Building Equipment Data-Point Binding for Automated Function Matching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current building equipment planning and engineering processes are inefficient due to the lack of a model that automatically matches functions and devices, requiring high manual effort and being communication technology-dependent.
Innovation Solution
A machine-readable provider and consumer model is processed to describe data-point interactions, allowing functions and devices to be automatically matched and deployed during commissioning, with connection groups calculated based on affected contexts, using a common semantic naming model and communication technology-independent interaction layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual mapping and binding of data-points is performed for each instance, then functions and devices can be interconnected, but planning and engineering effort increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining function templates with standardized data-point interfaces before actual building equipment planning. These templates include pre-configured provider and consumer models that automatically match with devices based on semantic naming conventions, eliminating the need for manual data-point mapping during commissioning and significantly reducing planning time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating reusable function templates that can be instantiated multiple times across different building equipment. Instead of manually configuring each function-instance separately, the system copies the standardized template structure and automatically adapts it to specific devices through automated matching based on semantic names and data-point interfaces
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional KNX application architecture with group address mapping is used, then functions can be bound to devices, but the binding is limited to execution level and not communication technology independent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a communication technology-independent binding architecture that works across multiple protocols (KNX, BACnet, Modbus, etc.). The function templates and device matching mechanism are protocol-agnostic, using standardized semantic naming conventions that allow the same binding logic to operate regardless of the underlying communication technology, thereby achieving multi-functionality across different building automation standards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer in the form of standardized function templates that act as mediators between devices and the control system. These templates provide a protocol-independent interface that translates between various communication technologies and the unified function model, simplifying the binding architecture by decoupling device-specific protocols from the universal function binding mechanism
3Adaptability or versatility
If runtime models like OPC UA platforms are used, then multiple communication paradigms are supported, but no common model describes how functions and devices interwork on a template basis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the building automation system into distinct, independently configurable segments: device models with standardized interfaces, function templates with provider/consumer data-point models, and connection groups. This segmentation allows each component to be developed, validated, and deployed separately while maintaining standardized interconnection points, making it easier to deploy standardized templates across multiple communication paradigms without requiring a monolithic runtime model
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include methods for planning and operating building equipment. An example method includes: processing a machine-readable provider and consumer model describing data-points modelling a provision or consumption of data by functions; and exchanging data through connections with other data-points modelling a provision or consumption of data by devices of the building equipment.