Sensors and networks for building operations

Sensors and networks for building operations

·         Gathering and distributing information

o   Facility management such as entrance security

o   Fire and emergency system

·         Sensors and networks connecting users and objects

o   User-to-user, user-to-object, and object-to-object

o   building managers, residents and outsiders

o   computers connecting with each other

·         HVAC sensors

o   Temperature

o   Humidity

o   Air quality

·         Online payment system and networks for apartments

Blog Post 5 - Object Oriented Databases

Yosep Bak

2/14/2017

Blog Post 5 - Object Oriented Databases

With great technology comes great need for data storage. Object oriented database is a powerful data processing system developed in mid-1980s as an alternative method to relational database. Object oriented database stores data by creating an object and allow the object to directly interact with another object through directional relations. According to a renounced computer scientist and the author of “The Object Oriented Database Management System Manifesto”  In order for a database management system to be deemed as an object oriented database system, it must possess the following characteristics:  Complex objects, object identity, encapsulation, types of classes, inheritance, overriding combined with late binding, extensible, computational completeness, persistence, secondary storage management, concurrency, recovery, and an ad hoc query facility. Technical definitions can be found within the cited reference, but these characteristics are significant because they allow ease manipulation of data, faster storage and retrieval time, and more efficient usage of hardware. However, object oriented database still has yet to be fully defined because even the author of the aforementioned manifesto has not come to a full consensus regarding certain aspects including their views on integrity constraint, schema evolution facility, data administration utilities and definition and derived data view.  Although seem flawless, object oriented database lacks backward compatibility and must be used in the version it was written on. Also, Industrial standard is on its way of becoming more object oriented, some parts of the industry still utilize relational data method.

Figure 1

Figure above shows the differences between the file system, relational database, and object oriented database. This chart indicates that the objected oriented method is capable of doing what file system and relational database can do, but with complex data. Complex data consisting of one or more elements in the system transcribes and organizes data to allow processing to be completed in both macro and micro levels. Object oriented database utilizes the complex data’s ability to manipulate its contents to display and update different elements.

Comments:

 Yang: I have used the similar database system you've mentioned at the last co-op. Although I was not the one manipulating the actual database, I was able to pull out how many cubic yards of concrete we've spent on which pour at any given moment.  I am certain that this was very efficient in reducing miscommunication between engineers. 

 Mridul Pareek: MYSQL was briefly taught in info 210 class to show how to manage a database and I am glad to know that MYSQL is actually being practiced in real life. Also, I have not linked Revit's library to database system, but I guess that makes sense too.

Brennan Connolly: I've seen your youtube reference being complimented all over the comments section and I am a part as well. That really helped me create a visual understanding of a topic that can be somewhat obscure. 

Reference:

 D. Maier, A. Otis, and A. Purdy, "Object-Oriented Database Development at Servio Logic," Database Engineering, vol. 18, no.4, December 1985.

Malcolm Atkinson. “The object-oriented database system manifesto”. In Building an object-oriented database system, , 1992

B5 - Group D - Samuel Kim - Uses of databases in design offices

Database is an organized collection of data that can be accessed in various ways. Construction design projects generate enormous and complex set of information. Effectively managing this bulk of information to insure its availability and accuracy is a important task. Poor or missing information can readily lead to project delays, uneconomical decisions, or even the complete failure of the desired facility. With better information, the problem could have been identified earlier therefore, corrective action can be taken to minimize the negative outcome. Both project design and control are crucially dependent upon accurate and timely information, as well as the ability to use this information effectively. At the same time, too much unorganized information presented to managers can result in confusion and paralysis of decision making.

Database is extremely helpful because it is designed to store only useful and required data. When doing a design work of a building, relative information can be matched and found through database. For example, building performance database (BPD) has grown to include over 800,000 records from existing residential and commercial buildings across the country. This data base has quality information on energy performance in buildings. By utilizing this database, the best energy performance design can be found and applied to the new design. The energy related information in buildings allows users to make key decisions on energy efficiency projects, policies and programs.

As a building designer information gathering is critical for building design’s compatibility. By utilizing various databases, the designer can ensure to deliver quality design to consumers.

