KR20080031688A - System comprising a master unit and a plurality of slave units for operating a plurality of devices - Google Patents

Abstract

System comprising at least one master unit (25) and a plurality of slave units (10, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23), wherein said master unit and said slave units comprise means for performing communication via radio frequency channels. The at least one master unit comprises means for transmitting control signals to said slave units, and the slave units are each provided with a unique address and are each associated with a controllable device. The at least one master unit comprises means for executing a sequential transmission of control signals to at least one of said slave units upon activation of a function control key.

Description

A system comprising a master unit and a plurality of slave units for operating a plurality of devices}

The present invention relates to a system comprising at least one master unit and a plurality of slave units, said master unit and said slave units performing preferably two-way communication over radio frequency channels. Means for transmitting control signals to the slave unit, each slave unit being provided with a unique address and associated with each controllable device.

Operating a plurality of devices in control systems of the type mentioned above can be time consuming and relatively complex.

In the prior art, systems have been described by means of which the aim is to be achieved and achieved. An example of such a system is depicted in EP 1 340 198 B1, where various devices can be involved in remote control during the initial configuration process. Thereafter, a group arrangement is performed, where the devices can be selected one by one and assigned for a particular group. Therefore, several groups can be defined, which are related to several devices that can be operated simultaneously. However, the user may still have to operate the remote control for several times to achieve the desired configuration of the other devices. Therefore, users generally tend not to do their best with regard to everyday convenience that can be achieved by remotely controlled devices available to the user, which can be cumbersome to operate a remote control relatively many times. Because there is.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide such a system with enhanced user friendliness and it will be easy to perform operations involving a plurality of devices by the system.

It is also an object of the invention to provide such a system, for example, in which the time saving features exhibited by a home automation system are facilitated, whereby the user can take advantage of them in a relatively uncomplicated way.

It is therefore a general object of the present invention to enhance the daily convenience of the user, for example by motivating the user to take advantage of the available controlled devices in the home automation system in a way adapted to the needs of the user.

These and other objects are achieved by the present invention as described in more detail below.

The present invention relates to a system comprising at least one master unit and a plurality of slave units, said master unit and said slave units comprising means for performing communication over radio frequency channels, said at least one master unit Means for transmitting control signals to the slave unit, each slave unit being provided with a unique address and associated with each controllable device, the at least one master unit responding to the initiation indication with the at least one Means for performing a continuous transmission of the control signal to the slave unit.

Thus, the continuous operation of one or more devices associated with the slave unit can be performed here by a simple start command, for example a continuous operation previously programmed by the user. Furthermore, this can be accomplished in a way that allows the slave units to be designed in a relatively uncomplicated way, ie the master units will contain all the information related to the operation, so that only one operation at a time It will require a slave unit to perform. Furthermore, the system can be flexible, for example, because new devices can be added to the system without interfering with already programmed operations.

Preferably, as specified in claim 2, the master unit may comprise timing means for facilitating delayed execution of the transmission of the control signal.

Due to this, a time independent execution of the operations can be carried out, for example a continuous transmission of control signals, for example a window is for example 25% open and 10 minutes after the continuous control signal still closes the window completely. And a control signal sent to the window operator 30 minutes after activation of the function control key to achieve what is sent to command the window operator.

In a more preferred embodiment, as specified in claim 3, the master unit is configured to provide information related to the successive transmissions, for example information relating to addresses for specific slave units, control information, time information and the like. It may comprise a storage means for.

Advantageously, as specified in claim 4, the slave units may be configured to transmit an acknowledgment signal to the master unit in response to receiving a control signal.

Because of this, if the slave unit has not successfully received a control signal in the path of execution of successive operations, the indication may be displayed on the master unit and / or the master unit retransmits a particular control signal. This can be done after a delay period to establish the desired behavior.

In a more preferred embodiment, as specified in claim 5, the master unit may be configured to send a status request signal to the slave unit that has received a control signal, the master unit being in response to the received control signal. And may transmit the status request signal after a time delay corresponding to the time consumed by the slave unit to perform an operation in response.

