EP2393342B1 - Network of synchronous standalone ground lights - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the technical field of programmable entity networks, and more particularly to signaling entities such as light beacons.

By "programmable entity" is meant here any communicating device configured to act according to data transmitted to it or programmed therein.

• la sécurité, telle que la délimitation d'une zone dangereuse ;
• le guidage, tel que le balisage d'un chemin d'accès ;
• la traçabilité, tel que le suivi d'un produit dans une ligne de production ;
• le repérage, tel que la localisation d'un élément mobile dans un environnement balisé ;
• l'éclairage économique, tel qu'un système d'éclairage activable par détection de la présence de personnes ;
• le divertissement, tel que l'éclairage d'ambiance lors d'un événement cérémonial ;
• ou plus généralement la signalisation.

The usefulness of tags is well known. Practice demonstrates the need in different areas, including:

• security, such as the delimitation of a danger zone;
• guidance, such as marking a path;
• traceability, such as tracking a product in a production line;
• the location, such as the location of a mobile element in a marked environment;
• economic lighting, such as an activatable lighting system for detecting the presence of persons;
• entertainment, such as mood lighting at a ceremonial event;
• or more generally signaling.

Beacons are usually actuators or lights and / or sound. These beacons are commonly deployed in indoor or outdoor environments, simple or complex architecture, such as a hall, a building site, a room, a body of water, a ski resort, or parking.

These tags are usually wirelessly networked using a communication system, usually short-range.

To illustrate various markup solutions, reference may in particular be made to US patent application no. US2008 / 0265799 , or EP 2131630 , which describes a lighting system composed of a plurality of lighting elements split into a wireless network and programmable via a remote control means.

We can also refer to the international application WO2009 / 003279 , which proposes a control system of a lighting system sensitive to the movement and speed of movement of a user in the environment where this assembly is deployed. The lighting system is composed of a plurality of communicating entities in radio link and whose states (light intensity, lighting / extinction) depend on the data retrieved from a plurality of sensors, or data transmitted to it from another entity.

• une synchronisation inter-balises (c.à.d. une synchronisation intra-réseau de balises) sans référence à une horloge externe ;
• un déploiement du réseau de balises quel que soit l'environnement (intérieur ou extérieur) ;
• une autonomie en énergie électrique de la balise ;
• une programmation avancée des balises et non pas des instructions simples du type « allumer »/« éteindre » ;
• une communication radio adaptée à l'environnement de déploiement du réseau de balises.

The methods and known systems are perfectible, in particular because they do not allow:

• inter-tag synchronization (ie intra-network tag synchronization) without reference to an external clock;
• a deployment of the beacon network whatever the environment (inside or outside);
• autonomy in electrical energy of the beacon;
• advanced programming of tags and not simple instructions of the type "turn on" / "turn off";
• a radio communication adapted to the environment of deployment of the network of beacons.

An object of the present invention is to overcome these limitations, and the disadvantages of the methods and devices of the prior art.

Another object of the present invention is to propose a network of signaling entities operating in energy self-sufficiency.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a network of synchronous signaling entities.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a network of programmable signaling entities simultaneously or individually.

The invention relates, according to a first aspect, to a beacon system comprising a beacon comprising an electrical energy supply module, a radio communication module, a logic processing unit, said logic processing unit comprising a memory, a clock synchronized to a reference clock, said power supply means comprising an electric energy generator and a power storage means.

• une étape de transformation d'une forme d'énergie en une énergie électrique ;
• une étape de stockage d'une énergie électrique ;
• une étape de synchronisation d'une horloge, comprise dans l'unité logique de traitement, à une horloge de référence ;
• une étape d'exécution, par la balise, d'un programme d'instructions compris dans une mémoire comprise dans l'unité logique de traitement.

To this end, the invention relates, according to a second aspect, to a beaconing method comprising a beacon provided with an electrical energy supply module, a radio communication module, a logic processing unit, this method comprising

• a step of transforming a form of energy into an electrical energy;
• a step of storing an electrical energy;
• a step of synchronizing a clock, included in the logic processing unit, to a reference clock;
• a step of execution, by the beacon, of an instruction program included in a memory included in the logical processing unit.

• la figure 1 illustre schématiquement un environnement balisé par un système de balises lumineuses autonomes synchrones mises en réseau sans-fil ;
• la figure 2 illustre schématiquement une représentation fonctionnelle non-limitative d'une balise lumineuse autonome communicante ; et
• la figure 3 illustre schématiquement une représentation fonctionnelle non-limitative d'un moyen de contrôle des balises.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly and in more detail on reading the following description of preferred embodiments, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• the figure 1 schematically illustrates an environment marked by a system of synchronous autonomous light beacons networked wirelessly;
• the figure 2 schematically illustrates a non-limiting functional representation of a communicating autonomous light beacon; and
• the figure 3 schematically illustrates a non-limiting functional representation of a tag control means.

The following description will be made with reference to light beacons. This type of tag is in no way limiting. In particular, other types of beacons, for example sound or more generally actuators, can be used. In other words, the light beacons are given here only as an illustrative example of actuators for acting on lighting elements, according to data transmitted to it or programmed therein.

The light beacons are, therefore, given here only by way of example and the invention can be the subject of many applications by replacing the lighting elements with other functional elements (for example the sound, control of movement, actuation, or measurement).

In this light, on the figure 1 is represented a set of luminous beacons 1 controllable via a means 2 control.

The network of light beacons 1 covers an environment 3 that can be inside or outside. A building site, a hall, a wall, a museum, a room, a factory, a commercial sign, a parking lot, a runway, a station, or a park are examples of the environment. 1 bright beacons can be more or less dense in this environment 3, depending on the desired spatial coverage, and the scope of wireless connectivity (Bluetooth ™, Wifi, Infrared, ZigBee, RF Home, HiperLAN, HiperMAN, WiMAX, Wireless LAN for example) tags 1.

