ITPD20110006A1 - DOMOTIC SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

Home automation system

The present invention relates to a home automation system, also known as an automation system or â € œhome automationâ €, which internally integrates the distribution of a multimedia signal, in particular an audio signal, to the control signals typical of devices. home automation.

The home automation sector has been expanding significantly in recent years. The concept of â € œintelligent homeâ € in which different devices are controlled by similar commands by the user is undergoing considerable development and numerous systems in which the lighting system, the central alarm systems, video door entry systems and more generally the transport of multimedia signals have been presented and currently installed.

In the following description, the concept of â € œbuildingâ € where the home automation system is installed must be considered as very large, in the sense that it can be any building intended for private or commercial use of varying sizes.

One of the major problems that arise in the sector is the management of several very different equipment that can change over time, both in terms of type and number, for example equipment can be added or removed to the system depending on changes in the needs of the users of the building or as a consequence of the obsolescence of certain equipment and the birth of new ones. However, one of the main drawbacks of the known types of home automation systems is the complexity in making these changes within the system. The main difficulties lie in the fact that the various devices do not all speak â € œthe same languageâ € â € “or this language over time â € œchangeâ € - and moreover for most of the known systems it is necessary to re-wire a portion of the € ™ house with new cables carrying the required signals from / to the new equipment.

In addition, particularly important in the sector is that of providing a home automation system that is easy to install and, in particular, does not require excessive modifications to electrical systems already installed inside the home.

The international patent application PCT WO 99/63698 in the name of Interval Research Corporation describes a home automation system that can be used in a network of equipment having a synchronous ring topology which operates using the topologies of two-wire telephone networks existing in most homes. Any type of topology of the existing telephone network is changed into a ring topology. Networks are full-duplex transmitting at every clock cycle.

The Applicant has noted that this type of topology is a ring type which involves a deterioration of the signal under certain conditions. It also requires the presence of a clock, as the system is synchronous.

The article IEEE Transactions on Consumer Electronics, Vol. 40, n. 3 (1994) written by Kato et al. â € œVisula Communication System in an apartment house using only twisted pair cableâ € describes a home automation system in which a two-wire bus is installed in which a single cable is intended to carry each signal, i.e. a cable for the video signal, one for the audio signal and one for the control signal.

The Applicant has noted how this system requires a plurality of cables that must be inserted in the raceways of a domestic system.

In the international patent application PCT WO 2010/147688 in the name of Elbex Video Ltd. a home automation system is described in which the stereo signal of an audio system is distributed in a home automation system. The audio system is also integrated with an intercom. The stereo signal is encoded and distributed by a selector, by means of distributors or twisted pairs that carry the coded multiplex signal with serial signals and signals coming from a microphone to communicate with the intercom or with a station via the Internet or a network. The multiplexed signals are propagated through the same cable which also provides a constant current to the devices of the system. The Applicant has understood that the stereo signal can only be emitted by the selector coupled to this device (the selector is a â € œconcentratorâ €) and therefore all the receivers must be wired to this selector.

The present invention relates to a home automation system in which the typical functions of a home automation network are integrated, controlled by the user through suitable user interfaces such as for example buttons, remote controls, touch screens, keyboards, etc. Through these interfaces the command signals are sent by the user to the plurality of electronic devices that are connected to the system. The command signals, which can be of actual command as well as of simple communication, are transmitted according to a specific protocol. In the present invention, the type of connection considered between the various devices of the home automation system is through a dedicated bus, in particular through a two-wire bus, in other words the devices present in the network described in the present invention are all connected through a two-wire line otherwise called twisted pair, preferably a twisted pair. In the present invention, a type of bus used for example is the Konnex two-wire bus indicated with the type â € œTP1â €.

Furthermore, the system according to the invention is of the so-called â € œdistributed intelligenceâ € type, ie there is not centralized control of all the devices.

The home automation system of the invention is able to perform one or more of the following tasks, as well as others known in the sector and can be implemented by the person skilled in the art:

- carries out the commands given by the user for the management of the environment in which the home automation system is installed (door opening, light switching on etc);

- send malfunction reports to the user or to other entities outside the building where the home automation system is installed;

- monitor and set the parameters relating to the environment inside the building where the home automation system is installed to values set by the user.

The tasks of the type listed above, in which the person skilled in the art will be able to introduce further functions known in the sector of reference, are indicated below as â € œhome automation functionsâ € of the system.

Furthermore, the home automation system of the invention is able to transmit and diffuse multimedia signals in the home: this aspect will be detailed below.

As regards the commands given by the user for managing the environment, typical examples are commands for adjusting the lighting, such as switching the lights on and off as well as adjusting them; the regulation of household appliances such as turning on and off the television, washing machine, oven, etc. Furthermore, awnings and / or shutters can be raised or lowered.

Instead, as regards monitoring and setting parameters relating to the environment to values set by the user, through the home automation system of the invention it is possible to regulate the temperature and humidity of the environment, for example also dividing the house into several distinct rooms and choosing a different temperature for each room, adjusting the boiler or the air conditioning system; it is also possible to manage an anti-intrusion system.

Therefore, in the remainder of this description, with the term `` command transmission device '' and with the term `` command reception device '', a plurality of electronic devices are included according to the type of command and action that is requested by the user. In addition, this â € œcontrol transmission deviceâ € and such â € œcommand receiving deviceâ € can also be physically the same bidirectional device that is enabled both to transmit a signal and to receive a signal; there is only one connection to the twisted pair of the two â € œintegratedâ € devices. Preferably, the control devices of the present invention are bidirectional.

For example, a command transmission device can be, inside an anti-intrusion system, an IR detector that sends detection signals inside the two-wire bus of the home automation system. In addition, a command transmission device can be a simple button for switching on a lamp or a chronothermostat for regulating the temperature in a specific room of the house.

Obviously, inside the receiving device, following the reception of the command signal, the appropriate actuator will be present for the command to occur, for example through the command transmission device equal to a button for closing the a signal is emitted to close the shutters, the receiving device receives the command and appropriately activates an actuator connected to it.

According to a characteristic of the invention, all the electronic devices listed above are connected without any particular order to the two-wire bus (twisted pair) described above. All the commands, regardless of the type, are sent by the different transmission devices on the same pair and can be received by the receiving devices: a single pair connects all the control devices, be they transmission, reception or bidirectional, to each other.

