Graphical Controller Link Setup for BACnet Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Setting up data communications between controllers, such as BACnet controllers, is a tedious task due to the need for multiple levels of mapping and can result in incorrect connections, increasing engineering and installation costs.
Innovation Solution
A graphical approach for creating data sharing between controllers using a wiresheet where devices are dragged and dropped to connect, specifying source and destination properties, and downloading the link information to the controllers for binding, leveraging the NiagaraAx framework and BACnet Spyder programming tool to simplify the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mapping tables are used to setup data communications between controllers, then data sharing can be established, but the setup process becomes tedious and complex with multiple levels of mapping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual, table-based mapping configuration method with an automated graphical wire sheet system. Controllers are represented as visual blocks that can be dragged and dropped, and connections are established through graphical linking rather than populating multiple mapping tables manually. This substitution of the configuration mechanism dramatically simplifies the setup process while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication management application as an intermediary layer between the graphical wire sheet interface and the controller mapping tables. This intermediary automatically translates the visual connections into the required mapping table configurations, shielding users from the complexity of underlying mapping mechanisms while enabling data sharing between controllers.
2Reliability
If traditional mapping tables are used for controller communications, then data sharing is possible, but incorrect connections may occur increasing engineering costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements visual feedback mechanisms in the wire sheet interface that allow users to verify connections before finalizing configurations. The graphical representation provides immediate visual confirmation of correct linkages between controllers, and the system can detect and alert users to potential configuration errors, thereby preventing incorrect connections and reducing engineering rework costs.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing manual table population with automated graphical connection establishment, the system reduces human error in configuring controller communications. The visual wire sheet interface with drag-and-drop functionality and automatic mapping table generation ensures more accurate connections compared to manual configuration methods.
3Productivity
If multiple mapping tables are populated manually, then data sharing between controllers can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by automatically generating and populating mapping tables based on the graphical wire sheet configuration. When users create connections visually, the system pre-computes and prepares the necessary mapping table entries, eliminating the time-consuming manual population process and accelerating the overall setup speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate configuration tasks (creating mapping tables, establishing connections, verifying communications) into a single unified graphical wire sheet interface. This consolidation allows users to perform all configuration activities through one intuitive interface rather than manually managing multiple tables and processes, significantly improving productivity and reducing configuration time.
Data Source
AI summary
A graphical approach to setup data sharing between two controllers. Symbols that represent controllers may be placed on a wiresheet. A link may be constructed between the controllers by connecting the symbols with a line drawn between them. The resulting link information may lead to a compile and download of binding tables to the pertinent controller. The designer or user need not setup several levels of mapping by populating multiple tables to effect the binding for a link between the controllers. This binding may be done automatically under a hood without the designer or user needing to be aware of the binding activity. This approach for graphically constructing a link may be particularly applicable to BACnet controllers.