WO2016038563A1

WO2016038563A1 - Automation methods and systems for controlling physical devices

Info

Publication number: WO2016038563A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/056937
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vishal RAJANI; Sanket PATIL
Original assignee: Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited
Priority date: 2014-09-11
Filing date: 2015-09-10
Publication date: 2016-03-17
Also published as: BR112017003630A2

Abstract

An efficient and cost-effective system (100) and method for controlling one or more electronic, electrical and electromechanical physical devices (106) is disclosed. The system (100) includes an automation module (102) capable of working in conjunction with, and independent of, legacy switch systems for facilitating centralized control of various physical devices (106), to provide improved convenience, energy efficiency and security. The automation module (102) enables turning on/off and regulating power to one or more physical devices (106) via one or more input devices (104).

Description

AUTOMATION METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING PHYSICAL DEVICES

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to home automation systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to methods and systems for home automation used to control electronic, electrical and electro-mechanical device/s via user interface device/s and that can be integrated with existing legacy control system.

BACKGROUND

The following description of related art is intended to provide background information pertaining to the field of the present disclosure. This section may include certain aspects of the art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section be used only to enhance the u nderstanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure, and not as admissions of prior art.

Home automation systems enable users to control devices inside a home or office without having to operate the switch board manually. A home/office typically consists of a number of electric, electronic or electro-mechanical physical devices such as lighting systems, fans, air conditioners, heating and ventilation systems, security locks of gates, etc. Such devices/appliances consume a large amount of electrical energy and thus must be in a powered on state, only when required.

Home automation systems enable connection of such devices to a remote control device that is used to operate these devices. This increases user comfort and convenience to switch off these devices thereby considerably reducing the electrical energy consumption. Existing home automation systems help users to switch on/off devices or regulate their voltage using voltage regulators and dimmers. However, such systems possess some serious drawbacks. Existing home automation systems include a remote control device for each appliance that is to be controlled. Such systems are inconvenient and expensive, and thus are not widely used in homes/offices. Further, known automation systems cannot be integrated with legacy switch systems and often necessitate replacement of entire electrical components, including switches of the legacy systems. This increases the overall cost of employing such home automation systems. Furthermore, in case of failure of the automation system, there is no provision for operation of the appliances by using any other system or switching to the legacy system.

SUMMARY

This section is provided to introduce certain objects and aspects of the disclosed methods and systems in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In view of the shortcomings of existing automation systems, as discussed in the background section, it is apparent that there exists a need for developing a more efficient, cost-effective and user-friendly home automation system that not only overcomes the problems of the prior art but is also advantageously used to switch between conventional and automation provisions. It is therefore an object of the disclosed methods and systems to provide an inexpensive automation system that is capable of controlling one or more physical devices via a user interface device while working in conjunction with legacy switch systems without altering the behavior or functionality of such legacy systems. More particularly, it is an object of the disclosed methods and systems to provide an automation system and method that facilitates a fallback mode of operation to seamlessly switch between legacy switching systems and the automation system. Another object of the disclosed methods and systems is to provide an automation system that is easily installed and does not require rewiring or replacement of any components of the legacy switch system.

In view of these and other objects, one aspect of the present disclosure relates to an automation system that facilitates controlling of physical device/s using both a primary mechanical switching unit and one or more interface devices. The system comprises a primary mechanical switching unit and an electromechanical switching unit connected to a power source. The system also includes a stimulus detector unit that generates a first command based on at least one input received from the primary mechanical switching unit; and an intermediate radio module that generates a second command based on at least one request received from the interface device/s. Further, the system comprises a processor unit associated with the stimulus detector unit and the intermediate radio module, wherein the processor unit comprises a transceiver unit and a control unit. The transceiver unit receives one of the first command, a second command and a combination thereof, that is processed by the control unit to generate a select command and a control command. The system further includes a relay unit that selects between the primary mechanical switching unit and the electromechanical switching unit for providing power to the physical device, wherein providing power from one of said units is based on the generated select command and controls such physical device/s. Furthermore, the system also includes a relay driver unit for generating a fallback signal based on a fallback request, as a result of which the physical device/s are controlled by the primary switching unit.

Another aspect of the disclosed methods and systems relates to an automation method for controlling at least one physical device. An input to control a physical device, received at the primary mechanical switching unit or the interface device is detected by a stimulus detector unit or intermediate radio module respectively, to generate a first command and/or second command. These first and/or the second commands are processed to generate a select command and a control command. Based on this generated select command, one of the primary mechanical switching unit and the electromechanical switching unit is selected to provide power to physical device/s for controlling such device/s. The automation method includes generating a fallback signal based on a fallback request, as a result of which the physical device/s are controlled by the primary switching unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Some drawings may indicate the components using block diagrams and may not represent the internal circuitry of each component. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that disclosure of such drawings include disclosure of electrical components or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.

