WO2015106766A1

WO2015106766A1 - System and unit for monitoring the condition of a window and door

Info

Publication number: WO2015106766A1
Application number: PCT/DK2015/050011
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lars Petersen
Original assignee: Sl Holding, Kolding Aps
Priority date: 2014-01-16
Filing date: 2015-01-16
Publication date: 2015-07-23

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method for monitoring the condition of a window or door and managing the control of at least one operation unit arranged relative to the window or door. A monitoring unit senses the various parameters, such as temperature, incident light, vibrations, air pressure, CO₂ or other relevant parameters. A controller controls the communication with a server unit or a master unit which in turn communicates with the server unit. The sensed data is logged in the server unit. A master user controls the operation of the operation units and sets up a second user profile for other users, e.g. a guest. A unique number is used to identify the user or objects located within the monitoring area. This provides a simple and versatile system which can be retrofitted to existing windows or doors. This configuration provides a simple and easy method for managing the operation of a plurality of operation unit arranged relative to the windows or doors.

Description

System and unit for monitoring the condition of a window and door Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a monitoring system for monitoring the condition of a building element, such as a window or door, mounted within an opening of a building, wherein the monitoring system comprises:

at least one monitoring unit comprising at least one sensor configured to sense at least one predetermined parameter characteristic of a condition of the build- ing element;

at least one controller connected to the monitoring unit and configured to communicate with at least one server unit.

The present invention also relates to a method for managing the control of a monitor- ing system as described above, where the method comprises the steps of:

transmitting one or more wireless signals to at least one user by means of one or more transmitters, wherein the wireless signal defines a monitoring area; receiving a unique number, e.g. an ID-number, by means of one or more receivers from the user located inside the monitoring area;

- transmitting the unique number to at least one server unit via a controller in which a user module compares the unique number to at least one user profile stored in the user module for identifying the user.

The present invention furthermore relates to a method for retrofitting a building ele- ment, such as a window or door, mounted within an opening of a building.

Background of the invention

Presently there is an increased focus on energy consumption in houses in connection with new construction and with renovation of existing houses. Today, there are greater demands on the energy optimisation of existing houses as well as new houses, in particular thermal loss through walls and doors/windows, as well as control of the total energy consumption in the houses. Various systems (also called building management systems) for monitoring the energy consumption in the building or regulating the climate in a room of the building, such as temperature control, are described in the literature.

JP 10184236 A and JP 2161091 A disclose a system for controlling the indoor temperature in houses by means of a skylight having an LCD layer and a temperature sensor placed near the outer or inner side of the window. The temperature sensor is connected to a controller which based on the measured temperature regulates the amount of incident sun light transmitted through the window by regulating the voltage applied to the LCD layer. This system has the disadvantage that the temperature is not measured in an optimal position relative to the window which means that the control of the LCD layer is dependent on the incident angle and direction of the incident sunlight hitting the temperature sensor and not the window. Thus, there is a risk that the LCD layer is activated too early or too late in relation to the desired temperature in the room.

US 6369935 B l discloses a window with an electrochromic layer arranged between two glass layers where the electrochromic layer is connected to a separate controller arranged near the window. The controller controls the light transmission through the electrochromic layer by means of a temperature sensor arranged in the interspace between two glass panes, such as placed in the glue joint between the glass panes. The temperature is measured in a single point which does not provide a true indication of the temperature changes in the entire window. This means that the amount of incident sunlight through the window is regulated based on the direction and angle of the sunlight hitting the area in which the sensor is located. Also, the system is slow to react to changes in temperature as the reaction time depends on the position of the sensor in relation to the light incidence. Furthermore, there is also a focus on monitoring the interior of buildings or surrounding areas for security and insurance purposes. Various security systems, such as CCTV-systems, are described in the literature. However, such systems require a large number of individual cameras and/or sensors to be positioned relative to the entire areas wherein each camera is connected to a central controller or control station. An operator located at the central station then has to monitor each screen in order to detect intruders, animals or the like. The large number of screens makes it difficult for the operator to keep track of each image and often requires at least two operators to be present at the central station. Such systems require the use of large amounts of equip- ment and take a long time to install.

