WO2018042125A1

WO2018042125A1 - Home automation system and method for controlling the operation of a domestic electrical appliance

Info

Publication number: WO2018042125A1
Application number: PCT/FR2017/052305
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charles Carlotti; Philippe Blouin
Original assignee: Texas De France
Priority date: 2016-08-31
Filing date: 2017-08-30
Publication date: 2018-03-08
Also published as: FR3055432B1; FR3055432A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling the operation of a domestic electrical appliance installed in a domestic control area that is geographically delimited in space, the operation of said appliance being controlled by the emitting, in the control area, of a control instruction, the method comprising the steps consisting of: - generating, from a first mobile terminal situated outside of the control zone, a control instruction for controlling the operation of the appliance, - transmitting this control instruction, from the first terminal and via a telecommunication network, to a remote server which is situated outside of the control area, characterised by the fact that the method further comprises the steps consisting of: - transmitting this control instruction, from the remote server, and via a telecommunication network, to at least a second mobile terminal (3b) situated outside of the control area, - emitting this control instruction in the control area, in order to control the operation of the appliance, said instruction being emitted by the first or the second mobile terminal which first enters the control area.

Description

DOMOTIC METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF A DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPARATUS

Description

Technical Field of the Invention The invention relates to a method and a home automation system for controlling the operation of a domestic electrical appliance.

It relates to the technical field of wireless signal transmission between a mobile terminal and domestic electrical appliances, and more particularly the transmission of signals for controlling the operation of said apparatus.

State of the art

Many homes are now equipped with home automation systems to control, through a mobile terminal (smartphone, tablet, ...), household electrical appliances such as heating and / or air conditioning, lights, shutters, doors, etc. Various techniques for controlling the operation of these domestic appliances are for example described in the following patent documents: EP 1898563 (FRANCE TELECOM), US201 1287757 (NYKOLUK), US8654936 (ESLAMBOLCHI), US2002 / 072356 (YAMASHITA) or US7437150 (MORELLI) . Patent document US8892087 (ACKLEY) describes more particularly a method for controlling the operation of a domestic electrical appliance from a mobile terminal which acts as a remote control. The mobile terminal issues control instructions to a central server through a telecommunications network. The central server then transmits this command instruction directly to the device, through a telecommunication network.

One of the drawbacks of the ACKLEY process is that the electrical apparatus is automatically controlled as soon as the user of the mobile terminal generates a command instruction, the server acting as a relay. The apparatus is thus started - or stopped - while potentially no one is in the dwelling in which the apparatus is located. For example, in the case where the control instruction aims to disable a dwelling alarm, it is likely to be effectively disabled without anyone in the house. This obviously poses a security problem. In another example, if the control instruction is to control the thermostat of an electric heater to increase its temperature, there is an effective heating of the dwelling, even if no one is physically present in said dwelling. In these two cases, between the moment when the control instruction is generated and the moment when a person is present in the dwelling, the start-up of the appliance can be premature and thus generate unnecessary energy expenditure.

The invention aims to remedy this state of affairs. In particular, an object of the invention is to be able to trigger the operation of a domestic appliance at a time more convenient for the user, allowing him especially to save energy.

An object of the invention is to be able to trigger the operation of a domestic appliance only if a person is present in the house.

Another object of the invention is to provide a technical solution that is inexpensive, easy to install, and easy to use. Disclosure of the invention. The solution proposed by the invention is a method for controlling the operation of a domestic electrical appliance installed in a domestic control area geographically delimited in space, the operation of said appliance being controlled by the emission, in the control zone. of a control command, said method comprising steps of:

generating, from a first mobile terminal located outside the control zone, a command instruction for controlling the operation of the apparatus,

transmitting this command instruction, from the first terminal and through a telecommunication network, to a remote server which is located outside the control zone.

This method is remarkable in that it further comprises the steps of:

transmitting this command instruction, from the remote server, and through a telecommunication network, to at least one second mobile terminal located outside the control zone,

- Issue this command instruction in the control area, to control the operation of the apparatus, said instruction being issued by the first or the second mobile terminal which enters first in said control area.

In general, the domestic control zone coincides or includes the dwelling in which the domestic appliance is installed. And each of the mobile terminals is usually assigned to someone who can live or access that home. Thanks to the invention, the operation of the apparatus is controlled by the first of the two terminals entering the control zone. In other words, it is the first person who enters the home that automatically triggers the operation of the device. For example, if a parent is present at his workplace and generates from his Smartphone an instruction to set the thermostat of a radiator in his home, then this instruction can be transmitted to a smartphone of a child. And it is the first of the parent or the child who returns later in the house who will automatically activate, from his Smartphone, the functioning of the radiator. There is therefore no premature release of the radiator. In this way, as soon as a mobile terminal (ie a user) is in the control zone 1, the devices automatically and instantly change their operating status.

