a sensor 142, a direct access possibility for an operator 180 via a user interface, an NFC access possibility for a near field communication device 170, an access possibility via a gateway 150 and an access possibility for a PC / laptop 160 via Ethernet.

[0068] In an embodiment, the field device 130 includes a power monitoring system (not shown in the figures), which is configured to monitor the power supply terminal 121, and wherein the power monitoring system is configured to transmit current power supply information to the microcontroller 132 and / or the near field communication device 170. The power monitoring system can monitor current or different electrical parameters for determining the current power supply information. In a further embodiment, the field device 130 includes an energy buffer (not shown), which is configured to supply electrical energy to the microcontroller 132 when the power supply unit 120 is not powered. For example, the energy buffer is a battery. In another embodiment, the energy buffer is a parasitic capacitor within the field device 130.

[0069] Figure 4 A first flow chart illustrating a sequence of steps for controlling near field communication of a field device 130 is shown. Figure 4 A possible sequence of steps performed by the near field communication system 131 for controlling the near field communication of the field device 130 is described.

[0070] In step S1, the near field communication system 131 receives a control signal, which is sent from the microcontroller 132 of the field device 130, or the control signal is sent from the near field communication device 170. For example, the microcontroller 132 sends the control signal to the near field communication system 131 via an I2C connection, or the near field communication device 170 sends the control signal to the near field communication system 131 using a near field connection established between the near field communication device 170 and the field device 130. The control signal is a signal sent from the microcontroller 132 or the near field communication device 170 to control the near field communication system 131. In an embodiment, the control signal is received by the microcontroller 132 from the building automation system 110, or the control signal is received by the near field communication system 131 from the near field communication device 170, which receives the control signal from the building automation system 110, for example, using the network infrastructure 190.

[0071] In step S2, the near field communication system 131 controls the near field communication in response to the received control signal. In other words, the received control signal is used by the near field communication system 131 to control the near field communication of the field device 130. According to the present disclosure, it is possible to control the NFC function of the field device 130 by the field device 130 itself according to the received control signal. This makes it possible, for example, to restrict third-party access after commissioning the field device 130.

[0072] The control signal including the disabling signal triggers / causes disabling of the near field communication by the near field communication system 131, or the control signal including the enabling signal triggers / causes enabling / activating of the near field communication by the near field communication system 131. In case of requesting / requiring interruption / deactivation, the control signal including the disabling signal is sent to interrupt the near field communication. In case of requesting / requiring activation, the control signal including the enabling signal is sent to activate the near field communication.

[0073] In response to identifying the disable signal in the control signal, the near field communication is disabled by the near field communication system 131 (S2). In response to identifying the enable signal in the control signal, the near field communication is enabled by the near field communication system 131 (S2).

[0074] about Figures 4 to 12 The control signal may include a disable signal for disabling near field communication, or may include an enable signal for enabling near field communication.

[0075] In an embodiment, a control signal including a disable signal may trigger a partial disablement of near field communications. In other words, near field communications are at least partially disabled, but not fully disabled. In an embodiment, a control signal including an enable signal may trigger a partial enablement of near field communications. In other words, near field communications are at least partially enabled, but not fully enabled. Partially enabling near field communications is, for example, enabling the reading or writing of specific configuration data, settings, and / or operational / diagnostic data. Partially disabling near field communications is, for example, disabling the reading or writing of specific configuration data, settings, and / or operational / diagnostic data.

[0076] Figure 5 A second flow chart illustrating a first sequence of steps for disabling near field communications of the field device 130 is shown. Figure 5 A possible sequence of steps performed by the near field communication system 131 for disabling near field communications of the field device 130 is described.

[0077] As in Figure 5 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the sequence of steps is performed within the field device 130 between the microcontroller 132 of the field device 130 and the near field communication system 131 .

