AU2015203724A1 - Network roller shutters and security devices system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a network roller shutters and security devices system which can provide multi functions. The network roller shutter system has a power supply (2) and roller shutter systems (3), security devices (4) and control server (5). The roller shutter system includes a motor (37), a battery (33), a driver (32) a charging circuit (34), a transceiver (35) and microprocessor (31). Each roller shutter system has a sensor (100) connected to it. In an emergency situation a sensor sends a signal to its roller shutters system and this, in turn, sends signals to all the other roller shutter systems so that all shutters are raised or lowered simultaneously. Normally each roller shutter system sends a signal to the control server so that the height of each shutter can be displayed. The control server has a clock function so that at night time, it can sequentially charge each battery. 3&SIREN SENSOR Un 3824 43r- SMPS] Fig. 1 4 342GCSBttery pH 3422 Fig 2

Description

1 2015203724 02 Μ 2015

NETWORK ROLLER SHUTTERS AND SECURITY DEVICES SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001 ] The present invention relates to network roller shutters and security devices of the type often referred to as "network roller shutters" or "network roller doors" or "network roller screens”, which have a flexible shutter or screen that is able to be raised and lowered by being wound onto or off a rotating shaft.

[002] The network roller shutter is operated by the command from the control server (home server) or sensors (fire sensors or storm sensors or smoke alarms) or security devices.

[003] One power supply gives the power to operate all the devices and to charge their batteries sequentially at low electricity-demand period, such as at night (10 pm to 7 am) when power station generators would otherwise be idle.

[004] The roller shutter is used in front of a window and protects the window from vandalism, burglary attempts and sun light, as well as fire, wind and rain.

[005] The roller shutters provide physical protection, but also because of their insulating qualities they can dampen unwanted noise by up to 50%. By creating a barrier in front of the window, the noise is reduced.

[006] Roller shutters can also protect doors, for garages, kitchens, schools, prisons and warehouses. 2 2015203724 02 Jul2015 [007] The tubular motor, or another type of motor fitted within the roller shutter system, provides a user-friendly piece of equipment.

[008] Some sensors, for example, fire sensor for bushfire or wildfire or storm sensors for cyclone or hurricane, are standby power free devices reducing the standby power. Other sensors for smoke alarms and security have their own battery for their operation. In emergencies, the sensor can wake up the roller shutter controller or security device so that they can send a signal to all the shutters thus shutting down or raising up all shutters simultaneously, and also operating the sirens for warning.

[009] The roller shutter controller has a microprocessor which measures the power supply voltage and current and the battery voltage and current. The roller shutter controller has a transceiver for communicating to a control server or other roller shutter controllers. The roller shutter controller has a battery to rotate the motor and operate the circuits when the power is cut off. The roller shutter controller has some buttons for input commands and pins for sensor inputs.

[010] The control server has a display (for example TFTLCD or LEDs) and can take inputs by, for examples, buttons or a touch panel. The control server has a transceiver to communicate with the roller shutter controllers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[011] The basic roller shutter system provides many benefits to the user. However, if the roller shutter is connected to a network, for examples, home network or home automation, it can provide further benefits to users. 3 2015203724 02 Jul2015 [012] The first benefit is monitoring the roller shutters from any place at any time. The monitor display shows which shutter is open, closed, or partly open. If the monitor is connected to a telephone line, the user can determine the shutter status by telephone. If the monitor is connected with internet, the user can monitor the shutter status by internet anywhere. Many mobile phones, for examples Smart phones, have enough large LCD display to show the status of all shutters in colorful graphics.

[013] The second benefit is the ease with which problems in the shutter system can be diagnosed. If the shutter system sends a self-diagnosed report to the monitor with an LCD screen or PC, the error mode is shown on the screen in detail. Therefore, the users or service men can fix the device effectively.