The type of topology created by means of the receiving and transmitting devices and the bus is the one represented in figure 1: it is a linear topology, in particular it cannot be a closed type, such as the ring type for eventual reflections of the signals. The linear topology possibly foresees one or more shunts realized through special devices, or â € œsignal dividersâ €, preferably with 3 gates in which all the gates are equivalent and therefore guarantee the distribution of the signal, in every direction and for every gate, maintaining the characteristic impedance of the transmission medium remains unchanged. Furthermore, each branch of the system is preferably terminated by means of a special terminator.

However, the present invention also includes a linear topology without any derivation (i.e. with a single branch).

Therefore, all the signals coming from the transmission devices are transmitted inside the two-wire bus of the home automation system of the invention, a bus which, as aforementioned, connects all the control devices connected to the home automation system network. Many receiving devices are crossed by a signal coming from a transmitting device since all the receiving devices are also connected to the same twisted pair.

According to the protocol preferred by the invention, the control devices communicate with each other through a serial communication and the coexistence of several devices on the same bus is allowed by the use of the technique of access to the medium called multiple access with time sharing ( in particular, more preferably the TDMA-CA technique) in which the sharing of the channel is carried out by sharing the access time to it by the users.

Therefore, in a given instant of time only a transmission device sends a command signal inside the twisted pair. However, a different transmission protocol can be used where the control devices can send signals at the same time.

However, since in the preferred example the physical channel is unique, each command device is assigned a certain address, so that the signal sent by a certain device includes an address of the receiving device to which it is intended for the correct reception of the same. The assignment of the address is carried out during the installation phase.

All the command signals sent by the command transmission devices have a frequency included within a first frequency range, said range being preferably between 0 and 3MHz in the base band. Preferably, this command signal is a digital signal.

The control devices can be positioned at any point of the twisted pair, or be connected at any point of the same: adding a new device only involves adding a new address to it. However, since all the signals are sent on the same twisted pair, it is not necessary - once the new control device is electrically fixed to the twisted pair itself, to carry out special wiring as any signal passes through this single bus.

Furthermore, an additional signal is transmitted inside the twisted pair, which is the power supply signal. The power supply signal is for example preferably comprised between 20 and 30 Vdc.

According to a particular feature of the invention, as aforementioned, the home automation system also includes multimedia devices, able to send or receive a multimedia signal inside said pair, more specifically a digital audio or video signal is transmitted. .

In particular, one or more devices for transmitting a digital multimedia signal and one or more devices for receiving the digital multimedia signal are also coupled to the home automation system network by connecting to the same two-wire bus. Differently from the previous case, preferably the multimedia transmission and reception devices are not bidirectional as regards the transmission of multimedia channels: a device only either transmits a multimedia signal or receives it. Therefore for each multimedia transmission device it means that there is a physical coupling between this device and the twisted pair, and similarly for each receiving device, while as regards the control devices each pair of transmission and reception devices can have a single connection to the twisted pair.

This digital signal is included within a second frequency interval, an interval not superimposed with the first interval, and in particular preferably comprised between 3 and 30 MHz.

Each multimedia transmission device is connected to the system in a generic position by means of a twisted pair interconnection and has auxiliary inputs / outputs for the specific functions it must perform, or for example to a source of the multimedia signal to be transmitted. At the moment of installation, each multimedia transmission device is assigned a transmission band for the multimedia content in which it can emit its signal in the twisted pair.

The devices for receiving the multimedia signal, also connected to the single twisted pair present in the home automation system of the invention, are able to tune into the transmission bands of the multimedia transmission devices and therefore reproduce the content of the channel, for example by means of special converters and signal amplifiers.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the transmission of multimedia contents is instead a digital modulation in passband; each transmitter is assigned a unique transmission band; the transmission is of the broadcast type (no destination address). In particular, during the installation phase, each multimedia signal receiver is informed which transmission channels are present (each channel corresponding to a multimedia transmitter) and is able to tune in to each of them. The actual tuning is done via user controls.

The multimedia devices are configured logically to be able to interoperate with the other control devices within the home automation system network.

Furthermore, the command transmission / reception devices and the multimedia signal transmission / reception devices can also be physically coupled to each other in a single device (i.e. there is a single connection in a single point to the twisted pair): the meaning `` Command transmission / reception device '' means a device that can emit or receive a command signal within the first frequency range, while the `` multimedia transmission / reception device '' is a device that can emit or receive a multimedia signal within the second frequency range.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each multimedia receiver device and each multimedia transmission device is coupled to a control device, even more preferably a bidirectional control device. There is only one connection of this device to the twisted pair: the multimedia and control device has a single physical connection to the twisted pair and the two signals, multimedia and control, can be sent simultaneously inside the twisted pair.

For example, in the case of a multimedia transmission device equal to a radio, a command transmission device is coupled to the multimedia receiver connected to the speakers to request the FM station change, while the multimedia transmitter (= radio) is coupled a command receiving device for receiving the FM station change command.

With this type of configuration it is not necessary to predict in advance the number, functionality and positions of the various devices to be connected to the single twisted pair of the home automation system network, since at any time any device can be added, removed, or exchanged (i.e. a new device with a different function is replaced with a present device).

Extremely important is the possibility of placing the various multimedia and control devices at any point of the twisted pair as it is not necessary to distribute the various devices according to a set law: all signals pass within the same bus and therefore to the bus at any point it is possible to connect a new transmitter â € “as long as there are free channels available inside the bus.

Therefore a preferred embodiment to fully appreciate the characteristics of the invention is that in which there are at least two multimedia transmitting devices, a power supply and a multimedia receiver device, the first two transmitters being arranged in two distinct points of the bus and being suitable to transmit in two distinct channels.

