NFC Configuration Device for Building Control Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commissioning Building Control Systems is labor-intensive and prone to errors due to the indirect and error-prone process of establishing control relationships between networked devices, particularly in modern buildings with numerous devices per square meter, leading to increased energy consumption and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method using a configuration device to read identification data from one networked device and write it to another via machine-readable tags, such as RFID, allowing the controller unit to establish control relationships between devices, even when they are in an off or low-power state, using a process that includes reading, writing, and verifying identification data to facilitate intuitive and error-reduced device interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If NFC readers are installed in all devices to enable direct control relationship establishment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable configuration device as an intermediary that contains the NFC reader functionality. This mediator device enables direct control relationship establishment between networked devices without requiring NFC readers to be built into each device. The configuration device acts as a temporary bridge during the commissioning process, allowing bidirectional NFC communication while keeping individual networked devices simple and cost-effective.
2Device complexity
If manual localization and configuration processes are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and reliability deteriorate due to labor-intensive and error-prone tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables devices to perform self-localization and self-configuration through automated NFC-based identification and control relationship establishment. When devices are brought into proximity, they automatically exchange identification data and establish control relationships without requiring manual barcode scanning, data entry, or configuration through a centralized PC. This self-service approach dramatically improves commissioning productivity while maintaining simple device architecture.
3Device complexity
If manual localization processes are used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to error-prone manual tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (barcode scanning, physical sticker placement, manual data entry) with automated NFC electromagnetic communication. The NFC-based system automatically reads identification data from tags, transmits it between devices, and establishes control relationships without human intervention. This substitution eliminates manual errors while keeping individual devices simple, thereby improving reliability without increasing device complexity.
4Device complexity
If centralized PC-based configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to indirect and non-intuitive processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration process from centralized PC-based operations to distributed peer-to-peer NFC communication between devices. Instead of requiring all configuration activities to go through a central PC, the system allows devices to directly exchange identification data and establish control relationships through NFC. This segmentation enables parallel configuration operations and eliminates the time-consuming indirect process of PC-mediated configuration, significantly reducing commissioning time while keeping devices simple.
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 method simplifies the establishment of control relationships between networked devices, reducing installation effort and errors, while being cost-effective and energy-efficient, as it allows for direct interaction and does not require full-blown NFC readers in all devices, enabling easier commissioning and operation of complex control relationships.
Implementation Method 1
a configuration device reads identification data of a first networked device from a first machine-readable tag, said first machine-readable tag being connected to said first networked device
Implementation Method 2
the configuration device writes the identification data of the first networked device to a second machine-readable tag, said second machine-readable tag being connected to a second networked device
Data Source
AI summary
A method for establishing control relationships between at least two networked devices is conceived. Further a corresponding configuration device, networked device and non-transitory computer program product are provided.