WO2002075587A1

WO2002075587A1 - Mapping system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2002075587A1
Application number: PCT/AU2002/000283
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Killick
Original assignee: Andrew Killick
Priority date: 2001-03-15
Filing date: 2002-03-14
Publication date: 2002-09-26

Abstract

A method is disclosed of mapping electrical circuits (12a-12n) in a building (13) or the like, and which method includes entering in a mapping data base (11) circuit data representative of the electrical circuits (12a-12n), the circuit data being adapted to provide graphic information regarding the circuits (12a-12n); providing interrogation means (14) at at least one control location (17) in the building; providing input means (15) at the control location (17); the interrogation means (14) communicating with the mapping data base (11); interrogating the mapping data base (11) by the interrogation means (14) to access the graphic information, and modifying the mapping data base (11) in accordance with changes to the electrical circuits (12a-12n), whereby the mapping data base (11) contains current up-to-date circuit information for graphic display on graphic display means (16).

Description

"MAPPING SYSTEM AND METHOD"

Technical field

This invention relates to a mapping system and method. The invention has particular but not exclusive application to systems and methods for mapping electrical circuits.

The invention has most particular application for mapping, and providing information in relation to, electrical circuits in buildings.

This invention also relates to an infrastructure recordal and mapping system and method which has particular but not exclusive application to systems and methods for the on-line recordal and mapping of infrastructure and in particular provides information concerning the electrical/electronic infrastructure in buildings.

Background of Invention It is known that maps of electrical circuits, such as wiring diagrams, are provided in the switchboard or circuit board boxes in buildings and the like. Such maps or wiring diagrams are usually hand drawn on sheets of paper which are stored in the box, or in some instances the sheets of paper are glued to the face of the switchboard. When changes are made to the electrical circuits, such as by the addition of new circuits, new equipment, or new power outlets, the trades person making the changes is required (sometimes by regulation, otherwise in accordance with best practice) to mark the changes on the circuit map.

Often this is not done, and in other instances the maps go missing or with time become difficult to read.

Summary of Invention

The present invention aims to provide an alternative to known methods and systems for mapping electrical circuits in buildings and the like. As used herein the expression "buildings or the like" is to be given a broad meaning. The expression covers residential, commercial and industrial buildings in the normal sense of the word and also includes vehichles such as ships, aircraft etc, or other spaces where wiring diagrams etc as may be used. This invention in one aspect resides broadly in a method of mapping electrical circuits in a building or the like, the method including:- entering in a mapping data base circuit data representative of the electrical circuits, the circuit data being adapted to provide graphic information regarding the circuits; providing interrogation means at at least one control location in the building, the interrogation means communicating with the mapping data base; interrogating the mapping data base by the interrogation means to access the graphic information, and modifying the mapping data base in accordance with changes to the electrical circuits, whereby the mapping data base contains current up-to-date circuit information for graphic display.

In another aspect this invention resides broadly in a system for mapping electrical circuits in a building or the like, said system including:- mapping data base means for storing circuit data representative of the electrical circuits, said circuit data being adapted to provide graphic information regarding the circuits; an electrical switch board associated with a respective electrical circuit; interrogation means for interrogating the mapping data base; input means for modifying said mapping data base in accordance with changes to the electrical circuits; graphic display means for displaying said graphic information, and data communication means for providing data communication between the electrical switchboard associated with a respective electrical circuit and the mapping data base; wherein the interrogation means, the input means and the graphic display means are associated with the data communication means.

In one embodiment the interrogation means, the input means and the graphic display means are included in a hand-held module and the switchboard is associated with connector means for establishing data communication between the data communication means and the hand-held module.

Alternatively the interrogation means, the input means and the graphic display means are included in the switchboard. It is also preferred that the system includes data communication means providing data communication between a plurality of the switchboards and locations exterior to the building, whereby current up-to-date circuit information is accessible from the exterior locations. In another aspect this invention resides broadly in a method for recording and mapping infrastructure in buildings or the like, the method including: generating and/or recording a digital image or digital description of discrete items of the infrastructure; i providing a menu-based system for the storage, access, retrieval and modification of information relating to the infrastructure, and providing access means for inputting or retrieving information relating to the system at discrete on-site locations within the infrastructure; whereby information regarding discrete items of the infrastructure can be stored, accessed, retrieved or modified on-line at the discrete on-site location where the discrete item is located.

In another aspect the invention also resides broadly in a system for recording and mapping infrastructure in buildings or the like, the system including: means for generating and/or recording a digital image or digital description of discrete items of the infrastructure; a menu-based system for the storage, access, retrieval and modification of information relating to the infrastructure, and access means for inputting or retrieving information relating to the system at discrete on-site locations within the infrastructure; whereby information regarding discrete items of the infrastructure can be stored, accessed, retrieved or modified on-line at the discrete on-site location where the discrete item is located.