• un module de fourniture d'énergie électrique 11 ;
• un module de communication radio 12 (émission/réception) alimenté par le module de fourniture d'énergie électrique 11 et pourvu, notamment, d'une antenne et d'un circuit émetteur/récepteur de données ;
• une unité logique de traitement 13, telle qu'un microcontrôleur, comprenant, notamment, des ports d'entrée/sortie, un calculateur, une mémoire et une horloge, et alimentée par le module de fourniture d'énergie électrique 11 ; et
• un module d'éclairage 15 comprenant au moins un élément d'éclairage 151, 156 capable d'émettre de la lumière lorsqu'il est parcouru par un courant électrique.

Referring now to the figure 2 , we see that the luminous beacon 1 comprises:

• an electric power supply module 11;
• a radio communication module 12 (transmission / reception) supplied by the power supply module 11 and provided, in particular, with an antenna and a data transmitter / receiver circuit;
• a logic processing unit 13, such as a microcontroller, comprising, in particular, input / output ports, a computer, a memory and a clock, and powered by the electric power supply module 11; and
• a lighting module 15 comprising at least one lighting element 151, 156 capable of emitting light when it is traversed by an electric current.

• un générateur 110 d'énergie électrique ; et
• un moyen de stockage d'énergie 111 permettant d'emmagasiner au moins une partie de l'énergie électrique produite par le générateur 110.

The power supply module 11 preferably comprises

• a generator 110 of electrical energy; and
• energy storage means 111 for storing at least a portion of the electrical energy produced by the generator 110.

In a preferred embodiment, the electrical energy generator 110 is a photovoltaic generator (including photovoltaic solar cells) for generating electrical energy from a light to which it is exposed. The energy storage means 111 is responsible, in this case, for storing at least a portion of the electrical energy produced, which can then be used in the absence of light.

As a variant or in combination, the electrical energy supply module 11 comprises any other energy recovery system able to exploit the variations of the physical state of the environment of the beacon 1 such as biomechanical, piezoelectric, thermoelectric pyroelectric, barometric, magnetic, or metabolic, for example.

More generally, the generator 110 may be considered as any device capable of transforming a form of energy (light, heat, mechanical or chemical energy for example) into electrical energy.

• électrochimiques, tels que des piles, des batteries ou plus généralement des accumulateurs électrochimiques ;
• capacitifs, tels que des condensateurs ou des supercapacités ;
• électromagnétiques, tels que des inductances ; ou
• inertiels tel que des volants d'inertie.

The energy storage means 111 may comprise storage means:

• electrochemicals, such as batteries, batteries or more generally electrochemical accumulators;
• capacitive, such as capacitors or supercapacitors;
• electromagnetic, such as inductances; or
• inertials such as flywheels.

• du rendement de ces composants (rendement du générateur 110 d'énergie électrique, rapport énergie stockée / énergie restituée du moyen de stockage d'énergie 111 par exemple) ;
• de la puissance électrique totale requise par la balise 1; et
• d'une pluralité de commodités (taille, design, coût par exemple).

The choice of the appropriate components of the electrical power supply module 11 is left to the free choice of the person skilled in the art depending on:

• the efficiency of these components (efficiency of the generator 110 of electrical energy, stored energy ratio / energy restored energy storage means 111 for example);
• the total electrical power required by beacon 1; and
• a plurality of commodities (size, design, cost, for example).

Advantageously, the electric power supply module 11, comprising a generator 110 of electrical energy and energy storage means 111, allows the beacon 1 to operate in energy self-sufficiency without interruption and without replacing internal elements. for a long time.

Moreover, the electric power supply module 11 comprises a converter 112 DC / DC (DC / DC) arranged to deliver constant output voltages, isolated from the voltage on its input, to the logic processing unit 13, and preferably under control of the latter, the radio communication module 12, and the lighting module 15. As an illustrative example, the output voltage of the converter 112 may be 3.3 V with a maximum intensity of 100 to 500 mA, stabilized with a voltage at the output of the energy storage means 111 from a few mV to several V.

The converter 112 CC-CC further allows the management of the loading of the energy storage means 111 with the aid of the electrical energy produced by the generator 110 of electrical energy.

• un contrôleur 150 (pilote ou driver en anglais) contrôlé par l'unité logique de traitement 13 ; et
• une pluralité d'éléments d'éclairage 151, 156.

As for the lighting module 15, it comprises:

• a controller 150 (driver or driver in English) controlled by the logic processing unit 13; and
• a plurality of lighting elements 151, 156.

• recevoir et interpréter des commandes (éléments d'éclairage désignés ; état : éteindre-allumer ; intensité ; couleur par exemple) qui lui sont transmises depuis l'unité logique de traitement 13 via ses ports; et
• appliquer ces commandes interprétées aux éléments d'éclairage 151, 156 concernés par ces commandes.

The controller 150 is configured to:

• receiving and interpreting commands (designated lighting elements, status: turn off-light, intensity, color, for example) transmitted to it from logic processing unit 13 via its ports; and
• apply these interpreted commands to the lighting elements 151, 156 concerned by these commands.

Preferably, the lighting elements 151, 156 are of low power consumption and allow RGB (Red Green Blue) illumination and / or a plurality of light intensity levels. By way of non-limiting example, the lighting elements 151, 156 are RGB light emitting diodes (LEDs), light emitting diodes, laser diodes, discharge lamps, or more generally any device acting as a light source.

• de modifier, via le contrôleur 150, l'état des éléments d'éclairage 151, 156 en fonction d'un programme d'instructions préalablement chargé dans sa mémoire ou d'instructions qui lui sont communiquées. Pour cela, l'unité logique de traitement 13 envoie via ses ports de sortie, de préférence, des signaux réglés en modulation de largeur d'impulsion, dite aussi PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) - citons à titre d'exemple illustratif des signaux modulés en PWM à quelques centaines de Hz avec des valeurs de rapports cyclique de 0 à 100% ou également des signaux réglés par tout autre type de commande (tension, courant par exemple) permettant de moduler la couleur et l'intensité des éléments d'éclairage 151, 156 ; et
• de gérer les communications entrantes/sortantes de la balise 1 via le module de communication radio 12.

