NFC Tag Building Management System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional building management systems (BMS) require users to physically interact with wall-mounted thermostats to monitor and control temperature, which is inconvenient and lacks flexibility in managing building conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing Near Field Communications (NFC) tags within building spaces that allow mobile devices to read tag IDs, obtain temperature measurements, and adjust setpoints, enabling remote monitoring and control of building equipment through a mobile interface, including integrated sensors for humidity, oxygen, and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wall-mounted thermostats are used for temperature monitoring and control, then temperature measurement and control functions are provided, but user convenience and flexibility are reduced due to the need for physical interaction and fixed location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the user and the building management system. The mobile device communicates with NFC tags located throughout the building, retrieves temperature data from sensors, and presents it to the user through a mobile interface. This intermediary approach allows users to access building environment data without physically interacting with fixed thermostats, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining system functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction required by traditional thermostats (physical buttons, dials, and displays) with wireless electronic communication. Users interact with the system through a mobile device using NFC technology and wireless data transmission, eliminating the need for physical contact with wall-mounted devices. This substitution significantly improves user convenience and flexibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile devices are used to access building data via NFC tags, then user flexibility and remote access are improved, but the system requires additional components and integration complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universal capabilities of mobile devices, which already possess NFC readers, processors, and display interfaces. By utilizing existing multi-functional components in smartphones and tablets, the system achieves versatile access to building data without requiring dedicated specialized devices. The mobile device serves multiple functions including NFC communication, data processing, display, and user interaction, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs NFC tags that are passively energized by the mobile device's NFC reader. The tags automatically provide their identification and stored data without requiring active power sources or complex communication protocols. This self-service approach simplifies the interaction model and reduces the complexity of active components needed in the system
3Loss of information
If NFC tags with integrated sensors are deployed throughout building spaces, then location-specific monitoring capability is enhanced, but installation and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the NFC tag component: NFC identification, temperature sensing, humidity sensing, and data storage. By merging these previously separate functions into a single integrated component, the system eliminates the need for separate sensors, power sources, and communication devices at each monitoring location. This consolidation reduces installation complexity while maintaining comprehensive location-specific monitoring capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs passive NFC tags that are inexpensive and can be easily replaced or repositioned. These tags do not require complex installation infrastructure and can be attached to various surfaces throughout the building. Their low cost and simplicity make them ideal for widespread deployment to capture location-specific environmental data without significantly increasing system complexity or installation burden
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 users to monitor and control building conditions remotely without the need for physical interaction with thermostats, providing location-specific data and enhancing the management of building environments through a mobile device interface.
Implementation Method 1
a near field communications (NFC) tag located within a building space and storing a tag ID uniquely identifying the NFC tag
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor associated with the building space and configured to measure a temperature of the building space
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monitoring and controlling building equipment includes a near field communications (NFC) tag, a temperature sensor, a mobile device, and a controller. The NFC tag is located within a building space and stores a tag ID uniquely identifying the NFC tag. The temperature sensor is associated with the building space and configured to measure a temperature of the building space. The mobile device reads the NFC tag and obtains the tag ID from the NFC tag via NFC. The controller receives the tag ID from the mobile device and uses the tag ID to identify the temperature sensor associated with the building space. The controller receives the measured temperature from the temperature sensor and provides the measured temperature to the mobile device. The mobile device displays the measured temperature via a user interface of the mobile device.