AU2021106480A4

AU2021106480A4 - Wireless control and communication

Info

Publication number: AU2021106480A4
Application number: AU2021106480A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Hui GUI
Original assignee: Sal Nat Pty Ltd; SAL National Pty Ltd
Current assignee: SAL National Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-03-26
Filing date: 2021-08-23
Publication date: 2021-11-04
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-23

Abstract

A wireless control and communication system (20) includes a wireless first device (10.2) and wirelessly controlled second device (12.2). The devices each have wireless communication means (22, 24). The first device has a power supply (16.2) connected to it and a switch (26). A power connector (28) electrically interconnects the first and second devices. The first device, after a triggering event, enters a pairing mode, transmits a pairing initiation code via the power connector to the second device, and causes the switch to be closed so that the power supply provides electrical power via the first device and power connector to the second device, which then enters a pairing mode. The devices are then wirelessly paired to enable the first device to wirelessly control the second device. The invention extends to a method of setting up a wireless control and communication system. 12 10 14 Controller Controlled device j device Power Power supply supply 16 18 Fig. 2 10.2 30 14.2 20 32 34 12.2 22 Controller Controlled devicece 26 28 36 24 Power 18.2 supply 16.2

Description

10 14

Controller Controlled device j device

Power Power supply supply

16 18

Fig. 2

10.2 30 14.2 20 34 12.2 32

22 Controller Controlled devicece

26 28 36 24 Power 18.2 supply

16.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION For an Innovation Patent

Invention Title: Wireless control and communication

The invention is described in the following statement:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless control and communication system and to a method of setting up a wireless control and communication system to enable control of a user device by a controller.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] It is well known to use controllers for controlling devices, apparatus, or systems such as lighting installations, where the controllers are remote from those installations but are connected to them by electrical control wiring. Typically, such control wiring has had to be provided in addition to wiring for providing electrical power to the controllers and to the controlled devices, apparatus, or systems. A disadvantage of such known devices, apparatus, or systems is that installing such different types of wiring can be cumbersome and time-consuming, which can contribute to the costs of such installation.

[0003] The use of wireless controls for controlling electrically powered devices is being more and more widely adopted globally and can reduce the need to install the above-mentioned different types of wiring.

[0004] Types of devices or apparatuses that employ such wireless controls include fans, garage doors or other roller doors, window blinds, and lighting, although a large number of other types of device make use of such wireless controls as well.

[0005] A known form of controller used for effecting wireless control of such devices is a controller adapted to be located some distance from the devices but within range to effect the wireless controlling. The wireless control may be by way of a suitable communication protocol such as the Bluetooth (TM) protocol.

[0006] Typically, each of the controller and controlled device will have its own power source, such as mains electricity.

[0007] In order for such a controller to be capable of effecting such control, it needs to be wirelessly connected to the controlled device. This process of connecting is referred to as a "pairing" process which involves synchronising a passkey between the controller and controlled device. Once they have been paired, the controller can effect particular controls over the controlled device for which the controller and controlled device are adapted.

[0008] While details of the pairing process may differ between different types of device, in summary, a pairing process involves a two-step procedure: one of the devices (the controller on the one hand, or controlled device or apparatus on the other hand) enters a pairing mode; and the other of the devices enters a pairing mode to enable a synchronisation or sharing of a passkey between the two devices.

[0009] A common problem with such a pairing process involves a mismatch between controller and controlled devices, which may prevent effective or desired synchronisation or sharing of the relevant passkeys between them. Such a mismatch may be caused, for example, by an error or problem in the pairing process or due to a coding conflict. This, in turn, can result in the controlled apparatus being mis-triggered to enter its pairing mode which can in turn cause pairing errors, which can cause inconvenience to users of the devices.

[0010] Another common problem with the above technology is that the pairing steps required to be taken by the user are cumbersome and time-consuming, and sometimes hard for the user to understand and effect.

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate the disadvantages of the prior art or to provide a useful alternative thereto.

