Sensor device and secured wireless communication protocol for air quality sensor devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy building management systems are inadequate in managing high-volume data, lack modern connectivity features, and fail to integrate modern sensing and data collection capabilities, leading to inefficiencies in energy management and wellness control, particularly in large-scale applications.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a radio circuit for wireless communication using an air-quality communication protocol, integrated with a building management system through a BMS integration module, including a transceiver and co-processor, enables secure and power-efficient data transmission and processing, facilitating centralized control of air quality, comfort, and energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If legacy building management systems are used for data collection and environmental control, then basic sensing and control functions are provided, but the systems are ill-suited for high-volume data processing and lack modern connectivity features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the building management system into multiple independent sensor devices, each capable of autonomous data collection and processing. This allows the system to handle high-volume data through distributed processing rather than centralized legacy systems, improving both connectivity and data processing capability while maintaining manageable complexity at each device level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cloud-based platforms and communication protocols as intermediaries between sensor devices and building management systems. These intermediaries enable modern connectivity features and high-volume data processing capabilities without requiring legacy systems to be replaced entirely, bridging the gap between old and new technologies.
2Measurement precision
If manual calibration and re-calibration of sensor devices is performed, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but prohibitively large amounts of time and effort are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-calibration capabilities where sensor devices automatically adjust and maintain their own calibration status without requiring manual intervention. The system includes automated diagnostic functions and self-adjustment mechanisms that maintain measurement precision while eliminating the time-consuming manual calibration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensor data is continuously monitored and analyzed to detect drift or calibration issues. The system automatically triggers recalibration procedures when needed and provides feedback to building management about sensor status, maintaining accuracy without requiring scheduled manual calibration efforts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If legacy building management systems are used, then existing infrastructure is maintained, but the systems lack cloud-processing systems and interconnectivity for automated response to energy market and grid data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs sensor devices with multi-functionality that can operate within legacy building management systems while also supporting modern cloud-based platforms and communication protocols. This universal design enables interconnectivity and automated response capabilities without completely replacing existing infrastructure, allowing the system to function across multiple platforms and automation levels.
4Area of stationary object
If smaller-scale comfort and energy management systems are used, then certain energy and comfort control functionalities are provided, but the systems lack the scope for centrally-managed control of wellness, air quality, comfort, and energy needs for larger buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of smaller-scale comfort and energy management systems into a unified building-wide platform that can handle wellness, air quality, comfort, and energy needs across large buildings. The system combines distributed sensor devices with centralized cloud-based management, enabling comprehensive integrated control while maintaining the scalability needed for large building applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device comprises a radio circuit; air-quality detectors; a microcontroller; a building management system (BMS) integration module, the BMS integration module including a transceiver distinct from the radio circuit and a co processor distinct from the microcontroller; and a memory that configures the sensor device to: transmit, during a first time period, a wake-up signal, wherein the wake-up signal includes at least a packet number; send, during a second time period, an acknowledgment (ACK) signal, wherein the ACK signal is sent in reference to a synchronized time slot and a packet number; transmit, during a third time period, at least sensor reading data of least one air quality detector, wherein the sensor reading data is encrypted using at least an encryption key stored in the memory; receive, during a fourth time period, a sleep signal; and enter into a sleep mode upon receipt of the sleep signal.