Building Control Sequence Verification Using Auto-Generated Test Logic
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for control sequence verification in building control systems are time-consuming, tedious, and prone to errors due to manual manipulation of input variables and recording of output data by technicians.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes a device, a controller, and a system manager capable of automatically generating test logic based on a common data model tag to verify the execution of expected control sequences by adjusting inputs and determining expected system responses, thereby reducing manual intervention and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual manipulation of input variables and manual recording of output data by technicians is used for control sequence verification, then the verification process can be performed with simple equipment, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-verification of control sequences through the system manager that automatically generates test logic, manipulates input variables, records output data, and compares results against expected outcomes without requiring manual technician intervention for each verification step
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of technician-operated verification with an automated electronic system that uses software-based test logic generation and execution to perform control sequence verification, eliminating manual labor and associated errors
2Productivity
If automated verification is implemented, then productivity and accuracy improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system manager serves multiple functions: it generates test logic automatically, manipulates input variables, monitors output data, compares results against expected outcomes, and provides verification reports - consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate tools or manual processes into a single multi-functional automated system
Solution Approach 2:
The system manager acts as an intermediary layer between the controller being tested and the verification process, automatically generating and executing test logic while comparing actual outputs against expected results, thereby simplifying the overall verification architecture despite the added automation layer
Data Source
AI summary
A control system includes a device of building equipment operable to alter a variable state or condition of a building in response to a command, a controller in communication with the device and operable to generate the command by executing an expected control sequence in response to one or more inputs, and a system manager. The system manager is configured to automatically verify that the controller executes the expected control sequence by automatically generating test logic based on a common data model tag for the device. The test logic specifies an input condition and an expected system response. The system manager is further configured to automatically verify that the controller executes the expected control sequence by adjusting one or more of the one or more inputs such that the input condition is satisfied and determining whether the expected system response occurs.