Virtual Field Controller Emulation for Building Automation Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building control systems require working field controllers for testing and demonstration, which can be inconvenient due to the specialized nature of the hardware and limited availability.
Innovation Solution
A virtual field controller is implemented within a general-purpose computing environment, utilizing software with similar functionality to physical field controllers, allowing testing and demonstration without the need for physical devices, using an operating system abstraction layer to convert operating system calls for compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If working physical field controllers are used for testing and demonstration, then the functionality can be tested with actual hardware, but the availability is limited and the process is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual field controller that replicates the functionality of physical field controllers in a software environment. This virtual copy runs on general-purpose computers and emulates the behavior, I/O operations, and control logic of actual field controllers, enabling testing and demonstration without requiring physical hardware availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual field controller can run on any general-purpose computer platform, making the testing capability universally accessible. It performs multiple functions including emulation, simulation, and demonstration of field controller functionalities across different computing environments, eliminating the need for specialized physical hardware at each testing location.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialized field controller hardware is used, then the control functions can be performed, but the device complexity increases and portability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the specialized physical field controller hardware with a software-based virtual field controller. The virtual implementation uses software to replicate control functions that were previously performed by dedicated hardware, thereby reducing physical device complexity while maintaining adaptability across different computing platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of the field controller from physical hardware to software implementation. This parameter change allows the same control functionalities to be achieved through software processes on general-purpose computers, reducing hardware complexity while preserving adaptability through software configuration.
3Manufacturing precision
If physical field controllers are deployed for testing new functionalities, then real-world performance can be evaluated, but the cost and availability of working controllers become issues
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual field controller creates a software copy of the physical controller's functionality, allowing testing and evaluation of control logic, algorithms, and system interactions without requiring actual physical units. This copy maintains functional accuracy while eliminating the need to manufacture or acquire additional physical hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual field controller implementation is computationally inexpensive compared to physical hardware deployment. Multiple virtual instances can be created and destroyed easily on standard computers, allowing extensive testing of new functionalities without the cost and logistical burden of physical controller deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement includes a first computer having a first operating system, the first computer having a memory containing software derived from field controller software executed on physical field controllers of a building control system. The physical field controllers employ a second operating system. The software further contains an operating system abstraction layer operable to convert at least some operating system calls of the field controller software to corresponding calls in the first operating system.