Furthermore, the use of a twisted pair makes the installation of the network of devices particularly simple and inexpensive, able to be installed even in the standard conduits of an electrical system already existing in a home.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description of some of its preferred non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

- figure 1 is a schematic representation of a first and a second topology of the realization of the network of devices for the home automation system according to the invention;

- figure 2 represents a diagram of the subdivision of the signals sent by the devices of the network into frequency bands;

- figure 3 is an illustrative diagram of a portion of a network of equipment of a home automation system in accordance with the invention;

- figure 4 is a further diagram of a network of equipment of a home automation system in accordance with the invention;

- figure 5 is a block diagram of a device for transmitting a multimedia signal according to the invention;

- figure 6 is a block diagram of a further device for transmitting a multimedia signal according to the invention;

- figure 7 is a block diagram of a multimedia reception device according to the invention;

figure 8 is a front view of the transmission device of figure 6;

- figure 9 is a front and rear view of the receiving device of figure 7;

- figure 10 is an exemplary diagram of a network of devices created in accordance with the invention;

- figure 10a is an exemplary graph of the signal bands active in a specific operating situation of the network of figure 10;

- figure 10b is an example diagram of the same network of figure 10 with different wiring;

- figure 11 is an exemplary diagram of a network of devices created starting from the network of figure 10 by adding further devices in accordance with the invention;

- figure 11a is an exemplary diagram of the logical connections between the various devices of the network of figure 11;

- figure 12a is an illustrative graph of the subdivision of the signals sent by the devices of the network into frequency bands in a specific operating situation of the network of figure 11;

- figure 12b is an illustrative graph of the subdivision of the signals sent by the devices of the network into frequency bands in a distinct operating situation of the network of figure 11;

- figure 13 is an exemplary diagram of a network of devices created starting from the network of figure 11 through the addition of further devices in accordance with the invention;

- figure 13a is an illustrative graph of the subdivision of the signals sent by the devices of the network into frequency bands in an operational situation of the network of figure 13.

With initial reference to figures 3 and 4, 100 indicates a network of equipment forming a home automation system. These devices are connected to each other via a two-wire bus 1.

The network 100 includes at least one power supply 70 for powering the system devices, for example through a direct voltage of 20-30 V. The number of power supplies that are present in the network depends on the number of devices that need to be powered. Said power supply is connected to a first point of the two-wire bus 1.

Figure 3 shows an exemplary diagram of a section of the home automation system network in which the transmission of a multimedia signal, for example audio, takes place. This network element can be part of a more complex topology, such as the one shown in figure 4, in which there are sections in which the multimedia signal is transmitted, and other sections in which this signal is not transmitted.

With reference to Figure 4, the network 100 includes control transmitter and receiver devices 20,30, which are devices suitable for carrying out all the standard functions of a home automation system, whether they are buttons for switching on lamps or sensors for gas or for anti-intrusion. Although in the figures these devices are indicated in separate points, i.e. each â € œblockâ € or a command transmitter or receiver, the two devices can be integrated with each other and there may be devices that perform the functions of both command that of receivers of the same. In particular, preferably most of the control devices are both transmitter and receiver of the control signals. More preferably, all devices are receiver-transmitters, as regards the transmission of commands, on a physical level.

The distinction between devices 20 and 30 is considered at a logical / functional level, i.e. devices that perform command functions and devices that perform actuation functions are identified.

These transmitters and receivers, which will be considered known in the art below and therefore not further detailed, are indicated as darker colored rectangles than the attached figures. These devices communicate with each other by sending control signals from twisted pair 1 according to a protocol called â € œByMeâ €, preferably analogous to the Konnex protocol on TP1. Furthermore, in addition to the control devices 20, 30, the network 100 includes, in the section of the network in which the multimedia signal is transmitted, transmitting devices 50 and receiving devices 60 of the multimedia signal.

Preferably, the transmitting devices 50 of the multimedia signals are associated with a source of the multimedia signal, while the receivers of the multimedia signal 60 are preferably coupled to speakers (such as for example speakers) for reproducing the multimedia signal itself.

In addition, preferably each multimedia transmitter comprises a control device and each multimedia receiver also comprises a control device, i.e. all the devices, whether they are multimedia transmitters / receivers or other control devices or actuators, are equipped with a ByMe modem, or they can communicate according to the command protocol itself. In other words, the multimedia broadcasting system can be controlled both by integrated interfaces on the same multimedia devices (i.e. the multimedia devices integrate control devices) and interfaces made by different devices (i.e. separate control devices autonomously connected to the twisted pair) but in any case part of the home automation system, such as simple button modules. A multimedia transmission and / or reception device 50,60 which integrates a control device 20,30 is connected to the twisted pair in a single point (i.e. there is a single physical connection between device and twisted pair) since this device is able to send both multimedia and command signals at the same time.

As can be seen in figures 3 and 4, between all the devices 20,30,50,60 and the power supply 70 are connected to each other with a single two-wire bus 1. There are therefore from what has been shown at least three physically distinct points of connection: one for the € ™ power supply, a second for the multimedia transmitter and a third for the multimedia receiver. The control devices can have, for example, a fourth distinct connection point (if it is a single bidirectional device) or none if they are integrated with the multimedia devices. In all sections of the two-wire bus, all the signals sent by the various control devices are transmitted according to the ByMe protocol and the power supply signal from the power supply 70. Furthermore, in some sections, the multimedia signal is also transmitted in addition. .

From a multimedia device or a control device, be it a receiver or a transmitter, which is connected to the bus, a branch of the network can start, that is an additional branch of the twisted pair. In this branch, the power signal and control signals can be transmitted, as well as the multimedia signal. In the latter case, this branch is preferably carried out through a multimedia shunt 40, or in the case of a branch without transmission of the multimedia signal and the shunt is carried out through a separate shunt 90. The shunts of a type and / or of the others are needed only to restart the bus involved in the multimedia transmission. The system areas where the multimedia function is not to be supported can be created simply by interconnecting several twisted pairs, thus creating what are called star configurations.

Furthermore, preferably, between the power supply 70 and the network section in which the multimedia signal is transmitted, there is a line decoupler 91 suitable to avoid interference with the multimedia signal due to the impedance of the power supply. In the attached figures, the transmission of a multimedia signal is confined to a section of the home automation system network which is separated from the other sections in which only command transmission and reception devices are present. However, this separation is not mandatory and depends solely on how the various devices were made. If in an existing home automation network, or in a home automation network in which the control devices are not compatible with the transmission of a multimedia signal, the invention allows these devices to be kept simply by â € œseparating themâ € from the section of cable in which they are the multimedia signal is transmitted. The important thing is that in this section of cable where the multimedia signals pass also the other signals pass, whether they are command or power supply. With suitable control and power supply devices (which have the same problems as the control ones), a freer installation is possible in which control devices, multimedia and power supply devices can be connected to bus 1 in any way, i.e. all the sections of the wiring may be affected by the multimedia signal.

Furthermore, preferably, always in order to obtain an optimal multimedia signal, at the end of each branch of the topology in which the multimedia signal is transmitted, there is a line terminator 92.

