FR3083941A1 - WIRELESS TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

The system (600) of bidirectional wireless communication comprises: - at least one terminal (610) for detecting an energetically autonomous risk and - a member (605) communicating with each terminal, said system having a star topology with for centers the communicating organ. In embodiments, at least one detection terminal (610) and the member (605) each comprise a communication means (615, 620) configured to transmit signals modulated according to LoRa modulation or according to FSK modulation .

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a two-way wireless communication system. It applies, in particular, to fire detection.

STATE OF THE ART

In current alarm systems, equipped with energetically autonomous risk detection terminals, one usually chooses to implement a network topology ("mesh") connecting each device of the system to the other devices nearby.

These systems have several advantages: the communication is more robust because there are several ways to connect two points of the network, in particular. In addition, due to the greater proximity between the points, the power necessary to connect two close points is less than the power necessary to connect, imagining that it is possible, two distant points without requiring jumps from device close to device close.

However, in the context of the alarm system, regular maintenance must be ensured to verify that the terminal batteries are still available. However, in a networked topology, because the paths to transfer information are not unique, the batteries of the terminals are drained at different rates. This results in a regular need for maintenance, even though the batteries of some terminals can last, nominally, for years.

Thus, there is no system to limit the need for human intervention time to maintain such systems.

On the other hand, the standards currently in force with regard to the maintenance of such systems require that the operator of an alarm system be notified at least one month before the failure of an electric battery.

Today, to transmit such a notification, or carry out preventive maintenance, a range calculation is carried out for each item of equipment powered by electric batteries.

The main disadvantage of this method is that the frequency of maintenance for different battery powered devices may be different. In addition, current systems require, regardless of this maintenance frequency, an excessively high maintenance frequency representing a significant cost for the operator.

The current standard EN54-25 obliges the systems that the batteries last a minimum of 36 months, the current systems having a lifespan around this duration.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

To this end, the present invention relates to a bidirectional wireless communication system which comprises:

- at least one energetically autonomous risk detection terminal and

- an organ communicating with each terminal, said system having a star topology with the communicating organ at its center.

Thanks to these provisions, the energy consumption is more homogeneous between the terminals, which makes it possible to carry out a single battery maintenance phase for a set of terminals.

In embodiments, at least one detection terminal and the member each include a communication means configured to transmit signals modulated according to LoRa modulation or according to FSK modulation.

These embodiments increase the effective range of communication between the organ and each terminal considered.

In embodiments, the transmission power of each means of communication has an upper limit lower than the maximum transmission power of each means of communication.

These embodiments make it possible to limit the overall energy consumption of the system.

In embodiments, the transmission power of each means of communication is fixed.

These embodiments make it possible to know in advance a need for maintenance as a function of the amount of energy in each battery, which is initially identical, and of the fixed transmission power. Indeed, these embodiments give the system an energy determinism, which simplifies the calculation of battery life and facilitates the estimation of the life of the system before any maintenance is required.

In embodiments, the member comprises:

- transmission means configured to periodically transmit a synchronization signal and

- a means for receiving a reset signal from the system, the communication means being configured to send a reset signal when such a signal is received by the reception means.

In embodiments, at least one terminal comprises:

- a means of transmitting an alarm signal to the intermediate body and

- a means of receiving a reset signal, the emission of the alarm signal being interrupted upon reception of a reset signal.

In embodiments, the communicating member comprises means for controlling the emission of a synchronization signal configured to control such a transmission as soon as the communicating member is energized.

In embodiments, at least one terminal comprises:

- a means of receiving a synchronization signal and

- a means of placing the terminal on standby, for a first determined duration, when no signal is received after a second determined duration.

These embodiments limit the energy consumption of each said terminal.

In embodiments, the standby means is configured to iteratively increase the second duration determined at each standby.

In embodiments, at least one said terminal comprises a counter for a number of iterations of standby after a second determined duration and a means for transmitting a signal to the communicating member, representative of 'a desynchronization of the terminal, the communicating member being configured to emit at least one synchronization signal for an extended period compared to signals emitted by default.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other advantages, aims and particular characteristics of the invention will emerge from the following non-limiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the device, system and method which are the subject of the present invention, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein :

FIG. 1 represents, diagrammatically and in the form of a flowchart, a succession of steps of a first particular embodiment of the method which is the subject of the present invention,

FIG. 2 schematically represents an illustrative timing diagram of the process which is the subject of the present invention,

FIG. 3 represents, diagrammatically, an illustrative chronogram of the occupancy of a frequency band by the implementation of the method which is the subject of the present invention,

FIG. 4 represents, diagrammatically and in the form of a flowchart, a succession of steps of a second particular embodiment of the method which is the subject of the present invention,

FIG. 5 represents, schematically and in the form of a flow diagram, a particular succession of steps of the device which is the subject of the present invention,

FIG. 6 schematically represents a first particular embodiment of the system which is the subject of the present invention, and

- Figure 7 shows, schematically, a second particular embodiment of the system object of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

This description is given without limitation, each characteristic of an embodiment can be combined with any other characteristic of any other embodiment in an advantageous manner.