Fig. 1 illustrates a general overview of the automation system and method, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an automation system, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 a block diagram of an automation system connected to an external server, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 illustrates a processor unit, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 illustrates a stimulus detector unit, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 illustrates a relay unit, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 illustrates a relay driver unit in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 illustrates an automation method for controlling one or more physical devices, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 illustrates an automation method for switching on/off one or more physical devices, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 illustrates an automation method for dimming or regulating one or more physical devices, in accordance with a n example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11 illustrates an automation method of scene control, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 12 illustrates the process of assigning scene control parameters for controlling a scene in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

The foregoing will be apparent from the following more detailed description of example embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. However, any individual feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein. Although headings are provided, information related to a particular heading, but not found in the section having that heading, may also be found elsewhere in the specification. Further, information provided under a particular heading may not necessarily be a part of only the section having that heading. As used herein, a 'physical device' refers to any electrical, electronic or electro-mechanical device or equipment that is capable of being wholly or partially operated by electric power. Physical devices may include, but are not limited to, fans, electric lamps, tube lights, LED's, air conditioners, geysers, washing machines, dishwashers, television sets, telephones, electric doors, windows, home appliances, and any other devices obvious to a person skilled in the art.

As used herein, an 'interface device' refers to any electrical, electronic, electromechanical and computing device or equipment or a combination of one or more of the above devices. Interface devices may include, but not limited to, a mobile phone, smart phone, pager, laptop, a general purpose computer, desktop, personal digital assistant, tablet computer, mainframe computer, or any other computing device as may be obvious to a person skilled in the art.

As used herein, a "network" / "communication network" refers to any medium that connects one or more elements/modules/devices/server within or to the automation system encompassed by the preset disclsoure. A network may be a wired network, a wireless network or a combination thereof. A network includes, but is not limited to, personal area network, local area network, metropolitan area network, wide area network, Internet, or any combination thereof. A network may even be a storage area network, virtual private network, enterprise private network or a combination thereof. As used herein, a "processor unit" includes one or more processors, wherein processor refers to any logic circuitry for processing instructions. A processor may be a general purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGAs) circuits, any other type of integrated circuit (IC), etc. The processor may perform signal coding, data processing, power control, input/output processing, and/or any other functionality that enables the working of the system according to the present disclosure. As used herein, a "memory" and "storage unit" refers to any non-transitory media that stores data and/or instructions that cause a machine to operate in a specific manner. The disclosed embodiments may encompass a memory, wherein the memory includes a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory includes, for example, a storage device such as magnetic disk, optical disk, solid state drives, or any other storage device for storing information and instructions. Volatile memory includes, for example, a dynamic memory. The disclosed embodiments may further encompass a memory, wherein the memory is single or multiple, coupled or independent, is positioned at device level or server level and encompasses other variations and options of implementation as may be obvious to a person skilled in the art.

As used herein, a "command" and "signal" are electrical signals/functions that convey information. The terms command and signal have been used interchangeably within the specification.

As used herein, a "service provider" is an entity that provides the automation system/method encompassed by the present disclosure, to the users/customers.

General Overview

An automation system and method for controlling one or more physical devices, in accordance with the present disclosure, is described.

In general, the automation system and method, in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure, facilitate controlling of one or more physical devices via either or both of a primary mechanical switching unit and the interface device/s. Controlling the physical device/s may change a state of said device such as by changing an on/off state or regulating power of the device. The automation system of the present dislcosure encompasses a retrofit automation feature/module that facilitates controlling of one or more physical devices via one or more interface devices, and configured to operate in conjunction with the existing primary mechanical switching unit, such that the functionality and behavior of the primary mechanical switching unit is not affected. The present disclosure encompasses that in the event of failure of the automation module; the automation system utilizes /switches to the primary or legacy switch system to ensure unhampered supply of power and control of the associated physical devices.

As shown in Fig. 1, an automation system 100 of the present disclosure comprises of a retrofit automation module 102. The input lines of the retrofit automation module 102 are connected to the primary mechanical switching unit comprising one or more primary device controllers 104 such as switches, light dimmers, fan regulators, a fallback control switch, a scene control switch, etc. and the output lines of the retrofit automation module 102 are connected to the one or more physical devices 106 such as fans, bulbs, tube lights, etc. The retrofit home automation module 102 is further connected to one or more interface devices 110 via a communication unit 112.

The retrofit home automation module 102 is adapted to control one or more physical devices 106 via one or more interface devices 110. The retrofit home automation module 102 is configured to fall back, as and when required, on the one or more primary device controllers 104 for control of the physical devices 106.Thus, the retrofit automation module 102 provides a fallback mode of operation that is primarily of advantage in the instances of failure of the automation module. Further, the present disclosure encompasses, in one preferred embodiment, that the retrofit automation module is a component independent of the primary mechanical switching unit and is functionally integrated /connected to the primary mechanical unit.

The automation system of the present disclosure may be implemented wholly or partially on a printed circuit board (PCB) or a system on chip (SOC). In one embodiment, the automation system is implemented as a system on chip (SOC), wherein the various components, units, modules and electronic circuits of the automation system are packaged together in a single integrated circuit (IC) package or microchip. In another embodiment, the automation system is implemented on a printed circuit board (PCB), wherein the various components, units, modules and electronic circuits are connected together via conductive tracks/pads on the PCB. In yet another embodiment, the automation system may be implemented as a multi-chip-module, wherein the various components, units, modules and electronic circuits are implemented as multiple integrated circuits (ICs) and are connected together to form a single component/unit. In one embodiment, the automation module 102 is implemented as an Internet of Things (loT) device. loT devices may include, for example, any conventional device that has been reconfigured so that it is capable of accessing the Internet or another network and sending and/or receiving data over the Internet or network. Example devices that may be used with the loT system include but not limited to devices such as thermostats, refrigerators, washers and dryers, controllers for lighting, heating, and power systems; medical and healthcare devices such as blood pressure and heart rate monitors, pacemakers, hearing aids; and wearable and handheld devices such as smartwatches, smartphones, activity trackers, e-textiles, and smartglasses.

