A system and method for cloud collaboration configuration and delivery of heating ventilation gateway parameters

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of HVAC control technology, and particularly to a cloud-based collaborative configuration and distribution system and method for HVAC gateway parameters. The system includes a cloud server, a mobile device terminal, a site survey gateway device, and a field-installed gateway device. The mobile device terminal can communicate with the site survey gateway device and is equipped with a mini-program that allows for parameter configuration and debugging of the site survey gateway device. The configured communication parameters are then uploaded to the cloud server for storage. The mobile device terminal can also retrieve the saved communication parameters from the cloud server and distribute them to the field-installed gateway device. This invention, through the collaborative work of its components, achieves one-time parameter configuration and cloud synchronization during the site survey phase. During the construction phase, no secondary on-site visits by technical personnel are required; construction personnel can distribute parameters through lightweight operations, ensuring parameter configuration accuracy, reducing labor costs, shortening the construction cycle, and improving project implementation efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of HVAC control technology, and in particular to a cloud-based collaborative configuration and distribution system and method for HVAC gateway parameters. Background Technology

[0002] In HVAC engineering, gateway devices serve as the core hub connecting field sensors, actuators, and cloud control systems, making the accurate configuration of their communication parameters crucial. The traditional construction process begins with technicians conducting a site survey with a set of gateway equipment. They then sequentially connect and debug all systems connected to the gateway to determine if the field systems are functioning correctly. Once all systems have established communication and the required number of gateways has been confirmed, the project contract can be signed. After the contract is signed, construction personnel carry out on-site wiring and equipment installation. After construction is complete, technicians need to return to the site to configure the parameters for each gateway device. However, this process has the following drawbacks:

[0003] First, parameter transmission is inefficient. Because technicians only manually record parameters after the gateway has been debugged during site surveys, or they don't record communication parameters at all, even manual recording is prone to errors or loss.

[0004] Secondly, there is a high rate of repeated on-site visits. After the construction workers install the gateways, the technicians need to come back to the site to debug the parameters of each gateway device. On average, this adds 2-3 round trips to the cost per project. Moreover, due to factors such as construction progress and site environment, there is a tendency for gaps in the work coordination between technicians and construction workers, which leads to an extension of the overall construction cycle. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cloud-based collaborative configuration and distribution system and method for HVAC gateway parameters, thereby addressing the problems existing in the prior art. To achieve the above objective, this invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a cloud-based collaborative configuration and distribution system for HVAC gateway parameters, including a cloud server, a mobile device terminal, a site survey gateway device, and a site-installed gateway device.

[0007] The mobile device terminal can communicate with the site exploration gateway device, and is equipped with a mini-program that can be used to configure and debug the parameters of the site exploration gateway device, and upload the configured communication parameters to the cloud server for storage.

[0008] The mobile device terminal can also obtain the saved communication parameters from the cloud server and send them to the on-site installed gateway device.

[0009] As a further technical solution, the cloud server has a parameter storage module, which can be used to classify and store the communication parameters uploaded by each project and each exploration gateway device.

[0010] As a further technical solution, the cloud server also has a user permission management module, which is used to manage the permissions of technical personnel and construction personnel, and to achieve hierarchical authorization through account passwords.

[0011] As a further technical solution, the cloud server also has a log traceability module, which is used to record the entire process operation log and support log query and export.

[0012] As a further technical solution, the cloud server also has an anomaly alarm module, which can automatically trigger an alarm and record abnormal information when communication parameters are configured incorrectly, transmission fails, devices are incompatible, or illegal operations occur.

[0013] As a further technical solution, the mobile device terminal communicates with the cloud server via 4G or WIFI, and the mobile device terminal communicates with the site survey gateway device and the on-site installation gateway device via Bluetooth.

[0014] Secondly, the present invention provides a method for using a cloud-based collaborative configuration and distribution system for HVAC gateway parameters as described in the first aspect, comprising the following steps:

[0015] S100: The system administrator creates projects through the cloud server and simultaneously creates accounts for technical and construction personnel, assigning corresponding permissions.