Other advantageous features of the invention are listed below. Each of these features may be considered alone or in combination with the outstanding characteristics defined above, and may be subject, where applicable, to one or more divisional patent applications:

The step of transmitting the command instruction from the remote server to the second mobile terminal is preferably initiated in response to an event.

o The event initiating the transmission, by the remote server, to the second terminal of the command instruction, can be triggered by a geographical coordinate analysis of said second terminal and a comparison of these geographical coordinates with geographical coordinates associated with the zone control, said transmission being effective as soon as the geographical coordinates of said second terminal coincide with the geographical coordinates of said control zone.

"The steps of analysis and comparison of geographic coordinates can be performed in the remote server, or in another server that is separate from the remote server and which is connected to the second mobile terminal. o The event initiating transmission by the server to the second terminal of the command instruction may be triggered by the connection of said second terminal to said remote server.

"The step of connecting the second terminal to the remote server can be triggered by a geographic coordinate analysis of said second terminal and a comparison of these geographical coordinates with geographic coordinates associated with the control area, said connection being effective as soon as the coordinates said second terminal coincide with the geographical coordinates of said control zone.

• The steps of analysis and comparison of geographic coordinates can be done in the second termina! mobile.

The steps for analyzing and comparing geographic coordinates can be performed in another server that is separate from the remote server and to which the second mobile terminal is connected.

* The connection of the second terminal to the remote server can be triggered by the reception, by said terminal, of at least one request sent by the device in the control zone.

The step of transmitting the command instruction in the control zone, by the mobile terminal, is advantageously initiated in response to an event.

o The event initiating the transmission of the command instruction in the control zone, by the mobile terminal, can be triggered by a geographic coordinate analysis of said terminal and a comparison of these geographical coordinates with geographic coordinates associated with the control zone, said emission being effective as soon as the geographical coordinates of said termina! coincide with the geographical coordinates of the said control zone.

"The steps of analysis and comparison of geographic coordinates can be performed in the second mobile terminal. o The event initiating the transmission of the command instruction in the control zone, by the mobile terminal, can be triggered by the reception, by said terminal, of at least one request sent by the device in the zone. control.

The method may further comprise the steps of: transmitting the command instruction, from the remote server, and through a telecommunications network, to a fleet of mobile terminals; issuing this command instruction, in the control zone, to control the operation of the apparatus, said instruction being issued by the first of the mobile terminals which enters said control zone.

The method may further comprise the steps of: generating, from the first mobile terminal located outside the control zone, a plurality of control instructions for respectively controlling the operation of a plurality of domestic appliances installed in the control zone; simultaneously transmitting these command instructions, from the first terminal and through a telecommunication network, to the remote server; simultaneously transmit these command instructions, from the remote server, and through a telecommunication network, to the second mobile terminal; - simultaneously issue these control instructions, in the control area, to control the operation of the respective devices, said instructions being issued by the first or the second mobile terminal which enters first in said control area.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a home automation system comprising: a home control area geographically delimited in space,

at least one domestic electrical appliance installed in the control zone, the operation of said appliance being controlled by the emission, in the control zone, of a control instruction, which appliance is in particular a heating and / or air conditioning appliance ,

at least one remote server which is located outside the control zone, at least a first mobile terminal and a second mobile terminal which are initially located outside the control zone, which terminals each comprise:

a means for generating an instruction for controlling the operation of the apparatus,

a means for receiving and transmitting signals,

o means for establishing a connection with the remote server through a telecommunication network.

This home automation system is arranged to perform the following steps:

in response to the generation, by the first terminal, of an instruction for controlling the operation of the apparatus, said first terminal, which is located outside the control zone, establishes a connection with the remote server and transmits said instruction to the server through a telecommunication network,

the remote server transmits this command instruction to the second terminal through a telecommunication network,

the first or the second mobile terminal which first enters said control zone transmits this control instruction in the control zone, to control the operation of the apparatus.

Description of the figures.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear better on reading the description of a preferred embodiment which will follow, with reference to the accompanying drawings, carried out as indicative and non-limiting examples and in which:

FIG. 1 schematizes an example of a home automation system in which the method according to the invention can be implemented,

- Figure 2 shows schematically another example of a home automation system in which can be implemented the method according to ^the invention, FIG. 3 schematizes yet another example of a home automation system in which the method according to the invention can be implemented,

FIG. 4 illustrates how a fleet of mobile terminals communicates with a remote server,

FIG. 5 is a simplified illustration of the structure of a mobile terminal used in the invention,

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates the structure of a remote server used in the invention,

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating various steps implemented in the method which is the subject of the invention,

- Figure 8 schematically illustrates the structure of a domestic electrical appliance used in the invention.