Though only a limited number of primary device controllers 104, physical devices 106 and interface devices 110 have been shown in Fig. 1, however, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the automation system of the present disclosure encompasses any number and varied types of primary device controllers, physical devices and interface devices.

System Overview

Fig. 2 illustrates an automation system, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 2, the automation system 200 comprises of a primary mechanical switching unit 202, an electromechanical switching unit 204, a stimulus detector unit 206, a convertor unit 216, a processor unit 208, a relay driver unit 210, a relay unit 212 and an intermediate radio module 214, wherein the intermediate radio module 214 is connected to n number of interface devices 110 via a communication unit 112. It will be appreciated that the disclosed embodiments contemplate any number and type of interface devices 110 connected to the intermediate module 214. The automation system 200 is configured to control one or more physical devices 106 based on the commands received from one or more interface devices 110. The automation system 200 is further configured to provide a fallback mode of operation, wherein in the absence of the control from interface devices, the one or more physical devices 106 are controlled using the primary mechanical switching unit 202.

Fig. 3 illustrates an automation system in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the automation system is connected to a server. The automation system 200 as shown in Fig. 3 is connected to a server 218. The server 218 is connected to the communication unit 112 and the relay driver unit 210 via one or more wired or wireless networks. The server 218 is configured to transmit and/or retrieve information to and from the relay driver unit 201 and the one or more interface devices 110 via the communication unit 112. The server 218 is further configured to provide a fallback request to the relay driver unit 210. The server 218 provides the fallback request to the relay driver unit 210 via the communication unit 112 and the intermediate radio module 214. The present disclosure encompasses providing a fallback request to the relay driver unit 210 from the server 218, wherein the request is provided when a service provider of the system 200 creates such a request on the server 218.

The present disclosure encompasses a server 218 that stores the information relating to the entire system 200 and specifically the information stored in the storage unit 404. In an embodiment, the system creates a backup of the information stored in the storage unit 404 and stores the same in the server 218.

Further, the primary mechanical switching unit 202 and the electromechanical switching unit 204 are connected to a power source. In one embodiment, the power source is an AC input line. In another embodiment, the power source is electric generator/s or electric batteries. The primary mechanical switching unit 202 comprises of one or more switch boards that include one or more switches that enable electrical energy/power to be redirected and that are capable of being operated manually. The electromechanical switching unit 204 comprises of at least one switch corresponding to one or more switches in the primary mechanical switching unit 202. The present disclosure encompasses an electromechanical switching unit 204 that comprises one of one or more solid state switches, electromechanical switches, electronic switches, voltage control units and a combination thereof. The present disclosure encompasses an electromechanical switching unit comprising a voltage control unit, wherein the voltage control unit is implemented using a bidirectional triode thyristor (triac).

A switch in the primary mechanical switching unit 202 and the electromechanical switching unit 204 is capable of controlling one or more physical devices 106 by interrupting or allowing the flow of current/electrical energy/power to such devices. Both the primary mechanical switching unit 202 and the electromechanical switching unit 204 are configured to provide power to the relay unit 212, wherein providing power controls the one or more physical devices 106. The present disclosure encompasses one or more electromechanical switching units connected to the processor unit 208. The stimulus detector unit 206 is configured to detect an input received from the primary mechanical switching unit 202, wherein the input is change in voltage on the input AC line. The stimulus detector unit 206 is further configured to generate a first command based on the input received from the primary mechanical switching unit 202, wherein the first command indicates that a change in voltage on the input AC line has been detected by the stimulus detector unit 206.

The inter-mediate radio module 214 is configured to receive a request to control one or more physical devices 106, from one or more interface devices 110 through a communication unit 112 The present disclosure encompasses receiving request/s from more than one interface device 110 simultaneously. Similarly, the present disclosure also encompasses receiving more than one request from a single interface device 110. The intermediate radio module 214 is further capable of storing, queuing and scheduling the requests received from one or more interface devices 110. The present disclosure further encompasses that the inter-mediate radio module 214 is capable to generate a second command based on the request received from the one or more interface devices 110 as explained above. The one or more requests received from the one or more interface devices 110 include but not limit to requests to control the interface devices 110, request to turn on/off the fallback mode, request to retrieve a report from the processor unit, etc. The present disclosure encompasses requesting a report stating the present and/or past state values of the one or more physical devices 106. The present disclosure further encompasses requesting a report stating the amount of electrical energy consumed by the one or more physical devices 106 in an interval of time, wherein the time interval is either user-specified or is pre-defined and stored in the processor unit 208. The present disclosure encompasses a first command and second command that indicates the one or more physical devices 106 that are required to be controlled and the control function based on which such devices are to be controlled. The control function includes one of state change (switch on/off), voltage regulation, light dimming, fan speed control, temperature control, heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) control, etc. The present disclosure further encompasses the first command and second command for switching on/off the fallback mode or for facilitating the scene control.

