Lightweight Web-Based Supervisor Self-Provisioning for Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building management systems require manual, time-consuming, and error-prone processes for supervisor onboarding, which are costly due to the need for large memory and processing capabilities, and lack efficient mechanisms for visualizing and managing schedules across multiple sites.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight web-based supervisor is automatically provisioned using configuration information from commissioned devices, allowing for automatic discovery, provisioning, and dashboard-based management without a dedicated on-site computer or gateway, enabling visualization and scheduling across multiple sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional supervisor onboarding is performed manually, then configuration accuracy is improved, but onboarding time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The supervisor performs self-provisioning by automatically discovering commissioned devices in the network and configuring itself using device configuration information, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention while maintaining accurate configuration through automated device-to-supervisor data transfer
Solution Approach 2:
Device configuration information is collected and prepared in advance during the device commissioning phase, which is then automatically utilized during supervisor provisioning to pre-configure the supervisor with accurate device details before the supervisor becomes operational
2Power
If traditional supervisor hardware is used, then processing capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a lightweight supervisor implementation that runs on low-cost hardware such as a Raspberry Pi or similar single-board computer, replacing expensive traditional supervisor hardware while maintaining sufficient processing capability for managing IoT devices through optimized software architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The supervisor functionality is replicated as a virtual instance or containerized application that can run on inexpensive hardware, copying the essential supervisory functions from traditional high-performance systems to a lightweight environment through software virtualization
3Loss of information
If manual supervisor configuration is performed, then configuration completeness is improved, but error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supervisor automatically receives and processes configuration information feedback from commissioned devices, continuously verifying and updating its understanding of the network topology and device states, which ensures complete and accurate configuration while eliminating manual entry errors
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of configuration entry is replaced with automated electronic data exchange between devices and the supervisor through standardized communication protocols, eliminating human error while maintaining complete configuration information through structured data transfer
4Reliability
If dedicated on-site computer is used, then supervisor reliability is improved, but deployment flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lightweight supervisor is designed to run on universal low-cost hardware platforms that can be deployed in various locations including remote sites, mobile vehicles, or temporary installations, providing the same reliable supervisory functions as dedicated computers while enabling flexible deployment scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The supervisor system transitions from a static dedicated computer installation to a dynamic, portable deployment model where the supervisor can be easily moved, scaled, or reconfigured across different locations and network configurations while maintaining operational reliability
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A method for automatically onboarding an instance of a lightweight web-based supervisor in a network includes receiving configuration information associated with one or more commissioned devices in the network. The method includes automatically discovering an installation or initial execution of the instance of the lightweight web-based supervisor on the one or more commissioned devices in the network. The method includes subsequent to automatically discovering the installation or initial execution of the instance of the lightweight web-based supervisor, automatically provisioning the instance of the lightweight web-based supervisor based at least on the configuration information of the one or more commissioned devices. The method includes subsequent to automatically configuring the lightweight web-based supervisor, automatically mapping and displaying operational information and configuration information associated with the one or more commissioned devices via a dashboard of the instance of the lightweight web-based supervisor.