Preferred embodiments of the invention

The method which is the subject of the invention consists of a coherent sequence of steps making it possible to achieve a desired result. These steps generate manipulations of physical elements, including signals (electrical or magnetic) capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and so on.

The method is implemented via computer applications executed respectively by one or more mobile terminals or by one or more remote servers. For the sake of clarity, it is to be understood within the meaning of the invention that "the server / server is doing something" means "the computer application executed on the mobile terminal / server is doing something". Just like "the computer application does something" means "the computer application run by the mobile terminal / server does something". In Figure 1, a domestic electrical appliance 2a is installed in a domestic control area 1. The latter is geographically bounded in space. It can be a house, a building, an office, a hotel. This zone 1 may, however, be limited to only one or more rooms of this type of dwelling. Zone 1 may be physically delimited by walls of the wall type. However, it is preferentially delimited virtually by geographical coordinates, such as GPS coordinates or other satellite geo-positioning coordinates, which include the dwelling M - or an area of this dwelling - in which the apparatus 2a is positioned. .

The domestic electrical appliance 2a is preferably a heating and / or air conditioning appliance, in particular of the VMC type, mobile or fixed auxiliary radiator, towel radiator, etc. However, it may be an alarm, a light, a shutter, a door, a television, a stereo, etc.

Referring to FIG. 8, each home electrical appliance incorporates a radio frequency signal receiver 21 adapted to receive radio frequency signals transmitted wirelessly from a mobile terminal described further in the description. These radiofrequency signals are preferably signals using a Bluetooth protocol, other protocols such as: ISM, Wifi, ANT, ZIGBEE, .., however, they can be used. One can for example use a Bluetooth device marketed by PANASONIC® under the reference PAN1026-SPP-KIT, or a Wifi module marketed by LANTRONIX® under the reference XPW100100B-01.

The apparatus may also include a radiofrequency signal transmitter 22 using protocols of the Bluetooth, ISM, Wifi, ANT, ZIGBEE, etc. type. This transmitter 22 is adapted to transmit radio frequency signals for communicating wirelessly with the mobile terminal when the latter is in the control zone 1. The transmitter 22 is for example in the form of a Bluetooth module marketed by PANASONIC. ® under the reference PAN1327 / 1317, or an ifi module marketed by LANTRONIX® under the reference XPW100100B-01.

The receiver 21 and the transmitter 22 are preferentially in the form of a single electronic component, of the Bluetooth transceiver type, ISM, Wifi, ANT, ZIGBEE, etc. It should be noted that the components referenced above are in particular of this type. However, it is advantageous to use a Bluetooth module NRF51422 BLE + ANT manufactured by the company NORDICSEMI®. The domestic electrical appliance to be controlled is thus adapted to transmit and receive radio frequency signals in a transmission / reception area of its own. This transmission / reception zone depends in part on the power of the receiver 21 and the transmitter 22. Its configuration can also be adjusted by the orientation of one or more directional antennas associated with the receiver 21 and / or the transmitter. 22. This orientation antennas can be previously performed by an installer.

The domestic electrical appliance to be controlled also comprises a processor 23 and a memory 24. The processor 23, the memory 24, the receiver 21 and the transmitter 22 are mutually connected via a bus 25.

In the memory 24 are recorded one or more computer applications - or computer programs - and whose instructions (or codes), when executed by said processor to achieve the features described further in the description. Among other features, there is the control of the operation of the device. In the case where the apparatus 2 is a radiator, the processor 23 makes it possible, for example, to supply an electric power signal for activating a heating element 20 at a desired temperature. The implementation of the method that is the subject of the invention requires the use of mobile terminals 3a, 3b, 3c, for example in the form of a laptop, a tablet, preferably in the form of a smartphone iPhone®, Samsung Galaxy®, iPad®, Samsung Tab®, or in the form of another electronic device, and is adapted to be operated by an user. In practice, the latter is a natural person who can access the control zone 1.

With reference to FIG. 5, each mobile terminal 3a, 3b, 3c notably comprises one or more processors or microprocessors 30, one or more memories 31, a network interface 32, a graphical interface 33, a position determination module 34, an infrared signal transmitter / receiver 36, which are mutually connected via a bus 35. One or more computer applications - or computer programs - are recorded in the memory (s) 31 and whose instructions (or codes), when executed by the processor or processors 30 make it possible to carry out the functionalities described further in the description.

The memory or memories 31 must be considered as a storage device also suitable for storing data and / or data files. It can be a native memory or a reported memory such as a Secure Digital (SD) card.

