FR3050299A1 - ULTRASOUND COMMUNICATED ELECTRICAL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A SYSTEM COMPRISING SUCH AN ELECTRICAL DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical device (150) powered by a building electrical network (110) and a control method of a system (100) comprising such an electrical device. The device comprises in particular: a first bidirectional communication interface (420) with a remote server (160); a second bidirectional communication interface (430) with electronic equipment (170a, 170b); a data processing unit (410) configured to exchange data with the remote server and the electronic equipment via the first and the second communication interface; characterized in that the second communication interface is configured to communicate with the electronic equipment according to an ultrasonic communication protocol.

Description

An ultrasonic communicating electrical device and method of controlling a system comprising such an electrical device.

[001] Technical Field [002] The invention relates to the field of electrical installations, and more specifically to electrical devices powered by a building electrical network, such as a socket, a switch or a socket for a bulb, and allowing in particular to an electric energy consumer to monitor and manage its consumption and / or to access different services.

[003] State of the art [004] Platforms delivering services within buildings via connected objects are developing in all sectors including the residential, tertiary, collective and industrial sectors.

[005] These platforms can use the electrical networks deployed in the buildings to communicate data within user installations and provide access to the aforementioned services. To do this, building electrical networks can include electrical devices with data processing functions, PLC communication (Power Line Carrier), detection and measurement of parameters for example.

[006] These platforms can provide for example various information about the building in which they are deployed. Typically, this information may relate to the indoor temperature, humidity, brightness, the presence of people, the detailed consumption of energy per use or room, etc. Such information can be used: locally, directly by the user within the building, or by a local management unit of the facility, for real-time building management and monitoring for example, and / or by operators, in particular to provide services to the user.

For purely illustrative purposes, presence and brightness detection information can be retrieved by the local management unit of the installation in order to actuate for example the shutters when the user is not present in the installation. the building or when it is dark.

[008] In order for remote operators to offer services adapted to the user, the user's installation can be configured to exchange data with a remote server of the operator via two-way communication. The operator can thus retrieve information on the installation of the user and give him access back to appropriate services such as energy consumption optimization services, remote monitoring or other.

[009] There are different solutions that accomplish such goals. For example, an existing solution consists in using LED-type bulbs ("Light-Emitting Diode" in the English language, for LED ElectroLuminescent Diode) incorporating at their base control and management means (such as a microprocessor, sensors). , a memory, a communication interface, etc.) allowing the delivery of services. However, the services are then delivered and made accessible only when the LED bulb is supplied with electricity.

[010] However, when the power supply of the bulb is controlled by means of a switch (to control the ignition or not of the bulb), the bulb is not supplied with electricity as soon as the switch has moved to the open position. As a result, the means of control and management in the base can not, at least temporarily, give access to services to the user. This raises a problem of availability of the service according to whether the bulb is powered or not with electricity.

[011] This problem arises especially in electrical installations complying with the NF-C-15-100 standard. Indeed, this standard requires that the installations include a control device (type switch or remote switch) to cut the phase between the circuit breaker located at the electrical panel of the installation and the LED bulb. When the switch is placed in the open position, the LED bulb is no longer powered and can no longer ensure its functionality for the implementation of services.

[012] Another existing solution uses communication means based on Li-Fi technology. This technology is based on the use of visible light waves of the electromagnetic spectrum as carrier waves for data transmission. For example, an LED bulb can be configured to turn on and off at very high frequencies in order to establish an optical communication link with a light pulse sensor (a photodiode in particular) capable of detecting light waves. emitted by the LED bulb (for example via the use of visible light between the blue color (480 nm, 670 THz) and the red color (650 nm, ie 460 THz)) and to interpret the data communicated at high frequencies via these waves. The drawbacks of these means of communication are nevertheless: the low range of the Li-Fi technology (about ten meters), the unidirectional propagation of the light carrier (from the light wave transmitter to the wave sensor) , so that to ensure a return path to service platforms, the return means to implement are complex and expensive (adding hardware and software components, for example to establish a return path via a link of BlueTooth® or Wi-Fi communication), the data communication is effective only when the light wave emitter is supplied with electricity, ie when the LED bulb is in a lit operating state, which may be unnecessary energy consumption (for example to be able to communicate data in the absence of the user or while it is daytime).

