ITPD20130098A1 - PROCEDURE FOR CONFIGURATION AND MANAGEMENT OF A DOMESTIC NETWORK - Google Patents

Description

PROCEDURE FOR CONFIGURING AND MANAGING A DOMESTIC NETWORK

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a method for the configuration and subsequent management of a home automation network consisting of a system comprising a plurality of programmable sockets, a plurality of programmable electrical users, a plurality of buttons, switches, actuators and sensors inserted in a common communication network.

In recent years there has been a growing interest in home automation systems, or even in â € œintermediateâ € areas such as small offices and shops, often referred to as "home automation applications".

In general, these are applications made possible by the convergence of technologies once the prerogative of industrial automation with the most typical needs of domestic systems or small-sized systems.

The structure of these systems is substantially similar to that of industrial automation.

In practice these systems allow:

- the detection in the home of measurements from sensors (such as temperature, humidity, CO2, brightness) or states from presence and contact detectors, switches and buttons, electricity / water / gas meters;

- the operation of sockets, thermostats, valves for radiators and fan-coils, various actuators;

- the insertion of all the elements in a single communication network that allows the user to view the status and measurements, the activation of the actuators from local and remote locations (also via the internet), the programming and automation of functions, the measurement of consumption for the various subsystems for various time intervals. The use of these systems allows the user: energy savings obtained by controlling and verifying the consumption of the various domestic users and activating them with automatic and manual programs;

control and verification of the various measures and sensors from local and remote locations (via internet); convenience and usefulness of controlling and remotely controlling utilities from radio controls, tablets and smartphones, computers on the internet or local network.

Various types of products are currently widespread, of which the main ones are:

1. various types of actuators not included in global communication networks but equipped with local automation and remote control functions (sockets operated by radio controls, timer thermostats for boilers and radiator valves, timed sockets, etc.). These solutions perform useful functions, are often easy to use, but cannot perform most of the functionality described above.

2. solutions integrated in a single programming and control system: these perform the above functions properly, but present some obstacles to widespread use, the main of which are:

- in the case of wired solutions (ie where there is a need for a common communication cable) it is impossible, unless incurring a disproportionate cost, to install them in existing systems; - in the case of non-wired solutions, there is the complexity of the â € œaffiliation and configurationâ € modalities of the transmission equipment to the subsystem so that neighboring houses do not interfere

- for both solutions there is also the scarce practicality of the initial configuration phase of the system and the subsequent growth of the same with additional components.

All this then takes place with the aid of programs on PC or TABLET platforms that allow the definition of the functions of the various devices and their configuration within the global system, with a method that we will define below as TOP-DOWN or from computer to devices.

All this affects the costs and the actual implementation possibilities.

The purpose of the present invention is to develop a method for the configuration and subsequent management of a home automation network consisting of a system comprising a plurality of programmable sockets, a plurality of programmable electrical users, a plurality of buttons, switches, actuators and sensors inserted in a common communication network that is particularly simple in its installation and use.

A further purpose is to develop a procedure for configuring a home automation network that is simple to configure.

Yet another object is to provide a method for configuring a home automation network which is simple, intuitive, easy to learn, practical and without the possibility of error.

Not least object is to provide a method for configuring a home automation network which is economically convenient even for small users.

The listed purposes are achieved by a process for the configuration and subsequent management of a home automation network consisting of a system comprising a plurality of programmable sockets, a plurality of programmable electrical users, a plurality of buttons, switches, actuators and sensors inserted in a common communication network, characterized by the fact that each element of the system described above is configured in the communication network and its functions with the aid of a tool that is placed near the element to be configured, and by virtue of this by recognized itself, and after recognition, it can perform logical operations to configure the element to be programmed, said element, once programmed, being set up to receive the operating commands later on.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will also emerge from the following application examples described also with the aid of the attached drawing table.

Structure of the system and equipment.

The invention adopts an opposite philosophy to the one defined above as TOP-DOWN, and which will instead be defined hereinafter as BOTTOM-UP (from the devices to the computer).

This means that the configuration of the system and the addition of new devices takes place starting from the devices themselves, at the very moment in which they are installed or connected.

The devices are thus already inserted in the system and able to communicate in the communication network immediately: when the user enters the control application on TABLET, PC or INTERNET, he finds an icon environment already configured and can be used directly for commands, detections and time schedules.