Therefore, both the power supply signal generated by the power supply and the command signal given by the command transmission devices always travel inside the twisted pair 1. These command signals have a frequency included within a first interval between 0 and 3 MHz. Such signals are for example baseband signals, and the Applicant uses as its protocol a digital signal at 9600 bps. Since all the command devices 20,30 are connected to the same twisted pair, all the command signals travel inside the same bus until they reach the destination command receiving device. Therefore there are no â € œmatrixâ € conformations in which all the signals are conveyed into a single element from which a plurality of buses depart on each of which only the signal destined for the specific device connected to that specific cable is transmitted.

Returning now to the section of the network where multimedia devices are connected, in the following the specific example of audio devices will be made, it is clear however that the same considerations can be applied to other types of digital signals, such as video signals . These devices can be defined as follows: the receiver device 60 is a device for receiving and reproducing the system's sound. These are those devices which are preferably then connected to the loudspeakers of the area to be sounded. The transmitter device 50 is the device in charge of taking the signal from a connected audio source and transmitting it within a channel in the system within bus 1. The connected audio source can be of any type, such as example an iPod, a stereo, a CD player, DVD, etc. From this example it is clear how the 50,60 multimedia transmitter and / or receiver devices include, apart from the connection to bus 1, further inputs / outputs for connection to external elements in order to fully perform their function. Inside which each transmitter device transmits is according to the invention at a frequency included within a second frequency range, preferably between 3 and 30 MHz. This signal is a digital type signal or a band frequency used to numerically transfer the audio content of the source.

More preferably the digital signal in the various channels is modulated, and more preferably the type of modulation used is the so-called QPSK.

Also in this case, as aforesaid for the control devices 20,30, all the multimedia devices are connected to the same twisted pair, all the multimedia signals travel within a specific section of the same bus (the section in which you want to transmit also the media signal) until it reaches the destination media receiving device. Therefore there are no â € œmatrixâ € conformations in which all the signals are conveyed into a single element from which a plurality of buses depart on each of which only the signal destined for the specific device connected to that specific cable is transmitted.

As aforesaid, the multimedia transmitting and receiving devices are connected to control devices 20,30 described above to obtain the desired functions.

A plurality of multimedia and control devices form an audio zone. That is, a zone is defined as a group of multimedia signal receivers 60 which are all tuned to the same transmission channel in which a multimedia transmission device transmits and are controlled in the same way (i.e. the command signal is received and carried out by all the receivers of the group forming the zone) from one or more command transmission devices 20.

The system is composed of some multimedia transmitters connected to the twisted pair in points spatially distinct from each other (in the specific example for example in the maximum of 4, however no transmitter belongs to a specific area, the signals as mentioned all travel in the same twisted pair) which take care of making available within the channel assigned to them the audio content of the source to which they are connected and from some receivers. During the installation phase, therefore, each multimedia transmitter device is assigned a channel on which to transmit in the twisted pair and each multimedia receiver is made able to receive this channel as well as to tune in to it. Each multimedia receiver can tune to all channels assigned to any multimedia transmitters in the system. In other words, each receiver can "tune" to one of the available channels, thus selecting the source to be reproduced. The actual tuning takes place according to the user's choice.

As aforesaid, it will be possible to configure more than one receiver within an audio zone, in this case the behavior of the receivers will be identical, ie they will react in the same way to all the commands sent by the control devices 20.

Within an audio zone it is then possible to configure control devices 20,30 for example with one or more of the following functions (which will be in the configuration phase, obviously additional or distinct functions can be activated):

- On / Off and volume adjustment.

- Next channel / Next track.

Therefore an audio zone is composed of at least one receiver 60 (which is then the â € œactuatingâ € element being connected to the loudspeakers) and preferably also have control devices 20,30 which allow for example the power on / off, volume adjustment, channel selection and, where possible, passage to the next FM track / memory (CD player, FM tuner, Ipod). A subdivision into distinct zones is shown for example in figure 3. These control devices 20,30 can be simple buttons, as well as touch screens or other advanced interfaces.

Each zone can then be associated with a priority level to be used if several zones are listening to the same transmitter (same channel). In this case, only the zones with the highest priority among those active at that moment are enabled to send specific commands to the transmitter (eg track / memory / playlist change etc.). This priority is set by default to the maximum value (level 1) during configuration, and can then be changed.

For example, typical transmitter 50 or receiver 60 devices are as follows:

1. Transmitter module that can be connected to any sound source through RCA connectors;

2. FM tuner transmitter module that broadcasts the radio signal;

3. Call microphone module that allows you to make voice communications;

4. Docking Station transmitter module for iPod

5. Receiver modules that allow the diffusion of the sound source with different power according to the context and the environment;

6. IR stereo control module that allows you to remotely control the Hi-Fi system.

By means of the control devices 20 it is possible to activate the sound system in the desired area, choose the channel, the track, adjust the volume and other functions. In fact, all the system control signals for controlling multimedia devices are ByMe control signals.

Returning to the list above, a detailed description of each of these devices will then be given.

The device for transmitting a multimedia signal 50 of point 3. can be for example a device connected to a microphone which then sends the signal sent to the microphone to a plurality of receivers. The voice call therefore occupies one of the transmission channels available on bus 1 and all the listening areas to which the call is addressed tune their receivers to the call channel, consequently spreading the call.

. It is therefore possible to make microphone calls which are broadcast by the receivers. For example, there are 2 types of calls:

- General call: call involving all audio zones present in the system.

- Selective call: call involving one or more audio zones, chosen (during configuration) from those present.

In this microphone transmission device it is also possible to implement a Baby Control function: on device 50 it will be possible to activate / deactivate (using the appropriate key and signaling LED) this function which consists in sending the selective call when the volume perceived by the microphone exceeds a set threshold. The call remains active for a few seconds even after the audio returns below the threshold and allows you to keep the children under control during sleep, and so on.

It is possible to remotely activate the microphone module: in fact the selective call is activated. To do this, it is necessary to configure a control device within the same group in which the microphone module is configured.

An additional multimedia transmitter device, more specifically than a public address system, is an FM tuner (indicated with 50radio in the figures) of point 2. of the above list that allows the reception of FM radio (with the relative Radio information Data System) for example on the 88-108MHz band. The module is able to send on bus 1 the digital audio signal and the RDS messages received by the radio itself. Furthermore, it preferably allows to memorize a plurality of different radio stations, in order to be able to recall them through the commands sent on the bus by the control devices 20.

