CN101305355A - Communication network for controlling devices - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for controlling devices that are part of a peer to peer network of controllers is provided. Messages are routed to controllers of the network and such messages are used to control devices coupled to said controllers. Status messages indicating the state of devices are routed to controllers to allow the state of the devices to be displayed by said controllers.

Description

Be used for communication network that equipment is controlled

Technical field

The present invention relates to be used for the communication network equipment controlled according to communication protocol.

Background technology

Developed the kind equipment that is used for such as light or light fixture, electric fan, and the communication network controlled of other electrical equipment in household or commercial layout the or system.Generally speaking, these equipment are electric loadings.These networks are as the part of following telechirics, this telechirics is used to allow the user to use hand-held or wall installing type controller, to such as the state of the kind equipment of light or lamp group (for example, open and close, intensity ... dim, bright, scene) carry out remote control.In some conventional remote control systems, wall installing type equipment is suitable for from hand-held controller or wall installing type telepilot received signal.Controller can receive the status information about remotely-controlled equipment, and controller can demonstrate the state of such equipment to the user, and it also is like this that promptly convenient equipment is in outside user's visual line of sight.Many legacy systems are implemented as wireless system, and some in these systems uses RF (radio frequency) signal to send and receive information.

The RF wireless system generally includes master controller, is used for light modulator/switch is controlled, and master controller receives its displayable status information.In such system, master controller is to light modulator or switch broadcasting command, as status request.Light modulator or switch are the examples to the controller of controlling such as the kind equipment of light units or electric fan.In response to the status request of coming autonomous controller, the state of the controller broadcasting controlled plant that equipment is controlled.Then, master controller can demonstrate the state of equipment based on the information of controller broadcasting.The controller that equipment is controlled, and master controller are all represented the node of network, and in network, each all is the one or more assemblies that can control one or more equipment for these node.Relative to each other and with respect to the relative positioning of master controller, the message that master controller is broadcasted can be received by one or more or all system nodes according to different nodes.When node can not directly receive the transmission of autonomous controller, system used repeater, so that be necessary, all nodes of system can both receive the transmission of master controller.The transmission of node (comprising master controller) and repeater is to be the broadcasting that any node received in the system basically.Because come the transmission of autonomous controller and come the transmission (under the assistance of repeater) of self-controller can be in the reception Anywhere of system, the controller that sends the state of institute's connection device there is no need specially any concrete equipment or master controller to be carried out special addressing.Equally, the master controller that sends its order there is no need specially such order to be addressed to the concrete controller in the system.In addition, because message is broadcasted, the mode that is delivered to node is unimportant in such system.

In a lot of situations, the user may often want to know the state of controlled plant, the more important thing is, the user may want to know owing to whether the manually-operated to equipment causes that equipment state changes.In addition, owing to sent order, may change the state of equipment from master controller.Just, because the order that sends from master controller, or to the excitation of equipment, or the excitation of controller itself, the controller that equipment is controlled can change the state of equipment.Some system is designed to, and makes when this equipment during by the artificial excitation or when receiving the status request of autonomous controller, controller sends the state of this equipment automatically.The status information that controller sent by equipment when equipment is carried out the artificial excitation or receives order is called as " true state ".The major defect of " true state " system is, there is no need to send many status informations in many situations, and this regular meeting causes system's poor efficiency.For example, when the intensity of light during, press intensity driver (for example, intensity button or rocker switch) for several times, until reaching required rank from a grade drops to its last required rank.In " true state " system, the controller (that is light modulator/switch) of control light sends each intermediate intensity rank; Just, when pressing intensity button, just send out current light rank at every turn.Such system effectiveness is lower, be not only can make system's consumption anergy owing to send the intermediate lamp light rank, but also since the information that sends too much and do not have what value.In such circumstances, thus the last intensity rank of light owing to be that information that system need know may be only and needs the information that sends.

Another example is, when light modulator decays to situation when cutting out from current intensity rank.When between discrete intensity rank, decaying, send out each such rank and not only can cause aforesaid power problems, but also can aspect bandwidth and delay, produce efficiency.In such system, before decay intensity reached final value, the transmission of state was postponed, and perhaps between degradation period, sent out different intensity ranks.Every kind of technology can both cause the adverse condition of system.For example, when the transmission of status information was subjected to postponing, other orders that master controller will send also will be delayed, till receiving whole responses from relaxation equipment, and master controller demonstrate this state between the time also will have delay.

