EP2676490A1

EP2676490A1 - System and method for controlling a building

Info

Publication number: EP2676490A1
Application number: EP11703887.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ludger Hovestadt; Duke Thomas A. THEURER
Original assignee: Mivune AG
Current assignee: Mivune AG
Priority date: 2011-02-16
Filing date: 2011-02-16
Publication date: 2013-12-25
Also published as: WO2012110089A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for controlling a building. The integration of a plurality of previously existing building automation systems into a higher-level system for controlling the building is made possible, wherein the previously existing building automation systems are incorporated into the higher-level system for controlling the building via software-based gateways, and wherein the gateway translates the system language of the higher-level system for controlling the building into the system language(s) of the previously existing building automation systems(s).

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A BUILDING

The invention relates to a system and a method for controlling a building according to the independent patent claims.

Simplest types of building control systems have long been known and are typically based on the circuit of Re ^¬ relay; With such building controls, for example, simple lighting systems and the like can be controlled. But not to implement comple ^¬ asking us for building control that.

For more complex requirements Gebäudesteu ^¬ modified later have been developed with bus lines in recent times. Although bus systems have great practical advantages; However, a large disadvantage in practice such systems is that they are self-ge ^¬ closed. Only components with a matching interface can be used in a given bus system. The installation and especially the retrofitting is therefore very complex and expensive, since only components of a system are compatible with each other. Also, the link Various ^¬ ner systems with each other and / or even the sharing (responsiveness) of a component (e.g., a switch) of a system in a next higher-level, the other system is practically not possible.

It is therefore an object of the invention to avoid the disadvantages of the Be ^¬ known, in particular to provide a system and a method for building control, which is flexible and inexpensive to use and easy nach-, up and um ^{¬ can be} upgraded.

The inventive task is in a first aspect ge ^¬ solves by a system for controlling a building, comprising i) at least one computer unit;

ii) at least one connected to the computer unit or connectable storage means in which a data base um ^¬ summarizing

a) at least one building topology, wherein the topology defined building a building area at least, with which is associated at least one control, regulation, measurement ^¬ consumer or function or be assigned; and

b) deposited at least a sequence program for elements of the buil ^¬ desteuerung and / or existing in the building Steue ^¬ approximately hardware for the elements of the building control and / or is storable, said Ablaufpro ^¬ program is formed for the elements of the building control such that the individual Elements of Gebäudesteue ^¬ tion for the execution of the control, regulation, measuring ^¬ or consumer function no further computer program or module is more assigned.

In the computer unit according to i) may be a han ^¬ mercial PC, workstation or the like. Also, the use of microcomputers

The storage means according to ii), it may be a computer unit integrated into the storage means or an external, operatively connected to the computer unit memoryhaving ^¬ tel in particular. Typically, commercially available memory means are within the scope of the invention uses, for example, digital Rotie ^¬-saving storage media (e.g. hard disks, floppy disks, removable hard disks). not digital, rotating storage media (e.g., Mag ^¬ netbänder); optical storage media (eg CDs, DVDs); magneto-optical storage media (eg MiniDisk); electronic storage chermedia (eg memory cards, flash memory, USB sticks, solid state drives).

In a preferred embodiment, the storage means is a mobile data carrier.

In a further preferred embodiment, the storage means is a storage means accessible via a data network, in particular the Internet. Example ^¬ as possible to access memory in a cloud.

On the storage means according to ii) a) a building topology is deposited. This building topology defines at least one building area to which at least one control, regulation, measuring or consumer function is assigned or assignable. A building area can be selected from areas and sections. Areas here are in particular rooms, corridors, floors (as well as partial areas thereof); Sections here are in particular building wings or building parts. Existing room books can be used for this purpose. For room book are usually already next to an ID Case ^¬ onsangabe (eg room number) certain information about the location of the room (affiliation (to building part), floor), to pre-see ^¬ nen of use and features (eg any Inf ^¬ rastrukturanschlüsse) and the floor area of the room ; This information can be adopted within the scope of the invention.