A block diagram of this device is represented for example in the attached figure 6. Furthermore, figure 8 shows a front view of it in which the terminals 11a, 11b for connection to bus 1 are visible. Furthermore, for example, it can include a two-color LED 12 for the configuration and indication of the ON / OFF operating status, as well as © an antenna.

The FM 50radio radio receiver with RD is used as a transmitter of the digital audio signal within the sound system. It therefore receives the FM radio signal of the tuned station, digitizes it and sends it to the various receiving devices 60 of the system which have requested it.

The main functions of the 50radio device are included among the following (obviously further functions can be implemented), activated by means of suitable control devices 20:

- Enabling or disabling the transmission of audio content relating to the FM radio (ON / OFF);

- Selection of a specific radio station;

- Tuning of the previous or subsequent frequency (for example, a step between the various frequencies of 5 KHz can be set);

- Automatic search for frequencies with SNR above a set threshold;

- Memorization of a plurality of different radio stations (in the preferred example up to 8); - Possibility to recall a specific memory;

- Scanning of memories in succession both in increasing and decreasing directions;

- Scenario management, with recall of a specific radio station upon activation of the scenario;

- Compatibility with the call mechanism: the device frees the audio transmission channel if the call takes place on the same channel it uses (the `` call '' is a service provided by other `` transmitters '' devices of the sound system) ;

- Sending information relating to the tuned frequency;

- Sending information relating to the strength of the radio signal received (RSSI);

- Sending information relating to the on / off status (On / Off);

- Sending of information relating to the value of the tuning memory (from 1 to 8 in the case of 8 memorized stations);

- Sending, if available, RDS information received from the broadcasting radio station;

When the device is active, LED 12 is green, if enabled from the control unit, it is steady green, otherwise it is off.

There is also a reset button 13 which deletes all programmed settings.

The device marked at point 1 of the list is a device that allows, through the 2 RCA connectors, to acquire, digitize and send on bus 1 a generic analog audio source (e.g. HiFi system, CD player, MP3 players laptops etc ..). Bus 1 is galvanically decoupled from the audio inputs. In particular, the device allows the audio signal coming from an analog sound source to be transmitted on the bus. The block diagram of this 50RCA device is shown in figure 5.

A further transmission device 50 used in the network of the invention is for example a control module (point 6.) which allows to learn the IR commands of the equipment to be controlled (e.g. CD player) and to replicate them by associating them with of the specific commands of the home automation system. This device therefore allows you to control a source connected to a sound system transmitter through the commands of the home automation system, i.e. the control devices 20.

The commands which can be stored and associated with the corresponding commands which can be sent by the control devices 20 are the following:

- on / off of the controlled equipment,

- play / stop,

- go to the next / previous track or memory (the command is the same if the source is a CD player or an FM radio with memories),

- track / memory selection.

A multimedia device is also provided having the functions of docking station for Ipods. The docking station allows you to connect the Ipod to the multimedia system (that is, it becomes a source of the system) allowing at the same time the recharging of the battery (via integrated power supply) and the control of the same in the main navigation and playback functions. The commands that can be implemented are the following, through the use of special command devices sending command signals as described above:

- play / stop,

- previous or next artist selection,

- previous or next album / folder selection,

- previous / next track selection,

- previous / next playlist selection.

Some control devices preferably provide for the display of the various selected items (ie the display of the artist, album, track, playlist name) making it possible for the advanced interfaces (touch screen) to have complete control of the device.

Instead, as regards the multimedia receivers 60, they may or may not be combined with control devices for sending command signals 20 to the sound transmission devices. The â € œcombinedâ € device allows you to reproduce the audio information received on bus 1 through the speakers connected to its outputs. In addition, the device has on the front, for example, configurable keys for audio functions or for any other control, such as a light control. By way of example, the combined multimedia receiver 60 and command transmitter 20 devices can perform:

- On / Off audio area plus volume adjustment;

- Change track and audio source;

- Sleep (timed shutdown);

- Environmental listening;

- On / Off switch;

- Control by regulator;

- Control for rolling shutters;

- Activation of 2 scenarios, etc.

An example of this combined device is shown in figure 9 and a block diagram is shown in figure 7: the figures shown refer to a 1 + 1W receiver which is an example of a 60 + 20/30 device (bidirectional device ) because it is a multimedia receiver that integrates two rocker buttons configurable as command generators.

There are also devices for multimedia reception only 60 which allow to reproduce, through the speakers connected to its outputs, the audio information received on bus 1.

In the following it is then described how the network of devices is configured, that is, starting from a device and from the bus 1, the network of the home automation system of the invention can be obtained by adding various devices together. The home automation system of the invention allows for example the configuration and management of a sound system using a control unit (not shown) or a configuration software on a PC to configure the devices and set the parameters of operation.

The control unit is the equipment that governs the operation of the entire system, displays all the control information and allows for preliminary programming, configuration and, more generally, to manage the system in its various states operational. In any case, the control unit is not a device necessary for the functioning of the system, once installed. In fact - as already specified - there is no central element / coordinator in the home automation system of the invention. The system is autonomous thanks to the intelligence distributed on the individual devices that create it (command and multimedia devices installed in the network).

Suppose there is a home automation network inside a building that performs basic home automation functions, such as turning on the lights. In this network there is also a specific branch where the multimedia signal is transmitted. For this purpose, transmitting and receiving devices for the multimedia signal must be configured, as described below.

As regards the multimedia transmitting devices 50 (of any specific type they are), identified in the following for brevity with TX, at the time of the configuration (i.e. in the phase of installation of the device) they are assigned a specific transmission band of the multimedia content (application parameter) among those available. At this point the transmitter is able to provide the service, transmitting its multimedia content inside bus 1, when requested by the user.

As regards the multimedia receiving devices 60 (of any specific type they are), identified in the following for brevity with RX, during the configuration (device installation phase) it is not necessary to specify any parameters to allow them to carry out the application functionality. The receiver is able to tune into the twisted pair 1 on each of the bands assigned to the TX installed and therefore to reproduce the multimedia content that they are delivering.

The logical / physical removal of a transmission device 50 from the system simply causes the service itself to disappear, ie the installed receivers will not detect any content by tuning into the channel previously assigned to it.

The logical / physical removal of a receiving device 60 from the system has no effect on it.

It is important to note that an FDM (frequency division multiplexing) system is used as each TX device is able to deliver the service on the band assigned to it during configuration, at the time of installation, and each device RX able to tune into any band of the system and therefore to receive and use any multimedia content delivered by a corresponding TX device.