Sources:
http://searchsqlserver.techtarget.com/definition/database
https://searchworks.stanford.edu/databases


Comments:

Chris Sager

You explained very well with how database can be found in different forms. Since database is made with abundant information in various type, at times it can be difficult to utilize the system. However, databases’ improved searching features will reduce the search time, proving necessary information quickly

Joe Dressel

The object oriented database management system is which an information is represented in the form of objects as used in object-oriented programing. It provides all the facilities associated with object oriented paradigm. I agree how you mentioned one must understand relational databases for a deeper understanding of object related databases.

Peter Dannemann

As you mentioned in your conclusion, object oriented databases allow data bases to function at a higher capacity, therefore it is favored by many users. Since the information storage is improved, I wish that there are more advances with search technology within databases.

 

Joseph Chaudhari B5 A Group

Joseph Chaudhari (A Group)

Dr. Mitchell

Blog Post B5

15 February 2017

Topics Discussed: Relational Database Theory

              What is a relational database? It is a digital database that is organizationally based on Codd’s relational model of data. This model was developed in 1970. The software systems that are typically used to maintain relational databases are known as RDBMS or “relational database management systems” that make use of SQL or “structured query language”. A relational database can consist of tables that are linked together in some way that benefits the user or the overall purpose of the database’s creation [1]. Relational databases consist of tables which have uniquely labelled rows and columns. As fore-mentioned, tables within the relational database are connected by “relationships”. A relationship is created using something called a “key” which contains fields (one or many) that identify a piece of data or “record”. There are two types of keys that link data together in the database. They are primary, composite, and foreign keys. A primary key is a minimal set of fields that identify a record in a table. A composite key is a key in which a combination of multiple characteristics is needed to identify a record. Thus, a composite key is made up of multiple attributes [1]. A foreign key is a field having data inputs that are the same as another table’s primary key.

           

               As computers grow stronger by means of technological improvement and Moore’s Law, their role in gathering, organizing, and interpreting data will only grow. A prime example of computers starting to take the primary role in database management is in paleo-biology [3]. As mentioned in the article, a computer program or software called PaleoDeepDive was developed for the purpose of extracting data from scientific publications and then placing it, the collected data, in a massive unique database. In fact, this program has equaled scientists in this difficult and tedious task of scientific publication data detection and compilation [3]. As seen in prior examples of technologies outpacing humans in speed and efficiency regarding random and unique tasks, one could imagine that this program, and others like it, will soon be surpassing humans in data management. Possibly the most significant advantage that this program and its created database provides is the ability to assess information, present and incoming, in its database [3]. If it were not for this program, a scientist might have to spend minutes or hours reading original files or texts to find what he or she is seeking to evaluate.

              A large step in database evolution may be seen very soon in the form of HP’s (Hewlett-Packard) new computer architecture which will be much simpler and faster according to a presentation given at Columbia University by Martin Fink. How will this effect databases? Aside from improve power, less energy usage, and more storage, HP’s new computers will be switching from current relational databases that make use of indexing and data flushing to a smarter database system known as graph databases [2]. Graph databases work by having a program look for means of optimizing data available to address the problem or task at hand.

             

References:

1.       "Chapter 9, Lesson 5." What Is a Relational Database? - Elements, Design & Advantages. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. Print.

2.       Hewlitt Packard. "Evernote Shared Notebook:." Evernote. Evernote, n.d. Web. 14 Feb. 2017. <https://www.evernote.com/pub/aengineer/ae-510#st=p&x=Relational%2520Database%2520theory&n=a65ea59a-7fcc-4606-828a-ed6cd16b9062>.

3.       Kurzweil. "Evernote Shared Notebook:." Evernote. Evernote, 2 Dec. 2014. Web. 14 Feb. 2017. <https://www.evernote.com/pub/aengineer/ae-510#st=p&x=Relational%2520Database%2520theory&n=0d3e27e7-2473-478d-abc3-c0253088d4aa>.

