NFC Tag Configuration for Building Automation Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional building automation system (BAS) controller configuration and commissioning require significant resources and time due to the need for physical connection and manual initialization of wireless communication parameters, which increases installation and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A method using Near Field Communication (NFC) techniques where a mobile device reads identity information from an NFC tag associated with the controller, generates configuration parameters, and stores them securely for later retrieval, allowing for automated configuration even when the controller is in a powered-off state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wired connection and manual configuration methods are used for BAS controllers, then configuration reliability is ensured, but commissioning time and service engineering resources increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-provisioning each BAS controller with an NFC tag containing its identity information before the controller is powered on or installed. This allows configuration parameters to be written to the NFC tag in advance, eliminating the need for manual configuration after installation. The mobile computing device can read the identity information from the NFC tag and generate configuration parameters before the controller becomes operational, thus reducing commissioning time while maintaining reliability through secure NFC-based parameter transfer.
2Manufacturing precision
If service engineers physically connect to each BAS controller for configuration, then accurate configuration parameters are ensured, but labor costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the BAS controller to automatically retrieve its own identity information from the NFC tag and use this information to generate its configuration parameters. The controller autonomously completes the configuration process by reading parameters from the NFC tag without requiring physical connection to a service engineer's laptop. This self-configuration capability maintains configuration accuracy while dramatically reducing commissioning complexity and labor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless NFC-based configuration system. Instead of requiring physical Ethernet cables and wired connections between the service engineer's laptop and the BAS controller, the system uses NFC wireless communication to transfer identity information and configuration parameters. This substitution maintains configuration accuracy while eliminating the need for physical connections, reducing commissioning complexity and enabling configuration without mechanical intervention.
3Stability of the object's composition
If configuration is performed after controller installation, then proper system integration is ensured, but scheduling flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables pre-commissioning activities by allowing configuration parameters to be written to the NFC tag before the controller is installed or powered on. The mobile computing device can read identity information from the NFC tag and generate configuration parameters in advance, even before the controller is integrated into the BAS. This preliminary configuration maintains system integration stability because the parameters are generated based on the controller's actual identity information, while simultaneously providing scheduling flexibility by decoupling the configuration timing from the installation and power-up timing.
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 commissioning BAS controllers by enabling secure, reliable, and flexible configuration of multiple controllers, allowing pre-commissioning activities before electrical power is available, thereby decreasing work-hours and enhancing scheduling flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
receiving, by a mobile computing device, identity information associated with the controller via Near Field Communication (NFC) read operations from memory of a NFC tag associated with the controller
Implementation Method 2
retrieving, by the controller after transition of the controller from a powered-off state to a powered-on state, encrypted configuration parameters stored in the memory of the NFC tag
Implementation Method 3
generating, by the controller, a symmetric key based on the identity information corresponding to the controller. The method further includes decrypting, by the controller using the symmetric key, the encrypted configuration parameters retrieved from the memory of the NFC tag
Data Source
AI summary
Generating configuration parameters for a controller includes receiving, by a mobile computing device, identity information associated with the controller via Near Field Communication (NFC) read operations from memory of a NFC tag associated with the controller. The mobile computing device generates one or more configuration parameters for the controller based on the received identity information associated with the controller. The mobile computing device further stores, via NFC write operations, the configuration parameters in the memory of the NFC tag for later retrieval and configuration operations by the controller.