In the preferred example, the transmission medium, unique for all the contents to be broadcast in the system, consists of a twisted pair 1.

The contents / services carried within the twisted pair between all the devices on the network are identified in the following macro-categories:

- power supply (20-30Vdc) called power signal,

- Byme protocol frame (digital transmission at 9600bps) called command signals,

- multimedia contents (1.5Mbps digital broadcasts) called multimedia signals.

Their coexistence is guaranteed by a frequency subdivision system for which the resources are allocated as shown in figure 2. Please note that in some home automation systems, in all branches of the topology the first two types of signal are transmitted and some are the also the third.

Following the wiring operation, the home automation system in figure 10 is initially created: as shown in the figure there is a power supply 70, a section of wiring in which the signal passes in addition to the power supply and the control signals. multimedia, and other sections of the wiring in which only the control power supply signals pass. This difference is highlighted by a different hatching of the cable (which is always the same pair 1, the cable is not modified, only the passing signals are different, in the case of a cable marked as continuous there is an additional signal multimedia, in the dashed cable portion only the first two - power and control are transmitted).

As aforesaid, the cable section where the multimedia signal also passes must be decoupled from the power supply by means of a line decoupler 91 or a power supply that integrates the decoupling functions (such as a latest generation power supply) used. As an example of a command receiving device 30, a lights actuator is considered which is essentially a relay to which a lamp for lighting the environment is coupled, as a multimedia transmitter device 50 TX1 an FM radio; as a multimedia receiving device 60 RX1 a flush-mounted audio receiver device and there are also two command transmission modules 20 called in the figure â € œCommand 1â € and â € œCommand 2â €. These control devices, although designed separately from the RX1, can be physically connected to it (in other words, in the same flush-mounted box). Therefore RX1, Command1 and Command 2 can have a single connection point with the twisted pair, distinct from that of TX1 and that of the power supply.

The installation is completed with the peripheral devices necessary to take advantage of the application functions, i.e. a lamp is connected to the control reception device 20 â € œlight actuatorâ € and two speakers are connected to the multi-media reception device â € œRX1â € audio compatible with the output power of the same (auxiliary devices not visible in the figures).

As far as the physical wiring is concerned, the command transmitter devices 20 (command 1 and command 2) are connected to RX1 and are connected to each other in series as a branch of the main section in which the multimedia signals are carried, while the command receiver device 30 (light actuator) It is connected in a branch to TX1.

Following the configuration operation, the ByMe logic channels are created (i.e. command devices, while as regards the multimedia signal there is always a â € œbroadcastingâ €) through which the various devices will communicate to satisfy the application requests made explicit by the user. The logical communication channels are for example a logical connection between the control device1 and the light actuator, between command 2 and RX1 and between RX1 and TX1 (they are logical connections, as mentioned the signals always propagate inside the entire section of bus, without any filter).

The system configured in this way allows the end user to:

to. switch the light on / off by pressing, for example, a first button at â € œcommand1â €;

b. switch the â € œRX1â € audio receiver on / off by pressing a first button at â € œcommand2â €;

c. raise / lower the playback volume of the â € œRX1â € receiver by pressing a first button at â € œcommand2â €;

d. change the station tuned by the radio â € œTX1â € by pressing a second button at the â € œcommand2â €.

It should be emphasized that there is no wiring only between â € œCommand 1â € and â € œLight actuatorâ € for the passage of the command signal, the signal (all command signals) always travels inside the same bus.

As for multimedia devices, during configuration, the TX1 transmitter receives a parameter with which it is assigned the first free channel for the transmission of its multimedia content (in the example it is the 5MHz channel), while the receiver RX1 is notified of the presence of a transmitter on the above channel.

During the use of the network represented in figure 10, therefore, when the user presses the button in the command transmission device 20 identified in the figure as â € œCommand 1â € configured to switch on the light, there is the transmission in bus 1 of a command signal by â € œcommand1â € which includes the address of the â € œlight actuatorâ € device. The latter receives the signal sent inside bus 1 and the light switches on.

Now, on the other hand, the user presses the button on the control transmitter 20 identified as â € œcommand 2â € configured to switch on the audio receiver. Therefore, this command transmitter â € œcommand 2â € sends a signal to the multimedia receiver 60 â € œRX1â € to request that the receiver be switched on. The multimedia receiver 60 RX1 in turn sends a signal to the multimedia transmission device 50 â € œTX1â € in which the service is requested. The transmitting device â € œTX1â € then sends to â € œRX1â € a confirmation of the start of multimedia content transmission and then the speakers connected to the â € œRX1â € device begin to reproduce the FM radio signal transmitted by the â € œTX1â € device in twisted pair 1 which It is always received by RX1 via bus 1.

Figure 10a below describes the physical situation present inside the means of transport, that is, it is highlighted that there is an active signal in the second frequency range due to the transmission of a multimedia channel in bus 1.

Furthermore, again with regard to the wiring functions in figure 10, the user can press the button configured to control the playback volume on command2, so from â € œcommand2â € a signal is sent to â € œRX1â € with the request for volume increase and the â € œRX1â € device increases the playback volume; further the user presses the configured button to change the memory listened to, so from â € œcommand2â € a signal is sent to â € œRX1â € for memory change, from which â € œRX1â € sends a signal to â € œTX1â € in which is requested to change the tuning memory. Finally, from â € œTX1â € a signal is sent to â € œRX1â € in which it activates and confirms the memory change operation. The user then listens to the memory change through the speakers which remain in their state of reproduction of the content sent by the FM radio transmitter.

The portion of the bus that connects the devices:

- â € œlight actuatorâ €,

- â € œcommands1â €,

- â € œcomands2â €,

It is not a means of transmitting multimedia content.

The confinement of the portion of the system on which multimedia contents can transit is carried out by:

- â € œuncoupler 91â €,

- â € œTX1â €,

- â € œRX1â €.

Technically, this is achievable because the above devices provide a special port in which to connect this portion of the bus. This precaution in this case is necessary to ensure backward compatibility, or to allow the installation of devices:

- â € œlight actuatorâ €,

- â € œcommands1â €,

- â € œcomands2â €,

conceived prior to the realization of the multimedia devices and therefore not physically compatible to be interconnected in the bus portion on which the digital communications of the multimedia container are to be broadcast.