By way of example a space (buildings) is associated with an automatic ^¬ specific, time-controlled closing Store (Steuerungsfunkti ^¬ on), an automatic temperature controller (Regelungsfunkti ^¬ on) or stereo (receiver function). This assignment of building topology to the existing those functions are provided with the necessary information to enable the building control according to the present invention, as will be explained in detail below.

As elements of the building control systems are typically Senso ^¬ ren (for example for temperature or light), understood actuators (for example, servo motors, controllers, switches) and consumers (lamps, for example, domestic appliances). When present in the building control hard ^¬ ware can typically be vorbeste ^¬ rising building automation systems already in the building that are to the expert be ^¬ known and particularly busbasiert. As part of the dung OF INVENTION ^¬ Linkable control hardware are, for example EIB, KNX, Dali, LON, digital stream, EnOcean, PLC systems, Modbus.

The sequence program according to ii) b) describes and coordinates the individual functions that are performed by the elements of the building control. Simple processes are, for example, the switching on / off of the light at certain times; the control of the temperature based on the measurement of the temperature with at least one temperature sensor. More sophisticated procedures, the continuous adjustment of the intensity artificially ^¬ Licher light sources by a changed intensity are incident, for example, natural light, so that a constant light intensity in space results. More complex sequences are possible, such as controlling access to buildings (door ^¬ opening only with correct identification by sensors) and the person-specific setup and release of Resource ^¬ opportunities at work (if, for example access control was passed at the entrance, is the workplace of the identified Person actuates the door opening, light / blinds actuated and the computer with the personal access authorizations released. An essential aspect of the invention is that the Ablaufpro ^{¬ program} for the elements of the building control is designed such that the individual elements of the building control for the execution of the control, regulation, measurement or consumer ^¬ cherfunktion no further computer program or module more assigned. This means that the sequence program in particular ^¬ special no longer used more drivers to address individual elements of the building control; This results in a building control independent of the hardware (the concrete elements of the building control). This example can be achieved with software-based gateways that translates a system language of the building control system according to the invention in languages already in the building and pre-existing in the system according to the invention to be integrated Gebäudeautomationssyste ^¬ me; This will be explained in more detail below in the context of the execution ^¬ examples.

Although it is not excluded within the scope of the invention that integrated into the building automation subsystems such as KNX systems or the like in this subsystem integrated elements of the building control nor speak by means of a driver ^¬ . However, as soon as such a subsystem is integrated into the superordinate system according to the present invention, the control is carried out by means of the sequence program, whereby no further drivers are used for the individual elements of the building control.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, therefore, the control, regulation, measurement or receiver function is independently defined or definable by its associated control hardware and this Steue ^¬ rungs-, regulation, measurement or consumer function executing elements of the building control system. Already the definition is abstract, what provides the user with significant added value in the handling and maintenance of the system. In contrast, he ^¬ demand existing building automation systems today often ei ^¬ ne definition on the level of concrete interconnection of individual elements; An abstract visualization has to be generated separately and costly in such cases (if this occurs at all).

In a further preferred embodiment, the sequence program is stored and / or stored in a markup language for displaying hierarchically structured data in the form of text data on the memory means. Markup languages that can be used within the scope of the invention are in particular HTML and XHTML; most preferably XML. The Ready Stel ^¬ development of the sequence program in particular in one of the vorgenann ^¬ th, widespread markup language provides universal possible applicability of the sequence program on diverse computer units.

In a further preferred embodiment, the computer unit is configured such that an editor for configuring the system and / or at least one particular graphical user interface for operation of the system by the user is on ^¬ rufbar. The editor can be used for local parameterization or for parameterization via remote access (eg via the Internet). The same applies to the particular graphical user interface, wherein, it is preferred in practice be ^¬ Sonders since it is the parameterization of the system greatly simplified: The parameters are abstract (e.g. via icons placed at the correct location of the deposited building topology, eg a stylized Bulb for a lamp, where peripheral parameters such as, for example, details of the illuminant, such as wattage, light color, etc. optional fields or regulators are entered), whereby a considerable advantage in the handling of the system can be achieved.

In a further preferred embodiment of the editor and / or at least one of the particular graph (s) Benut ^¬ zeroberfläche (n) is arranged locally at the computer unit. This allows a full and convenient on-site care of the system.