[014] The third benefit is that the all shutter systems operate automatically in the event of emergency conditions, for example, a bushfire or a wild fire. The network roller shutter system has batteries inside which can operate efficiently even if external power is cut off. A part from unsealed eaves, the most common way that a house is lost to bushfire is through heat, causing the windows to explode or excess heat is radiated through the glass causing curtains to burst into flames. A 90% reduction in radiant heat can be achieved by fitting the roller shutter helping to ensure that windows and other glass areas do not shatter thus preventing flames from entering the building. Further, by reducing the heat passing through the glass, curtains and other flammable internal fittings are protected against ignition from the external heat and flames. Wind turbulence will often carry debris that will shatter windows long before a fire arrives. The roller shutters prevent the debris from damaging the glass, which allows the flames to enter a building. Also, when smoke alarms detect the smoke or gas in the kitchen or other rooms, the controller sends the command to raise them up simultaneously, allowing people to escape. 4 2015203724 02 Μ 2015 [015] The fourth benefit is the provision of a number of functions of the roller shutter system. For example, one possible scenario is that the home automation server or control server sends the wake up signal to the roller shutter in the morning; the network roller shutter opens slightly to help occupants to wake up or provide fresh air at that time. If a security sensor detects any attempt at intrusions, it sends the signal to the network roller shutter system; the network roller system can be operated to give warning of the intrusions. The possible scenarios are too numerous to mention in this patent.

[018] The fifth benefit is that the standby power can be reduced. Many governments have introduced a carbon scheme as part of their long-term plan to reduce the impact of carbon emissions on the environment. As a result, many of the largest emitters of carbon, including energy generators and gas suppliers, are required to purchase permits for each tonne of carbon they emit. Most companies are trying to develop high-energy efficient and low standby power products.

[017] The sixth benefit is that the network roller shutter can use off peak power. Electricity providers would prefer to provide a steady supply of electrical power throughout the day and night, because the turbines that generate electricity cannot be easily turned on and off. People generally use most of their electricity during the morning and evening. To encourage people to use electricity during other times of the day, many providers offer cheaper electricity during periods known as off peak electricity times. In homes, off peak electricity is commonly used to heat water and can be used to power other heating appliances that are able to store heat when not in use. The network roller shutters and security devices recharge their batteries during off peak electricity times.

[018] Our network roller shutter uses less power than a conventional one. FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a conventional technology roller shutter system, as use which has a 5 2015203724 02 Jul2015 RF (Radio Frequency) network. Shutter controller (205) has a microprocessor (207), motor driver (206), RF receiver (209) and AC to DC power supply (208). The roller shutter motor (204) is driven by a driver (206). One roller shutter system (201) consists of shutter controller (205) and shutter including the shutter motor (204). The remote controller (202) has microprocessor (212), LED or LCD display (210), battery (211), and key (213), and RF transmitter (214). A number of roller shutter systems (201) can be connected to this system. The RF receiver (209) needs some power to amplify the signal to find the correct signal among noise. Microprocessor (207) also needs some power continuously to receive the signal from RF receiver (209). Therefore, AC to DC power supply (208) is operating at all times after user installs the shutter system. The AC to DC power supply (208) has about 85% power converting efficiency. Standby power is electrical power used by appliances and equipment while not performing their primary function, often waiting to be activated by a remote controller. Each conventional roller shutter system (201) needs 0.5W to 1 Wfor the standby power.

[019] In the past standby power was not recognized as an issue for users, electricity providers, manufacturers, and government regulators. In the first decade of the twenty-first century, awareness of the issue grew and it became an important consideration for all parties.

[020] The roller shutter motor (204) is the main power consumption source. There is no power storage source, for example batteries, in this conventional roller shutter system (201), so main power consumption happens any time when the user operates roller shutter.