[013] There is therefore a need to improve existing solutions, in particular so that the services offered by the aforementioned platforms are accessible at any time by the user, regardless of the state of operation of electrical appliances ( switched on or off), in a transparent and imperceptible way for the user.

[014] The invention improves the current situation in this sense.

[015] Summary of the invention [016] The object of the invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing in particular a technical solution able to communicate at any time, within an electrical installation, data so transparent for the user, that is to say without disturbing his environment with signals that are perceptible to him.

[017] For this purpose, a first aspect of the invention relates to an electrical device powered by a building electrical network, the device comprising: a first bidirectional communication interface with a remote server; a second bidirectional communication interface with electronic equipment; a data processing unit configured to exchange data with the remote server and the electronic equipment via the first and the second communication interface.

The second communication interface is remarkable in that it is configured to communicate with the electronic equipment according to an ultrasonic communication protocol and the data processing unit is configured to interpret: - data received from the remote server and communicating at least a portion of it ultrasonically to the electronic equipment via the second communication interface; and - data received ultrasonically from the electronic equipment and communicating at least a part of it to the remote server, via the first communication interface.

[018] In this way, the data received and transmitted by the device are exchanged by ultrasound, that is to say in a silent and imperceptible manner for a user. The data processing unit thus processes and relays data between the electronic equipment and the remote server in a manner that is transparent to the user, thereby enabling the implementation of a service platform without any noticeable disturbance to the environment of the user. the user (such as the light pollution generated by the unexpected ignition of Li-Fi light sources in order to communicate data, especially in the absence of the user or day conditions).

[019] This device can serve as a gateway between: a high-speed network (an IP extended network for example) connecting the device and the remote server via the first bidirectional communication interface, and a low-speed wireless communication network using ultrasound for exchanging data, connecting the device to sensors, actuators or other electronic devices such as telephones, computers, touch pads, or other, via the second bidirectional communication interface.

[020] Many electronic devices such as phones and tablets, are equipped by default with microphone and speaker type components, which are able to interact with ultrasonic waves with the device. The ultrasonic communication used by the device is thus compatible with many electronic equipment without having to bring them structural and material modification.

[021] According to an advantageous embodiment, the second communication interface transmits and receives ultrasound in a frequency range between 10 kHz and 10 MHz. The ultrasonic waves can thus have a range of several tens of meters in the building. The frequency that can be used is preferably a frequency chosen between 17 and 22 kHz. This frequency range is a narrow band particularly suitable for transmitting a few bytes of information (service messages for example) and thus exchanging data between the device and the electronic equipment (a smartphone for example) without disturbing the occupants of the building.

[022] According to an advantageous embodiment, the second communication interface comprises: - a speaker adapted to emit ultrasound, and - a microphone adapted to receive ultrasound, such as ultrasound emitted by the electronic equipment.

[023] These means of transmitting and receiving ultrasound are inexpensive and allow good quality of transmission and reception of data via ultrasonic communication.

[024] Other embodiments of this communication interface may nevertheless be envisaged, with for example the incorporation in the second communication interface of a piezoelectric generator, a magnetostrictive transmitter, or an electrostrictive transmitter, with an associated ultrasonic sensor.

[025] It is noted that the electrical device can be installed at different levels of the electrical network of the building. For example, the electrical device is housed in a socket or within a switch of the electrical network.

[026] According to another possible embodiment, the electrical device may include means for integration with a bulb socket, the socket being electrically connected to the electrical network of the building. In this way, the device can be embedded in a part of the accessible electrical network, to be installed and easily connected to the electrical network by the user or an installer.

