FR2852135A1 - Keypad command device, especially for domestic use, e.g. for control of lights or a garage door, whereby the device can be switched between blocked and active mode by input of a key sequence with at least one still active key - Google Patents

Abstract

Command device (1) with a keypad (5) with a limited number, less than ten, of keys (2a, 2b). The keypad is configured so that it has an active and a blocked mode. In the blocked mode at least one key remains active so that when a user inputs a correct key sequence the keypad is activated for normal use.

Description

The invention relates to a command transmitter comprising a keyboard provided with a

  number of keys less than ten and intended for controlling 5 electrical equipment ensuring comfort and / or security in a building.

  The transmitters of remote control orders generally comprise a transmitter module for transmitting information and, in particular, control orders to building equipment, from an action on a keyboard. Known keyboards include one or more keys. Depending on the keystroke sequence or the key pressed, the information sent is different and corresponds to a particular command order.

  It is known from US Pat. No. 6,377,173 to provide means for securing the use of a transmitter of control orders. In this patent, the remote control command transmitter comprises a 4-key keyboard making it possible to integrate electronic key functions for a vehicle and for controlling the opening and closing of a garage door. The remote command transmitter can be provided with an additional keypad to allow the user to block the use of the garage door, for example, when the vehicle is loaned to a person. To do this, the user can enter a code, 25 programmed in the command transmitter, on this keyboard. The user also has a code (which may be the same or different) to bring the command transmitter into a mode for controlling the operation of the garage door. Such a transmitter has the drawback of an additional keypad, this having the following effect: as the additional keypad is only used for entering the code for locking and unlocking the command transmitter, it is possible, in MS \ 2.S649. i 2FR.455. dpt observing the wear of the keys determine which ones are used to compose the code. There are then few possible combinations to try to find the code.

  It is also known, in particular in the field of portable telephones, to electronically lock a digital keyboard, in particular to prevent untimely presses being taken into account. The procedures for unlocking the keyboard consist of a series of specific presses or the composition of an authorization code. 10 Once the keyboard is unlocked, it is then possible to use its various functions.

  However, unlike the digital keypads of mobile telephones which include at least 10 keys indexed from 0 to 9, the 15 keypads for controlling command transmitters for controlling electrical equipment ensuring comfort and / or security in a building have a limited number of keys, generally less than 10.

  The object of the invention is to provide a command transmitter improving the command transmitters known from the prior art and overcoming the drawbacks mentioned above. In particular, the invention proposes a transmitter having a simple keyboard making it possible to control electrical equipment and to secure the control of certain functions of this equipment.

  The transmitter of orders according to the invention is characterized in that at least one of the keys of the keyboard makes it possible by its actuation during a particular sequence of presses, to put the transmitter of a mode locked in which the pressing of at least one of the keys does not cause the issuing of a command order to a control mode in which the pressing of this key or these keys causes the issuing of commands associated with this key or these keys.

  MS \ 2.S649. 12FR.455.dpt The keys of the command transmitter are mainly used for their control function and traces of wear on the keys cannot therefore give any indication of the sequence enabling the transmitter to be unlocked.

  The particular support sequence may correspond to an identification code.

  The order transmitter can enter locked mode after a time delay triggered during the last command order issued.

  The transmitter of orders can pass in the locked mode following one or more particular presses on at least one of the keys of the keyboard. This 15 or these supports will preferably be distinctive of a support for controlling an item of equipment (for example simultaneous double press, long press, etc.).

  The number of combinations of presses capable of constituting the particular sequence of presses to pass from the locked mode to the control mode is preferably greater than 16.

  The command transmitter may include a removable mask, having cutouts to allow the keys to be actuated and having numbers printed in the vicinity of the keys. This mask is used to implicitly associate numbers with the keys of the command transmitter.

  It makes it easier to memorize the particular sequence of pressing the keys to pass from the locked mode to the command mode by associating with this sequence a series of numbers. Once the user has learned the sequence of presses, the mask can be removed.