Have in the situation of triggering behavior driver at controller or equipment, postpone just to be a problem especially.If the user is by triggering behavior start button mistakenly, then the user can not reverse behavior, till decay finishes and receives last " very " state value.Because may change in the wide range from the several seconds by tens of minutes die-away time, this can cause having the long period and can not control system.If do not use " true state " method, and after sending out status request, provide state, then master controller has in the phase for a long time to keep the poll to light modulator, and may not know the length of die-away time, thereby causes system's poor efficiency when stopping the opinion inquiry.

In addition, for illuminator, need the more than individual equipment of control, but one group of equipment is very usual thing.For example, may need to open or close all light in room or the whole building, perhaps use light to form and build setting, the light in wherein will organizing is arranged on a plurality of intensity ranks.In such circumstances, a controller can change the state (by being sent to the message such as the quasi-controller of light modulator and switch) of one group of light, and other controllers also can be controlled same group of light, and its demonstration of appropriate change.When " true state " method of use, state one changes to some extent, and light just begins to send it back (by its continuous controller) its status report.Change its state owing to have many equipment to be similar at synchronization in the group operational scenario, bottleneck of status information can cause information dropout.In addition, when controller was sending " the true state " of associated devices, because controller receives another order from local controller, state may change, thereby the current status information that sends to master controller is inaccurate.In having band-limited system, during some period, need to transmit a large amount of information, because system can not transmit bulk information, perhaps system reacts soon inadequately to state variation and status request, thus these information can flood system.Therefore, for example, some system will limit the quantity of light in its group that can correctly control, thereby perhaps design the more senior complicated more and method with high costs that is used to control the light group.For example, can some controller reserved time slot be controlled the light group in particular moment to allow them, and can not be subjected to any interference of other controllers.

Therefore, need a kind of system, this system can provide status information by the equipment from system, avoids the problems referred to above simultaneously.

Summary of the invention

The invention provides the system and method that is used for transmission equipment state between the controller of controller peer-to-peer network, wherein, system comprises at least one non-device-specific controller and at least one device-specific controller.Controller has permission, and it carries out the transmission and the receiving circuit of route and reception to message.Whether controller also has treatment circuit, is used for message is handled, to judge, for example, carry out from the instruction that receives message.Between the controller of system, can carry out route to status information according to system protocol.One or more equipment link to each other with at least one device-specific controller or are of coupled connections.Based on the order that receives from least one non-device-specific controller, or, can change the state of equipment based on the excitation of equipment motivation device.Because the state of the one or more equipment that are of coupled connections with device-specific controller is changed, controller upgrades its status information.At least one device-specific controller stores controller list therein, and described at least one device-specific controller programmed, so that, the state updating message is routed to the controller of appointment in the tabulation in response to receiving the state update request from least one non-device-specific controller.

In an embodiment according to system of the present invention, the status information of being carried out route by at least one device-specific controller is a target status information.

The method that is used for device-specific controller according to the present invention comprises step: the request that device-specific controller receives the status information be used to upgrade the equipment that is of coupled connections (promptly, the state update request), wherein, described request is carried out route by non-device-specific controller, and described device-specific controller includes the tabulation of the controller that can receive its state updating message.The method that is used for device-specific controller according to the present invention also comprises step: response is routed to equipment state one or more controllers of being pointed out by tabulation from the state update request of non-device-specific controller by device-specific controller.

The method that is used for non-device-specific controller according to the present invention comprises step: non-device-specific controller carries out route to request, so that the state of the equipment that is of coupled connections with at least one device-specific controller is upgraded.The method that is used for non-device-specific controller according to the present invention also comprises step: by the state (that is, state updating information) of described at least one non-device-specific controller from least one device-specific controller receiving equipment.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 represents according to block diagram of the present invention, that use the system of controller peer-to-peer network route messages;

Fig. 2 is illustrated in the block diagram according to the DSC that uses in the system of the present invention; And

Fig. 3 is illustrated in the block diagram according to the NDSC that uses in the system of the present invention.