[0012] Reference to the prior art in this document is not intended, or to be construed, as any admission or concession that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge of any person, including the person skilled in the art, in Australia or anywhere else.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a wireless control and communication system including: a first device adapted to be a wireless controller device and having a first wireless communication means, and a switch that has an open condition and a closed condition; a power supply connected to the first device and adapted to provide electrical power to the first device; a second device adapted to be a wirelessly controlled device, the second device having a second wireless communication means; and a power connector electrically interconnecting the first device and the second device, wherein the power connector is adapted to direct, to the second device, when the switch is in the closed condition, electrical power from the power supply via first device, wherein the first device is adapted, following the occurrence of a triggering event to enter a controller device pairing mode according to a predetermined wireless pairing protocol, to transmit a pairing initiation code via the power connector to the second device, and after the pairing initiation code has been transmitted to the second device, for the switch to be in its closed condition such that the power supply provides electrical power via the first device and power connector, to the second device, the second device is adapted, on receiving the pairing initiation code via the power connector, to enter a connected device pairing mode, and once the second device is in the connected device pairing mode, one of the first and second devices is adapted to transmit, via the wireless communication means of that device, signals representing a pairing code of that device, and the other of the first and second devices is adapted to receive said signals via the wireless communication means of said other device, and be enabled for having exclusive wireless communications with said one device by identifying said one device using at least part of the pairing code, whereby, when the first and second devices are in a wirelessly paired condition the second device is adapted to receive wireless control signals from the first device and to be controlled by said control signals.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pairing initiation code is constituted by a pre-determined sequence of the switch moving between its open and closed conditions, where the second device is adapted to detect the sequence as a cycle of powering and depowering of the second device.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said other device has a storage memory and is adapted to store the pairing code represented by the signals, in the storage memory.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first device includes an actuator, and the triggering event is a predetermined action in relation to the actuator.

Then, preferably, the predetermined action in relation to the actuator is a predetermined series of operations of the actuator.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second device includes at least one of a space fan, a roller door system, a window blind system, an air conditioning system, and a lighting system.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of setting up a wireless control and communication system to enable control of a user device by a controller, the method including: providing a wireless control and communication system according the first aspect of the invention or preferred embodiments thereof, wherein the controller is said first device and the user device is said second device, and causing said triggering event to occur such that the first device and second device are caused to be in a wirelessly paired condition with respect each other, and such that the second device is adapted to receive wireless control signals from the first device and to be controlled by said control signals.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of setting up a wireless control and communication system to enable wireless control of a user device by a controller, the method including: providing the wireless controller; connecting a supply of electric power to the controller; and electrically connecting the controller to the user device by an electrical connection, such that the controller, supply of electric power and electrical connection together constitute at least part of the wireless control and communication system according the first aspect of the invention or preferred embodiments thereof,, wherein the controller constitutes said first device, the supply of electric power constitutes said power supply and the user device constitutes said second device; and causing said triggering event to occur such that the first device and second device are caused to be in a wirelessly paired condition with respect each other, and such that the second device is adapted to receive wireless control signals from the first device and to be controlled by said control signals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0015] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic layout representing aspects of a typical mode of connection between a controller device and a controlled device, according to the prior art; and

[0016] Figure 2 is a diagrammatic layout representing aspects of a connection between a controller device and a controlled device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Prior art

[0017] Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a controller device 10 and a controlled device 12 according to the prior art. The controlled device 12 may be any type of device which is adapted to be controlled by the controller device 10 by wireless control, as indicated at 14, and the controller device is a suitable controller adapted for sending wireless signals to the controlled device for effecting control of the controlled device.

[0018] The wireless signals 14 are signals adapted for use as part of a suitable communication protocol, such as Bluetooth (TM). However, the communication protocol of the prior art is not limited to Bluetooth, and other protocols have been used as well.

[0019] The controller device 10 is provided with a power supply 16 while the controlled device 12 is provided with another, separate power supply 18. In order for the controller device 10 to be capable of controlling the controlled device 12, the two devices must be wirelessly paired with each other to enable suitable wireless communication by means of the wireless signals 14 to take place between them. This will typically involve a two-step procedure in which each of the devices 10, 12 enters a respective pairing mode, in which it is capable of being wirelessly coupled (paired) with the other of the two devices.