The logic processing unit 13, provided with a processor, an A / D converter (Analog / Digital), a non-volatile memory and a clock, and preferably with very low power consumption, makes it possible:

• to modify, via the controller 150, the state of the lighting elements 151, 156 according to an instruction program previously loaded in its memory or instructions communicated to it. For this, the logic processing unit 13 sends via its output ports, preferably, pulse width modulated signals, also known as PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) - let us cite, as an illustrative example, modulated signals. in PWM at a few hundred Hz with cyclic ratio values from 0 to 100% or also signals set by any other type of control (voltage, current for example) for modulating the color and intensity of the lighting elements 151, 156; and
• to manage the incoming / outgoing communications of the beacon 1 via the radio communication module 12.

Preferably, the processing logic unit 13 further comprises at least one spare output port for future use.

• une phase d'initialisation qui se déroule, par exemple, au moment de sa mise en route ou son insertion dans un réseau de balises 1 (attribution d'un identifiant, vérification de l'appartenance à un groupe de balises, détection des balises adjacentes, réglage de la puissance d'émission, initialisation des paramètres de l'unité logique de traitement 13 par exemple);
• une phase de configuration pour y charger un programme d'instructions par exemple; et
• une phase d'exécution d'un certain programme composé de séquences d'animation, de préférence, organisées en cycles.

Implementing the aforementioned modules, the operation of a beacon 1 comprises several phases:

• an initialization phase which takes place, for example, at the time of its start-up or its insertion in a network of beacons 1 (assignment of an identifier, verification of the belonging to a group of beacons, detection of adjacent beacons , setting the transmission power, initialization of the parameters of the logic processing unit 13 for example);
• a configuration phase to load a program of instructions for example; and
• an execution phase of a certain program composed of animation sequences, preferably organized in cycles.

• une couleur parmi 256 ou plus;
• une intensité sur une échelle de 0% à 100% ; et
• une durée, de préférence exprimée en un nombre entier d'unité de base de l'horloge de l'unité logique de traitement 13, la couleur et l'intensité restant constants pendant cette durée.

Preferably, a light beacon 1 comprises in its memory a plurality of cycles. A cycle comprises a plurality of successive sequences, each sequence being over a period of its own and including information concerning lighting elements 151, 156. In one embodiment, a sequence is defined by

• one color of 256 or more;
• intensity on a scale from 0% to 100%; and
• a duration, preferably expressed as a whole number of base units of the clock of the logic processing unit 13, the color and intensity remaining constant during this time.

• S1 : durée 500 ms, intensité 0%
• S2 : durée 200 ms, couleur rouge, intensité 50%
• S3 : durée 500 ms, couleur bleu, intensité 80%
• S4 : durée 1 s, couleur jaune, intensité 100%
• S5 durée 300 ms, couleur vert, intensité 90%
• S6, durée 300 ms couleur rouge, intensité 80%
• S7 jusqu'à S13, durée 300 ms, couleur blanche, intensité en baisse par pas de 10% ;
• retour à S1: durée 500 ms, intensité 0%.

By way of illustrative example, hereinafter an example of a cycle C1 consisting of 13 successive sequences S1-S13 to be executed by a luminous beacon 1 (the basic unit of the clock of the beacon 1 is supposed to be the millisecond) :

• S1: duration 500 ms, intensity 0%
• S2: duration 200 ms, color red, intensity 50%
• S3: duration 500 ms, color blue, intensity 80%
• S4: duration 1 s, yellow color, intensity 100%
• S5 duration 300 ms, color green, intensity 90%
• S6, duration 300 ms red color, intensity 80%
• S7 to S13, duration 300 ms, white color, intensity decreasing in steps of 10%;
• back to S1: duration 500 ms, intensity 0%.

In this example, the duration of C1 = 4900 ms can be optionally increased by an empty sequence (without altering the states) by 100 ms to reach an entire duration of 5 seconds.

More generally, the duration of a sequence and / or a cycle of sequences corresponds to n times ( n being an integer) the basic measurement unit of a clock of the logic processing unit 13.

To execute a cycle, the output ports of the logic processing unit 13 - connected to the controller 150 of the lighting elements 151, 156 - are preferably controlled by PWM modulation (Pulse Width Modulation) or by any other type of control (voltage, current for example). By way of example, assuming that the lighting elements 151, 156 are RGB LEDs, three output ports of the processing logic unit 13 make it possible to control the color, the intensity and the state (on / off) RGB LEDs according to the content of the sequences in execution. As a result, the light beacon 1 can execute light animation sequences that are variable in color and intensity.

• en utilisant deux cycles d'animation différents, stockés dans la mémoire de l'unité logique de traitement 13 ; ou
• en dupliquant un même cycle d'animation et en y apportant ensuite des modifications (décalage, inversion, ou modification, par exemple, d'une séquence d'animation) au moyen du contrôleur 150.

In a particular embodiment, the lighting elements 151, 156 are animated differently. This can be obtained:

• using two different animation cycles, stored in the memory of the logic processing unit 13; or
• by duplicating the same animation cycle and then making modifications (shift, inversion, or modification, for example, of an animation sequence) by means of the controller 150.

• interrompre un cycle d'animation,
• pause/reprise d'un cycle d'animation,
• avancer/reculer dans un cycle d'animation,
• aller au cycle suivant d'animation,
• revenir au cycle précédent d'animation.

In a preferred embodiment, using an on-board software application, the logic processing unit 13 is able to perform the following operations, according to instructions that will be communicated to it via its radio communication module 12:

• interrupt an animation cycle,
• pause / resume an animation cycle,
• move forward / backward in an animation cycle,
• go to the next cycle of animation,
• return to the previous cycle of animation.