Embodiment

The invention provides the system and method for transfer equipment state between the controller of controller peer-to-peer network.System comprises at least one non-device-specific controller (NDSC) and at least one device-specific control (DSC).Controller has permission, and it carries out the transmission and the receiving circuit of route and reception to message.Whether controller also has treatment circuit, is used for message is handled, to judge, for example, carry out from the instruction that receives message.Between the controller of system, can carry out route to status information according to system protocol.System protocol is that the message that is used for that system follows transmits and the rule of all system operations and the set of process.One or more equipment link to each other with at least one DSC or are of coupled connections.Based on the order that receives from least one NDSC, or, can change the state of equipment based on the excitation of equipment motivation device.Because the state of the one or more equipment that are of coupled connections with DSC is changed, device-specific controller upgrades its status information.At least one DSC stores controller list therein, and described at least one DSC is programmed, so that in response to when at least one NDSC receives the state update request, the state updating message is routed to the controller of appointment in the tabulation.Term " load " and " equipment " use interchangeability ground afterwards, and are understood that to have same implication.

Peer-to-peer network is the network that comprises a plurality of nodes, and wherein each of wherein said node can both send and/or receive the information of going to and/or coming one or more other nodes of automatic network.In the present invention, based on certain protocol and/or routing plan, message is routed to one or more other nodes from a node.A more than node has transmission and/or the reception priority bigger than any other node in network.An example of peer-to-peer network is a mesh network, wherein, message is routed to one or more other nodes from a node, and each node can both communicate with one or more other nodes by routing information to other such nodes.The peer-to-peer network of system and method for the present invention can be embodied as RF (radio frequency) network or power line network.RF and power line network can be wireless network.The RF peer-to-peer network uses the controller that can send and receive the RF signal and use described RF signal route messages between network node.Signal sends by wireless mode usually.The line of electric force peer-to-peer network uses the controller that utilizes the line of electric force route messages; Line of electric force is to be generally used for electric power (for example, 120 volts, 60Hz signal) is carried to the circuit that respectively connects load.RF network and power line network can use wireless RF transmitter and receiver to be used at least a portion of network or all.

Each controller of system of the present invention is all as the node of peer-to-peer network.Each controller all has transmission and receiving circuit and processing capacity.Controller can and receive message based on the instruction route messages in the message.Some controller is called as device-specific controller (DSC), and this DSC has the adjunct circuit that allows one or more loads and described DSC to be electrically connected or to be of coupled connections, and wherein, described load is directly or indirectly controlled by described DSC.Load or equipment have driver, when driver is subjected to encouraging, thereby can control the state that also changes this equipment to this equipment.Driver also can be used as the part of DSC, or can be connected with DSC or be of coupled connections.Examples of loads comprises light units, household electrical appliance, the domestic system such as the HVAC system, maybe can give any electric equipment or the system of its electrical power distribution with permission equipment or system works.DSC can obtain the state of one or more loads that are of coupled connections, and stores described information.Load condition represents to load on the state of concrete time.According to concrete load, can use one or more parameters to describe the state of this load.State can be described by one or more parameters, and state can be represented an equipment or one group of equipment.For example, whether be in the whether parameter with another equipment or system link to each other of transition state neutralizing device such as whether output power level, intensity, equipment are in the programming mode, whether equipment be setting a part, equipment, all describe the dissimilar state of equipment.

Each DSC of system of the present invention also stores and is appointed as the tabulation that can control and can carry out or move the nonshared control unit of the instruction that receives from DSC to DSC.Controller list is meant linked list.Linked list is stored among each DSC, and comprises the address and/or the sign of the specific controller that can control the one or more equipment that are connected with DSC.Thereby,, claim that DSC is associated with described NDSC as NDSC during as linked list a part of.Each controller of appointment can both be with message route (for example, the order of route such as update request) to the DSC that is associated or other NDSC or DSC in linked list.DSC can or can not respond the message from NDSC, and can or can not carry out message institute tasks requested; When DSC is associated with the controller that sends message, described DSC will carry out message institute tasks requested.The order that comprises in message will be carried out by target DSC.Just, the controller that is addressed to of message is the controller that is used to carry out the order of message defined; The state of the equipment that this DSC for example is of coupled connections by modification comes fill order.DSC has can be programmed or configured to the circuit that routes information to other controllers (that is, NDSC and/or DSC).The message that is routed not only comprises the information that will transmit, also comprises about such information the how instruction by network.Just, the message that is routed comprises expresses that message will arrive its final purpose and the route instruction of the concrete node that may pass through.Thereby, the transmission of " route " expression information, wherein, the information that is sent out like this comprises how information passes through the instruction of the node of controller peer-to-peer network (that is route instruction).

