BMS Firmware Update Routing for Bandwidth-Efficient Field Devices

Solution Overview

Problem

Managing firmware updates in building control systems is inefficient due to the need to download updates to all devices, even if only some require them, wasting time and resources, especially in systems with limited communication bandwidth.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that intelligently manages firmware updates by identifying the current version of each device, sending updates only to those needing them, and optimizing communication protocols to reduce unnecessary downloads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If firmware updates are downloaded to all BMS field devices, then all devices will have updated firmware, but time and bandwidth are wasted on devices that do not need updates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update completenessVSAvoidfirmware update time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by querying each BMS field device for its current firmware version before initiating the update process. The BMS controller collects version information from all devices, compares it with the target firmware version, and identifies which devices actually need updates. This preliminary assessment prevents unnecessary downloads and installations, saving time and bandwidth while ensuring updates are applied to all devices that require them.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If firmware updates are downloaded to all BMS field devices, then all devices will have updated firmware, but communication bandwidth is wasted on unnecessary downloads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update completenessVSAvoidcommunication bandwidth

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by querying each BMS field device for its current firmware version before initiating the update process. The BMS controller collects version information from all devices, compares it with the target firmware version, and identifies which devices actually need updates. This preliminary assessment prevents unnecessary downloads and installations, saving time and bandwidth while ensuring updates are applied to all devices that require them.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If firmware updates are manually managed, then update control is simple, but the process is tedious and time-consuming for large numbers of devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupdate management simplicityVSAvoidfirmware update efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by automatically querying each BMS field device for its current firmware version, comparing versions, identifying devices that need updates, and initiating downloads and installations only for those devices. This automated process eliminates the need for manual intervention in firmware version checking and update distribution, significantly improving efficiency while maintaining simplicity in update control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where BMS field devices report their current firmware versions to the BMS controller, which then uses this information to determine update requirements. The controller provides feedback about which devices need updates and initiates the appropriate actions, creating a closed-loop system that automatically manages firmware updates across the network without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250383866A1Smart system for managing firmware updates in a building control system

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A system and method for updating firmware in a Building Management System (BMS) includes a BMS controller connected to field devices via a field bus and to a firmware (FW) management tool via a network. The BMS controller requests device information including current FW versions from the field devices and sends this information to the FW management tool. The FW management tool determines which devices have outdated firmware and sends updated versions to the BMS controller, which routes them to the appropriate field devices for installation. The system allows the FW management tool to disconnect after sending updates without disrupting installation. For devices with multiple firmware files, the FW management tool sends files sequentially, waiting for each download to complete before sending the next. The field devices can notify the BMS controller of successful installations, which can then notify the FW management tool.