Virtualized Building Management Layer for Remote BMS Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building management systems (BMS) face inefficiencies due to poor initial capture of building usage requirements, suboptimal configurations from changes in occupancy patterns and infrastructure modifications, and the limitations of 'pure play' cloud solutions that require redundant investments and complex migrations, while lacking scalability and multi-stakeholder access.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid cloud/on-premise model, referred to as GeoBMS, integrates with existing BMS systems, providing a cloud-based 'middle layer' that virtualizes building management through APIs, enabling remote monitoring, unified data models, and multi-stakeholder access, while preserving existing investments and avoiding disruptive migrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pure play cloud BMS solutions are implemented, then remote access and system reconfiguration capabilities are improved, but existing on-premise BMS investments are lost and complex migration activities are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based intermediary layer that sits between existing on-premise BMS systems and users, enabling remote access without requiring migration of the underlying system. This intermediary provides API access and virtualization capabilities while preserving the existing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution segments the BMS functionality into separate layers: the existing on-premise control layer remains intact while a new cloud-based access layer is added. This allows remote access capabilities to be introduced without disrupting or replacing the core BMS investment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pure play cloud BMS solutions are implemented, then scalability is improved, but expensive and time-consuming integrations with building subsystems must be redone
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud-based layer is pre-configured with standard integration capabilities and APIs that can connect to multiple building subsystems. This preliminary setup allows rapid deployment and scaling without requiring time-consuming custom integrations for each new application or building.
Solution Approach 2:
The cloud intermediary provides universal access mechanisms and standardized APIs that work across different building subsystems and protocols. This multi-functionality enables the system to scale to new applications without requiring protocol-specific integration work for each case.
3Device complexity
If on-premise BMS systems are used, then existing investments are preserved, but multi-stakeholder access and data consistency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimensional layer (cloud-based virtualization layer) on top of the existing on-premise system. This vertical dimensionality change enables multi-stakeholder access and enhanced data consistency without altering or replacing the horizontal structure of the existing BMS investment.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparati for virtualizing building management systems. An apparatus embodiment comprises a first API for accessing on-premise building management systems; coupled to the first API, a virtualization engine configured to receive and deploy commands to the first API; and coupled to the virtualization engine, a second API configured to receive and deploy commands to the virtualization engine.