Thereby NDSC represents command messages to be sent to the controller that DSC also controls the one or more equipment that link to each other with DSC or be of coupled connections.The example of NDSC comprises telepilot, zone controller, or the setting controller.NDSC has the display device that can demonstrate the state of the concrete equipment that links to each other with DSC or be of coupled connections with graphics mode or visual means usually.NDSC of the present invention can use target status information to show the state of the equipment that it is being controlled.Similar to DSC, NDSC includes transmission, reception and treatment circuit.

Each controller can have the route instruction that message that how the expression controller receive controller is carried out route.Each controller also can have route list, and route list includes it can carry out the tabulation of the controller of route according to the specific collection of route instruction to message.Generally speaking, DSC receives order (for example, the state update request) from NDSC, and NDSC is from DSC accepting state lastest imformation.Some or all DSC can directly be controlled by the user; Just, some or all DSC have can carry out the artificial excitation in case control associated devices driver.When the driver of equipment is subjected to encouraging, or the driver that is used for the DSC of opertaing device is when being subjected to encouraging, revised the state of equipment, and the DSC that is connected with described device coupled sends the HAIL message that the indication equipment state may change to one or more NDSC that are associated with it.Should be noted that HAIL message does not comprise any status information; It only is the expression that the driver about equipment has been energized.It shall yet further be noted that when driver and encouraged and equipment state when being changed, still by DSC send indication equipment will by or by manually operated HAIL message.

When from the NDSC accepting state update request that is associated, DSC is routed to one or more NDSC that are associated with it with state updating information.In one embodiment, DSC is routed to state updating information the whole NDSC that are associated with it.In another embodiment, the NDSC of transmit status update request order is the NDSC that receives update mode information at last.

Master controller is used for information being uploaded or store into controller (passing through communication link), route list (being preferably in during the network installation), can transmits the linked list and the message of (send and/or receive) by peer-to-peer network.All nodes of system and method for the present invention (DSC and NDSC) can carry out reprogramming by primary controller at any time, so that it is redefined in the ability of routing state information each other.

The concrete route that message is advanced is provided by the node of message origin.Any originating node can both be visited the information about network topology, or obtains such information from other nodes of network; The message that receives from other node, provide this information.Route by message should " jumps " the tabulation of node and the particular sections dot sequency of node jump represent.If node can directly or indirectly be communicated by letter each other, then can be implemented in route messages between two specific nodes.

In the present invention, when a more than controller is attempted same equipment is controlled, and when each such controller will demonstrate the information that its slave unit receives back, under the condition of bottleneck that does not cause the prior art network to meet with and bandwidth problem, equipment can be controlled by a more than controller.Situation typical case appears at such border, field like this, promptly, control from several diverse locations by several different controllers with the light that a light modulator/switch (DSC type) is connected, and each of these controllers is all expected and is received about intensity signal (that is status information) and correctly demonstrate this information.This is because intensity can be by one of them controller or directly regulated by the local driver on light modulator/switch.For example, when there are two inlets in the room, and when all being provided with the wall controller in each porch, perhaps, except that having the wall controller, when system also had PC controller that same equipment is controlled or hand-held controller, such work was essential.Can be called zone or setting controller to the controller that the equipment group such as the light group is controlled.Setting is the illuminating effect that produces when each light is arranged on particular intensity level in the light group.

For overcoming the problem of bandwidth inefficiency and improper delay, the present invention can use the state of " target " status information indication equipment or equipment group.As discussed previously, true status information is the information of indication equipment instantaneous state.Thereby, for example, when light decays to the pass from opening, will represent that a plurality of voltage levels that change light intensity send as " true state " bit string.The target status information order that to be equipment receive based on its slave controller, or based on the artificial excitation of user-accessible driver, final " true state " value that will reach.In many situations, " true state " information is the bit string that changes during the time cycle, and the transmission of information not only makes bandwidth inefficiency like this, and causes occurring postponing in system.In case DSC finishes the execution of its order, the end value of " true state " bit string normally really reflects the relevant information or the information of equipment state.In addition, order once reception, or carried out the excitation of equipment, the target rank is exactly known.For example, for light, have the end value that is associated with it such as open and close or the order that is provided with the rank, thereby when route is carried out in order, NDSC of the present invention will upgrade it and show, to reflect the expected results of order.Equally, the DSC that the order route is arrived will upgrade its status information when receiving the order that is routed.Order be light is decayed to the pass with light mode from open the example that switches to the pass, will encourage the light driver thus so that make and decay to the pass, this is immediately by known to the DSC that is of coupled connections with this light.The use of " target status information " allows using system bandwidth more efficiently, and this is owing to the expection end value that only sends " true state " information, and is stored by DSC, and is not the continuous string that sends " true state " information.Thereby the use of " target status information " allows to use the present invention in having band-limited system.In addition, for the driver with triggering behavior, the use of " target status information " is avoided occurring postponing to the controller reporting status information time.

