DE102019130966A1 - Method for operating an electrical functional structure, multiple operating method, computer program product, device and system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for operating an electrical functional structure (10) for a delimitation element (1) of a room in a building, the functional structure (10) having several electrically interconnected functional elements (11) for performing at least one electrical function, wherein one of the functional elements (11) forms a starting element (11.1) for initializing the electrical functional structure (10). The invention also relates to a multiple operation method (500), a computer program product (400), a device (2) for a delimitation element (1) of a room in a building, and a system (3) with several devices (2).

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating an electrical functional structure, a multiple operating method, a computer program product, a device for performing an electrical function and a system with a plurality of devices.

Electrical heating and sensor structures for floors are known from the prior art. Such sensor structures are designed, for example, to detect a person in the room. If not only the presence of the person is to be recognized, but also their movement or their movement patterns, it is desirable to be able to distinguish positions within the sensor structures in space. This can be achieved in that the sensor structures are fixed, so that the positions of individual sensor areas are fixed at the factory. However, this has the disadvantage that the sensor structures cannot be adapted, or only with difficulty, to the geometries of rooms. This means that either only a small area of the room can be covered or different sensor structures can be coordinated manually, which is time-consuming. Furthermore, if individual functional elements within the sensor structure fail, for example, it may be desirable to be able to reconfigure the sensor structure in order to reinitialize data communication paths. In the case of heating structures, for example, electrical resistance heating is installed in the floor in order to be able to heat a room in a building. In order to be able to influence individual heating areas in a targeted manner, it can also be desirable for a heating structure to know the positions of individual heating areas in the room.

It is an object of the present invention to at least partially remedy the above disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to improve calibration of an electrical functional structure, preferably so that simplified installation of the functional structure is made possible.

The above object is achieved by a method with the features of claim 1, a multi-operation method with the features of claim 15, a computer program product with the features of claim 16, a device with the features of claim 17 and a system with the features of claim 24 Further features and details of the invention emerge from the respective subclaims, the description and the drawings. Features and details that are described in connection with the method according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the computer program product according to the invention, the multi-operation method according to the invention, the device according to the invention and / or the system according to the invention and in each case vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure to the individual Aspects of the invention are always referred to alternately or can be.

• - Empfangen eines Startsignals durch das Startelement, vorzugsweise von einer Kontrolleinheit mit der das Startelement verbindbar oder verbunden ist,
• - Bestimmen einer ersten Position des Startelementes innerhalb der Funktionsstruktur in Abhängigkeit von dem Startsignal,
• - Durchführen eines Positionsbestimmungsvorgangs, bei dem ein zu dem Startelement benachbartes, zweites Funktionselement als Bestimmungsobjekt dient und ein Bestimmen einer zweiten Position des Bestimmungsobjektes innerhalb der Funktionsstruktur unter Berücksichtigung der ersten Position erfolgt.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for operating an electrical functional structure for a delimitation element of a room in a building is provided. The functional structure has several electrically interconnected functional elements for performing at least one electrical function. One of the functional elements forms a starting element for initializing the electrical functional structure. The method also includes the following steps:

• - Receipt of a start signal by the start element, preferably from a control unit to which the start element can be or is connected,
• - Determination of a first position of the start element within the functional structure as a function of the start signal,
• Carrying out a position determination process in which a second functional element adjacent to the start element serves as the determination object and a second position of the determination object within the functional structure is determined taking into account the first position.

The delimitation element of a room in a building can preferably be a floor of the room. The floor can already be finished while the method is being carried out, i.e. already have a screed and / or a visible covering in the form of laminate, tiles or the like, for example. However, it is also conceivable that the floor is not yet completely finished while the method is being carried out and is still in its raw state, i.e., for example, only a basic framework is finished on which the electrical functional structure is or is being laid. Alternatively, the delimitation element can be, for example, a wall or a ceiling of the room.

The initialization of the functional structure can be understood to mean a calibration or readjustment of the functional structure. For this purpose, the steps of the method can be carried out immediately after the electrical functional structure has been laid in order to calibrate the electrical functional structure in space for the first time. Additionally or alternatively, the steps of the method can be performed during an interruption of normal operation of the electrical functional structure can be carried out in order to carry out a readjustment of the functional elements in relation to the positions and / or a data transmission to the control unit.

The electrical functional structure can preferably have a flat extension. The electrical functional elements can preferably be individual, in particular mat-shaped, components of the functional structure, which are electrically connected to one another during laying. In particular, the functional elements can include sub-control units, preferably by means of which the method steps of the method can be carried out. The control unit can preferably be directly or indirectly connected to a sub-control unit of each of the functional elements. The control unit can advantageously be part of a control device and comprise at least one processor and / or microprocessor. Furthermore, the control unit can comprise an operating module for operating the electrical functional structure in normal operation. In normal operation, the electrical function of the electrical functional elements can advantageously be used and / or made available to a user. However, it is also conceivable that the control unit is a temporary and / or mobile control unit for the electrical functional structure, which is separated from the functional structure after the initialization of the electrical functional structure has been completed. It can be provided, for example, that the control unit is exchanged for a control unit for normal operation of the functional structure. The functional element that forms the start element can be designed to be functionally and / or structurally identical to the other functional elements and, in particular, can only be configured by its connection to the control unit and / or by receiving the start signal to the start element. However, it is also conceivable that the start element is designed differently to the other functional elements of the functional structure, preferably is designed uniquely within the functional structure. It can thus be provided that the positioning of the starting element is predetermined when the functional structure is laid, while the positioning of the remaining functional elements can be variable and / or individual.

The reception of the start signal by the start element can be preceded by the transmission of the start signal by the control unit. The start signal can in particular trigger the initialization of the functional structure. The start signal is preferably the only external pulse that is introduced into the functional structure for determining the positions of the functional elements. The determination of the first position can include that the starting element establishes or that the starting element is informed that it forms a root of the initialization process. For example, the first position can include a position of the start element relative to the control unit. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the first position forms a reference position to which all further positions that are determined when the functional structure is initialized are related.

The object to be determined during the position determination process can be understood to mean a functional element, the position of which is determined, in particular ascertained, within the functional structure as part of the position determination process. The fact that the second position is determined taking into account the first position can include that the second position is related to the first position. It is also conceivable that position data of the first position are processed in order to determine the second position. The position determination process can be carried out by the start element and / or by the determination object. Furthermore, in particular the determination of the first position can also be carried out by a position determination process in which the start element serves as the object to be determined.