Using the latest generation devices, the installation could be carried out according to a direct wiring according to figure 10b in which the whole bus can be affected by:

- power supply (20-30Vcc)

- Byme protocol frame (digital transmission at 9600bps)

- multimedia contents (digital broadcasts at 1.5Mbps).

In any case, the details of each branch of the system in which multimedia contents transit must be suitably terminated. In the example, of which the first diagram in Figure 10, the line decoupler devices 91 and â € œRX1â € integrate and activate the line terminations (not shown); in the equivalent embodiment of figure 10b, with new generation devices, the terminations are introduced by the first and last element of the line, ie by â € œnew_power supplyâ € and â € œcomandi2_newâ €.

An extension of the installation presented with reference to figures 10 and 10b is obtained by making the wiring shown in figure 11. This network in figure 11 is similar to that shown in figure 10 (or 10b) in which the following new devices:

- an additional command transmission device 20 called â € œcommand3â € “similar to the modules â € œcommand1â € and â € œcommand2â €;

- a second multimedia transmission device 50 called â € œTX2â € â € “creates the second source of multimedia content; in the example we consider it is an audio transmitter with RCA inputs;

- a second multimedia signal receiver device 60 called â € œRX2â € â € “in the example we are considering a two-module flush-mounted audio receiver device (1 + 1Wrms stereo outputs);

- a third multimedia receiving device 60 called â € œRX3â €, in the example we consider it is a din bar audio receiver device (10 + 10Wrms stereo outputs);

- module â € œDâ € â € “passive element necessary for the realization of the branch derivation on which the multimedia contents are to be distributed, that is the derivator 40.

The installation is completed with the peripheral devices necessary to take advantage of the application features:

- a CD player is connected to the â € œTX2â € device using an RCA cable;

- two audio speakers compatible with the output power are connected to the â € œRX2â € device;

- two audio speakers compatible with the output power are connected to the â € œRX3â € device.

Following the configuration operation, the logical channels are created through which the various devices will communicate (command signal protocol, multimedia signals are broadcasting) to satisfy the application requests made explicit by the user. The logical communication channels are indicated in Figure 11a by way of example. A double-headed arrow indicates a transmission of the command signal to and from both components that the arrow joins (for example TX1 can send command signals to RX1 and vice versa having both integrated a command device). A single-pointed arrow indicates the uni directionality of the signal transmission, from the transmission device from which the arrow starts (see the transmission device 20 named with Command1â €) to the reception device in front of the arrowhead (see the command reception device 30 â € œlight actuatorâ €).

The system configured in this way allows the end user to:

to. switch the light on / off by pressing a first button at â € œcommand1â € (sending of command signal on bus 1);

b. turn on / off the audio receiver â € œRX1â € by pressing the first button at â € œcommand2â € (sending command signal on bus 1);

c. raise / lower the playback volume of â € œRX1â € by pressing the first button at â € œcommand2â € (sending command signal on bus 1);

d. change the tuned multimedia source from â € œRX1â €, by pressing the second button at â € œcommand2â € (sending command signal on bus 1);

And. change the track played by the source currently tuned in from â € œRX1â €, by pressing the second button at â € œcommand2â € (sending a command signal on bus 1);

f. turn on / off the audio receivers â € œRX2â € and â € œRX3â €, which constitute a listening area, by pressing the first button1 at the â € œcommand3â € (sending the command signal on bus 1);

g. raise / lower the playback volume of â € œRX2â € and â € œRX3â €, by pressing the first button at â € œcommand3â € (sending command signal on bus 1);

h. change the tuned multimedia source from â € œRX2â € and â € œRX3â €, by pressing the second button at â € œcommand3â € (sending command signal on bus 1);

the. change the track played by the currently tuned source from â € œRX2â € and â € œRX3â €, by pressing the second button at â € œcommand3â € (sending a command signal on bus 1).

It can be noted that the system now has two multimedia sources TX1 and TX2, which can be tuned independently of the receiver elements. Furthermore, from the logical configuration obtained during installation, the birth of what is identified as â € œlistening areaâ €, that is a group of reception elements (RX2 and RX3) that are controlled by the user as a single logical receiver and which therefore, in synchrony, tune into the same multimedia source, reproducing the same content and thus operating the same controls.

When configuring, with regard to multimedia devices:

- the â € œTX2â € transmitter receives a parameter with which it is assigned the first free channel for the transmission of its multimedia content (in the example it is the second physical channel, allocated at 6.5MHz);

- the â € œRX2â € and â € œRX3â € receivers are configured to constitute the single listening area (i.e. both have the â € œsame addressâ € or tune to the same channel and also both respond to the same command transmitter device) ;

- all the reception elements are notified of the availability of two multimedia transmitters and of the channels on which they are allocated.

In a first operational configuration, the user presses the button of the command transmission device called â € œCommand2â € configured to switch on the audio receiver â € RX1â € and therefore a command signal is sent from â € œcommand2â € to â € œRX1â € to switch on the receiver. In turn, â € œRX1â € sends a signal (always a command signal) to â € œTX1â € to request service delivery. â € œTX1â € sends a (command) signal to â € œRX1â € to confirm the start of multimedia content transmission and then sends a multimedia signal in bus 1 on which RX1 is tuned.

Therefore the speakers connected to the â € œRX1â € device begin to reproduce the FM radio signal transmitted by the â € œTX1â € device.

Figure 12a displays the frequency allocation of the services and the first active multimedia channel (that is, what is emitted by TX1) that is present in the operational configuration described above.

Now, in a new operational configuration, the user presses the button in the command transmission device 20 indicated with â € œcommand3â € configured to switch on the listening area consisting of the â € œRX2â € and â € œRX3â € receivers, then â € œcommand3â € sends a command signal to â € œRX2â € to switch on the RX2 receiver. â € œRX2â € therefore sends a command signal to â € œTX1â € in requesting service delivery. â € œTX1â € sends a command signal to â € œRX2â € to confirm the start of multimedia content transmission (actually the multimedia signal is already emitted by TX1 as previously requested by â € œRX1â €).

â € œRX2â € then sends a command signal to â € œRX3â € to switch on the receiver on the 5MHz channel Obviously these last steps can be carried out by RX3 instead of RX2; when a zone with n RX (n> 1) is created, a MASTER receiver is elected who is responsible for coordinating the group and who is therefore responsible for implementing the application processes by means of which the services at the transmission elements are requested.

In the example, the MASTER element is made by RX2.