The central controller of the security system can be set up to automatically detect any movement inside the area or room based on the captured images or signals from the sensors. An image or alarm is then displayed on a central screen allowing the operator to take any appropriate actions or then transmitted wirelessly to a mobile communication device allowing an operator or user to take appropriate actions. Such system also requires the installation of individually cameras or motion sensors throughout the areas or rooms. Such cameras or motion sensors are often clearly visible for any intruders or burglars allowing them to bypass the security system or disable the cameras or sen- sors. Such systems often use specially designed transmitters and receivers to monitor the areas or rooms which increases the costs of such security systems. It is well- known that these systems suffer from false alarms, since the motion sensors are typically not able to distinguish between movement caused by people or animals. The article "Through-wall tracking using variance-based radio tomography networks" by Joey Wilson, et al. discloses the use of multiple radio transceivers arranged in a network where a controller uses radio tomographic images to detect the movement of people located inside the network. Each transceiver transmits a radio signal and measures the reflected signal. The measured signals are then combined to form a tomographic image. This system requires the use of a large number of individual transceivers placed with a few meters apart in order to properly detect the movement inside the monitored area. This increases the cost of the system and requires a large amount of power. GB 2356077 A discloses a security system comprising a pivotal window with an integrated sensor device for detecting the opening and closing of the window. The sensor device is mounted to the pivotal window sash in a side surface between the window sash and the surrounding window frame. The sensor device is a displacement sensor in the form of a Doppler-sensor having a built-in transmitter and receiver placed within a few centimetres from the side surface of the window frame for detecting the relative movement of the window sash. The sensor device is connected to a transmitter for wirelessly communicating with a controller. A separate camera or motion sensor needs to be connected to the controller in order to detect people or animals moving around inside the room. The sensor device is arranged in a box-shaped housing configured to be mounted in a cavity in the window sash. The detection of the relative movement is likely to be significantly influenced by the moveable locking parts of the locking system, since they are normally made of metal. Furthermore, the system can falsely indicate that the window is closed event though the handle is not actually placed in the closed position.

WO 2013/159778 Al from the applicant discloses an intelligent window connected to a controller configured to control means for regulating the amount incident light through the window. The geographic location and orientation of the window can be determined by means of a position module and a direction module located in the window. The orientation of the window is combined with the meteorological data for that geographic location to set up the parameters used to control the light regulating means. Additional sensors have to be added to the system for detecting whether the window is closed or open, this increases the costs of the system. Furthermore, this configuration does not disclose how the condition monitoring can be provided.

Thus there is room for improvement of such systems as described above and there is a call for development of a new and improved system and method which is simple, effective and easy to install and to operate. Object of the invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a system that reduces the above-mentioned drawbacks in a simpler and less costly way.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system logging and monitoring the condition of the window or door.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system configured to be retrofitted to an existing window or door. Another object of the invention is to provide a method that reduces the number of false alarms. Another object of the invention is to provide a method that identifies a user located within a monitoring area.

Description of the invention

As mentioned above, the invention relates to a monitoring system characterised in that:

- the controller is configured to transmit the sensed signals from the monitoring unit to the server unit, wherein the server unit comprises a condition module configured to log the data received from the controller and optionally to compare at least one of the logged signals to a threshold value.

This provides a cheap and simple monitoring system capable of monitoring and logging the condition of the window or door, or even an indoor climate, by using one or more sensors. The sensors may be integrated into the monitoring unit and/or connected to the monitoring unit via a wired or wireless connection. The sensor may be a light sensor in the form of a LUX-sensor or a PIR sensor configured to sense the amount of incident light through the window. The sensor may be an air pressure gauge in the form of a barometer configured to measure the pressure in the ambient air. The sensor may be a vibration sensor in the form of a strain gauge, a piezoelement, a shock sensor or an accelerometer configured to sense the vibrations or shocks in the window or door, preferably in the pane. The sensor may be a microphone configured to sense the sounds or acoustic signals generated in the window or door. The sensor may be a temperature sensor, e.g. a line sensor as disclosed in WO 2013/159778 Al, configured to sense the temperature of the window or door. The sensor may be a C0₂ meter configured to measure the carbon dioxide level within the room. Two or more types of sensors may be connected to the controller for sensing various parameters characteristic of the condition of the window or door.

