System, method and apparatus for presentation of sensor information to a building control system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building Management Systems (BMS) are inflexible and costly to modify, limiting their ability to integrate new sensors and adapt to changing needs, such as new regulations or technologies, which reduces their effectiveness in providing accurate control measures.
Innovation Solution
A sensor network platform that includes gateway devices and sensor network nodes, which communicate with external operation centers to collect data from various sensors and present customized information to control systems, using industry-defined protocols like Modbus or BACnet, allowing for flexible integration and adaptation without significant expense.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional Building Management Systems are used, then system stability is maintained, but adaptability to new sensors and technologies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sensor network platform as an intermediary layer between traditional BMS and new sensors. This platform includes gateway devices and sensor network nodes that translate and adapt sensor data into formats compatible with existing BMS, allowing new sensors to be integrated without modifying the core BMS architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: sensor network nodes for data collection, gateway devices for protocol translation, and the existing BMS for control. This segmentation allows independent updates and additions to the sensor network without affecting the stability of the core BMS system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional BMS integration methods are used, then system reliability is maintained, but cost of modification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor network platform creates a virtual representation of sensor data that mirrors the structure expected by traditional BMS. Instead of physically modifying BMS hardware or software, the system copies the data interface layer, allowing existing BMS to communicate with new sensors through standardized protocols like Modbus or BACnet.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensor network platform is implemented, then adaptability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device and sensor network nodes are designed with universal functionality to support multiple sensor types and communication protocols simultaneously. A single gateway can handle various protocols (Modbus, BACnet, etc.) and interface with different BMS systems, reducing the need for specialized components for each integration scenario.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and apparatus for presentation of sensor information to a building control system. Nodes in the sensor network can be configured to emulate a monitoring device in presenting sensor information to a data collection device such as a building control system.