[0078] In step M1, the microcontroller 132 of the field device 130 determines the missing power supply from the power supply unit 120 via the power supply terminal 121. For example, during operation, the field device 130 is supplied with power by the power supply unit 120. The power monitoring system can be used to determine and monitor the current power supply of the field device 130. In the event that the power monitoring system determines, for example, a voltage drop, a corresponding signal is sent to the microcontroller 132, which uses the signal to determine the missing power supply.

[0079] In step M2, the microcontroller 132 of the field device 130 sends a control signal including a disable signal to the near field communication system 131 in response to the determined missing power supply of the field device 130. An energy buffer in the field device 130 is used to send the control signal.

[0080] exist Figure 5 In step S1 , the near field communication system 131 receives a control signal including a disable signal transmitted from the microcontroller 132 .

[0081] exist Figure 5 In step S2, the near field communication system 131 disables the near field communication in response to identifying the disable signal in the control signal.

[0082] According to the power supply to the field device 130, it is possible to control the near field communication via the near field communication system 131. According to this embodiment, the power supply state is determined by the microcontroller 132, and according to the result of the determination, the near field communication is disabled or not disabled. When the field device 130 is supplied with power, then, for example, the near field communication is enabled. When the field device 130 is not supplied with power, the near field communication is disabled.

[0083] Figure 6 A third flow chart illustrating a second sequence of steps for disabling near field communications of the field device 130 is shown. Figure 6 A possible sequence of steps performed by the field device 130 and the near field communication device 170 for disabling near field communications of the field device 130 is described.

[0084] In step S0, the field device 130 transmits power supply information to the near field communication device 170. The power supply information determined by the microcontroller 132 may be transmitted to the near field communication device 170 by the near field communication system 131. Energy from the energy buffer may be used to transmit the power supply information to the near field communication device 170. In another embodiment, energy received by the near field communication device 170 is used to transmit the power supply information to the near field communication device 170. In another embodiment, the power supply information may be stored in the near field communication chip 134 and transmitted from the near field communication chip 134.

[0085] In step N0, the near field communication device 170 receives the transmitted power supply information. In an embodiment, the power supply information includes a missing response to the power supply request of the field device 130. In other words, failure to receive a response to the power supply request is also regarded as power supply information.

[0086] In step N1 , the near field communication device 170 determines whether the power supply of the field device 130 is absent or present using the received power supply information.

[0087] In step N2 , in a case where the near field communication device 170 determines (step N1 ) that the field device 130 is not supplied with power, the near field communication device 170 transmits a control signal including a disable signal.

[0088] In step S1, the field device 130 receives a control signal including a disable signal from the near field communication device 170. In particular, the near field communication system 131 receives the disable signal and in step S2, disables the near field communication in response to identifying the disable signal in the control signal. The required energy may be used, for example, from an energy buffer or energy transmitted from the near field communication device 170 via an NFC connection.

[0089] These steps may be performed by the field device 130 and the near field communication device 170 as an initial sequence required to allow access to the microcontroller 132 of the field device 130. For example, the near field communication device 170 is placed near the field device 130. The near field communication device 170 establishes an NFC connection with the field device 130. The field device 130 transmits power supply information indicating that the field device 130 is supplied with power. In this case, the near field communication device 170 is allowed to access the microcontroller 132. In the case where the field device 130 transmits power supply information indicating that the field device 130 is not supplied with power, for example, during transportation of the field device 130 or before installing the field device 130, the near field communication device 170, in particular, an application running on the near field communication device 170, automatically sends a control signal including a disable signal to the field device 130, thereby disabling the near field communication function of the field device 130. This can terminate the NFC connection with the near field communication device 170 and prevent accidental access to the field device 130.

[0090] Figure 7 A fourth flow chart illustrating a third sequence of steps for disabling near field communications of the field device 130 is shown. Figure 7 A possible sequence of steps performed by the field device 130 and the near field communication device 170 for disabling near field communications of the field device 130 is described.

[0091] In step N0a, the near field communication device 170 transmits a safety signal to the field device 130. The safety signal is a signal configured to be used to determine a state of the field device (such as a power supply state or a connection state).

