Building Network Device Addressing With Location-Based Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for setting network addresses in building management systems, such as fire alarm systems, are either time-consuming and costly (manual addressing) or lack location information (auto addressing), leading to inefficiencies and potential delays in system maintenance and response to emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A method using a portable computing device with a code scanner and geolocation capabilities to collect device serial numbers and location information, which is then downloaded to a wiring commissioning tool for efficient address allocation, allowing for logical address assignment based on device location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If manual addressing is used to set device addresses, then location information can be collected and addresses can be logically assigned, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of address setting with an automated optical scanning system. A code scanner reads pre-printed codes on devices to automatically capture serial numbers and location information, eliminating the need for manual data entry and address assignment while preserving complete location information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-printing identification codes on devices before installation and pre-mapping location information to code identifiers. This allows the scanning system to automatically capture both device identification and location data in a single operation, eliminating the time-consuming manual process of collecting this information during installation.
2Productivity
If auto addressing is used to set device addresses, then installation time is reduced, but location information is not captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely automated but information-deficient auto-addressing system with an enhanced automated scanning system. The code scanner automatically reads device codes and retrieves associated location information from a database, maintaining high installation speed while capturing complete location data that traditional auto-addressing misses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary database that stores the relationship between device codes and location information. The scanning system queries this database to automatically retrieve location data, serving as a mediator between the fast automated scanning process and the need for complete location information capture.
3Loss of information
If handheld programming tools are used for manual addressing, then device information can be recorded, but installation costs increase due to tool requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a multi-functional code scanner that can read various code formats (barcodes, QR codes), automatically capture device serial numbers, retrieve location information from databases, and interface with different device types. This single tool replaces multiple specialized programming tools, reducing installation costs while maintaining comprehensive device information capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by reading the pre-printed code information from devices and creating a digital record in the system database. This digital copy contains all necessary device identification and location information, eliminating the need for expensive specialized programming tools and manual data entry processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of setting the address of an addressable network device of a building management system comprises: at the point of installation of the device on a network wiring of the system, operating a code scanner of an installation tool to scan a code on the device, the information in the code including the serial number of the device; collecting location information in the installation tool at the point of installation; connecting the installation tool to a wiring commissioning tool after the device has been installed; downloading the code information and the location information onto the wiring commissioning tool; generating a network address for the device; and setting that network address into the device via the network wiring.