We note now that the figures are not to scale.

"Risk detection terminal" means a device fitted with a sensor representing a value representative of a physical quantity or an actuator.

By "energetically autonomous" is meant that the terminal is provided with an autonomous electrical power source, such as a battery. This autonomy can optionally also be ensured by a means of producing electrical energy via a dedicated peripheral, such as a solar panel for example.

By "communicating organ" is meant any device capable of being connected to a terminal by a radio communication link. This body may or may not be supplied autonomously. This communicating organ can be an alarm center or an intermediate organ responsible for relaying, by wire or wireless means, a risk detection to an alarm center.

It is noted that the system targeted by the present invention may include several terminals communicating with a communicating member.

It is noted that the system targeted by the present invention may include several communicating members. Each communicating member is then associated with at least one terminal.

FIG. 1, which is not to scale, shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the method 100 which is the subject of the present invention. This wireless communication method 100 between at least one energetically autonomous risk detection terminal and a member communicating with each terminal, comprises, iteratively and for each terminal:

a first step 105 of wireless transmission, by the terminal, of a message intended for the communicating member on a band surrounding a first frequency,

a first step 110 of putting the terminal into standby,

a first step 115 of waking up the terminal after a determined standby time,

a first step 120 of wireless transmission, by the terminal, of a message intended for the communicating member on a band surrounding a second frequency,

a second step 125 of placing the terminal on standby,

a second step 130 of waking up the terminal after a determined standby time,

a second step 135 of wireless transmission, by the terminal, of a message intended for the communicating member on the band surrounding the first frequency,

a third step 140 of placing the terminal on standby,

a third step 145 of waking up the terminal after a determined standby time,

a second step 150 of wireless transmission, by the terminal, of a message intended for the communicating member on the band surrounding the second frequency,

a fourth step 155 of putting the terminal on standby and

a fourth step 160 of waking the terminal after a determined standby time, the time interval between two iterations being less than three hundred seconds.

In preferred embodiments, the method 100 which is the subject of the present invention implements, for at least one transmission step, 105, 120, 135 and / or 150, the LoRa or FSK modulation (for “Frequency Shift Keying> >, translated by “modulation by frequency shift”).

The process illustrated in Figure 1 shows, in particular, how the detection of a loss of radio link between a terminal and the organ is ensured. As can be understood, the method 100 performs a plurality of cycles composed of waking up, transmitting and then putting on standby steps. It is the failure to receive a message sent by a terminal, at the organ level, which triggers the detection of a broken radio link.

Each transmission step, 105, 120, 135 and 150, is carried out, for example, by the use of an antenna chosen and configured to transmit according to the transmission protocol on the physical layer LoRa, to be distinguished from the LoRaWAN protocol. Each transmission step, 105, 120, 135 and 150, can be performed by a single antenna or by a separate antenna. In variants, each emission step, 105, 120, 135 and 150, according to an identical given frequency band, implements a single antenna.

Each transmission step, 105, 120, 135 and 150, is triggered, for example, by the use of a radio transceiver of the terminal, this transceiver being associated with a microcontroller on board the terminal.

The terminal is configured to send a message at a determined time as a function of an internal clock preferentially synchronized with the rest of the system.

In preferred embodiments, the interval between two transmission steps, 105, 120, 135 and 140, is identical and less than seventy-five seconds. In preferred embodiments, each interval is equal to seventy seconds.

Each emission stage, 105, 120, 135 and 150, is thus preferably spaced in time by a determined and regular time interval between each emission stage, 105, 120, 135 and 150.

Each transmission step, 105, 120, 135 and 150, is alternated between two frequency bands so as to make the transmission robust without exceeding the occupation time authorized for a frequency band by the regulations.

Thus, the first emission steps, 105 and 120, are carried out respectively on two bands and the second emission steps, 135 and 150, are respectively carried out on these two bands.

These two bands correspond, for example, to frequency bands surrounding the frequencies of 868 MHz and 433 MHz.

It is thus understood that a terminal transmits, for example:

- a first time on the band surrounding the frequency of 868 MHz,

- a first time on the band surrounding the frequency of 433 MHz,

- a second time on the band surrounding the frequency of 868 MHz and

- a second time on the band surrounding the frequency of 433 MHz.

In embodiments, at least one step 105, 120, 135, 140 of transmission is carried out in a narrow band channel whose bandwidth is between twenty-five and seventy-five kilohertz. Preferably, this channel has a bandwidth of fifty kilohertz.

In embodiments, during at least one step 105, 120, 135, 140 of transmission, the terminal transmits an identifier representative of a group of terminals. This identifier is coded, for example, on three bytes.

To limit the use of the energy available at a terminal, each transmission step, 105, 120, 135 and 150, is preceded by an awakening step, 160, 115, 130 and 145, and succeeded a standby step, 110, 125, 140 and 155.

