FR2902916A1 - Self-powered elements e.g. actuator, communicating method for home-automation installation, involves sending information between sending and receiving elements when receiving element is no longer in sleep mode - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves receiving and recording information, sent by a sending element, using a substitution element (SBU) for the attention of a receiving element when the receiving element is in a sleep mode. The information is sent between the sending element and the receiving element using the substitution element for the attention of the receiving element when the receiving element is no longer in sleep mode.

Description

The invention relates to the transmission of commands or data between

  elements of a home automation system for autonomous elements. The elements communicate with each other for example by radio frequencies. They can include actuators, sensors and control points.

  The actuators are generally powered on the commercial power supply network, while the sensors and the control point are generally autonomous, for example, powered by dry or rechargeable batteries.

  A problem arises in such an installation when the autonomous elements are bidirectional type: how to avoid a permanent listening by radio-frequency receivers, which has the effect of increasing consumption and thus reduce autonomy.

  This problem has given rise to many inventions.

  In a first group of inventions, the patent application WO 00/28776 provides for the receivers to wake up at a fixed time. It is therefore necessary that they contain at least one clock device that is permanently powered. A similar method is described in EP 1 404 043.

  A second group of inventions foresees the use of routers, for which the problem of the food does not arise, for example because fed on the commercial network, or because fed by a reserve of important energy.

  The patent application EP 1 545 076 describes the use of an automobile as relay of a nomadic device in a cellular network. On MS \ 2. S 649.12FR. 565. dpt. doc finds similar uses in JP59092133 and JP11276343. In a field related to home automation, US Patent 6,525,645 also describes the use of a repeater located in the automobile and powered by the accumulator thereof. As long as the identification code is valid, the signal emitted by the nomadic device held by the driver is repeated identically but with a stronger signal by the repeater.

  The US Pat. No. 7,027,416 also describes a home automation type installation: the autonomous devices communicate each with a router, by means of a low power communication, making it possible to reduce both the range and the consumption. The routers communicate with each other at higher power and in different frequency bands, with a protocol different from that used in the low-level communication. The communication between two elements requires the use of at least one router, generally several. It is expected that an autonomous element is periodically or randomly deactivated according to a pre-established duty cycle. The router to communicate with such an element is aware of this operation and takes this into account to define the transmission times. It is not expected that elements can communicate directly with each other, which is explained by the hierarchical nature of the network and by the fact that decisions are made by a local controller and / or deported, for example via the telephone network. . The controller also manages the main routing table, based on knowledge of the local routing tables.

  A third group of inventions describes the use of mailbox type repeaters. US Patent No. 4,803,487 discusses the case of a pager with remote display means. For example, the primary receiver, or first receiver, receives the messages and stores them in memory. It is powered by a battery of high capacity, and yet an economizer device, causing sleep over a given period of time if the pager is not the recipient of the message. This main receiver communicates by means possibly bidirectional with the remote display. The connection between the display and the first receiver is done with a protocol different from the communication protocol used to transmit the messages to each pager. On activation of a user command, the transmitter of the remote display interrogates the first receiver, which then transmits the information contained in memory to the receiver of the remote display.

  The devices of the prior art therefore use complex structures supporting several means or communication protocols, or provide a single means of communication but with limited performance for the nomadic remote control, the problem being then treated from the angle of reduction of consumption on transmission, and not on reception. A problem arises especially when the nomadic remote control is replaced by a non-easily accessible sensor (and for which the replacement of batteries is difficult), and even more so when the intelligent relay is itself autonomous or nomadic.

  The object of the invention is to provide a communication method for overcoming the disadvantages mentioned and to improve the communication methods known from the prior art. In particular, the communication method according to the invention makes it possible to minimize the power consumption due to the communication of the autonomous elements of an MS \ 2. S649.12FR.565. dept. doc home automation installation and in particular to minimize the energy consumed out of the signal transmission phases.

  The communication method applies to a home automation installation comprising at least a sender element, an autonomous recipient element and a substitution element of the destination element. The method is such that, when the recipient element is in a sleep mode, the substitution element receives and records information sent by the sending element to the attention of the destination element and such that, when the recipient element is no longer in sleep mode, the substitution element sends this information to the recipient element.

  When the recipient element is in sleep mode, following the reception of the information, the substitution element can confirm to the sending element the good reception thereof by substituting the identifier of the recipient element for the receiving element. identifier of the substitution element.

  The substitution element can receive and record information sent by the sender element to the recipient element only after the substitution element has received from the recipient element a passing information in a sleep mode. .

  The substitution element can receive and record information sent by the sending element to the recipient element only after the substitution element has measured a predetermined time after receiving a last message received by the sending element. substitution element and issued by the receiving element.

  MS \ 2. S649.12EN.565.dpt.doc The substitution element may be able to substitute for several recipient elements.