In this way, the master unit will be provided with information as to whether or not the desired operation has been successfully performed, and furthermore, this is done in such a way that the communication is reduced to the minimum necessary, and thereby, for example, to save battery power. Allow power consumption operation for the master unit to save. For example, if a command signal has been sent to the window operator to instruct it to be fully closed from a fully open position, the slave unit may perform this operation and for example an acknowledgment signal is sent from the slave to the master. When this is done, the time required to transfer these values to the master unit can be calculated. Extending to a possible marginal additional interval, at the calculated time, the master unit sends a status request signal to the specific slave unit and the slave unit is for example by signaling that the window is now completely closed. Answer this If a status report from a slave unit indicates that the window operator is still running, the master unit can send a subsequent status request signal after an additional period.

Advantageously, as specified in claim 6, said slave units may be addressed by said master unit in several sectors, said master unit being means for assigning predefined identifications to said slave unit. The master unit further comprises a display means, wherein the predefined identifications are displayed by the display means.

The sectors are associated with, for example, groups comprising several similar or dissimilar units, for example rooms containing several similar or dissimilar units related to a room in a house, or for example one or more rooms in a house. It may be areas containing similar or dissimilar units.

Preferably, as specified in claim 7, the master unit may be provided with at least one predefined continuous execution of a control signal, the predefined sequence being adapted to the operation of the function control key. Can be executed accordingly.

Because of this, certain standard operating programs may be readily available to the user, for example a ventilation program may open all windows in a room, group, or area, for example, when a function control key has been operated and again after a predetermined period of time. It may function to close all windows, for example, closing or neutralizing heating means prior to opening a window-setting thermostat that waits for a period.

Advantageously, as specified in claim 8, the master unit may be configured to facilitate modification of the at least one predefined continuous execution of control signals.

This allows the user to modify the standard programs in terms of the special needs of the user or to be made advantageous by the user.

According to a further preferred embodiment, as specified in claim 9, the master unit may be configured to receive and store one or more application programs comprising a predefined continuous execution of a control signal.

This achieves that the user can be provided with such application programs, for example in view of the needs of the user and / or equipment available at the user's home, for example. For example, if the user acquires a new facility in addition to an already installed facility, it may be desirable to obtain one or more programs designed specifically for the combination of such facility or units. If, for example, the user has several window operators and now has obtained several blinds for the window, a program designed for example a sun protection day-program may be a desirable option. Such a standard program may be provided in any form of storage means, and / or may be converted into a master unit by means of a computer / PC, for example, and / or provided through an internet device. Furthermore, this allows the user to take advantage of new programs developed and delivered by the provider (s). Modifications to such programs or already stored programs can be transferred from the PC to the master unit, for example by means of a cable connection, or the transmission can be made wirelessly by RF means, for example. have.

According to a further preferred embodiment, as specified in claim 10, the master unit may be configured to include one or more application programs comprising a predefined continuous execution of a control signal, wherein the master The master unit is configured to activate the one or more programs depending on the attributes of the system and depending on the authorization.

This allows the master unit to store several programs which may be inactive, for example the programs are stored in memory but cannot be executed. When the master unit detects that the system has acquired an attribute, for example a state, a combination of a facility or a particular kind of facility that makes one of the stored programs available to a user, the master unit is Active, for example, can "propose" to the user that it becomes executable. The user can reject the program or approve the program to be active, in which case the program is "loaded" and the user can easily use the program or for example the individual The program can be adapted to the requirements.

For example, a user with several controllable windows but no other controllable device may not have any benefit of a program that can execute automatic control of the Venetian blind, for example. Therefore, if the program is loaded in an operable form into the master unit, it will only function to embarrass the user and possibly confound it. However, as soon as the user acquires eg venetian blinds on the window, when the system is updated, the master unit will detect this and the master unit will suggest to the user that the program can benefit. . If the user approves, the program becomes executable.

According to further aspects of the present invention, as specified in claim 11, the initiation indicator may comprise activation of a function control key, a timer signal or a control signal received from a controller or sensor.

As such, it can be obtained that execution of one of the programs can be initiated in various ways. In its simplest form, the initiation is effected, for example, by pressing a function control key or program key corresponding to the desired program. Otherwise, the program may be initiated by a timer signal, for example at a specific time of day, week, and / or year or after a preset time from the occurrence of the event. Furthermore, the program can be initiated by a signal received by the master unit, for example from a sensor or a control. For example, if a ventilation program has been stored, then first several windows are opened, the heating means are regulated and the windows are closed again after an additional period of time, which is caused by a signal from a temperature sensor indicating a high temperature. And a signal is received by the master unit, and then the program is started.