This standby state can correspond to:

- a state of deactivation of a terminal operating system,

- a simple standby state where certain hardware components of the terminal are stopped by specific signals where

- a preferential state of hibernation, also called hibernation where the terminal is switched off while all the RAM is copied to a non-volatile computer memory to be used during an awakening step, 160, 115, 130 and 145.

Preferably, each standby step, 110, 125, 140 and 155 is triggered immediately after the completion of the preceding emission step, 105, 120, 135 and 150.

Each wake-up step, 160, 115, 130 and 145, is configured to be performed at an instant corresponding to the determined transmission instant from which a determined duration corresponding to a duration of initialization, or wake-up, of the terminal is subtracted. . Thus, if the transmission steps, 105, 120, 135 and 150, are periodic then, in principle, each wake-up step, 160, 115, 130 and 145, is also periodic according to the same period.

Preferably, each interval between a step, 115, 130, 145 and 160, of waking up and a step, 110, 125, 140 and 155, of successive standby is less than one hundred and forty milliseconds. Preferably, this interval is less than one hundred and fourteen milliseconds.

This duration corresponds, for example, to the physical duration chosen or necessary to transmit a message as configured in the system.

As will be understood, each iteration of the method 100 implements four cycles during which the terminal performs a wake-up step, 115, 130, 145 and 160, a transmit step, 105, 120, 135 and 150, and a standby step, 110, 125, 140 and 155. Each cycle is formed, in addition to these steps specific to the terminal, of the rest of the duration between two iterations of the steps specific to the terminal. When between each emission step 105, 120, 135 and 150, a time interval of seventy seconds is scheduled, the cycle lasts seventy seconds.

To improve the overall synchronization of the system, the method preferably comprises, between two steps, 105, 120 and 135, 140, of transmission by the terminal:

a step 170 of transmission by the communicating member of a synchronization signal

a step 171 of reception of the synchronization signal by the terminal and

a step 175 of synchronization, by the terminal, with the transmitted signal.

In variants, the transmission 170 and synchronization steps 175 are carried out only once by iteration of the method 100. In other variants, the transmission 170 and synchronization steps 175 are carried out once every two or more iterations of the process 100.

The transmission step 170 is carried out, for example, by the implementation of an antenna of the communicating member chosen and configured to transmit according to the transmission protocol on the physical layer LoRa.

The reception step 171 is carried out, for example, by the implementation of a terminal antenna.

The synchronization step 175 is carried out, for example, by recording a clock value at the terminal level based on a clock value included in the synchronization signal.

In embodiments of the method 100, between at least two energetically autonomous risk detection terminals and a member communicating with each terminal, in which a start time for the steps of the method 100 is offset, for each terminal, in the time of a time offset value determined so that no terminal transmits simultaneously. This time offset value is preferably equal to two seconds.

We observe, in FIG. 2, schematically, the signal transmissions carried out by a terminal 200 on two frequency bands, 215 and 220, over time 230, corresponding to the method 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. Thus, the terminal 200 transmits:

- a first time on the band surrounding the first frequency band 215,

- a first time on the band surrounding the second frequency band 220, after an interval 205 of time following the transmission on the first frequency band 215,

- a second time on the band surrounding the first frequency band 215, after the same time interval 205 following the emission on the second frequency band 215,

- a second time on the band surrounding the second frequency band 220, after the same interval 205 of time following the transmission on the first frequency band 215.

To symbolize the detection of a risk, the emission 225 of an alarm signal on the two frequency bands is also shown.

It is therefore noted that two successive transmissions on a frequency band are separated 210 by twice the value of the interval between two successive transmissions.

FIG. 3 schematically shows an emission cycle from the point of view of the communicating organ. This communicating member successively receives, at regular intervals 340, a signal, 301, 302, 303, 304, 331 and 332, from each terminal associated with said communicating member. The transmission of a synchronization signal 345 is also shown.

In embodiments, not shown, the method 100 which is the subject of the present invention comprises a step of detecting a connection break between the member and a terminal as a function of the absence of reception of a signal to be transmitted. through said terminal.

In these embodiments, the communicating member receives the signals transmitted by each terminal, on each frequency band, and measures the duration of time between two transmitted signals. If after a predetermined period of time, no message has been received by the communicating organ, the communicating organ determines that a link break has occurred. Preferably, this predetermined duration corresponds to a duration representative of a plurality of wake-up-transmission-standby cycles of the terminal. Preferably, this predetermined duration is less than three hundred seconds.

The detection of a link break is therefore particularly robust because it is redundant over time, due to the two transmissions per frequency band, and in frequency, due to the two frequency bands.

In embodiments, not shown, the method 100 which is the subject of the present invention comprises a step of transmitting an alert signal when a link break is detected by the communicating member.

We also observe, in Figure 1, the consequences of the detection of a risk by a terminal on the communication between the terminal and the organ. When such a detection takes place, the method 100 comprises a step 165 of transmitting an alarm signal, by the terminal, on the two bands successively.

