Controller with Adjacent Display for Auto-Labeling and Guided Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current smart building control systems require extensive effort to create and update wiring diagrams, as each system must be explicitly tagged and integrated, leading to inefficiencies and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A controller system with a moveable interactive screen that allows users to label and modify device representations, update wiring diagrams, and change terminal configurations dynamically, enabling guided wiring and auto-labeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional smart building control systems are used with cloud add-ons for integration, then system connectivity is achieved, but wiring diagram creation time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic device discovery and self-tagging through sensors and communication protocols, eliminating the need for manual tagging of each device. The controller automatically generates and updates wiring diagrams by detecting device connections and extracting wiring information from the network, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring extensive manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (physically tracing wires, manually creating diagrams) with automated electronic detection and software-based diagram generation. Sensors detect device presence and communication protocols extract wiring information automatically, substituting human labor with electronic automation to reduce time and effort.
2Reliability
If explicit tagging methods are used to integrate different building systems, then system understanding is improved, but integration effort and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Devices automatically generate their own identification tags and system metadata through embedded sensors and communication interfaces. The controller autonomously discovers devices, extracts their identities and relationships, and organizes them into the building management system without requiring manual tagging or configuration of each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a universal automatic discovery mechanism that works across different device types and protocols. A single controller can discover and integrate various building systems (HVAC, lighting, security) using the same automated processes, eliminating the need for separate integration efforts for each system type.
3Manufacturing precision
If wiring diagrams are recreated from scratch when devices are moved, then diagram accuracy is maintained, but time and effort are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the building network for device movements and connection changes. When a device is moved or reconnected, sensors detect the change and the controller automatically updates the wiring diagram to reflect the new configuration, providing real-time feedback rather than requiring periodic manual recreations.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic device discovery and diagram update processes run continuously in the background, maintaining current wiring information without interruption. This continuous operation ensures the diagram remains accurate as devices are moved or added, eliminating the need to stop work and recreate diagrams from scratch.
4Loss of information
If manual wiring diagram creation is performed for each unconnected system, then complete building documentation is achieved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically discovers all connected devices and generates comprehensive building documentation without manual intervention. Sensors detect device presence and communication protocols extract wiring information, allowing the system to self-document the entire building infrastructure rather than requiring manual creation of each diagram.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines device discovery, wiring detection, and diagram generation into a single automated process. Rather than performing separate manual tasks for each system, the integrated approach simultaneously discovers devices, traces connections, and creates comprehensive documentation, dramatically improving productivity while maintaining completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller is described with an adjacent electronic display which allows users to input building plans, and to design where devices (e.g., equipment and sensors) are to go. The controller has access to databases of the devices including wiring diagrams and protocols, such that the controller can automatically create a wiring diagram that can be used to wire the building and the controller. The adjacent display can be moved to show controller wiring, while the display shows a wiring diagram which describes a diagram of the controller wiring including devices that are connected, and wiring information about the devices.