Building Automation Controller Name Resolution Management

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Building automation systems face challenges in secure communication and integration of multiple control loops, leading to cybersecurity issues and inefficiencies in managing complex networks.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of enhanced automation controllers with secure communication protocols like BACnet Secure Connect and an embedded web interface for commissioning, editing, and servicing, which provide secure communication connections and advanced network management capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple automation level devices are integrated in a building automation system, then system functionality and control capability are improved, but network complexity and cybersecurity risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidnetwork complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary device that manages name resolution and device identification in the automation system. The controller mediates between multiple automation level devices, coordinating their interactions through standardized name resolution processes. This intermediary approach enables complex multi-device integration while maintaining manageable network complexity by providing a central coordination point for device identification and communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional communication protocols are used in building automation systems, then device compatibility is improved, but security vulnerabilities increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidsecurity integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements name resolution mechanisms that transform device identification from traditional protocol-dependent methods to a standardized name-based approach. By changing the parameter of device identification from protocol-specific addresses to universal device names, the system maintains compatibility with various automation level devices while enhancing security through improved device authentication and identification management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If name resolution is performed manually in building automation systems, then implementation simplicity is improved, but time consumption and inefficiency increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidcommissioning efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated name resolution functionality within the controller that performs device identification and name synchronization without manual intervention. The controller automatically resolves device names, synchronizes object names across automation level devices, and manages device identification processes. This self-service approach eliminates time-consuming manual name resolution while maintaining implementation simplicity through automated processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If secure communication protocols are implemented, then cybersecurity protection is improved, but communication overhead and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecybersecurity protectionVSAvoidprocessing overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements name resolution and device identification processes that establish secure communication parameters in advance before actual data transmission occurs. By pre-resolving device names and establishing identification protocols beforehand, the system reduces real-time processing overhead during communication while maintaining strong cybersecurity protection through预先 established secure channels and authenticated device identities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11894945B2Control device for a building automation system having name resolution management
Publication Date: 2024.02.06 SIEMENS INDUSTRY INC
  • US11894945B2 patent drawing
  • US11894945B2 patent drawing
  • US11894945B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A controller of a building automation system comprising a communication component and a processor, and a method thereof. The communication component communicates with one or more other controllers of multiple automation level devices. The automation level devices are associated with an automation level network of the building automation system. The automation level devices include the controller and the other controller(s). The processor performs name resolution in which names of objects for devices associated with a building automation system are synchronized by device object references.