[0020] The pairing process typically involves a particular passkey (which may also be referred to as an "address" or "code") being synchronised or shared between the two devices 10,12. Once the devices are paired, a first one of the devices (first device) can seek to wirelessly connect to the other device (second device), and the second device can allow the connection based in the synchronised or shared passkey

[0021] The pairing process typically involves having to carry out certain pairing operations on both of the devices 10, 12, first to cause them to enter their respective pairing modes, and then to cause the devices to be provided with a common passkey. This may be achieved according to a common methodology as set out below by way of example.

[0022] A typical process for pairing the controller device 10 and controlled device 12 involves a user actuating the controller deice to cause it to enter its pairing mode. This may involve, for example, pressing a button of that device for a predetermined period of time, such as 10 seconds, or otherwise causing it to be actuated. This may be regarded as a first step that needs to be taken by the user to cause the pairing to occur.

[0023] According to this example, the user will then have to actuate the controlled device 12 to cause it to enter its pairing mode. This may, for example, similarly involve pressing a button on the controlled device for a predetermined period of time such as 10 seconds, or otherwise causing it to be actuated.

[0024] However, the controlled device 12 will typically be positioned at a location some distance from the controller device 10. Therefore, the user, after actuating the controller device 10, will have to move to the controlled device 12. Such a controller device 10 is typically configured or programmed to have time out period such that its pairing mode terminates after that period if it has not yet received a suitable signal from a controlled device 12 for establishing pairing. Therefore, the user will have to move from the controller device 10 to the controlled device 12 rapidly (perhaps even requiring the user to run from the controller device to the controlled device), before the controller device times out. This can cause the user inconvenience.

[0025] Once the controlled device 12 is in its pairing mode, it is capable of receiving a signal from the controller device 10, where that signal represents the unique passkey of the controller device. Once this signal is received by the controlled device 12, it saves the passkey represented by that signal (i.e. the passkey of the controller device 10). Thus, as both the controller device 10 and controlled device 12 "know" the passkey, that passkey may be regarded as being a common passkey after pairing has occurred. The controlled device 12 will then be adapted to only communicate further with, and receive command signals from, the particular controller device 10 having that shared passkey.

[0026] Once the devices 10, 12 are paired, they are able to have wireless communications 14 between them to enable the controller device to control aspects of operation of the controlled device.

Embodiments of the present invention

[0027] Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a system 20. Features shown in and described in relation to Figure 2 that correspond to features shown in and described in relation to Figure 1 are indicated by the same reference numbers, but with the suffix ".2".

[0028] According to preferred embodiments, in the system 20, the controlled device 12.2 is, or includes, at least one of the following devices, apparatus or systems:

• one or more space fan;

• a roller door such as a garage door;

* one or more window blind;

* an air-conditioning system; and

* a lighting system.

[0029] The above-mentioned devices, apparatus or systems may be adapted, in different embodiments of the invention, for use in domestic, or industrial, or other environments.

[0030] In other embodiments, the controlled device 12.2 is, or includes, other forms of device, apparatus or system to those mentioned above.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the controller device 10.2 includes a wireless module 22, while the controlled device 12.2 includes another wireless module 24. The wireless module 22 of the controller device 10.2 is adapted to function mainly as a transmitter, while the wireless module 24 of the controlled device 12.2 is adapted to function mainly as a receiver.

[0032] The controller device 10.2 is provided with a power supply 16.2 and a relay (switch) 26, while the system 20 is also provided with a power connection

28 that electrically interconnects the relay (and hence the controller device 10.2) to the controlled device 12.2.

[0033] The power supply 16.2 is adapted to provide electrical power to the controller device 10.2, while the controlled device 12.2 is not provided with a separate power supply.

[0034] The relay 26 is adapted to control a supply of electrical power that is provided by the power supply 16.2, from the controller device 10.2 to the controlled device 12.2.