The network interface 32 is adapted to establish a communication with the remote server S1 described further in the description, via a wireless or wired link, so as to receive and transmit signals. The network interface 32 may for example comprise a Bluetooth module, a GSM module, or a module providing network connectivity to the mobile terminal 3a, 3b, 3c. In general, the function of the network interface 32 is to manage the connections between the mobile terminal and a telecommunication network (Internet, mobile telephony, etc.), and possibly other devices (in particular domestic electrical appliances 2a, 2b), via network technologies such as, but not limited to, GSM, 3G, 4G Wifi, Bluetooth, etc. The graphical interface 33 offers the user the possibility to enter control instructions. It is for example in the form of a touch screen, a screen connected to a keyboard and / or mouse, etc.

The position determination module 34 is preferably a satellite geolocation module of the GPS type or based on a technique of triangulation of signals acquired by cell phone relay terminals. The infrared signal transmitter / receiver 36 allows the mobile terminal

3a, 3b to communicate wirelessly with the apparatuses 2a, 2b installed in the control zone 1.

The user must install a computer application on his mobile terminal 3a, 3b to implement all or part of the invention from the mobile terminal. Advantageously, the computer application can be preinstalled on the mobile terminal 3a, 3b, 3c, for example by a network operator. However, the user can search the computer application on an online store such as Google Play®, I tu born® or on a dedicated website, and then download it to his mobile device. The information for downloading and installing the computer application on the mobile terminal may for example be retrieved using a QR code or an NFC tag. In any case, the computer application can be installed in any memory 31 of the mobile terminal.

The step of installing the computer application includes a step of associating a user identifier (ID) with the mobile terminal. This user ID can be generated randomly during the installation of the computer application, or generated automatically from the IP address (for Internet Protocol) assigned to the mobile terminal when connected to a telecommunication network to download the computer application. The user ID can still be entered manually by the user during the installation process, or retrieved from a file stored locally or on a remote server.

The implementation of the method that is the subject of the invention also requires the use of a remote server S1. The latter may consist of a physical server or, in some cases, be composed of several separate computers that communicate and interact on a network to perform the functions described above. Referring to FIG. 6, the remote server S1 notably comprises one or more processors or microprocessors 40, one or more memories 41, a network interface 42, which are mutually connected via a bus 45. One or more computer applications - or programs computer - are recorded in the memory or memories 41 and whose instructions, when executed by the processor or processors 40 allow to achieve the features described further in the description.

The network interface 42 is a wired or wireless communication interface adapted to establish communication with the mobile terminals 3a, 3b and possibly a database 43, via a telecommunication network (Internet, mobile telephony, etc.) and by using network technologies such as, but not limited to, GSM, 3G, 4G Wifi, Bluetooth, etc. The network interface 42 allows in particular the remote server S1 to receive and transmit signals. The database 43 may be hosted directly in the remote server S1, or in another server or in a server network type Cloud Computing, or in a computer.

A computer application is installed in the remote server S1 to implement all or part of the invention from said server as is explained further in the description. This computer application can be preinstalled on the remote server S1 or downloaded later.

Having said this, the implementation of the method which is the subject of the invention will now be described in more detail.

In a prior step illustrated in FIG. 4, the mobile terminals 3a, 3b, 3c register with the remote server S1. For this, the mobile terminals 3a, 3b, 3c connect to the remote server S1 via a telecommunications network R. To establish this connection the remote server S1 may request certain authentication conditions (scan a QR code or a NFC tag, name and first name of the user, password, phone number, email address, ...). If the mobile terminal 3a, 3b or 3c meets these authentication conditions, the remote server S1 establishes a connection with said terminal. Therefore, each of the mobile terminals 3a, 3b, 3c can in particular download the aforementioned computer application from the remote server S1, the latter sending them back their user ID.

The remote server S1 stores, in the database 43, the user ID of each mobile terminal 3a, 3b, 3c, and which is associated with at least one information adapted to establish a connection with the mobile terminal concerned and to communicate with it ( IP address, telephone number, email address, ...). When registered with the remote server S1, one of the users

(For example that of the mobile terminal 3a) communicates to said server a list of other people (for example those of mobile terminals 3b and / or 3c) with whom it wishes to associate. This is in practice other natural persons likely to access the domestic control zone 1 and whose mobile terminal 3b, 3c is previously registered with the remote server S1. As For example, the mobile terminal 3a may be associated with a parent and the mobile terminals 3b, 3c with two respective children.