The processor unit 208 (as illustrated in Fig. 4) is configured to be connected to the stimulus detector unit 206 and the intermediate radio module 214. The processor unit 208 comprises of a transceiver unit 402, a central control unit 406, a scene control unit 408 and a storage unit 404. The transceiver unit 402 is configured to receive the generated first and second commands from the stimulus detector unit 206 and the intermediate radio module 214 respectively. It is further configured to provide the first command and second command to the storage unit 404 and/or the central control unit 406. The present disclosure encompasses a transceiver unit 402 that performs one or more pre-processing steps on the first and/or second commands before providing these commands to the storage unit 404 and/or central control unit 406. Further, the central control unit 406 is configured to process the first and the second commands to generate a select command and a control signal and subsequently provide the same to the transceiver unit 402. The transceiver unit 402 forwards this select command to the relay unit 212 and the control command to the electromechanical switching unit 204.

The relay unit 212 is configured to receive the generated select command via the relay driver unit 210. The relay unit 212 is further configured to select between one of the electromechanical switching unit 204 and the primary mechanical switching unit 202 to provide power to the one or more physical devices 106, wherein providing power from one of the electromechanical switching unit 204 and the primary switching unit 202 is based on the generated select command. The one or more physical devices 106 are controlled as a result of providing power from one of the electromechanical switching unit 204 and the primary switching unit 202.

The relay driver unit 210 is coupled to the processor unit 208 and the relay unit 212, and is configured to generate a fallback signal based on a fallback request, wherein the fallback signal enables the selection of the primary mechanical switching unit 202 for providing power to the relay unit 212. The fallback request is received at the relay driver unit 210 from the server 218 or the primary mechanical switching unit 202.

The scene control unit 408 is configured to receive the first and second commands from the transceiver unit 402 and/or the storage unit 404 and to check if the received first command and/or second command is a scene control command. The scene control unit 408 is further configured to process the scene control command to generate scene control parameters indicating the details of physical devices and the manner in which each of such physical devices are to be controlled for a particular scene. The scene parameters are transmitted by the scene control unit 408 to the central control unit 406 and or the storage unit 404, wherein the central control unit 406 processes these scene parameters and generates a plurality of control commands to be sent to the electromechanical switching unit 204 through the transceiver unit 402. In one embodiment, the scene control unit 408 directly transmits the scene parameters to the transceiver unit 402 for transmitting the same to the electromechanical switching unit 204. The storage unit 404 is configured to store commands provided and received from the transceiver unit 402, the scene control unit 408 and the central control unit 406, as and when required. The storage unit 404 is further capable of storing information about the system such as the current and previous operating state of the one or more physical devices, the amount of electrical energy consumed by the one or more physical devices, scene parameters, scene numbers, information relating to a set of scenes, wherein the information relating to a scene includes a unique scene number, a scene name, a list of physical devices to be controlled in that scene and the control function for each such physical device, etc. The present disclosure encompasses embodiments where the set of scenes is either pre-defined in the storage unit 404 or is updated in real-time by the user. The receiving and transmission of signals/commands have been shown to occur through the transceiver unit 402. However, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure encompasses an automation system wherein individual elements/components/units of the processing unit are capable of receiving and transmitting signals/commands. Further, while the stimulus detector unit has been described in the foregoing paragraphs, Fig. 5 illustrates in detail an exemplary embodiment of the stimulus detector unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The input received from the primary mechanical switching unit 202 includes, toggling of a mechanical switch, toggling of a voltage regulator, etc. For instance, when a user toggles a mechanical switch on the primary switching unit 202, there occurs a change in voltage on the input line. The stimulus detector unit 206 detects this change and generates a first command to be sent to the processor unit 208. The present disclosure encompasses a stimulus detector unit 206 implemented by using an optical coupler that enables coupling of two circuits while providing electrical isolation between them. The optical coupler as shown in Fig. 5 comprises of a light emitting diode (LED), an optical channel and a photo sensor. The present disclosure encompasses use of an infrared emitting diode or laser diode in place of a light emitting diode. The LED receives an input from the primary mechanical switching unit 202 in the form of an electrical signal. The LED is configured to convert this electrical signal into light energy. The optical channel then receives this light energy and transmits the same to the photo sensor which is capable of detecting incoming light energy and converts it into a first command that can be directly provided to the processor unit.

While the Relay unit 212 has been briefly explained above, Fig. 6 illustrates, in detail, the relay unit in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the relay unit 212 is a multiplexing device, configured to select one of the primary switching unit 202 and the electromechanical switching 204 unit to provide power to the at least one physical device 106, wherein providing power from one of the primary switching unit 202 and the electromechanical switching unit 204 is based on the select command received from the processor unit 208. An example relay unit 212 shown in Figure 6 comprises a coil and a double throw switch, where the current flowing through the coil generates a magnetic field around the coil that attracts or repels the lever to NO or NC position depending upon the direction of flow of current in the coil. When the lever is connected at the NC position, the relay unit 212 provides power from the primary mechanical switching unit 202. When the lever is connected to the NO position, the relay unit 212 provides power from the electromechanical switching unit 204. Thus, a relay unit 212 as shown in Fig. 6 selects either the primary switching unit 202 or the electromechanical switching unit 204 to provide power to the one or more physical devices 106.