[0035] In particular, the relay 26 is adapted to selectively move between a closed condition in which it is adapted to permit such supply of electrical power via the power connection 28 to controlled device 12.2, and an open condition in which it is adapted prevent such supply.

[0036] The controller device 10.2 also includes an actuator 30 for controlling the relay 26 or causing operation of the relay to be initiated. In the preferred embodiment, the actuator 30 is in the form of a spring-loaded button. Therefore, the reference numeral 30 is used below to reference the actuator button. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the controller device 10.2 may be actuated in other ways. For example, the actuation may be by another form of actuator such as an electronic micro-switch, a string switch, a rocker switch, a momentary switch, or any other suitable form of interface of the controller device 10.2. As another example, the controller device 10.2 may be adapted to be automatically "actuated" in the above sense on having a supply of electrical power to the controller device being initiated.

[0037] According to the preferred embodiment, the controller device 10.2 is provided with a CPU 32. The controller device 10.2 can be programmed so that pressing of the actuator button 30 according to a pre-determined "pairing" sequence of pressing actions (for example, pressing and releasing the button three times in quick succession), causes the CPU 32, in turn, to cause the relay 26 to undergo its own predetermined operation, based on the programming.

[0038] Thus, according to one illustrative example, when the actuator button is pressed with a predetermined "pairing" sequence of pressing actions, then due to the programming of the controller device 10.2, the CPU 32 causes the relay 26 to sequentially move between its open and closed conditions as follows: Closed, Open, Closed, Open, Closed, Open, Closed.

[0039] Also as a result of the programming of the controller device 10.2, the "pairing" sequence of pressing actions applied to the actuator button 30 causes the CPU 32, in turn, to cause the controller device 10.2 to enter its pairing mode in which the wireless module 22, to which the CPU is connected, begins to continuously transmit signals representing the unique passkey of the controller device.

[0040] The controlled device 12.2 is also provided with a CPU 34 and can be programmed to undergo certain operations based on the sequential open and closed conditions of the relay 26.

[0041] More specifically, because power is provided to the controlled device 12.2 from the power supply 16.2 via the relay 26, the above sequence of open and closed conditions of the relay is experienced by the controlled device as a power cycle, namely "power on"; "power off"; "power on"; "power off"; "power on"; "power off", "power on". As the last part of this power cycle is "power on", at the end of the power cycle, the controlled device 12.2 will be in a state of being powered via the power connection 28.

[0042] The controlled device 12.2, by way of its CPU 34, is programmed to "remember" that power cycle, so that on this power cycle occurring, that CPU, which is connected to the wireless module 24, causes the controlled device 12.2 to enter its pairing mode, in which it is adapted to receive, via that wireless module, wireless signals from other devices, as indicated generally at 14.2.

[0043] The controlled device 12.2 is adapted to scan for suitable wireless pairing signals from other devices, and is thus able to detect wireless signals from the controller device 10.2. The signals from the controller device 10.2 include the unique passkey of the controller device 10.2 as mentioned above, and the passkey in turn includes a code containing information that the controlled device 12.2 recognises as indicating that those signals are of a suitable format to be accepted by the controlled device. That information also includes an identifier of the controller device 10.2.

[0044] If the code is of the suitable type, the controlled device 12.2 is adapted to store that passkey in a memory 36 of the controlled device. The controlled device 12.2 is configured to thereafter only be able to respond to wireless signals received from the particular controller device 10.2 as identified in the code.

[0045] The controller device 10.2 and controlled device 12.2 are thus paired. When they are paired, they can wirelessly communicate with each other via their wireless modules 22, 24.

[0046] The CPUs 32 and 34 of the controller device 10.2 and controlled device 12.2 are adapted to terminate the pairing modes of those devices immediately after this initial pairing is achieved. However, the next time a wireless signal is transmitted from the controller device 10.2, the controlled device 12.2 will be able to recognise that the signal is from that controller device and is therefore able to respond to that signal.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment, the roles of the controller device 10.2 and controlled device 12.2 in terms of which of the devices transmits the passkey initially and which device receives and stores that passkey as part of establishing a paired relationship between the devices, is reversed.

