Portable Localization Device for Building Control Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The commissioning of building control systems is labor-intensive and prone to errors due to the time-consuming and costly process of manually localizing host devices using barcode stickers, which increases energy consumption and reduces system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A localization method using a portable device that reads machine-readable unique identifiers (barcodes, QR-codes, or RFID tags) to determine geographical location information and associate it with the host device, allowing for instant on-the-spot localization and reducing manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual identification and localization of host devices is performed using barcode stickers and technical drawings, then device localization can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of sticking barcode labels and manually entering data into a digital system with an automated optical/electronic system. The localization device uses its camera to capture images of barcodes on host devices and automatically processes the information through image recognition and OCR technology, eliminating the need for manual sticker application and data entry while maintaining localization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The localization device autonomously performs the entire localization process without human intervention. It automatically captures barcode images, recognizes the barcode content through image processing, extracts geographical location information, and associates it with the host device identifier. This self-service capability dramatically reduces the time required for device localization while eliminating manual labor.
2Measurement precision
If manual identification and configuration processes are used, then device localization can be achieved, but the process is prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces error-prone manual operations with automated image recognition and optical character recognition systems. The localization device captures barcode images digitally and uses algorithmic processing to extract location information, eliminating human errors such as misreading barcodes, incorrect data entry, and mismatched associations between devices and locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the localization device captures barcode images, processes them through image recognition algorithms, and can verify the extracted information. This automated feedback loop ensures accurate extraction of geographical location data and proper association with host devices, significantly reducing errors compared to manual processes.
3Productivity
If automated localization methods are implemented, then localization speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The localization device leverages existing multi-functional components already present in modern smartphones and tablets, such as cameras, GPS receivers, and processing units. By making these existing components serve the additional function of barcode recognition and automatic localization, the system achieves high productivity without significantly increasing device complexity. The same device that takes photos and provides location data is also used to read barcodes and perform automatic localization.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the invention a localization method for localizing a host device (100) in a control system, in particular a building control system, is provided, the localization method comprising determining geographical location information of the host device (100) by means of a localization device (102) and associating the geographical location information with a unique identifier of the host device (100). According to another aspect of the invention a computer program product is provided that comprises program instructions which, when being executed by one or more processing units, cause said processing units to carry out or control the steps of the inventive localization method. According to another aspect of the invention, a localization device (102), in particular a portable localization device is provided for use in the inventive localization method.