IoT Communication Module for Building Technology Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building technology communication systems face challenges in seamlessly integrating and managing bus devices within IoT-networks, particularly in registering and communicating with various bus devices connected via a communication bus, while ensuring secure and efficient functionality.
Innovation Solution
A communication module that enables bi-directional communication between IoT-networks and communication buses, allowing for address assignment, data conversion, and functionality management, acting as a transparent gateway to facilitate the connection and management of bus devices, including sensors and actuators, within the building technology management system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a communication module is used to connect building technology devices to IoT-networks, then integration capability and communication efficiency are improved, but device complexity and protocol conversion requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module serves as an intermediary device that bridges building technology devices and IoT-networks. It performs protocol conversion between different communication protocols (e.g., DALI, 1x1, KNX) and IP-based protocols, enabling seamless integration without requiring changes to the building technology devices themselves. The module handles address assignment, data format conversion, and functionality mapping, thus resolving the technical contradiction by improving adaptability while containing device complexity within the communication module rather than the building technology devices.
2Ease of operation
If bus devices are made detachably connected via communication bus, then ease of installation and maintenance are improved, but connection reliability and communication stability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module performs preliminary actions by pre-assigned addresses to bus devices before they are fully integrated into the system. When bus devices are detachably connected, the communication module maintains a registry of device addresses and functionalities, allowing for quick re-registration and seamless reintegration without complex configuration procedures. This preliminary address assignment and device registry mechanism ensures that ease of installation is maintained while connection reliability is preserved through automated device management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bus devices are connected via communication bus to a single building technology device, then functionality and control flexibility are improved, but communication overhead and data management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module segments the management of multiple bus devices by creating virtual groupings and assigning hierarchical addresses. It divides the communication task into manageable segments by handling different device types (sensors, actuators, luminaires) through dedicated protocol handlers and data formats. This segmentation approach allows multiple bus devices to be connected with enhanced functionality while reducing data management complexity through structured organization and protocol-specific processing routines.
4Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion is performed between communication bus and IoT-network, then interoperability and integration are improved, but processing time and conversion overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module performs preliminary protocol conversion by pre-configuring address mappings, data format templates, and functionality translations between communication bus protocols and IP-based protocols. Common data structures and control commands are pre-translated and cached, allowing rapid protocol conversion without real-time processing delays. This preliminary preparation of conversion rules and data templates maintains high interoperability while minimizing processing time overhead during actual communication operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication module for a building technology device, especially a luminaire, is provided, wherein the communication module is configured to be connectable to an IoT-network and a communication bus, and being configured for a bi-directional communication on the IoT-network and the communication bus, wherein the communication module is configured to convert communication data between the communication bus and the IoT-network.