AT515724B1 - User configurable automation installation - Google Patents

Abstract

The method allows users (4) of automation installations (1), in particular of building automation installations, to configure intelligent functions themselves without the help of specialists. The object is achieved with the aid of preconfigured control units (3) and a higher-level coordinator (2), connected to one another by an automation network (9a). The control units (3) have already implemented certain functions (20) (basic functions), these being called up using electrical buttons (11). Further functions (20) can be called up remotely by the coordinator (2). The control units (3) also provide remotely readable event sources (24) which are used by the coordinator (2) to call up scenes (22). The electric buttons (11) are used several times by using different activities on them (for example "short button press" (28a), "long button press" (28b)) on the one hand to call up the basic functions and on the other hand to call up scenes (22). The basic functions of the control units (3) are retained even if the automation network (9a) fails.

Description

description

USER-CONFIGURABLE AUTOMATION INSTALLATION

BACKGROUND AND FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method for configuration and operation of an automation installation according to the independent claims.

PREVIOUS TECHNOLOGY

Automation systems are today mainly implemented via bus systems that connect sensors, actuators and computing units with each other. The physical quantities of a technical device are read in via the sensors and fed to one or more computing units via the bus. These calculate the target states of the actuators of the technical device and pass them on to the bus. The entire process is repeated continuously, which ensures continuous process control.

The computing units are either designed as dedicated devices or integrated into the sensors and actuators. The first concept is implemented in particular with programmable logic controllers (PLC), the second in particular with the European installation bus (EIB) or the local operating network (LON).

Both concepts have the advantage of great flexibility to solve a wide variety of tasks, but they also have in common that the system configuration due to its technical complexity can only be done by specialists and not by the user.

From DE 1020044033668 A1 (VOHBURGER) a power controller is known in which different pulse sequences are used on a push button to set various electrical consumers that are also connected to the device.

From DE 19526427 C1 (SCHOELL) an arrangement of one or more buttons (T1, T2, T3) is known, the signals of which are evaluated and encoded by a microprocessor. The coded signals are then transmitted via a common control line (T) to a spatially distant evaluation station (VS), which decodes the signals again and forwards corresponding control commands to the electrical consumers connected here.

From US 6054782 A (GIRARD et al.) A device for activating / deactivating electrical consumers via different (parallel connected) push buttons is known, the duration of the push button signals at the consumer being fed to a measurement, and depending on this duration different functions be retrieved.

In DE 1020044033668 A1, DE 19526427 C1, US 6054782 A, "various events on a button" are evaluated, as in the present invention, but the claims in the cited applications relate to a different way of utilizing these "events" . The characteristic of the present invention is that a first type of event on a button is hard-coded for calling up a basic function of the corresponding device, and only a second type of event is available for free use, whereby (a) a high level of security with regard to availability the basic functions are given and (b) the complexity of the configuration is greatly reduced by the user.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In contrast, the object of the present invention is to enable the configuration of an automation installation by the user.

The object is achieved with the aid of preconfigured control units and a higher-level coordinator, connected to one another by an automation network. The control units have already implemented certain control functions (basic functions), which are called up via remote electrical buttons, typically installed in living rooms. Further functions of the control units can be called up remotely by the coordinator via the automation network. The control units also provide remotely readable event sources that are used by the coordinator to trigger scenes. The buttons are used twice or more by using various activities on them (for example, "short button press", "long button press", "double click") on the one hand to call up the basic functions and on the other hand to call up scenes. In a preferred embodiment of the invention maintain the basic functions of the control units even if the automation network fails.

At the coordinator, the user configures:

- scenes, which each consist of a plurality of scene commands, each scene command being determined by a control unit and a function which can be called up remotely, and

[0013] - an assignment of the said scenes to event sources of the control units.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a basic function is called up by a “short button press” on a button connected to the control unit. A “long button press” or a “double click” is read out remotely by a coordinator and used to call up a scene, whereby the coordinator for each scene command sends a command telegram to call up the function defined in it to the control unit defined in it.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be explained based on preferred embodiments and with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 shows an automation installation (1) in a highly simplified schematic representation.