This transmission step 165 can be repeated on a first band in the absence of reception of an acknowledgment signal transmitted by the communicating member before being repeated on a second band. As soon as an acknowledgment signal is received, the terminal stops performing the transmission step 165.

In embodiments, the sending step 165 is carried out up to five times on one band before being carried out up to five times on the other band, in the absence of reception of a message d 'acquittal.

This transmission step 165 implements, for example, an antenna controlled by a radio transceiver associated with a microcontroller of the terminal. This antenna is configured to transmit on both bands.

Preferably, the terminal waits for an acknowledgment signal, emitted by the communicating member, before stopping the emission of alarm signals. Thus, this alarm signal transmission can take place thus, in an iterative manner: the terminal emits an alarm signal and waits, for a determined duration, an acknowledgment of receipt, this determined duration being greater than the determined duration of the 'previous iteration.

In preferred embodiments, when an operator acknowledges the alarm and rearms the system from the alarm center, by entering an access code for example, a command is sent to all the communicating members and then to the terminals . When the communicating device receives this reset command, the device sends a specific synchronization signal comprising a code different from the reset signal signals transmitted elsewhere.

When a terminal receives such a synchronization signal, the emission of an alarm signal is stopped. However, if a terminal sensor always detects the presence of a risk, such as smoke for example, when the terminal is awake, an alarm signal is always issued immediately. Thus, it is possible that the terminal receives the synchronization signal comprising a reset code, that the alarm signal ceases to be emitted and that an alarm signal is immediately emitted again. This is the case, for example, with manual detectors that require a tool to be reset.

In preferred embodiments, resetting the system corresponds to switching off the system and then switching on again. In these embodiments, the communicating member is configured to emit, as soon as the power is turned on, and periodically, a synchronization signal.

However, it may happen that this synchronization signal is not transmitted at a clock time compatible with the step of receiving the synchronization signal from at least one terminal.

Preferably, at least one terminal is configured to, when no synchronization signal is received during the stage of reception of the synchronization signal, cause an anticipation of the stage of successive standby.

Preferably, at least one terminal is configured to, when no synchronization signal is received during the reception step, increase the wake-up time of the next reception step.

Preferably, at least one terminal is configured to, when no synchronization signal is received after a determined number of reception steps, carry out a step of transmitting a signal, intended for the communicating member, representative a desynchronization of the terminal.

Upon receipt of such a signal, the communicating device is then configured to extend the duration of transmission of the synchronization signal.

Such embodiments make it possible not to have to keep a permanent radio link between the communicating member and each terminal.

FIG. 4, which is not to scale, shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the method 400 which is the subject of the present invention. This wireless communication method 400 between at least one terminal for detecting an energetically autonomous risk and a member communicating with each terminal, comprises, in an iterative manner:

a step 405 of transmission by the communicating member of a synchronization signal,

a primary step 410 of waking up the terminal,

a step 411 of reception of the synchronization signal by the terminal,

a step 415 of synchronization, by the terminal, of a clock and of an oscillation frequency of a quartz resonator without temperature compensation of said terminal with the received signal,

a primary step 420 of putting the terminal on standby,

a secondary step 425 of waking up the terminal,

a step 430 of wireless transmission, by the terminal, of a message intended for the communicating member, and

a secondary step 435 of putting the terminal on standby.

In embodiments, at least one step 405 of transmission and / or a step 430 of emission implements LoRa or FSK modulation.

The transmission step 405 is carried out, for example, by an antenna of the communicating member. This transmission step 405 can be carried out on a band surrounding a determined frequency or on a plurality of bands each surrounding a distinct determined frequency.

The synchronization signal is thus emitted as a function of a determined frequency and of a determined clock signal. This clock signal is determined, for example, as a function of a clock signal internal to the communicating organ. This clock signal is preferably obtained from a temperature compensated crystal oscillator, also known by the abbreviation of TCXO (for "Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscilator").

Thus, preferably, the transmitted synchronization signal presents frequency and clock information based on a temperature compensated crystal oscillator. These two parameters serve as a reference for each terminal in the system.

The primary wake-up step 410 and the secondary wake-up step 425 are performed in a similar manner to the wake-up step 115 as described with reference to FIG. 1.

The synchronization step 415 is performed, for example, similarly to the synchronization step 175 as described with reference to FIG. 1.

In variants, the synchronization step 415 comprises:

- a step 440 of measuring a frequency drift of the terminal resonator,

a step 445 of modifying the frequency of the resonator as a function of a measured drift value,

a step 446 of measuring a drift in clock time of the terminal resonator and

a step 447 of modifying the clock of the resonator as a function of a measured drift value.

The measurement step 440 is performed, for example, by an electronic control circuit comparing the transmission frequency of the terminal and the frequency of the synchronization signal. Such an electronic control circuit is typically present in a radio transceiver.

Modification step 445 is carried out by resonating the terminal's quartz resonator with the frequency of the synchronization signal.

This step 445 is preferably carried out when the drift measured is greater than a determined limit value.

The primary standby step 420 and the secondary standby step 435 are performed in a similar manner to the standby step 110 as described with reference to FIG. 1.