[027] It should be noted that an electric bulb socket also constitutes an advantageous location of the device. Indeed, a socket is often located in height to allow the bulb to be installed, to provide adequate lighting of the room to be illuminated. The socket of a bulb can for example be fixed to the ceiling of a room, on the top of a wall wall or at the top of a lamp stand. From this location, the ultrasound will be emitted in all directions and will encounter fewer obstacles (such as furniture) than if the device were placed close to the ground. This location makes it possible to ensure a greater propagation of the emitted ultrasonic waves and a better detection of the received ultrasonic waves. The quality of ultrasonic communication is improved, especially for electronic equipment in the room, in rooms nearby or in a room on a higher floor of the building.

[028] According to yet another possible embodiment, the device may further comprise means of integration to a connection element, the connection means being adapted to be electrically connected with a socket for a light bulb and a light bulb.

[029] In this embodiment, the connection element is placed in intermediate between the socket and the electric bulb, and provides an electrical connection between the two. The device housed therein ensures the functions of ultrasonic communication with the electronic equipment. This embodiment makes it possible to integrate the device into the building electrical network without modifying the network itself. The installation of the device by a user within the network is facilitated. This embodiment is particularly suitable for associating the device with a pre-existing electrical network (that of an old house for example).

[030] In addition, the device can be installed at different locations in the electrical network, removably, and in particular at a socket located on the ceiling of a room. The user can easily move the device in its housing, according to its data communication needs. Π can for example change the room device by installing the connection element between a socket and a bulb placed in another room of its housing. This ease of installation and movement of the device within the electrical network of the building contributes to the comfort of use of the device by the user.

[031] Alternatively, the device may include means for integration in a base of the electric bulb. According to this variant, the device is electrically connected to the electrical network of the building when the base of the light bulb in which it is integrated is screwed into a socket fed by this network. This embodiment is particularly well suited to the old electrical network, and allows to benefit from ultrasonic data communication functions without having to substantially modify the existing electrical installation of a building (electrical network remains unchanged, only the bulb is replaced).

[032] Alternatively or in addition, the device may further comprise an electromagnetic energy collector configured to collect at least a portion of the electromagnetic energy present in the building and convert it into electrical energy to power the device.

[033] Such a collector can be used to lower the energy footprint of the electronic device on the one hand and, on the other hand, to maintain in degraded mode the device in the event of the loss of any other energy source, in particular the power supplied by the electrical network.

[034] The invention furthermore relates to a system comprising: an electrical device such as that mentioned above; - the building electrical network; - the remote server; - the electronic device.

In the system, the electrical device communicates with the electronic equipment according to an ultrasonic communication protocol.

By way of example, the device can be installed within a switch belonging to the electrical network or within a socket or bulb base controlled by the switch.

[036] To control the DC supply supplied by the electrical network, the system may comprise a switch which is adapted to control the ignition of the bulb via a communication of electrical pulse driving instructions or radio frequency communication. In this way, the power supply to the bulb and the device is not cut off as with a conventional switch. The electrical device then continuously receives a power supply.

[037] This embodiment does not require that a light source is in an operating state turned on so that the data transmission can be effective (unlike the state of the art, such as the aforementioned LED bulb which must to be switched on for data communication to take place). Thus, at any time, the device is powered and can communicate data to the server or ultrasound to the electronic equipment, via the first or the second communication interface.

[038] According to one embodiment, the system further comprises a LED type of electric light bulb electrically connected to the electrical network of the building via the electrical device.

[039] Alternatively or in addition, the system is configured for the electrical network to provide the electrical device with a DC power supply.

[040] In addition, the provision of a DC power supply eliminates traditional AC / DC converters usually required for LED lamp power, for example.

[041] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a control method of a system such as that mentioned above, comprising the steps of: - receiving data from the remote server; - interpretation of the data received from the remote server; - Communication to the electronic equipment of at least a portion of the received data, according to an ultrasonic communication protocol.

[042] In addition, the method may comprise the steps of: - receiving data from the electronic equipment according to the ultrasonic communication protocol; - interpretation of the data received from the electronic equipment; - Communication to the remote server of the data received from the electronic equipment.

