FR3112055A1 - HOME AUTOMATION PROCESS AND DEVICE FOR DATA TRANSFER BETWEEN A FIRST AND A SECOND RADIO COMMUNICATION NETWORK - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and a home automation device (100) intended to be placed in a building for the transfer of data between a first radio communication network and a second radio communication network. According to the invention: the quality of reception of signals on the first network is determined (205), the quality of reception of signals on the second network is determined (206), a man-machine interface (208) is controlled to notify if the quality of reception on the two radio communication networks makes it possible to transfer data between the two networks, local data from a sensor or commands from an actuator (207) are picked up (207), transfers (205, 206 ) data from the first network to the second network in association with the local data. Fig. 2

Description

METHOD AND HOME AUTOMATION DEVICE FOR THE TRANSFER OF DATA BETWEEN A FIRST AND A SECOND RADIO COMMUNICATION NETWORK

The present invention relates to a method for the transfer, by a home automation device intended to be placed in a building or in the immediate vicinity of the building, of data between a first radio communication network and a second radio communication network.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

Radio communication networks such as home networks are intended to cover small areas such as homes or work spaces. Gateways between the home network and extended radio networks make it possible to transmit or receive data to remote computer terminals. These terminals are, for example, the smartphones of the occupants of the dwelling or of the people carrying out an activity in the workspace.

Thus an individual, when he is outside the coverage area of the home network, can control the various domestic equipment connected to the home network or be informed of the various events that appear in the coverage area of the home network.

Low-power wide area networks are increasingly used for external data exchange. Wide area networks with low consumption allow radio communications that consume little electrical energy.

Unfortunately, low-power WAN radio signals are severely attenuated in some buildings.

The level or quality of the radio signals received by the gateway varies greatly depending on the location of the gateway in the building.

It is therefore difficult to choose a good location to install the gateway.

The present invention thus aims to provide a new type of home automation device which acts both as a gateway and as a sensor or actuator and which allows an occupant of the area covered by the home network to determine a good location to install said home automation device.

To this end, according to a first aspect, the invention proposes a home automation device intended to be placed in a building for the transfer of data between a first radio communication network and a second radio communication network, the first radio communication network being a home network, the second radio communication network being a low-power wide area network, characterized in that the home automation device comprises:

• means for determining the quality of reception of signals on the first radio communication network,
• means for determining the quality of reception of signals on the second radio communication network,
• means for controlling a man-machine interface to notify whether the quality of reception on the two radio communication networks makes it possible to transfer data between the first radio communication network and the second radio communication network,
• a sensor delivering local data or an actuator receiving at least one command,
• means for transferring data from the first radio communication network to the second radio communication network in association with the local data.

The invention also relates to a method for transferring data between a first radio communication network and a second radio communication network, the first radio communication network being a home network, the second radio communication network being a wide area low-frequency network. consumption, characterized in that the method is executed by a home automation device intended to be placed in a building and comprises the steps of:

- determination of the quality of reception of signals on the first radio communication network,

- determination of the quality of reception of signals on the second radio communication network,

- control of a man-machine interface to notify whether the quality of reception on the two radio communication networks makes it possible to transfer data between the first radio communication network and the second radio communication network,

- obtaining a local data sensor or at least one actuator command,

- transfer of local data from the first radio communication network to the second radio communication network.

Thus, the notification of the quality of reception on the two radio communication networks allows an individual to choose the best location to install the home automation device. In addition, the home automation device, by integrating both the gateway and sensor or actuator functionality, simplifies the installation of the home network in the building.

For example, the home automation device integrates gateway and alarm siren functionality. If the home automation device is placed, like many alarm sirens, outside the building, the quality of the signals from the low-power wide area network is increased.

For example, the home automation device integrates the functionality of a gateway and pressure sensor of a hot water supply. If the home automation device is placed on a floor of the building, the quality of the signals of the low-power wide area network is increased.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the home automation device further comprises:

- means for obtaining data from at least one other home automation device connected to the first communication network, means for transferring data obtained from at least one other device.