In the present invention, DSC is routed to the controller that is associated of requesting state information with its " target status information ", and is routed to the every other controller that is associated.Request controller can obtain the state of all its associated nodes in succession with the same manner.In this way, thereby, a node reduces the conflict possibility greatly, so correct regulating system flow because sending update mode information at every turn.

Use target status information approach, controller of the present invention can demonstrate the state of the equipment that it mails to order immediately when sending order.Just, controller can wait-for-response with the state of display device.The result that its sends order is expected and demonstrated to controller, and do not wait for from confirming the equipment receiving status information of command result.Thereby, based on the order of controller transmission itself, but not the status information that it wants slave unit to receive, the shown information of controller demonstrates state.In this way, avoid when the display device state, occurring postponing.Therefore, the display display message of controller is not only based on the status information that receives, but also based on the order of controller transmission itself.

Another aspect of the present invention is, as DSC during because of last order or excitation send state information, how DSC reacts to the input command that comes self-controller or from artificial excitation's order.The present invention allows DSC to finish the transmission of its status information, based on the order or the excitation that are occurring when sending previous state information at it, sends its latest update status information (for example, target status information) immediately then.

Referring now to Fig. 1,, demonstrates system of the present invention.Network as shown in Figure 1 disposes according to certain way, and what this mode should not be considered to network of the present invention only has a type.Network as shown in Figure 1 can be mesh network or can be between node route messages so that any other peer-to-peer network that equipment is controlled.Network comprises a plurality of communication nodes, and wherein, each node is DSC or NDSC.NDSC is as follows: NDSC1, NDSC2, NDSC3, NDSC4, NDSC5 and NDSC6.DSC is as follows: DSC1, DSC2, DSC3, DSC4, DSC5, DSC6 and DSC7.In particular network as shown in the figure, there are 13 nodes, wherein 7 is DSC, other 6 is NDSC.A plurality of equipment (D1-D23) link to each other with DSC and/or are of coupled connections.Connect or be of coupled connections and can be any other connection that electricity, electromechanics, electric light connection or permission equipment are controlled by DSC.Although in Fig. 1, only demonstrate 13 nodes, should be appreciated that Fig. 1 only is for schematic purpose, and peer-to-peer network of the present invention comprises N node, wherein, N is the arbitrary integer greater than 1.In addition, Control Network demonstrates node and communicates by wireless communication link each other as shown in Figure 1.Communication link in a preferred embodiment of this invention is the Radio Link that message (adopting the form of RF signal) is carried out route according to specific protocol.Yet, should be appreciated that communication link can be any known media that can send and receive electricity or other transmitting signal types (wired, concentric cable, optical fiber, waveguide).Shown network of the present invention is the interconnection of communication node, and wherein, each node can use routing plan, directly or indirectly information is sent, receives, handles and be routed to any other node.

The node that can directly or indirectly send information each other can carry out the route of information between node.Some node may can directly not communicate with other nodes owing to these relative location of node.For example, node DSC4 may not can directly communicates with node NDSC1 and node NDSC6, this be since from DSC4 to NDSC6 or the RF signal of NDSC1 may be blocked owing to the one or more obstacle (not shown) that are between it.Each node comprises transtation mission circuit, receiving circuit and the processor such as microprocessor at least.