[021] This invention uses a network roller shutter and security device system, which can reduce standby power and charge its battery at low electricity-demand period, such as at night (10 pm to 7 am) when power costs are less. 6 2015203724 02 Jul2015 [022] The conventional technology roller shutter system has one directional communication; it can give command signal from remote to the shutter systems. However our invention uses a network roller shutter and security device system, which has two way communications providing user friendly function as well as increasing the safety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[023] The invention is explained in further detail, and by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein. FIG.1 is a block diagram of the network roller shutter and security device system in accordance with this invention; FIG.2 is a charging circuit (34) diagram of one of the examples of the shutter controller system (3) in accordance with this invention; FIG.3 is one of the examples of the storm sensor in accordance with this invention; FIG.4 is a driving circuit (32) diagram of one of the examples of the shutter controller (30) in accordance with this invention; FIG.5 is a set mode graphic user interface of one of the examples of the server controller (5) in accordance with this invention; FIG.6 is a flow chart of one of the examples of the shutter controller (30) in accordance with this invention FIG.7 is a packet of one of the examples from shutter controller (30) to the server controller (5) in accordance with this invention. FIG.8 is a packet of one of the examples from the server controller (5) to shutter controller (30) in accordance with this invention. 7 2015203724 02 Jul2015 FIG.9 is a main graphic user interface of one of the examples of the server controller (5) in accordance with this invention; FIG. 10 is a packet of one of the examples from the server controller (5) to shutter controller system (3) or between shutter controllers (30) in accordance with this invention. FIG.11 is a block diagram of the network roller shutter and security device system to give another application example. FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the network roller shutter and security device system to give another application example. FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the conventional technology roller shutter system, which uses RF (Radio Frequency) network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[024] FIG.1 is a block diagram of network roller shutter and security device system in accordance with this invention. This network roller shutter and security device system includes one or more roller shutter systems(3), one or more sensors(100), one or more security devices(4) ,one control server(5), a constant current power supply (Constant Current SMPS)(2) ,and a communication cable(4). Fig.3 is one of example circuit of this sensor (100).

[025] The roller shutter system (3) includes the roller shutter controller (30) and shutter. The shutter includes motor (37), slat (38) and guider (39). The shutter controllers) has a microprocessor(31), a driving circuit(32), a battery (33), a charging circuit(34), a transceiver (35), input metbod(38) and one or more connectors for sensors(100). Fig.2 is one of example circuit of this charging circuit (34). Fig.4 is one of example circuit of this driving circuit (32), 8 2015203724 02 Jul2015 [028] The battery (33) which gives the power to the motor is available in case of commercial AC power failure in emergency situations. The driver (32) can operate the motor and measure the voltage and current of the motor when it’s operating. The charging circuit (34) can charge the battery and measure input power voltage and current. The input method (36) has buttons or switches for receiving user’s input. The transceiver (35) transmits signals to all the roller shutter controllers, security device (4) and the control server (8). The transceiver (35) receives signals from all the roller shutter controllers, security device (4) and the control server (5).

[027] The security device(4) includes a microprocessor(41), a driver(42), a battery(43), a charging circuit(44),a transceiver (45), a sensor(46) and an output device (47). The battery (43) gives the power to ail devices mentioned and is available in case of commercial AC power failure in emergency situations. The driver (42) can operate the output device. The charging circuit (44) can charge the battery. The microprocessor (46) generates a special packet signal and the transceiver (45) transmits this signal to all the roller shutter controllers and the control server (5). The sensor (46) can be a smoke detection sensor or gas detection sensor or infra red sensor for sensing human activity. The output device (47) can be a siren or a speaker or a light.

[028] The control server (5) has a microprocessor (51), a display method (52), input method (56), a transceiver (55), a charging circuit (54) and a battery (53). The control server has input devices, such as a touch panel or buttons, and display method, such as TFTLCD or LEDs. The Fig.5 and Fig.9 are each one example of this display method to use TFTLCD.

[029] FIG.2 is a block diagram of the charging circuit (34, 44) in accordance with this invention. This example charging circuit includes diodes(D341,D342,D343), a zenor 9 2015203724 02 Jul2015 diode(ZD341),resistors(R341,R342), capacitors(C341 ,c342),a simple switch or switching device(341), that is a MOSFET and a regulator(342) which provide 5V to the microprocessor(31,41) and transceiver(35,45) in FIG. 1. The constant current power supply (CC SMPS) (2) can charge the batteries (33) sequentially by using the simple switch (341) without any additional converting loss. VCC (5V) is generated by CC SMPS (2) through diode (D341) and regulator (342) when AC power is available. VCC (5V) is generated by a battery (33, 43) through a zenor diode (ZD341) and a diode (D343) and regulator (342) when AC power is off. The microprocessor (31,41) checks the Vin and Vbatt and decides whether the battery is charging or not.

[030] The sensor (100) is illustrated as a very simple switch as shown in Fig. 1. It can be a thermostat to check the outside temperature when fire (bushfire/wildfire) occurs and gives the signal to all rollers shutter controllers (30) to close the shutters simultaneously.