  The substitution element may be designated among the elements of the installation during a prior designation procedure.

  The substitution element can be determined during a preliminary learning procedure in which the level of reception of a signal emitted by the destination element is measured in the various elements.

  The signal can be emitted at reduced power by the destination element.

  The signal reception sensitivity can be reduced in each element of the installation likely to become a substitute element.

  The home automation installation according to the invention comprises at least one sending element and an autonomous receiving element. It is characterized in that it comprises hardware and software means for implementing the communication method defined above.

  The attached drawing shows, by way of example, an embodiment of a home automation system according to the invention and embodiments of a communication method according to the invention.

  Figure 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of an installation according to the invention.

  Figure 2 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a communication method according to the invention. MS \ 2. S649.12FR.565. dept. Figs. 3 and 4 are timing diagrams of two alternative embodiments of the communication method.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for designating a substitution element according to the invention.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for learning a substitution element according to the invention.

  In the home automation installation INST shown in FIG. 1, various elements SRU, MMI, SBU, ACT1, ACT2, ACT3 communicate on the same radio frequency network RFN, symbolized by a double line. The communication between elements is carried out by bidirectional transmitters RX / TX, differentiated by the address or identifier of each element. The installation comprises elements ACT1, ACT3 powered by the EPN electricity network, while other elements SRU, MMI, ACT2 are autonomous in energy.

  A sensor, or SRU sensor unit, whose address is noted @SRU, transforms into a numerical quantity, and / or into control commands established from comparison thresholds, the value of a climatic parameter or comfort.

  An MMI human-machine interface box, whose address is noted @MMI, is used to send user commands to the elements, or to display status messages. These two elements are autonomous in energy. The human machine interface is for example a nomadic remote control, with keyboard and screen.

  MS \ 2. S649.12FR. 565. dpt. doc A first actuator ACT1, whose address is denoted @ ACT1, activates the operation of a roller shutter, a door or a gate. This first actuator is powered on the EPN power grid.

  A second actuator ACT2, whose address is denoted @ ACT2, activates the operation of an internal solar protection. This second actuator is autonomous in energy.

  A third actuator ACT3, whose address is denoted @ ACT3, activates a lighting means. It includes for example a dimmer and a fluorescent lamp. It is powered by the EPN electricity grid.

  The autonomous energy elements are fed by dry cell, alternatively by accumulator, supercapacitor, fuel cell, with a possible means of transforming a non-electric energy into electrical energy, such as for example a photovoltaic sensor.

  A particular SBU element of the facility is called a substitution element. This element is preferably fed on the EPN electricity network, as represented by a dotted line. Alternatively, the substitution element is energy autonomous, but has much greater autonomy than the other autonomous elements for which the communication method of the invention is implemented. The address of the substitution element is noted @SBU. It contains a MEM memory for storing information. Advantageously, the substitution element is itself contained in an actuator powered by the electrical network, but it may be a separate element whose sole function is to enable the application of the communication method according to the invention. invention. MS \ 2.S649.12EN.565.dpt.doc The interest of the method is to allow the autonomous elements and recipients of information to go into sleep mode with a duty cycle (relationship between the duration of the waking phase and the duration of sleep phases) of very low value. Conversely, the substitution element is in permanent listening mode, or operates at least with a duty cycle sufficient to ensure the reception of any radio message.

  One embodiment of the method is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2, as applied by the substitution element SBU.

  In a first step E21, the substitution element receives information from a sender element that is not addressed to it, but that is intended for a known autonomous recipient element of the substitution element. Designation or learning methods for the substitution element to be aware of an autonomous recipient element (or the autonomous recipient elements) are described below.

  In a second step E22, the substitution element ensures that the autonomous recipient element is in sleep mode. If this is not the case, the process loops on the initial phase of radio listening. If, on the other hand, the substitution element determines that the autonomous recipient element is dormant, then we proceed to a third step E23 in which the substitution element stores the information in its memory MEM and acknowledges good reception of this information by transmitting a confirmation of receipt message to the sender element. The substitute element has substituted in this reception confirmation message the address of the recipient autonomous element at its own address. Thus, at this moment, for the sender element the information has been transmitted to the recipient element. MS \ 2. On interrogation of the autonomous recipient element, in a fourth step E24, the substitution element communicates to it the information stored in memory. The query consists of a message specifically addressed by the autonomous recipient element. Alternatively, the interrogation is constituted by a broadcast message, without a particular recipient (broadcast mode), by the autonomous recipient element at each of its awakenings.

  FIG. 3 illustrates the application of the method by a first example of exchanges between elements, in the form of a chronogram, the time taking place from the top to the bottom.