[0016] S200: Technicians bring mobile devices and site survey gateways to the construction site, connect the site survey gateways to the site terminals one by one, configure and debug the communication parameters, and upload the data to the cloud server for storage and generate a unique code.

[0017] S300 After the construction personnel complete the installation and wiring of all on-site gateway devices, they use an authorized mobile device terminal to retrieve and cache the stored communication parameters from the cloud server.

[0018] S400: Construction personnel establish a communication connection between the mobile device terminal and the site gateway device, and send the cached communication parameters to each site gateway device one by one.

[0019] As a further technical solution, step S300 includes the following steps:

[0020] S301. Construction personnel use authorized mobile devices to log in to the Bluetooth smart configuration mini-program, associate the current construction project through the mini-program, and the cloud server pushes a list of codes for all gateway devices to be configured under the project according to account permissions.

[0021] S302. The construction personnel select the gateway device code to be configured. The mini program obtains the corresponding communication parameters of the device from the cloud server through the network and caches them on the mobile device terminal.

[0022] As a further technical solution, step S400 includes the following steps:

[0023] S401: The mobile device terminal applet searches for the Bluetooth module of the nearby gateway device to be configured on-site, and automatically matches the target gateway according to the device code to establish a Bluetooth connection.

[0024] S402. The mini-program will send the acquired communication parameters to the on-site installed gateway device via Bluetooth link;

[0025] S403. After receiving the parameters, the parameter receiving and verification module of the on-site installed gateway device first verifies the integrity of the parameters and confirms the matching of the device codes.

[0026] S404. If the verification passes, the on-site installed gateway device performs the parameter writing operation and sends a configuration success signal to the mini-program after the writing is completed; if the verification fails, the on-site installed gateway device refuses to write and sends specific error information to the mini-program.

[0027] As a further technical solution, if the parameters of the HVAC system need to be adjusted later, technicians can modify the parameters of the corresponding on-site installed gateway devices through the cloud server, generate new version parameters and store them; construction personnel can obtain the updated parameters through a mini-program on their mobile devices, and repeat step S400 to complete the parameter update.

[0028] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0029] (1) This invention utilizes the collaborative operation of a cloud server, mobile device terminals, site survey gateway devices, and on-site installation gateway devices. Technical personnel only need to configure communication parameters and upload them to the cloud server during the initial site survey phase. During the later construction phase, construction workers can cache the communication parameters stored on the cloud server using their mobile devices and distribute them to the on-site installation gateway devices. This eliminates the need for repeated on-site parameter distribution after construction is completed, reducing the number of trips required from technical personnel and saving significant labor costs. Furthermore, after installation, construction workers can distribute parameters themselves via a mini-program, avoiding waiting time for on-site technical personnel, accelerating the construction progress, shortening the overall project cycle, and improving construction efficiency.

[0030] (2) The communication parameters obtained by the site survey gateway device and mobile device terminal are stored on the cloud server, which avoids errors that may occur during human recording and transmission, ensures the accuracy and reliability of the parameters, and eliminates illegal configuration, parameter tampering and data leakage, solves the pain point of insufficient security of the existing solution, and ensures the accuracy and reliability of the data.

[0031] (3) The mini program of this invention has offline parameter caching and breakpoint resume functions. It can complete the parameter distribution normally in complex construction site environments without network. After the network is restored, the data is automatically synchronized to ensure the continuity of construction.

[0032] (4) The present invention uses mobile device terminals and mini-programs to acquire and distribute parameters. The operation is simple and convenient. Construction personnel do not need to have professional technical knowledge. They only need to follow the prompts of the mini-program to operate. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. It should also be understood that these drawings are for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The invention will now be described and explained with additional features and details using the drawings, wherein:

[0034] Figure 1 This invention illustrates a schematic diagram of the cloud-based collaborative configuration and distribution system structure for HVAC gateway parameters in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 This illustrates the mini-program interface used by site survey technicians to upload configurations in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 The diagram shows the interface of the mini-program used by construction personnel to issue configurations in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solutions in typical embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a cloud-based collaborative configuration and distribution system for HVAC gateway parameters, including a cloud server, a mobile device terminal, a site survey gateway device, and a field-installed gateway device; wherein the site survey gateway device and the field-installed gateway device are gateways of the same model.

