Building Automation Device Mapping for Faster Room Assignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of assigning functions to devices in building automation systems leads to errors and increased computing times, particularly due to the multifunctionality of devices and technical parameters, resulting in inefficient device selection and installation processes.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method using modules to assign functions to devices, where functions are mapped to device types and then to specific devices, with optional optimization, utilizing data structures and Boolean algebra to reduce computational complexity and parallel processing to minimize computing time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If automated device selection is performed using computer algorithms, then assignment accuracy is improved, but computing time increases to hours

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassignment accuracyVSAvoidcomputing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device selection process is segmented into multiple independent steps: reading building data, determining functions, selecting device types, and optimizing device selection. Each step processes a specific aspect of the assignment problem separately, allowing the system to maintain high accuracy while reducing overall computing time by avoiding redundant calculations in each segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary determination of building functions and requirements before proceeding to device selection. By pre-processing and storing function data, device type data, and building data in structured formats, the system prepares the computational groundwork in advance, enabling faster and more accurate device assignment when the actual selection is performed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If comprehensive device parameters and multifunctionality are considered, then assignment reliability is improved, but device selection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassignment reliabilityVSAvoidselection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex device selection problem is divided into manageable segments: function determination, device type selection, and device optimization. Each segment handles specific parameters and constraints separately, making the overall complex process more tractable and reliable by reducing the cognitive and computational load at each step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Device types serve as an intermediary layer between building functions and specific devices. Instead of directly mapping functions to individual devices, the system first selects appropriate device types based on function requirements, then optimizes the selection of specific devices of those types. This intermediary step simplifies the complexity by abstracting away detailed device variations while maintaining assignment reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If repeated reassignments are performed during planning changes, then adaptability is improved, but computing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereassignment capabilityVSAvoidreassignment computing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary determination of building functions and constraints before device assignment. This pre-processing creates a flexible foundation that can be quickly re-evaluated when changes occur, allowing rapid reassignment without repeating the entire analysis from scratch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device selection system is designed to be dynamic and adaptable to changes. When planning modifications occur, the system can re-execute the segmented selection process with updated inputs, efficiently adapting to new requirements while maintaining the structured approach that prevents exponential time increases through the use of stored function data and device type mappings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3425851B1Automatic selection of devices for buildings, corresponding building specification and user-specific optimisation criteria
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3425851B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3425851B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3425851B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The allocation of automation devices to a room segment in a building is performed in a computer (300) according to a computer-implemented procedure. The computer (300) reads a function data structure (310) that specifies which functions and their respective effects are defined for the segment. The computer (300) reads a device pool data structure (320) that represents device types and their executable functions for use in buildings. A function-to-type mapping module (301) implements the mapping of functions to device types and generates a type list (311). A type-to-device mapping module (302) implements the mapping of device types from the type list (311) to devices according to predefined device conditions and generates a device list (312) that specifies how many devices of each device type are required.Furthermore, the computer (300) has filter modules (305, 303) that optimize the selection.