In practice, the mobile terminal 3a communicates to the remote server S1, the user IDs associated with the mobile terminals 3b and / or 3c and that it has previously acquired from the users of these terminals. The mobile terminal 3a can also communicate to the remote server S1 identification information of the users concerned (surname, first name, email address, ...). The remote server S1 can then associate, in the database 43, the user ID of the mobile terminal 3a with the user ID of the mobile terminal 3b and / or with the user ID of the mobile terminal 3c. All these paired terminals form a fleet. According to the invention, the operation of the domestic electrical appliance 2a is controlled by the transmission, in the control zone 1, of a control instruction. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment enabling the apparatus 2a to receive this command instruction. This command instruction is generated from the mobile terminal 3a, at its graphical interface 33.

We will take as an example the case where the mobile terminal 3a is that of a parent present at his place of work, outside the control zone 1. And the control instruction consists of a temperature adjustment of an electric heater 2a installed in the house M of the parent. For example: change from "ECO" mode (17 ° C) to "COMFORT" mode (20 ° C). The mobile terminals 3b and 3c belong to the children. The parent has a child who is associated with the mobile terminal 3b. The parent wishes that the first person (his child or him) who enters the house M transmit this command to the radiator 2a. The mobile terminal 3a connects to the remote server S1 and transmits this command instruction through the telecommunications network R. This control instruction is automatically transmitted with the user ID associated with the mobile terminal 3a.

The remote server S1 receives the user ID and the command instruction. It looks in the database 43 which are the user IDs associated with the user ID of the mobile terminal 3a. In the case of Figure 1, the user ID of the mobile terminal 3a is associated with the user ID of the mobile terminal 3b.

The remote server S1 establishes a connection with the mobile terminal 3b and transmits the command instruction through the telecommunications network R '. The mobile terminal 3b is also located outside the control zone 1. For example, the child is present at the school at the time of transmission of the command instruction.

As soon as the mobile terminal 3b enters the control zone 1 (represented by the double arrow), it issues the command instruction to control the operation of the apparatus 2a. In other words, the command of the operation of the apparatus 2a is triggered as soon as the child returns to the house M. Of course, if it is the parent who comes first, it is his mobile terminal 3a that issue the command statement.

In practice, the mobile terminal 3b automatically transmits a radiofrequency signal containing the command instruction, which signal is received by the receiver 21 of the apparatus 2a, and then processed by the latter. In this case, the radiator 2a which was initially in "ECO" mode switches to "COMFORT" mode.

The example of Figure 2 is substantially similar to that of Figure 1. Several domestic appliances 2a and 2b are however installed in the control zone 1. The apparatus 2a is for example the aforementioned electric heater. And the device 2b is for example an alarm.

The mobile terminal 3a generates several command instructions for controlling respectively the radiator 2a and the alarm 2b. For the radiator 2a, it This is for example the transition from an "ECO" mode to a "COMFORT" mode. And for the alarm 2b, it is for example the transition from an "ACTIVE" state to a "IN ACTIVE" state.

As described above with reference to FIG. 1, the mobile terminal 3a simultaneously transmits these command instructions to the remote server S1.

The latter establishes a connection with the terminal 3b and simultaneously transmits these command instructions.

As soon as the mobile terminal 3b enters the control zone 1, it simultaneously transmits these control instructions to the respective devices 2a and 2b, which receive them from their receiver 21 to process them. In this case, the radiator 2a which was initially in "ECO" mode switches to "COMFORT" mode, and the alarm 2b which was initially in an "ACTIVE" state changes to the "OFF" state.

The example of Figure 3 is substantially similar to that of Figure 2. However, the parent has two children who are respectively associated with the mobile terminals 3b and 3c. The parent wants the first person (one of his children) to enter house M to transmit the control instructions to radiator 2a and alarm 2b.

As explained above, the mobile terminal 3a generates several command commands for controlling the radiator 2a and the alarm 2b, respectively, and simultaneously transmits them to the remote server S1.

In the database 43, the user ID of the mobile terminal 3a is now associated with the user ID of the mobile terminal 3b but also with the user ID of the mobile terminal 3c. Consequently, the remote server S1 establishes a connection with each of the terminals 3b and 3c and transmits them simultaneously, and to each, the control instructions. The control instructions are therefore transmitted to the fleet of mobile terminals 3b, 3c.

As soon as the mobile terminal 3b enters the control zone 1, it simultaneously transmits these commands to the respective devices 2a and 2b, who receive and treat them. The radiator 2a changes from "ECO" mode to "COMFORT" mode, and the alarm 2b changes from the "ACTIVE" state to the "IN ACTIVE" state. Of course, if it is the parent or the second child who comes first, it is his mobile terminal 3a, respectively 3c, which issues these command instructions.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating various steps implemented in the method that is the subject of the invention, in different cases of figures, numbered 1 to 7. For the sake of clarity, and without this being able to limit the scope of the invention, only two mobile terminals 3a and 3b and a single domestic electrical appliance 2a are taken into account. It is assumed that the mobile terminal 3b is the first to enter the control zone 1.