Preferably, as specified in claim 12, said master unit may comprise means for recording and storing several sequences corresponding to the continuous transmission of control signals, said means having at least one function. It may include the use of control keys.

Here, the programs can be assigned to a specific key, for example by storing the recorded operations using the specific key, the master unit being one or more of them, for example two, three, Four, and so on.

In a further preferred embodiment, as specified in claim 13, the master unit may be configured to execute a sequence corresponding to the continuous transmission of a control signal by operating the at least one function control key wherein the master The master unit may be configured to execute a particular sequence depending on the manner in which the function control key can be operated, for example the number of times the key has been pressed.

It is achieved here that the programs are assigned to a particular key and can be activated by means of the key, preferably by manipulating the key a number of times that can correspond, for example, to the number assigned to the program. . If four programs were recorded and stored by means of such a program key, for example, they could be numbered program 1, program 2, and so forth. Thus activation of a particular program can be performed by pressing the program key a corresponding number of times, for example by activating program 3 by pressing three times. For practical reasons it will be appreciated that the key must be operated within a predetermined time or with a maximum time limit between the presses in order to record successive presses indicating a particular program number.

In a more preferred embodiment, as specified in claim 14, the master unit may be configured to execute a sequence corresponding to the continuous transmission of a control signal by operating the at least one function control key wherein the master The master unit is configured to execute a specific sequence depending on the operation of the function control key, wherein the stored sequences are sequentially activated.

Here, several programs can be executed in a predefined sequence, for example, it is obtained that programs 1 to 4 are stored in the function control key P1. As described above, the programs can be executed by pressing the key a corresponding number of times and according to this embodiment the first press of the key will start program one. Next, the key will be pressed again, program 2 will be started, and will continue. If at any time the key is pressed twice quickly, the master unit will skip the first program on the line and go to the next to be executed and continue. It is here achieved that the user does not need to remember which program corresponds to a particular program in the range of programs for which the user benefits, for example, from what is routine, for example how many key operations. This may include, for example, a first program that starts when the user wakes up, a second program that is used when the user leaves home, a third program that typically starts when the user returns home from work, and the user May include a fourth program used before going to bed. Such programs can in such a case be executed simply by pressing the program key, for example P1 only once, and the user must remember to initialize the program at the respective points in that case in everyday life. If the user has forgotten to activate the program, it is simple to reset the correspondence with daily life by pressing the program key twice the next time, and the user activates the program key.

Preferably, as specified in claim 15, the master unit may be configured to assign a label, for example a number or name for a stored sequence corresponding to a continuous transmission of control signals, wherein the rename is It becomes convenient.

In this way, enhanced user intimacy is achieved because the user can be immediately informed by an appropriate label or name that appears on the display, for example when a program is selected. For example, in the four daily life programs mentioned above, the user is "good morning" for the first program, "empty" for the second program, and "return" for the third program. You can choose to rename it "Good Night" as the last one. Therefore, the related programs will be more or less self-explanatory to the user, thereby the user will be more motivated to make more programs that can be helpful to the user in everyday life, eg For example, there is a "TV" program for adjusting blinds, lighting, curtains, etc. when the user wants to watch a TV.

Advantageously, as specified in claim 16, the master unit may be configured to facilitate the deletion of the stored sequence corresponding to the continuous transmission of control signals, whereby the label or name may be replaced with other labels or It can be deleted without affecting the names.

As a result, a program can be deleted without creating a potential chaotic state. For example, if the user is set to use five programs and for example to press the key four times to activate a particular program, for example when program 3 is deleted, the remaining numbers are again If numbered it will cause an error. When the number "4" is kept for the particular program, for example if the position number 3 is left empty, the user will still be able to immediately search for and activate the desired program to be still activated by four presses. Can be.

In a further advantageous embodiment, as specified in claim 17, the master unit can be configured to facilitate editing of the stored sequence corresponding to the continuous transmission of the control signal.

This is achieved so that the user can easily modify the already stored program, for example in view of the user's experience with the system or when a new device is installed. This reduces complexity in maintaining and operating the system at all times, and also results in enhanced user intimacy.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings below.

