Single-ASIC Building Sensor Control With Blockchain Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current building management systems require multiple physical systems and service providers for comprehensive control, leading to inefficiencies and increased vulnerability to hacking and ransomware attacks, especially when connected across multiple locations.
Innovation Solution
An integrated building management system utilizing a single ASIC that combines lighting control, HVAC, security monitoring, and sensor functions, with a blockchain-based security system for authentication and encryption, enabling secure communication and operation across various networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physical systems and service providers are used for comprehensive building control, then full control capability is achieved, but system complexity and vulnerability to hacking increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple building management functions (lighting control, HVAC, security monitoring, sensor functions) into a single integrated controller. This consolidation maintains comprehensive control capability while reducing system complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate physical systems and service providers.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated controller is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can control lighting, manage HVAC systems, monitor security, and process sensor data all through one universal device. This multi-functionality approach achieves full control capability without requiring specialized separate systems for each function.
2Reliability
If multiple physical systems are connected across multiple locations, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but vulnerability to ransomware attacks and network invasions increases
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple building management systems into a single integrated controller, the attack surface is reduced. Instead of multiple separate systems that could each be compromised, there is one unified system with centralized security measures, maintaining comprehensive monitoring while reducing vulnerability to ransomware and network invasions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses security vulnerabilities by implementing blockchain technology and cryptographic authentication mechanisms. These measures convert the potential harm of network connectivity into a benefit by providing robust security protocols that protect against hacking while enabling comprehensive multi-location monitoring.
3Device complexity
If a single integrated controller is used, then system complexity is reduced, but security requirements become more critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements blockchain technology and cryptographic authentication to address the heightened security requirements of integrated systems. These security measures transform the critical nature of security into a strength by providing tamper-proof authentication and encrypted communication protocols that ensure reliability in the unified controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates preliminary security measures including device authentication, communication encryption, and blockchain-based verification before operations commence. This proactive security approach ensures that the integrated controller maintains high reliability from the outset rather than addressing security issues reactively.
Data Source
AI summary
A building management system comprising an integrated sensor and control system integrated on a single application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC combines sensor inputs necessary to monitor ambient light levels, light color, occupation/motion sensors, security sensors, temperature and humidity, barometric pressure, smoke and toxic substance sensors, and a processor to receive the sensor inputs and deliver control output signals to effect changes and make settings to each of the environmental systems that are monitored. The ASIC also provides communication and control security for the building management system, preventing hostile intrusions into the system. The storage, intelligence and processing all reside within the ASIC.