ASIC Building Sensor Control for Unified Facility Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current building management systems require multiple physical systems and service providers to achieve full control capabilities, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, as they are often discrete in application and lack integrated sensing and control capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An integrated building management system utilizing a single ASIC controller that combines networked lighting control, HVAC, security monitoring, smoke and toxic gas detection, and automated alerts, with a miniature multi-function sensor device capable of sensing various environmental parameters and communicating via wired or wireless technologies, allowing for comprehensive environmental control and data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete control systems are used for lighting, security, HVAC, and environmental control, then each system can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system complexity increases and requires multiple service providers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete control systems (lighting, security, HVAC, environmental control) into a single integrated building management system centered around a microprocessor-based controller. This consolidation merges previously separate functions into one unified system, reducing the need for multiple service providers while maintaining full control capabilities across all building management functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The microprocessor-based controller is designed with universal functionality to handle diverse control tasks including lighting control, security monitoring, HVAC regulation, and environmental sensing. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to replace multiple specialized controllers, simplifying the overall system architecture while preserving adaptability across different building management applications.
2Device complexity
If a single integrated controller is used to combine all control functions, then system complexity is reduced and fewer service providers are needed, but the device must handle diverse sensing and control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor-based controller incorporates universal interfaces and processing capabilities that can handle diverse sensing inputs (light, temperature, humidity, occupancy, smoke, toxic gases) and control outputs (lighting fixtures, HVAC systems, security devices). This multi-functional design enables a single device to adapt to various building management requirements without sacrificing control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes programmable parameters and configurable settings within the microprocessor controller to adapt to different control scenarios. By changing software parameters and control algorithms rather than hardware configurations, the system maintains versatility across different building types and applications while keeping the physical device structure simplified and integrated.
3Loss of information
If sensors are dispersed throughout the building for comprehensive monitoring, then energy optimization and intelligence about facility utilization are improved, but the networking infrastructure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor-based controller serves as a central intermediary that receives data from dispersed sensors throughout the building and processes this information centrally. This intermediary approach allows comprehensive facility monitoring and intelligence gathering while simplifying the networking complexity by providing a single point of data convergence and processing, rather than requiring complex peer-to-peer sensor networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the sensing function from the processing function. Sensors are dispersed throughout the building to gather comprehensive data, while the microprocessor controller is centralized to process and analyze this data. This segmentation allows the sensing network to remain distributed for optimal data collection while the networking complexity is managed centrally at the controller level.
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 human interface processing for operator control of each environmental system.