QR Code Configuration for Building Automation Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building automation systems face challenges in network security and user customization, as they require labor-intensive programming and lack effective methods for personalized environmental control settings, especially in large commercial and industrial facilities.
Innovation Solution
A network-independent interface approach using a mobile computing device to generate and read machine-readable codes, such as QR codes, which allows users to set and adjust environmental settings without a network connection, enabling secure and customizable control of building automation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If networked or smart switches and thermostats are used to allow users to adjust environmental settings, then user control and customization are improved, but network security risks and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the configuration and authentication data from the networked system and embeds it directly into a machine-readable code (QR code) that can be read by a code reader device. This removes the need for complex network programming while maintaining user control capabilities, as users can simply scan the code to configure their environmental settings without navigating complex network protocols or authentication sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a machine-readable code as an intermediary between the building automation system and the user's mobile device. Instead of direct network communication requiring complex programming, the QR code serves as a simple mediator that transfers configuration and authentication data, greatly simplifying the user interface while maintaining system security and functionality.
2Reliability
If traditional thermostats and switches with physical locks are used, then security is improved, but ease of operation and user customization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical lock system on traditional thermostats with an electronic authentication mechanism delivered through a machine-readable code. Instead of physical locks that prevent access, the system uses digitally encoded authentication data that can be easily verified, maintaining security while allowing authorized users to customize their environmental settings through simple code scanning rather than physical manipulation.
3Measurement precision
If labor-intensive programming is used for initial configuration, then system security and control precision are improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the complex authentication and configuration actions in advance by encoding all necessary data into a machine-readable code during system setup. When a user needs to customize their environment, they simply scan the pre-prepared QR code which instantly provides all configuration data, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site programming while maintaining precise control over environmental parameters.
4Stability of the object's composition
If centralized control stations are used to monitor and control dispersed system elements, then system coordination is improved, but network dependency and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized control function by distributing machine-readable codes to multiple locations throughout the building. Each code contains localized configuration and authentication data that can be independently scanned and executed, allowing dispersed control elements to maintain coordination without requiring continuous network communication or complex centralized management, thus reducing network dependency while preserving system stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An approach for configuration of a controller in a building automation system (BAS) using a code that may be generated by the BAS, but accessed without a network work connection