The use of a line sensor as a temperature sensor allows for a better measurement of the temperature fluctuations occurring in the window or door. Thereby, allowing for a better regulation of the energy transferred to the room, e.g. the amount of free energy derived from the sun.

The condition module continuously or periodically logs the data from the monitoring unit. The time period for logging the data may be 30 minutes or less, between 1 minute and 10 minutes, 5 minutes, or any time period therein between. The time period for each of the sensed parameters may be the same or differ. The condition module may further be configured to compare at least one of the logged signals to a threshold value indicating an upper or lower limit for the sensed parameter. The condition module may generate an event signal in the form of an alarm signal or an alarm message if the logged signal is above or below the threshold value. This condition monitoring can be used for performing a service life estimation based on the logged data, e.g. the logged expansions and contractions, which may be used to generate the event signal indicating when it is necessary to replace the assembly. The alarm signal or message may be transmitted to a communication unit of a user via a wired or wireless connection.

The controller in the form of at least one processor may be integrated into the monitoring unit or into a separate unit connected to the monitoring unit. A communication module, e.g. a wired or wireless module, for communicating with the server unit may be connected to the controller and integrated into the monitoring unit or the separate unit in which the controller is located. The communication module may be a WIFI module, a WLAN module, a Bluetooth module, an IR module, an NFC module, or another wireless communication module. The server unit may comprise a mating communication module connected to the condition module for communicating with the controller. A power source in the form of a rechargeable and/or replaceable source, e.g. a solar cell or battery, may be used to drive the electrical circuitry. Alternatively, an external power source, e.g. the power grid, may be used to drive the electrical circuitry wherein the monitoring unit or the separate unit comprises one or more terminals for coupling to the external power source.

According to one embodiment, the monitoring unit further comprises at least a direction module, e.g. a compass, configured to determine the orientation of the building element. The direction module may be a GPS receiver, a compass, e.g. an analog or digital compass, or another type of orientation detecting device. The compass may have two or three magnetic field sensors. The GPS receiver may have two or three antennas. This enables the controller to at least determine the orientation of the window or door panel relative to the building.

Alternatively or additionally, a gyrometer or a gyroscope or an accelerometer may be connected to the controller and configured to measure the orientation or movement of the window or door panel. This meter or scope may be configured to measure orientation or movement along one, two, three or more axis and/or form part of the direction module. This allows for a more accurate measurement of the orientation.

The direction module may also function as a position module configured to determine the geographical position of the unit. Alternatively, a separate position module may be connected to the controller. The GPS receiver may be used to determine the position of the unit or the position may be determined by triangulating the radio signals from two or three antennas/sending masts. According to a specific embodiment, the direction module is arranged relative to a moveable panel, e.g. a sash, of the building element, and the controller is configured to determine the orientation of the moveable panel relative to a reference orientation, e.g. a closed position, based on an orientation signal from the direction module. This enables the monitoring system to determine the relative orientation or movement of a window or door panel, e.g. a sash, configured to move between a closed position and an open position. The controller is able to determine the relative orientation of the window or door panel even if it is only moved a few centimetres or millimetres away from the closed position. This configuration reduces the number of false positives, i.e. signals, in the monitoring system and enables the system to more accurately detect whether the moveable panel of the window or door is closed or open compared to the system of GB 2356077 A. The monitoring unit to be mounted to a window or door during manufacturing or retrofitted to an existing window or door. The monitoring unit may be arranged on the window or door panel, e.g. the pane or the sash element surrounding the pane, without having to take into account the position of the coupling means. The term "mounted to" includes physically mounting the unit to the window or door by any type of mounting surface or bracket as well as integrating the unit into the window or door.