Fig. 2 shows a possible technical implementation of the automation installation (1).

Fig. 3 shows a possible embodiment of a user interface for remote retrieval of a function (20) of a control unit (3).

4 shows a possible embodiment of a user interface for configuring a scene (22).

5 shows a possible embodiment of a user interface for assigning scenes (22) to event sources (24).

Fig. 6 shows the generation of events of different event types (25) from the activation course (26) of an electrical button (11).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

1 shows an automation installation (1) according to the invention. Its central components are the independent control units (3) and a coordinator (2), which are connected to each other by an automation network (9a).

A control unit (3) is connected to one or more actuators (14) and / or sensors of the technical device (10), and is preferably designed in the form of a top-hat rail module, but it can also be logically controlled by the program of a programmable logic controller ( 3a) (PLC). A PLC (3a) is often of modular construction and contains a programmable central unit (3b) and input / output modules (3c) for coupling the central unit (3b) to the technical device (10).

The coordinator (2) contains a processor (6), a main memory (7) and a read-only memory (8). The coordinator (2) is connected to an operating unit (5) for configuration and visualization purposes. This contains a display (5a) and an input device (5b) and is either integrated in the coordinator (2) or designed as an independent device. In the second case, the control unit (5) communicates with the coordinator (2) via a network (15), in particular via an intranet or the Internet.

Fig. 2 shows a possible technical implementation of the automation installation (1). The coordinator (2) and the control units (3) are mechanically attached to a mounting rail (12). Shown are modular control units (3) that are used in building automation: a blind control module (3d), a dimmer module (3e), a switch actuator module (3f) and a temperature control module (3g). The control units (3) are physically identified, for example, using an address switch (16).

The basic functions of the blind control module (3d) consist in moving up / down a blind, a roller shutter or an awning, these functions (20) in a preferred embodiment of the invention via a "short push" (28a) on the electric buttons (11) BUTTON-UP / BUTTON-DOWN can be called in. The actuators (14) MOTOR-UP / MOTOR-DOWN remain switched on until the blinds have reached the top / bottom, or the "journey" by pressing the button again "(28a) is stopped on one of the two buttons (11). The event" long button press "(28b) is used by the coordinator (2) to call up scenes (22), for example to move up / down ALL blinds of a room or one Floor, left. Remote access functions (20) are in particular STOP (stop the current journey), MOVE-UP / MOVE-DOWN (all the way up / down) or the parameterized function (20) MOVE-TO-POSITION (move to position), with the target position is passed as parameter (21a).

The basic functions of the dimmer module (3e) consist in dimming / dimming a dimmable lamp (DIMMABLE-LAMP), these functions (20) in a preferred embodiment of the invention by means of a “short button press” (28a) on the electric buttons ( 11) BUTTON-UP / BUTTON-DOWN can be called up. The brightness is increased / decreased at a preset dimming speed until the lamp is completely switched on / off, or the process by pressing the "short button" (28b) again on one of the two Button (11) is stopped. The event "long button press" (28b) is again left to the coordinator (2). Remote calls functions (20) of this control unit (3) are in particular TURN-ON / TURN-OFF (switch lamp on / off immediately) or also the parameter-dependent functions (20) FADE-IN (fade-in) with the parameters BRIGHTNESS (target brightness) and DURATION (fade-in duration) or FADE-OUT (fade-out) with the parameter "switch-off duration" ".

The basic functions of the switch actuator module (3f) consist in switching on / off a lamp (LAMP) or another binary actuator (14), these functions (20) in a preferred embodiment of the invention via a “short key press” (28a ) can be called up alternately on the electric button (11) TOGGLE-BUTTON. The "long button press" (28b) can in turn be left to the coordinator (2) to call up scenes (22). Remote access functions (20) of this control unit (3) are in particular TURNON / TURN-OFF (switch lamp on / off) or also the parameter-dependent function (20) TURN-ON-LIMITED (staircase lighting function) with the parameter "duty cycle".

