System and method for rapid input and configuration of sensors for a HVAC monitoring system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC monitoring and control systems are cumbersome in configuring and displaying sensor assignments, limiting the ability to quickly identify over-utilization of cooling resources and determine additional cooling needs within data centers.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based system with a touchscreen display and software module that generates an association matrix screen, allowing users to easily assign and manage sensors into groups, visualize sensor assignments, and change group associations, facilitating efficient temperature data analysis and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional HVAC monitoring systems are used to configure sensor assignments, then sensor grouping can be achieved, but the configuration process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional linear or hierarchical sensor configuration interface into a two-dimensional matrix display where sensors are arranged in rows and HVAC groups are arranged in columns. Each cell in the matrix represents the assignment status between a specific sensor and group. This dimensional transformation allows users to visually assess and modify multiple sensor-group relationships simultaneously, dramatically reducing configuration time and improving ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are limited to single group assignment, then system complexity is reduced, but the ability to flexibly manage cooling resources across multiple areas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a many-to-many assignment model where sensors can be assigned to multiple HVAC groups simultaneously, and groups can contain multiple sensors. The matrix interface enables users to efficiently manage these multiple assignments by simply checking or unchecking cells. This multi-functionality approach allows a single sensor to contribute temperature data to multiple different cooling zones or equipment groups, significantly enhancing system adaptability and resource utilization flexibility without requiring complex additional hardware or processing logic.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a processor based system for using temperature information being reported by a plurality of sensors present within a predetermined environment and controlling how various ones of the sensors are grouped together into a plurality of groups for monitoring purposes. The system includes a software subsystem that generates an association matrix screen on a display system associated with a computer system being used by a user with receives the temperature information. The association matrix screen enables a user to associate or disassociate specific sensors with selected groups of sensors using selection commands, as well as to provide temperature related information concerning all of the sensors being monitored by the system. Each of the sensors is not limited to being assigned to only a single group of sensors but may instead be assigned to two or more different groups of sensors for purposes of monitoring and/or control.