Ças n ° 1

This case illustrates how the terminals 3a and 3b register with the server S1.

In a step 101, respectively 102, the mobile terminal 3a, respectively 3b, registers with the remote server S1.

In a step 103, respectively 104, the remote server S1, transmitting in return, the user ID to the mobile terminal 3a, respectively 3b.

In step 105, the mobile terminal 3a communicates to the remote server S1, the user ID associated with the mobile terminal 3b with whom it wishes to be associated. The remote server S1 saves this pairing in its database.

Case 2

The terminal 3a transmits to the remote server S1 a command instruction for controlling the apparatus 2a (step 106).

The transmission of this command instruction from the remote server S1 to the terminal 3b is preferably initiated in response to an event. This event is schematized by the reference e1.

In this case, the event e1 corresponds to the receipt of the command instruction by the remote server S1. That is to say that as soon as the last receives the command command of the terminal 3a, it retransmits immediately to the terminal 3b (step 107).

Likewise, the transmission of the command instruction in the control zone 1 by the terminal 3b can be initiated in response to an event. This event is schematized by the reference e2.

In this case, the event e2 is triggered by a geographic coordinate analysis of the terminal 3b and a comparison of these geographical coordinates with geographic coordinates associated with the control zone 1. The transmission of the command instruction to the apparatus 2a (step 108) is effective as soon as the geographical coordinates of the terminal 3b coincide with the geographical coordinates of the control zone 1.

The analysis and the comparison of the geographical coordinates are here carried out in the terminal 3b. For example, the geographic coordinates associated with the control zone 1 are previously recorded in the memory 31 of the terminal 3b. The processor 30 acquires location information from the terminal 3b obtained via the position determination module 34. And as soon as the geographical coordinates of the terminal 3b coincide with the geographical coordinates of the control zone 1, the processor 30 activates the issuing the command instruction to the apparatus 2a.

Ças n ° 3

In this case, the event e1 is triggered by a geographic coordinate analysis of the terminal 3b and a comparison of these geographic coordinates with geographic coordinates associated with the control zone 1. The transmission of the command instruction to the terminal 3b (step 107) is effective as soon as the geographical coordinates of the terminal 3b coincide with the geographical coordinates of the control zone 1.

The analysis and the comparison of geographical coordinates are here carried out in the remote server S1. For example, coordinates geographical associated with the control zone 1 are previously stored in the memory 41 of the remote server S1 or in the database 43. The processor 40 acquires permanently or temporarily (for example every 2 minutes) terminal location information 3b - and terminal 3a - obtained through the position determination module 34. This acquisition is shown schematically by the dashed arrows. For this, a permanent or temporary connection with the terminal 3b - and the terminal 3a - may be necessary. As soon as the geographical coordinates of the terminal 3b coincide with the geographical coordinates of the control zone 1, the processor 40 activates the transmission of the command instruction to the mobile terminal 3b.

In this case, the event e2 corresponds to the reception of the command instruction by the terminal 3b. That is, as soon as the latter receives the command instruction from the remote server S1, it immediately transmits it to the apparatus 2a (step 108).

Case 4

This case is similar to Case 3. However, the analysis and comparison of the geographical coordinates of the terminal 3b and the control zone 1 are carried out in another server S2 which is distinct from the remote server S1 and to which the mobile terminals 3a, 3b are connected.

The server S2 is preferably a server for synchronizing data with a mobile terminal. This is typically the GOOGLE® or APPLE® server to which Android and Android smartphones are usually connected when they are running. The server S2 has an architecture similar to that illustrated in FIG. 6. Also, the geographic coordinates associated with the control zone 1 can be previously recorded in a memory of the server S2. A processor of the server S2 acquires permanently or temporarily information from location of the terminal 3b - and the terminal 3a - obtained through the position determination module 34. This acquisition is shown schematically by the dashed arrows. As soon as the geographical coordinates of the terminal 3b coincide with the geographical coordinates of the control zone 1 (event e3), the server S2 transmits information to the remote server S1 (step 109).

In this case, the event e1 corresponds to the receipt of this information by the remote server S1. That is, as soon as the latter receives the information from the server S2, it immediately transmits the command instruction to the terminal 3b (step 107).

The event e2 corresponds to the reception of the command instruction by the terminal 3b. That is, as soon as the latter receives the command instruction from the remote server S1, it immediately transmits it to the apparatus 2a (step 108). Case 5

In this case, the event e1 is triggered by the connection of the terminal 3b to the remote server S1. The terminal 3b takes the initiative to connect to the remote server S1, and it is this connection which causes the transmission of the command instruction to the terminal 3b.