[043] In addition, the method may comprise a step of ultrasound frequency detection (by scanning frequencies for example) and a step of identifying at least one ultrasound frequency corresponding to an ultrasonic communication frequency of electronic equipment.

[044] The present invention also provides a computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method described above, when the program is executed by a data processing unit such as a processor.

[045] This program can use any programming language (for example, an object language or the like), and be in the form of an interpretable source code, a partially compiled code or a fully compiled code .

[046] Brief description of the figures [047] Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended figures in which: FIG. 1 illustrates a first example of a system comprising the electrical device of the invention for providing services to a user via ultrasonic data communication; FIG. 2 represents an exemplary implementation of the electrical device of the invention; FIG. 3 represents a second example of a system comprising the electrical device; FIG. 4 represents a third example of a system comprising the electrical device.

[048] For the sake of clarity, the dimensions of the various elements shown in these figures are not in proportion to their actual dimensions. In the figures, identical references correspond to identical elements for the various embodiments shown.

[049] Detailed description [050] Referring firstly to Figure 1 which illustrates a system 100 comprising the electrical device 150 of the invention which is installed in a building 110 (which can be a housing, a collective establishment , a commercial or industrial site for example).

[051] The building 110 comprises an electrical network powered by the supply line 120. The electrical network comprises within the building a set of electrical wiring 130 for powering electrical appliances of the building (sockets 142a, 142b, 142c, light points 145, one or more switches 144, household appliances etc.). The electrical network may further include an electrical panel 140 incorporating circuit breakers associated with electrical wiring.

[052] The system 100 further comprises a remote server 160 and electronic equipment such as the sensor 170a (which may be a temperature sensor, presence or smoke for example) and the phone 170b. The server 160 can be the basis of a service platform offered to the building user by an energy supplier, for example with a view to proposing a pricing adapted to its consumption behavior, possible optimizations of its energy consumption. power consumption, or other. This remote server can be installed inside the building 110 or, as illustrated in the figure, outside the building such as for example at a management center of a power supplier and / or services.

[053] As explained below, the electrical device 150 is configured to be able to establish bidirectional communication with the remote server 160 (via a wide area network in particular) and bidirectional communication with electronic equipment 170a, 170b, communication with the electronic equipment is via ultrasound 180, 190a and 190b.

[054] The ultrasound 180 corresponds to the ultrasound emitted by the device 150, forming a downward data flow to electronic equipment 170a, 170b able to perceive ultrasound in the above-mentioned frequency range.

[055] The ultrasound 190a and 190b correspond to the ultrasound received by the device 150, issued by equipment 170a, 170b able to emit ultrasound in the aforementioned frequency range, forming a data flow back to the device.

[056] Typically, the equipment 170a 170b comprise a loudspeaker and a microphone respectively for transmitting and receiving ultrasound data. For this purpose, the equipment may include a data processing circuit adapted to interpret the received data and to send ultrasound via the microphone and the speaker of the equipment.

[057] The data received and transmitted by the device with the electronic equipment are thus exchanged in a silent and imperceptible manner for a user, the ultrasound used being able to be transmitted in particular at a frequency between 10 kHz and 10 MHz, and especially between 17 and 22 kHz (the human ear only perceives sounds in frequencies between 20 Hz and 20 000 Hz).

[058] In Figure 2 is illustrated an example of implementation of the device 150 according to the invention. It comprises in particular: a first bidirectional communication interface 420 with the remote server 160; a second bidirectional communication interface 430 with electronic equipment 170a, 170b; a data processing unit 410 configured to exchange data with the remote server 160 and the electronic equipment 170a, 170b via the first and the second communication interface.

[059] The second communication interface is in particular configured to communicate with the electronic equipment 170a, 170b according to an ultrasonic communication protocol. For this purpose, the data processing unit is implemented in such a way as to interpret: - data received from the remote server 160 and to communicate at least a part thereof by ultrasound 180 to the electronic equipment 170a, 170b, via the second interface communication device 420; and ultrasound data received 190a, 190b from the electronic equipment and communicating at least part of it to the remote server 160 via the first communication interface 430.