When the temperature control module (3g) in a preferred embodiment of the invention to minimize the installation costs, several electrical buttons (11), a temperature sensor and a display are housed on a remote room control unit (13). The room control unit (13) is in turn connected to the temperature control module (3g) via a two-wire system both in terms of voltage supply and in terms of communication technology. The electrical buttons (11) BUTTON-UP / BUTTON-DOWN / MODE-BUTTON are used to set the target temperature and the operating mode; the sensor is used to measure the room temperature and the display shows the target temperature, the room temperature and the operating mode. The

The basic function of the module obviously consists in the regulation of the room temperature, whereby it controls the valve actuators (14) COLD-WATER and / or WARM-WATER. A function (20) of this control unit (3) which can be called up remotely is, in particular, "Set temperature setpoint", the setpoint temperature being transferred as parameter (21a).

The scene button module (3h) is not a control unit (3) in the actual sense due to the lack of a control function (20), but it provides the coordinator (2) with the electrical buttons (11) connected to it BUTTON-1 to BUTTON- 4 additional event sources (24) are available.

For the same reason, electrical buttons (11) can also be connected directly to the coordinator (2).

The communication between the coordinator (2) and control units (3) preferably takes place via a line-bound automation network (9a), in particular a bus system, for example according to the EIA-485 or the CAN standard. In Fig. 2, however, a wireless automation network (9a) is indicated, in which the communication between the devices takes place via infrared light. The coordinator (2) and the control units (3) are mounted on the mounting rail (12) of an electrical control cabinet and each have an infrared interface (9b) consisting of an infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver, which preferably (through an opening in the housing) to the mounting rail ( 12) are aligned. It is obvious that there is no direct visual contact between the infrared transmitters and infrared receivers, and the information must therefore be exchanged via diffuse reflection on the mounting rail (12).

The control unit (5) is preferably connected to the coordinator (2) via a network (15). The control unit (5) is an independent device, in particular a computer or a smartphone, which preferably communicates with the coordinator (2) via the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (http) or the Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (https). For this purpose, a web server runs on the coordinator (2), a web browser or an app on the control unit (5). Several operating units (5), which are operated simultaneously, are also possible. If an operating unit (5) is integrated into the coordinator (2), additional remote operating units (5) can also be operated simultaneously.

Fig. 3 shows a possible embodiment of a graphical user interface for remote access of functions (20).

The control unit (5) first shows a list of control units (3) on its display (5a). The user (4) selects a control unit (3) via the input device (5b), whereupon the control unit (5) displays a list of remotely accessible functions (20). The user (4) selects a function (20), whereupon the operating unit (5) displays a list of assigned parameters (21a) and preset arguments (21b) ("DEFAULT values"). The user (4) adjusts the arguments (21a) and then triggers function (20).

4 shows a possible embodiment of a graphical user interface for configuring a scene (22). The user (4) first selects an existing scene (22) or creates a new scene (22). The control unit (5) shows on its display (5a) a list of scene commands (23), each determined by a control unit (3), a remotely accessible function (20) and optional parameter settings (21a, 21b) thereof. In addition, the control unit (5) displays a button for adding new scene commands (23).

If this button is activated, the control unit (5) shows a list of control units (3) and for each of them a button for selecting a function (20). The user (4) selects a function (20), whereupon the operating unit (5) displays the associated parameters (21a) and their standard arguments (21b) ("DEFAULT values"). The user (4) provides the arguments ( 21b) and then adds the scene command (23) to the scene (22.) This process is repeated until a scene (22) contains all the desired scene commands (23).

Fig. 5 shows a possible embodiment of a user interface for assigning a scene (22) to an event source (24), the latter by a control unit (3), the name of a button (11) connected to it, and an event type (25) is set. The control unit (5) displays a list of event sources (24) and a button for selecting a scene (22), whereby an empty selection is also permitted. An event source (24) is therefore not assigned to any scene (22). In principle, an event could also trigger several scenes (22), but this possibility was not taken into account in FIG. 5. Furthermore, scenes (22) can also be triggered by other events, for example the expiration of a timer on the coordinator (2), but this is not the subject of the invention and is not shown in FIG. 5.