The method according to the invention thus achieves improved operation of the electrical functional structure, in particular in that the positions within the functional structure can be determined, preferably for an individual geometry of the room. In particular, it is possible to determine a position within the functional structure for the second functional element, which position is only established when the functional structure is laid. As a result, it is not necessary, for example, for the second functional element to have a special design that was previously determined for the geometry of the room. Furthermore, automation of the position determinations can be achieved in a simple manner if the positions of the functional elements are determined by the electrical functional structure itself and / or as a function of one another. A simplified relocation of the functional elements for the installation of the functional structure in the room can thereby be made possible if this can be carried out independently or essentially independently of the initialization and an assignment of the functional elements to positions within the functional structure.

Furthermore, in a method according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that a position determination process is carried out for each further functional element adjacent to the start element, in which a further position of the further functional element is determined and / or that a position determination process is carried out for each further functional element of the electrical functional structure is carried out, in each of which a further position, in particular depending on a previously determined position of an adjacent functional element, of the further functional element is determined. The position-determining process can thus be carried out in particular recursively. The entire functional structure that is indirectly and / or directly connected to the start element can thereby preferably be initialized. In particular, several position determination processes can thus form a self-learning process through which the functional structure itself recognizes its geometric configuration, in particular as a function of a relocation of the functional elements and / or a geometry of the room. In this case, each of the further functional elements, for which the respective further position within the functional structure is determined, preferably forms the object of determination of the respective position determination process.

Furthermore, in a method according to the invention, it is conceivable that the electrical functional structure has an electrical sensor function, in particular for detecting a person in the room, and / or an electrical heating function, in particular for heating the room, in particular wherein the functional elements each have at least one sensor unit to execute the sensor function and / or each comprise at least one heating unit for performing the heating function. The electrical functional structure can thus advantageously be a sensor structure, a heating structure or a combination of a sensor structure and a heating structure. The functional elements can each form one or more sensor areas and / or heating areas that can be controlled and / or read out as a function of the positions. In particular, this enables the functional structure to be operated in normal operation, in which measurement data can be assigned and / or sent to the positions of the functional elements in the functional structure by the control unit as a function of the positions of the functional elements. In the case of a sensor function, it can be provided that the functional elements transmit their respective position to the control unit together with measurement data from the sensor function. The electrical sensor function can include, for example, a capacitive or an inductive measurement. Furthermore, it can be provided that the electrical functional elements include resistance elements that can be energized to perform the electrical heating function. It is conceivable that the electrical heating function is carried out at least partially as a function of the previously determined positions of the functional elements, whereby e.g. individual heating units can be specifically controlled and / or deactivated in normal operation.

Furthermore, in a method according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the position determination process comprises a transfer process in which the start element serves as a transmitter element, the transfer process comprising sending an initialization signal by the transmitter element to the destination object, in particular wherein the transfer process is actively carried out by the transmitter element becomes. The object to be determined is thus in particular a recipient element within the scope of the forwarding process. The transfer process can advantageously be carried out for each position determination process. If the position determination process is carried out for each of the functional elements within the functional structure, it can be provided that in each position determination process a functional element serves as a determination object and a functional element adjacent to the determination object is the transmitter element. Thus, the forwarding process can preferably be carried out recursively. The active execution of the transfer process by the transmitter element can be understood to mean that the transfer process is initiated by the transmitter element. In particular, the initialization signal can be generated by the transmitter element. Thus, when the forwarding process is actively carried out, the forwarding process is in particular not started by the control unit or the initialization signal is not sent out by the control unit. As a result, after the start signal has been sent out, the functional structure can carry out the initialization of the functional structure at least essentially independently of the control unit itself. For example, after determining its position, each of the functional elements can determine whether further functional elements are connected to it and are adjacent to it. For this purpose, e.g. a ping and / or a wake-up call can be sent out before the transfer process is carried out. The determining functional element can then serve as a transmitter element and a position determination process can be carried out for each of the adjacent functional elements by starting and / or executing a forwarding process by the transmitter element. It is conceivable that the start signal which the start element receives is the same as the initialization signal in the signal structure and / or the transmitted data. The start signal can thus be an initialization signal. For example, the start signal and the initialization signal can only include different path, position and / or direction data.

In a method according to the invention, it can preferably be provided that the position determination process comprises an orientation process in which one, in particular rotational, orientation of the object to be determined in the functional structure, preferably as a function of the initialization signal, takes place, in particular with the orientation process being actively carried out by the object to be determined. The active execution of the orientation process can be understood to mean that the orientation process is carried out by the destination object when it receives the initialization signal. Thus, when the forwarding process is actively carried out, the forwarding process is in particular not started by the control unit or the initialization signal is not sent out by the control unit. On the basis of the orientation, the object to be determined can determine its own position relative to the transmitter element of the forwarding process. In particular, the orientation can include a rotational orientation of the object to be determined, ie its position in relation to the transmitter element and / or to the control unit in relation to an axis of rotation of the object to be determined. Alignment of the functional elements during laying can thereby be simplified. In particular, the alignment can thereby take place independently of a rotational orientation. Furthermore, the functional elements can have several functional units, the position of which can be determined and / or assigned by the orientation process. For the orientation process, the functional element can have a fixed number of electrical data connections. In particular, the orientation process can take place as a function of a direction in which the initialization signal is received by the object to be determined. For example, the object to be determined can determine the direction from which the initialization signal has reached the object to be determined, and thereby infer its own rotational orientation. Here, in particular, the direction data can be incorporated into the determination of the rotational orientation. In particular, the transfer process can be carried out again, in which the second functional element serves as a transmitter element and a third functional element adjacent to the second functional element serves as a determination object. An orientation process in which the third functional element serves as the object of determination can then be carried out again. In particular, each of the functional elements of the functional structure can serve first as a determination object and then as a transmitter element for a transfer process. In particular, the orientation can include connection directions, for example in the form of, in particular virtual, cardinal directions.