This connection from the terminal 3b to the remote server S1 can be triggered by a geographical coordinate analysis of the terminal and a comparison of these geographical coordinates with geographic coordinates associated with the control zone 1. The analysis and the comparison of the geographical coordinates are here performed in the terminal 3b as described above with reference to the case No. 3. And as soon as the geographical coordinates of the terminal 3b coincide with the geographical coordinates of the control zone 1 (event e4), the processor 30 activates the connection between the terminal 3b and the remote server S1 (step 1 10). As soon as this connection is effective, the remote server S1 transmits the command instruction to the terminal 3b (step 107). The event e2 corresponds to the reception of this command instruction by the terminal 3b. That is, as soon as the latter receives the command instruction from the remote server S1, it immediately emits to the apparatus 2a (step 108).

Case 6

This case is similar to case 5. However, the analysis and comparison of the geographical coordinates of the terminal 3b and the control zone 1 are carried out in the server S2. The acquisition of the geographical coordinates of the terminals 3a and 3b is shown schematically by the dashed arrows. As soon as the geographical coordinates of the terminal 3b coincide with the geographical coordinates of the control zone 1 (event e3), the server S2 transmits information to the terminal 3b (step 1 1 1).

In this case, the event e4 corresponds to the reception of this information by the terminal 3b. That is to say, as soon as the latter receives the information from the server S2, it connects to the remote server S1 (step 1 0).

The event e1 is triggered by the connection of the terminal 3b to the remote server S1. As soon as this connection is effective, the remote server S1 transmits the command instruction to the terminal 3b (step 107).

The event e2 corresponds to the reception of this command instruction by the terminal 3b. That is, as soon as the latter receives the command instruction from the remote server S1, it immediately transmits it to the apparatus 2a (step 108).

Case 7

The apparatus 2a can be programmed to transmit, continuously or periodically, requests containing activation information suitable for being recognized by the terminals 3a, 3b. These requests are sent from the transmitter 22 in a transmission area specific to the device, which transmission area is included. in the control zone 1. Thus, when one of these terminals enters the control zone 1, then said terminal can receive these requests. If it recognizes the activation information, then it automatically issues the control information to control the operation of the apparatus 2a.

In this case, the terminal 3a transmits to the remote server S1 a control command for controlling the apparatus 2a (step 106).

The event e1 corresponds to the receipt of the command instruction by the remote server S1. That is, as soon as the latter receives the command instruction from the terminal 3a, it immediately retransmits it to the terminal 3b (step 107).

The event e2 is triggered by the reception, by the terminal 3b, queries issued by the device 2a. This reception is schematized by the dashed arrow. The transmission of the command instruction to the apparatus 2a (step 108) is effective as soon as the terminal 3b receives at least one of these requests.

The arrangement of the various elements and / or means and / or steps of the invention, in the embodiments described above, should not be understood as requiring such an arrangement in all implementations. It is obvious that other embodiments that depart from these details could still be understood as falling within the scope of the appended claims. In any case, it will be understood that various modifications may be made to these elements and / or means and / or steps, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular :

The telecommunication networks R and R 'may be the same or on the contrary be different networks. For example: mobile for one, Internet for the other.

The steps illustrated by the different cases of FIG. 7 can be combined. For example, in case 7, the event e2 can correspond to the event e4 of the cases n ° 5 and n ° 6. That is, reception by the terminal 3b, requests sent by the device 2a can trigger the connection of said terminal to the remote server S1.

Claims

claims

A method for controlling the operation of a domestic electrical appliance (2a, 2b) installed in a domestic control area (1) geographically delimited in space, the operation of said appliance being controlled by the transmission, in the area of control (1) of a control command, said method comprising steps of:

generating, from a first mobile terminal (3a) situated outside the control zone (1), a control command for controlling the operation of the apparatus (2a, 2b),

transmitting this command instruction, from the first terminal (3a) and through a telecommunication network (R), to a remote server (S1) which is located outside the control zone (1),

characterized in that it further comprises the steps of:

transmitting this command instruction, from the remote server (S1), and through a telecommunication network (R '), to at least one second mobile terminal (3b) located outside the control zone (1) ,

- issuing this command instruction in the control zone (1), to control the operation of the apparatus (2a, 2b), said instruction being issued by the first or the second mobile terminal (3a, 3b) which enters first in said control zone (1).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the step (107) for transmitting the command instruction from the remote server (S1) to the second mobile terminal (3b) is initiated in response to an event (e1 ).

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein the event (e1) initiating the transmission by the remote server (S1) to the second terminal (3b) of the command instruction is triggered by a coordinate analysis. said second terminal and a comparison of these geographical coordinates with geographic coordinates associated with the control zone (1), said transmission being effective as soon as the geographical coordinates of said second terminal coincide with the geographical coordinates of said control zone.

