IM Message Router for Remote Building Automation Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies do not effectively utilize instant messaging (IM) for transferring large amounts of data, such as equipment information, from building automation systems to both local and remote users, especially across different networks and firewalls.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that employs a message router connected to building automation equipment, which gathers data, packetizes it, and transmits it as an instant message through an instant messaging server, allowing remote access and monitoring without requiring a separate network connection, using Jabber or similar IM software for compatibility across different systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If instant messaging is used to transfer building automation data, then ease of operation and remote access are improved, but data transfer capability for large amounts of equipment information is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments large amounts of building automation data into smaller data packets that can be transmitted through instant messaging protocols. The system divides equipment information, alarm data, and operational parameters into manageable units that fit within IM message constraints, enabling effective data transfer despite protocol limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component that acts as a bridge between the building automation system and instant messaging clients. This intermediary collects data from building equipment, formats it into IM-compatible packets, and manages the transmission protocol, thereby enabling large data transfers through a protocol not originally designed for such purposes.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional network connections are used for remote monitoring, then data transfer capability is maintained, but device complexity and network infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the instant messaging system multi-functional by enabling it to serve both its traditional communication purpose and building automation data transmission. The same IM infrastructure used for chat and messaging is leveraged to transport building equipment data, eliminating the need for separate dedicated monitoring networks and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows existing instant messaging users to access building automation data using their current IM clients without requiring specialized software or additional network infrastructure. Users leverage their existing IM accounts and connections to remotely monitor building equipment, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on complex dedicated monitoring networks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing IM protocols are used for data transmission, then compatibility across different systems is improved, but reliability for automated data transport is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by establishing automated data collection and packet formatting routines before transmission. The system pre-processes building automation data into standardized IM-compatible formats, sets up automated transmission schedules, and configures error handling protocols in advance, thereby ensuring reliable data transport without requiring manual intervention while maintaining IM protocol compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system is provided for gathering and packetizing data from networked building automation equipment, and for transmitting data packets as instant messages to remotely located users. An instant messaging (IM) server-based system is provided to facilitate communication between networked building equipment and a remotely located service contractor. When a registered router is operated, the router establishes a continuous pass-through communication link with the IM server and with building equipment connected to the router. The router automatically polls connected building equipment for alarms, faults and system failures, and also receives, processes, and responds to user requests for specific data from particular items of building equipment. Data gathered by the router is packetized, and the packets are then encapsulated into an instant message that is transmitted to the IM server. Authorized users who log on to the IM server are then provided access to the instant message containing the packetized data. Additionally, remote users can solicit gathering of data by the router by submitting to an IM server an instant message requesting the router to gather and return specific data from particular item of building equipment.