The speakers connected to the â € œRX2â € and â € œRX3â € devices begin to reproduce the FM radio signal transmitted by the â € œTX1â € device, in other words bringing themselves to the same state as the â € œRX1â €. On a physical level, the occupation of the resources for the transmission of multimedia contents remains unchanged and corresponds to the description in Figure 12a.

In a further operational situation, the user presses the button configured to change the multimedia source listened to in â € œRX2â € and â € œRX3â € (in particular he now wants to hear what can be emitted by TX2), so that â € œcommand3â € sends a command signal to â € œRX2â € for the media source change. â € œRX2â € sends a command signal to â € œTX2â € to which it requests the supply of the service. â € œTX2â € in turn sends a signal to â € œRX2â € to confirm the start of the multimedia content transmission and then starts to emit on the transmission channel that has been assigned to it (in this case 6.5MHz). Finally â € œRX2â € sends a signal to â € œTX1â € for the notification of the release of the service.

The user listens to the change of multimedia source through the speakers connected to â € œRX2â € and â € œRX3â € which are therefore able to reproduce the audio of the CD player connected to the TX RCA.

On a physical level, the occupation of resources for the transmission of multimedia contents is described in figure 12b in which in this configuration two multimedia channels are active, that is, two channels with multimedia contents are transmitted in bus 1.

As aforementioned, although in the previous examples only a home automation system was treated in which the multimedia channels transmitted were of the audio type, the present invention applies to any type of multimedia data, by way of example, it is proposed below a further extension of the system described so far which includes the installation of multimedia video modules. This example is shown in figure 13, where the following have been added:

- module â € œDâ € â € “passive element necessary for the derivation of a new branch for the transport of multimedia contents (divider40);

- module â € œTX3â € â € “creates the third multimedia content transmitter device 50;

in the example we consider it is a video camera;

- module â € œRX3â € â € “creates a multimedia receiver device 60; in the example we consider it a display for video playback;

- module â € œcomands4â € â € “control module for video sources.

Following the configuration operation, the logical channels are created through which the various devices will communicate (command signal protocol) to satisfy the application requests made explicit by the user.

The new logical connections that are going to be established, in addition to those already illustrated in Figure 11a and which in any case continue and exist, are the following: There is a two-way communication between TX3 and RX4, as well as a one-way communication from â € œcommands4â € to RX4.

The system configured in this way extends the functions already described previously with reference to the network of figure 11 allowing the user to:

to. switch on / off the video receiver â € œRX4â € using the control element â € œcontrols4â €; b. control the direction / zoom of the shot provided by the â € œTX3â € video transmitter using the â € œcommands4â € control element.

When configuring, with regard to multimedia devices:

- the â € œTX3â € transmitter receives a parameter with which it is assigned the first free channel for the transmission of its multimedia content (in the example it is the third physical channel, allocated at 8MHz);

- the â € œRX4â € receiver is informed of the availability of a video source corresponding to the 8MHz channel

Starting from what has already been described with the control sequence relating to figure 11, the user proceeds with the activation of the video transmission channel, ie a further transmission of multimedia data takes place in bus 1.

The user presses the button configured to activate the â € œRX4â € video receiver. The â € œcommand4â € device sends a signal to â € œRX4â € requesting that the receiver be switched on; â € œRX4â € sends a command signal to â € œTX3â € in which it requests service delivery, and then â € œTX3â € sends a command signal to â € œRX4â € confirming the start of the multimedia content transmission. The display integrated in the â € œRX4â € device is activated by representing the multimedia video content provided by the â € œTX3â € and transmitted along bus 1.

On a physical level, the resources are occupied according to the description in Figure 13a. All 3 types of multimedia data in the three different channels are transmitted simultaneously in bus 1 (obviously together with the control and power signals).

Claims (16)

Claims 1. Home automation system suitable for implementing one or more home automation functions, including a network (100) of reception and / or transmission devices (20,30,50,60), said system including a branch in which the following are coupled: - at least one multimedia signal transmission device (50) adapted to emit a multimedia signal; - at least one multimedia signal receiving device (60); - at least one control device (20,30) suitable for emitting and / or receiving a control signal for controlling one or more of the home automation functions of the system; - at least one power supply device (70) capable of emitting a power supply signal for powering the devices of the network (100); - said devices (20,30,50,60,70) being arranged in a network with a non-closed linear topology and said devices being connected to each other via a single two-wire bus (1), said power supply (70), said transmission device multimedia (50) and said multimedia receiving device (60) being connected to said bifilar bus (1) in three spatially distinct points; characterized in that the following signals are transmitted in said two-wire bus (1): - said power signal emitted by said power supply device (70); - said command signal coming from said at least one command device (20,30), said command signals being inside a first frequency range; - said multimedia signal coming from said at least one multimedia transmission device (50), said multimedia signals being within a second frequency range, said multimedia signal being a digital signal, - and by the fact that said first and second frequency ranges do not overlap. 2. Home automation system according to claim 1, including a first and a second multimedia transmitter device (50, TX1, TX2), which transmit in a first and in a second multimedia channel in said two-wire bus (1), said first and said second multimedia transmission device being connected to said bifilar bus in two points spatially distinct and spatially distinct from the connection points of said power supply (70) and of said multimedia receiving device (60). 3. Home automation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said linear topology comprises one or more branches. 4. Home automation system according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which the position of said devices (20,30,50,60,70) in said two-wire bus (1) is arbitrary. 5. Home automation system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said multimedia transmission device (50) and / or said multimedia reception device (60) incorporates a control device (20,30). 6. Home automation system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said control device (20,30) is a device for both transmission and reception of said control signal. 7. Home automation system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said multimedia signal is an audio and / or video signal. 8. Home automation system according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which said first frequency range is comprised between 0 and 3 MHz. 9. Home automation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second frequency range is comprised between 3 MHz and 30 MHz. 10. Home automation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said multimedia signal transmission device (50) comprises an input for connection to a sound and / or video source. Home automation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said multimedia signal receiving device (60) comprises an output for connecting said multimedia signal to a speaker. 12. Home automation system according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said digital multimedia signals are multiplexed by frequency division. 13. Home automation system according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said control signals are digital signals and the communication takes place through multiple access with time sharing. 14. Home automation system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said network comprises one or more branches, and said network comprises a signal divider (40) in the junction between several branches. 15. Home automation system according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which a decoupler (91) is included between said power supply (70) and said network branch in which said multimedia signal is transmitted. 16. Home automation system according to claim 14, wherein each branch is terminated by a terminator (92).