[0092] In step S0a, the field device 130 , in particular the microcontroller 132 of the field device 130 , receives the safety signal, for example via the established NFC connection.

[0093] In step S0b, the field device 130, in particular the microcontroller 132 of the field device 130, sends a response via the established NFC connection to the near field communication device 170. The response may include information about the status of the power supply of the field device 130 or the status of the connection of the field device 130, such as the Ethernet connection ENET or the connection to the building automation system 110.

[0094] In step N0b, the near field communication device 170 receives a response from the field device 130. The response itself or the content of the response can be used by the near field communication device 170 to determine, for example, the missing energy supply of the field device 130. In case the response indicates that the field device 130 is supplied with electrical energy, the sequence returns to step N0a and another loop of sending / receiving a safety signal is initiated, for example after a predefined time span.

[0095] In step S0c, the field device 130 does not send a response to the near field communication device 170 after receiving the safety signal.

[0096] In step N0c, the near field communication device 170 does not receive a response from the field device 130. In other words, the near field communication device 170 determines that no response from the field device 130 is received.

[0097] In step N1 , the near field communication device 170 determines a missing energy supply or a missing connection based on the missing response of step N0c or the received response of step N0b .

[0098] In step N2 , the near field communication device 170 sends a control signal including a disable signal to the field device 130 due to the determined missing energy supply.

[0099] In step S1 , the field device 130 receives the disabling signal and in step S2 , the field device 130 , in particular the near field communication system 131 of the field device 130 , disables the near field communication of the field device 130 .

[0100] In this embodiment, the lack of a response to the safety signal is interpreted by the near field communication device 170 such that a control signal including a disable signal is sent. The absence of a response is interpreted by the near field communication device 170 such that the field device 130 is not supplied with power.

[0101] Figure 8 A fifth flow chart illustrating a first sequence of steps for permanently disabling near field communications of a field device 130 is shown. Figure 8 A possible sequence of steps performed by the near field communication system 131 for permanently disabling near field communications of the field device 130 is described.

[0102] In step P1 , the near field communication system 131 receives a control signal including a permanent disabling signal, the control signal being sent from the microcontroller 132 of the field device 130 or the control signal being sent from the near field communication device 170 .

[0103] In step P2, the near field communication system 131 permanently disables the near field communication in response to identifying the permanent disabling signal in the control signal. Permanent disabling means that activation or reactivation of the near field communication is not possible. In other words, the disabling of the near field communication is irreversible. For example, this is very useful in highly sensitive areas, where NFC access to the field device 130 is only enabled once, such as during commissioning. In an embodiment, it is possible to reactivate the near field communication via the near field communication system 131, for example via Ethernet access.

[0104] Fig. 9 A sixth flow chart illustrating a second sequence of steps for permanently disabling near field communications of the field device 130 is shown. Fig. 9 A possible sequence of steps performed by the field device 130 for permanently disabling near field communications of the field device 130 is described.

[0105] In step M3 , the microcontroller 132 of the field device 130 sends a control signal including a permanent disabling signal to the near field communication system 131 .

[0106] In step P1 , the near field communication system 131 receives a permanent disabling signal, and in step P2 , the near field communication system 131 permanently disables near field communication in response to identifying the permanent disabling signal in the control signal.

[0107] According to this embodiment, the permanent disabling of the near-field communication is only performed within the field device 130 , which is particularly simple, reliable and safe.

[0108] Fig.10 A seventh flow chart illustrating a third sequence of steps for permanently disabling near field communications of a field device 130 is shown. Fig.10 A possible sequence of steps performed by the field device 130 and the near field communication device 170 for permanently disabling near field communications of the field device 130 is described.

[0109] In step N3, the near field communication device 170 contacts the field device 130. For example, the near field communication device 170 is placed near the field device 130, such as equal to or less than 100 mm, more preferably equal to or less than 40 mm, which may trigger automatic contact with the field device 130. In another embodiment, the contact may be triggered by the operator 180 of the near field communication device 170.