The emission step 430 is carried out in a similar manner to emission 105 as described with reference to FIG. 1.

In preferred variants, at each iteration, the emission step 430 is performed alternately between two bands each surrounding a determined and distinct frequency. Such a variant is illustrated in FIG. 2 and described with reference to the same figure.

In embodiments, at least one step 430 of transmission is carried out in a narrow band channel whose bandwidth is between twenty-five and seventy-five kilohertz.

In embodiments, the interval between two synchronization and / or transmission steps 415 is identical and less than seventy-five seconds. In preferred embodiments, each interval is equal to seventy seconds.

In embodiments, each interval between a secondary waking step 425 and a secondary waking step 435 is less than one hundred and forty milliseconds. In preferred embodiments, each interval is equal to one hundred and fourteen milliseconds.

When the method 400 is carried out between several terminals and the communicating member, in the preferred embodiments:

each terminal simultaneously performs step 415 of synchronization,

each terminal performs the transmission step 430 after a different determined time offset value so that no terminal transmits simultaneously.

By the simultaneous realization of the synchronization step 415 is meant the fact that the terminals wake up at an identical given time, and based on their own internal clock. For example, seventy seconds after the last primary wake-up step, the terminals wake up. This allows, in a single time slot, to synchronize all the terminals. The communicating organ, here, transmits only one synchronization signal.

Conversely, in these embodiments, each terminal transmits at a different clock time so as to avoid signal collisions. This clock time is specific to each terminal, and can be specified during the construction or during the deployment of the system by emission of an initial configuration signal by the communicating member, in which each terminal receives a clock time d 'different transmission or a number multiplied by a time constant, such as two seconds, to obtain a date for carrying out a transmission step with respect to the clock.

Schematically, in a system with thirty-two terminals for a communicating member, each terminal is associated with a number k from 1 to 32. Each terminal then transmits to a clock signal, since the last synchronization step 415 equal to k multiplied by a time offset value. This time offset value is, for example, a multiple of two seconds. Preferably, this time offset value is two seconds.

FIG. 5 illustrates this embodiment. In FIG. 5, the system 500 object of the present invention is observed, comprising:

a communicating member 505 transmitting a single synchronization signal 525 received by each terminal, 510, 515 and 520 and

- the three terminals, 510, 515 and 520, each emitting a signal, 530, 535 and 540, of separate communication and delayed in time.

FIG. 6 schematically shows a particular embodiment of the system 600 which is the subject of the present invention. This wireless bidirectional communication system 600 comprises:

- at least one terminal 610 for detecting an autonomous energetic risk and

- an organ 605 communicating with each terminal, said system having a star topology with the communicating organ at its center.

Each terminal 610 corresponds, for example, to one of the terminals described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, such as one of the terminals, 510, 515 or 520, as described with reference to FIG. 5.

Likewise, the communicating member 605 corresponds, for example, to one of the terminals described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, such as the communicating member 505 as described with reference to FIG. 5.

It will be recalled that in a star network topology, the network equipment is connected to a central hardware system, known as a "node", here the communicating member 605. This node has the role of ensuring communication between the various equipment of the network. In practice, the central equipment can be a concentrator (in English "hub"), a switch (in English "switch") or a router (in English "router").

Here, therefore, each terminal 610 communicates directly, and only, with the communicating member 605.

In embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 6, at least one detection terminal 610 and the member 605 each have communication means 615 and 620 configured to transmit signals modulated according to LoRa modulation or according to the FSK modulation.

Such embodiments are described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Each means, 615 and 620, of communication is, for example, a radio transceiver.

In embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 6, the transmission power of each means of communication, 615 or 620, has an upper limit lower than the maximum transmission power of each means of communication.

The maximum transmission power corresponds, for example, to the maximum power as provided by the manufacturer of the communication means, 615 and 620. The terminal is preferably common to all means, 615 and 620, of communication. Preferably, the transmission power of each means, 615 and 620, of communication is fixed.

The transmission power is preferably chosen so that the devices do not transmit beyond the normative limits, whatever the channels chosen for the configuration on site. This emission value is called PAR, for “effective radiated power”, and must for example be less than 10mW in certain channels of the 868 MHz band.

Some channels allow 25mW for example (see more for some of them), but for the sake of simplification the smallest common value can be kept.

The distribution of the powers authorized in the channels is given by the document ERC / REC 70-03 published by the European Union, for example. This document harmonizes over time the historical use of these frequencies in each country of the union. The choice of a fixed power makes it possible to guarantee a PAR of less than 10mW, for example of the order of 4 mW, without an installer having to ask questions about the choice of his channels.

These provisions make it possible to predict a need to change the batteries of the 610 terminals.

In embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 6, the member 605 comprises:

- transmission means 615 configured to transmit, periodically, a synchronization signal and

- A means 615 for receiving a reset signal from the system, the communication means being configured to transmit a reset signal when such a signal is received by the reception means.

