Wall Module Screen Configuration for Multi-Level HVAC Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring information and parameters on a programmable wall module in building automation systems is a tedious and time-consuming task, especially in multi-tenant buildings where different users require varying levels of access and control over HVAC systems.
Innovation Solution
A configuration tool that includes a controller, user interface, and output port, allowing users to input settings and automatically create multiple screens for the programmable wall module, enabling customizable display and access levels without the need for manual creation of each screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration of each screen is performed on the programmable wall module, then complete customization of display parameters is achieved, but the configuration time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration actions by automatically generating multiple screens and setting their parameters in advance based on a single user input. The controller pre-configures screens 1-7 with appropriate parameters, access levels, and display settings before the installer needs to use them, eliminating the need for manual screen-by-screen configuration during installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple screens are created for different user access levels, then customizable access control is improved, but the number of configuration parameters and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments user access into distinct levels (level 1, level 2, level 3) and assigns specific parameter subsets to each level. Screen 1 is configured for level 1 users with basic parameters, while screens 2-7 are configured for level 2 and level 3 users with progressively more advanced parameters. This segmentation allows complex access control without requiring all parameters to be configured for all users.
Solution Approach 2:
Different screens have different parameter visibility and editability qualities based on user access level. For example, parameter 101 is visible and editable for level 3 users but hidden or read-only for level 1 users. Each screen is locally optimized to show only the parameters relevant to that user level, reducing perceived complexity while maintaining full functionality.
3Productivity
If the configuration tool automatically creates multiple screens based on limited user inputs, then configuration time is reduced, but the automation complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration tool performs self-service by automatically generating screens 1-7 and configuring their parameters based on a single user input (parameter 101). The controller autonomously creates the screen structure, assigns parameters to appropriate screens, sets access levels, and configures display properties without requiring the installer to manually create each screen or configure each parameter, thereby achieving high productivity with controlled automation complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to building control systems and, more particularly, to methods and devices for configuring and/or displaying parameters or other information such as menu screens on a programmable wall module of a building control system. In an illustrative embodiment, a configuration tool may be configured to create a number of screens for the user interface of the programmable wall module based on a number of user inputs received via the user interface of the configuration tool. In some cases, the number of user inputs received via the user interface of the configuration tool may be less than, and sometimes far less than, the number of screens that are created by the configuration tool. Regardless, with the number of screens created, the configuration tool may upload the number of screens to the programmable wall module for use on the user interface of the programmable wall module.