Advantageously, the modules of the beacon 1 are mounted in a single housing which forms the envelope of the beacon 1, which can also be provided with a wall base or means for direct attachment to a horizontal or vertical support.

• d'un module de communication radio 25 (émission/réception) permettant d'établir une communication avec au moins une balise 1 lumineuse de l'environnement 3 ;
• d'une unité centrale de traitement 23 (un microprocesseur ou plus généralement un processeur) pourvue d'une mémoire et d'une horloge et comprenant des moyens (sous forme de programmes) permettant de requérir l'accès et/ou la modification d'au moins une donnée de configuration relative à au moins une balise 1 lumineuse de l'environnement 3 ;
• de moyens 24 d'entrées (un clavier réel ou virtuel, ou des boutons de sélection par exemple) ;
• une interface 21 de communication filaire ou sans-fil (tel qu'un port USB, un port Ethernet, une interface Bluetooth, une interface infrarouge par exemple) ; et
• une source 22 d'énergie électrique alimentant l'ensemble des circuits électroniques au niveau du moyen 2 de contrôle.

The beacons 1 are controllable and configurable separately or simultaneously using the means 2 remote control, which is provided, with reference to the figure 3 :

• a radio communication module 25 (transmission / reception) making it possible to establish communication with at least one luminous beacon 1 of the environment 3;
• a central processing unit 23 (a microprocessor or more generally a processor) provided with a memory and a clock and comprising means (in the form of programs) making it possible to request access and / or modification of at least one configuration data relating to at least one light beacon 1 of the environment 3;
• input means 24 (a real or virtual keyboard, or selection buttons for example);
• a wired or wireless communication interface 21 (such as a USB port, an Ethernet port, a Bluetooth interface, an infrared interface for example); and
• a source 22 of electrical energy supplying all the electronic circuits at the control means 2.

It should be noted that the term "central processing unit" here covers any device integrating a processor programmed to perform one or more predetermined functions, or any software application (program or subprogram, plugin) implemented on a processor, independently or in combination with other software applications.

Preferably, the control means 2 further comprises display means (screen) 26. In one embodiment, the display means 26 is a touch screen.

The communication interface 21 is arranged to enable communication of the control means 2 with a user terminal such as, for example, a computer (mobile / fixed), a smartphone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a mobile phone. .

In one embodiment, the source 22 of electrical energy is an electric battery (or also, a battery) rechargeable via the interface 21 of communication (rechargeable via a USB port for example).

The communication with a user terminal, via the communication interface 21, allows the user terminal to load, by means of a suitable computer program product, into the memory of the control means 2, a configuration (an instruction program). intended for one or more beacon (s) 1 light (s).

• un ordinateur, de préférence mobile, ayant une connectivité radio (Bluetooth™, Wifi, ZigBee, Home RF, HiperLAN, Wireless LAN par exemple) compatible avec celle du réseau de balise 1 lumineuse, et une application informatique appropriée pour le contrôle des balises 1 lumineuses, y est installé ;
• un Smartphone ayant une connectivité radio (Bluetooth™, Wifi, ZigBee, Home RF, HiperLAN, Wireless LAN par exemple) compatible avec celle du réseau de balises 1, et une application informatique appropriée pour le contrôle des balises 1 lumineuses, y est installé.

In one embodiment, the control means 2 is itself a user terminal. By way of examples, the control means 2 is

• a computer, preferably mobile, having a radio connectivity (Bluetooth ™, Wifi, ZigBee, Home RF, HiperLAN, Wireless LAN for example) compatible with that of the beacon network 1 light, and a computer application suitable for the control of tags 1 lights, is installed there;
• a smartphone with radio connectivity (Bluetooth ™, Wifi, ZigBee, Home RF, HiperLAN, Wireless LAN for example) compatible with that of the network of tags 1, and an application appropriate computer for the control of the beacons 1 bright, is installed there.

Preferably, the computer program product, for the programming of the luminous beacons 1, comprises a graphical user interface (GUI) allowing the display and / or the simulation of the animation sequences by the luminous beacons 1. Advantageously, this graphical user interface makes it possible to provide a physical representation of the location of the tags 1 and to graphically program luminous animations.

In the illustrated implementation on the figure 2 , the control means 2 is a remote control for controlling, simultaneously or individually, beacons 1 constituting the wireless network.

In another embodiment, the control means 2 is a mobile terminal making it possible to establish communication sessions with the tags 1 by retrieving information therefrom or by transferring an instruction program therefrom from a computer program product. configuration.

Preferably, the control means 2 comprises, by default, in its memory, animation sequences.

• de récupérer des informations depuis la balise 1 lumineuse (son identifiant, le niveau d'énergie disponible dans le moyen de stockage d'énergie 111, la puissance d'émission radio, l'état de fonctionnement des éléments d'éclairage 151, 156, le numéro de la séquence/cycle en cours d'exécution, la version d'au moins une application informatique embarquée, la position relative/absolue de la balise dans le réseau, balise coordinatrice ou non par exemple) ;
• d'envoyer des ordres à la balise 1 (interruption d'un cycle, veille, pause, saut de cycle, exécution d'un cycle, modifier la puissance d'émission radio, désignation en tant que balise coordinatrice par exemple) ;
• de charger un programme d'instructions (des séquences d'animation) dans la mémoire de la balise 1 lumineuse ;
• de synchroniser l'horloge de la balise 1 lumineuse à son horloge.

When communicating with a luminous beacon 1, the control means 2 allows:

• recovering information from the luminous beacon 1 (its identifier, the energy level available in the energy storage means 111, the radio transmission power, the operating state of the lighting elements 151, 156, the number of the sequence / cycle running, the version of at least one embedded computer application, the relative / absolute position of the beacon in the network, coordination beacon or not, for example);
• to send commands to beacon 1 (interruption of a cycle, standby, pause, cycle skip, execution of a cycle, change the power of radio transmission, designation as a coordinating beacon for example);
• to load an instruction program (animation sequences) into the memory of the luminous beacon 1;
• to synchronize the clock of the luminous beacon 1 to its clock.