Preferably, the means 615 of transmission, the means 615 of reception and the means 615 of communication of the member 605 are combined. In variants, at least one of these means is distinct from the others.

The receiving means 615 is, in variants, configured to be connected to a cable and connected to an alarm center.

The operation of this embodiment is described with reference to FIG. 1.

In embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 6, at least one terminal 610 comprises:

a means 620 for transmitting an alarm signal in the direction of the intermediate body and

a means 620 for receiving a rearming signal, the emission of the alarm signal being interrupted upon reception of a rearming signal.

Preferably, the transmission means 620, the reception means 620 and the communication means 620 of said terminal 610 are combined. In variants, at least one of these means is distinct from the others.

The operation of this embodiment is described with reference to FIG. 1.

In embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 6, the communicating member 605 comprises a means 625 for controlling the emission of a synchronization signal configured to control such transmission as soon as the member is tensioned. communicating.

This tensioning can constitute a reset signal.

In embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 6, at least one terminal 610 comprises:

a means 620 for receiving a synchronization signal and

a means 630 for putting the terminal 610 on standby, for a first determined duration, when no signal is received after a second determined duration.

Preferably, the means 620 for receiving a synchronization signal and the means 620 for communication of said terminal 610 are combined.

The standby means 630 is, for example, an electronic circuit for controlling the terminal 610.

In embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 6, the standby means 630 is configured to iteratively increase the second duration determined at each standby.

In embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 6, at least one said terminal 610 comprises a counter 635 of a number of iterations of standby after a second determined duration and a means 620 for transmitting a signal to the communicating member 605, representative of a desynchronization of the terminal, the communicating member being configured to transmit at least one synchronization signal for an extended period compared to signals transmitted by default.

The transmission means 620 of a signal representative of a desynchronization is preferably merged with the communication means 620 of said terminal 610.

FIG. 7 shows schematically an embodiment of the system 700 which is the subject of the present invention. This system 700 for switching power between two batteries, 705 and 710, electric comprises:

- a first electric capacitor 715 connecting the ground to:

- a first resistor 720 connected to:

the source of a first insulated gate field effect transistor 725, hereinafter "MOSFET", and

- a power supply 730 configured to be connected to a positive terminal of a first electric battery 705,

- the grid of the first MOSFET 725 and the drain of a second

MOSFET 735,

the source of the second MOSFET 735 being connected to ground and the gate of the second MOSFET 735 being connected to the gate of a third MOSFET 740,

- an output 745 of electricity supply being connected to the source of the third MOSFET 740,

the drain of the first MOSFET 725 being connected to the drain of a fourth MOSFET 755, the source of the fourth MOSFET 755 being connected to the output of electricity supply, the grid of the fourth MOSFET 755 being connected to the grid of a fifth MOSFET 760,

- the source of the fifth MOSFET 760 being connected to ground and the drain of the fifth MOSFET 760 being connected:

- to the grid of a sixth MOSFET 765,

- a second resistor 770 connected to the source of the sixth MOSFET 765 and to a power supply 775 configured to be connected to a positive terminal of a second electric battery and

- a second capacitor 780 arranged in parallel with the second resistor and

the drain of the sixth MOSFET 765 being connected to the drain of the third MOSFET 740,

a seventh MOSFET 800, the source of which is connected to a power supply 805 configured to be connected to a positive terminal of a second electric battery, the grid of which is connected to the drain of an eighth MOSFET 810 and the source of which is connected to the mass,

a third electrical resistance 815 connecting the source of the seventh MOSFET to the grid of the seventh MOSFET and

- The drain of the seventh MOSFET 800 being connected to a fourth resistor 820, this fourth resistor being connected to a fifth resistor 825 connected on the other hand to ground.

In preferred embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 7, at least one MOSFET from:

- the first MOSFET 725,

- the third MOSFET 740,

- the fourth MOSFET 755,

- the sixth MOSFET 765 and / or

- the seventh MOSFET 800 is a P-type MOSFET

In preferred embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 7, at least one MOSFET from:

- the second MOSFET 735,

- the fifth MOSFET 760 and / or

- the eighth MOSFET 810 is a MOSFET of type N.

In preferred embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 7, at least one MOSFET, 725, 735, 740, 755, 760 765, 800, 810 is an enriched MOSFET.

In preferred embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 7, the system 700 object of the present invention comprises a sensor 830 of an electric voltage value between an interconnection of the fourth and fifth resistors, 820 and 825 and the ground.

The sensor 830 can be of any type known to those skilled in the electronic art.

The sensor 830 is, for example, a conventional analog-digital converter.

In preferred embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 7, the system 700 which is the subject of the present invention comprises means 840 for changing the polarization of the second MOSFET 735.