Description of Drawings

In order that this invention may be more easily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein:- FIG 1 is a schematic block diagram of the invention; FIG 2 is a schematic block diagram of the invention illustrating the provision of a hand held portable device for plugging in to the switchboard;

FIG 3 is a schematic block diagram of the invention illustrating its use in an extended network; FIG 4 illustrates the topography for stand alone utilisation of the invention;

FIG 5 illustrates the topography for local access utilisation of the invention;

FIG 6 illustrates the topography for remote access utilisation of the invention;

FIG 7 illustrates the topography for full system utilisation of the invention, and

FIG 8 is a schematic block diagram of the aspect of the invention relating to infrastructure recordal and mapping.

Description of Preferred Embodiment of Invention

FIG 1 illustrates a system 10 for mapping electrical circuits 12a, 12b 12n in a building 13 or the like (or a zone within a building such as floor or a discrete area rented to a tenant). System 10 has mapping data base means 11 for storing circuit data representative of electrical circuits 12a, 12b 12n. The circuit data is adapted to provide graphic information regarding the circuits. Interrogation means 14 is provided at at least one control location in the building, in the preferred embodiment seen in FIG 1 at switchboard 17, and communicate with mapping data base 11. Input means 15 is also provided at at least one control location in the building, in the preferred embodiment seen in FIG 1 again at switchboard 17, and enable mapping data base 11 to be modified by interrogation means 14 in accordance with changes to electrical circuits 12a, 12b, 12n. Graphic display means 16 is also provided at at least one control location in the building, in the preferred embodiment seen in FIG 1 again at switchboard 17, and display the graphic information.

The operatrion is controlled by a data process controller 18 in known manner. Alternatively as seen schematically in FIG 2, in a system 30 for mapping electrical circuits 12a, 12b 12n in a building 13 or the like, and having mapping data base means 11 for storing circuit data representative of the electrical circuits, interrogation means 19, input means 20 and graphic display means 21 are housed in a portable hand held access device 23 for plugging into switchboard 17 to access mapping data base 11 under the control of respective data process controllers 18 and 22.

FIG 3 illustrates an extended system 40 in which individual sub-systems within zones 24a, 24b, 24n of building 25 communicate by communication link 26 with a centralised controller 27. Other zones 28n and other buildings 29n also communicate with centralised controller 27 by means of communication link 27.

The respective topographies for a stand alone system, a local access system, a remote access system and a full system are illustrated in FIGS 4 to 7 which are annotated for ease of reference. Details of certain of the componentry illustrated in FIGS 4 to 7 now follow.

The display screens are LCD back lit with a 5 button keypad (Up, Down, Left, Right, Enter) providing programming access to the unit. The communications ribbon provides back entry access and the back plate contains a wiring harness and IC pin connection to a removable front panel. The Communications Ribbon supplies power to the display screen and provides communications to and from the control unit. Insulation is 415 Vac rated for provision to install in switchboards.

The control unit provides low voltage power supply to the display screen, provides communications to the display screen, and provides a LAN connection to other units if installed. Provision is made for PC communication for access and programming and for modem connection for remote access and programming. The control unit also provides RAM memory to contain stored data and provides on board 4-hour battery back up.

The LAN connection provides for communication between units for viewing and programming via PC connection or Modem connection. System capabilities include the following :-

Local Programming

. The display unit is capable of changing data stored in the control unit.

Changes to the data is on an individual character basis via the keypad. Security pin numbers are used to access programming function. Data to be accessed for viewing and programming includes:- Switchboard name

Source of Supply

Access numbers for dial up - max 3

For Access contact

CB Number

CB Rating

Neutral Number

Circuit Description

Text field of approximately 30 lines for operational notes

Software stored in the control unit includes:-

Modem Drivers for 3 types of market leading modems Operational software to permit local PC access . Operational software to permit switching between local and remote units on

LAN via PC access. LAN Drivers

Control units are individually noded to allow for LAN connection Protection software for remote access - selected dial in numbers.

Software Programming includes:-

Programming in a Windows based environment all features that can be locally programmed. . Access of all data stored in control units

Convert data to excel spreadsheet format to permit printing Down loading of operational software to control units in the event of a memory loss or upgrade of operating software. Provision for local access to control units Provision of dial up service to remote units

Software is protected by means of a dongle and licence protection. In use in accordance with the invention, the electrical circuits in a building are mapped by entering in a mapping data base, circuit data representative of the electrical circuits. The circuit data is adapted to provide graphic information regarding the circuits. Interrogation means are provided at at least one control location in the building and communicate with the mapping data base which is interrogated by the interrogation means in order to access the graphic information. Input means are provided to allow the mapping data base to be modified in accordance with changes to the electrical circuits, whereby the mapping data base contains current up-to-date circuit information for graphic display. It will be appreciated that the method and system of the present invention for mapping electrical circuits within buildings and the like has, in its various embodiments, a number of advantages over known systems and methods. These include:-

Elimination of the need for hard copy switchboard legends that cannot be easily updated

Provides clear easy to read detail on all designations Allows for operational notes to be entered into text field Provides source of supply for provision to shutdown Provides for on site PC connection to easily identify designations and make amendments

Provides for remote PC connection to easily view multiple sites Provides for easy updates of designations.

