Remote activation of the wireless service interface of a control device using a peripheral device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Efficient loading of large amounts of data onto control devices in building automation systems is hindered by non-IP building networks with low transmission capacity, and manual USB cable connections are tedious due to difficult access locations.
Innovation Solution
A control unit with a wireless service interface that activates upon receiving a service signal from a field device, allowing data transfer without requiring an operational IP backbone, and automatically deactivates after use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If data is loaded via USB interface, then data transfer speed is improved, but accessibility to control device becomes worsened due to difficult access locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical USB cable connection system with a wireless communication system. The control device activates a wireless interface upon receiving a service signal, allowing data transfer without physical cable connections. This eliminates the need to physically access the control device in difficult-to-reach locations while maintaining high data transfer speeds.
2Speed
If wireless service interface is activated, then data transfer speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless service interface is activated periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The control device activates the wireless interface only when a service signal is received, performs data transfer, and then deactivates it. This periodic activation pattern maintains high data transfer speed when needed while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
3Ease of operation
If wireless interface is permanently activated, then ease of operation is improved, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The service signal acts as an intermediary authentication mechanism. Rather than having the wireless interface permanently activated, the system uses a field device-generated service signal as a mediator to trigger controlled, temporary activation. This ensures that data transfer is easy when authorized while maintaining security by requiring authentication through the service signal before the wireless interface becomes active.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a control device (e.g. a controller), in particular for building automation, for controlling one or more field devices which are connected in a data-transmitting manner to the control device via a communications network, in particular via a field bus, wherein the control device comprises a wireless service interface (e.g. WiFi interface), wherein the control device is designed to receive a service signal generated by a field device and to activate (or switch on) the wireless service interface on the basis of the service signal. The invention also relates to a method for transmitting data to a control device in order to control one or more field devices, which are connected in a data-transmitting manner to the control device via a communications network, in particular via a field bus, wherein a wireless service interface of the control device is activated via a service signal generated by a field device and sent to the control device, wherein, after the activation of the wireless service interface, data is transferred from a tool (e.g. engineering tool, start-up tool) via the wireless service interface to the control device.