The change of polarization is under the control of a microcontroller 845 and its software, using an all-or-nothing logic output port connected to the gate of the second MOSFET 735. The system then also comprises a polarization change means 850 based on an all-or-nothing signal from another port of the microcontroller 845. The logic state is reversed with respect to the polarization change means 840, which allows switching between the batteries 705 and 710. In variants, only one control signal for this operation is used, since it suffices to invert a logic level. However, preferably, the microcontroller differs slightly in time from deactivation of the polarization change means 840 before activation of the polarization change means 850, so as to prevent the switching time between the batteries from causing an interruption of supply of the microcontroller 845 during the switching operation. This time difference is administered by firmware of the microcontroller 845. This microcontroller 845 does not deactivate the batteries 705 until it is sure that the battery 710 supplies it with power. Hence the preferential use of two different output ports of the 845 microcontroller, managed by the firmware during the step of switching between the batteries.

In preferred embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 7, the system 700 which is the subject of the present invention comprises a microcontroller 845 powered by the output 745 for supplying electricity.

In preferred embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 7, the microcontroller 845 includes means 850 for measuring a supply voltage supplied to said microcontroller.

This measurement is preferably carried out internally in the microcontroller 845, this microcontroller 845 being capable of measuring its own supply voltage by referring to an internal voltage reference which does not depend on the supply voltage.

There is no need for a switching device to measure the output voltage 730 of the batteries since it is these batteries that power the microcontroller 845 at the start. The voltage of the batteries 705 is therefore deduced from the measurement of the voltage 745 supplied in the first operating phase, phase during which the microcontroller 845 can periodically test the state of the battery 710 not yet activated. At the end of the life of the battery 705, the microcontroller 845 switches to the battery 710 thanks to the switching system 840 and 850 to pass to the second phase of life. From this moment, the microcontroller 845 deduces the voltage of the batteries 710 by measuring its supply voltage, as was done with the battery 705 during the first phase of life. The 845 microcontroller therefore no longer uses the measurement device in the second phase of life.

In preferred embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 7, the polarization means 840 is configured to polarize the second MOSFET 735 at a voltage value determined as a function of the measured supply voltage value.

Note that each "battery" described above can correspond to a set of batteries.

When the batteries are inserted, the first battery powers the device connected to the electricity supply outlet for a fixed period. This duration corresponds, for example, to four years.

When the first battery reaches the end of autonomy, that is to say for example that the voltage at its terminals is less than 2.7 volts, the system 700 is configured to switch the power supply to the second battery.

The particular topology of the switch described here is structured around common MOSFET transistors, N channel and P channel. This architecture has the advantage of being low cost and of using components that are easily exchangeable as they are common (unlike integrated components specific), in order to offer various supply possibilities and not to be dependent on possible shortages in future productions.

Below are explained various uses of the system 700 which is the subject of the present invention.

When the batteries, 705 and 710, are installed in housings (not referenced), the first capacitor 715 is discharged and the second MOSFET 735 is blocked (or in an undefined state, which does not matter at that time). The gate of the first MOSFET 725 is therefore pulled towards ground by the first capacitor 715, which puts this first MOSFET 725 in a conduction state (saturation).

The fourth MOSFET 755 is not yet saturated at this time but the intrinsic parasitic diode (not referenced) of this fourth MOSFET 755 makes it possible to present a voltage close to three volts to a device powered by the system 700, such as a microcontroller 845 for example. The voltage drop of the stray diode in the forward direction is of the order of 0.6 volts, but this does not affect the operation of a possible microcontroller 845 at startup, such a microcontroller 845 being able to operate with a voltage also low than 1.8 volts.

At the same time, the second resistor 770 and the second capacitor 780 maintain the gate of the sixth MOSFET 765 at a blocking level, the connection of the battery 710 is therefore isolated. Indeed the second capacitor 780 is discharged and brings the gate potential of the sixth MOSFET 765 to that of the source of the sixth MOSFET 765, which blocks the sixth MOSFET

765. The second resistor 770 permanently discharges any charge which would be present in the second capacitor 780.

The device connected to the system 700 therefore always starts on the first battery 705.

Regarding switching to the first battery:

The first resistor 720 begins to recharge the first capacitor 715 with a time constant preferably long enough, sufficient for the microcontroller to start and quickly force the potential of the gate of the first MOSFET 725 to 0 volts, which maintains this first MOSFET 725 in the saturated state. For this, the microcontroller polarizes the gate of the second MOSFET 735 (channel N) at the voltage available on the supply output 745, which has the collateral consequence of blocking the third MOSFET 740 (channel P, gate potential = source potential). and therefore confirms the electrical isolation of the second battery 710.

The microcontroller then polarizes the gate of the fifth MOSFET 760 (channel N) at 0 volts with the control signal 850, which leaves the sixth MOSFET 765 in the blocked state and at the same time polarizes the gate of the fourth MOSFET 755 at 0 volts. and therefore saturates it, effectively erasing the voltage drop presented by its parasitic diode. The entire voltage of the first battery is therefore available on supply output 745.

At this point, the second MOSFET 735, the first MOSFET 725, and the fourth MOSFET 755 are full, the third MOSFET 740, the fifth MOSFET 760, and the sixth MOSFET 765 are blocked. The electronic switch has selected the first battery 705 as a power source, and the second battery 710 is isolated, until the switching reversal which will take place in several years, under the control of the firmware on the microcontroller, for example .