Of course, in a further preferred embodiment it is also possible for the editor and / or at least one of the particular graphical user interface (s) to be connected and / or connectable to the computer unit via a data network, in particular the Internet.

In other preferred embodiments, the system includes a plurality of computer units that are non-hierarchically juxtaposed. Such an architecture ge ^¬ ensures a trouble-free operation, because the failure of or a fault in a next higher-level computer unit always relates to only a portion of the building automation.

In further preferred embodiments, the ancillary computer units each with a portion of memory, and are set up such that this part of memory Zvi ^¬ exploiting that computer units is adjusted continuously, irrespective of which computer unit is a modification of the contents of its memory section has been made. This makes it particularly easy to allow that no matter on which computer unit parameterization has been made, can always be accessed by all computer units to these parametric ^¬ tion. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of controlling a building comprising the steps

i) providing at least one computer unit;

ii) providing at least one with the computer unit ver ^¬-bound or connected storage means in which a data strain comprising

The functions and advantages of the method for controlling a building have already been described above on the basis of the building control itself.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a Computerpro ^¬ program product, which executes a method in particular as vorste ^¬ basis described, when run on a computer unit, comprising at least a sequence program for elements of a building control and / or the presence in a building control hardware for the elements of the Building control, whereby the sequence program for the elements of the building control is formed such that the individual elements of Ge ^¬ bäudesteuerung for the execution of the control, regulation, measuring or consumer function no further computer program or module must be assigned.

The features and advantages of such a Computerprogrammpro ^¬ domestic product resulting directly from the foregoing description, the building control per se.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a planning ^{aid ¬} means for parameterizing a system for building control as described above, containing

i) input means for defining a building topology with at least one building area;

ii) input means for assigning to the building topology at least one control, regulation, measuring or consumer function which is independent of the control hardware associated therewith and the building control elements carrying out the control, regulation, measurement or consumer function;

iii) output means for generating a file which is readable by the computer unit of a system as described above, in particular for generating an XML file.

The planning tool can be used both locally at as are operated by the computer unit of the building control system also losge ^¬ dissolves. Typically, during a first installation of the building control, the planning aid is used on a separate computer unit not connected to the computer unit of the building control for initial parameterization. The generated file (eg in XML format) is then stored on a mobile storage medium, for example, and stored in the memory of the computer during installation of the building automation system. transmitted unit of the building automation system. The func ^¬ nen and benefits of planning aid for controlling a building have already been described above in terms of building control itself.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of integrating at least one, preferably several insbeson ^¬ particular pre-existing building automation systems in a überge ^¬ arranged control system of a building, said we ^¬ nigstens one, preferably the plurality of particularly vorbe ^¬ stationary building automation systems via software-based Ga ^¬ teways are integrated into the higher-level system for controlling the building, whereby the gateway translates the system language of the higher-level system for controlling the building into the system language (s) of the particular preexisting building automation systems. This makes it the first time made light ^¬ to unite various pre-existing building automation systems under a single, higher-level system, which also have the manageability and configurability ve ^¬ is purely kindled.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to figures and exporting ^¬ approximately examples, without the subject matter of the invention is to be limited to the embodiments shown. Show it:

Fig. 1: Schematic representation of the system for controlling a building according to the invention;