It can be a smoke alarm to check and control all the roller shutters or fire shutters immediately. It can be a storm sensor (cyclone/hurricane sensor) which consists of a simple open collector structure which is shown in FIG.3 as one of example. The storm sensor(100) has afan(101), a permanent magnet(102), a coil(103), a bridge diode(104), a transistor(106) ,and a variable resistor(105) which can adjust the trigger level speed. Wind generates the power to switch the transistor (106). The storm sensor does not need any standby power to operate.

[031 ] FIG.4 is a block diagram of the driving circuit (32) in accordance with this invention. This driving circuit example includes resistors(R321,R322) for checking the driving voltage, a resistor(R323) for checking driving current, switching devices (S325.S326, S327,S328), that is a MOSFET and driver(324). Microprocessor (31) checks the voltage (Vbatt) and current (Ibatt) when the motor (36) operates. 2015203724 02 Jul2015 10 [032] When the user sets the proper Shutter Size Set button (for example, choosing from Tiny/Small/Medium/Large) on the LCD of the control server(5) as Fig.5, the microprocessor(51) sends the packet including maximum power information as Fig 7 via transceiver (35). If Tiny is set, the shutter controller (35) keeps the data, and limits the maximum power to 5 Nm power. If Small is set, the shutter controller keeps the data, and limits the maximum power to 10 Nm power. If Medium is set, the shutter controller keeps the data, and limits the maximum power to 15 Nm power. If Large is set, the shutter controller keeps the data, and limits the maximum power to 20 Nm power. If power above the set maximum is measured, the microprocessor (31) gives the stop signal to the driving circuit (32). This function provides user safety when the shutter is blocked by any obstacle.

If the shutter controller (30) receives a special packet (Fig.7) from the server controller (5), the shutter controller starts measuring the total energy to lift the shutter up as the flow chart (Fig 6). The ratio of energy used for the present position, to the total energy needed to completely open the shutters, is used to display the shutter position. The ratio will change with the shutter position, and the information is sent from the shutter controller to the server controller as the Fig.8. The server controller displays the position of the shutter. The user can monitor any shutter, and then control further opening or closing remotely.

[033] Users can have many choices preset positions to put in the input method (36). The control server has GUI (Graphic User Interface); one touch is enough to move the shutter to the preferred position, as set. The control server has a clock function to automatically place the shutter at the preset time. One scenario is to slightly open the shutters in the morning, then fully open them at noon, slightly close them in the afternoon, and then completely close them at night without any manual work. 2015203724 02 Jul2015 11 [034] The control server (5) uses its clock to sequentially charge the batteries at night, when power is at low electricity-demand and hence cheaper. The control server sends the packet as in Fig .10 to the first shutter controller. If the first shutter’s battery is fully charged, the first shutter controller will send a signal to the next shutter controller to start charging.

[035] Fig. 11 shows another application of the roller shutter and security device system. This application has multi power supplies (2 and 2B) to power high power to roller shutter systems (3B) or long distance roller shutter systems (3B). Two different power systems share the communication wires and ground wire. Doubling the voltage gives twice the power for a double size system.

[036] The buttons (36) have a basic interface function with the user; it sends a signal to the microprocessor (31) to control raising, lowing or stopping the shutter. The user can set the preference positions to use the buttons.

[037] The function of the driver (32) is to give power to the roller shutter motor (37); it has also over-current protection device to protect the circuitry as well as the battery (33) when the motor is stuck or a short circuit occurs.

[038] The motor (37) is used for motorized control of the roller shutter, but also can power an awning or a curtain. 2015203724 02 Μ 2015 12 [039] The cable (6) has a pair of power wires and one or two signal wires. All of the roller shutter controllers and security devices are linked by this cable. The pair of power wires are connected to the constant current power supply (2).

[040] Fig. 12 shows another application of the network roller shutter and security device system. This application has a solar panel (300) to charge batteries of the roller shutter systems. This application is tailored for the remote rural areas. The solar panel has a proper size and it has a limited voltage and limited current characteristic, the same as the constant current power supply (2).