1 shows in a schematic way a control system comprising several controllable devices in a house or building. It also depicts in enlarged scale a depiction of the controllable devices that may be associated with the window.

2 shows one embodiment of a remote control or master unit according to the invention.

3 shows the establishment of rooms in the control system.

4 illustrates division or grouping of controllable devices into sectors according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

5 to 7 show the recording of programs and the use of the program keys.

An example of a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, for example, in a home automation system or part thereof. Here, a building, a house, an apartment or the like 1 is shown in a schematic way, where several devices, for example equipment and fixtures, controlled by the system according to the invention are further shown in a general way.

The house or apartment 1 may comprise several rooms, for example rooms 3, 4, and 5, in which there are several windows 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16. This can be located. Furthermore, some of these windows may also be provided with shades 20, 21, 22, and 23 as shown. It will be understood that parts of such a facility are merely examples of devices that can be controlled by means of the system, for example by means of one or more remote controls 25. Such remote controls are also referred to as master units in the following.

In this case, the window 40 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, outside the window blinds 42, which can be operated by the window activator, the actuator or the dove 41, the drive means 43, and the window. It may comprise a sunshade 44 which is located and operated by the drive means 45.

Other examples of devices and fixtures that can be controlled by such systems are automated shutters, blinds and curtains, garage doors, roof windows, heating and cooling systems, warnings, lighting fixtures, locks and the like.

Devices, equipment and the like controlled by means of the system are associated with means for receiving control signals from slave units, for example the remote control (s) and operating in accordance with the received signals. Such means may comprise means for receiving and transmitting radio frequency, which is a wireless bus which may function to transmit signals from, for example, a general RF receiver to the respective slave units associated with the respective devices and the like. Even if it is understood that it can be connected by.

An example of a remote control or master unit 25 is shown in more detail in FIG. 2. Such remote control includes RF receiving and transmitting means, a power source such as a battery, storage means, control means, and the like, and as further shown in FIG. 2, the remote control may comprise a display 26, for example the display ( 26) operating means in the form of an operating keypad 27 for displaying information on the screen and selecting options, devices, etc., and control keys 28 for operating the selected device, for example.

When the system according to the invention has been installed, initial setup or configuration has to be performed and, for example, automatic registration of the device is performed. This may be initiated by means of the remote control 25, for example by means of an operating means. Such automated registration may include the transmission of a unique code from the remote control to all remotely controlled devices, for example slave units close to the remote control 25 communication-method. According to a predefined process, for example as described in EP 1 340 198 B1, the slave units will transmit a corresponding signal to the remote control 25 during this process, which is in the form of an address and a slave unit, For example, it includes information in the form of window operators, shades, blinds, and the like.

The exchange of addresses and signs may take place by the exchange of completed addresses and codes between one slave unit and the master unit / remote control 25 before performing the exchange between the subsequent slave units and the remote control, This initiation process can continue continuously until the last slave units send and receive its address and type. The sequence of the arrangement of the respective devices may be determined in a variety of ways, for example on devices that are independent of each other and potentially affected by the initiation signal at different time intervals that may be optionally divided between the devices. Can be determined. The device in which the effectable time interval and the start signal occur simultaneously for the first time in this case is configured for the first time and continues in this way.

Obviously, such an initial alignment process can be performed in other ways.

When the automatic arrangement is complete, the system is ready for operation. The remote control 25 now stores a list of devices including addresses and types for each, for example window operators, blinds, shades, lighting, and the like.

Furthermore, the master unit is configured to arrange the slave units or devices, which now allows the user to assign the slave units the type and number of equipment, for example for the first time the window operator 1-7 The sunshades 1-5, the sunshade is associated with the master units in such a way as to display a sorted list on the display 26 as indicated by 1-4 and the like. The user can scroll up and down this list, for example, until the device is found and selected, for example using navigation keys 27a and 27b, in which case the device uses keys 28a. , 28b, and 28c.

In order to make the operation of the system easy and logical, the master unit 25 makes it convenient to divide or group into sectors, for example a group of controllable devices available, which will be described in detail below. Will be.