[060] The data received and transmitted by the device are exchanged inside a room of the building, by ultrasound, are then communicated in a silent manner and imperceptible to a user present in the building.

[061] The data processing unit 410 may be a circuit such as for example: a processor capable of interpreting instructions in the form of a computer program, or an electronic card whose steps of the method of the invention are described. in silicon, or else - a programmable electronic chip such as an FPGA chip (for "Field-Programmable Gaste Array").

[062] To perform the data communication, the second communication interface 430 may comprise for example: - a loudspeaker 440 adapted to emit ultrasound, and - a microphone 450 adapted to receive ultrasound emitted by electronic equipment.

[063] To interpret the ultrasonically communicated data, the processing unit 410 controls: the loudspeaker 440 via the second communication interface 430 to transmit a downward data stream in the building 110, via the waves 180, the microphone 450, which is preferably broad-spectrum sound, to receive a data stream back by ultrasonic waves 190a, 190b.

[064] The loudspeaker 440 and the microphone 430 are sound transmitting-receiving means which are suitable for transmitting and receiving ultrasound in a frequency range between 10 kHz and 10 MHz. In this range of frequencies, a range of the ultrasonic signal is generally several tens of meters in a building, or at least in a room of the building. The frequency used may typically be a frequency of 17 to 22 kHz when the sound transmitting-receiving means is a speaker and a microphone. This is a non-limiting example, other sound transmission-reception means may be used such as a piezoelectric generator, a magnetostrictive transmitter, or an electrostrictive transmitter, with an associated ultrasonic sensor. These means are particularly suitable for performing an ultrasonic data communication in the frequency range 10 kHz to 10 MHz, the means used being selectable according to the desired information rate for the data exchange between the device and the electronic equipment. .

[065] The device 150 can act as a gateway between: a high-speed network (for example a WAN wide area network) connecting the device and the remote server 160 via the first bidirectional communication interface 160, and a network wireless communication system, using ultrasound to exchange data, connecting the device to sensors 170a, actuators or other electronic devices such as 170b telephones, computers, touch pads, or other, via the second bidirectional communication interface.

[066] Electronic equipment can communicate by ultrasound using, for example, a microphone and a speaker (means generally available by default such equipment as mobile phones, tablets, computers, etc.).

[067] In addition, the device 150 may comprise a memory capable of storing: instructions allowing the implementation of the control method of the system comprising the device, of data communicated between the device, the electronic equipment and the remote server, system operation configuration parameters, temporary data to perform the various steps of the method as described above and detailed below.

[068] When the processing unit 410 executes the computer program from the instructions stored in the memory 460, the unit 410 implements: firstly, the steps of: o receiving data from the remote server 160; o interpretation of the data received from the remote server; o communicating to the electronic equipment 170a, 170b at least a portion of the received data, according to an ultrasonic communication protocol; on the other hand, the steps of: - receiving data from the electronic equipment according to the ultrasonic communication protocol; - interpretation of the data received from the electronic equipment; - Communication to the remote server of the data received from the electronic equipment.

[069] In advance of these steps or during these steps, the processing unit 410 may comprise a step of ultrasound frequency detection (by scanning frequencies between 10 kHz and 10 MHz for example) and a step of identifying at least one ultrasound frequency corresponding to an ultrasonic communication frequency of electronic equipment. This frequency may for example be of a value of 20 kHz.

[070] This frequency sweep is performed on the microphone 450 and / or the loudspeaker in order to detect the right frequencies (powers) within the building, in particular of a part of this building, to establish an ultrasonic communication. with the electronic equipment present.

[071] The electrical device further comprises at least one integration means 10, which allows the device to be installed in: a socket, an intermediate connection element between a socket and a bulb, a bulb base, or any other electrical equipment powered by the network such as a switch, a socket, a switchboard or a meter.