The concrete example of system and method for the present invention as shown in Figure 1, wherein, DSC4 sends information (for example, target status information) to NDSC1 and NDSC6, they all are associated with DSC4, that is, NDSC1 and NDSC6 are on the linked list of DSC4.Fig. 1 demonstrates the route that route that a message advances to NDSC1 and another message (or same message) are advanced to NDSC6.For the message of NDSC1 as its purpose, message adopts following route: it comprises from node DSC4 and passes or jump to path R1A, R1B, R1C and the R1D of NDSC5 to NDSC3 to the Zhongdao NDSC1 of NDSC2.The information that is sent by DSC4 will be labeled sign and/or the address with the controller on the linked list of DSC4.Should be noted that for NDSC1 as the shown route of destination node, if intermediate node (that is, NDSC5, NDSC3 and NDSC2) is not on the linked list of DSC4, then such node can not carried out the instruction that comprises in such message.On the contrary, if the part of the one or more linked lists as DSC4 in these intermediate nodes, then such node will not only carry out route to message, also can carry out or move the instruction that message carries.For with the message of NDSC6 as its purpose, message adopts such route, that is, this route comprises from node DSC4 passes or jump to path R2A, R2B, R2C and the R2D of DSC6 to NDSC4 to the Zhongdao NDSC6 of DSC7.Should be noted that for NDSC6 as the shown route of destination node, if intermediate node (that is, DSC6, NDSC4 and DSC7) not as the part of the linked list of DSC4, then such node can not carried out the instruction that comprises in message like this.On the contrary, if the part of the one or more linked lists as DSC4 in these intermediate nodes, then such node will not only carry out route to message, also can carry out or move the instruction that message carries.

Each DSC comprises transmission at least and receiving circuit, processor and interface circuit.The example of DSC includes, but is not limited to light modulator, switch and other the such mechanism to controlling with the light units that directly links to each other with DSC as shown in Figure 1, fan, occupancy sensors etc.DSC also has can carry out manual excitation so that the driver (for example, button, rotary switch) that the controlled plant that links to each other is controlled.Processor and the interface circuit of DSC can be partially integrated in the circuit.

NDSC also has linked list.Each NDSC has linked list, and this linked list is made up of address or the sign of one or more DSC that controller can be controlled.

Except that linked list, each controller all has the route list how appointment routes messages to a plurality of other controllers.According to network topology structure, the message of going to second controller that is sent by first controller can not directly arrive the purpose controller usually.Middle controller receives message from first controller, and based on its route list, routes messages to specific controller.Route list is specified and will be received and send message and arrive it until it and expect the controller particular order of final controller.Should be appreciated that all message all have the information about its initial controller and its last controller, so that help any middle controller to determine the specific route list that to use.Should also be understood that each controller can have one or more route lists.Should also be understood that each middle controller can make label with its sign or address to message, so that allow to receive the route history that next controller of message is determined message.In addition, network exists from start to finish, and controller all can change the position relative to each other maybe can add additional controller.In such circumstances, the route list of these controllers and other controllers can change with the variation of reflection network topology structure.In another embodiment of the present invention, each controller all has the control tabulation.Control tabulation comprises the information and the particular association between DSC and NDSC of the route messages about how.In fact, control tabulation is the combination of the linked list of the linked list of route list, DSC and NDSC.

The message (comprising order) that sends on peer-to-peer network of the present invention and/or receive is formatted according to agreement.In addition, protocol definition how to send, reception and processing messages.Agreement can be well-known industrial standard.

Except that DSC, NDSC and controlled plant, system of the present invention also has in network installation or the main master controller (not shown) that uses during making up.Master controller is used to upload various information to controller.When by system's upload information, change the position of master controller, all correctly uploaded to guarantee all controllers.In each position, master controller uploads to a plurality of controllers with information, and slave controller confirmation of receipt message, this message be used to notify master controller they received upload information.The information that uploads to controller comprises the linked list of the route list of controller, DSC, the tabulation of institute's definition message (comprising order) and the protocol rule that communication network is followed; For another embodiment, upload the control tabulation, and do not upload route and linked list.And each controller is assigned with only sign or address, and this only sign or address also can be uploaded from master controller between the installation period of system of the present invention.From the master controller to DSC and the information of NDSC (that is controller) upload usually between the structure of system and/or installation period and realize.Master controller comprises treatment circuit (for example, microcontroller or microprocessor or digital signal processor), transceiver circuit and interface circuit (for example, user's driver, display).The user handles the interface circuit upload information, in the storer that this information is stored in usually with treatment circuit is associated.Transceiver is used for information is sent to different controllers, and receives information from different controllers.