[0110] In step P0a, the field device 130 is accessed by the near field communication device 170 via the near field communication system 131 . In other words, the field device 130 is contacted by the near field communication device 170 such that reading and / or writing of the field device 130 is enabled via the near field communication system 131 of the field device 130 .

[0111] In step P0b, the field device 130 is configured by the near field communication device 170. Configuration may include commissioning the field device 130, modifying settings of the field device 130, in particular the microcontroller 132 of the field device 130.

[0112] In step N4, the near field communication device 170 receives the feedback of step P0b. In other words, the near field communication device 170 receives information about the access and / or configuration of the field device 130. Based on the received information, the near field communication device 170 initiates the transmission of a control signal including a permanent disable signal. In the case of successful access and configuration of the field device 130, the respective information is received by the near field communication device 170 and transmitted by the field device 130. This initiates the transmission of a control signal including a permanent disable signal.

[0113] In step N5 , the near field communication device 170 sends a permanent disabling signal to the field device 130 , in particular to the near field communication system 131 of the field device 130 , based on the received feedback of step N4 .

[0114] In step P1 , the field device 130 receives a control signal including a permanent disabling signal, and in step P2 , the field device 130 permanently disables near field communication of the field device 130 .

[0115] According to this embodiment, after the field device 130 has been debugged, for example, the near field communication of the field device 130 is permanently disabled. This creates an advantage that after the debugging of the field device 130 via the near field communication device 170 is completed, no third party can access the field device 130.

[0116] Fig.11 An eighth flow chart illustrating a first sequence of steps for disabling near field communications of a field device 130 using a current or present geographic location is shown. Fig.11 A possible sequence of steps performed by the field device 130 for disabling near field communications of the field device 130 is described.

[0117] In step G1 , the microcontroller 132 of the field device 130 determines the current geographical location of the field device 130 . The microcontroller 132 may use a position detection unit 173 b integrated in the field device 130 .

[0118] In step G2, the microcontroller 132 compares the determined current geographic location with the predefined geographic area and determines whether the current geographic location is within the predefined geographic area or outside the predefined geographic area. The predefined geographic area may be stored in the microcontroller 132. In another embodiment, the predefined geographic area may be retrieved by the microcontroller 132 from the remote server 200.

[0119] In step G3, when the determined current geographical location is outside the predefined geographical area, the microcontroller 132 sends a control signal including a disable signal to the near field communication system 131. It is also conceivable that when the determined current geographical location is within the predefined geographical area, the microcontroller 132 sends a control signal including an enable signal to the near field communication system 131.

[0120] In step S1, a control signal including a disable signal is received by the near field communication system 131, and in step S2, near field communication is disabled by the near field communication system 131 in response to identifying the disable signal in the control signal. Alternatively, in step S1 and step S2, near field communication may be enabled respectively when the received control signal includes an enable signal.

[0121] Based on the current geographical location of the field device 130 , it is possible to control the NFC, which is particularly advantageous in order to avoid unintentional third-party access, in particular during transport of the field device 130 .

[0122] Fig.12 A ninth flow chart illustrating a second sequence of steps for disabling near field communications of the field device 130 using the current geographic location is shown. Fig.12 A possible sequence of steps performed by the field device 130 and the near field communication device 170 for disabling near field communications of the field device 130 is described.

[0123] In step X1, the near field communication device 170 determines the current geographical location of the near field communication device 170. The near field communication device 170 may use a location detection unit 173a integrated within the near field communication device 170.

[0124] In step X2, the near field communication device 170 compares the determined current geographical location with the predefined geographical area, and determines whether the current geographical location is located within the predefined geographical area or outside the predefined geographical area. The predefined geographical area may be stored in the near field communication device 170. In another embodiment, the predefined geographical area may be retrieved by the near field communication device 170 from the remote server 200. For example, the predefined geographical area is retrieved based on a specific field device 130.