[072] The integration means 10 may be a fastening means such as an adhesive, a screw fastener, or a mechanical latching cooperation.

[073] In the figure, the second communication interface 430 is illustrated in connection with the speaker 440 and the microphone 450. However, this embodiment is not limiting. The second communication interface may further be configured to communicate with other connected objects (not shown in the figures) such as a communicating light bulb or a camera (eg a night vision micro-camera). The second communication interface 430 may be configured to provide a wired or wireless link with these connected objects (thus enabling image data streams to be exchanged with an infra-red micro-camera for example, presence, motion detection information. context evolution such as a window opening typically).

[074] The data processing unit 410 can process the data exchanged with these connected objects so as to: use audio data from the objects for: o recognition of sounds (detection of sounds, sound content, their directions) to increase the recognition of electrical use (eg vacuum cleaner, coffee maker, nomadic object); o voice recognition (voice detection) for voice control, o ultrasonic detection (presence, movement, density of occupancy); o context detection from data from multiple sensors; use image data for: o presence detection (in particular of one or more persons, an animal, or other); o Motion and situation detection (person standing, sitting, lying, falling, for example); o the fusion of sensors (combination of data to determine a gesture, a context typically).

[075] The electrical device 150 may also include a power module 490 provided to be connected to the network so as to receive a supply of electrical energy. The module 490 makes it possible to supply the electronic components of the device 150 for their proper operation.

[076] Preferably, the electrical network supplies a DC power supply to the power supply module 490, at a voltage typically of 48V. However, if the electrical network drives another power supply, in particular alternating current with a voltage of 220V, the power supply module 490 can be configured to convert the received power supply into a power supply prescribed for the components of the device, ie generally in DC current.

[077] The module 490 may be configured to allow also powering an electrical device in which the device is installed via the integration means 10 (for example in a light bulb when the device is integrated in the base of the bulb), or at least electrically connected.

[078] The processing unit 410 may be configured to measure a potential difference at the power supply module 490 to determine the electrical energy consumption of the device itself, and especially of the electrical apparatus it can supply power via the module 490. By way of example, the processing unit 410 can measure a potential difference at the power supply provided by the module 490 to an LED bulb or even a DC halogen bulb, and determine from from the measured difference a real-time power consumption.

[079] In the event of a power failure of the network received by the module 490, the device may include a battery (charged by the module 490 when the latter is powered by the network or by a source of renewable energy production annex, as a photovoltaic panel for example) to continue to ensure the operation of ultrasonic communications and with the remote server, at least temporarily. This battery can also be used to temporarily power the electrical device via the module 490.

[080] Alternatively or in addition, the device 150 comprises an electromagnetic energy collector 480 capable of converting electromagnetic energy captured within the building into electrical energy to power the device itself, preferably according to a power supply. continued. This collector makes it possible to lower the energy footprint of the operation of the device on the one hand, and to maintain in degraded mode the device in the event of the loss of any other energy source (ie the supply of the electrical network, the power supply an ancillary production source and the battery for example).

[081] The first communication interface 420 is able to establish a bidirectional communication with the remote server 160. This first interface 420 is particularly suitable for being connected to the remote server via a wide area network and receiving requests from the remote server. remote server or to send him queries. Thus, it is possible to transmit queries according to the bidirectional data communication flow.

[082] The remote server 160, via the first communication interface 420 of the device 150, may be able to update and set the computer programs executed by the processing unit 410 (and can be stored in the memory 460), of which: the operating system of the processing unit 410; the pilots for operating with the first and second communication interfaces 420, 430; instructions for: o interpreting the data exchanged with the remote server and with the electronic equipment, o performing consumption counting functions of the components of the device and of the electrical device that the module 490 can power.

[083] The remote server 160 can also collect data stored in the memory 460 for example to change the services and offers according to consumer habits and behavior of the user.