Comments:

1.       Mridul Pareek: Where would companies be without databases? Work-place productivity would be destroyed if this was our current world situation. In design offices, although I have never worked in one, databases (like dropbox) are quiet ways of keeping everyone in the office up to date on projects and timelines.

URL: https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/02/b5-uses-of-database-in-design-offices.html

2.       Abdullatif Alkandari: ODBMS is just about how all civil/architectural (and other fields of engineering) projects get completed. Take Revit for example. It is used in nearly all building construction projects in the United States and is always evolving. I agree that a major downside to Object-Oriented Database Management Systems is the fact that user experience can often be frustrating if the program is running slowly or the user simply hasn’t enough experience using the software.

URL: https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/02/b5-abdullatif-alkandari-groupc.html

3.       Chris Sager: Data does indeed come in all forms such as text, images, or soundwaves. It would be interesting to see how SQL evolves on a yearly basis when compared to the entire relational database. How large of an impact would SQL evolving at a rate similar to or greater than relational databases impact the performance of databases?

URL: https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/02/b5-post-sql-chris-sager.html

Uses of databases in construction firms-Yang

The database is the foundation of design and innovation. When a design team wants to develop a project, they need lots of the documents, files, and sources. One of the main function for database in the construction firm is to do the resource management, which is a critical issue among construction firms. Since organising, sharing, and using those resources in construction are crucial, resources management is considered to be one of the key sources of success for the construction projects.


Storing and organising materials are very critical in the construction firm. Every construction firm will have many finished project documents, researched materials, or their own designed documents. Those files are valuable for a firm. Ten years before, some firms had all the documents in paper, and they might have room or library to store those paper documents. And label the shelves to sorting the documents for people to find the documents they need. But this method wasted the office space and wasted the time to find the documents. If the office need move, it will cost lots of time to transfer the paper files. Now, the firms develop their electrical database. They scan the old file and store the new files in their own database and develop the data dictionary to search the files. Database helped them to save time, office space and improve the efficiency.


One construction project will not only include one person, it will involve several different team and party. It will include at least owner, designer, contractor, and the manufacturer. How to share the information to other team will be a critical problem to the construction firms? If they use the traditional delivery method like mailing, will cost time and money. And mailing will be hard for construction team to make changes on the file. If they use email to transfer the files, some of the design files will be too large to transfer by email. Database will help the construction firm to sharing the files to the other team efficiency and they can work together in the database.


Depends of the numbers of files increase, the database becomes to an efficiency method to help construction firm to store, search and sharing the files. Database will make the construction firm work easier.


Comments:

Mridual (Link): I agree with you that the easy access and utilisation of the data. Also, I like your example about the Revit Material Library and Dropbox. Currently, the database helps the design firm save lot of time. When they sharing the files in Dropbox, they save the time to upload files, download files and transfer the files. Some design firms will have their drawing standard library which includes the layer, line type, text font, it can help them to save the time to do the uniform drawings. 


Abdullatif (Link): I like your post about the ODBMS. Before read your post, I don't know what the ODBMS is. Your example of Relational Database Management Systems helped me to understand the ODBMS. You wrote that ODBMS are used to support and maintain simple forms of data such as employee name, date of birth and other pieces of information that combine to create a profile. Also,  audio, video, CAD modules and Geographical Information Systems all should be ODMBS systems. 


Arthur (Link): A relational database is a hard topic for me. Your post helps me to understand it which is a collection of data items that are organised in a manner that relates the parameters between the data items. Also, your scheme show the relational database visually. The diagrams simplified progression shows how the various schemes can be put together to relate the appropriate attributes.

B5 Uses of Database in Design Offices - Mridul Pareek

A database is a collection of information or data which allows for easy access and utilization of the data. To access this collection of data or database, database management systems or DBMS are used, which interact with user and other software to analyze or utilize the databases. Some of the popular database management systems over the years are MySQL, Microsoft Access, Oracle, sybase etc.

Almost every successful design office on the planet uses some form of database which allows the employees to access and share data without having to rely on word to word communication or physical presence of the team every time a member needs some form of data or information about the project. An example of this can be the Revit material library. It is a database which has information of various materials usually used for construction. It allows the users to quickly access that information without having to input every material's information every time they need it.

