Protocol-Independent Server Engine for BAS Device Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building automation systems (BAS) are inflexible and labor-intensive, requiring extensive customization and manual programming for each installation, making them costly and time-consuming, and they struggle with integrating components from different vendors and generations, as well as supporting multiple communication protocols and updates.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically extensible and automatically configurable BAS architecture that includes a protocol-independent server engine capable of managing multiple communication protocols and automatically configuring end devices, allowing for seamless integration of legacy and next-generation components, and enabling user customization without manual reprogramming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardwired systems and proprietary communication standards are used, then system robustness and customization for particular installations are improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-protocol communication architecture that allows the BAS to operate with multiple communication protocols simultaneously. The system includes protocol translation capabilities and a standardized interface layer that enables compatibility across different protocols (BACnet, LonWorks, Modbus, etc.), making the system universally applicable without requiring separate hardwired installations for each protocol type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a protocol translation layer and gateway devices that act as intermediaries between different communication protocols. These intermediaries translate messages between protocols, enabling seamless communication between devices using different protocols without requiring direct protocol matching or complex reconfiguration of the entire system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive customization and manual programming are performed for each installation, then system adaptability to specific buildings is improved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic device discovery and configuration capabilities that perform preliminary setup actions automatically during installation. The system can automatically detect devices on the network, retrieve their capability information, and configure appropriate communication parameters without requiring manual programming for each device, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables devices to self-configure and self-describe their capabilities through automatic device discovery protocols. When a device is added to the network, it automatically provides its capability information to the BAS, which then automatically configures the appropriate communication settings and integration parameters, eliminating the need for manual customization programming.
3Adaptability or versatility
If systems integrators are used for manual service and programming, then system integration capability is improved, but expense and operational interruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic device discovery, capability detection, and configuration capabilities that enable the BAS to integrate new devices autonomously without requiring systems integrators. The system automatically detects device types, retrieves capability information, and configures appropriate communication parameters, eliminating the need for expensive manual service while maintaining strong integration capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where devices automatically provide capability information to the BAS, which then uses this feedback to automatically adjust system configuration and integration parameters. This closed-loop approach enables autonomous adaptation to new devices and protocols without human intervention, reducing dependency on systems integrators.
4Device complexity
If single protocol architecture is used, then system simplicity is improved, but interoperability across different vendors and generations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-protocol architecture that allows the BAS to support multiple communication protocols simultaneously through a standardized internal interface. The system includes protocol-specific communication modules that can be activated as needed, enabling the BAS to interoperate with devices from different vendors and generations while maintaining a unified system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A building automation system (BAS) comprising a plurality of end devices, at least one communication network, and a protocol-independent server engine. The end devices are each associated with at least one of a space, a system, or a subsystem for at least a portion of a building or a campus. The communication network supports a plurality of communication protocols and communicatively couples at least a portion of the plurality of end devices. The server engine is communicatively coupled to the at least one communication network and includes means for selectively implementing a dynamic extensibility capability for the BAS that establishes communications with and control of the plurality of end devices over the plurality of communication protocols, and means for selectively implementing an automatic configuration capability for the BAS that supports addition of end devices to the plurality of end devices by determining at least one characteristic of each end device. Methods of establishing communications with unknown end devices in a building automation system (BAS) based upon metadata descriptors provided by known and unknown end devices are also disclosed.