Further, Fig. 7 shows a relay driver unit, in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the relay driver unit 210 comprises of a receiver unit 702 and a fallback signal generator 704. The receiver unit 702 is configured to receive a fallback request from the primary switching unit 202 or the server 218. The fallback request, as explained in the foregoing paragraphs, includes a request to switch the automation system to the primary mechanical switching unit 202. The present disclosure encompasses that the relay driver unit 210 is coupled to the primary mechanical switching unit 202, such that the relay driver unit 210 receives the fallback request directly from the primary mechanical switching unit 202. The present disclosure further encompasses receiving the fallback request from the primary mechanical switching 202 unit via the stimulus detector unit 206 and the processor unit 208. The relay driver unit 210 is also connected to the server via the communication unit 112 and the intermediate module 214. The receiver unit 702 is configured to receive a fallback request from the server 218 and provide the same to the fallback signal generator 704. In one embodiment, the receiver unit 702 stores the fallback requests received from the primary mechanical switching unit 202 and/or the server 218 in the storage unit 404 of the processing unit 208.

The fallback signal generator 704 is configured to receive the one or more fallback requests from the receiver unit 702 and process the same to generate a fallback command. The fallback signal generator 704 is further configured to transmit the fallback signal to the relay unit 212, wherein the fallback signal selects the primary mechanical switching unit 202 for providing power to the one or more physical devices 106. Thus, the fallback command enables switching the automation system to the primary switching unit 202.

Method Overview

Fig. 8 illustrates an automation method for controlling one or more physical devices, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

The automation method as illustrated in Fig. 8 begins at step 801, wherein a request is received at the primary mechanical switching unit 202 or the one or more interface devices 110. At step 802, the current state of the system is determined. Determining the current state of the system includes determining if the system is operating in fallback mode. The present disclosure encompasses determining if the system is operating in fallback mode by checking the value of the fallback mode value. If the fallback mode value is 1, the system is operating in fallback mode. If the fallback mode value if 0, the system is not operating in fallback mode. If the system is operating in fallback mode, the process proceeds to step 804, else to step 808.

When the system is operating in the fallback mode and any request is received at the relay driver unit 210, it is determined, at step 804, if the received request is to disable the fallback mode wherein this determination is performed by the stimulus detector unit 206 and/or the inter-mediate radio module 214. If the received request is found to be for disabling the fallback mode, the process proceeds to step 814, else to step 806, where the one or more physical devices 106 are controlled through the primary mechanical switching unit 202. After step 806, the automation system 200 continues to work in the fallback mode and the process ends. Any further commands/requests received at the primary mechanical switching unit 202 or the one or more interface devices 110 restarts the process 800 at step 802.

At step 814, the processor unit 208 generates a select command based on which the relay unit 212 selects the electromechanical switching unit 204 for controlling the one or more physical devices 106. Selecting the electromechanical switching unit 204 includes switching the lever of the relay unit to the NO position. Generating a select command at step 814 is based on the request received at the relay driver unit 210 from the primary switching unit 202 or the one or more interface devices 110 or the server 218, to disable/turn off the fallback mode. For instance, a user generates a request to disable the fallback mode by switching off the fallback mode mechanical switch on the primary mechanical switching unit 202. This request is transmitted by the primary mechanical switching unit 202 to the relay driver unit 210 directly or via the stimulus detector unit 206 and the processor unit 208. In another example, the service provider of the automation system 200 generates a request to disable the fallback mode by selecting the 'fallback mode off option on the server 218. This request is transmitted by the server to the relay driver unit 210 via one or more wired or wireless networks. In yet another example, the user generates a request to disable the fallback mode by selecting the 'fallback mode off option on the one or more interface devices 110. This request is transmitted to the relay driver unit 210 by the one or more interface devices 110 directly or via the communication unit 112 and/or intermediate radio module 214 and processor unit 208. The present disclosure encompasses use of any other name of the 'fallback mode off request as long as the request is able to perform its desired function of switching off the fallback mode. After step 814, the automation system continues to work in the current state (i.e. when fallback mode is off) and the process ends. Any further commands/requests received at the primary mechanical switching unit 202 or the one or more interface devices 110 restarts the process 800 at step 802.

In another embodiment, if at step 802, it is determined that the system is not in the fallback mode (i.e. fallback mode value is 0), the process proceeds to step 808, where it is further determined, if the received request is a 'fall back request', i.e. to turn on the fallback mode. If so, the process proceeds to step 810, else go to step 816. At step 810, the receiver unit 702 of the relay driver unit 210 transmits the fallback request (i.e. the request to turn on/enable the fallback mode) received in step 808 to the fallback signal generator 704. As explained above, the fallback request may also be received at the relay driver unit 210 from the primary switching control unit 202 or the server 218. The fallback signal generator 704 processes this fallback request to generate a fallback signal and transmits the same to the relay unit 212. The present disclosure encompasses storing in the storage unit 404, the timestamp of transmitting the fallback signal to the relay unit 212.

At step 812, the relay unit 212 receives the fallback signal from the relay driver unit 210 and selects the primary mechanical switching unit 202 to provide power to the one or more physical devices 106. The relay unit selects the primary mechanical switching unit 202 by switching the lever of the relay unit to 212 the IMC position. After step 812, the automation system continues to work in the fallback mode and the process ends. Any further commands/requests received at the primary unit 202 restarts the process 800 at step 802. If at step 808, the request received does not relate to the fallback mode, the process proceeds to step 816. At step 816, the process determines the type of request/command received, i.e. a switching flow request, a regulation flow request or a scene control request. The type of request is determined based on the source of the request, i.e. if the source of such request is a mechanical switch or interface device for turning on/off a physical device, the request received is a 'switching flow' type request. Similarly, if the source of such request received is a voltage dimmer or fan regulator of the mechanical switching unit or the interface device, it is a 'regulation flow' type request. Alternatively, if the source of such request is the scene control switch of the mechanical switching unit or the interface device, it is a 'scene control' type request.