According to a particular mode of the invention, the device further comprises:

means for receiving a message from the second radio communication network,

means for executing local processing of the message received and for controlling the transfer to the first radio communication network of the message received.

Thus, the control of the home automation installation is independent of an Internet gateway type telecommunications link, of the configuration of the Internet gateway which can change over time (SSID Wifi, Network key). The user can order the installation even if the internet installation subscription is not active.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the home automation device further comprises means for detecting a local event, and means for obtaining, activated upon detection of the local event, data from the first radio communication network .

Thus, the sensor/actuator of the device can be used without a WiFi-type local area network.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the sensor is a pressure or temperature or presence sensor or the actuator is an alarm siren.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the first communication network is an X3D home network or a Zigbee-type communication network and the second communication network is a low-power wide area network such as a LoRa or Sigfox type network. .

The invention also relates to computer programs stored on an information medium, said programs comprising instructions making it possible to implement the methods described above, when they are loaded and executed by a computer system.

The characteristics of the invention mentioned above, as well as others, will appear more clearly on reading the following description of an exemplary embodiment, said description being made in relation to the attached drawings, among which:

represents a building in which the present invention is implemented;

represents an architecture of the home automation device according to the present invention;

represents a first example of an algorithm executed by the home automation device according to the present invention;

represents a second example of an algorithm executed by the home automation device according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 shows a building in which the present invention is implemented.

Building 10 has a home automation system to control the opening of window screening devices and/or to control the building's heating means and/or to control an anti-intrusion alarm system, etc.

The building 10 is in the coverage area of a first radio communication network 15. The first communication network is a home network such as for example a communication network marketed by the applicant under the trade name X3D or a communication network Zigbee type.

The building 10 is partially in the coverage area of a second radio communication network 25. The second communication network is an extended low-power network such as for example a LoRa or Sigfox type network.

Certain parts of the building 10 are not in the coverage area of the second radio communication network 25. For example, the quality of reception of the radio signals of the second communication network in the rooms located on the ground floor of the building 10 does not does not allow communication with the second radio communication network.

On the other hand, the quality of reception of the radio signals of the second communication network in the rooms located upstairs or in the attic of building 10 makes it possible to communicate with the second radio communication network. The same is true for the exterior of Building 10.

According to the present invention, during the installation of the home automation device, the home automation device:

• determines the quality of reception of signals on the first radio communication network,
• determines the quality of reception of signals on the second radio communication network,
• controls a man-machine interface to notify whether the quality of reception on the two radio communication networks makes it possible to transfer data between the first radio communication network and the second radio communication network,
• obtains local data from a sensor or at least one command from an actuator and transfers local data from the first radio communication network to the second.

The person having to install the home automation device 100 can choose the best location to install the home automation device 100.

In the example of Fig. 1, the home automation device 100a includes an alarm siren and is placed outside the building 10.

In the example of Fig. 1, the home automation device 100c includes an alarm siren and is placed outside the building 10 against a wall of the building 10.

In the example of Fig. 1, alternatively, the home automation device 100b comprises a heating control device or a pressure sensor and is placed on the floor of the building 10.

Fig. 2 represents a home automation device architecture according to the present invention.

The home automation device 100 comprises:

- a processor, microprocessor, or microcontroller 200;

- A volatile RAM 202;

- a ROM memory 203;

- a first communication interface COM1 205 for transmitting and receiving data on the first radio communication network;

- a second communication interface COM2 206 for transmitting and receiving data on the second radio communication network;

- a CAP/ACT 207 sensor or actuator:

- an HMI 208 man-machine interface.

- a communication bus 201 connecting the processor 200 to the ROM memory 203, to the RAM memory 202, to the human-machine interface HMI 208, to the sensor or to the actuator 207 and to the communication interfaces 205 and 207.

