Cloud-Managed BSIED Operational Models Without Firmware Shutdown

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional monitoring and control devices require manual firmware updates, which are costly and time-consuming, and introduce risks of undetected software errors, necessitating device shutdown and on-site expert intervention.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of Building Signature Intelligent Electronic Devices (BSIEDs) that evaluate and update their operational models dynamically, using cloud-connected central processing units to process building signature input data, select new models based on device characteristics, and transmit updates without requiring firmware upgrades or manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual firmware updates are performed on monitoring and control devices, then device functionality can be updated, but device shutdown is required and on-site expert intervention is needed, increasing downtime and costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice operation continuityVSAvoidfirmware update automation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring and control device performs self-updating of its operational model by automatically receiving updated models from the operational model repository and executing them without requiring manual firmware updates or on-site expert intervention. The device autonomously manages its operational model lifecycle, including validation and deployment, thereby eliminating the need for device shutdown and expert involvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system separates the operational model from the device firmware, allowing the operational model to be independently updated and deployed. This segmentation enables the operational model to be updated without requiring a complete firmware update, thus maintaining device operation continuity while enabling automated updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual firmware updates are performed on monitoring and control devices, then updated functionality can be deployed, but the process is time-consuming and costly, reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidupdate deployment efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Updated operational models are pre-prepared and stored in an operational model repository before being deployed to devices. This preliminary action allows the device to quickly retrieve and deploy updated functionality without requiring time-consuming manual firmware updates, thereby improving update deployment efficiency while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical process of manual firmware updates with an automated digital delivery mechanism. Updated operational models are electronically transmitted from the repository to the device, eliminating the need for physical media or manual installation processes, thus significantly improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If firmware updates are performed manually, then device functionality can be updated, but the risk of introducing undetected software errors increases, worsening reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational model updatesVSAvoidsoftware error risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates validation mechanisms that automatically verify the integrity and correctness of updated operational models before deployment. The device receives feedback from the validation process, ensuring that only verified, error-free models are deployed, thereby reducing software error risk while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary validation and testing of operational models in the repository before they are deployed to devices. This beforehand cushioning ensures that potential errors are detected and corrected prior to deployment, protecting the device from introducing undetected software errors while enabling continuous adaptability updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11774124B2Systems and methods for managing building signature intelligent electronic devices

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC USA INC

AI summary

A method for evaluating a building signature operational model (BSOM) associated with a building signature intelligent electronic device (BSIED) includes processing building signature operational data (BSOD) on a cloud-connected central processing unit to identify the BSIED from which the BSOD was received, and to determine if a current BSOM associated with the BSIED, and used by the BSIED to generate the BSOD, needs to be updated. In response to determining that the current BSOM needs to be updated, a new BSOM is selected for the BSIED from a BSOM library based, at least in part, on one or more characteristics associated with the BSIED. The new BSOM is transmitted to the BSIED for installation on the BSIED.