[0040] The cloud server serves as the core data storage and management hub, integrating a parameter storage module, a user access control module, a log tracing module, and an anomaly alarm module.

[0041] The parameter storage module is used to classify and store communication parameters (including basic configuration parameters, protocol adaptation parameters, etc.) uploaded by various projects and various exploration gateway devices, and supports parameter version management and historical data backtracking.

[0042] The user permission management module is used to manage the permissions of technical personnel (who have the authority to configure parameters and assign permissions) and construction personnel (who only have the authority to obtain and distribute parameters). It implements hierarchical authorization through account and password to prevent unauthorized operations.

[0043] The log traceability module records the entire process of parameter configuration, uploading, acquisition, distribution, and verification (including information such as operator, operation time, device code, parameter version, and operation result), and supports log querying and export.

[0044] The abnormal alarm module automatically triggers an alarm and records abnormal information when there are parameter configuration errors, transmission failures, device incompatibility, or illegal operations.

[0045] Mobile devices can communicate with the site survey gateway device and are equipped with a mini-program that allows for the configuration and debugging of the site survey gateway device parameters. The configured communication parameters are then uploaded to the cloud server for storage.

[0046] Mini programs can be developed based on the lightweight framework of WeChat Mini Programs or Alipay Mini Programs. Relying on the Bluetooth capabilities of mobile devices, they can establish BLE low-power Bluetooth communication with smart devices to realize core business functions such as device discovery, connection, data transmission and reception, parameter configuration, and status synchronization. No separate APP needs to be installed, and local device configuration can be completed in a lightweight and convenient manner.

[0047] In addition, the mini-program also has offline parameter caching and breakpoint resume functions, which can complete the parameter distribution normally in complex construction site environments without network, and automatically synchronize data after the network is restored to ensure the continuity of construction.

[0048] Mobile devices can also retrieve saved communication parameters from the cloud server and send them to the on-site gateway devices.

[0049] Mobile devices communicate with the cloud server via 4G or Wi-Fi, and with the site survey gateway and on-site installation gateway via Bluetooth. Both the site survey gateway and the on-site installation gateway have Bluetooth modules, enabling them to connect to the mobile devices via Bluetooth and allowing parameter configuration and distribution via a mini-program.

[0050] Example 2

[0051] This embodiment provides a method for using a cloud-based collaborative configuration and distribution system for HVAC gateway parameters as described in Embodiment 1, including the following steps:

[0052] S100, Project Creation and Permission Assignment.

[0053] Before the project starts, the system administrator creates a project file through the cloud server, and enters basic information such as the project name, construction location (household number), and the model and quantity of the gateway devices involved; at the same time, accounts for technical personnel and construction personnel are created and corresponding permissions are assigned.

[0054] S200, site survey stage parameter configuration and cloud upload.

[0055] Technicians arrived at the construction site with a mobile terminal and a site survey gateway device and performed the following operations:

[0056] S201. Connect the site survey gateway device to each field device terminal one by one. Enable Bluetooth on the mobile device terminal app, search for and match the Bluetooth module of the site survey gateway device, and establish a connection. The field terminal devices mainly refer to the air conditioners on site, and the gateway mainly communicates with the air conditioners. If there is a control system on site and the customer requires it, the gateway will also connect to the control system. That is to say, the gateway can connect to the air conditioners downstream and to the field control system upstream.

[0057] If all the air conditioners on site are of the same brand and model, then the required communication parameters are the same. However, in actual sites, there are usually different brands and models. In addition, to ensure the accuracy of communication, the gateway will be connected and debugged one by one.

[0058] S202. In the mini-program debugging interface, such as Figure 2 As shown, configure the gateway communication parameters according to the on-site system requirements (such as terminal device type, communication link, data transmission requirements, etc.).

[0059] S203. After the parameters are configured, the technicians initiate parameter debugging through the mini-program to verify the communication stability between the site survey gateway device, the field terminal device, and the cloud link. After the debugging is successful, the mini-program uploads the configuration and transmits the configured parameters to the cloud server through the network. The cloud server stores the parameters and generates a unique code, which corresponds one-to-one with the field terminal device (the serial number of the field terminal device can be used). At the same time, the operation log of this configuration is recorded.

