Cloud-Managed Software Gateway for Resilient Building Protocol Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building gateway systems are prone to failures, leading to disruptions in network connectivity for connected devices, as they often require manual installation of device drivers and lack flexibility in handling diverse communication protocols, making them inefficient in managing a variety of building equipment.
Innovation Solution
A software-defined gateway system that dynamically manages communication protocols by receiving software updates, generating configuration images based on device data, and automatically installing necessary drivers, enabling seamless communication across different protocols and equipment types, even in the event of gateway failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gateway is used to connect building devices to networks, then network connectivity is enabled, but the system becomes vulnerable to failures that disrupt connectivity for all connected devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gateway functionality into distributed virtual gateway instances that can be deployed across multiple devices. Each building device can operate as an independent virtual gateway, segmenting the single point of failure into multiple redundant nodes that can handle connectivity independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of gateway functionality through software-defined networking. Multiple virtual gateway instances can be deployed across different physical devices, allowing any device to assume gateway responsibilities if another fails, thus copying the gateway function rather than relying on a single physical gateway.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple device drivers are installed in a gateway to support diverse building equipment, then communication flexibility is improved, but the complexity of manual driver installation and management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic driver discovery and installation mechanisms where the system self-configures communication protocols without manual intervention. The virtual gateway automatically detects building equipment types and installs appropriate device drivers through software updates and automated configuration processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic driver loading where device drivers are not statically installed but dynamically acquired and loaded as needed. The system can adaptively download and install communication protocol drivers based on the specific building equipment detected, allowing flexibility without permanent complexity.
3Reliability
If a gateway is required for each building network, then network isolation and control are achieved, but the system lacks resilience when gateways fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes building devices multi-functional by enabling them to serve both as end devices and as virtual gateways simultaneously. Any building device can assume gateway functions for other devices, creating a universal system where devices can dynamically switch roles based on network conditions and failure scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements redundant virtual gateway instances that are pre-configured and ready to take over if a primary gateway fails. This cushioning mechanism ensures that connectivity is maintained by having backup gateway capabilities already in place before failures occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A building device including one or more memory devices configured to store instructions thereon, that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to implement a software gateway configured to receive one or more messages from building equipment, receive, based on the one or more messages, one or more software updates for the software gateway, wherein the one or more software updates are updates for communicating with the building equipment, communicate with the building equipment based on the one or more software updates and receive data describing the building equipment, and cause a configuration image to be generated for the software gateway based on the data describing the building equipment, the configuration image indicating a configuration of the software gateway for performing one or more gateway services.