[084] In degraded mode, it is possible to provide for integrating a contactless communication module (for example via a near field communication, named in English NFC for "Near Field Communication"). In this case, an external device of a maintenance operator can be used to replace the programs and part of the data of the memory 460 via a near-field communication with the contactless module of the device.

[085] Referring now to Figure 3 which shows an example of installation of the device at a light point of building 110. This light point 145 comprises a bulb associated with a socket (not shown in FIG. ) that is powered by the electrical network of the building. This bulb can in particular be powered by the network via the switch 144.

[086] The device can be integrated at different levels of the light point including: inside the socket, in an intermediate connection element electrically connecting the socket and the bulb, in the base of the electric bulb 145.

[087] For the realization with connection element, it can include: - a first electrical connection with the socket which can be configured in the form of a screw or bayonet base for example, and - a second connection electric with the bulb, in the form of a socket screw or bayonet, to ensure a removable electrical connection between the bulb and the socket.

[088] The switch 144 can in turn be configured to - receive AC power from the power grid (from a network cable 130) and convert it into a DC power supply adapted to feed the device directly. 150.

[089] For this purpose, the switch may comprise an AC / DC converter, which upon detection of the electrical signal supplied by the building's electrical network, automatically converts an AC or DC voltage, according to a DC voltage level adapted for the This embodiment makes it possible to dispense with the presence of an AC / DC converter within the device, which can be advantageous if the device is implemented in a small space, such as in the socket or the socket of the device. a light bulb.

[090] Alternatively, the supply of electrical energy to power the device 150 can be achieved by: AC power from the electrical panel 140, previously charged batteries, preferably with a green energy of the photovoltaic type produced locally if the routing the power distribution network of the energy distributor has failed, a POE Ethernet cable (for "Power Over Ethernet" of 48V).

[091] The switch may further comprise a communication module configured to: communicate data with the device 150 in a bidirectional flow, wired (via the power supply cable between the switch and the device) or by radio channel, in particular to relay the data exchanged between the remote server and the data processing unit 410 of the device 150; transmit requests via the bidirectional flow between the remote server and the device 150. interrogate the consumption data stored in the memory 460 of the device, control the bulb connected to the device by sending the latter instructions for controlling the bulb (setting the bulb on or off, dimming and color if the bulb or device allows it), setting up and updating programs and data stored in memory 460 of the device.

[092] The switch can communicate to the device, by electrical pulses sent via the electrical connection between the switch and the device, or via radio frequency communication (of the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth® or other type), piloting instructions, especially with a view to controlling the lighting of the light bulb 145. The switch thus makes it possible to control the lighting of a light bulb without having to cut off the electrical power supply of the electric device (as would be the case with a conventional switch) . Ultrasonic data communications are not interrupted when the bulb is turned off.

[093] The communication module of the switch can also be configured to communicate according to a wireless link (typically of the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth® type) with other electronic building equipment such as: parameter sensors various (air quality, humidity, temperature, water leak, consumption, etc.), all the parameters measured by these sensors can be interpreted simultaneously to determine contexts of use or detection; and actuators for example shutter, water leak, heating system, etc.

[094] In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the device 150 is implanted in another electrical device of the network, which is the switch 144. This location of the device also makes it possible to exchange ultrasound data with the devices 170a. and 170b so as to provide the user with services offered by the server 160, and this inaudibly and imperceptible visually.

[095] The proposed device is also of economic interest because it allows to keep the infrastructure of the existing electrical network (electrical wiring). Thus, for the deployment of a service platform, the investment would simply involve the installation of an electrical device (socket, bulb, switch, socket, connection element socket-bulb) of the network comprising the device socket.

[096] The implementation solution of this pair of devices (400, 300) consists of a simple way, after making sure of the power off of the installation, to remove the bulb, or even the socket and the existing switch, to replace them with the object of the invention, without modification of the existing wiring, to make the setting and restart the installation.

[097] The device can be embedded in very accessible parts of the electrical network (sockets, bulbs in particular), to be installed and easily connected to the power grid by the user or an installer.