[0048] Once the initial pairing is established as described above, the relay 26 remains in its closed condition so that the controlled device 12.2 continues to be electrically powered. Consequently, if a signal is transmitted from the controller device 10.2 for controlling an operation of the controlled device 12.2, the controlled device will be in a powered state and will thus be adapted and able to receive and respond to that signal.

[0049] According to an illustrative embodiment, the controlled device 12.2 is a set of lights (not shown), generally referred to as a lighting system. The lighting system is adapted to have a fully illuminated, "on" condition, an "off" condition in which it is not illuminated, and a "dimmed" condition in which it is illuminated but not at its full level of illumination as in its "on" condition.

[0050] According to one preferred version of this embodiment, the controller device 10.2 includes the actuator button 30, and may be adapted for certain operations of the actuator button to effect corresponding actions of the lighting system. For instance, a single press of the actuator button 30 can cause the controller device 10.2 to transmit a suitable signal that, when received by the controlled device 12.2 (lighting system), will be recognised by the lighting system as a command to change to, or be in, its "on" condition. Two successive presses of the actuator button 30 will be recognised by the lighting system as a command to change to, or be in, its "off" condition. Holding the actuator button in its pressed position for longer than 5 seconds will be recognised by the lighting system as a command to be in its "dimmed" condition and, in that condition, to transition cyclically in brightness between a least dimmed (brightest) state and most dimmed (least bright) state of the "dimmed" condition.

[0051] According to another illustrative embodiment, the controlled device 12.2 is an electric window blind device (not shown). The window blind device includes a blind screen which is adapted to cover a window and to move between a lowered position in which it extends over the window, for example to block light or to prevent viewing through the window, and a raised position in which it is at least partially removed from, or at least partly exposes, the window.

[0052] According to this embodiment, the controller device 10.2 is adapted to control the controlled device 12.2 to effect movement of the blind screen between its lowered and raised positions.

[0053] According to one preferred version of the present illustrative embodiment where the controller device 10.2 includes the actuator button 30, the embodiment may be adapted for certain operations of the actuator button to effect corresponding actions of the blind screen. For instance, a single press of the actuator button 30 can cause the controller device 10.2 to transmit a suitable signal that, when received by the controlled device 12.2 (window blind device), will result in the blind screen moving towards its raised position.

[0054] Similarly, according to this embodiment, two successive presses of the actuator button 30 might cause the controller device 10.2 to transmit a suitable signal that, when received by the controlled device 12.2, will result in the blind screen moving towards its lowered position.

[0055] Similarly, according to this embodiment, holding the actuator button 30 in its pressed position for, say, 3 seconds might cause the controller device 10.2 to transmit a suitable signal that, when received by the controlled device 12.2, will result in the blind screen ceasing to move.

[0056] In an alternative embodiment, suitable controls (for example physical or virtual buttons, knobs, or the like (not shown)) can be provided on the controller device 10.2 to effect operation of the blind screen.

[0057] Thus, the actuator button 30 or other controls of the controller device 10.2 as described above, are operable to cause the blind screen to move towards it fully raised position or fully lowered position or to stop moving at a desired position between the fully raised and lowered positions.

[0058] When such controls are actuated to achieve a desired movement operation of the blind screen, the controller device 10.2 transmits wireless signals (as indicated generally at 14.2) representing such operations via its wireless module 22. These signals are received by the wireless module 24 of the controlled device 12.2. The CPU 34 of the controlled device 12.2 then determines, based on the received signals, the nature of movement operation required for the blind screen, and causes the controlled device to undergo such movement operation.

[0059] The fact that the electrical power to the controlled device 12.2 is provided from the power supply 16.2 via the relay 26 of the controller device 10.2, can, in favourable circumstances, assist in contributing to reliability of the pairing process, by avoiding or reducing the likelihood of "mispairing" occurring. This is because the controlled device 12.2 can only function when the relay 26 is closed. Thus, the time that the controlled device 12.2 is in its pairing mode is limited to when the relay 26 is closed. This can assist in minimising the chance of an inadvertent pairing between the controlled device 12.2 and another device other than the particular desired controller device 10.2.