Claims (14)

1. CLAIMS We claim:

   1. The network roller shutters and security devices system, being controlled remotely, are capable of providing electric power to the electric motors of the shutters, which have a flexible shutter or screen that is able to be raised and lowered by being wound onto or off a rotating shaft. The network roller shutters and security devices system are comprised of the following components: (a) one or a series of roller shutter controllers with a battery for each driving motor; and (b) a control server for controlling/monitoring the roller shutters; and (c) a single power supply for providing power to all the roller shutter controllers and the control server; and (d) a cable to connect all the roller shutter controllers, the control server and the single power supply.
2. 2. The network roller shutters system according to the claim 1, said each roller shutter controller has a driving circuit. This driving circuit can measure the amount of motor voltage and current. The roller shutter controller keeps the total energy to lift the shutter up. The ratio of energy used for the present position, to the total energy needed to completely open the shutters, is used to display the shutter position. The ratio will change with the shutter position, and the information will be sent from the shutter controller to the server controller.
3. 3. The network roller shutters system according to claim 1, said each roller shutter controller has a driving circuit that can measure the amount of motor voltage and current. Also, it has a microprocessor which can store the amount of the value of the exact energy required to raise the shutter up according to users set the preference position.
4. 4. The network roller shutter system according to claim 1, said each roller shutter controller has an input method to set the user preference positions.
5. 5. The network roller shutter system according to claim 1, said each roller shutter controller has a microprocessor which stores the maximum power limit. Besides, it has a driving circuit that can measure the amount of motor voltage and current. The microprocessor sends stop signal to the driving circuit when the power reaches the maximum limit.
6. 6. The network roller shutter system according to claim 1, said the control server has a clock function, which can send the charging signal during the low electricity-demand period, such as at night (10 pm to 7 am) to all the shutter controllers and security devices.
7. 7. The network roller shutters and security devices system according to claim 1, said the roller shutter controller or the control server has a charging circuit. The charging circuit is comprised of the following components: (a) a simple switch, for example, MOSFET to charge the battery; and (b) diodes to protect reverse current flowing; and (c) a regulator to make VCC and circuit-driving power.
8. 8. The network roller shutters and security devices system, being controlled remotely, are capable of providing electric power to the electric motors of the shutters, which have a flexible shutter or screen that is able to be raised and lowered by being wound onto or off a rotating shaft. The network roller shutters and security devices system are comprised of the following components: (a) four components described in claim 1; and (b) one or a series of sensors connected to the connectors of each roller shutter controller.
9. 9. The network roller shutter system according to claim 8, said each roller shutter controller has one or a series of connectors. Sensors are attached to connect the connectors. The roller shutter controller sends the command to open or close the shutters in emergency cases. For example, when a fire sensor located outside detects the fire, the roller shutter controller sends the command to close all shutters. When a smoke sensor located inside detects the fire, the roller shutter controller sends the command to open all shutters.
10. 10. The network roller shutters and security devices system according to claim 8, said a storm sensor is comprised of the following components: (a) a fan; and (b) a permanent magnet; and (c) a coil; and (d) a diode; and (e) resistors; and (f) a transistor.
11. 11. The network roller shutters and security devices system are capable of providing warning signals to the user when emergency condition. The network roller shutter and security device system are comprised of the following components: (a) The four components described in claim 1 ;and (b) one or a series of security devices.
12. 12. The network roller shutters and security devices system according to claim 11, The security device is comprised of the following components: (a) a microprocessor; and (b) one or a series of security sensors; and (c) a driver to operate sirens or other alarm devices; and (d) a battery for charging and discharging; and (e) a charging circuit to charge the battery; and (f) a transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals.
13. 13. The network roller shutters and security devices system, being controlled remotely, are capable of providing electric power to the electric motors of the shutters, which have a flexible shutter or screen that is able to be raised and lowered by being wound onto or off a rotating shaft. The network roller shutters and security devices system are comprised of the following components: (a) the four components described in claiml ;and (b) another group of the four components described claiml (c) two groups are sharing the communication wires and ground wire.
14. 14. The network roller shutters and security devices system, being controlled remotely, are capable of providing electric power to the electric motors of the shutters, which have a flexible shutter or screen that is able to be raised and lowered by being wound onto or off a rotating shaft. The network roller shutters and security devices system are comprised of the following components: (a) one or a series of roller shutter controllers; and (b) a single solar panel to provide power to all roller shutter controllers; and (c) a cable to connect all the roller shutter controllers and a solar panel.