Graphical Programming Tool for Building Management System Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional building management systems (BMS) face challenges in addressing unique operational requirements of specific buildings, often requiring customization, additional time, and increased costs due to the need for custom solutions or modifications.
Innovation Solution
A BMS with a graphical programming tool that allows users to create a block design comprising logical, mathematical, and functional objects, which is converted into a custom application for a target device, enabling modification of device behavior without the need for extensive customization or additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional BMS approaches (customization, additional devices, or negotiations) are used to address unique operational requirements, then the building can achieve its desired operational behavior, but additional time and cost are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables end-users to programmatically customize device behavior through a graphical programming tool without requiring external developers or negotiators. Users directly create and deploy custom applications that modify device operations to meet their specific building requirements, eliminating the time loss associated with conventional customization approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The BMS includes a library of pre-configured functional blocks and templates that users can select and combine to quickly create custom applications. This preliminary preparation of common operational patterns allows users to address unique requirements faster by building upon existing solutions rather than starting from scratch.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional BMS approaches (customization, additional devices, or negotiations) are used to address unique operational requirements, then the building can achieve its desired operational behavior, but additional cost is required
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical programming tool and functional blocks are designed to be universally applicable across different device types and operational scenarios. A single tool can generate custom applications for multiple device categories (HVAC, lighting, security), eliminating the need for separate customization solutions for each device type and reducing overall costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Users can replicate successful custom applications across multiple devices or locations by copying and modifying existing block designs. This copying capability reduces the effort and cost of creating custom solutions for similar operational requirements in different parts of a building or across multiple buildings.
3Productivity
If a graphical programming tool is implemented to enable user-created custom applications, then time and cost efficiency improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical programming tool serves as an intermediary layer between the user and the device controller. Instead of exposing complex device programming interfaces directly to users, the tool translates high-level graphical block designs into device-specific code, simplifying the user experience while maintaining device functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments complex device control into modular functional blocks (e.g., temperature control, scheduling, alarm functions). Each block represents a discrete, manageable unit of functionality that can be independently configured and combined, reducing the perceived complexity for users while enabling sophisticated device behavior.
Data Source
AI summary
A building management system includes a programming tool and a target device. The graphical tool includes a user interface generator configured to provide a user interface that allows a user to create a block design comprising a plurality of logical, mathematical, and functional object. The target device includes a block generator configured to receive a text file of the block design, convert the text file into an application block file, and assemble the application block file into a custom application for the target device. The target device further includes a device controller configured to execute the custom application to modify the behavior of the target device.