Processing Unit for Programmable Electrical System Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated electrical systems for buildings lack ease of configuration and reconfiguration, particularly when dealing with complex use-case scenarios involving multiple interrelated actions and addressable elements, leading to underutilization of software features due to installer familiarity and complexity issues.
Innovation Solution
A processing unit with a storage medium containing data packages comprising descriptive and algorithmic parts, an interaction interface for user configuration, and input/output interfaces for importing and exporting data packages, allowing users to easily configure and control programmable electrical systems through a user-friendly interface, enabling the creation and updating of use-case scenarios without requiring software updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a software interface is provided for configuring automation systems, then installers can access a wide range of functions, but the complexity of defining and adding input units, output units and programmed actions separately makes it difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple configuration operations (defining input units, output units, and programmed actions) into a single integrated action selection process. When an installer selects a predefined action, the system automatically configures all associated elements, eliminating the need to define them separately and reducing configuration complexity while maintaining full software functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs predefined actions that have been prepared in advance with all necessary input units, output units, and programmed actions already configured. This preliminary preparation allows installers to deploy complex automation scenarios by simply selecting from pre-configured options, rather than building each scenario from individual components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If installers are provided with comprehensive software tools, then they can experiment with various functions, but underutilization occurs due to lack of familiarity with less used options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides a library of predefined actions that serve as templates or copies of commonly needed automation scenarios. Installers can select from these pre-configured actions without needing to understand the underlying complexity, making advanced features accessible through simple selection rather than requiring deep software knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the configuration process into two distinct levels: a high-level action selection interface for installers, and a detailed configuration layer for the system. This segmentation allows installers to work with simplified concepts while the system handles the complex details, making comprehensive features usable without requiring installer expertise.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex automation scenarios involving multiple interrelated actions are implemented, then system functionality is enhanced, but configuration and reconfiguration become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple interrelated configuration tasks into a single action selection operation. When an installer selects a predefined action, the system automatically configures all associated input units, output units, and programmed actions as an integrated package, eliminating the need to configure each element separately and simplifying the deployment of complex scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares complex automation scenarios in advance as predefined actions with all interrelationships already established. This preliminary configuration of complex scenarios allows installers to deploy sophisticated automation logic by simply selecting from pre-configured options, rather than manually establishing multiple interconnections.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system allows flexible configuration of multiple element types, then functionality is improved, but updates and modifications require software updates which are time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into a stable core software layer and a flexible configuration layer. The core software remains unchanged, while predefined actions and their associated configurations can be independently added, modified, or removed. This segmentation allows system flexibility and updates without requiring time-consuming software updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures automation scenarios as standalone actions that can be independently deployed and modified. When new scenarios or modifications are needed, installers can simply add or update individual actions without affecting the core software or requiring system-wide updates, enabling rapid adaptation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a processing unit (100) for controlling a programmable electrical system (99) of a building that comprises addressable elements (111,112). The processing unit (100) comprises a storage medium (2) for storing a plurality of data packages, wherein each data package comprises a descriptive part and an algorithmic part. The processing unit comprises an interaction interface (7) for enabling a user to select one of the plurality of data packages and for configuring an instance of the selected data package by interactively presenting the user with choices and/or options relating to the data package, which are defined by the descriptive part of the data package. The processing unit also comprises a control program (5) for controlling the addressable elements (111,112) of the programmable electrical system (99). The control program (5) is configured by the interaction interface (7). In operation of the electrical system (99), the algorithmic part is executed by the processing unit when called by the control program (5). The processing unit also comprises an input interface (6) for receiving an isolated data package from an external source and for importing the isolated data package into the plurality of data packages on the storage medium.