With reference to Fig. 2, demonstrate the block diagram of the DSC that uses in the system and method for the present invention.DSC 200 comprises antenna 202, and antenna 202 links to each other with transceiver 204, and transceiver 204 is used to send and/or receive the RF signal that agreement that carrying follows according to system and method for the present invention is carried out formative information.The information of wireless receiving is transferred to processor 206, and 206 pairs of information of processor are handled, and whether determining this information from the controller that is associated, and determines the task (if any) that will carry out.Processor 206 can be microprocessor, microcontroller, or any circuit that uses hardware, firmware, software or its any combination that signal is handled.Processor 206 is designed to also be used for generation information and by using transceiver 204 and antenna 202 wireless transmissions (or by being different from the medium of air) information.Processor 206 combined function circuit 210 interface circuit 208 are controlled, so that control one or more equipment (not shown).Interface circuit 208 not only is used for opertaing device, also carries out alternately with one or more driver (not shown), is used to allow the user that manual control is carried out in the operation of the controllable device that is connected, and carries out the order of drivers by functions of use circuit 210.Interface circuit 208 directly carries out alternately with controllable device, so that based on by the signal of functional circuit and/or processor 206 generations such equipment being controlled.Functional circuit can be and is used for carrying out a kind of about the multiple circuit of one or more specific tasks of particular controllable device.For example, DSC 200 can be the light modulator that is used for light units.In such circumstances, functional circuit can comprise and can control so that control the circuit of intensity of light the size of current that offers light units.Another example is the DSC 200 as switch, it can be switched to open or close, so that provide or do not provide electric current to electric loading; In this example, functional circuit will comprise the electricity or the controlled switching mechanism of electronics of some type.By processor or by the user by the driver (not shown) that interface circuit 208 can activate, can control functional circuit.

With reference to Fig. 3, demonstrate the block diagram of the NDSC that uses in the system and method for the present invention.NDSC 300 comprises antenna 302, and antenna 302 links to each other with transceiver 304, and these two all is used for wireless receiving and/or send the RF signal, or the signal of the medium transmission other types by being different from air.Processor 306 generates message, and this message sends by transceiver 304 and antenna 302.Processor 306 also is used for the information that wireless receiving receives by antenna 302 and transceiver 304.Reception information is handled with definite its content by processor 306, or determines whether and will reception information be routed to another controller according to the route list of storage in the memory circuitry 308 of controller 300.Controller 300 also has the interface circuit 310 with driver (not shown) interaction, can encourage driver, so that the operation of controller 300 is controlled.Although not shown, controller 300 also can include and interface circuit 310 interactions and the display of communicating by letter.Display can be with the state (for example, the receiving status information of one or more DSC) and the operation of multiple form display controller 300.The master controller (not shown) can have and the similar architecture of NDSC as shown in Figure 3.Master controller also can have driver and one or more display, and the user can use display that information is uploaded to DSC and NDSC.

As shown in Figure 3 NDSC carries out by using the method that one or more DSC control one or more equipment and can realizing routing information to and link to each other with equipment or the routing plan of the continuous DSC that is coupled.Can pass through electric wire, light connection, wireless connections, waveguide being connected between equipment and at least one DSC and connect and realize, or realize by other known connections that can allow control signal to propagate.Method of the present invention provides at least one NDSC and at least one DSC that is connected with equipment at first.Also be provided with master controller, and it is arranged to and can communicates with at least one NDSC and at least one DSC.Between master controller, at least one DSC and at least one NDSC, set up communication link.The foundation of communication link is at first uploaded the communication protocol rule by master controller at least one NDSC and at least one DSC and is realized as a plurality of message and the order of part agreement.Master controller is also uploaded route list and linked list at least one NDSC and at least one DSC.In another embodiment of the inventive method, can be with route list and linked list combination, to constitute the control tabulation that uploads at least one NDSC and at least one DSC equally.Handle by described controller by the message that at least one NDSC receives, to determine if it is the expectation take over party of message.If message will offer at least one NDSC, searching message then, and the information in message is used for any intended purposes by NDSC.For example, reception information can be the information about the renewal of the equipment state.If at least one NDSC receives the message that will offer another NDSC, then at least one NDSC is according to its this message of route list route.Wherein at least one DSC that has at least a NDSC to route messages to be associated with it is so that control the equipment that is connected with this DSC.

