Building Sensor Data Display for Cross-System Time Series Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Retailers face difficulties in monitoring and comparing data sets from different sensors, devices, and controllers across various building systems like refrigeration and HVAC, as existing methods require users to switch between displays, losing context and placing a burden on users to make necessary comparisons.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for displaying data that allows concurrent display of multiple data sets through a carousel selection mechanism, enabling users to select and compare data sets from different building systems on a single graph, with dynamic updates and focus data set highlighting, facilitating analysis of interrelated device performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If users monitor data for each device separately using existing methods, then device-specific data can be viewed in detail, but users must switch between displays which causes loss of context and makes comparison difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata comparison accuracyVSAvoiduser operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple device data displays into a single unified display interface. The system presents data from multiple devices simultaneously on one screen using a carousel-based visualization where users can view and compare data from different devices without switching between separate displays, thereby maintaining context and enabling direct comparison while reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the display by implementing a carousel mechanism that allows users to cycle through different device data sets over time within a single continuous view. This dimensional approach enables comparison across both spatial (different devices) and temporal (different time points) axes simultaneously, solving the contradiction between detailed viewing and easy comparison

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If users examine data for each device separately, then detailed device data can be analyzed, but users must rely on memory to make comparisons which places a burden on the user

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontext retentionVSAvoiddisplay system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple device data views into a single integrated display that maintains all relevant context simultaneously. The carousel-based interface allows users to see data from multiple devices in one continuous view, eliminating the need to rely on memory for comparisons while preserving complete contextual information about device relationships and performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a carousel interface as an intermediary layer between the user and multiple device data sources. This mediator automatically manages the presentation of data from different devices, maintaining context and relationships while simplifying user interaction. The carousel acts as a buffer that holds and organizes information, reducing the cognitive burden on users

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2842099B1System and method for device cluster data display
Publication Date: 2022.07.27 EMERSON DIGITAL COLD CHAIN INC
  • EP2842099B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2842099B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2842099B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system and method for display of multiple data sets related to building systems is provided. A first building system includes a first sensor that generates first operating data corresponding to the first building system. A second building system includes a second sensor that generates second operating data corresponding to the second building system. A data server stores the first operating data and the second operating data. A user terminal accesses the first operating data and the second operating data, receives user input selecting the first operating data and the second operating data for display, and displays the first operating data and the second operating data together in a graphical display.