[0060] It will also be appreciated that the invention, at least in suitable embodiments, can enable the controller device 10.2 and controlled device 12.2 to enter their respective pairing modes in order to be paired with each other by a single user operation, namely actuating the actuator 30, for example as described above.

[0061] The present invention, at least in preferred embodiments, can provide a way of avoiding at least some of the labour-intensive and time-consuming operations required for installing certain prior art systems. This applies to prior art systems having controller devices for controlling controlled devices where control wiring is required to be connected between those devices, and where separate power supply wiring needs to be installed for providing the controlled devices with electrical power. Such prior art systems have often been in the form of lighting systems.

[0062] Although the invention is described with reference to one or more embodiment above it is not limited to such embodiment or embodiments, but may be embodied in many other forms as limited only by the claims.

Claims

1. A wireless control and communication system including: a first device adapted to be a wireless controller device and having a first wireless communication means, and a switch that has an open condition and a closed condition; a power supply connected to the first device and adapted to provide electrical power to the first device; a second device adapted to be a wirelessly controlled device, the second device having a second wireless communication means; and a power connector electrically interconnecting the first device and the second device, wherein the power connector is adapted to direct, to the second device, when the switch is in the closed condition, electrical power from the power supply via first device, wherein the first device is adapted, following the occurrence of a triggering event to enter a controller device pairing mode according to a predetermined wireless pairing protocol, to transmit a pairing initiation code via the power connector to the second device, and after the pairing initiation code has been transmitted to the second device, for the switch to be in its closed condition such that the power supply provides electrical power via the first device and power connector, to the second device, the second device is adapted, on receiving the pairing initiation code via the power connector, to enter a connected device pairing mode, and once the second device is in the connected device pairing mode, one of the first and second devices is adapted to transmit, via the wireless communication means of that device, signals representing a pairing code of that device, and the other of the first and second devices is adapted to receive said signals via the wireless communication means of said other device, and be enabled for having exclusive wireless communications with said one device by identifying said one device using at least part of the pairing code, whereby, when the first and second devices are in a wirelessly paired condition, the second device is adapted to receive wireless control signals from the first device and to be controlled by said control signals.

2. A wireless control and communication system according to claim 1 wherein the pairing initiation code is constituted by a pre-determined sequence of the switch moving between its open and closed conditions, where the second device is adapted to detect the sequence as a cycle of powering and depowering of the second device.

3. A wireless control and communication system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said other device has a storage memory and is adapted to store the pairing code represented by the signals, in the storage memory.

4. A wireless control and communication system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first device includes an actuator, and the triggering event is a predetermined action in relation to the actuator.

5. A wireless control and communication system according to claim 4 wherein the predetermined action in relation to the actuator is a predetermined series of operations of the actuator.

6. A wireless control and communication system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second device includes at least one of a space fan, a roller door system, a window blind system, an air-conditioning system, and a lighting system.

7. A method of setting up a wireless control and communication system to enable control of a user device by a controller, the method including: providing a wireless control and communication system according any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the controller is said first device and the user device is said second device, and causing said triggering event to occur such that the first device and second device are caused to be in a wirelessly paired condition with respect each other, and such that the second device is adapted to receive wireless control signals from the first device and to be controlled by said control signals.

8. A method of setting up a wireless control and communication system to enable wireless control of a user device by a controller, the method including: providing the wireless controller; connecting a supply of electric power to the controller; and electrically connecting the controller to the user device by an electrical connection, such that the controller, supply of electric power and electrical connection together constitute at least part of the wireless control and communication system according any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the controller constitutes said first device, the supply of electric power constitutes said power supply and the user device constitutes said second device; and causing said triggering event to occur such that the first device and second device are caused to be in a wirelessly paired condition with respect each other, and such that the second device is adapted to receive wireless control signals from the first device and to be controlled by said control signals.