6a and 6b show the generation of three or two different event types (25) from the activation course (26) of an electrical button

(11).

The distinction between three event types (25) is made in FIG. 6a with the aid of two time intervals T1 (27b) and T2 (27c), where T2 (27c) is larger than T1 (27b):

- If the button (11) is activated, then deactivated and not reactivated within T1 (27b), an event of the "short key press" type (28a) is triggered. The event time is preferably when the time interval T1 ( 27b).

- If the button (11) is activated, then deactivated and activated again within T1 (27b), an event of the double-click type (28c) is triggered. The time of the event is determined at the time of the second activation.

- If the button (11) is activated and remains in this state for at least the time interval T2 (27c), an event of the "long button" type (28b) is triggered. The time of the event is when the time interval T2 ( 27c).

The distinction between two event types (25) is made in FIG. 6b with the aid of a time interval T (27a):

- If the button (11) is activated and deactivated again within the time interval T (27a), an event of the "short button press" type (28a) is triggered. The time of the event is defined when the button (11) is deactivated.

- If the button (11) is activated and remains in this state for at least the time interval T (27a), an event of the "long button" type (28b) is triggered. The time of the event is when the time interval T ( 27a).

The distinction between only two event types (25) compared to three limits the possibilities of the system, but makes it easier for the user (4) to operate. The selected definition of the time of the event when the "long button press" (28b) (elapse of the time intervals T (27a) or T2 (27c)) has the advantage that the user (4) receives feedback from the system while the button (11) is activated receives.

REFERENCE SIGN LISTING

1 automation installation 2 coordinator 3 control unit

3a programmable logic controller 3b central unit

3C input / output module

3d blind control module

3rd dimmer module

3f switch actuator module

3g temperature control module

3h scene button module

4 users

5 control unit

5a display

5b input device 6 processor

7 working memories

8 permanent memories

9 Interface 9a automation network

9b Infrared interface 10 Technical equipment 11 Electrical button

12 mounting rail

13 Room control unit 14 actuator

15 network

16 address switches

20 function

21a parameters

21b argument

22 scene

23 scene command

24 Event source

25 event type

26 Activation process 27a Time interval T

27b time interval T1

27c time interval T2

28a Short press 28b Long press 28c Double click

Claims (5)

Claims 1. Method for configuring an automation installation (1) consisting of at least one coordinator (2) and a plurality of control units (3), each equipped with an interface (9) to an automation network (9a) and electrically connected to at least one button (11 ) and / or at least one actuator (14), characterized in that: - A plurality of control units (3) have already been configured by the manufacturer or by a mechanical setting, in particular on a DIP switch, in such a way that: ij) by an event of a first event type (25) on at least one electrical A basic function (20) with a defined effect on at least one actuator (14) is activated, ii) the coordinator (2) reads out an event of a second event type (25) on at least one electrical button (11) via the automation network (9a) and / or (b) at least one (remotely accessible) function (20) with a can activate a defined effect on at least one actuator (14), - The coordinator (2) is configured in such a way that when an event of a second event type (25) occurs on a specific electrical button (11) of a specific control unit (3), at least one function (20) of another control unit (3) can be called up remotely becomes. 2, Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a function which can be called remotely (20) has at least one parameter (21a), and at least one scene-specific argument (21b) is defined for at least one function (20) of a scene command (23). 3. The method according to claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the coordinator (2) is configured such that it determines a list of available control units (3) and their type via the interface (9) to the automation network (9a) at runtime. wherein at least one function (20) and / or event source (25) that can be called up remotely is defined on the coordinator (2) for each type. 4. Control unit (3) for performing the method according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the configuration of the control unit (3) by the program is a programmable logic controller (3a). 5. Control unit (3) for performing the method according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control unit (3) is designed as a top-hat rail module. 6 sheets of drawings