The building element is defined as any type of window or door having a frame structure configured to be mounted to the opening of a building and wherein one, two, three or more panels are connected to the frame structure either directly or indirectly. The sash may form part of the frame structure. The window or door panel(s) may be connected to the frame structure by means of a pivotable, rotatable or slidable coupling allowing at least one of the window or door panels to be slided, rotated or pivoted between a closed position and an open position. The panel may comprise two, three or more layers or panes of a transparent material, such as glass, plexiglass or other suited material. Each layer or pane may be spaced apart by means of one or more spacer elements and/or glue joints arranged along the peripheral edge of the panes. The window or door frame may comprise a hollow or solid frame structure made of aluminium, wood, PVC, composite or other suited material.

According to a specific embodiment, the monitoring unit comprises at least one second sensor, e.g. an IR-sensor, arranged relative to a handle of the moveable panel which handle is configured to lock and unlock the panel, wherein the second sensor is configured to sense the position of the handle. This allows the position of the handle or a similar locking mechanism to be detected by means of an IR-sensor, a photosensor, a switch or contact or another type of sensor. The sensor may be configured to sense whether the handle is placed in a closed position or not, e.g. by indicating a high or low signal or an open or closed state. This further reduces the false positives since the orientation of the window or door can be combined with the position of the handle. Another sensor, e.g. an IR-sensor or switch, may be arranged to detect whether the pane or panel is connected to the frame structure or not. Alternatively or additionally, a third sensor in the form of another IR-sensor or photosensor may be arranged relative to the window or door pane for detecting the amount of dirt or rain located on the outer surface of the pane. A camera may be used to detect the amount of dirt or rain. The third sensor may be connected directly to the controller or indirectly via the monitoring unit.

According to a specific embodiment, the server unit further comprises a user module connected to a memory unit in which the logged data is stored, wherein at least one predetermined user profile is stored in the user module.

This enables the server unit to provide a user interface for one or more types of users, such an energy supplier/distributor, an end-user, a manufacture of the window or door, a security company, or another type of user. A communication module may be connected to the user module and configured to communicate with an external communication device via a wired or wireless connection. A user profile, e.g. a master user profile, for each type of user may be stored in the user module and comprise a user interface, e.g. GUI, set up for that type of user. The user profile may be configured to provide access to a selected amount of logged data or all the logged data. The logged data and/or the calculated data by the various modules in the server unit may be stored in a database located in the server unit or a spate database unit connected to the server unit. This allows the user interface to be optimised for that type of user and/or only provide access to the data relevant for that user.

The energy supplier/distributor may in one example access the server unit and see how much natural/free energy is supplied to the room and thus the building from outside based on the logged data. This allows the amount of energy transferred from the energy sources in the room to be adjusted accordingly, hereby reducing the total energy consumption in the room and thus the building. The manufacture of the window or door may in one example access the server unit and see the service life estimation of the windows or doors in the building. This allows the assembly to be replaced before it fails. The user may in one example access the server unit and see the condition of the window or door, e.g. determine if a window cleaning service is needed. The user may use the user interface to select a desired application or function, e.g. condition monitoring, security monitoring, and/or alter a control parameter, e.g. a threshold value, of a selected application or function.

In an embodiment of the invention, the server unit further comprises an operation module configured to generate a set of parameters based on the logged data, and where the operation unit is configured to regulate the indoor climate in a room in which the building element is located based on the set of parameters.

This enables the controller and the monitoring unit in their simplest configuration to function as a thermostat used to regulate the amount of energy transferred to the room in which the window or door is located. The operation unit may be any type of unit, such as a radiator or similar heating unit, floor heating unit, ventilator unit, air condition unit, sunshade unit, light transmitting layer (e.g. an eletrochrome layer) arranged on one of the window or door panes, or another suitable arrangement. The sunshade unit may be a Venetian blind, lamellae, panels, a curtain, or an awning. The controller may control two or more operation units via a common set of parameters or individual sets of parameters. The operation unit can perform a stepwise/gradual regulation of the light incidence/energy supply as the temperature rises in the room; it is hereby possible to prevent too large variations in the temperature in the room. This allows seeing out of the window for a longer time simultaneously with the light incidence is attenuated.