This is made possible by some original solutions based on:

- a â € œToolâ € similar to a specially designed radio control;

- some hardware and software features of the other system components suitable for this purpose; The envisaged communication network is of the radio type, but the system can also be partially implemented with POWERLINE communication.

In this application intended for the general public, the devices can be inserted and configured in the following ways:

- Simple

- Intuitive

- Immediate learning

- Practices

- Without the possibility of error.

The system structure, as shown in figure 1, is made up of:

1) A gateway, 1 coordinator called EASYBOX, 2) A "Tool" remote control 2,

3) A virtually unlimited number of devices 3a, 3b, 3c, etc., inserted in the radio communication network

EASYBOX 1 allows

- data collection and sending of commands to devices;

- storage of the list of devices on the network, their parameters and data;

- local interfacing of TABLET 4, (SMARTPONE and COMPUTER);

- interfacing the system with the Internet 5 and therefore opening it to the world of remote applications for the user, any Service Centers, Multiutilities.

Tool 2 allows:

- The operation of devices with radio control functions;

- The initial affiliation of each device to the communication system;

- The configuration of each device and its relations with the others, as we will see later.

- The interrogation of a device by a user 6;

All devices are equipped with:

- Radio equipment 7 for communication within the building;

- Proximity device 8, suitable for the selection of the device by the Tool (for example a magnetic field detector);

The Tool is equipped with:

- Radio equipment for communication within the building;

- Proximity device to select devices (for example a magnet);

- Display;

- Functional keys.

Operating modes of the system.

New device installation

The installation of a device in the system follows the same procedure for all objects:

1) Selection of the device with Tool 2: this function is carried out simply by bringing Tool 2 close to device 3a, 3b, 3c for a moment. The proximity sensor 8 in the device 3a, 3b, 3c activates the procedure: from that moment the device 3a, 3b, 3c and the Tool 2 can communicate with normal radio communication. Furthermore, the device 3a, 3b, 3c is already part of the communication network 7, the access parameters of which are transmitted to it by the Tool 2.

2) Entering other configuration parameters only if necessary via the display and the function keys of Tool 2.

In line with the BOTTOM-UP approach, it is important to underline that Tool 2, in phase 2, has an absolutely passive functionality: it is not Tool 2 that asks the user for the configuration parameters and sends them to the device. This would be a TOP DOWN approach in which Tool 2 must be programmed in order to know all the devices 3a, 3b, 3c, etc., possible in the system and the related configuration parameters.

On the contrary, it is the device itself that requests the parameters it needs, sending through the radio communication the requests that are shown on the display of Tool 2 to which the user can respond by means of the functional keys of the same.

This reversed approach also has great advantages for the design of the system and its evolution with always new devices, which do not require any modification on the Tool.

It is also important that the selection of the device 3a, 3b, 3c is done intuitively â € œon the spotâ €, â € œindicating itâ € with Tool 2 without having to access a TABLET or COMPUTER and from here having to remember numbers and parameters selection. It also takes place in a single phase guided by the device 3a, 3b, 3c itself, with a visual feedback on the display that prevents errors and ensures the user that the operation has taken place.

EXAMPLE 1

Configuring a radio-controlled socket to which the user connects a washing machine:

1) Select the device with the Tool;

2) The device asks the user through the Tool for the type of object it is going to control, eg.

- household appliance

a.Washing machine

b. washer dryer

c. Furnace

d. Dishwasher

- Lighting

a.Living room

b. Garden

c. room

d. other

Once the operation is complete, the device as 3a, 3b, 3c:

- communicates on the network by transmitting data and receiving commands and programming from other objects and from EASYBOX

- appears and is recognized in the appropriate icon menu of the TABLET / COMPUTER, so if it appears among the household appliances, it has a washing machine as an icon and can be operated and programmed like a washing machine

- its name can be easily modified or completed on the TABLET which makes it available to the whole system (for example from WASHING MACHINE to WASHING MACHINE)

Query a device

When the user approaches the Tool 2 to a device 3a, 3b, 3c, already configured this shows on the display the name assigned to the device itself: this allows easy checks on the spot without the aid of TABLET / PC

Radio control function

Tool 2 can also be used as a radio control with the START / STOP / STANDBY keys after selecting a device from a menu on the display (in this case without the aid of proximity, or with the aid of the same).

Also in this case, the device can request the user (via the TOOL) drive parameters such as set points or timers, with the usual bottom-up approach described above.

