Building Control Object Model for Signal Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building control systems operate independently, lacking effective integration and communication between different control functionalities, such as HVAC, security, and lighting, which limits their ability to efficiently distribute control signals and manage resources like energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow for the formation of flexible subsets of control devices and associations between systems, enabling improved communication by receiving input from objects, selecting parameters, and performing actions based on those inputs, facilitating the integration of different control functionalities and simplified installation of new devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate function-based control systems are used for HVAC, security, lighting, etc., then each system can be independently controlled and monitored, but the systems lack integration and cannot efficiently distribute control signals between them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal object model that can represent different types of control devices (HVAC, lighting, security) through a common interface. Objects are defined with standardized properties and methods that enable them to participate in multiple control scenarios across different functional domains, allowing a single control signal to affect multiple systems through their shared object representations
2Productivity
If control systems are integrated to allow signal distribution between systems, then resource management efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into independent, reusable object components that can be individually developed, tested, and deployed. Each object represents a discrete control device or function with well-defined interfaces, allowing the system to achieve integration benefits while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary object model layer that sits between the physical control devices and the control logic. This intermediary layer provides standardized interfaces and abstraction mechanisms that simplify signal distribution across systems, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from direct system-to-system integration
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional separate control systems are used, then deployment of new control devices is difficult in existing systems, but the existing system structure remains simple
Solution Approach 1:
The universal object model enables new control devices to be deployed in existing systems by representing them as standardized objects with common interfaces. This allows devices from different functional domains to be integrated through the same object framework, simplifying deployment while the modular object structure manages the underlying complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a method, apparatus and computer program product for controlling parameters of objects in a building control system, the method comprising receiving input from at least one of the objects, wherein the at least one object is associated with a first subset of objects; selecting at least one parameter, wherein the at least one parameter depends on the input; selecting a second subset of objects from the objects, wherein the objects of the second subset are selected based on the at least one selected parameter; and performing a first action on objects in the second subset of objects.