  MS \ 2.S649. 12EN.455.dpt At least one key can be active in the locked mode and in the control mode. This key (or these keys) preferably controls, for safety reasons, the stopping of the equipment. It can be used to confirm the entry of the sequence of presses on the 5 keys allowing the passage from locked mode to command mode.

  According to an additional feature, at least one key on the keyboard alone controls an item of equipment.

  In this case, each key alone providing control of an item of equipment operates sequentially. Thus, for example in the case of a roller shutter, successive presses on these control keys cause the emission of the following orders: Up, Stop, 15 Down, Stop, Up, Stop ...

  In the case where a particular function, for example the opening of an access door is controlled by a command transmitter according to the invention, the composition of the particular sequence of presses making it possible to pass it from locked mode to command mode can automatically trigger the issuance of a command command to perform the function.

  Provision may be made for the transmitter to be able to record several specific sequences of presses for setting in locked mode so as to be usable by several persons, in the same family by

example.

  To secure certain products, in particular wall-mounted remote control transmitters located outside buildings, MS \ 2.S649 can be used. 12FR.455.dpt provide functions for inhibiting the transmitter after one or more unsuccessful attempts to enter the code.

  The order transmitter according to the invention can communicate with the 5 devices which it controls by means of wire or by any wireless means.

  The accompanying drawing shows, by way of example, an embodiment of the transmitter according to the invention.

  Figures la to 1 c are diagrams representing an order transmitter according to the invention and its storage mask.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a command transmitter controlling electrical equipment installed in a building.

  FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method for locking the order transmitter according to the invention.

  FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method for unlocking the order transmitter according to the invention.

  The command transmitter 1 shown in Figures la and lc comprises a keyboard 5 having five keys 2a, 2b. Each of these keys is associated with the control of electrical equipment 6 installed in a building 7, when this is actuated.

  A storage mask 3, shown in FIG. 1b, is intended to cover the face of the command transmitter 1 having the keys 2a and 2b. This mask, consisting of an adhesive film, has cutouts 4 allowing a user to actuate the keys after the latter has MS \ 2.S649. 1 2FR.455.dpt was attached to the command transmitter 1. This mask also includes numbers printed in the vicinity of each of the cutouts 4. The mask allows one or more numbers to be associated with each of the keys 2a and 2b on the keyboard of the order transmitter. In this way it is possible to view the digit (s) associated with the keys of the transmitter.

  In a first mode of operation of the command transmitter known as "command mode", the actions carried out on each of the keys entail the transmission of a command command from the command transmitter to equipment equipped with an order receiver. Thus, pressing one of the keys may correspond to an order to raise a roller shutter and pressing another of the keys to an order to open the garage door.

  In a second operating mode of the command transmitter known as "locked mode", the actions carried out on the keys do not entail the transmission of command order from the command transmitter to an item of equipment. A sequence of pressing these different keys therefore makes it possible to artificially dial an encrypted code. In this mode, the 20 devices no longer respond to the actions exerted on the keys.

  The transition from the command transmitter from locked mode to command mode is carried out following a determined series of actions carried out on the keys of the command transmitter. The numbers 25 associated with the different keys make it easier to memorize this series of actions on the keys. Thus, a multi-digit code identical to a mobile phone access code, bank card or corresponding to a birthday can be associated with the series of actions allowing the change of mode of the transmitter. These numbers 30 are more easily memorized than a series of actions on a keyboard.

  MS \ 2.S649. 12EN.455.dpt Once the series of actions has been memorized by all of the users, the memorization mask can be removed from the command transmitter.

  For a transmitter with five keys, there are 625 possible combinations of 4-digit codes. For a two-button transmitter, there are 16 combinations of 4-digit codes. In the case of a reduced number of keys on the keyboard, it can be interesting, in order to increase the number of possible combinations, to pass to a 5-digit code for example, or to assign to each key several values according to by 10 the frequency of support or the duration of support for example. In the case where the actuation of a single key is used to switch the transmitter of commands from locked mode to command mode, the actuation sequence consists for example of a series of long and short presses.