Fig. 2: Schematic representation of the operative connection between the computer unit and the elements of Gebäudesteu ^¬ tion; 3: Schematic representation of secondary computer units with partial memories.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a system according to the invention for controlling a building. On a computer unit 2 software is installed; the inner frame with the Be ^¬ reference numbers 2 symbolizes this software, the circulating ^¬ de outer frame, the hardware of the computer unit. The individual ^¬ nen exporting elements of the building control are denoted by 4a-g. In the embodiment, the Ele ^¬ elements 4a-d and 4e-f specific subsystems in this case are already assigned vorexistie ^¬ render building automation, eg. A KNX or LON building automation system. These subsystems in turn have their own, system-specific control hardware, which is symbolized in Figure 1 by the reference numerals 5 and 5 '. Element 4g also symbolizes an element of the building control, which is not part of a subsystem. The individual elements 4a-d, f-4e and 4g are connected via specific Ga ^¬ teways 8a, 8b and 8c with the control software on the computing ^¬ nereinheit. 2 4g designates an executive element of the building control which is not associated with a particular subsystem; These may be, for example, by a conven tional ^¬ button o. the like. Act. The gateways are in this case soft ware ^¬ module which translates the unused on the computer unit Sys ^¬ temsprache with which the system is parameterized in the system language of the subsystems to which the elements or associated 4a-4e d-f. In contrast to drivers, therefore, the gateways do not directly control the interaction with connected, executing elements of the building control, but they translate the system language of the software on the computer unit 2 in the system language of the respective subsystems. However, the respective subsystems can possibly their hand ^¬ classic drivers to control elements use the building control; This is explained below in connection with FIG. The computer unit 2 can be associated with an editor 6 (and / or also a graphical user interface) locally or remotely, which is indicated by the dashed connection. The system 1 can be parameterized via such an ^editor , both for initial operation and for maintenance. Additionally or alternatively, the system 1 can be parameterized on a remote computer unit with an editor 6 '(and / or also with a graphical user interface). For this purpose, an XML file is, for example, on the remote computer unit. Generated which, as explained above describes the building topology and includes a sequence program, and is stored on a particular mo ^¬ bilen or accessible remotely Disk 3. This file can be transferred to the memory of the computer unit 2, both by direct Übertra ^¬ supply (eg a USB stick) or remotely.

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the operative connection between the computer unit 2 and the executive elements of the building control 4. On the computer unit 2, a control software is installed, which via a specific gateway with control hardware 5 (bspw of building automation ^¬ systems such as KNX or the like) for elements 4 of the building control is operatively connected. In such subsystems as KNX, drivers 9 for controlling individual elements 4 of the building control may be required. In contrast to classic (hardware) drivers 9, which relate directly to the control of executing elements, the gateways 8 are used for purely software-based translation of various system languages. This makes it the first time thanks to the invention makes it possible to combine several subsystems with different Systemspra ^¬ chen in a building automation system without the parameterization and usage becomes more complex due to the majority of subsystem system languages being used. On the contrary, the parameterization and use is even against a singular bus system such as KNX simplified since a purely abstract parameterization allows as described before ^¬ standing.

Figure 3 shows a variant of the invention comprising two computer units 2a, 2b, which sub-memory 7a and 7b, respectively Availability checked ^¬ gene. If, for example, a switch S via the computer unit 2a and a lamp LI configured (arranged thus in the building topology and in a sequence program ) and parameterized via a computer unit 2b a lamp L2, the corresponding ^¬ information is stored in each of the sub-memories 7a and 7b. The partial memory 7a and 7b are continually abgegli ^¬ Chen, so that information which is originally present in only part of memory 7a or 7b, then is present in both sub-memories 7a and 7b. In the concrete example according to FIG. 3, initially only the parameterization of LI and S would be present in the partial memory 7a, whereas in the partial memory 7b initially only the parameterization of L2 would be present. After the adjustment of the partial memories 7a and 7b, the information about LI, L2 and S is contained in both partial memories 7a and 7b. This makes it possible to parameterize the system as far as possible, preferably completely, from each computer unit. In particular, it is possible, for example, via the computer unit 2b, to parameterize the switch S with its two switch units S1 and S2 such that the lamp L1 can be switched to the switch unit S1, while the lamp L2 can be switched with the switch unit S2, regardless of which computer unit 2a or 2b the individual elements were originally parameterized.

Claims

PATENTA'S TEST

A system (1) for controlling a building, comprising

i) at least one computer unit (2; 2a-b);

ii) at least one connected to the computer unit or connectable storage means (3), in which a data trunk comprising

a) at least one building ^topology , the building ^topology defining at least one building area to which at least one control, regulation, measuring or consumer function is assigned or attributable; and

b) at least one sequence program for elements (4; 4a-g) of the building control and / or existing in the building control hardware (5; 5 ^λ) for the elements (4; 4a-f) of the buil ^¬ desteuerung

deposited and / or can be stored, wherein the Ab ^¬ running program for the elements (4, 4a-g) of the building ^¬ control is designed such that the individual elements (4; 4a-g) of the building control for the ^¬ leadership of the control -, control, measuring or consumer function no more computer program or module is assigned.

