BuildingOS Unified Platform for Multi-Vendor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems integration in the building management sector is costly, proprietary, and slow, making it difficult for facilities to efficiently collect and utilize data for optimizing resource usage and occupant comfort, and increasing productivity.
Innovation Solution
A central operating system, BuildingOS, that provides a streamlined user interface for integrating various building systems and devices into a single platform, enabling instant connections, data collection, and automation through features like ConnectNow for self-service implementation and multi-modal control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional systems integration methods are used, then building systems can be connected and data can be collected, but the integration costs are high, the process is slow, and multiple proprietary systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple proprietary building systems (HVAC, lighting, security, access control) into a single unified platform. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate vendor systems and reduces integration costs by providing a common architecture that natively supports diverse building subsystems without requiring complex proprietary integrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified platform is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple building system types through a single interface. It provides multi-vendor support and can integrate various device protocols (BACnet, Modbus, OPC, MQTT) within one system, eliminating the need for multiple specialized systems and reducing overall complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate systems are used for different building functions, then specific building systems can be managed, but users must log into several different systems and the user interface becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple system access points into a single unified user interface. Users interact with one consistent interface regardless of which building subsystem they need to access, eliminating the need to remember multiple login credentials and navigate different proprietary interfaces for HVAC, lighting, security, and other systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified platform provides universal access to all building systems through a single interface design. It maintains consistent user experience patterns across different subsystems while providing the same level of control and monitoring capabilities that would otherwise require separate specialized interfaces.
3Productivity
If traditional data collection methods are used, then utilization data can be gathered, but the process is complex and time-consuming for facilities management personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The unified platform implements self-service data collection capabilities where the system automatically discovers, connects to, and begins collecting data from building subsystems without requiring manual configuration by facilities personnel. The platform handles data normalization, aggregation, and presentation automatically, eliminating time-consuming manual data gathering processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary data processing and normalization automatically as data is collected, preparing it for immediate analysis and decision-making. This pre-processing includes data validation, formatting, and aggregation, so that facilities management personnel receive ready-to-use information without requiring additional processing time.
4Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary systems are used for building management, then vendor-specific functionality can be accessed, but deployment of new hardware or software from different vendors is slow and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The unified platform provides universal compatibility with hardware and software from multiple vendors through standardized integration interfaces. It supports various communication protocols and data formats, allowing facilities to deploy new technologies from different vendors without requiring proprietary system-specific integrations, thereby reducing both deployment cost and time.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform acts as an intermediary layer between diverse building subsystems and the user interface, providing protocol translation and data normalization. This mediator approach allows new vendor equipment to be integrated through standard interfaces without requiring deep customization, reducing deployment complexity and cost while maintaining adaptability to different vendors' products.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method may be used to control a plurality of services for one or more facilities. A data store may receive a first meter catalog that identifies a first meter, and a second meter catalog that identifies a second meter. The data store may also receive first and second meter readings from the first and second meters. The first and second meter readings may be indicative of provision of services to the one or more facilities. A processor may automatically process the first and second meter readings to provide first and second processed meter readings that are more readily understood by a user. A display screen may display the first and second processed meter readings. An input device may receive user input that establishes control and/or user reporting related to provision of the services.