If the available controlled devices are arranged as depicted above, the display means 26 of the master unit will contain only two levels, ie "home" is replaced by a list of all devices when selected. Or, if a "discovery" instruction is used, the desired type may be found before going to the number-level. This is shown in FIG. 3, where box 30 represents this arrangement of available units. Here, when two or more units of the same type appear, the master unit automatically creates an "all" -group, for example "all window operators."

For the first time, a room will be defined, for example room 3 of FIG.

This will be done by selecting a "menu", where a menu-item can be selected, in which case a sector such as a room can be created, for example. Here, individual units can be selected and assigned to the room, ie by pressing a key 27c to put the unit in the "room". When a device or unit is selected, it is recognized that it is possible to observe which unit is selected by pressing the control keys 28 for a short period of time. Until the "room" is finally stored, for example as "room 1", additional units can be selected as described and added to the "room". This is shown in FIG. 3 as the box 31.

When a room has been created, the master device will suggest storing all remaining units in the room, for example "Room 2" as shown in FIG. 3, or if this is rejected, the display shows the remaining products. You will be returned to the list of units selected for the new room. Units are selected for the room and when the room is stored, the units are automatically renumbered as also shown in FIG. 3.

As described, “room” may include controllable units within a particular room, such as room 3 of FIG. 1. Here, if window operators 13-16 are selected, and shades 21-23 and other types of fixtures are provided, for example blinds, roller shutters, lighting, these will also be included. When the room is established, by the means described above, at least one or more "rooms" are created, the master unit may now include one or more levels. When "home" is selected, it will be possible to choose between "room 1" and "room 2" depicted, for example, by box 31 in FIG. 3, depending on the user's embodiment. After that, it will be possible to select all units of a particular type and to be able to scroll between units in the room.

Another method for configuring partitioning or grouping controllable devices into sectors is shown in FIG. 4.

After the initial auto-deployment a list as shown at 30 will be available to the user, which includes four windows, three shades, two lights and an additional three "all" -groups. .

The user now creates a room, ie “room 1”, as shown at 31, which comprises three windows and one shade. As mentioned above, the "all" group also automatically creates the "all" group when the room is stored. Now, when the user wants to operate the devices, the user can select a "room," in which case the user selects one of two rooms and in turn the devices and group (s) contained in the room. It is possible to choose.

Furthermore, it is possible for the user to select "home" instead as indicated by reference numeral 33, in which case the user will have the option of selecting a particular type of device and in particular one of these devices, etc. .

The creation of sectors in the form of regions is also shown in FIG. Areas can be defined as groups created across previously defined rooms.

If, for example, the user wishes to select "Window 2" from "Room 1" and "Window 1" from "Room 2" and create a group consisting of these areas, area 35, eg For example, "zone 1" will be created, which contains a group, "group 1" consisting of two windows.

As mentioned above, such an area may be renamed, for example, a "south area" such that windows in "group 1" will be identified with windows located in this area.

As shown in FIG. 1 and described in connection with FIG. 4, a group consisting of several units of similar or dissimilar types in a particular room, for example group 50 or room consisting of shades 22 and 23 in room 3 It may further be possible to create a group 51 consisting of window operators for windows 10 and 11 in five.

As further shown in FIG. 1, it is possible to create specific groupings to be referred to as “regions” for the purposes of the present application. Such areas are of the same type or of different types and include units located in different "rooms". This is shown in FIG. 1, for example, as an area 52 consisting of a awning 20 located in room 4 and a awning 21 located in room 3. Once such an area is created, it is possible to simultaneously operate these devices, for example sunshades located on the south facing wall. The zones not only include other rooms at the same level, but also include rooms at different levels in a house, for example with a basement floor and a first floor, for example an attic.

The master unit 25 also includes a feature that enables the user to rename sectors, eg groups, rooms, areas, etc., defined with names that may be user defined, and It is possible for a user to easily recognize which selected sectors to include, for example, using "kitchen", "bedroom", "south front" instead of numbers for identifying particular sectors.

Furthermore, master unit 25 may specify a rate of actuation for the user to open, for example 40% for a window or group of windows, for example to specify a particular item on display 26. By selecting and continuing to activate key 28a and then releasing the key until a 40% rate is displayed on the display, after which the initiation takes place.