The server unit may comprise an operation module configured to generate one or more sets of parameters used to control the operation unit. The operation module may be configured to determine these sets of parameters based on the logged data from the monitoring unit, such as the measured temperature, the C0₂ measurement, the amount of incident light or any other sensed or measured data. The sets of parameters may then be transmitted from the server unit to the controller and stored in a local memory unit. The set of parameters may be determined based on the geographic location and reference orientation of the window or door, e.g. combined with metrological data for that area. An operating panel connected to the controller may be used by the user to manually adjust or view one or more of the parameters. Alternatively, a communication unit or a remote control in a wired or wireless connection with the controller may be used by the user to manually adjust or view one or more of the parameters. The user may access the server unit, the operation unit, and/or the monitoring unit via a website or a unique IP-address.

Alternatively, the server unit may communicate directly with the operation unit via another communication module, e.g. a WIFI module, located in or connected to the operation unit. The control signals and/or the set of parameters may be transmitted directly to the operation unit via this communication module. The operation unit and/or the monitoring unit According to one embodiment, the monitoring unit and/or the controller is integrated into a spacer element or a sealing element located between two adjacent panes of the building element, wherein the spacer element or sealing element is arranged at the peripheral edge of the panes. This enables the controller and monitoring unit to be integrated into the window or door so that it functions as an intelligent unit. This also allows the components of the system to be concealed or hidden in a frame element, e.g. in a cavity closed off by a removable cover, or in the window or door pane, e.g. in the glue joint/sealing element or in the spacer element. This configuration further reduces the risk of a burglar or thief disabling or damaging the system.

The condition module may be configured to determine if the window or door pane is smashed or destroyed, for example, by detecting a sudden and distinctive change in the logged parameters. The condition module may then generate an alarm signal or message which is transmitted to the user or a security operator and/or to an alarm unit.

According to one embodiment, the server unit further comprises a security module configured to detect any movement inside a monitoring area and/or identify an object located within the monitoring area.

The system may be configured to function as a security system by means of at least one transmitter and at least one receiver. The transmitter is configured to transmit a wireless signal used to define the monitoring area. The receiver is configured to detect the transmitted signal directly or a reflected signal of humans, animals or other mov- ing objects moving around inside the monitoring area. The transmitter and/or receiver may be arranged in window or door and connected to the controller, e.g. integrated into a frame element or the spacing between two adjacent panes. Optionally an external transmitter, e.g. a mobile phone, a wireless modem, a laptop or tablet, may be used. The placement of the receivers in the window and/or door units allows the receivers to be placed in a more concealed position compared to a traditional security system. This also allows for a simpler configuration of the transmitters and receivers, since they do not have to be integrated into a single unit, i.e. a transceiver, which allows the costs of such a system to be reduced compared to a traditional security sys- tern.

The transmitter may be at least one WIFI, RF, Bluetooth, ZigBee or KNX antenna or at least one ultrasonic transmitter. The WIFI antenna may be configured to support at least the 2.4 GHz frequency band, the 5 GHz frequency band or another frequency band. The signal strength, i.e. amplitude, frequency band, etc., may be determined according to the selected communication standard, such as defined by the IEEE, GSM, UMTS, LTE standards. The receivers may be formed as wire antennas, mi- crostrip antennas or another type of antenna. The wire antenna may be a monopole, dipole, or a loop antenna. The radiation patterns of the antennas may be focused or equally spread in one or more directions. The range of transmitter may be defined by the efficiency of the antennas. This provides a simple and less costly configuration of the receivers and allows for an easy coupling to the controller.