Furthermore, in a method according to the invention it can advantageously be provided that the first and / or second position is defined by at least one coordinate, in particular by a coordinate tuple, in particular wherein the first position, the second position or a further position forms a coordinate origin for the coordinate . The coordinate or the coordinate tuple can represent a simple option for assigning the positions within the functional structure. The coordinate tuple can preferably enable a two-dimensional assignment of the positions over an area of the delimiting element. For example, the coordinates can include a number of functional elements for the start element and / or for the control unit, in particular for each direction or for two directions. If the first position forms the origin of coordinates, all further positions can advantageously be related to the first position. As a result, a reference to the control unit and / or to the start element is automatically established, so that a relative position to the control unit and / or to the start element can be determined or assigned indirectly or directly by means of the coordinate or the coordinate tuple based on each position. In particular, by defining the coordinate origin at the first position, a coordinate origin can be achieved that lies within the functional structure and within the space. Thus, the control unit can, for example, be arranged on the wall side in the room or in another room without influencing the positions of the functional elements within the functional structure. It is conceivable that the coordinate origin is assigned to a functional element, in particular the start element, within the functional structure. In particular, the coordinate origin can be determined by the control unit and / or the control device. In particular, the further position of a further functional element and / or all positions are each defined by at least one coordinate and / or a coordinate tuple.

Furthermore, in a method according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the initialization signal includes position data of the transmitter element, the start element and / or the control unit, in particular on the basis of which the coordinates of the second position are determined. The position data can in particular include the position of the transmitter element. The object to be determined can preferably determine its own position during the position determination process on the basis of the initialization signal, in particular on the basis of the transmitted position data. In particular, the position data can include at least one coordinate or a coordinate tuple.

Furthermore, it is conceivable in a method according to the invention that the transmission element sends the initialization signal along at least one forwarding direction, the initialization signal comprising direction data of the forwarding direction, in particular where the Directional data are determined by the transmitter element. The own position of the object to be determined during the position determination process can preferably take place on the basis of the transmitted position data, the directional data and the orientation of the object to be determined. Thus, the determination object can determine an adjacent position of the transmitter element on the basis of the transmitted position data of the transmitter element, that is to say, for example, recognize which coordinate tuple is further developed to determine its own position. The directional data can transmit to the object to be determined which of the coordinates of a coordinate tuple of the position data is further developed in order to determine one's own position. The orientation also offers the possibility of starting a further position determination process for functional elements that are adjacent to the object to be determined.

Furthermore, it is conceivable in a method according to the invention that the forwarding direction is predetermined by a connection position of the transmitter element at which the receiver element is connected to the transmitter element, in particular each of the functional elements having the same number of connection positions in a pre-assembly state. For example, when installing the functional structure, electrical connections of adjacent functional elements can be connected, as a result of which the connection positions can be predetermined. The pre-assembly state can in particular be understood to mean a delivery state of the functional elements prior to the installation of the functional structure in the room. Provision can be made for the shape of the functional elements to be modified during installation, e.g. to be adapted to the geometry of the room, as a result of which connection positions of individual functional elements can be omitted or added. By means of the connection positions, the directional data, in particular by the transmitter element, can be defined as a function of the connection position via which the initialization signal is sent. As a result, individual directional data can be sent to each neighboring functional element by the transmitter element. Preferably, each of the functional elements can have four connection positions in the pre-assembly state. This enables a two-dimensional assignment of the positions within the functional structure to be made possible in a simple manner. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the functional elements are partially designed as sub-elements, preferably as half-elements. For example, the sub-elements can have fewer connection positions than other functional elements. Partial elements can preferably be provided which have half of the connection positions or three quarters of the connection positions. The partial elements can provide an advantageous possibility of adapting the functional structure to a special spatial geometry without cutting the functional elements.

It is also conceivable in a method according to the invention that a cut, in particular for adapting the functional structure to a geometry of the room, at least one of the functional elements of the functional structure, in particular by a control unit connected to the starting element and / or the cut functional element, is recognized. The cut can comprise a reduction of a shape of the cut functional element. By recognizing the blank, for example, an edge of the functional structure can be recognized. Furthermore, depending on the scope of the blank, it can be determined whether the cut functional element can still be used for the execution of the electrical function or whether the cut functional element has become unusable as a result of the cut. The detection of the cut can trigger an error output for the cut functional element on the control unit and / or a, in particular weighted, use of measurement data from the cut functional element for normal operation of the functional structure.

• - Festlegen eines Kommunikationskanals zwischen dem Bestimmungsobjekt und einer mit dem Startelement verbundenen Kontrolleinheit, insbesondere nach dem Positionsbesti m m ungsvorgang.

Furthermore, it is conceivable in a method according to the invention that the method comprises the following step:

• - Establishing a communication channel between the object to be determined and a control unit connected to the start element, in particular after the position determination process.

A communication channel with the control unit can preferably be established for each of the functional elements. The communication channels can each be established directly after a position determination process or after position determination processes have been carried out for each of the functional elements within the functional structure. In particular, a future or current signal path between the control unit and the functional elements can be determined by the communication channel. This ensures that a short signal path is made possible even with several electrical connections between each functional element and further functional elements in normal operation or during initialization. By defining the communication channel for the destination object, in particular each destination object, within the scope of the method, it is not necessary to define the communication channel when installing the functional structure. In this way, the functional structure can itself define communication channels, in particular depending on its individual configuration.

Furthermore, it is conceivable in a method according to the invention that the initialization signal includes route data for the communication channel between the control unit and the destination object, in particular wherein the route data includes a shortest signal path. In particular, an ideal, in particular the shortest, signal path to the control unit can be communicated to the object to be determined by the transmitter element. The shortest signal path can be understood to be the signal path that is shortest in length and / or the signal path that is shortest in time. If several signal paths are of the same length, the first recognized signal path can be selected. For example, it can be provided within the functional structure that several initialization signals from adjacent functional elements reach the object to be determined via different connection positions. The connection position for the communication path from which the object to be determined receives the first initialization signal can be determined. In order to determine the communication channel, it is therefore not necessary for each functional element to know the positions of all of the functional elements within the functional structure. Instead, the route data can be passed on to one another by the functional elements in a simple manner along the forwarding direction, in particular within the framework of the initialization signal. As a result, independence of the functional structure from the control unit can be further strengthened, at least during initialization. However, it is also conceivable that the communication channel is coordinated by the control unit and / or is subsequently adapted. This means that the data traffic for the operation of the functional structure can be rerouted at a later date.

