Systems and methods for providing augmented reality-like interface for the management and maintenance of building systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current building automation systems lack an efficient and scalable method to manage and maintain mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, particularly HVAC systems, due to the challenge of processing large amounts of data and addressing user feedback effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system that correlates crowd-sourced data with building automation system data to provide an augmented reality-like interface, allowing users to interact with visual renderings of building components, control parameters, and address maintenance issues through a central management information system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If building automation systems collect and process large amounts of data from multiple sources, then the system can provide more comprehensive monitoring and control capabilities, but the system complexity and difficulty of data management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments data management by creating separate modules for different data types (building automation data, crowd-sourced data, maintenance data) and assigning specific responsibilities to each module. The central management information system acts as a coordinator that integrates these segmented data sources without requiring complete system reconfiguration, thus reducing overall complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central management information system as an intermediary layer between various data sources (building automation systems, mobile devices, crowd-sourced inputs) and the user interface. This intermediary consolidates and correlates data from multiple sources, managing complexity centrally while presenting simplified information to users through the augmented reality interface.
2Measurement precision
If the system provides detailed real-time information about building components, then users can make more informed maintenance decisions, but the amount of information processing and display requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional display interfaces to three-dimensional augmented reality visualizations. Building components are rendered in 3D space with overlaid diagnostic information, allowing users to perceive spatial relationships and component status simultaneously. This dimensional change enables detailed information presentation without increasing processing time, as the system leverages spatial cognition rather than sequential data review.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual copies of physical building components through augmented reality overlays. These digital twins replicate the appearance and status of actual equipment, allowing users to interact with and examine detailed diagnostic information about component copies without physically accessing or processing data from the real components in real-time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system integrates crowd-sourced data with building automation data, then the system can provide more comprehensive insights, but the data correlation and integration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The central management information system is designed with universal data correlation capabilities that can handle multiple data types from diverse sources (building automation sensors, mobile device inputs, crowd-sourced feedback). The system uses a unified data correlation methodology that adapts to different data formats and sources without requiring separate integration processes for each data type, thus managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts data correlation parameters based on the type and source of incoming data. When crowd-sourced data is received, the system modifies its correlation algorithms to appropriately weight and integrate this subjective feedback with objective sensor data. This parameter adaptation allows flexible integration of diverse data sources while managing complexity through automated adjustment rather than manual configuration.
4Ease of operation
If the system provides interactive control capabilities through augmented reality interface, then user engagement and control precision improve, but the interface complexity and user training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The augmented reality interface is designed to provide contextual information and control options automatically based on the user's view and interaction history. The system self-adapts to user needs by presenting relevant controls and information without requiring users to navigate complex menus or receive extensive training. The interface serves itself by intelligently determining what information and controls are most relevant to the current situation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to systems and methods for improved building systems management and maintenance. The present invention provides a system for providing an augmented reality-like interface for the management and maintenance of building systems, specifically the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems within a building, including the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems.