Virtualized Building Controllers via Semiconductor Farm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Building management systems (BMS) face challenges in updating field controllers as system requirements evolve, leading to obsolete hardware, high costs, and extended maintenance due to the need for new installations and manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a semiconductor farm that provides virtualized controllers and input/output hardware units with dynamic allocation of processing power and memory, allowing for scalable and AI-enabled control of building equipment through multiple communication modalities, including fail-safe routines in case of communication interruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional field controllers are used in BMS, then system control functionality is provided, but hardware obsolescence occurs and requires costly replacements with extended maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontroller update capabilityVSAvoidhardware lifecycle

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates virtual copies of field controllers through virtualization technology. The virtual field controller includes virtual CPU, memory, and I/O resources that replicate the functionality of physical controllers without requiring physical hardware changes. This allows the control system to be updated and adapted while the physical hardware remains in place, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and hardware lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical controller system with a virtualized software-based system. Instead of physically replacing obsolete controllers, the system uses virtualization to substitute physical hardware control with software-based virtual controllers, eliminating the need for hardware obsolescence cycles while maintaining full control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If physical hardware updates are performed, then system functionality is improved, but manufacturing and supply chain reliance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing dependency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses virtual copying to create software-based controller instances that can be deployed without physical manufacturing. The virtual field controllers are instantiated from software templates, eliminating the need for manufacturing, shipping, and installing physical hardware while providing the same control functionality, thus reducing manufacturing dependency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the control functionality from physical hardware and places it in a virtualized software environment. By separating the control logic from the physical substrate, the system can be updated and modified without relying on manufacturing processes, supply chains, or physical hardware replacements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If multiple communication modalities are implemented, then communication reliability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a communication manager as an intermediary component that handles multiple communication modalities. This manager abstracts the complexity of managing multiple communication protocols and channels, providing a unified interface for communication while maintaining reliability through redundant pathways without exposing the full complexity to the rest of the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal communication framework that can handle multiple communication modalities through a single standardized interface. The virtual field controller includes integrated communication capabilities that can switch between different protocols and channels, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining communication reliability through multi-modal support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If AI capabilities are integrated, then controller functionality is enhanced, but processing resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAI functionalityVSAvoidprocessing power

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges AI processing capabilities with the virtualized controller environment. By integrating AI functions within the virtual field controller architecture, the system can dynamically allocate processing resources only when AI features are needed, rather than requiring dedicated high-power hardware continuously. This allows AI functionality to be enhanced while managing processing power requirements through efficient resource sharing and dynamic allocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20240004690A1Building management system with semiconductor farm and virtualized field controllers

Publication Date: 2024.01.04 TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH

AI summary

A system including a semiconductor farm programmed to provide virtualized controllers. The system also includes input/output hardware units corresponding to the plurality of virtualized controller. The plurality of virtualized controllers control building equipment via the plurality of input/output devices.