Building Security Interface Using BIM Floor Plan Symbols
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security systems require extensive training and knowledge of low-level devices for users to interact effectively, making it difficult to adapt to changing circumstances such as sensor malfunctions or updates in authorized user lists, and are not intuitive for users.
Innovation Solution
A novel interface using on-screen drawings on portable devices like smartphones and tablets, where users can create symbols that the system recognizes to perform operations, simplifying interactions by leveraging native device features and building information models (BIM) to correlate user inputs with security system functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional security system interfaces are used, then system functionality is maintained, but user training requirements increase and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a visual representation (floor plan image) of the physical security system layout. Users interact with this copied visual model rather than abstract system parameters, making operations intuitive through spatial recognition. The interface displays sensors, zones, and security devices in their physical locations, allowing users to understand system state and perform operations without technical training.
2Adaptability or versatility
If detailed system configuration options are provided, then system adaptability improves, but interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the security system interface into distinct visual zones corresponding to physical spaces. Each zone contains specific security devices and sensors, allowing users to interact with individual segments independently. This segmentation enables adaptability (users can modify specific zones or devices) while maintaining simplicity (users only see and interact with relevant portions of the system at any given time).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms abstract security system data into a two-dimensional visual floor plan representation. This dimensional transformation allows complex system configurations to be displayed spatially rather than through nested menus or technical parameters. Users can visually perceive system layout, device locations, and operational states across the spatial dimension, making adaptability accessible without increasing interface complexity.
3Reliability
If comprehensive system monitoring is implemented, then system reliability improves, but information processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts critical system information (sensor states, alarm conditions, device status) and presents it visually overlaid on the floor plan image. Rather than processing and displaying all possible system data, the interface extracts and highlights only the most relevant operational information. This extraction maintains system reliability through comprehensive monitoring while reducing information processing load by presenting only essential data in an intuitive visual format.
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a security system having a plurality of sensors and actuators within a building and a respective control feature embodied as a programmed processor and associated with operation of the security system and at least some of the plurality of sensors and actuators, a user display of a portable wireless device that depicts a portion of the building using a building information model (BIM), an user interface of the wireless device that receives a symbol drawn by a human user over part of the building portion and a processor that correlates the symbol with a control feature of the security system based upon proximity of the symbol on the display with a location of an associated sensor or actuator of the control feature within the BIM model of the building.