The receivers may be arranged relative to the peripheral edge of the window or door, e.g. the window or door pane. The peripheral edge is defined as the area extending in any directions outwards from the edge of the window or door up to 10 cm from the edge, including the edge. Two or more receivers may be arranged in the window or door, preferably at opposite ends or sides of the window or door. Each receiver may extend along the length of a member, bottom member or side member of the window or door frame, or a part thereof. One receiver may be used as a reference, i.e. detecting the signal directly from the transmitter, for the other receiver, i.e. detecting the reflected signal. Each receiver may form a continuous antenna extending along at two or more of the members. The receivers may form a loop extending around the peripheral edge of the window or door. This allows the size and configuration of the receivers to be simplified and reduced. This provides a simpler installation since the receivers may be adhered to the window or door, or concealed in an adhesive band having a removable layer protecting the adhesive layer. This security module may be configured to distinguish between humans, animals and other objects based the reflected signal. The security module may be configured to identify at least one user or object based on a unique number, e.g. an ID-number or code, received by at least one of the receivers and/or by a master unit. The unique number or code may be stored in a user profile in the user module, as described below. This allows the number of false alarms generated by the security module to be reduced. This also allows the security module to detect the position of any valuable items by means of triangulating their position and/or by means of a tag, e.g. a RFID- tag, located in the item. As mentioned above, the invention relates to a method for managing the control of a monitoring system as described above characterised in that:

- the user module identifies at least one master user by means of at least one master user profile stored in the user module, and where the server unit further logs at least one predetermined parameter sensed by means of at least one monitoring unit mount- ed to at least one building element, e.g. a window or door, wherein the sensed parameter is characteristic of a condition of the building element.

This allows the server unit to continuously or periodically log the sensed data from the monitoring unit and/or any other sensors connected to the controller. The data may be stored in a database module in the server unit or a separate database unit. The server unit may be configured to determine or calculate any type of statistical data from the logged data. The statistical data may be associated one or more of the different types of user profiles stored in the user module. The user module may be configured to identify a master user by means of a unique master number, such as an ID-number or another type of code or identification number. The master profile may comprise name, address, and optional telephone number, email and/or payment information, e.g. a credit card number, associated with that master user and the rights of the master user. The rights may allow the master user to view the settings of a particular operation unit and optionally change one or more of the settings, e.g. power on/off, alter a threshold level for the operation unit, increase/decrease energy supplied to or from the operation unit, or any other relevant settings for that operation unit. A master profile may be set up for each master user, or at least two master users may be associated with the same master user profile. This allows the master user to control one or more operation units located in the room in which the master user is located.

The master user may generate or link one or more secondary user profiles to hers/his master profile. The secondary user profile may comprise name, address, and optional telephone number and/or e-mail associated with that user and the rights of that user. Alternatively or additionally, a general secondary user profile may be set up for a group of users, such as users or guests having a unique number not recognised by the system. A message, e.g. a welcome message, may be pushed to the user if the user is not recognised by the system. A link to the users profile on a social network may be stored in the user profile. The message may be sent to the user via the social network.

The transmitters and/or receivers located in the window or door may be used to receive the unique number from the users or objects located in the monitoring area or determine the position of these users or objects. Alternatively or additionally, a master unit having one or more transmitters and/or receivers may be used to communicate with the users. The transmitters and/or receivers of the master unit may have the same configuration as disclosed above or a different configuration. The user module and the user profiles may instead be stored in the master unit.

According to a specific embodiment, a condition module in the server unit monitors the condition of the building element based on the logged data, and the master user sets up at least one control parameter, e.g. a threshold value, for monitoring the condition of the building element.

This enables the master user to manage the settings for the various applications or functions, such as monitoring modules, implemented in the server unit. The settings of the monitoring modules, the security module and/or the condition module may be changed by the master user. The master user and/or secondary user may use a com- munication device in the form of a smartphone, PDA, laptop, smart watch or another type of communication device to communicate the master unit, the server unit and/or the controller in the window or door. The user may use an application, i.e. an app, implemented on the communication device to communicate with the master unit, the server unit and/or the controller in the window or door. Optionally an active or passive tag, e.g. a RFID-tag, located on the user may be used to identify the user where the tag transmits a unique number to one or more of the receivers. The master unit may be connected to two or more individual windows or doors in which a monitoring unit and a controller are arranged.