Combination / merging of devices

Very often system configuration requires multiple devices to be combined together to perform more complex functions.

Also in this case, the BOTTOM-UP method and architecture of the system give the user a simple, intuitive, quick to learn and error-free mode of interaction.

The combination of two devices takes place by selecting the two devices in sequence with Tool 2 (after pressing a functional key of â € œUNION / COMBINATIONâ € present in Tool 2). This happens as usual by placing the l'Attrezzo together with a first and a second device).

After selecting the second device, the Tool indicates that the operation was successful.

EXAMPLE 2

Combination of a radiator valve control with an ambient temperature sensor

Note:

The control valve of a radiator can be programmed by the system to regulate the temperature of a room. There may be several radiators in an environment and the temperature to be regulated is generally detected by a sensor placed in a suitable position within the room.

Procedure

1) Press the â € œUNION / COMBINATIONâ € button of Tool 2.

2) Select the radiator valve with Tool 2 (the Tool on the display will indicate CHAMBER RADIATOR VALVE)

3) Select the ambient temperature sensor with the Tool (the Tool on the display will indicate AMBIENT TEMPERATUREâ € ¦. UNION OK)

This is always made possible by the BOTTOM UP mode of the system architecture.

The radiator actuator is designed to accept union / combination with an ambient temperature sensor. Therefore, after having been selected as the first element of the combination, he evaluates that the second element can be accepted by him and confirms it.

It is reiterated that this information of an application type does not need to be implemented in Tool 2, but only in the devices concerned.

Furthermore, all the functions are performed by combining the action on the function key with the physical indication of the device receiving the action. From what has been described and illustrated, it can be seen that all the proposed purposes have been achieved, by developing a procedure for configuring a home automation network consisting of a system comprising a plurality of programmable sockets, a plurality of programmable electrical users, a plurality of buttons, switches, actuators and sensors inserted in a common communication network, in a simple, intuitive and functional way.

Claims (9)

CLAIMS 1) Procedure for configuring a home automation network consisting of a system comprising a plurality of programmable sockets, a plurality of programmable electrical users, a plurality of buttons, switches, actuators and sensors inserted in a common communication network, characterized by the fact that each element (3a, 3b, 3c, etc.) of the system described above is configured in the communication network and its functions with the aid of a tool (2) which is placed near the element to be configured (3a , 3b, 3c, etc.), and by virtue of this recognized by the same, and after recognition, it can perform logical operations to configure the element to be programmed, said element, once programmed, being predisposed to receive later, the operating commands and to send the acquired states and measurements. 2) Process for configuring a home automation network as per claim 1, characterized by the fact that each of said elements (3a, 3b, 3c, etc.), once programmed, being set up to subsequently receive the operation from the same communication network. 3) Process for configuring a home automation network as per claim 1, characterized by the fact that each of said elements (3a, 3b, 3c, etc.), once programmed, informs a central unit (1), from which recognized, it will then receive the operating commands. 4) Process for configuring a home automation network as per claim 1, characterized by the fact that each of said elements (3a, 3b, 3c, etc.), once programmed, can be placed in relation with other of said elements on which it will depend and receive, subsequently variables and operating data, informing of this if useful, the central unit (1), where it exists. 5) Procedure for configuring a home automation network as per claim 1, characterized (3a, 3b, 3c, etc.) by the fact that the programming of each single element (3a, 3b, 3c, etc.) takes place by means of of said tool (2) which is equipped with a proximity recognition means (8), which once approached the element to be programmed (3a, 3b, 3c, etc.) makes it recognized and makes it operational. 6) Process for configuring a home automation network as per claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that said proximity recognition means (8) consists of a magnet located in the said tool (2) and a magnetism sensor located in the element to be programmed. 7) Process for configuring a home automation network as per claims 1 and 5, with said tool (2), once recognized and operational, a name, code or type of function is imposed on the element, called information being made available to the network (7) and to the central unit (1), where present. 8) Process for configuring a home automation network as one or more of the preceding claims, with said tool (2), once recognized and operational, and having programmed a first element (3a, 3b, 3c, etc. ) allows, approaching a second element (3a, 3b, 3c, etc.) and being recognized by it, to associate the two elements so that they exchange data for their operation. 9) Procedure for the configuration and use of a home automation network where a portable tool (2) equipped with a display receives the requests intended for dialogue with the user for the command directly from the objects whose command or configuration is in charge and configuration.