• le contrôle de la couleur de la lumière émise par les éléments d'éclairage 151, 156 des balises 1, d'une manière cyclique en appuyant, par exemple, sur des boutons des moyens d'entrées 24 ;
• le contrôle de l'intensité de la lumière émise par des balises 1 lumineuses, dans une plage comprise entre un seuil minimum et un seuil maximum, via les boutons des moyens d'entrées 24 par exemple ;
• la validation (bouton OK, par exemple) d'une commande à transmettre à une pluralité de balises 1 lumineuses ;
• le changement de l'état (veille/mise en route par exemple) d'une pluralité de balises 1 lumineuses, via le bouton 241 des moyens 24 d'entrée, par exemple ;
• le chargement d'un programme vers des balises 1 lumineuses depuis la mémoire du moyen 2 de contrôle. Une touche « DNL » (pour Download) permet, par exemple, de déclencher le téléchargement vers les balises 1 lumineuses d'une configuration sélectionnée depuis la mémoire du moyen 2 de contrôle.

The control means 2 is, in particular, able to communicate simultaneously with a plurality of luminous beacons 1 (all or part of the beacon network 1). Indeed, the control means 2 can be programmed to communicate with the light beacons 1 according to different modes, such as, for example, a group communication mode (a broadcast to all the beacons 1) for

• controlling the color of the light emitted by the lighting elements 151, 156 of the beacons 1, in a cyclic manner by pressing, for example, buttons of the input means 24;
• controlling the intensity of the light emitted by luminous beacons 1, in a range between a minimum threshold and a maximum threshold, via the buttons of the input means 24 for example;
• validation (OK button, for example) of a command to be transmitted to a plurality of luminous tags 1;
• the change of the state (standby / start for example) of a plurality of luminous beacons 1, via the button 241 of the input means 24, for example;
• loading a program to luminous beacons 1 from the memory of the control medium 2. A "DNL" (for Download) key makes it possible, for example, to trigger the download to the luminous beacons 1 of a selected configuration from the memory of the control means 2.

In combination, the control means 2 allows a selective communication mode allowing a selective control of the tags 1 luminous (address a particular group of beacons 1 bright, or a single beacon 1 light).

In one embodiment, during its first commissioning, for example, a beacon 1 is configured to set all the output ports of the logic processing unit 13 to zero (no sequence then being transmitted to the controller 150 ), and wait for an initialization request from the control means 2.

• un signal lumineux et/ou audio particulier permettant de vérifier qu'elle vient d'être initialisée; ou
• un signal radio vers le moyen 2 de contrôle permettant de confirmer sa bonne initialisation notamment par communication de l'identifiant qui lui est attribué.

To start a luminous beacon 1 not yet having an identifier, the beacon 1 is first selected during an initialization step by interpreting a radio signal transmitted, preferably at low power, by means 2 control in order to force the latter to communicate with a beacon located nearby (being in the vicinity of x cm control means 2 for example, where x is a predetermined positive real). This proximity selection makes it possible to selectively initialize a tag 1, or a particular group of tags 1. As soon as an initialization request is received by the tag 1, the tag 1 then waits for an identifier assignment. from the control medium 2. The control means 2 transmits, then, an identifier to the tag 1. In response, the latter can issue:

• a particular light and / or audio signal to verify that it has just been initialized; or
• a radio signal to the control means 2 to confirm its good initialization including communication of the identifier assigned to it.

This process can also be executed to change the identifier of a tag 1 or its membership in a group.

As a variant, a unique identifier is assigned to each tag 1 as soon as it is manufactured, this identifier being stored in its memory.

• se mettre en mode veille, en restant en écoute d'une manière périodique (toutes les 100 ms par exemple) des signaux qui lui seront destinés, sans exécuter aucun cycle ;
• exécuter, après un éventuel délai, un cycle de redémarrage choisi parmi les cycles enregistrés dans sa mémoire, ou reprendre le dernier cycle qui a été en exécution, dès lors que la synchronisation avec le moyen 2 de contrôle est établie.

To resume its operation (in particular following a discharge of the energy storage means 111 in the absence of light for example), the beacon 1 can proceed according to different methods, for example:

• to go into standby mode, by listening regularly (every 100 ms, for example) for signals intended for it, without executing any cycle;
• execute, after a possible delay, a restart cycle selected from the cycles stored in its memory, or resume the last cycle that has been running, since the synchronization with the control means 2 is established.

The choice between these options can be pre-programmed using the computer program product during the configuration phase of the tag 1 by the control means 2.

• requérir une interruption. Pour cela, une balise 1 lumineuse est périodiquement en écoute (pendant quelques ms, toutes les 100 ms par exemple). Cette requête d'interruption comprend au moins
  • ∘ un identifiant d'une balise 1 ou d'un groupe de balises 1 concernée(s) par cette demande d'interruption ;
  • ∘ un identifiant de l'action à exécuter correspondant, par exemple, à l'exécution d'un cycle prédéfini, à une mise en veille, à un délai à attendre avant l'exécution de cette interruption;
• envoyer une configuration de cycles à une ou plusieurs balise(s) 1. En effet, pendant l'exécution des séquences ou même en veille, la balise 1 est en écoute de manière périodique (quelques ms toutes les 100 ms, par exemple). Dès la réception de cette demande de configuration, comprenant notamment l'identifiant de la ou les balises 1 concernées, celles-ci
  • ∘ reconnaissent la demande de configuration issue du moyen 2 de contrôle, qui comprend notamment le ou les cycles à reprogrammer ;
  • ∘ se mettent en réception continue pendant un temps prédéfini permettant de recevoir les trames de reconfiguration pour un cycle, la taille maximale d'une trame étant prédéfinie. Ces trames sont, de préférences, assorties d'un code permettant de confirmer l'intégrité des données reçues ;
  • ∘ confirment l'intégrité des informations de reconfiguration reçues
• demander des paramètres concernant une ou plusieurs balise(s) 1 (identifiant de la balise 1, identifiant du cycle en cours d'exécution, mode de fonctionnement actuel (exécution/veille), niveau de la batterie, niveau de production des cellules photovoltaïques, numéro de la version du programme d'exploitation de la balise 1 par exemple).