Furthermore, in a method according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that when the communication channel is established, a coordination process takes place between the control unit and the functional elements in order to send measurement data and / or control data along the communication channel in normal operation. The tuning process can be carried out unilaterally by the control unit, for example, or in a dialog between the functional elements and the control unit. The tuning process can advantageously be carried out as a function of the path, position and / or direction data, in particular the position determination processes. This enables the communication to be optimized for normal operation. During the coordination process, for example, a communication strategy can be determined via the communication channel. Additionally or alternatively, the communication strategy can be established or adapted in normal operation, in particular as a function of the situation. A communication strategy for transmitting the measurement data to the control unit can, for example, be a collective shipment, in particular in the form of a batch upload, in which a data packet is created to which each functional element along the communication channel adds measurement data, and / or an individual shipment, in particular in the form of an event upload , in which a data packet is created which is forwarded, in particular only, along the communication channel by the respective functional elements. A communication strategy for transmitting the control data from the control unit to the functional elements can, for example, be a broadcast, in particular in the form of a broadcast, in which each of the functional elements receives the control data, and / or an individual call, in particular in the form of a targeted package, in which the control data is transmitted along of the communication channel can be forwarded by the functional elements arranged in the communication channel. As a result of the coordination process, in particular by defining the communication strategy, the functional structure can be automatically prepared for normal operation. Furthermore, for example, test communication with the communication strategy can take place via the communication channel in order to check the communication channel. For example, event-based sensor data can be sent to the control unit via the event upload mode, calibration settings can be passed on from the control unit to the functional elements in the form of a broadcast and / or temperature measurement values can be collectively transmitted to the control unit in the form of a batch upload on request from the control unit.

Furthermore, in a method according to the invention it can advantageously be provided that a map is created for the positions of the functional elements, in particular the map being a sensor module, in particular the control unit, for local control of the sensor function of individual sensor areas of the map and / or a heating module, in particular the control unit , is made available for the local control of the heating function of individual heating areas of the card. The card can be created decentrally by the sub-control units and / or centrally by the control unit. The card can be a virtual card. The card can be made available to individual or all modules of the control unit in order to carry out the respective functions in normal operation. However, it is also conceivable that the card is made available to a user. In particular, it can be provided that the functional structure can be controlled by the user via the card. In particular, it can be provided that the heating function can be deactivated separately for each heating area. As a result, local overheating can be avoided and / or unnecessary areas, in which, for example, furniture is arranged, can be excluded from the heating function. It is also conceivable that the sensor function can be deactivated locally. Furthermore, information about the room can be made accessible to the user through the card. In addition, the card can be used to check the functionality of the functional structure in a simple manner after installation or during normal operation. In particular, a separate control for controlling the sensor function can be configured by the sensor module and a separate control circuit for regulating the heating function can be configured by the heating module.

• - Durchführen eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zum Betreiben einer Funktionsstruktur für jede der Funktionsstrukturen,
• - Zusammenführen von Raumdaten der Funktionsstrukturen in Abhängigkeit von Positionen von Funktionselementen der Funktionsstrukturen.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a multiple operating method for operating a plurality of electrical functional structures is provided. The multiple operation procedure comprises the following steps:

• - Carrying out a method according to the invention for operating a functional structure for each of the functional structures,
• - Merging of spatial data of the functional structures depending on the positions of functional elements of the functional structures.

A multiple operation method according to the invention thus brings the same advantages as have already been described in detail with reference to a method according to the invention. The spatial data can in particular include the positions of the functional elements. For example, the spatial data can include the coordinates of the functional elements. It is also conceivable that each functional structure is assigned its own coordinate system. The spatial data for each functional structure can include the coordinate origin and / or a position of the coordinate origin in relation to the control system or a specific functional structure. In particular, when merging the spatial data, decentralized coordinate systems of the functional structures can be merged centrally and / or converted into a single central coordinate system. Using the room data, a geometry in particular can be brought together centrally over a number of rooms in order to be able to control these centrally in normal operation and / or to be able to make them available to a user.

In a multi-operation method according to the invention, a map can preferably be created for positions of the functional elements of the functional structures and / or for the functional structures, in particular the map being a sensor module of the control system for local control of the sensor function of individual sensor areas of the map and / or a heating module of the control system for local control the heating function of individual heating areas of the card is made available. In particular, the map can be created when the spatial data is merged.

According to a further aspect of the invention is a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one control device, which has a plurality of sub-control units, and preferably at least one control unit, which cause at least one control device to implement a method according to the invention and / or a multi-operation method according to the invention to execute.

The control unit and the sub-control units can in particular jointly form a control device. For this purpose, the control unit can be in communication with at least one of the sub-control units or with all of the sub-control units. Furthermore, the sub-control units can be in communication with one another. The computer program product can preferably be implemented as a computer-readable instruction code in a programming language such as, for example, JAVA or C, in particular in the control device. The computer program product can also be stored on a computer-readable storage medium such as a data disc, a removable drive, a volatile or non-volatile memory, a built-in memory and / or a processor. The instruction code can be a computer or other programmable device such as the control device, i. H. In particular, program the control unit and the sub-control units in such a way that the method steps are carried out. Furthermore, the computer program product can be provided and / or be provided in a network such as the Internet, for example, from which it can be downloaded by a user if required. The computer program product can both by means of a computer program, i. H. software, as well as by means of one or more special electronic circuits, i.e. in hardware, or in any hybrid form, i. H. by means of software components and hardware components. In order to carry out the multiple operation method, a plurality of control units of one or more control devices can preferably form a control system. The computer program product can preferably include commands which, when executed by the control system, cause the control system to execute a multi-operation method according to the invention. In this case, the sub-control units are activated in particular when the method according to the invention is carried out.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a device for a delimitation element of a room of a building is provided. The device has a functional structure for execution an electrical function, wherein the functional structure comprises a plurality of electrically interconnected functional elements. The device also has a control unit for controlling the functional structure. Each of the functional elements also has a sub-control unit. One of the functional elements of the functional structure forms a start element for initializing the functional structure. The sub-control unit of the start element can be or is connected to the control unit. The sub-control unit of the start element also has a start module for receiving a start signal from the control unit and a start position determination module for determining a first position of the start element within the functional structure as a function of the start signal. At least one second functional element adjacent to the starting element has a position determination module for determining a second position of the second functional element as the object of determination of a position determination process, taking into account the first position.