[0125] In step X3, when the determined current geographical location is outside the predefined geographical area, the near field communication device 170 sends a control signal including a disable signal to the field device 130, in particular to the near field communication system 131. It is also conceivable that when the determined current geographical location is within the predefined geographical area, the near field communication device 170 sends an enable signal to the field device 130.

[0126] In step S1, a control signal including a disable signal is received by the field device 130, in particular the near field communication system 131, and in step S2, near field communication is disabled by the near field communication system 131. Alternatively, in step S1 and step S2, near field communication may be enabled respectively in the case where the received control signal includes an enable signal.

[0127] Based on the current geographical location of the near field communication device 170 for the NFC connection located in close proximity to the field device 130, it is possible to control the near field communication, which is particularly advantageous to avoid accidental third-party access, in particular during the transportation of the field device 130. In this embodiment, the position detection unit 173a of the near field communication device 170 is used. A separate position detection unit 173b within the field device 130 is not required, which advantageously reduces the number of components.

[0128] Reference Fig.11 and Fig.12 The steps presented may be performed by the field device 130 and the near field communication device 170 as an initial sequence required to allow access to the microcontroller 132 of the field device 130 .

[0129] It should be noted that in the description, the sequence of steps has been presented in a specific order, however, those skilled in the art will understand that the order of at least some steps may be changed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0130] Reference Symbols List

[0131] 100HVAC system; 110Building automation system; 120Power supply unit; 121Power supply terminal; 130Field device; 132Microcontroller; 131Near field communication system; 134NFC chip; 136Antenna; 138Switch element; 140Valve / damper / actuator; 142Sensor; 150ZIP gateway; 160PC / laptop; 170NFC device; 172Mobile device; 173aPosition detection unit of NFC device; 173bPosition detection unit of field device; 180Operator; 190Network infrastructure; 200Remote server; 210Processing system

[0132] S0 transmits power supply information; S0a receives a safety signal; S0b sends a response to the safety signal; S0c does not send a response to the safety signal; S1 receives an enable / disable signal; S2 enables / disables NFC.

[0133] P1 receives a permanent disable signal; P2 permanently disables NFC.

[0134] M1 determines the lack of energy supply; M2 sends a disable signal; M3 sends a permanent disable signal.

[0135] N0 receives power supply information; N0a sends a safety signal; N0b receives a response to the safety signal; N0c does not receive a response to the safety signal; N1 determines the lack of energy supply; N2 sends a disable signal; N3 contacts the field device; N4 receives feedback; N5 sends a permanent disable signal.

Claims

1. A field device (130) of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (100), the field device (130) comprising: a microcontroller (132) configured to control the field device (130); as well as A near field communication system (131), which is connected to the microcontroller (132) and comprises a near field communication chip (134) and an antenna (136), wherein the near field communication system (131) is configured to perform near field communication with a near field communication device (170); wherein the near field communication system (131) is configured to control the near field communication in response to receiving a control signal from the microcontroller (132) or the near field communication device (170), and The near field communication system (131) is configured to disable the near field communication in response to identifying a disable signal in the control signal, or the near field communication system (131) is configured to enable the near field communication in response to identifying an enable signal in the control signal.

2. The field device (130) of claim 1, wherein the field device (130) further comprises: a power supply terminal (121) configured to supply electric energy to the field device (130); And the microcontroller (132) is configured to determine the lack of power supply on the power supply terminal (121), and after detecting the lack of power supply, send the control signal including the disable signal to the near field communication system (131).

3. The field device (130) of claim 2, wherein the microcontroller (132) comprises: an energy buffer configured to supply electrical energy to the microcontroller (132); The microcontroller (132) is configured to use energy from the energy buffer to send the control signal to the near field communication system (131).

4. The field device (130) according to claim 1, wherein the field device (130) is configured to transmit power supply information to the near field communication device (170), And the near field communication system (131) is configured to receive the control signal including the disable signal from the near field communication device (170) in response to the power supply information indicating a lack of power supply.

