BAS Controller NFC Access for Offline Wiring Diagram Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional building automation system (BAS) controller configuration and commissioning require significant resources and time due to the need for physical connection and labeling, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC) technology allows a mobile computing device to retrieve and display configuration information, such as wiring diagrams and cable tags, from an NFC tag associated with the BAS controller, enabling secure and reliable access even when the controller is in a powered-off state, reducing the need for multiple technicians and streamlining the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wired connection methods are used for BAS controller configuration, then reliable data transfer is achieved, but significant time and human resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless NFC (Near Field Communication) system. The mobile computing device establishes wireless communication with the BAS controller through NFC technology, eliminating the need for physical cable connections while maintaining data transfer reliability. This substitution reduces configuration time and human resources required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an NFC tag as an intermediary component that stores configuration information. Instead of directly transferring data through wired connections between the mobile device and controller, the NFC tag serves as a mediator that holds the configuration data, allowing wireless retrieval by the mobile computing device.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple technicians are deployed for controller configuration, then complex wiring and labeling tasks are completed, but labor costs and project duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service configuration where the BAS controller stores its own configuration information on an NFC tag. The mobile computing device can autonomously retrieve this information without requiring multiple technicians to perform manual wiring and labeling tasks. This self-service approach maintains installation ease while significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration information is prepared and stored on the NFC tag in advance during controller manufacturing or setup. This preliminary action eliminates the need for technicians to perform time-consuming wiring diagram creation and cable labeling tasks during installation, allowing single-technician deployment while maintaining comprehensive configuration capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If configuration information is stored locally on the controller, then quick access is achieved, but access is limited when controller is powered off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration information storage from the controller's power-dependent memory by placing it on a separate NFC tag. This segmentation allows the configuration data to be accessed independently of the controller's power state, enabling quick access when powered on and maintaining accessibility when powered off, thus improving both ease of operation and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the controller's configuration information and stores it on an NFC tag. This copy enables access to configuration data without requiring the controller to be powered on, providing flexibility in when and how the information can be retrieved while maintaining the original data on the controller for operational use.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the time and cost associated with configuring and commissioning BAS controllers by allowing a single technician to perform wiring and tagging, while also enabling flexible scheduling and easy revision of configuration information.
Implementation Method 1
a mobile computing device receives identity information associated with the controller via Near Field Communication (NFC) read operations from memory of an NFC tag associated with the controller
Data Source
AI summary
A process for retrieving configuration information for a controller of a building automation system (BAS) includes verifying login information on a mobile computing device to ensure the mobile computing device has authority to access a wiring diagram. Then, a mobile computing device receives identity information associated with the controller via Near Field Communication (NFC) read operations from memory of an NFC tag associated with the controller and retrieves, using the identity information, the wiring diagram from a storage medium. The mobile computing device further displays the retrieved wiring diagram associated with the controller.