[0060] In this embodiment, the communication parameters obtained by the site survey gateway device and mobile device terminal are stored on the cloud server, avoiding errors that may occur during human recording and transmission, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the parameters, and preventing illegal configuration, parameter tampering and data leakage. This addresses the pain point of insufficient security in existing solutions and ensures accurate and reliable data.

[0061] S300, gateway installation and parameter distribution during the construction phase.

[0062] After the construction personnel complete the installation and wiring of all on-site gateway devices, they shall perform the following operations:

[0063] S301. Construction personnel use authorized mobile devices to log in to the Bluetooth smart configuration mini-program and associate the current construction project through the mini-program's project selection function, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the cloud server pushes a list of codes for all gateway devices to be configured under this project based on account permissions;

[0064] S302. The construction personnel select the gateway device code to be configured. The mini program obtains the corresponding communication parameters of the device from the cloud server through the network and caches them on the mobile device terminal.

[0065] S400, parameter wireless transmission.

[0066] Construction workers followed the instructions in the mini-program to execute the parameter distribution operation.

[0067] S401: The mobile device terminal applet searches for nearby Bluetooth modules of the gateway devices to be configured on-site. It automatically matches the target gateway based on the gateway device's code and establishes a Bluetooth connection. Since the gateway device's code corresponds one-to-one with the on-site air conditioning equipment, each air conditioner on-site has a unique code. During installation and commissioning, the corresponding code can be determined based on the on-site air conditioner, and the corresponding configuration can be issued.

[0068] S402. The mini-program will send the acquired communication parameters to the on-site installed gateway device via Bluetooth link;

[0069] S403. After receiving the parameters, the parameter receiving and verification module of the on-site installed gateway device first verifies the integrity of the parameters and confirms the matching of the device codes.

[0070] S404. If the verification passes, the on-site installed gateway device performs the parameter writing operation and sends a configuration success signal to the mini-program upon completion. If the verification fails, the on-site installed gateway device refuses to write and sends specific error information to the mini-program. Parameter acquisition and distribution are performed using mobile devices and mini-programs, making the operation simple and convenient. Construction personnel do not need professional technical knowledge; they only need to follow the prompts in the mini-program.

[0071] This embodiment utilizes the collaborative operation of a cloud server, mobile device terminals, site survey gateway devices, and on-site installation gateway devices. Technicians only need to configure communication parameters and upload them to the cloud server during the initial site survey phase. In the later construction phase, construction personnel cache the communication parameters stored on the cloud server using their mobile devices and distribute them to the on-site installation gateway devices. This eliminates the need for repeated on-site parameter distribution after construction, reducing the number of trips for technicians and saving significant labor costs. Furthermore, construction personnel can distribute parameters themselves via a mini-program after installation, avoiding waiting time for technicians to visit, accelerating the construction progress, shortening the overall project cycle, and improving construction efficiency.

[0072] S500, configuration result feedback and full-process traceability.

[0073] S501. After receiving the configuration results of the gateway device installed on site, the mini-program will immediately display the results to the construction personnel. If the configuration is successful, the configuration results will be automatically uploaded to the cloud server, and the cloud server will record the distribution log. If the configuration fails, the mini-program will display the error information.

[0074] S502. After all on-site installed gateway devices are configured, technicians can view the configuration status of all project parameters and download operation logs through the cloud server to achieve full-process traceability. If there are devices with abnormal configurations, the technicians can be remotely guided to troubleshoot without having to visit the site.

[0075] S600, post-maintenance and parameter updates.

[0076] If the HVAC system parameters need to be adjusted later (such as replacing terminal equipment or optimizing communication links), technicians can modify the parameters of the corresponding on-site installed gateway equipment through the cloud server, generate new version parameters and store them; construction personnel can obtain the updated parameters through the mini-program and repeat the operation of step S400 to complete the parameter update without the need for a new site survey.