The means 2 of control, allows among others, to:

• require an interruption. For this, a luminous beacon 1 is periodically listening (for a few ms, every 100 ms for example). This interrupt request includes at least
  • An identifier of a beacon 1 or a group of beacons 1 concerned by this interrupt request;
  • An identifier of the action to be executed corresponding, for example, to the execution of a predefined cycle, to a standby, to a delay to wait before the execution of this interruption;
• send a pattern of cycles to one or more beacons 1. Indeed, during the execution of the sequences or even in standby, the beacon 1 is listened to periodically (a few ms every 100 ms, for example). Upon receipt of this configuration request, including the identifier of the tag or 1 concerned, these
  • Recognize the configuration request from the control means 2, which notably comprises the cycle or cycles to be reprogrammed;
  • ∘ go into continuous reception for a predefined time to receive the reconfiguration frames for a cycle, the maximum size of a frame being predefined. These frames are, preferably, with a code to confirm the integrity of the data received;
  • ∘ confirm the integrity of the reconfiguration information received
• request parameters concerning one or more beacon (s) 1 (identifier of the beacon 1, identifier of the running cycle, current operating mode (execution / standby), battery level, production level of the photovoltaic cells, number of the operating program version of the beacon 1 for example).

In one embodiment, the beacon 1 confirms or acknowledges the receipt of a command / message, which is transmitted to it, by emitting a specific light and / or sound signal. For example, a beacon may blink green for a predetermined time to indicate that the loading of an instruction program into its memory is completed correctly.

In another embodiment, the confirmation of the integrity of the information transmitted to it is done in an automatic manner. Indeed, the control means 2 or a coordinator beacon is arranged to send a request about the good reception of information (a reconfiguration for example) addressed to a particular tag 1. In this case, it and it alone will respond to this request by communicating its identifier, and a parameter for detecting transmission errors (CRC - Cyclic Redundancy Check - for example) of the received sequence. This allows, upon receipt of this response by the control means 2 or the coordinator tag, to check if the interaction with this tag 1 is properly completed.

In one implementation, a particular beacon 1 can help the control means 2 to relay or send, under the command of the control means 2, a message to other beacons 1, this beacon acting as a coordinating beacon, able to replace the control means 2 in some of its functions, including the synchronization of beacons 1.

Advantageously, a coordinator beacon 1 allows the control means 2 to communicate with beacons 1 not included in the radio coverage area of the control means 2. In this case, it is preferable that each beacon 1 is identified in the network by a unique identifier known to the control means 2, the coordinator beacon and preferably other beacons 1 possibly adjacent according to the topology of the network.

Various methods (direction finding, triangulation, power decrease) can be implemented to estimate the spatial position of a coordinator beacon 1 in a network of beacons 1. Let us give as an example the use of the power of a beacon. signal interchanged between the beacons 1 to deduce an estimate of their inter-distances.

• à l'initiative d'une balise 1 coordinatrice désignée par le moyen de contrôle 2 ; ou
• d'une manière régulière sans intervention d'une balise 1 coordinatrice.

Furthermore, the network of communicating beacons 1 allows synchronization of the clocks of at least one group of beacons 1,

• at the initiative of a coordinator beacon 1 designated by the control means 2; or
• in a regular way without intervention of a coordinator 1 beacon.

Advantageously, synchronization of the clocks of at least one group of beacons 1, can be provided by a coordinator beacon 1, when the control means 2 is out of range of these beacons 1 or is connected at that time to a terminal remote user that includes configuration software, for example. More generally, the coordinator beacon 1 can serve as a synchronization clock in the absence and / or in the presence of the control means 2.

The synchronization of the tags 1 (or, more precisely, the clocks of the tags 1) is a key element conditioning the proper functioning of the animations, or more generally the actions produced by the tags 1. These tags 1 represent a distributed system, it is a set of communicating entities connected in a network.

It is generally accepted that two clocks starting in phase never remain synchronous. Short-term variation in environmental factors (eg temperature, pressure, altitude, supply voltage) or long term such as wear or fatigue of one clock compared to another, generate more or less important drifts (up to several seconds per day). A synchronization between the tags 1 is therefore essential. This synchronization has the effect of synchronizing cycles and animation sequences of all the tags 1. For this purpose, the tags 1 must have a common notion of time.

An internal synchronization (internal to the beacon network 1) based on the sharing of a global clock, in particular that of the control means 2 or a coordinator beacon 1, makes it possible to keep all the clocks of the beacons 1 synchronous. In other words, the clocks of the tags 1 have as common temporal reference one and the same shared global clock.

Advantageously, the synchronization method makes it possible to make all the clocks of the beacons 1 converge towards the same time reference. In one embodiment, this time reference may be different from the real time. In this case, it is only a reference satisfying a certain alignment between all the clocks of the beacons 1. Upon reception of a synchronization frame, the clocks of the beacons 1 try to get as close as possible to the rhythm ( frequency) of the reference clock. Synchronization frames can be sent, for example, every second, or at the beginning of each cycle.

In one embodiment, upon receipt of a synchronization frame, a beacon 1 finds the oscillation frequency of the reference clock (that of the control means 2 or that of a coordinator beacon 1) using a phase-locked loop (PLL). This PLL makes it possible to slave the frequency of the clock of the beacon 1, to the frequency of the reference clock using the synchronization frames. As a result, the beacon 1 receiver adjusts the rhythm of its clock.

