Building Management Metadata Gateway for Remote Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring and managing building management systems from a remote location is challenging due to the complexity of integrating and controlling various components.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based system utilizing an intelligent gateway at the building site to collect and translate metadata from building management system components into a predetermined format for a remote server, enabling remote configuration and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a centralized supervisory building management system controller is used to control the overall building management system at the building site, then the system can effectively control and manage building components, but configuring and managing the system from a remote location becomes challenging and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between the building management system components and the remote user interface. This gateway translates and facilitates communication between different system elements, enabling remote configuration and management without requiring direct onsite access to the centralized controller. The gateway acts as a mediator that simplifies the complex interactions between remote users and the building management system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: building management system components at the building site, a gateway device for local processing and translation, and a remote user interface. This segmentation allows the centralized controller to maintain overall control while enabling independent remote configuration capabilities through the gateway, thereby reducing the complexity of remote system management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If building management system components use different communication protocols and data formats, then the system can integrate diverse building components, but the complexity of integrating and controlling various components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple communication protocols and data formats. It can translate between different protocols (such as BACnet, Modbus, and proprietary formats) and present a unified interface for remote management. This universal capability allows the system to integrate diverse building components without increasing the complexity of remote configuration and control.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of remotely obtaining metadata from a building management system at a building site includes utilizing an intelligent gateway that is disposed at the building site and that is operably coupled with the building management system. A request for the intelligent gateway to obtain metadata from the building management system is received at the intelligent gateway, which applies the metadata request to individual components of the building management system. The intelligent gateway receives the requested metadata from the individual components of the building management system and translates the received metadata into a predetermined format. The intelligent gateway communicates the translated metadata to the remote server.