2. System (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control, regulation, measuring or load ^¬ function of the associated control hardware (5; 5 ^λ ) and this control, regulation, measuring or Consumer function executing elements (4; 4a-g) of the building control is independently defined or definable.

System (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the storage means (3) is a mobile data carrier.

System (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the storage means (3) is a storage medium (3) accessible via a data network, in particular the Internet.

System (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sequence program in a Aus ^¬ drawing language for representing hierarchically structured data in the form of text data stored on the storage means (3) and / or can be stored.

System (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the computer unit (2; 2a-b) is designed such that an editor (6) for parameterizing the system (1) and / or at least one particular graphical user interface to operate the system (1) can be called by the user.

System (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the editor (6) and / or at least one of the in particular ^¬ sondere graph (s) user interface (s) locally in the computer unit, is arranged (2 2a-b).

System (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the editor (6) and / or at least one of the in particular ^¬ sondere graph (s) user interface (s) via an Since ^¬ tennetzwerk, in particular the Internet (to the computer ^¬ unit 2, 2a-b) is connected and / or connectable.

9. System (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the control hardware (5, 5 ^λ ) is a system selected from the group consisting of EIB, KNX, Dali, LON, digitalSTROM, EnOcean, PLC systems, Modbus and combinations thereof.

10. System (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the elements (4; 4a-g) of the building ^¬ control are selected from the group consisting of sensors, actuators, consumers and combinations thereof.

11. System (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the building area is selected from areas and sections, wherein in particular surfaces define spaces, corridors, floors and sections Gebäu ^¬ Deflügel or parts of buildings define.

12. System (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the system (1) comprises a plurality of computer units (2a, 2b), which are non-hierarchically juxtaposed.

13. System according to claim 12, characterized in that the computer units (2a; 2b), each over a portion of memory (7a; 7b) are equipped and arranged such that the ^¬ ser partial memory (7a; 7b) (between these computing units 2a; 2b ) is continuously adjusted, regardless of which computer unit (2a, 2b) a modification of the content of its sub-memory (7a, 7b) has been made.

14. A method of controlling a building comprising the steps i) providing at least one computer unit (2, 2a-b);

ii) providing at least one with the computer unit (2; 2a-b) connected or connectable SpeI ^¬ chermittels (3), in which a data strain comprising a) at least one building topology, wherein the building topology defining at least one building ^¬ area, the at least one control -, regulating, measuring or consumer function is assigned or attributable; and

b) at least one sequence program for elements (4; 4a-g) of the building control and / or existing in the building control hardware (5; 5 ^λ) for the elements (4a-f) of the building control ^¬

A computer program product, which executes a method insbeson ^¬ particular according to claim 14, when run on a computer unit (2; 2a-b) is running, comprising at least one from ^¬ running program for elements (4; 4a-g) of a building control systems and / or in a building existing control Hard ^¬ ware (5; 5 ^λ) for the elements (4; 4a-f) of the Gebäudesteue ^¬ tion, wherein the sequence program for the elements (4; 4a-g) of the building control system is designed such that the individual elements (4, 4a-g) of the building control for the execution of the control, regulation, measuring or consumer function no further computer program or - module has to be assigned more.

16. planning aid for parameterizing a system (1) for building control according to one of claims 1 to 13, comprising

ii) input means to map the topology building at least one control, regulation, measurement or consumer ^¬ cherfunktion which (of its associated control hardware 5; 5 ^λ) and these control, regulation, measurement or consumer ^¬ function independent of building control elements (4; 4a-g);

iii) output means for generating a file which is readable by the computer unit (2; 2a-b) of a system according to one of claims 1 to 13, in particular for generating an XML file.

17. A method of integrating at least one, preferably a plurality of particular pre-existing building automation ^¬ systems in a higher-level control system of a building, wherein the at least one, preferably more, in particular pre-existing building automation ^¬ systems via software-based gateways in the übergeord ^¬ designated system to control the building be integrated, the gateway translates the system language of the übergeordne ^¬ th control system of the building in the Systemspra ^¬ surface (s) of the / of the particular pre-existing building automation systems.