In one embodiment, the synchronization frame comprises the number of time units (for example seconds) elapsed since the beginning of a cycle or from another reference chosen by the control means 2 for example.

In another embodiment, the synchronization frame comprises a number of shots (stamp, or timestamp in English) of the clock of the means 2 of the control, recorded in a pre-defined time window (on the basis of the time of the user terminal to which is connected the control means 2 for example).

It should be noted that the transit time of the radio signals can contribute to an uncertainty as to the accuracy of the synchronization of the beacons 1. However, this effect is negligible because of the speed of propagation of the radio signal, taking into account the extent Spatially modest space of the beacon network 1. Corrections (mainly compensations) can be made to the contents of the synchronization frames to account for disturbances due to the transmission channel.

The processing time, by the tags 1, synchronization frames (in the case of a mesh network for example), can be compensated at each tag 1 (a node of the network) so that it affects not the precision of the synchronization of all the clocks of the beacons 1. Indeed, the delay time induced by the crossing of a beacon 1 can be corrected before the retransmission of the synchronization frame to another beacon 1 (a other node of the network).

• une étape d'émission, pendant une durée t, selon une période T (t = 1ms, T =1s par exemple), d'une trame de synchronisation par le moyen 2 de contrôle ou par une balise 1 coordinatrice ;
• une étape d'alignement, par une balise 1, de son horloge en accord avec le contenu de la trame de synchronisation dès la réception de cette dernière ;
• une étape de mise de la balise 1 en mode « attente de synchronisation » pendant le temps 2*t autour de la période T, laissant ainsi une durée de t avant et après l'instant attendu de réception d'une trame de synchronisation ;
• si aucune trame de synchronisation n'est reçue par la balise 1, alors une étape de mise en réception permanente de la balise 1 selon une durée T+t, jusqu'à la réception d'une trame de synchronisation ;
• si aucune trame de synchronisation n'est reçue par la balise 1, alors une étape de mise en veille pendant une durée n*T (où n est une valeur entière prédéterminée), jusqu'à reprise de l'étape précédente.

In a non-limiting embodiment, a tag synchronization method 1, preferably organized in a star network, comprises:

• a transmission step, during a period t, according to a period T (t = 1ms, T = 1s for example), a synchronization frame by the control means 2 or by a coordinator beacon 1;
• a step of aligning, by a tag 1, its clock in accordance with the contents of the synchronization frame upon receipt thereof;
• a step of setting the beacon 1 in "standby synchronization" mode during the time 2 * t around the period T, thus leaving a duration of t before and after the expected time of reception of a synchronization frame;
• if no synchronization frame is received by the beacon 1, then a step of permanently receiving the beacon 1 according to a duration T + t, until the reception of a synchronization frame;
• if no synchronization frame is received by the beacon 1, then a standby step for a duration n * T (where n is a predetermined integer value), until resumption of the previous step.

• un réseau en étoile autour du moyen 2 de contrôle ;
• un réseau en étoile autour d'une balise 1 coordinatrice ;
• une pluralité de réseaux en étoile, respectivement, autour d'une pluralité de balises coordinatrices qui sont elles-mêmes autour du moyen 2 de contrôle.

In one embodiment, the beacon network 1 comprises:

• a star network around the control medium 2;
• a star network around a coordinator 1 beacon;
• a plurality of star networks, respectively, around a plurality of coordinating beacons which are themselves around the control means 2.

Advantageously, in a star topology, the beacons 1 are decreed to receive at the same time the synchronization frames transmitted from the control means 2 or from a coordinator beacon 1. This favors, in particular, a high resolution synchronization, as well as the energy autonomy of the beacons 1 (no retransmission of the synchronization frames and, therefore, no excessive use of the logical processing unit and the radio link ).

If the beacon network 1 has a ring, tree, bus or mesh topology, it is preferable to take into account the arrival time of the synchronization frames at the beacons 1 (in particular, to compensate for the lag time induced by the processing and / or propagation of the synchronization frames).

In one embodiment, to confirm the synchronization of the beacons 1, the control means 2 or a coordinator beacon 1 sends a synchronization verification request addressed to a single beacon 1 at a time. In this case, the destination tag 1, and only it, will respond to confirm its good synchronization by communicating its identifier, and a timestamp of the time elapsed since its last synchronization or any other parameter to calculate and verify this synchronization.

This allows the control means 2 or the coordinating beacon to verify, upon receipt of this information, that the beacon 1 in question is well synchronized, with a tolerance that will take into account the uncertainties related to the computation time required by the beacon 1 and by the control means 2 or the coordinator beacon 1.

In another embodiment, a tag 1 responds to a request to check the synchronization within a time limit. This delay can be predetermined during a configuration phase, or according to the tag identifier 1 if it knows the identifiers of other tags. Advantageously, this makes it possible to order, in time, the responses of the tags 1 to a verification request of the synchronization addressed simultaneously to a group of tags 1. This allows, in particular, to avoid interference of the different responses of the tags 1 respondents. Alternatively, beacons 1 emit at slightly different frequencies. More generally, the method of communication between the control means 2 and the beacons 1 comprises a notion of group, allowing the control means 2 to address several tags 1 without risk of interference in radio exchanges with these tags 1 The LBT protocol (for Listen Before Talk, or also Listen Before Transmit) is an example of such a method.

Preferably, synchronization checking requests are sent, by the control means 2 or a coordinator beacon, periodically to each beacon 1 (for example, all the m synchronization frames, where m is a predetermined integer). so as to query the set of tags 1 over a given period of time.

This period can be chosen according to the drift of the clocks of the beacons 1.

Preferably, the method of synchronization of the beacons 1 does not influence the energy autonomy of the beacons 1 (a minimum use of the radio communication module 12 of the beacons 1 for example), which is mostly intended for the lighting elements 151, 156.