5. The field device (130) of claim 1, wherein the near field communication system (131) is configured to permanently disable the near field communication in response to identifying a permanent disable signal in the control signal.

6. The field device (130) according to claim 5, wherein the microcontroller (132) is configured to detect the configuration of the field device (130) through the near field communication device (170) via the near field communication system (131); And the near field communication system (131) is configured to permanently disable the near field communication only after detecting the configuration of the field device (130).

7. The field device (130) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the near field communication system (131) further comprises: A switch element (138) is configured to use the control signal to control the near field communication of the field device (130), wherein the control by the switch element (138) includes interrupting or closing an internal connection of the near field communication chip (134) or a connection between the near field communication chip (134) and the microcontroller (132) or the antenna (136).

8. A field device (130) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the microcontroller (132) is configured to determine a current geographic location of the field device (130), compare the current geographic location of the field device (130) with a predefined geographic area, and upon detecting that the current geographic location of the field device (130) is outside the predefined geographic area, send the control signal including the disable signal to the near field communication system (131).

9. A heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (100) comprising a field device (130) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. A method for controlling near field communication via a near field communication system (131) of a field device (130) of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (100), the method comprising: Receiving (S1) a control signal sent (M2) from a microcontroller (132) of the field device (130) or sent (N2) from a near field communication device (170) via the near field communication system (131); By means of the near field communication system (131), the near field communication is controlled (S2) in response to the received control signal, wherein the controlling (S2) comprises: disabling (S2) the near field communication by the near field communication system (131) in response to identifying a disabling signal in the control signal, and / or By the near field communication system (131), the near field communication is enabled (S2) in response to identifying an enable signal in the control signal.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: determining (M1) by means of the microcontroller (132) a missing electrical energy supply at a power supply terminal (121) of the field device (130), After detecting the loss of power supply, the control signal including the disable signal is sent (M2) to the near field communication system (131) by the microcontroller (132).

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: The control signal is sent (M2) to the near field communication system (131) by the microcontroller (132) using energy from an energy buffer in the field device (130).

13. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: Transmitting (S0) power supply information to the near field communication device (170) via the field device (130); The control signal including the disable signal is received (S1) via the near field communication system (131), the control signal being sent from the near field communication device (170) in the event that the transmitted power supply information indicates a missing power supply to the field device (130).

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein controlling (S2) the near field communication comprises: By means of the near field communication system (131), the near field communication is permanently disabled (P2) in response to identifying a permanent disable signal in the control signal.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: Detecting, by the microcontroller (132), the configuration of the field device (130) via the near field communication system (131); The near field communication is permanently disabled (P2) only after the configuration of the field device (130) is detected.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein controlling (S2) comprises: The internal connection of the near field communication chip (134) or the connection between the near field communication chip (134) and the microcontroller (132) or the antenna (136) is interrupted or closed by the switch element (138) of the near field communication system (131).

17. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, comprising: Determining (G1) a current geographic location of the field device (130) by the microcontroller (132), and comparing (G2) the current geographic location with a predefined geographic area by the microcontroller (132); as well as After detecting that the current geographical location of the field device (130) is outside the predefined geographical area, sending (G3) the control signal including the disable signal to the near field communication system (131) through the microcontroller (132); or In response to the current geographic location of the near field communication device (170) being outside the predefined geographic area, the control signal including the disabling signal is received (S1) from the near field communication device (170) via the near field communication system (131).

18. A computer program product comprising computer program code, the computer program code being configured to instruct a field device (130) of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (100) such that the field device (130) performs the steps of the method according to one of claims 10 to 17.

19. A computer-readable medium, in particular a non-transitory computer-readable medium, having a computer program code stored therein, the computer program code being configured to instruct a field device (130) of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (100) so that the field device (130) performs the steps of a method according to one of claims 10 to 17.

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