Other than using databases for the technical aspect of design, offices also use other databases like a shared Dropbox where employees can have plans, schedule, contact information, and a variety of other data for everyone in the office to see so that it becomes easier to co-ordinate and communicate relevant information.

Sources:
1) https://www.ntchosting.com/encyclopedia/databases/database/
2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Database
3) http://www.herzing.ca/blog/winnipeg/the-importance-of-database-applications-in-the-office/


Comments:
1) Yuxiao Zhuo (https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/02/b5-group-e-yuxiao-zhou.html) discussed how databases are used in construction firms. I agree that databases have indeed made our lives easier with automatic sorting and quick search of plans, product cost, size, schedule etc, which used to be done manually taking a lot of time and money. Like he said, Databases are here to stay in construction industry since without them, cost estimation and scheduling would be a nightmare and those two are the cornerstone of our industry.

2) Abdullatif Alkandari (https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/02/b5-abdullatif-alkandari-groupc.html) talked about object oriented database management systems or ODBMS. These are used to store more complex form of data like audio, video and CAD files. Such Databases are paramount in a design office since these are the databases which allow the designer to use his engineering education using visual and audio cues and explaining them to someone who is not trained as an engineer to visually see what the designer is planning.

3) Ronald Park (https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/02/ronald-park-group-d-b5-uses-of.html) made a very interesting comment about the storage of data if there were no databases. I must admit i completely overlooked this factor when it is one of the most important advantages of using a database. Immense amount of information can be stored on the size of a penny which would have taken stacks and stacks of paper to write down.

Uses of databases in design offices

Uses of databases in design offices

The basic uses of databases are to structurally organize and capture large quantities of data by inputting, storing, retrieving and managing information. A database is defined as a collection of data that is stored in a computer in today’s world. A database application is a program that can retrieve and store the data. It is an inevitable component of modern companies and offices and some of the popular database applications are Oracle, MySQL and Microsoft Access. I will specifically talk about some uses of databases in design offices.

Customer Management[2]

A customer relationship management database can help companies manage the relationship with its customers. The database stores the information about customers including accounts, contact information, orders, details of customer service calls and anything that the companies have contacted with.

Employee Database[2]

The employee database manages the information about the employees. The database helps the human resource department and higher managers to organize their teams. Companies apply the database to smoothly run their internal operations. Not only the simple information about employees such as name, birthday, salary and address but also an intelligent method to find the right people to do the right tasks could be provided by the database.

BIM[3]

Building Information Modelling is also a representation of an advanced database. It shows that databases are not only limited to words and number but also 3D models like Revit. BIM could store and repeatedly use parametric designs such as families. Working with other cloud service, BIM could even be used in mobile devices to easily present your ideas to different stakeholders.

Cloud Service

Cloud services such as Dropbox and iCloud become more and more powerful. Cloud service is an advanced database application. You could easily upload your works into the cloud and use it through all your devices. Sharing is another significant function for cloud service application. You could work together with your partner on the same document from wherever you get accessed to Internet. It could save tons of time and money.

Reference:

[1] http://www.herzing.ca/blog/winnipeg/the-importance-of-database-applications-in-the-office/

[2] http://smallbusiness.chron.com/database-uses-business-64298.html

[3] http://www.autodesk.com/solutions/bim/overview

Comments

Joe Dressel

Thank you for explaining what object oriented databases are. You also compared relational databases with object oriented databases. Now I understand the differences between these two types of databases and the benefits of using object oriented databases. I think BIM is a good example that contains a huge object oriented database.

Rachel Frank

The idea of organizational memory is very interesting. I like how organizational memory helps the construction industry to quickly process information from the past. Also, web-based databases are also a useful tool because they are easy to learn and use. However, you mentioned the security issues about using web-based databases as a disadvantage. What would you like to use if you are a construction manager?

Ronald Herazo

Thank you for describing relational databases in detail. Your pictures really helped me to understand the concept. Also, you talked about SQL in the end. I thought SQL is one type of databases before. Now I know that SQL is a language to manipulate relational databases. It is like a communication channel connecting databases.