Smart Building Data Connector With Readiness Check and Buffering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building management systems have device-specific data connectors that are complex and rigid, making them difficult to operate and manage.
Innovation Solution
A smart building data connector (SBDC) with a flexible user interface and intelligent processing that enables connectivity between local and remote cloud devices, using an outbound data service to determine readiness for payload transmission and a buffer service to handle transmission issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If device-specific data connectors with rigid requirements are used, then data transmission can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal data connector that can connect multiple types of data sources (building automation systems, security systems, lighting systems, HVAC systems) to a cloud data warehouse through a single standardized interface. This eliminates the need for multiple device-specific connectors while maintaining reliable data transmission from diverse sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (the standardized connector with buffering mechanism) between data sources and the cloud data warehouse. This intermediary handles protocol conversion, data formatting, and transmission coordination, simplifying the connection process while ensuring reliable data delivery.
2Productivity
If data transmission is attempted immediately without checking readiness, then transmission speed is maintained, but data integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a readiness check mechanism that performs preliminary actions before data transmission. The connector checks whether the cloud data warehouse is ready to receive data before attempting transmission, ensuring data integrity while maintaining efficient transmission when conditions are favorable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a buffering mechanism that cushions data transmission by temporarily storing data if the cloud data warehouse is not ready. This prevents data loss or corruption while maintaining transmission integrity, and allows resumption of transmission when the destination becomes ready.
3Device complexity
If transmission failures are not handled with buffering, then system simplicity is maintained, but data loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffering intermediary that sits between the data source and cloud data warehouse. This buffer absorbs transmission failures by temporarily storing data, preventing data loss while maintaining system simplicity through automated retry logic and transparent error handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffering mechanism operates autonomously, automatically retrying failed transmissions and managing data flow without requiring complex external error handling logic. This self-service approach maintains reliability while keeping the overall system design simple.
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a smart building data connector, and method thereof, of a building management system. A payload of a local data device is identified for transmission to a remote cloud device. The connector determines whether a remote cloud device is ready to receive the payload. The payload is transmitted to the remote cloud device in response to determining that the remote cloud device is ready to receive the payload. The connector determines whether the payload has been transmitted properly to the remote cloud device in response to transmitting the payload to the remote cloud device. The payload is buffered in response to determining that the remote cloud device is not ready to receive the payload or the payload has not been transmitted properly to the remote cloud device.