4. Method according to claim 3, wherein the steps of analysis and comparison of geographic coordinates are performed in the remote server (S1).

5. Method according to claim 3, wherein the steps of analysis and comparison of geographic coordinates are performed in another server (S2) which is separate from the remote server (S1) and to which is connected the second mobile terminal (3b). .

6. Method according to claim 2, wherein the event (e1) initiating the transmission by the remote server (S1) to the second terminal (3b) of the command instruction is triggered by the connection of said second terminal auditing. remote server.

7. Method according to claim 6, wherein the step (1 10) of connecting the second terminal (3b) to the remote server (S1) is triggered by a geographic coordinate analysis of said second terminal and a comparison of these geographical coordinates with geographical coordinates associated with the control zone (1), said connection being effective as soon as the geographical coordinates of said second terminal coincide with the geographical coordinates of said control zone.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the steps of analysis and comparison of geographic coordinates are performed in the second mobile terminal (3b).

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the steps of analysis and comparison of the geographical coordinates are performed in another server (S2) which is separate from the remote server (S1) and to which is connected the

Second mobile terminal (3b).

10. Method according to claim 6, wherein the connection of the second terminal (3b) to the remote server (S1) is triggered by the reception, by said terminal, of at least one request sent by the device (2a, 2b). in the control zone (1).

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the step (108) of transmitting the command instruction in the control zone (1), by the mobile terminal (3a, 3b), is initiated by response to an event (e2).

15

The method according to claim 11, wherein the event (e2) initiating the transmission of the command instruction in the control zone (1) by the mobile terminal (3a, 3b) is triggered by an analysis. geographical coordinates of said terminal and a comparison of these geographic coordinates 0 with geographic coordinates associated with the control zone (1), said emission being effective as soon as the geographical coordinates of said terminal coincide with the geographical coordinates of said control zone. 5

The method of claim 12, wherein the steps of analyzing and comparing geographic coordinates are performed in the second mobile terminal (3b).

The method according to claim 11, wherein the event (e2) initiating the transmission of the command instruction in the control zone (1) by the mobile terminal (3a, 3b) is triggered by the reception by said terminal of at least one request sent by the apparatus (2a, 2b) in the control zone (1).

15. Method according to one of the preceding claims, consisting of:

transmitting the command instruction, from the remote server (S1), and through a telecommunication network, to a fleet of mobile terminals (3b,

3c)

- issuing this command instruction, in the control zone (1), to control the operation of the apparatus (2a, 2b), said instruction being issued by the first of the mobile terminals (3a, 3b, 3c) which enters said control zone (1).

16. Method according to one of the preceding claims, consisting of:

generating, from the first mobile terminal (3a) located outside the control zone (1), a plurality of control commands for respectively controlling the operation of a plurality of domestic appliances (2a, 2b) installed in the control zone (1) ,

simultaneously transmit these command instructions, from the first terminal (3a) and through a telecommunication network, to the remote server (S1),

simultaneously transmit these command instructions, from the remote server (S1), and through a telecommunication network, to at least the second mobile terminal (3b),

- simultaneously issue these control commands, in the control zone (1), to control the operation of the respective apparatuses (2a, 2b), said instructions being issued by the first or second mobile terminal (3a, 3b) which enters into first in said control zone (1).

17. Home automation system comprising:

a domestic control zone (1) geographically delimited in the space, at least one domestic electrical appliance (2a, 2b) installed in the control zone (1), the operation of said apparatus being controlled by the transmission, in the control zone (1), of a control command,

at least one remote server (S1) which is located outside the control zone (1),

at least a first mobile terminal (3a) and a second mobile terminal (3b) which are initially located outside the control zone (1), which terminals each comprise:

means for generating an instruction for controlling the operation of the apparatus (2a, 2b),

means for receiving and transmitting signals (32, 36), means (32) for establishing a connection with the remote server (S1) through a telecommunication network (R, R '),

characterized by the fact that the home automation system is arranged to perform the following steps:

in response to the generation, by the first terminal (3a), of an instruction for controlling the operation of the apparatus (2a, 2b), said first terminal, which is located outside the control zone (1) , establishes a connection with the remote server (S1) and transmits said instruction to said server through a telecommunication network (R),

the remote server (S1) transmits this command instruction to the second terminal (3b) through a telecommunication network (R '),

the first or the second mobile terminal (3a, 3b) which first enters said control zone (1) transmits this command instruction in the control zone (1), to control the operation of the apparatus (2a, 2b).

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the domestic electrical appliance (2a, 2b) is a heater and / or air conditioning.