NFC Tag Building Control System for Simplified Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building control systems are cumbersome to operate, particularly when controlling multiple devices or scenes, as they require complex input methods and programming for interactions with occupants.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing optically distinct NFC tags that can be wirelessly read and combined, paired with a mobile terminal to send digital identifiers or control commands to a building network, allowing for simpler control of digital content and actuators through a dynamic control command system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If complex input methods and programming are used to control multiple devices or scenes, then control functionality is comprehensive, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces NFC tags as intermediary objects that store control commands. Instead of requiring users to directly program complex control sequences, the NFC tags act as mediators containing pre-configured control instructions. When a user taps their device against an NFC tag, the control command is automatically transferred, simplifying the interaction while maintaining comprehensive control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control commands are prepared in advance and stored within the NFC tags during the setup phase. This preliminary action eliminates the need for users to perform complex programming operations at the time of use. The tags are pre-configured with specific control instructions for different devices and scenes, allowing users to simply select and activate pre-defined control sequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If NFC tags are made optically distinct, then ease of operation improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs different colors or optical characteristics for NFC tags to indicate their specific functions or the types of control commands they contain. This visual differentiation helps users quickly identify and select the appropriate tag for their needs. The color coding is integrated into the tag design during manufacturing, adding minimal complexity while significantly improving user interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic control commands are stored in a cloud-based database, then adaptability improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal cloud-based database that stores control commands for multiple devices, scenes, and building types. This centralized repository serves multiple functions: storing control logic, managing device configurations, and providing update capabilities. The same database infrastructure supports various building control scenarios, reducing the need for separate systems and lowering overall complexity despite the enhanced adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables easier operation of building functions by allowing users to trigger scenes, music, lighting, and temperature settings with NFC tags, providing flexible and adaptable control through a cloud-based database, reducing the need for complex programming and enhancing user interaction.

Implementation Method 1

each with a memory 4 and configured to store a digital identifier 300 that identifies respective digital content 200. The terminal device 2 has an NFC interface 3 and is configured to read the digital identifier 300 stored in the NFC tag's memory 4 via this interface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNFC (Near Field Communication): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3793139A1Building control system
Publication Date: 2021.03.17 MOODBLOCKS GMBH
  • EP3793139A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3793139A1 patent drawing
  • EP3793139A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a building control system comprising a plurality of optically distinct and wirelessly readable NFC tags (1), which can be combined and arranged independently of one another, and an end device (2) having an NFC interface (3) configured to read a digital identifier stored in a memory (4) of the NFC tag (1) via the NFC interface (3), wherein the end device (2) has a radio interface (5) to a bus coupler (6) of a building network (7) and/or to a media playback device (8) and is configured to transmit the digital identifier or a control command associated with the digital identifier, which is preferably a dynamic control command, to the bus coupler (6) and/or to the media playback device (8). A corresponding method is further described.