Distributed BMS Device Authorization Without a Single Primary Node
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building management systems (BMS) often rely on a single primary device for configuration and authorization, making them vulnerable to failure and requiring redundant devices or external networks, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A distributed device management system where each device in the group can communicate with others over multiple network channels, manage configuration and authorization, synchronize data, and monitor status, eliminating the need for a single point of failure and external connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single primary device is used for centralized configuration and authorization, then device management control is simplified, but the system becomes vulnerable to single point of failure and requires redundant devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized configuration and authorization functions distributed across multiple peer devices in the network. Each device maintains its own configuration data and can independently authorize new devices, eliminating the single primary device architecture while maintaining manageable distributed control.
2Reliability
If redundant devices or servers are added to eliminate single point of failure, then system reliability is improved, but costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each peer device universal by enabling every device to perform configuration management and authorization functions simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated primary devices or redundant servers, as any device can assume the management role, achieving reliability without increasing device count.
3Reliability
If extra devices or servers are deployed for redundancy, then failover capability is improved, but manufacturing and distribution complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic peer-to-peer synchronization where devices autonomously exchange configuration data and authorization information. This eliminates the need for complex manual configuration procedures and reduces design complexity, as the system self-organizes without requiring specialized redundant infrastructure.
4Ease of operation
If centralized configuration is used, then authorization control is simplified, but the system requires connection to outside networks and Cloud services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the configuration management and authorization functions directly into the peer-to-peer communication protocol. Devices exchange configuration data and authorization tokens through their existing network connections without requiring separate Cloud service infrastructure, eliminating external network dependencies while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for distributed device management includes a group of devices. Each device in the group of devices communicate with one or more other devices in the group of devices over one or more network channels, and each device in the group of devices includes a processing circuit. The processing circuit of each device in the group of devices manages one or more devices in the group of devices, authorizes a new device to join the group of devices, and synchronizes data with the new device and with one or more devices in the group of devices over the one or more network channels.