Furthermore, the master unit comprises timer means for delayed or time specified initiation, which can be performed in several ways. The timer setting function can be selected, a particular item, for example a window or a group of windows, can be selected, after which an action can be defined, for example 100% open. Furthermore, the next action can be selected next, for example by 10% closing. The timer is selected for the closing action and can be configured by means of the keyboards 27, 28 and the display 26.

The master unit 25 also facilitates the establishment of programmed actions of the items available for initiation, for example individual devices, groups, rooms, areas and groups within the rooms, etc. This may occur by incorporating an initiation to a location and using, for example, a timer means having an initiation at a delayed initiation, a predefined time to real time initiation, and the like.

This may for example select the "record program" menu item and perform respective keypad-operations in order to achieve the desired initiation for the selected devices and / or sectors of the devices, for example two or more may be available. By pressing one of the possible program keys 27e or 27f, P1 or P2.

Furthermore, these program keys 27e and 27f may each be associated with one or more programs, for example four, five or six programs, depending on the master unit in question. For example, as shown in box 60 of FIG. 5, four programs may be assigned to respective program keys 27e and 27f. These programs 61 to 68 can be stored as they are programmed, for example the first program stored using the key 27e is stored as program P1 and the next is stored as P2. The first program stored using the key 27f is stored as P5.

When executing such a program, the corresponding program key is operated, for example, pressed by the corresponding number of times, for example, to execute the program P3, the key 27e is pressed three times, and the program P6 is executed. Key 27f is pressed twice. In order to achieve this function, it is recognized that the key must be pressed relatively quickly, for example with a maximum time between presses of 2 seconds.

According to the invention, it is possible to edit a stored program, for example by selecting the relevant program from a list representing the programs and selecting the editing function.

It is further possible to delete one or more programs, in which case the remaining programs are configured to retain their names. This corresponds to FIG. 5 but is shown in FIG. 6 where programs 62 and 67 have been deleted. As shown, the deletion leaves a vacant place, which is now considered to be the third program corresponding to the key 27e by a user with the habit of pressing the key 27e three times to activate the program P3. Despite this, it still has the advantage of doing so to activate the program. Similarly with respect to the key 27f, the user still has to press the key four times to execute the program P8.

Another way of operating the program-characteristics of the master unit allows the user to execute the programs sequentially. The program 61 is executed by pressing the key 27e once. The next time the key is pressed, the next program 62 will be executed, which can be useful when the programs are involved in initiations that occur as part of everyday life. Therefore, the user will not need to remember which program, and for example, the user will not need to remember what number of key operations correspond to a particular program in the range of programs, for example, taking them in everyday life. This includes, for example, a first program that the user initiates when the user wakes up, a second program that is used when the user leaves home, a third program that is typically initialized when the user returns home from work, and the user goes to bed. It may include a fourth program used before lifting. Such programs can thus be executed simply by pressing the program key, for example by pressing P1 only once, and the user must remember to start the program at the respective points in everyday life in this case. If the user has forgotten to activate the program, it is simply a matter of regaining daily life and correspondence by pressing the program key twice the next time, and the user activates the program key.

As shown in Fig. 7, the master unit 27 facilitates not only naming of recorded programs, but also renaming, which further promotes user familiarity of the system. The user will not need to remember what P6 is doing in this case, for example, but the user can assign a name to this program, which indicates to the user the purpose and function of the program. As shown in Fig. 7, programs P1 to P4, which may be daily programs, may be named "good morning", "empty (work)", "return" and "good night". Therefore, if it is ambiguous whether the user has activated the last program, it will indicate to the user when these labels were shown on the display.

As described, the user can record and store a program, but additional standard programs can be provided, for example, programs which will probably adapt most users, after editing which is not as important as possible. Furthermore, when a user acquires new devices that offer additional possibilities to the user, for example in view of a combination of items, for example with programs specifically designed for such a facility or a combination of units, such programs may be used by the users. Can be made available to. If, for example, the user has several window operators and now obtains several blinds for the window, a program designed for example for a sun protection day program may be a desirable option. Such standard programs may be provided in any form of storage means, for example may be transmitted to the master unit by means of a computer / PC, and / or may be provided via internet facilities. Furthermore, this allows the user to benefit from new programs developed and delivered by the provider (s). Modifications to such programs or already stored programs can be transmitted from the PC to the master unit, for example by means of a cable connection, or the transmission can be made wirelessly by RF means, for example. .

