3D Building Visualization for Sensor-Linked Control Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building automation systems have limited ability to associate sensor values with other building components or general attributes, leading to inefficiencies in data management and maintenance, particularly in large facilities like laboratories, where hundreds of devices require integrated communication and data management to ensure proper operation and safety.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional modeling system that integrates data from building control systems, allowing for the association of sensed conditions with virtual locations within a building model, enabling comprehensive data representation and remote control capabilities through wireless communication networks and MEMS-based control subsystems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If building automation systems use traditional data networks and graphical interfaces for data collection and control, then single point user access to system variables is enabled, but the ability to associate sensor values with other building components and general attributes remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the building environment using three-dimensional graphical models. Sensor values are associated with specific locations in the virtual model, allowing comprehensive data representation without adding physical complexity to the building infrastructure. This virtual copying enables enhanced association capabilities while maintaining system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional graphical interfaces to three-dimensional virtual models. This dimensional enhancement allows sensor data to be spatially associated with specific locations in the building, improving the association capability between sensor values and building components while providing more intuitive data visualization.
2Reliability
If building automation systems integrate comprehensive data management and communication infrastructure for all building devices, then proper operation and maintenance of hundreds of devices can be ensured, but the cost and technical challenge become extremely prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal virtual model that can represent any building component or space. The same three-dimensional modeling and data association framework can be applied to diverse devices ranging from HVAC systems to laboratory equipment, providing comprehensive monitoring without requiring device-specific communication infrastructures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of integrating physical communication infrastructure with every building device, the patent creates virtual representations and associations in the digital model. This copying approach allows comprehensive data management and reliability monitoring while avoiding the prohibitive costs and technical challenges of physical infrastructure integration.
3Productivity
If building automation systems provide detailed data access and control capabilities, then operational efficiency can be improved, but the ease of operation and intuitive understanding of system data decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses three-dimensional graphical models to represent building spaces and components, providing detailed data access while maintaining intuitive understanding. The spatial representation allows users to easily locate and interact with system data in a visually intuitive manner, combining detailed information access with ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual indicators including color changes in the three-dimensional model to represent different system states and sensor values. This visual encoding provides detailed operational information in an intuitive format, allowing users to quickly comprehend system status without complex data interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus uses a stored three dimensional model of an object to render an image showing a condition sensed by a building control system. The building condition may be sensed by a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) network that is wirelessly integrated into the building control system. The three dimensional model may include structural components, ventilation equipment, safety equipment, furniture and machinery and allow a user to navigate through the rendered image by varying the viewpoint of the rendered image.