  The left vertical line designates an autonomous recipient element SAU which is constituted for example by one of the autonomous elements of the installation: the SRU sensor, the human-machine interface MMI or the second actuator ACT2. The vertical line on the right is constituted by the substitution element SBU. It is assumed that the substitution element already knows the autonomous recipient element, and vice versa.

  In an initial state, the autonomous recipient element SAU, for example previously awakened by its internal clock, or by a user action, or for any other cause, ends its activity. There is then a transition to a first step E31 in which the destination element informs the substitution element that it will go into sleep mode, which is represented by the SLP message. On receipt of this information, the substitution element confirms the reception (confirmation not shown) and, in a second step E32, it sets up an internal indicator SLP to record the sleep situation of the autonomous recipient element. . MS \ 2. S649.12EN.565.dpt.doc For its part, the autonomous recipient element goes into sleep mode, which state is represented by a double vertical line.

  In a third step E33, a message MSG is sent to the autonomous recipient element, coming from another element of the installation, said sending element and noted XXX. This sender element XXX is arbitrary. It is for example the third ACT3 actuator that wants to signal to the autonomous recipient element (the nomadic remote control comprising the human-machine interface MMI) that a maneuvering order has been executed. Or, the sender element XXX is the nomadic remote control that wants to indicate to the SRU sensor the values of its new reaction thresholds.

  This message is not perceived by the autonomous recipient element that is in sleep mode, but it is picked up by the substitution element.

  In a fourth step E34, the substitution element SBU tests the state of the internal indicator SLP. This being in the high state, there is recording of the MSG message in the substitution element and triggering of a fifth reception confirmation step E35. During this step, the substitution element takes the identity of the destination element, that is to say that it indicates, in the confirmation of receipt, the identifier or the address of the element autonomous recipient instead of his own address. The sender element then finds that there is good reception and therefore terminates the current broadcast session, without attempting to make multiple transmissions that unnecessarily clutter the network.

  After awakening of the destination element SAU (end of the double vertical line), there is a transition to a sixth step E36, in which the destination element MS \ 2. S649.12FR. 65. dept. doc informs the substitution element that it is active again, which is represented by the AWK message. This has the effect of causing the internal indicator SLP to go low in a seventh step E37 and then to cause the transition to an eighth step E38 in which the message MSG stored in the substitution element is sent to the attention of the receiving element.

  In this first example, the second step E22 of the communication method is therefore performed by a test on the nature of information communicated by the recipient element itself.

  FIG. 4 is a second example, in which step E22 of the communication method is performed differently. This second embodiment is based on detecting an absence of response to a message addressed to the autonomous recipient element. This lack of response is presumed to be related to the sleep mode of the autonomous element.

  In a first step E41, a message MSG is sent to the autonomous recipient element SAU, from another element of the installation, referred to as sending element and noted XXX. At this moment, the recipient element is in a sleep mode, represented by a double vertical line. This message is not perceived by the recipient element, but it is picked up by the substitution element, which then triggers a second timer boot step E42. During this delay, the substitution element tests whether there is response from the autonomous recipient element, for example in the form of an acknowledgment of receipt. More generally, the substitution element tests whether there is transmission activity on the part of the autonomous recipient element. This test is the subject of a third step E43 which ends with the recording of the MSG message by the substitution element if no radio activity has been detected by MS \ 2. S649.12FR. 65. dept. doc the autonomous recipient element during the timeout period and concludes to its sleep mode state. In this case, there is a transition to a fourth reception confirmation step E44. During this step, the substitution element takes the identity of the destination element, that is to say that it indicates, in the confirmation of receipt, the identifier or the address of the element autonomous recipient instead of his own address.

  The sender element then notes that there is good reception and therefore terminates the current broadcast session, without attempting to carry out multiple broadcasts that would unnecessarily clutter the network.

  After waking up or more generally returning to an operational mode of the destination element SAU (end of the double vertical line), there is a transition to a fifth step E45, in which the destination element informs the substitution element that it is active again, which is represented by the AWK message. This has the effect of passing to a sixth step E46 in which the MSG message, stored in the substitution element is sent to the attention of the destination element. In alternative embodiments, the messages containing the sleeping or waking information of the destination item are sent in a broadcast mode, indicating the sender of the message but not specifying a particular recipient. Only the substitution element 25 concerned then makes use of it.

  The same substitution element may substitute for several autonomous recipient elements, that is at least receive and record messages intended for several autonomous recipient elements, provided that it is individually known to them. MS \ 2. S649.12FR.565.dpt. Fig. 5 depicts a method of naming a substitution element. In a first step E51, a learning mode switch command is sent to a selected SBU substitution element by the action of a device on it. For example, the action may be to plug the SBU substitute element into an electrical outlet connecting it to the mains. The action can be, if the substitution element is included in one of the actuators, to send a programming signal from a remote control already paired with the actuator.

