NFC Controller Identification for BAS Wiring Diagram Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for configuring and commissioning building automation system (BAS) controllers require significant resources and time due to the need for physical connection and labeling of wires, which is inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC) techniques to retrieve and display configuration information, such as wiring diagrams and cable tags, on a mobile computing device, allowing for secure and reliable access to identity information stored on an NFC tag associated with the BAS controller, enabling single-technician operation for wiring and tagging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional wired connection methods are used for configuring BAS controllers, then reliable data transmission is achieved, but the time and labor resources required increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless NFC (Near Field Communication) system. The mobile computing device establishes wireless communication with the BAS controller through NFC tags, eliminating the need for physical Ethernet cables and wired connections during configuration and commissioning activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces NFC tags as intermediary elements between the mobile computing device and the BAS controller. These tags store identity information that enables the mobile device to retrieve configuration data from remote storage, serving as a mediator that facilitates wireless communication and data access without direct wired connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple service engineers are deployed for controller configuration, then comprehensive wiring and labeling is achieved, but the cost and complexity of the process increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring and labeling completionVSAvoidservice team complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables a single service engineer to perform multiple functions that previously required a team. The mobile computing device provides universal access to configuration information, wiring diagrams, and cable tags, allowing one technician to complete both wiring and labeling tasks independently without requiring separate engineers for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service configuration where the mobile computing device automatically retrieves and displays all necessary configuration information, wiring diagrams, and cable tags from remote storage using the controller's identity information. This eliminates the need for multiple specialists and allows a single engineer to independently complete the entire configuration process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If configuration information is stored remotely, then secure access control is maintained, but retrieval time may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess securityVSAvoidinformation retrieval speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by storing the controller's identity information in NFC tags before the configuration process begins. This pre-stored identity information enables the mobile computing device to immediately retrieve configuration data from remote storage without delay, as the identification and authentication process is already prepared in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach reduces the time and cost associated with configuring and commissioning BAS controllers by allowing a single technician to perform both wiring and tagging, while enabling flexible scheduling and secure, reliable access to configuration information, even when the controller is in a powered-off state.

Implementation Method 1

the mobile computing device receives identity information associated with the controller via Near Field Communication (NFC) read operations from memory of an NFC tag associated with the controller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear Field Communication:

Data Source

PatentEP3945697A1Method and system for retrieving building automation system controller information using near field communication

Publication Date: 2022.02.02 CARRIER CORP

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AI summary

A process for retrieving configuration information for a controller of a building automation system (BAS) (11) includes verifying login information on a mobile computing device (14) to ensure the mobile computing device (14) has authority to access a wiring diagram (26). Then, a mobile computing device (14) receives identity information associated with the controller (12) via Near Field Communication (NFC) read operations from memory (22) of an NFC tag (20) associated with the controller (12) and retrieves, using the identity information, the wiring diagram (26) from a storage medium (16). The mobile computing device (14) further displays the retrieved wiring diagram (26) associated with the controller (12).