In a device according to the invention, it is preferably provided that the sub-control units, in particular together with the control unit, form a control device which is designed to carry out a method according to the invention. In particular, the modules of the control unit and the sub-control units, preferably the start module, the start position determination module and the position determination module, can be designed to carry out a method according to the invention. In particular, a device according to the invention has the same advantages as have already been described in detail with reference to a method according to the invention. The sub-control units can each have, in particular, at least one decentralized processor and / or microprocessor. Furthermore, the sub-control units can be integrated into the functional elements. The functional elements can preferably have a plurality of layers in which the sub-control units can be at least partially embedded. Preferably, all functional elements of the functional structure are structurally identical. The starting position determination module can be designed as part of a position determination module or in the same way as the position determination module. In particular, all functional elements can have a start position determination module, preferably which can be deactivated if the respective functional element does not form a start element within the functional structure. The functional elements can preferably be designed in the manner of a plate and / or a mat. The control unit can also be integrated into the start element and / or be designed in one piece with the sub-control unit of the start element. The modules can be, for example, memory allocations and / or memory areas of the control unit. It is also conceivable that the modules form part of a computing unit.

This enables improved operation of the electrical functional structure to be achieved, in particular in that the positions within the functional structure can be determined, preferably for an individual geometry of the room. In particular, it is not necessary, for example, for the second functional element to have a special design that was previously determined for the geometry of the room. Furthermore, automation of the position determinations can be achieved in a simple manner if the positions of the functional elements are determined at least partially or completely by the sub-control units. A simplified relocation of the functional elements for installing the functional structure in the room can thereby be made possible. In particular, all of the functional elements of the functional structure are at least indirectly connected to one another.

Furthermore, in a device according to the invention it can advantageously be provided that the functional elements include sensor units for performing an electrical sensor function, in particular for detecting a person in the room, and / or heating units for performing an electrical heating function, in particular for warming the room. In particular, the electrical function can be the sensor function and / or the heating function. The functional elements can have a layer-like composite, one layer being designed as a sensor layer and / or one layer being designed as a heating layer. The functional elements can preferably be designed in a film-like and / or flexible manner. Installation with the delimitation element can thereby be improved. The sensor units can have capacitive and / or inductive sensors. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the sensor units have other sensors for performing the electrical sensor function. The heating units can have one or more resistance elements which can be heated by being energized.

Furthermore, in a device according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that each of the sub-control units of the functional elements has a forwarding module for executing a forwarding process, the respective functional element and / or the start element serving as a transmitter element during the forwarding process, and the transmitter element sending an initialization signal to the Determination object is executable. As a result, the sub-control units can initiate or control the transfer process, in particular autarkic or essentially autarkic from the control unit. This can do Forwarding module have an interface for electrical connection to an interface of the object to be determined.

Furthermore, it is conceivable in a device according to the invention that each of the sub-control units of the functional elements comprises an orientation module for executing an orientation process, wherein during the orientation process an, in particular rotary, orientation of the object to be determined in the functional structure, in particular as a function of the initialization signal, can be executed. The orientation module can for example comprise a memory unit in which assignments of connection directions to electrical connections of the respective functional element are stored. As a result, the reception of the initialization signal can be assigned to a connection direction and the orientation of the object to be determined can be determined as a function of direction data of the initialization signal.

Furthermore, in a device according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that each of the sub-control units of the functional elements has several, preferably four, electrical connections for a communication connection with neighboring functional elements and / or with the control unit, in particular with each of the functional elements having the same number of connection positions in a pre-assembly state having. The functional elements can be connected in a defined manner through the connections. This can simplify the installation of the functional structure in the room. With four electrical connections, coordinates can be easily assigned. If, for example, the connections are arranged in the middle on each side of a functional element, only four orientations can be made possible when installing the functional structure due to the design. In this way, incorrect installation can be avoided and an orientation process can be simplified if the orientation is only determined from one of four possible orientations. Each connection can preferably comprise a plurality of electrical contacts through which a current and / or signal transmission is made possible. Each connection can preferably be designed for signal transmission at a voltage of 3.3V level. Furthermore, each connection can be designed for operation at a voltage of 24V and / or for operation at a mains voltage, such as 230V, for power transmission. Furthermore, it is conceivable that each connection is designed for connection to two separate circuits, in particular to a heating circuit and a signal circuit for a sensor function of the functional elements.

In a device according to the invention, it can preferably be provided that the control unit has a map module for creating a map for the positions of the functional elements, and / or that the control unit has a sensor module for local control of the sensor function of individual sensor areas, in particular as a function of the map, and / or a heating module for the local control of the heating function of individual heating areas, in particular as a function of the map. In particular, the card can be an internal card that is only available to the control unit and / or the sub-control units. The sub-control units can each have decentralized sensor modules or heating modules, which can be brought into communication with the sensor module or the heating module of the control unit. The map module can comprise a memory unit in which the positions of the functional elements are stored in order to create the map.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a system with a plurality of devices according to the invention is provided. Several control units, in particular several control devices or one control device, of the devices form a control system for merging spatial data of the functional structures as a function of positions of functional elements of the functional structures.

In particular, the control system is designed to cause the system to carry out a multiple operation method according to the invention. The control system preferably has a central module for merging the spatial data. A system according to the invention thus brings the same advantages as have already been described in detail with reference to a device according to the invention, a method according to the invention and / or a multi-operation method according to the invention. The control system can be fully integrated into a control unit. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the sub-control units are integrated into the control system. In normal operation, the system can preferably be able to control several devices separately or as a function of one another. Thus, only one control device can be sufficient to operate several devices and / or several rooms. It is conceivable that the devices are only connected to one another via the control system.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the control system has a map module for creating a map for the positions of the functional elements, and / or that the control system has a sensor module for local control of the individual sensor functions Sensor areas, in particular as a function of the card, and / or a heating module for local control of the heating function of individual heating areas, in particular as a function of the card. Thus, geometry data of several functional structures and / or several rooms of the building can be mapped on the map.