  In a second step E52, there is action on the autonomous recipient element SAU (SRU, MMI, ACT2) to cause the transmission of a radio signal containing the address of the destination element. This action is for example a key press activating a contact in the autonomous recipient element.

  In a third step E53, the address of the autonomous element @SAU is registered by the substitution element and sent by the latter to a message to the autonomous recipient element indicating its own address @SBU. . At the end of this third step, the substitution element knows the autonomous recipient element to which it provides, and vice versa.

  Figure 6 depicts a method of learning a substitution element. In a first step E61, there is action on the autonomous recipient element to cause the transmission of a specific radio signal containing the address of the autonomous recipient element. This action is for example the pressing of a specific key activating a contact in the autonomous recipient element. This specific radio signal contains for example a specific command to switch to MS \ 2 mode. S649.12EN.565.doc.doc.doc. Preferably, the specific radio signal is emitted at reduced power.

  In a second step E62, there is reception of the signal by all the elements of the installation which are listening and classification of the non-autonomous elements or power supply of high capacity, according to the power of the received signal. The classification can be achieved in the following manner: with a random duration after reception of the signal, one of the elements takes the floor and broadcasts on the radio network a message containing its identifier and the value of the received level. After this first broadcast, only the elements having received a level higher than this value are likely to speak during a second broadcast of the value of the level received. Very quickly, depending on the complexity of the installation, only the element that received the signal under the best conditions remains. According to this method, this element then becomes the substitution element.

  In a third step E63, there is then transmission to the destination element of a message containing the address of the substitution element, while it records the address of the recipient element that it provides. Alternatively, the recipient element which goes into sleep mode after the transmission of the first step E61, is woken up after a predetermined time delay and broadcasts a signal to signal that it is awake. Only the element that has received the signal under the best conditions (determined during the second step E62) responds by communicating its address.

  It is apparent from the embodiments described that the substitution element must imperatively know the identifier of the recipient element to which it provides. On the other hand, the reciprocal is not necessary: indeed, the steps E36 of FIG. 3 and E45 of FIG. 4 of emission of a signal towards M S \ 2. S 649.12FR. 65. dept. doc the substitution element can be advantageously replaced by diffusion steps, without mention of the element or elements for which this signal is intended. In this case, the final phases of the third steps E53 and E63 are deleted.

  By sending element, is meant in the present application a sender element of any type of information (order, data, acknowledgment ...). The element is qualified once and for all as sending element in relation to information (for example an acknowledgment of receipt) even if it is also the recipient of a command order giving rise to the acknowledgment of receipt.

  By destination element, is meant in the present application a recipient element of any type of information (order, data, acknowledgment ...). The element is qualified once and for all for a recipient element with respect to information (for example a command order) even if it is also the sender of an acknowledgment in response to this command.

  The invention is particularly advantageous in the case where the installation comprises several autonomous sensors, and even more if the control of the installation is itself provided by an autonomous element.

  The programs enabling the application of the communication method are preferably implemented during manufacture in any device powered on the electrical network. Alternatively, such a program can be downloaded to one or more particular elements of the installation, once it has been completed.

MS \ 2.S649.12FR.565.dpt.doc

Claims (10)

claims   A method of communication in a home automation installation (INST) comprising at least one sending element (XXX), an autonomous receiving element (SAU) and a substitution element (SBU) of the destination element, the method being such that, when the recipient element is in a sleep mode, the substitution element receives and records information sent by the sending element to the destination element and such that, when the destination element is no longer in sleep mode, the substitution element sends this information to the recipient element.   2. The communication method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, when the recipient element is in sleep mode, following the reception of the information, the substitution element confirms to the sending element the good reception of these elements. by substituting the identifier of the recipient element for the identifier of the substitution element.   3. Method of communication according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the substitution element receives and records information sent by the sending element to the attention of the recipient element only after the substitution element. received from the recipient element a passing information in a sleep mode.   4. Communication method according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the substitution element receives and records information sent by the sender element to the attention of the recipient element only after the element Substitution method MS has measured a predetermined duration after receiving a last message received by the substitution element and sent by the destination element.   5. Method of communication according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the substitution element is able to substitute for several recipient elements.   Communication method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the substitution element is designated among the elements of the installation during a prior designation procedure.   7. Communication method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the substitution element is determined during a preliminary learning procedure in which the level of reception is measured in the different elements. a signal emitted by the destination element.   8. The communication method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the signal is emitted at reduced power by the destination element.   9. The communication method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the reception sensitivity of the signal is reduced in each element of the installation likely to become a substitution element.   10. Home automation installation (INST) comprising at least one sending element (XXX) and an autonomous receiving element (SAU), characterized in that it comprises hardware means (MEM, MS \ 2 .S649.12FR.565.dpt .docRX / TX @ SBU) and software for implementing the communication method according to one of the preceding claims. MS \ 2. S649.12FR. 65. dept. doc