[098] The device can in particular be integrated with old electrical networks, and can benefit from the ultrasonic data communication functions without having to substantially modify the existing electrical installation of the building (electrical network remains unchanged, only the bulb requires to be changed by a light bulb embedding the device in its base for example).

[099] The invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments that are not limiting. Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described by way of example and extends to other variants. For example, the device can be inserted into a meshed lighting network, and create the main communication artery of the building (the "backbone"). It can serve as a gateway between the broadband network with the remote server and local low energy footprint sensors / actuators, as well as human / machine or machine / machine interactions using a local ultrasound-based communication protocol .

Claims (15)

claims An electrical device (150) powered by a building electrical network (130) (110), the apparatus comprising: - a first bidirectional communication interface (420) with a remote server (160); a second bidirectional communication interface (430) with electronic equipment (170a, 170b); a data processing unit (410) configured to exchange data with the remote server and the electronic equipment via the first and the second communication interface; characterized in that the second communication interface is configured to communicate with the electronic equipment according to an ultrasonic communication protocol, and in that the data processing unit interprets: - data received from the remote server and communicates it to the at least one part by ultrasound to the electronic equipment, via the second communication interface; and ultrasonically received data from the electronic equipment communicates at least a portion thereof to the remote server via the first communication interface. 2. Electrical device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second communication interface is adapted to transmit and receive ultrasound in a frequency range between 10 kHz and 10 MHz. 3. Electrical device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the second communication interface comprises: - a speaker (440) adapted to emit ultrasound, and - a microphone (450) adapted to receive ultrasound, such as ultrasound emitted by the electronic equipment. 4. Electrical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it further comprises integration means (10) within a socket for electric bulb. 5. Electrical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it further comprises means of integration (10) to a connection element adapted to be electrically connected with a socket for a light bulb and a electric bulb (145). 6. Electrical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it further comprises integration means (10) in a base bulb (145). 7. Electrical device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises an electromagnetic energy collector (480) configured to collect at least a portion of the electromagnetic energy present in the building and convert it in electrical energy to power the device. 8. System (100) comprising: - an electrical device (150) powered by an electrical network (130) building (110); a remote server (160); an electronic equipment (170a, 170b); the electrical device (150) comprising: - a first bidirectional communication interface (420) with said remote server (160); a second bidirectional communication interface (430) with said electronic equipment (170a, 170b); a data processing unit (410) configured to exchange data with said remote server and said electronic equipment via the first and the second communication interface; characterized in that the electrical device communicates with the electronic equipment according to an ultrasonic communication protocol; and in that the data processing unit interprets: - data received from the remote server and communicates at least a portion by ultrasound to the electronic equipment, via the second communication interface; and - ultrasound data received from the electronic equipment and communicates at least part of it to the remote server, via the first communication interface. 9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises a light bulb (145) of LED type electrically connected to the electrical network of the building through the electrical device. 10. System according to any one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the electrical device is supplied with direct current by the electrical network. The system of any of claims 8 to 10, further comprising an electrical switch (144) electrically connected to the power grid, the switch being configured to send control instructions to the electrical device. 12. The method of controlling a system according to one of claims 8 to 11, the method comprising the steps of: - reception by the electrical device of data of the remote server; - interpretation by the electrical device of the data received from the remote server; - Communication by the electrical device to the electronic equipment of at least a portion of the received data, according to an ultrasonic communication protocol. The method of claim 12, further comprising the steps of: - receiving by the electrical device data from the electronic equipment according to the ultrasonic communication protocol; - interpretation by the electrical device of the data received from the electronic equipment; - Communication by the electrical device to the remote server of the data received from the electronic equipment. 14. The method of control any one of claims 12 and 13, further comprising a step of ultrasonic frequency detection by the electrical device and a step of identifying at least one ultrasound frequency by the electrical device corresponding to a frequency ultrasonic communication of electronic equipment. 15. Computer program product comprising instructions for implementing the method according to one of claims 12 to 14, when the program is executed by a data processing unit such as a processor.