• 1 eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zur Ausführung eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zum Betreiben einer elektrischen Funktionsstruktur in einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel,
• 2 ein Verfahrensablauf des Verfahrens in schematischer Darstellung von Verfahrensschritten,
• 3 ein Bestimmen einer ersten Position eines Startelementes der Vorrichtung,
• 4 ein Bestimmen einer zweiten Position eines zweiten Funktionselementes der Vorrichtung,
• 5 ein Bestimmen einer weiteren Position eines weiteren Funktionselementes der Vorrichtung,
• 6 einen Positionsbestimmungsvorgang des Verfahrens,
• 7a+b eine Seitenansicht und eine Draufsicht auf ein Funktionselement der Vorrichtung,
• 8 einen Kommunikationskanal bei der Vorrichtung,
• 9 ein Kommunikationskanal zwischen einer Kontrolleinheit und einer Subkontrolleinheit der Vorrichtung,
• 10 eine Karte für die Vorrichtung,
• 11 ein erfindungsgemäßes System mit mehreren Vorrichtungen,
• 12 ein erfindungsgemäßes Mehrbetriebsverfahren.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. They show schematically:

• 1 a device according to the invention for carrying out a method according to the invention for operating an electrical functional structure in a first exemplary embodiment,
• 2 a process flow of the process in a schematic representation of process steps,
• 3 determining a first position of a starting element of the device,
• 4th determining a second position of a second functional element of the device,
• 5 determining a further position of a further functional element of the device,
• 6th a position determination process of the method,
• 7a + b a side view and a top view of a functional element of the device,
• 8th a communication channel at the device,
• 9 a communication channel between a control unit and a sub-control unit of the device,
• 10 a card for the device,
• 11 a system according to the invention with several devices,
• 12th a multiple operation method according to the invention.

In the following description of some exemplary embodiments of the invention, identical reference symbols are used for the same technical features in different exemplary embodiments.

1 shows a device according to the invention 2 with an electrical functional structure 10 attached to a delimitation element 1 , in particular in the form of a floor, is laid in a room of a building and / or in the delimitation element 1 is integrated. The functional structure 10 has several functional elements 11 that are electrically connected to each other in a regular pattern. Furthermore, the functional structure 10 with a control unit 20th electrically connected. The control unit 20th is arranged in particular at a central point in the room. As in 7b shown have the functional elements 11 Sub-control units 30th which, in particular for normal operation, according to the illustration in 9 via a communication path 210 with the control unit 20th can be brought into communication link. The control unit preferably forms 20th with sub-control units 30th of the functional elements 11 a control device 50 for the functional structure 10 .

2 shows a method according to the invention 100 to operate the electrical functional structure 10 in a schematic representation of process steps. Preferably the method is 100 thereby through a computer program product 400 executable which commands 401 includes to the control device 50 , ie in particular the control unit 20th and the sub-control units 30th to carry out the procedure 100 to cause. As in 3 shown is one of the functional elements 11 the functional structure 10 especially directly with the control unit 20th connected. In the process 100 is a receiving 101 a start signal 200 from the control unit 20th through that with the control unit 20th in particular directly connected functional element 11 provided that a starting element 11.1 for initializing the electrical functional structure 10 forms. In particular, the receiving takes place 101 of the start signal 200 through a start module 31 the sub-control unit 30th of the start element 11.1 . Depending on the start signal 200 a determination takes place 102 a first position 301 of the start element 11.1 , in particular by a starting position determination module 32 the sub-control unit 30th of the start element 11.1 within the functional structure 10 . In particular, the starting element 11.1 based on the start signal 200 realize it as a starting item 11.1 within the functional structure 10 serves. The first position 301 is directly adjacent to the control unit 20th and in particular forms a starting point for determining further positions 302 , 303 of further functional elements 11 the functional structure 10 .

This is done according to 4th a positioning process 110 for at least a second, to the starting element 11.1 adjacent functional element 11.2 the functional structure 10 , in particular through a position determination module 33 a sub-control unit 30th of the second functional element 11.2 . The second functional element 11.2 is used for the position determination process 110 here as Destination object 110.1 , ie that a second position 302 of the target object 110.1 within the functional structure 10 through the positioning process 110 is determined.

A positioning process 110 is in 6th shown. To determine the position 302 of the target object 110.1 comprises the positioning process 110 a transfer process 111 , especially through a transfer module 34 the sub-control unit 30th of the second functional element 11.2 , and an orientation process 112 , in particular through an orientation module 35 the sub-control unit 30th of the second functional element 11.2 . For the positioning process 110 according to 3 is the starting element 11.1 during the transfer process 111 as a transmitter element 111.1 , from which an initialization signal 201 to the destination object 110.1 in the form of the second functional element 11.2 is transmitted. The initialization signal 201 includes route data 202 , Position data 203 and direction data 204 . The route data 202 can take the shortest signal path from the start element 11.1 to the control unit 20th (in 1 for the functional elements 11 each shown in dashed lines), so that the second functional element 11.2 its own signal path based on the path data 202 can determine. However, it is also conceivable that the route data 202 already for the second functional element 11.2 from the starting element 11.1 are processed and contain the shortest signal path. The position data 203 preferably include coordinates 300 . A coordinate system for the coordinates 300 is for example in 10 shown. This forms the starting element 11.1 the root for the coordinates 300 so that all other positions 302 , 303 on the start element 11.1 can be obtained. The position data 203 can coordinate 300 the first position 301 of the start element 11.1 and the second functional element 11.2 are made available so that the second functional element 11.2 its own coordinates 300 can determine. However, it is also conceivable that the position data 203 already for the second functional element 11.2 from the starting element 11.1 are processed and the coordinates 300 the second position 302 of the second functional element 11.2 contain. The direction data 204 are from the second functional element 11.2 as part of the orientation process 112 processed.

To the direction data 204 is to be created preferably before the position determination process 110 determining a rotational orientation 310 of the start element 11.1 intended. The starting element 11.1 depending on the start signal 200 and a connection position C. over which the start signal 200 the starting element 11.1 achieved the orientation 310 determine. The functional elements 11 each include four connection positions A. , B. , C. , D. . Furthermore, the functional elements 11 one sub-control unit each 30th with an orientation module 35 to determine the respective orientation 310 on. From that the starting element 11.1 directly to the control unit 20th is connected and the start signal 200 about the connection position C. the starting element 11.1 reached, the starting element 11.1 his orientation 310 determine by the connector positions A. , B. , C. , D. Orientation directions 311 , 312 , 313 , 314 can be assigned, resulting from the connection position C. of the start signal 200 surrender. The direction data 204 for the orientation process 112 for the second functional element 11.2 can advantageously change the direction of orientation 311 , 312 , 313 , 314 include, along which the initialization signal 201 is sent. Furthermore, the orientation process 112 depending on the route data 202 be performed.

