Building Field Device Access via Visual Codes and Mobile Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building automation systems require technical training for operation, making it difficult for maintenance workers and occupants to interact with and manage field devices effectively, as they lack intuitive and cost-effective interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A building automation system that generates visual codes for field devices, allowing off-the-shelf mobile devices to read and display real-time information and control device functions without dedicated software, enabling intuitive management and configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated building automation software and technical training are required for operation, then system control capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual codes (barcodes, QR codes, data matrices) as simplified copies of field device identifiers. Instead of requiring users to interact with complex building automation software interfaces, the system creates visual representations that can be scanned by mobile devices, translating complex device identification into a simple visual scanning operation that anyone can perform
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mobile devices as intermediaries between users and the building automation system. The mobile device acts as a mediator that captures visual codes, transmits them to the building automation system, and relays information back to the user, eliminating the need for users to directly operate complex control software while maintaining system connectivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialized control interfaces are used, then system functionality is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes mobile devices universal interfaces for interacting with the building automation system. Instead of requiring specialized control panels or dedicated software installations, the system leverages the ubiquity of mobile devices to provide access to field device information and control capabilities across the entire building automation infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual code copies of field device identifiers that can be read by any mobile device with scanning capability. This approach eliminates the need for specialized control interfaces while maintaining full system functionality, as the visual codes serve as universal keys to access and control any field device
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a building automation system (100) comprising a communication component (304), a processor (308), and an output component (318). The communication component (304) scans the building automation system (100) to discover devices (120, 122, 124), and the processor (308) generates a visual code for a particular field device. The visual code identifies a uniform resource locator directed to a virtual node hosting environment of the building automation system (100) associated with the field device (120, 122, 124). The output component (318) produces the visual code at a physical material for exhibition in proximity to the field device (120, 122, 124). Thereafter, the hosting environment receives a status request, associated with the uniform resource locator, for the field device (120, 122, 124) from a mobile device (126). The hosting environment generates point information associated with the field device (120, 122, 124) based on information collected from the field device in response to receiving the status request. The communication component (304) sends the point information to the mobile device (126).