  The mask shown in FIG. 1b allows 1, 2 or 3 digits to be associated with each key. In a first case, the assignment of several values to each key constitutes only a mnemonic aid making it possible to compose a pseudo-numerical code, and making it possible to correspond this code to any numerical code.

  In a second case, it is possible to assign several values to each key according to its frequency or duration of press. Thus, a quick double press on one of the keys will correspond to a value different from that corresponding to a single press.

  It is also possible not to assign a value to the key 2b corresponding to an equipment stop command key.

  This can in fact remain active even when the order transmitter is in locked mode and / or serve to validate the pseudo-digital code. 30 MS \ 2.S649. 12EN.455.dpt Figure 3 shows a method for locking the control functions of the transmitter. Automatic or manual locking means can be provided: the transmitter can automatically switch to a locked mode, in which the locked keyboard keys correspond to entries of the pseudo-numeric code, for example following a time delay, - a specific manual action on the keypad may be necessary to switch the command transmitter to locked mode, - a key can be specifically dedicated to switching to locked mode.

  The specific manual action on the keyboard can be a simultaneous pressing of a set of keys.

  The transmitter in locked mode then waits for the entry of a code.

  FIG. 4 represents a method for unlocking the command transmitter by entering a pseudo-numeric code on the keyboard. 20 In locked mode, the keys on the control keyboard are used to enter the pseudo-numerical unlock code.

  This code can be validated by pressing a key such as the key 25 2b so as to avoid any untimely press.

  The transmitter then compares the entry of the pseudo-digital code with the code or codes stored in memory.

  If the code is recognized, the transmitter switches to command mode and waits for a command input on the keyboard or transmits MS \ 2.S649.12FR. 455.dpt directly a control signal corresponding to a particular function which was locked.

  If the code is not recognized, the transmitter remains in locked mode.

  In the case where control inhibition means are provided after a number of erroneous tests, a counter q is used, for example, set to 0 each time the control mode changes to the locked mode. If the code is not recognized, the counter q is incremented and the transmitter remains on standby for the pseudo-digital code as long as q is less than or equal to 2, this value being given by way of example. Thus, if three successive attempts to enter the code are incorrect, the transmitter can be blocked or lose its pairing (in the case of wireless transmission), so as to secure the device. Provision may be made for this blocking or mismatch to be temporary.

  Means may also be provided for changing or erasing the code or codes stored in memory, such as a programming button by

example.

MS \ 2.S649.

12FR.455.dpt

Claims (10)

claims   1. Command transmitter (1) comprising a keyboard (5) provided with a number of keys (2a, 2b) less than ten and intended for the control of electrical equipment (6) ensuring comfort and / or security in a building (7), characterized in that at least one of the keys (2a, 2b) of the keyboard (5) makes it possible, by its actuation during a particular sequence of presses, to pass the transmitter of a locked mode in which pressing on at least one of the keys does not send a command command to a control mode in which pressing on this key or these keys causes 'issuance of control commands associated with this key or these keys.   2. Order transmitter (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the particular support sequence corresponds to an identification code.   3. Order transmitter (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the order transmitter (1) enters the locked mode after a time delay triggered during the last command order issued.   4. Command transmitter (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the command transmitter enters the locked mode following one or more particular presses on at least one of the keys of the keyboard.   5. Command transmitter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the number of combinations of presses capable of constituting the particular sequence of presses for MS \ 2.S649.12EN.455.dpt go from locked mode to command mode is greater than 16.   6. command transmitter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, 5 characterized in that it comprises a mask (3) removable, having cutouts (4) to allow actuation of the keys (2a, 2b) and with numbers printed near the keys.   7. Order transmitter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one key (2b) is active in the locked mode and in the control mode.   8. Command transmitter (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the key or keys (2b) still active are keys controlling the stopping of the equipment.   9. Command transmitter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one key (2a) of the keyboard alone provides control of an item of equipment.   10. Transmitter of orders (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each key (2a) alone providing control of an item of equipment operates sequentially. MS \ 2.S649. 12FR.455.dpt