Protocol-Independent Server Engine for Building Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building automation systems (BAS) are inflexible and labor-intensive, requiring extensive customization and manual integration for each installation, and struggle with compatibility across different vendors and generations, leading to high costs and time-consuming maintenance, especially when integrating new devices or updating systems.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically extensible and automatically configurable BAS architecture that includes a protocol-independent server engine, allowing for seamless communication and control across multiple protocols and devices, with the ability to derive non-real end devices from algorithmic relationships and redefine them dynamically, supporting legacy and next-generation components without recompilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardwired systems and proprietary communication standards are used, then system robustness and customization for particular installations are improved, but system complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication interface that supports multiple communication protocols (BACnet, Modbus, LonWorks, etc.) within a single BAS platform. This allows the system to communicate with diverse devices from different vendors without requiring separate proprietary systems, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliable communication through standardized protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a protocol translation layer that acts as an intermediary between devices using different communication protocols. This mediator translates messages between various protocols, enabling seamless integration of legacy and modern devices without requiring hardwired custom connections, thus reducing installation complexity while maintaining system reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual programming and customization are performed for each building, then system adaptability to specific installations is improved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides pre-configured communication profiles and templates for common device types and protocols. These pre-established configurations can be quickly deployed without requiring extensive manual programming for each installation, thereby maintaining system adaptability while significantly reducing installation time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automatic device discovery and configuration capabilities that allow devices to self-identify and configure themselves within the BAS. This self-service approach reduces the need for manual programming and customization, enabling rapid deployment while maintaining adaptability to specific installation requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If systems integrators are used for integration and customization, then system compatibility and functionality are improved, but project cost and disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides built-in protocol translation and integration capabilities within the BAS software architecture, serving as an intermediary that handles device compatibility issues without requiring external systems integrators. This reduces project cost and disruption while maintaining system compatibility through automated protocol translation and device integration.
4Device complexity
If single protocol architecture is used, then system simplicity is improved, but interoperability with multi-vendor devices decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-protocol architecture within a unified BAS platform that supports multiple communication protocols simultaneously. This universal approach maintains system simplicity through a single integrated platform while achieving superior protocol interoperability with multi-vendor devices compared to single-protocol systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A building automation system (BAS) comprising a plurality of end devices, at least one communication network, and a protocol-independent server engine. In one embodiment, the BAS comprises real and non-real end devices. In another embodiment, the BAS comprises real and virtual end devices. The BAS may also comprise a user interface.