According to one embodiment, the master user controls the operation of at least one operation unit configured to regulate an indoor climate in a room, e.g. by setting up at least one control parameter of the operation unit. This provides a simple and easy method for managing the control of an operation unit configured to regulate an indoor climate in a room of the building. This configuration allows the operation of the operation unit to be controlled by only a master user, e.g. an operator or an employee, where as other users, such as a guest, are not able to control the operation. This provides a more constant operation which may lead to a re- duced energy consumption since the settings of the operation unit change less frequently. The present system further provides a simple and easy method for managing the operation of a monitoring unit configured to perform a selected monitoring task, e.g. by using a monitoring module implemented on a server unit. As mentioned above, the present invention furthermore relates to a method for retrofitting a building element, such as a window or a door, located in an opening of a building, where the method comprises the steps of:

mounting at least one monitoring unit to the building element and connecting the monitoring unit to a controller configured to communicate with at least one server unit;

setting up at least one master user profile for a master user in the server unit using a user module in the server unit, e.g. via a wireless connection; and setting up at least one second user profile for a second user, e.g. a guest, associated with the master user profile, and/or sensing at least one parameter char- acteristic for the condition of the building element by using the monitoring unit and logging the sensed data in the server unit.

The present system provides a simple and easy method for retrofitting the system to an existing window or door. This allows the present system to be installed in buildings without having to replace the existing windows or doors. The present system may be configured to manage the control of at least one operation unit located in the room in which two or more users are located by using a unique number to identify the users. The master profile allows the master user to manage the settings for the various func- tions of the system.

Description of the drawing

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a simplified layout of a window according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 2 shows an example embodiment of the configuration of the system according to the invention. In the following text, the figures will be described one by one, and the different parts and positions seen in the figures will be numbered with the same numbers in the different figures. Not all parts and positions indicated in a specific figure will necessarily be discussed together with that figure.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Fig. 1 shows a simple layout of a window according to the invention including at least one panel in the form of a window pane 1 mounted in at least one window frame 2. The window pane 1 comprises two, three or more layers in the form of panes made of a transparent and approximately rigid material such as glass, plexiglass or other suited material.

The window frame 2 in the shown embodiment is designed as a four-sided window including a top member 3 and a bottom member 4 connected with two side members 5, 6. The window frame 2 can be made of aluminium, wood, PVC, composite or other suited material and is designed as a hollow or solid window frame. The window pane 1 may be divided into one or more sections (not shown) where the panes in the individual sections are divided by an intermediate frame member connection to at least one of the members 3, 4, 5, 6.

Fig. 2 shows an example embodiment of the configuration of the system according to the invention. The system comprises at least one intelligent window 7, e.g. having a moveable panel (not shown) in which the window panes 1 are arranged. The window 1, 7 may form part of a door (not shown). A monitoring unit (not shown) is integrated in the window 7, e.g. in the spacing between two adjacent panes, and connected to a controller (not shown) located in the window 7. The monitoring unit comprises one or types of sensors, such as a light sensor, an air pressure gauge, a vibration sensor, a microphone, a temperature sensor, a C0₂ meter, or another type of sensor.

At least one directional module (not shown) is arranged relative to the moveable panel and connected to the controller. The direction module is a digital compass with two or three magnetic field sensors configured to detect the compass direction of the window 7. Alternatively, the direction module may be a GPS receiver with two or three anten- nas, or similar. The controller is configured to determine the orientation, e.g. angular position, relative to a closed position in which the moveable panel is locked to the window frame 2.

The controller is configured to communicate directly with a server unit 9 or indirectly via at least one master unit 10. The sensed data from the monitoring unit is transmitted to the server unit 9 and logged in a database located in the server unit 9, e.g. periodically. A condition module (not shown) in the server unit 9 is configured to analyse the logged data and monitor the condition of the window 7. The condition module compares at least one of the sensed signals to at least one upper or lower threshold value and generates an event signal, e.g. an alarm signal or message, if the sensed signal is above or below threshold value.