It should be noted that a clock external to the network of beacons 1 (for example, the GPS time, Global Positioning System) can also be used, but to the detriment of the energy autonomy of the beacons 1.

• l'enregistrement des identifiants des balises 1 non synchronisées. Cette information mémorisée peut ensuite être communiquée à l'utilisateur à des fins d'information générale, statistique et de maintenance ;
• la signalisation de la balise 1 non-synchronisée à l'utilisateur en ordonnant à cette balise 1 une séquence d'animation particulière par exemple.

In the case where one or more beacons 1 are not synchronized, the control means 2 or a coordinator beacon 1 can decide on a certain action. This action can be, for example,

• recording the identifiers of the unsynchronized tags 1. This stored information can then be communicated to the user for purposes of general information, statistics and maintenance;
• the signaling of the tag 1 unsynchronized to the user by ordering this tag 1 a particular animation sequence for example.

It should be noted that a malfunction of a tag 1 (a desynchronization, a computer bug for example) only affects this tag 1, without any effect on the other tags 1.

When a tag 1 has just been identified in a network, it is put on hold for synchronization for a period at least equal to the time between two synchronization frames, so that it can then and if necessary start the execution of its luminous animation in synchronization with the luminous animation during the course of the other beacons 1.

If a coordinator beacon 1 for any reason, for example as a result of a discharge of the energy storage means 111 into the absence of light, is no longer able to emit synchronization frames, the coordinating beacon function is then assigned to another beacon 1, according to a choice process related to its identification number, its spatial position , or any other decision criterion previously programmed using the computer program product during the configuration phase of the tags 1 by the control means 2. This makes it possible, in particular, to ensure the continuity of the synchronization of the network of beacons 1 in the event of failure of a coordinator beacon 1. A coordinator beacon 1 is declared faulty when the beacons 1 of its group do not receive synchronization frames for a predetermined duration or do not receive p successive synchronization frames (where p is a predetermined integer value).

• commander le passage d'un cycle d'animation vers un autre cycle sur une ou plusieurs balises 1 du réseau ; ou
• apporter des modifications aux séquences d'animations, par exemple adapter l'intensité lumineuse (ou la tonalité) par rapport à la luminosité (ou, au bruit) ambiante autour d'une balise 1.

In one embodiment, the instruction program loaded into the memory of a beacon 1 depends on data collected from a sensor system. RFID device, ambient light detector, gyroscope, clinometer, microphone, thermometer, pressure gauge, photometer, hygrometer, rain gauge, level detector, presence detector, position switch, a watch, a speedometer, an antenna, or a smoke detector are examples of elements of the sensor system. This allows, for example, to execute a light animation according to the time, presence / absence of person, the speed of movement of a person for example. It should also be noted that the control means 2 or the coordinator beacon 1 can unconditionally or possibly receive information from the sensor system:

• control the transition from one animation cycle to another cycle on one or more beacons 1 of the network; or
• to make modifications to the animation sequences, for example to adapt the light intensity (or the tone) with respect to the ambient brightness (or noise) around a beacon 1.

Other actions can be coupled to the light animation of the beacon network 1 (open a door, play an audio file, trigger an alarm for example).

The process just described has a number of advantages. It enables advanced management (advanced configuration of beacons 1), dynamic programming (a programmable network at any time), and synchronization of beacons 1 (a synchronous light animation).

Claims (11)

1. Light beacon system comprising at least two light beacons (1), each beacon (1) being provided:

   - with a module for supplying electrical energy (11) comprising an electrical energy generator (110) and an energy storage means (111),

   - a radio communication module (12),

   - a processing logic unit (13) comprising a memory and a clock,

   the beacon system further comprising a means (2) for controlling beacons (1), said control means (2) comprising:

   - a radio communication module (25),

   - input means (24),

   - a processing core unit (23) including a clock and a memory,

   the system being characterised in that the control means (2) is a user terminal, and the beacon clock (1) is synchronised with the clock by the control means (2) so as to overcome a variation from one clock to another to synchronise cycles and movement sequences for all the beacons (1).
2. System according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the control means (2) is arranged to make it possible for the loading of an instruction program in the memory of at least one of the beacons (1).
3. System according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the instruction program is dependent on the data collected from a sensor system.
4. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control means (2) is arranged to synchronise the beacon clock (1) to the clock thereof.
5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the beacons (1) are put into a wireless network.
6. System according to the preceding claim, characterised in that one of the beacons (1) is configured to relay, under the order of the control means (2), a message to at least one other of the beacons (1).
7. Beaconing method by means of at least two light beacons (1), each beacon (1) being provided:

   - with a module for supplying electrical energy (11),

   - a radio communication module (12),

   - a processing logic unit (13) including a clock and a memory,

   the beacons (1) could be controlled by a control means (2), this control means (2) being a user terminal and comprising:

   - a radio communication module (25),

   - input means (24), and

   - a processing core unit (23) including a clock and a memory,

   the method comprises:

   - a step of transforming an energy form into an electrical energy;

   - a step of storing an electrical energy;

   - a step of executing, by at least one of the beacons (1), an instruction program comprised in the memory of the processing logic unit (13),

   the method being characterised in that it comprises a step of synchronising the beacon clock (1) to the clock of the control means (2) so as to overcome a variation of a clock with respect to another to synchronise cycles and movement sequences for all the beacons (1).
8. Method according to the preceding claim, characterised in that it comprises a step of communicating at least one of the beacons (1) with the control means (2).
9. Method according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the communication step comprises a configuration step making it possible to load an instruction program from the control means (2) to the memory of the at least one of the beacons (1).
10. Method according to claim 7, characterised in that the synchronisation step comprises:

    - the reception, by at least two of the beacons (1), of a synchronisation frame;

    - the enslavement of the frequency of the clock of said at least two beacons (1) using the synchronisation frames received.
11. Method according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the synchronisation step further comprises a synchronisation verification step.

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