In alternate embodiment, determining that the received request is of a particular type, for example 'a scene control' type, includes processing the received request to determine the value of the scene control mode. If the scene control mode is set to 1, the received request is a scene control request/command. On the other hand, if the scene control mode is set to 0, the received request is not a scene control command. The present disclosure encompasses said processing being performed by the stimulus detector unit 206 and/or the intermediate radio module unit 214 and the scene control unit 408.

In the embodiment, when the request received is a switching flow request the process proceeds to step 818, where the one or more physical devices 106 are switched on/off. The process of switching on/off the physical device 106 is explained in detail with reference to Figure 9.

Similarly, if the request received is a regulation flow request, the process proceeds to step 820, where the voltage across one or more physical devices 106 is regulated. The process of regulating the voltage of the one or more physical devices 106 is explained in detail with reference to Figure 10. Alternatively, if the request received is a scene control request, the process proceeds to step 822, where a plurality of physical devices 106 is controlled. The process of controlling the plurality of physical devices 106 is explained in detail with reference to Figure 11. After step 818 or step 820 or step 822, the process of automation for controlling one or more physical devices 106 ends. Figure 9 illustrates the switching flow process for switching on/off one or more physical devices in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

The switching flow process 900 for switching on/off the one or more physical devices 106 begins at step 902 and ends at step 920, wherein the processor unit generates a select command to switch the relay unit 212 to the electromechanical switching unit 204 and transmits the same to the relay unit 212 via the relay driver unit 210. Upon receiving the select command, at step 904, the relay unit 212 selects the electromechanical switching unit 204 by switching the relay to the NO position.

At step 906, the process determines, via the stimulus detector 206, if an input is received on the primary mechanical switching unit 202. For instance, if a user toggles a switch on/off, the stimulus detector unit detects a change in voltage. If at step 906, an input is received at the primary mechanical switching unit 202, the process proceeds to step 908, else to step 912.At step 908, the stimulus detector unit 206 generates a first command and transmits the same to the processor unit 208, wherein in accordance with the foregoing paragraphs, the first command includes the list of one or more physical devices 106 to be controlled and the control function based on which such devices are to be controlled. The first command is then used to generate, at step 910, a control command and transmits the same to the electromechanical switching unit 204. If no input is received at the primary mechanical switching unit 202 at step 906 the process flow proceeds to step 912, where the receipt of input from one or more interface devices 110 leads the process to step 914, else the process ends.

At step 914, the intermediate module 214 receives the input from the one or more interface devices 110 via a communication unit. For instance, a user can select/tap on the name/reference number or on/off option of a physical device 106 displayed on the interface device 110. The intermediate radio module 214 processes the received input to generate a second command and transmits the same to the processor unit 208 which then processes the second command, at step 916, to generate a control command and transmits the same to the electromechanical switching unit 204. The control command includes the name/reference number of the physical device 106 to be controlled and the control function based on which such device is to be controlled.

At step 918, the electromechanical switching unit 204 provides power to the one or more physical devices 106 via the relay unit 212, wherein providing power to the one or more physical devices 212 controls such devices.

At step 920, the processor unit 208 stores the current state of the one or more physical devices 106. The present disclosure encompasses storing a current and previous state of the physical device/s 106. After step 920, the process flow ends.

Similarly, Fig. 10 illustrates a regulation flow process for dimming or regulating one or more physical devices, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

The automation method 1000 for dimming or regulating the one or more physical devices 106 begins at step 1002, the process determines if an input is received on the primary mechanical switching unit 202. The input received at the primary mechanical switching unit 202 is detected by the stimulus detector unit 206. For instance, if a user operates a voltage regulator or light dimmer on the primary mechanical switching unit 202, the stimulus detector unit 206 detects a change in voltage. If at step 1002, an input is received at the primary mechanical switching unit 202, the process proceeds to step 1004, else to step 1010.

At step 1004, the stimulus detector unit 206 processes the input received from the primary mechanical switching unit 202 to generate a first command and transmits the same to the processor unit 208. The first command includes the list of one or more physical devices 106 to be controlled and the control function based on which such devices are to be controlled. The control function includes the desired speed of the fan or the desired intensity of the light. At step 1006, the processor unit 208 processes the first command to generate select command. Generating a select command includes determining if said first command and second command includes regulating power/voltage of the at least one physical device 106. The processor unit then transmits the select command to the relay unit 212 via the relay driver unit 210.

At step 1008, the relay unit 212 receives the select command. Based on this select command, the relay unit selects the primary mechanical switching unit 202 for providing power to the one or more physical devices 106, wherein providing power to the one or more physical devices enables dimming or regulation of such devices. Dimming includes, but is not limited to, dimming or reducing the intensity of light emitted by the one or more physical devices. Regulation includes, but is not limited to, controlling the speed of fan and controlling speed of motors of the one or more physical devices 106.