At least one transmitter in the master unit 10 or in the window 7 is configured to transmit a wireless signal towards a user. At least one receiver in the master unit 10 or in the window 7 is configured to receive a unique number in the form an ID-number. The unique number is transmitted to a security module (not shown) in the server unit 9 which compares the unique number to a plurality of user profiles stored in a user module in the server unit 9. The user sends the unique number via communications device 11 in the form of a smartphone, PDA, laptop, smart watch or another type of communications device. The user module uses the unique number to identify a master user associated with a master user profile and/or a second user associated with a second profile. The master profile comprises the name, address, and optional telephone number, email and/or payment information, such as credit card number, associated with the master user as well as the rights of the master user. The master user can generate the secondary user profiles and link these profiles to hers/his master profile. The secondary user profile comprises name, address, and optional telephone number, email, and/or payment information, such as credit card number, associated with the second user and the rights of that user.

Claims

1. A monitoring system for monitoring the condition of a building element, such as a window or door, mounted within an opening of a building, wherein the monitoring system comprises:

at least one monitoring unit mounted to the building element, the monitoring unit comprises at least one sensor configured to sense at least one predetermined parameter characteristic of a condition of the building element;

at least one controller connected to the monitoring unit and configured to communicate with at least one server unit, characterised in that

the controller is configured to transmit the sensed signals from the monitoring unit to the server unit, wherein the server unit comprises a condition module configured to log the data received from the controller and optionally to com- pare at least one of the logged signals to a threshold value.

2. A monitoring system according to claim 1, characterised in that the monitoring unit comprises at least a direction module, e.g. a compass, configured to determine the orientation of the building element.

3. A monitoring system according to claim 2, characterised in that the direction module is arranged relative to a moveable panel, e.g. a sash, of the building element, and the controller is configured to determine the orientation of the moveable panel relative to a reference orientation, e.g. a closed position, based on an orientation signal from the direction module.

4. A monitoring system according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the monitoring unit comprises at least one second sensor, e.g. an IR-sensor, arranged relative to a handle of the moveable panel which handle is configured to lock and unlock the panel, wherein the second sensor is configured to sense the position of the handle.

5. A monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the server unit further comprises a user module connected to a memory unit in which the logged data is stored, wherein at least one predetermined user profile is stored in the user module.

6. A monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the server unit further comprises an operation module configured to generate a set of parameters based on the logged data, and where the operation unit is configured to regulate the indoor climate in a room in which the building element is located based on the set of parameters.

7. A monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the monitoring unit and/or the controller is integrated into a spacer element or sealing element located between two adjacent panes of the building element, wherein the spacer element or sealing element is arranged at the peripheral edge of the panes.

8. A monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the server unit further comprises a security module configured to detect any movement inside a monitoring area and/or identify an object, e.g. a person, located within the monitoring area.

9. A method for managing the control of a monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, where the method comprises the steps of:

transmitting one or more wireless signals to at least one user by means of one or more transmitters, wherein the wireless signal defines a monitoring area; receiving a unique number, e.g. an ID-number, by means of one or more re- ceivers from the user located inside the monitoring area;

transmitting the unique number to at least one server unit via a controller in which a user module compares the unique number to at least one user profile stored in the user module for identifying the user, characterised in that

- the user module identifies at least one master user by means of at least one master user profile stored in the user module, and where the server unit further logs at least one predetermined parameter sensed by means of at least one monitoring unit mounted to at least one building element, e.g. a window or door, wherein the sensed parameter is characteristic of a condition of the building element.

10. A method according to claim 9, characterised in that a condition module in the server unit monitors the condition of the building element based on the logged data, and the master user sets up at least one control parameter, e.g. a threshold value, for monitoring the condition of the second unit.

11. A method according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the master user con- trols the operation of at least one operation unit configured to regulate an indoor climate in a room, e.g. by setting up at least one control parameter of the operation unit.

12. A method of retrofitting a building element, such as a window or a door, located in an opening of a building, where the method comprises the steps of:

- mounting at least one monitoring unit to the building element, and connecting the monitoring unit to a controller configured to communicate with at least one server unit according to any one of the preceding claims;

setting up at least one master user profile for a master user in the server unit by using a user module in the server unit, e.g. via a wireless connection; and - setting up at least one second user profile for a second user, e.g. a guest, associated with the master user profile, and/or sensing at least one parameter characteristic for the condition of the building element by using the monitoring unit and logging the sensed data in the server unit.