Building Automation Setup via Gateway Auto-Discovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing home control network programming tools require trained users on-site and are not user-friendly for installation and configuration, lacking flexibility and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A building automation system with a gateway device, personal electronic device, and configuration application that allows for remote setup and programming of controllable devices, such as lighting and shades, using auto-discovery and easy-to-use graphical interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional programming tools are used, then system functionality is achieved, but user-friendliness and ease of installation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidprogramming complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic device discovery and configuration through the gateway device that automatically detects controllable devices on the network and guides users through the setup process, eliminating the need for complex manual programming and making the system self-configuring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The gateway device serves as an intermediary between users and the control network, simplifying the interaction by handling complex communication protocols and device management tasks, allowing users to control devices through a simple interface without understanding underlying system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If traditional on-site programming is required, then system configuration is achieved, but time consumption and resource requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidprogramming time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway device performs preliminary automatic discovery and inventory of all controllable devices on the network before user configuration begins, pre-organizing devices by location and type so that users can immediately start controlling devices without time-consuming setup procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual on-site programming procedures with automated electronic discovery and configuration processes, where the gateway device automatically communicates with devices on the network to identify and register them, eliminating the need for technicians to physically program each device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250271829A1Method for establishing a building automation system including installing a plurality of controllable devices in a plurality of rooms in a building

Publication Date: 2025.08.28 CRESTRON ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A control system configurable by a configuration application and comprising one or more control processors, one or more gateways, a communication network, a portable electronic device executing the configuration application and one or more controllable devices wherein the controllable device is represented by one or more virtual devices.