The processor 200 is capable of executing instructions loaded into the volatile memory 202 from the ROM memory 203, from an external memory (not shown), from a storage medium. When home automation device 100 is powered up, processor 200 is able to read instructions from volatile memory 203 and execute them. These instructions form a computer program which causes the implementation, by the processor 200, of all or part of the method described in relation to Figs. 3 and 4.

All or part of the method described in relation to Figs. 3 and 4 can be implemented in software form by execution of a set of instructions by a programmable machine, such as a DSP ( Digital Signal Processor in English or Digital Signal Processing Unit in French) or a microcontroller or be implemented in hardware form by a dedicated machine or component, such as an FPGA ( Field-Programmable Gate Array in English or Matrice de Portes Programmable sur le Terrain in French) or an ASIC ( Application- Specific Integrated Circuit in English or Specific Integrated Circuit) to an Application in French).

The home automation device 100 is supplied with electrical energy by the electrical energy supply network of the building or by a battery and/or at least one solar collector, not shown in FIG. 2.

Fig. 3 represents a first example of an algorithm executed by the home automation device according to the present invention.

The present algorithm is described in an example in which it is executed by the processor 200 of the home automation device.

In step E30, the processor 200 controls the first radio communication interface 205 to obtain measurements of the quality of reception of signals on the first radio communication network 15.

The reception quality of the signals is for example determined by carrying out measurements of the power level in reception of the signals (in English Received Signal Strength Indication) and/or of signal-to-noise ratios of the signals received (in English Signal Noise Ratio) and/ or Bit Error Rate and/or Packet Error Rate.

In step E31, the processor 200 controls the second radio communication interface 206 to obtain measurements of the quality of reception of signals on the second radio communication network 25.

The reception quality of the signals is for example determined by carrying out measurements of the power level in reception of the signals (in English Received Signal Strength Indication) and of the signal-to-noise ratios of the signals received (in English Signal Noise Ratio) and/or of Bit Error Rate and/or Packet Error Rate.

In step E32, the processor 200 checks whether the measurements of the quality of reception of signals on the first radio communication network 15 are greater than a first predetermined threshold.

For example, the first predetermined threshold is equal to -90 dbm for power level measurements in reception of X3D type signals or -88 dbm for power level measurements in reception of Zigbee type signals, to 20 dB if the quality reception of the signals is determined by performing measurements of the signal to noise ratios of the signals received, to 10% if the quality of reception of the signals is determined by performing measurements of the bit error rate or of the packet error rate.

If the measurements of the quality of reception of signals on the first radio communication network 15 are greater than the first threshold, the processor 200 passes to step E33. If not, the processor 200 goes to step E34.

In step E33, the processor 200 checks whether the measurements of the quality of reception of signals on the second radio communication network 25 are greater than a second predetermined threshold.

For example, if the reception quality of the signals is for example determined by carrying out measurements of the power level in reception of the signals and of the signal-to-noise ratios of the signals received, the second predetermined threshold is equal to -130 for a network of the type Sigfox, or at -125dbm for a LoRa type network, at 10% if the signal reception quality is determined by performing bit error rate or packet error rate measurements.

If the measurements of the quality of reception of signals on the second radio communication network 25 are greater than the second threshold, the processor 200 passes to step E35. If not, the processor 200 goes to step E34.

At step E34, the processor 200 controls the human-machine interface HMI 208 for the notification of a message intended for the person who installs the home automation device that the current location of the home automation device is not able to allow transferring data between the first and second radio communication networks 15 and 25.

This operation done, the processor 200 returns to step E30.

At step E35, the processor 200 controls the human-machine interface HMI 208 for the notification of a message intended for the person who installs the home automation device that the current location of the home automation device allows the transfer of data between the first and second radio communication networks 15 and 25.

This operation done, the processor 200 goes to step E400 of FIG. 4.

Fig. 4 represents a second example of an algorithm executed by the home automation device according to the present invention.