If no input is detected on the primary switching unit 202, the process proceeds to step 1010. At step 1010, the process determines if an input is received on the one or more user interface devices 110. If an input is received on the one or more interface devices 110 the process proceeds to step 1012, else the process ends. At step 1012, the intermediate module 214 receives the input from the one or more interface devices 110 via a communication unit 112. The input received from the one or more interface devices 110 include the selection on such devices to control fan speed or light intensity. The intermediate radio module 214 processes the input to generate a second command and transmits the same to the processor unit 208. At step 1014, the processor unit 208 processes the second command to generate a control command and a select command. The processor unit 208 transmits the said control command to the electromechanical switching unit 204 and the select command to the relay unit 212 via the relay driver unit 210. The control command includes the list of one or more physical devices 106 to be controlled and the control function based on which such devices are to be controlled.

At step 1016, the relay unit 212 selects the electromechanical switching unit 204 for providing power to the one or more physical devices 106, wherein providing power to the one or more physical devices controls such devices. Controlling the amount of power provided to the one or more physical devices 106 is done by the voltage regulator unit of the electromechanical switching unit 204. The voltage regulator unit comprises of a triac, wherein the amount of power provided to the physical devices 106 can be controlled by varying the firing angle of the triac. The present disclosure encompasses a voltage regulation unit comprising one or more triacs, resistors and capacitors, wherein the firing angle of the triac can be varied by varying the value of the resistors/capacitors.

At step 1018, the processor unit 208 stores the current state of the one or more physical devices 106 controlled in step 1008 and/or 1016. After step 1018, the process flow ends. Fig. 11 illustrates a process of scene control flow, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

At step 1101, the process determines if an input is received at the primary mechanical unit 202. If an input is received at the primary mechanical unit 202, the process proceeds to step

1102, else to the step 1103. At step 1102, the stimulus detector unit 206 detects an input at the primary mechanical unit 202. For instance, input at the primary mechanical unit 202 is detected when a user toggles the scene control switch on the primary unit. This results in change input voltage that is detected by the stimulus detector 206. The stimulus detector 206 then processes this received input to generate a first command. The present disclosure encompasses a first command that indicates a scene counter variable.

If no input is detected at the primary mechanical unit 202, the process proceeds to step

1103. At step 1103, the process determines if there is an input from the one or more interface devices 110. If an input from the one or more interface devices 110 is detected, the process proceeds to step 1104, else the process ends. At step 1104, the intermediate module 214 receives an input from the one or more interface devices 110 via a communication unit 112. For instance, input at the one or more interface devices 110 comprises selecting from a predefined number of scenes, the scene number/name that is desired to be set in the enclosed space. The intermediate module processes the input received form the interface device 110 to generate a second command. The present disclosure encompasses a second command that indicates the scene counter variable.

After step 1102 or 1104, the process proceeds to step 1106. At step 1106, the processor unit 208 receives the first command / second command from the stimulus detector unit 206/ intermediate radio module 214. The transceiver of the processor unit 208 receives the first/second command, and transmits the same to the scene control unit 408. The scene control unit 408 processes the first/second command and assigns the scene control parameters to the first/second command. Processing of the first/second commands to generate scene control parameters is further discussed in detail with reference to Figure 12.

At step 1108, the central control unit 406 receives the scene control parameters from the scene control unit 408 and processes the same to generate two or more control commands. Each control command is intended for controlling at least one physical device 106.

At step 1110, for each control command generated, the process determines if the command is a switching flow control or the dimming flow control. If the control command is a switching flow control the process proceeds to step 1112 and if the control command is a dimming flow control, the process proceeds to step 1114. After controlling each of the devices indicated by the control commands generated at step 1108, the process ends.

The present disclosure also encompasses defining a new scene by the user using the interface device 110. Defining a new scene by the user includes providing a name and/or number to the scene, selecting the two or more physical devices 106 that are required to be controlled during that scene, defining a control function for each of the selected physical devices 106, etc. For instance, a user can define a new scene ideal for playing a projection video. Defining this new scene includes providing a name and/or number to the scene, i.e. "Projector Mode" and "Scene 04" respectively. Further, the user selects the physical devices to be controlled during that scene, i.e. the projector, the lights and the curtains. Next, the user selects the control function for each of the selected physical devices, i.e. the projector is switched on, the lights are dimmed to a specific intensity and the curtains are closed. Further, Fig. 11 illustrates the process of assigning scene control parameters for controlling a scene in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

At step 1102, a counter variable is set to 0.

At step 1104, the first/second command is received. The first/second command for controlling the scene of an enclosed space is referred to as the scene control command. This scene control command is received and processed. Processing of the scene control command includes extracting the counter variable from such command. The present disclosure encompasses processing the scene control command by the scene control unit 408, wherein the processing includes extracting the scene number from the command.

At step 1106, the process determines if the counter variable is set to 0. If the counter variable is set to 0, the process proceeds to step 1108, else to step 1112. At step 1108, the scene control parameters are set to the parameters of the first scene. The present disclosure encompasses setting the scene control parameters to the parameters of the first scene, wherein the parameters of the first scene are retrieved from the storage unit 404.

At step 1110, the counter variable is incremented. In a preferred embodiment, the counter variable is incremented by 1 and control returns to step 1104.