During operation, have at least a DSC that the communication link of having set up is monitored input message.At least one DSC monitors to the state of institute's connection device also so that detect the artificial excitation of response to one of them driver of DSC, when change has taken place the state of associated devices like this.When at least one DSC received message, it determined whether such message sends out from the NDSC that is associated.If this message is not from the NDSC that is associated, then at least one DSC ignores this message.It is during from the NDSC that is associated that the message that receives as DSC is determined, and message is handled, and carried out the represented any task of message by DSC.If performed task is responsible for controlled plant is operated to change its state, then DSC is with the storage update status information.When receiving request (for example, status request), then update mode information (for example, as " target status information ") is sent to be associated NDSC or the one or more NDSC of being associated that asks by DSC from the controller that is associated.DSC can have the driver that can or can not change the state of the controlled plant that is connected when being encouraged by system user.When judging that by DSC the driver of controlled plant is subjected to encouraging, obtain and store any update mode information by DSC.DSC will can not send update mode information, otherwise but can send HAIL message to one or more NDSC that are associated.When HAIL was received by one or more controllers that are associated, one of them of described controller status request message the most at last sent to DSC, thereby allowed it update mode information to be sent to NDSC or the one or more NDSC of being associated that asks.Before the controller accepting state request that is associated, it can not send update mode information at DSC.

Claims (30)

1. system that is used for transmission equipment state between the controller of controller peer-to-peer network, described controller is controlled equipment, and described system comprises:

At least one NDSC; With

At least one DSC, wherein, described at least one DSC has the controller list that is used for the accepting state updating message, described controller has transtation mission circuit and receiving circuit, wherein, described at least one DSC is programmed,, its state updating message is routed to each controller on its controller list so that in response to the update request that receives from described at least one NDSC.

2. according to the system of claim 1, wherein, described network is a wireless network.

3. according to the system of claim 1, wherein, described network is the RF network

4. according to the system of claim 1, wherein, at least one NDSC is setting or zone controller.

5. according to the system of claim 1, wherein, described state updating message is a target status information.

6. according to the system of claim 1, wherein, the state updating message that receives is shown by at least one controller.

7. according to the system of claim 1, wherein, described equipment is light units.

8. according to the system of claim 1, wherein, described equipment is electrical equipment.

9. according to the system of claim 1, wherein, described equipment is the assembly of HVAC system.

10. method that is used for transmission equipment state between the controller of controller peer-to-peer network, described controller is controlled equipment, and described controller comprises at least one DSC and at least one NDSC, and described method comprises step:

In the request of at least one the DSC place reception that is connected with device coupled for the status information of upgrading described equipment, described request is carried out route by at least one NDSC, and wherein, described at least one DSC has the tabulation of the controller that is used for the accepting state updating message; And

In response to update request the state of described equipment is routed to a plurality of controllers of appointment in the described tabulation by at least one DSC.

11. according to the method for claim 10, wherein, the state that is sent is a target status information.

12. according to the method for claim 10, wherein, described network is a wireless network.

13. according to the method for claim 12, wherein, described wireless network is a power line network

14. according to the method for claim 12, wherein, described wireless network is the RF network

15. according to the method for claim 10, wherein, described update request is sent by NDSC.

16. according to the method for claim 15, wherein, NDSC is setting or zone controller.

17. according to the method for claim 15, wherein, for the request of update mode in response to HAIL message from DSC.

18. according to the method for claim 10, wherein, the step that sends the state of described equipment comprises: the NDSC that HAIL message is sent at least one appointment.

19. according to the method for claim 18, wherein, described HAIL message is triggered by the directly control of described DSC.

20. according to the method for claim 10, wherein, the NDSC of transmit status request is last of a plurality of controllers that is used for receiving the state of described equipment.

21. according to the method for claim 10, wherein, in response to the variation that described state during described transmission takes place, DSC stops transmit status, then, described controller sends the new state information of reflection state variation.

22. a method that is used for transmission equipment state between the controller of controller peer-to-peer network, described controller is controlled equipment, and described controller comprises at least one DSC and at least one NDSC, and described method comprises step:

To carry out route for the request of the status information of upgrading the equipment that is of coupled connections with at least one DSC by at least one NDSC; And

By the state of at least one NDSC reception from the described equipment of at least one DSC.

23. according to the method for claim 22, wherein, the state that is received is a target status information.

24. according to the method for claim 22, wherein, described network is a wireless network.

25. according to the method for claim 24, wherein, described wireless network is a power line network

26. according to the method for claim 24, wherein, described wireless network is the RF network.

27. according to the method for claim 22, wherein, described update request is sent by non-device-specific controller.

28. according to the method for claim 27, wherein, NDSC is setting or zone controller.

29. according to the method for claim 27, wherein, for the request of update mode in response to HAIL message from DSC.

30. according to the method for claim 22, wherein, the step that sends update request comprises: receive the HAIL message from DSC.

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