Using the directional data 204 can the second functional element 11.2 his orientation 310 determine. According to 4th receives the second functional element 11.2 the initialization signal 201 at a connection position A. with the direction data 204 that include the initialization signal 201 along a fourth orientation direction 314 is sent. Hence the connection position A. in one of the fourth orientation directions 314 opposite second orientation direction 312 aligned, with the further assignments of the further orientation directions 311 , 313 , 314 and the other connection positions B. , C. , D. result accordingly.

Became the second position 302 of the second functional element 11.2 determined, a further position determination process can be performed 110 for the second functional element 11.2 neighboring, further functional elements 11.3 as in 5 shown. The second functional element is used here 11.2 as a transmitter element 111.1 for transfers 111 and the other functional elements 11.3 serve as objects of determination 110.1 to find out their other positions 303 within the functional structure 10 to determine.

By determining the positions 301 , 302 , 303 can set one at a time 103 a communication channel 210 , especially along the shortest signal path, for each of the functional elements 11 between the respective functional elements 11 and the control unit 20th as in 8th exemplary for one of the functional elements 11 shown. A voting process can be used for this 103.1 between the control unit 20th and the respective sub-control unit 30th or the sub-control units 30th to coordinate a communication strategy. Via the communication channel 210 can in normal operation and / or a test operation measurement data 211 of the functional elements 11 to the control unit 20th and / or control data 212 from the control unit 20th to the functional elements 11 be transmitted. It is also conceivable that a blank 40 at least one of the functional elements 11 the functional structure 10 , especially by the control unit 20th and / or the tailored functional element 11 , is recognized and the positions 301 , 302 , 303 is assigned.

The functional elements 11 can preferably according to the 7a and 7b be designed. 7a shows a side view of a functional element 11 in a cross section. The functional element 11 is designed flat like a plate and / or mat and points in the middle on the sides of the functional element 11 connections 16 on showing the connector positions A. , B. , C. , D. pretend. Furthermore, the functional element 11 a sensor unit 13th for performing a sensor function, in particular for detecting a person in a room, and / or a heating unit 14th to carry out a heating function, in particular to warm up the room. The sensor unit 13th can preferably form several sensor areas and / or the heating unit several heating areas, each of which can be read out and / or controlled separately. As in 7b shown, is in a middle of the functional element 11 a sub-control unit 30th arranged, preferably in the sensor unit 13th and / or the heating unit 14th embedded. The control unit preferably has 20th a sensor module 22nd to control the sensor units 13th and / or a heating module 23 to control the heating units 14th on. This can preferably be done by the sensor module 22nd its own control for controlling the sensor function and / or through the heating module 23 a separate control circuit for regulating the heating function can be formed.

10 also shows a map 304 who are responsible for the positions 301 , 302 , 303 of the functional elements 11 , in particular through a card module 21 the control unit 20th is created. The functional elements 11 be individually controllable. This enables local control of the sensor function of individual sensor areas and / or local control of the heating function of individual heating areas. It is also conceivable that the card 304 is made available to a user, for example to give the user information about a functionality of the functional structure 10 to submit. For example, an installation of the functional structure 10 based on the map 304 be verifiable. Furthermore, for example, a room geometry, in particular with display of the cut 40 , on the map 304 be mappable.

11 shows a system according to the invention 3 with multiple devices 2 . Any of the devices 2 has a functional structure 10 with several functional elements 11 on. Every functional element 11 furthermore has at least one sub-control unit 30th on. Furthermore, the functional structures 10 each with control units 20th to control the respective functional structure 10 connected. At least the control units 20th form a control system 51 . The control units 20th for example, be integrated in a common control unit. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the control units 20th together with the sub-control units 30th the control system 51 form. In particular, the system 3 through a multi-farm procedure 500 , as in 12th shown, operated.

Thereby an implementation takes place 501 of a procedure 100 to operate the respective functional structure 10 for each of the functional structures 10 . In the process 100 it can preferably be a procedure 100 according to 2 act. Thereby positions 301 , 302 , 303 of functional elements 11 of the functional structures 10 certainly. The positions 301 , 302 , 303 form spatial data 510 which draw conclusions about the geometric properties of the functional structures 10 and / or rooms of a building in which the functional structures 10 are relocated. As part of the multi-farm procedure 500 merging is therefore carried out 502 the room data 510 . This can, for example, be a card 304 for several rooms in the building. Furthermore, it is conceivable that, in normal operation, a number of functional structures can be implemented using just one control device 10 , in particular separately or as a function of one another, can be controlled. Preferably the multi-mode method 500 thereby by commands 401 of a computer program product according to the invention 400 executable.

The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively in the context of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided that they are technically sensible, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

List of reference symbols

1

floor

2

contraption

3

system

10

Functional structure

11

Functional element

11.1

Starting element

11.2

second functional element

11.3

another functional element

13th

Sensor unit

14th

Heating unit

16

connection

20th

Control unit

21

Card module

22nd

Sensor module

23

Heating module

30th

Sub-control unit

31

Start module

32

Start positioning module

33

Position determination module

34

Forwarding module

35

Orientation module

40

Cutting

50

Control device

51

Control system

100

Procedure

101

Received 200

102

Determine 301

103

Set 210

103.1

Voting process

110

Positioning process

110.1

Destination object

111

Transfer process

111.1

Transmitter element

112

Orientation process

200

Start signal

201

Initialization signal

202

Route data

203

Position data

204

Direction data

210

Communication channel

211

Measurement data

212

Tax data

300

coordinate

301

first position

302

second position

303

further position

304

map

310

orientation

311

first direction of orientation

312

second direction of orientation

313

third direction of orientation

314

fourth direction of orientation

400

Computer program product

401

Commands

500

Multi-farm procedure

501

Perform 100

502

Merging 510

510

Spatial data

A, B, C, D

Connection position

Claims (24)