The present algorithm is described in an example in which it is executed by the processor 200 of the home automation device.

At step E400, the algorithm begins.

At step E400 the processor 200 checks whether a local event appears. The local event is for example the expiry of a time delay, a change in a value measured by the sensor 207 or a command generated by the actuator 207.

If so, the processor 200 goes to step E402. If not, the processor 200 goes to step E405.

At step E402, the processor obtains the local data from sensor 207 or at least one command from actuator 207.

The local data is the value measured by the sensor 207 or the command generated by the actuator 207.

In step E403, the processor 200 obtains, via the first radio communication interface 205, the data of the home automation equipment of the home automation system of the building. The data is, for example, data related to the control of the opening of window concealment devices and/or the control of the heating means of the building and/or the control of the anti-intrusion alarm system, etc.

At step E404, the processor 200 controls the second radio communication interface 206, the transfer of the data obtained from the first radio communication network to the second radio communication network in association with the local data.

This operation executed, the processor 200 returns to step E400.

In step E405 the processor 200 checks, via the first radio communication interface 205, whether a message is received from a home automation equipment of the home automation system of the building.

If so, processor 200 proceeds to step E406. If not, the processor 200 goes to step E409.

At step E406, the processor obtains the local data from the sensor 207 or from the at least one command of the actuator 207.

At the optional step E407, the processor 200 obtains, via the first radio communication interface 205, the data of the home automation equipment of the home automation system of the building. The data is, for example, data related to the control of the opening of window concealment devices and/or the control of the heating means of the building and/or the control of the anti-intrusion alarm system, etc.

At step E408, the processor 200 commands the second radio communication interface 206 to transfer the data obtained from the first radio communication network to the second radio communication network in association with the local data.

This operation executed, the processor 200 returns to step E400.

In step E409, the processor 200 checks, via the second radio communication interface 206, whether a message is received from the second radio communication network.

If so, the processor 200 goes to step E410. If not, processor 200 returns to step E400.

At step E410, the processor 200 carries out local processing of the message received and commands the transfer at step E411 by the first radio communication interface of the message received.

Claims (6)

Home automation device (100) intended to be placed in a building for the transfer of data between a first radio communication network and a second radio communication network, the first radio communication network being a home network, the second radio communication network being a wide area low-consumption network, characterized in that the home automation device comprises:
- means (205) for determining the quality of reception of signals on the first radio communication network,
- means (206) for determining the quality of reception of signals on the second radio communication network,
- means for controlling a man-machine interface (208) to notify whether the quality of reception on the two radio communication networks makes it possible to transfer data between the first radio communication network and the second radio communication network,
- a sensor (207) delivering local data or an actuator (207) receiving at least one command,
- means (205, 206) for transferring data from the first radio communication network to the second radio communication network in association with the local data. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the device further comprises:
- means for receiving a message from the second radio communication network,
- Means for executing local processing of the message received and for controlling the transfer to the first radio communication network of the message received. Home automation device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the home automation device further comprises means for detecting a local event, and means for obtaining, activated on detection of the local event, data from the first network of radio communications. Home automation device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sensor is a pressure or temperature or presence sensor or the actuator is an alarm siren. Home automation device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first communication network is an X3D home network or a Zigbee-type communication network and the second communication network is a low-power wide area network such as a LoRa or Sigfox type network. Method for transferring data between a first radio communication network and a second radio communication network, the first radio communication network being a home network, the second radio communication network being a low-power wide area network, characterized in that the method is executed by a home automation device intended to be placed in a building and comprises the steps of:
- determination of the quality of reception of signals on the first radio communication network,
- determination of the quality of reception of signals on the second radio communication network,
- control of a man-machine interface to notify whether the quality of reception on the two radio communication networks makes it possible to transfer data between the first radio communication network and the second radio communication network,
- obtaining a local data sensor or at least one command of an actuator,
- transfer of data from the first radio communication network to the second radio communication network in association with the local data.