Note that no current flows in the second resistor 770, the insulation of the second battery therefore does not consume energy.

Regarding the voltage test of the first 705 battery:

When the first battery 705 is the power source of the device connected to the system 700, a microcontroller of the device can continuously check its level, by measuring the voltage value at the supply output 745. This is used for an internal measurement of a voltage reference (called "bandgap" in English) which is insensitive to battery voltage. There is therefore no need for a specific circuit for this operation. The measurement of the voltage value at the supply output 745 makes it possible to decide when the system 700 must switch to the second battery 710.

Regarding the voltage test of the second 710 battery:

During the power supply period on the first battery, the microcontroller firmware of the device can regularly test the presence and the voltage level of the second battery 710, in order to inform the operator of a possible anomaly which could compromise the subsequent switching on the second 710 battery (absence or voltage level too low). To do this, the firmware of the microcontroller activates the measurement bridge constituted by the fourth and fifth resistors 820 and 825, by saturating the seventh MOSFET 800 via the polarization of the eighth MOSFET 810 provided by the control signal 835, coming from a port. output of the microcontroller 845. The voltage measurement system 830 then provides an indication of the state of the second battery 710. This sequence is preferably as short as possible and its periodicity is very long, so as not to unnecessarily alter the reserve capacity of the second battery 710.

The case of switching to the second 710 battery:

When the device (via a microcontroller for example) decides, this device can switch its own power supply to the second battery 710.

For this, the polarization means 850 polarizes the fifth MOSFET 760 at the voltage available on the supply output 745, which causes the saturation of the fifth MOSFET 760 and of the sixth MOSFET 765 (grid at Ov) and the blocking of the fourth MOSFET 755, which remains partially on because of its parasitic diode.

A few moments later, the polarization means 840 polarizes the second MOSFET 735 at Ov, which blocks the first MOSFET 725 (at the end of the recharge time of the first capacitor 715 by the first resistor 720) and passes the third MOSFET 740 in saturation.

At this point, the second MOSFET 735, the first MOSFET 725 and the fourth MOSFET 755 are blocked, the third MOSFET 740, the sixth MOSFET 765 and the fifth MOSFET 760 are saturated.

This time, the second battery 710 supplies the device and the first battery 705 is completely isolated, no risk of the second battery discharging into the first battery. The switchover was carried out without interruption, with a recovery time, causing no risk of stopping the firmware.

The measurement of the voltage of the second battery 710 can then be carried out in the same manner as the measurement of the first battery 705 before switching. Measure 5 of the first battery 705 is not planned after switching, because it is considered to be discharged, therefore unusable anyway.

The battery switching system uses no intrinsic energy. The MOSFET transistors work thanks to the field effect, no energy is necessary to control them, it suffices to present bias voltages îo on their respective gates. Only the leakage currents in the substrates remain, but they are very low.

Claims (10)

1. System (600) bidirectional wireless communication, characterized in that it comprises: - at least one terminal (610) for detecting an energetically autonomous risk and - an organ (605) communicating with each terminal, said system having a star topology with the communicating organ at its center. 2. System (600) according to claim 1, in which at least one detection terminal (610) and the member (605) each comprise a communication means (615, 620) configured to transmit signals modulated according to the LoRa modulation or according to FSK modulation. 3. System (600) according to claim 2, in which the transmission power of each communication means (615, 620) has an upper limit lower than the maximum transmission power of each communication means. 4. System (600) according to claim 3, wherein the transmission power of each means (615, 620) of communication is fixed. 5. System (600) according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the member (605) comprises: - transmission means (615) configured to transmit, periodically, a synchronization signal and - a means (615) for receiving a reset signal from the system, the communication means being configured to transmit a reset signal when such a signal is received by the reception means. 6. System (600) according to claim 5, in which at least one terminal (610) comprises: - a means (620) of transmitting an alarm signal in the direction of the intermediate body and - a means (620) for receiving a reset signal, the emission of the alarm signal being interrupted upon reception of a reset signal. 7. System (600) according to one of claims 5 or 6, in which the communicating member (605) comprises means (625) for controlling the transmission of a synchronization signal configured to control such transmission from the tensioning of the communicating organ. 8. System (600) according to one of claims 5 to 7, in which at least one terminal (610) comprises: - a means (620) for receiving a synchronization signal and - A means (630) for placing the terminal (610) on standby, for a first determined duration, when no signal is received after a second determined duration. 9. System (600) according to claim 8, in which the standby means (630) is configured to iteratively increase the second duration determined at each standby. 10. System (600) according to one of claims 8 or 9, in which at least one said terminal (610) comprises a counter (635) of a number of iterations of standby after a second determined duration and a means (620) for transmitting a signal to the communicating member (605), representative of a desynchronization of the terminal, the communicating member being configured to transmit at least one synchronization signal for an extended period relative to to signals sent by default.