Furthermore, the master unit may be configured to include one or more application programs including a predefined continuous execution of control signals, the master unit depending on the nature of the system and depending on the registration, one of the programs Or may be configured to activate more.

The master unit can therefore store several programs which may be inactive, for example the programs are stored in memory but not executable. When the master unit detects that the system has acquired an attribute, for example a state that makes the stored programs available to the user, a combination of facilities, or a special kind of facility, the master unit is reminded that the program For example, it can be "indicated" that it has been made executable. The user can reject the program or approve of making the program active, in which case the program is " loaded " and the user can easily use the program or for example for the individual needs. The program can be adapted.

For example, a user with several controllable windows but no other controllable devices may not have any advantage of a program that can, for example, perform automatic control of venetian blinds. Therefore, if the program is loaded in an operable form in the master unit, it will only function to panic and possibly confuse the user. However, as soon as the user acquires eg venetian blinds in the window, the master unit will detect this when the program is updated and the master unit will suggest to the user that the program is beneficial. If the user approves, the program becomes executable.

It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the specific examples depicted and represented in the drawings, but may be modified in various ways within the scope of the invention and that it will be used in various applications as specified in the claims.

Claims (17)

10. A system comprising at least one master unit and a plurality of slave units, wherein the master unit and the slave units comprise means for performing communication over radio frequency channels, wherein the at least one master unit is the slave unit Means for transmitting control signals to the at least one slave unit, wherein each of the slave units is provided with a unique address and is associated with a controllable device, respectively, wherein the at least one master unit controls the at least one slave unit in response to an initiation indication. Means for performing a continuous transmission of the signal. The system of claim 1, wherein the master unit comprises timing means for facilitating delayed execution of the transmission of the control signal. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the master unit comprises storage means for information related to the successive transmissions, for example information relating to addresses for specific slave units, control information, time information, and the like. System characterized in that. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the slave units transmit an acknowledgment signal to the master unit in response to receiving a control signal. The master unit of claim 1, wherein the master unit is configured to transmit a status request signal to the slave unit that has received a control signal, and wherein the master unit operates in response to the received control signal. And transmit the status request signal after a time delay corresponding to the time consumed by the slave unit to perform. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the slave units can be addressed by the master unit in several sectors, the master unit for assigning predefined identifications to the slave unit. Means further comprising a means, said master unit comprising display means, by which said predefined identifications are displayed. The master unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the master unit is provided with at least one predefined continuous execution of a control signal, wherein the predefined sequence is executed in accordance with the operation of the function control key. System characterized in that possible. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the master unit is configured to facilitate modification of the at least one predefined continuous execution of control signals. 9. The system of claim 7 or 8, wherein the master unit is configured to receive and store one or more application programs comprising a predefined continuous execution of a control signal. 10. The master unit according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the master unit is configured to include one or more application programs comprising a predefined continuous execution of a control signal, the master unit being an attribute of the system. And activate the one or more programs depending on the authorization. 11. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the initiation indication comprises activation of a function control key, a timer signal or a control signal received from a controller or sensor. 12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said master unit comprises means for recording and storing several sequences corresponding to successive transmissions of control signals, said means comprising at least one function control key. A system comprising the use of. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the master unit is configured to execute a sequence corresponding to continuous transmission of a control signal by operating the at least one function control key, wherein the master unit is operable to operate the function control key. In a way, for example, depending on the number of times the key has been pressed to execute a particular sequence. 14. The apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the master unit is configured to execute a sequence corresponding to continuous transmission of control signals by manipulating the at least one function control key, wherein the master unit is configured to execute the function control key. And execute the specific sequence depending on the manipulation, wherein the stored sequences are activated in series. 15. The device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the master unit is configured to assign a label or number to a stored sequence corresponding to, for example, a continuous transmission of control signals, wherein the rename is convenient. System. 15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the master unit is configured to facilitate deletion of stored sequences corresponding to successive transmissions of control signals, whereby the label or name does not affect other labels or names. System characterized in that it is deleted. 17. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the master unit is configured to facilitate editing of stored sequences corresponding to successive transmissions of control signals.

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