[0077] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make possible changes and modifications to the technical solutions of the present invention by utilizing the methods and techniques disclosed above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solutions of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cloud-based collaborative configuration and distribution system for HVAC gateway parameters, characterized in that, This includes cloud servers, mobile device terminals, site survey gateway equipment, and on-site installed gateway equipment; The mobile device terminal can communicate with the site exploration gateway device, and is equipped with a mini-program that can be used to configure and debug the parameters of the site exploration gateway device, and upload the configured communication parameters to the cloud server for storage. The mobile device terminal can also obtain the saved communication parameters from the cloud server and send them to the on-site installed gateway device.

2. The cloud-based collaborative configuration and distribution system for HVAC gateway parameters as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cloud server has a parameter storage module, which can be used to classify and store the communication parameters uploaded by each project and each exploration gateway device.

3. The cloud-based collaborative configuration and distribution system for HVAC gateway parameters as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The cloud server also has a user access control module for managing the permissions of technical and construction personnel, and implementing hierarchical authorization through account and password.

4. The cloud-based collaborative configuration and distribution system for HVAC gateway parameters as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The cloud server also has a log traceability module, which is used to record the entire process operation log and supports log querying and export.

5. The cloud-based collaborative configuration and distribution system for HVAC gateway parameters as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The cloud server also has an anomaly alarm module, which can automatically trigger an alarm and record abnormal information when communication parameters are configured incorrectly, transmission fails, devices are incompatible, or illegal operations occur.

6. The cloud-based collaborative configuration and distribution system for HVAC gateway parameters as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mobile device terminal communicates with the cloud server via 4G or WIFI, and the mobile device terminal communicates with the site survey gateway device and the on-site installation gateway device via Bluetooth.

7. The method of using the cloud-based collaborative configuration and distribution system for HVAC gateway parameters as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S100: The system administrator creates projects through the cloud server and simultaneously creates accounts for technical and construction personnel, assigning corresponding permissions. S200: Technicians bring mobile devices and site survey gateways to the construction site, connect the site survey gateways to the site terminals one by one, configure and debug the communication parameters, and upload the data to the cloud server for storage and generate a unique code. S300 After the construction personnel complete the installation and wiring of all on-site gateway devices, they use an authorized mobile device terminal to retrieve and cache the stored communication parameters from the cloud server. S400: Construction personnel establish a communication connection between the mobile device terminal and the site gateway device, and send the cached communication parameters to each site gateway device one by one.

8. The method of using the cloud-based collaborative configuration and distribution system for HVAC gateway parameters as described in claim 7, characterized in that, Step S300 includes the following steps: S301. Construction personnel use authorized mobile devices to log in to the Bluetooth smart configuration mini-program, associate the current construction project through the mini-program, and the cloud server pushes a list of codes for all gateway devices to be configured under the project according to account permissions. S302. The construction personnel select the gateway device code to be configured. The mini program obtains the corresponding communication parameters of the device from the cloud server through the network and caches them on the mobile device terminal.

9. The method of using the cloud-based collaborative configuration and distribution system for HVAC gateway parameters as described in claim 8, characterized in that, Step S400 includes the following steps: S401: The mobile device terminal applet searches for the Bluetooth module of the nearby gateway device to be configured on-site, and automatically matches the target gateway according to the device code to establish a Bluetooth connection. S402. The mini-program will send the acquired communication parameters to the on-site installed gateway device via Bluetooth link; S403. After receiving the parameters, the parameter receiving and verification module of the on-site installed gateway device first verifies the integrity of the parameters and confirms the matching of the device codes. S404. If the verification passes, the on-site installed gateway device performs the parameter writing operation and sends a configuration success signal to the mini-program after the writing is completed; if the verification fails, the on-site installed gateway device refuses to write and sends specific error information to the mini-program.

10. The method of using the cloud-based collaborative configuration and distribution system for HVAC gateway parameters as described in claim 7, characterized in that, If the HVAC system parameters need to be adjusted later, technicians can modify the parameters of the corresponding on-site installed gateway devices through the cloud server, generate new version parameters and store them; construction personnel can obtain the updated parameters through a mini-program on their mobile devices and repeat step S400 to complete the parameter update.

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