A method (100) for operating an electrical functional structure (10) for a delimitation element (1) of a room in a building, the functional structure (10) having several electrically interconnected functional elements (11) for performing at least one electrical function, one of the functional elements ( 11) forms a starting element (11.1) for initializing the electrical functional structure (10), comprising the following steps: - Receipt (101) of a start signal (200) by the start element (11.1), - Determination (102) of a first position (301) of the start element (11.1) within the functional structure (10) as a function of the start signal (200), - Carrying out a position determination process (110) in which a second functional element (11.2) adjacent to the start element (11.1) serves as the determination object (110.1) and a second position (302) of the determination object (110.1) is determined within the functional structure (10) taking into account the first position (301). Method (100) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that a position determination process (110) is carried out for each further functional element (11.3) adjacent to the start element (11.1), in which a further position (303) of the further functional element (11.3) is determined and / or that a Position determination process (110) is carried out for each further functional element (11.3) of the electrical functional structure (10), in which a further position (303) of the further functional element (11.3) is determined in each case. Method (100) according to one of the Claims 1 or 2 , characterized in that the electrical functional structure (10) is an electrical Has sensor function and / or an electrical heating function, in particular wherein the functional elements (11) each comprise at least one sensor unit (13) for performing the sensor function and / or each at least one heating unit (14) for performing the heating function. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position determination process (110) comprises a forwarding process (111) in which the start element (11.1) serves as a transmitter element (111.1), the forwarding process (111) sending a Initialization signal (201) by the transmitter element (111.1) to the destination object (110.1), in particular wherein the forwarding process (111) is actively carried out by the transmitter element (111.1). Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position determination process (110) comprises an orientation process (112) in which an, in particular rotational, orientation (310) of the object (110.1) in the functional structure (10) is dependent takes place by the initialization signal (201), in particular wherein the orientation process (112) is actively carried out by the determination object (110.1). Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or second position (301, 302) is defined by at least one coordinate (300), in particular by a coordinate tuple, in particular wherein the first position (301) , the second position (302) or a further position (303) forms a coordinate origin for the coordinate (300). Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the initialization signal (201) comprises position data (203) of the transmitter element (111.1), in particular on the basis of which the coordinates (300) of the second position (302) are determined. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission of the initialization signal (201) by the transmitter element (111.1) takes place along at least one forwarding direction (311, 312, 313, 314), the initialization signal (201) direction data ( 204) of the forwarding direction (311, 312, 313, 314), in particular wherein the direction data (204) are determined by the transmitter element (111.1). Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the forwarding direction (311, 312, 313, 314) is predetermined by a connection position (A, B, C, D) of the transmitter element (111.1) at which the destination object ( 110.2) is connected to the transmitter element (111.1), in particular each of the functional elements (11) having the same number of connection positions (A, B, C, D) in a pre-assembly state. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a blank (40) at least one of the functional elements (11) of the functional structure (10), in particular by a control unit (20) connected to the starting element (11.1) and / or the tailored functional element (11) is recognized. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method (100) comprises the following step: - establishing (103) a communication channel (210) between the destination object (110.1) and a control unit connected to the start element (11.1) ( 20), in particular after the position determination process (110). Method (100) according to Claim 11 , characterized in that the initialization signal (201) comprises path data (202) for the communication channel (210) between the control unit (20) and the destination object (110.1), in particular wherein the path data (202) comprise a shortest signal path. Method (100) according to one of the Claims 11 or 12th , characterized in that when setting (103) the communication channel (210) a coordination process (103.1) takes place between the control unit (20) and the functional elements (11) in order to measure data (211) and / or control data (212) in normal operation of the communication channel (210). Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a map (304) is created for the positions (301, 302, 303) of the functional elements (11), in particular wherein the map (304) is used for a sensor module (22) local control of the sensor function of individual sensor areas of the card (304) and / or a heating module (23) for local control of the heating function of individual heating areas of the card (304) is made available. Multi-operation method (500) for operating several electrical functional structures (10) comprising the following steps: - carrying out (501) a method (100) for operating a functional structure (10) according to one of the preceding claims for each of the functional structures (10), Merging (502) of spatial data (510) of the functional structures (10) as a function of positions (301, 302, 303) of functional elements (11) of the functional structures (10). Computer program product (400), comprising instructions (401) which, when executed by at least one control device (50) with a plurality of sub-control units (30), which cause at least one control device (50) to execute a method (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 14th and / or a multiple operation method (500) Claim 15 to execute. Device (2) for a delimitation element (1) of a room in a building with a functional structure (10) for performing an electrical function, which has a plurality of electrically interconnected functional elements (11), and a control unit (20) for controlling the functional structure (10), each of the functional elements (11) having a sub-control unit (30), wherein one of the functional elements (11) of the functional structure (10) forms a start element (11.1) for initializing the functional structure (10), the sub-control unit (30) of which can be connected to the control unit (20), wherein the sub-control unit (30) of the start element (11.1) has a start module (31) for receiving a start signal (200) from the control unit (20) and a start position determination module (32) for determining a first position (301) of the start element (11.1) within the Functional structure (10) as a function of the start signal (200), wherein at least one second functional element (11.2) adjacent to the start element (11.1) has a position determination module (33) for determining a second position (302) of the second functional element (11.2) as the object (110.1) of a position determination process (110) taking into account the first position (301). Device (2) according to Claim 16 , characterized in that the functional elements (11) comprise sensor units (13) for performing an electrical sensor function and / or heating units (14) for performing an electrical heating function. Device (2) according to Claim 16 or 17th , characterized in that each of the sub-control units (30) of the functional elements (11) has a forwarding module (34) for executing a forwarding process (111), in which the respective functional element (11) serves as a transmitter element (111.1) and sends an initialization signal (201) can be executed by the transmitter element (111.1) to the destination object (110.1). Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the sub-control units (30) of the functional elements (11) comprises an orientation module (35) for carrying out an orientation process (112), wherein during the orientation process (112) a, in particular rotational, Orientation (310) of the object to be determined (110.1) in the functional structure (10), in particular as a function of the initialization signal (201), can be carried out. Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the sub-control units (30) of the functional elements (11) has several, preferably four, electrical connections (16) for a communication connection with neighboring functional elements (11) and / or with the control unit (20), in particular wherein each of the functional elements (11) has the same number of connection positions (A, B, C, D) in a pre-assembly state. Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (20) has a map module (21) for creating a map (304) for the positions (301, 302, 303) of the functional elements (11), and / or that the control unit (20) has a sensor module (22) for local control of the sensor function of individual sensor areas, in particular as a function of the card (304), and / or a heating module (23) for local control of the heating function of individual heating areas, in particular as a function from the card (304). Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sub-control units (30), in particular together with the control unit (20), form a control device (50) which is designed to implement a method (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 14th to execute. System (3) comprising several devices (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein several control units (20) of the devices (2) have a control system (51) for merging (502) spatial data (510) of the functional structures (10) as a function of Form positions (301, 302, 303) of functional elements (11) of the functional structures (10).

Images