Building management system with semantic model integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building management systems (BMS) lack a standardized approach to represent and manage equipment, spaces, and points, making user interaction and fault detection inefficient due to non-semantic object representations.
Innovation Solution
A BMS that employs a semantic model by defining ontology data models, classifying BMS objects based on equipment and point definitions, and using user-selected model classes to generate a semantic site model for improved control and fault detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If BMS objects are represented using non-semantic object representations, then the system can operate with simpler data structures, but user interaction and fault detection become inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (semantic model/ontology) between the raw BMS data and the user interface. This intermediary translates non-semantic object representations into meaningful semantic concepts, allowing users to interact with the system using natural language while the underlying system maintains its simpler data structures. The semantic model acts as a mediator that enriches the information without fundamentally changing the core data representation.
2Reliability
If BMS objects are standardized using a semantic model, then fault detection and interoperability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the BMS architecture into distinct layers: the data layer (raw object representations), the semantic layer (ontology and model classes), and the application layer (fault detection and user interaction). This segmentation allows the semantic model to be added as a separate module without fundamentally redesigning the entire system. The fault detection capability is enhanced by the semantic layer while the original data structures remain unchanged, thus managing complexity through modular design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a semantic model is implemented to classify BMS objects, then interoperability and automated control improve, but the complexity of system configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal semantic model (ontology) that can classify diverse BMS objects from different manufacturers and systems into a common framework. This universal model uses standardized model classes and relationships that work across different equipment types and vendors, improving interoperability. The configuration complexity is managed by providing pre-defined model classes that can be automatically matched to BMS objects, reducing the need for custom configuration while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A building management system (BMS) includes memory devices having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by processors, cause the processors to perform operations including obtaining a BMS ontology data model defining a plurality of BMS model classes and relationships between the BMS model classes, obtaining a plurality of BMS object definitions including equipment definitions defining a plurality of different types of equipment and point definitions defining a plurality of different types of points, assigning a BMS model class selected from the plurality of BMS model classes to each of the plurality of BMS object definitions, generating a semantic site model by classifying a plurality of BMS objects associated with a building site according to the BMS object definitions and the BMS model classes assigned thereto, and controlling building equipment using the semantic site model.