The aspect of the invention relating to infrastructure recordal and mapping will be seen to provide a menu- and web-based system which allows for full digitally recorded integration of an entire infrastructure and which covers the various facets of asset and infrastructure management.

Thus at a local or state government level for example, a series of system access levels allows for broad or detailed information to be provided at an appropriate level as suits the particular requirements. At a first level the system allows for selection, for example in relation to electrical infrastructure, between options such as schools hospitals public housing buildings. At another level it is possible to select a specified high school, pre-school etc for example and to click on for a picture and address and a map location. It is also possible to click on a written address to bring up the type of infrastructure existing at, or service provided at, that location.

The type of services or infrastructure for example include switchboards maintenance installation replacements electrical monitoring electrical reports. At another sub-level, switchboards for example, details are provided of main switch boards sub-boards light and power emergency generation boards meter board tenancy mechanical. Any of these headings can be clicked on to bring up a drop down list of addresses of various boards, pictures thereof (including internal images), and lists showing numbers, sizes, type, purpose, special features etc.

The maps of the buildings can be zoned into areas and these can be clicked on to provide detail as required for designated numerical areas such as Area 1 , Area 2 etc or Floor 1 , Floor 2 etc, or geographic areas such as East Wing, West Wing etc. The system facilitates the auditing or recordal of assets in, for example, public buildings or public housing, and in particular allows for physical on-site building inspections by an operative having either a dedicated input device or a suitable programmed laptop, and who is able on-site to efficiently and effectively record the infrastructure details on a mapping template for the site. The system and method also provides a digital camera or the like whereby photographic input can be provided directly on site.

The system also allows for contract supervision and surveillance, whether for installation of new infrastructure, replacement of old, or maintenance of existing infrastructure

It will be appreciated that the system can be implemented in the arrangement described in the earlier specification, or further developed with access to remote and physically separated locations being provided by a dedicated LAN or WAN or over a common carrier such as the Internet. Thus with reference to FIG 8, which illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention wherein system 31 for recording and mapping infrastructure in buildings 32a, 32b... or the like has means 33a, 33b... for generating and/or recording a digital image or digital description of discrete items 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d...of the infrastructure. A menu-based system 35 stores, accesses, retrieves and modifies information relating to the infrastructure. Access means 36 in the form of, for example the Internet, allow for the inputting or retrieving of information relating to the system at discrete on-site locations 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d... within the infrastructure. The system provides for information regarding the discrete items 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d...of the infrastructure to be stored, accessed, retrieved or modified on-line at the discrete on-site location 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d... where the discrete item is located.

It will of course be realised that whilst the above has been given by way of an illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations hereto, as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art, are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Claims

Claims:

1. A system for mapping electrical circuits in a building or the like, said system including:- mapping data base means for storing circuit data representative of the electrical circuits, said circuit data being adapted to provide graphic information regarding the circuits; an electrical switch board associated with a respective electrical circuit; interrogation means for interrogating the mapping data base; input means for modifying said mapping data base in accordance with changes to the electrical circuits; graphic display means for displaying said graphic information, and data communication means for providing data communication between the electrical switchboard associated with a respective electrical circuit and the mapping data base; wherein the interrogation means, the input means and the graphic display means are associated with the data communication means.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the interrogation means, the input means and the graphic display means are included in a hand-held module and the switchboard is associated with connector means for establishing data communication between the data communication means and the hand-held module.

3. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the interrogation means, the input means and the graphic display means are included in the switchboard.

4. A system as claimed in claim 3, and including data communication means providing data communication between a plurality of said switchboards and locations exterior to the building, whereby current up-to-date circuit information is accessible from the exterior locations.

5. A method of mapping electrical circuits in a building or the like, said method including:- entering in a mapping data base circuit data representative of the electrical circuits, said circuit data being adapted to provide graphic information regarding the circuits; providing interrogation means at at least one control location in the building, said interrogation means communicating with the mapping data base; interrogating said mapping data base by said interrogation means to access said graphic information, and modifying said mapping data base in accordance with changes to the electrical circuits, whereby said mapping data base contains current up-to-date circuit information for graphic display.

6. A method for recording and mapping infrastructure in buildings or the like, the method including: generating and/or recording a digital image or digital description of discrete items of the infrastructure; providing a menu-based system for the storage, access, retrieval and modification of information relating to the infrastructure, and providing access means for inputting or retrieving information relating to the system at discrete on-site locations within the infrastructure; whereby information regarding discrete items of the infrastructure can be stored, accessed, retrieved or modified on-line at the discrete on-site location where the discrete item is located.

7. A system for recording and mapping infrastructure in buildings or the like, the system including: means for generating and/or recording a digital image or digital description of discrete items of the infrastructure; a menu-based system for the storage, access, retrieval and modification of information relating to the infrastructure, and access means for inputting or retrieving information relating to the system at discrete on-site locations within the infrastructure; whereby information regarding discrete items of the infrastructure can be stored, accessed, retrieved or modified on-line at the discrete on-site location where the discrete item is located.