At step 1112, the process determines if the counter variable is set to 1. If the counter variable is set to 1, the process proceeds to step 1114, else to step 1014. At step 1114, the scene control parameters are set to the parameters of the first scene. The present disclosure encompasses setting the scene control parameters to the parameters of the second scene, wherein the parameters of the second scene are retrieved from the storage unit 404. At step 1116, the counter variable is incremented and control returns to step 1104. In a preferred embodiment, the counter variable is incremented by 1.

At step 1118, the process determines if the counter variable is set to 2. If the counter variable is set to 2, the process proceeds to step 1120, else to step 1124. At step 1120, the scene control parameters are set to the parameters of the third scene. The present disclosure encompasses setting the scene control parameters to the parameters of the third scene, wherein the parameters of the third scene are retrieved from the storage unit 404.

At step 1122, the counter variable is incremented and control returns to step 1104. In a preferred embodiment, the counter variable is incremented by 1. At step 1124, the process determines if the counter variable is set to 3. If the counter variable is set to 3, the process proceeds to step 1126, else the process ends. At step 1126, the scene control parameters are set to the parameters of the fourth scene. The present disclosure encompasses setting the scene control parameters to the parameters of the fourth scene, wherein the parameters of the fourth scene are retrieved from the storage unit 404.

At step 1128, the counter variable is reset to 0 and control returns to step 1104. The present disclosure encompasses incrementing the counter variable by 2 or any other fixed value. The above process has been explained using case scenarios that may be possible; however, other scenarios may also exist and the present disclosure in its broadest interpretation qualifies to cover all such scenarios as may be obvious to a person skilled in the art. Further, though the steps of the processes have been numbered sequentially, this does not indicate the order in which such steps are performed. It will be appreciated that the present disclosure encompasses one or more steps of a process to be performed in a different order than what is disclosed in the specification and/or the drawings. The automation system and method encompassed by the present disclosure may be implemented, wholly or partially, as hardware, firmware, software or a combination thereof. To illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative units, modules, components, and methods have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. The automation system and methods may be wholly or partially implemented as software with program code, such as instructions, functions, procedures, data structures, logic, application programs, design representations or formats for simulation, emulation, and fabrication of design. The software may be implemented using any suitable programming language or combination of programming languages obvious to a person skilled in the art. While this present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with references to example embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

An automation system for controlling at least one physical device, the system comprising: a primary mechanical switching unit and an electromechanical switching unit connected to a power source; a stimulus detector unit configured to generate a first command based on at least one input received from the primary mechanical switching unit; an intermediate radio module configured to generate a second command based on at least one request received from at least one interface device ; a processor unit associated with the stimulus detector unit and the intermediate radio module , the processor unit comprising: a transreceiver unit configured to receive at least one of the first command and a second command; and a control unit configured to generate a select command and a control command by processing the received at least one of the first command and the second command; a relay unit configured to select the primary mechanical switching unit or the electromechanical switching unit to provide power to at least one physical device ; and a relay driver unit configured to generate a fallback signal based on a fallback request, wherein that relay unit selects one of the primary mechanical switching unit and the electromechanical switching unit based on the generated select command, in that providing power to the at least one physical device controls such physical device, and in that the fallback signal selects the primary mechanical switching unit for providing power to the relay unit.

2. The automation system of claim 1, characterized in that the electromechanical switching unit comprises at least one of a solid state switch, an electromechanical switch, and a voltage control unit.

3. The automation system of claim 1, characterized in that automation system further comprises at least one storage unit configured to store information associated with the automation system.

4. The automation system of claim 1, characterized in that the processor unit is connected to the at least one interface device via a communication unit.

5. The automation system of claim 4, characterized in that the communication unit comprises at least one of a wired network and a wireless network.

6. The automation system of claim 1, characterized in that the processor unit further comprises a scene control unit.

7. The automation system of claim 6, characterized in that the scene control unit provides one or more scene parameters to the electromechanical switching for controlling a plurality of physical devices.

8. The automation system of claim 1, characterized in that the communication unit is connected to a server configured to provide a fallback request.

9. The automation system of claim 8, characterized in that the fallback request is received from the server or the primary mechanical switch unit.

10. The automation system of claim 1, characterized in that the system is implemented wholly or partially on a printed circuit board (PCB) or a system on chip (SOC).

11. An automation method for controlling at least one physical device, the method comprising: generating at least one of a first command and a second command; generating a select command and a control command by processing the generated at least one of the first command and the second command; selecting a primary mechanical switching unit or an electromechanical switching unit to provide power to at least one physical device ; and generating a fallback signal that selects the primary mechanical switching unit for providing power to the at least one physical device, characterized in that the first command is generated based on at least one input received from the primary mechanical switching unit and the second command is generated based on at least one request received from at least one interface device, in that the primary mechanical switching unit or the electromechanical switching unit is selected based on the generated select command, in that providing power to the at least one physical device controls such physical device, and in that the fallback command is generated based on a fallback request.

12. The automation method of claim 11, characterized in that generating a select command further comprises determining if the generated at least one of a first command and a second command includes a regulating power/voltage of the at least one physical device.

13. The automation method of claim 11, characterized in that controlling the at least one physical device changes a state of said physical device.

14. The automation method of claim 13, characterized in that changing the state of at least one physical device includes changing an on/off state or regulating power of the at least one physical device.

15. The automation method of claim 11, characterized in that the method further comprises storing a current and previous state of the at least one physical device.

16. The automation method of claim 11, wherein the fallback request is received from a server or the primary mechanical switch unit.