Matching method between a command transmitter and a command receiver

The invention relates to a method of pairing between a command transmitter and a command receiver according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also concerns an installation for the implementation of this method.

The command transmitters and command receivers are usually part of the same installation with several command transmitters to be able to order a same command receiver and several command receivers to be controlled by the same issuer 'orders.

It is therefore essential that communication between these elements is organized: once installed in a building, a command receiver becomes operational when it is able to recognize or command transmitters could order it. This creation of lasting relationships is called "pairing".

In the case of motorized products, closing automation or sun protection automation for buildings, logistic reasons most often require the pairings are not made during the manufacture of the products, but on site after installation.

US Patent 4,750,118 discloses a device and method, when installed in a building, a command receiver to learn at least one identifier of a command transmitter when placed in a mode 'learning.

It is also known from EP 1085481 and US Patent 3,806,874, in the case of command transmitters and command receivers can communicate bidirectionally, share a common key that will be used in authentication procedures by dialogue as a challenge.

When the command receiver is available, it is easy to use a specific button or a particular procedure on a normal button assigned to another use, to bring the receiver in learning mode. For a specified period, the receiver knows to store the identifier contained in the frame of a possible signal he may receive. Thus, the command transmitter used to send this signal can be recorded by the receiver, such as an ID number.

In the case of inaccessible receptors, rather than acting on a specific programming command, it was thought to directly transmit the order to put in learning mode from the transmitter itself. All transmitters have a different ID number, but have the same code recognized by any receiver for setting learning mode receivers. Thus, without having to manipulate the command receiver, the installer can bring him in learning mode, for example by using a specific button of the command transmitter which then transmits both the activation code learning and ID.

The situation is complicated when multiple receivers within range of the transmitter. All are then likely to learn the identity of a transmitter assumed control only one of them.

To resolve this problem, several solutions have already been proposed, both for the case of a first matching, but also in cases of product groups of controls or replacement of a transmitter by another.

We find two examples in FR 2,772,171 and patent application EP 1045356.

Note that we can usefully combine, according to this prior art, firstly an initiating event (such as a dual power cut) allows receivers to switch to learning mode in which they accept a pairing command and further transmission of such an order matching from a remote control.

For example, the fact of using a radio remote control at very short range (for example by reducing the receiver sensitivity when receiving the learning activation code), as is done in EP 0921507, in theory allows designate a single receiver from a plurality. But it turns out in practice extremely difficult to control the range of radio transmissions. Also does one necessarily is confronted simultaneously the risk of designating several receivers when we wish to designate one. Given the terms of radio wave propagation, there is a risk to appoint a receiver not visible by the installer, for example, because located in a neighboring room or upstairs.

The object of the invention is to implement a matching process to improve the processes of the prior art and overcomes the drawbacks thereof. In particular, the invention proposes to implement a process of matching, a receiver from several exhibiting no specific contact. The invention also concerns an installation to implement said method.

The matching method according to the invention is characterized by the characterizing part of claim 1.

Different embodiments of this method are defined by dependent claims 2 to 7.

Claims 8 and 9 define an installation for implementing the method.

The appended drawing represents, by way of example, a device for carrying out the method according to the invention and a flowchart of a method embodiment of the invention.<ul><li>Figure 1 is a diagram of a device for carrying out the method according to the invention.</li><li>Figure 2 is a flowchart of a process embodiment of the invention.</li></ul>

The set command transmitter EO, ​​RO orders and receiver equipment 30 shown in Figure 1 allows the execution of the matching method according to the invention.

Of course, the invention finds its full value if multiple receivers unpaired orders are installed within range of a transmitter of orders, however, to ease understanding of the invention, there is shown a single receiver orders and one command transmitter.

The transmitter EO commands comprises a keyboard 11 having a programming button 15, connected to a microcontroller 12, a radio frequency transceiver 13 and a coupling element 14 of antenna types.

Pressing the key 15 key 11 has the effect of causing the issue, by known means, a signal containing identification information or authentication of the sender EO orders.

The receiver RO orders includes a coupling element 21 of antenna type, a radio frequency transceiver 22, a microcontroller 23 and a device 24 for power control equipment 30, connected to a power source electric eg constituted by the sector.

The device 24 allows the supply of an electric motor 31 contained in the device 30 whose activation allows, via a mechanical reduction gear 32, the driving in rotation or in translation with a movable member 40 such as a flap rolling, a garage door or a store.

To overcome a failure of the source of electrical energy or other, there is provided optionally a mechanical backup medium 33, such as a crank, also acting on the gear in substitution of the engine.

The movable member 40 has a mechanical stress detector 41 whose output is connected to the microcontroller 23. This sensor can detect a force applied by the installer on the mobile element of the equipment.

It is noted that it is possible to use a wide range of sensors disposed in the device 30 or in the RO receiver to ensure the function of detecting a mechanical action on the movable element. It may, for example, be a current sensor signal outputted from the power control device 24, a rotation sensor or torque in the motor 31, a rotation sensor or torque in the gear 32, with an emergency operation detection sensor or a shock sensor on the movable element 40.

A flowchart of the matching process is shown in Figure 2. In this flowchart, two receivers of RO1 and RO2 orders communicate with an issuer of orders EO, not shown.

The RO1 and RO2 receptors orders are identical. Their power causes the activation of a program 60 of initiating event waiting.

The initiating event is a special signal. It consists of a dual blunting the power sector for a short period of time, performed by the installer using circuit breaker on the electrical panel of the installation. It may also be an extended pulse on the key 15 of the keyboard 11 of the command transmitter EO, ​​which causes the emission of a particular signal.

The initiating event is represented by the arrow A1. It is detected by the two receivers RO1 and RO2. The detection of this event causes A1 in the receiving orders the activation of a program 62 detection hold of a mechanical action. This program is to test the sensor condition 41 of mechanical action of detection or to monitor variations of the analog quantity measured by the sensor.

It may even be to enable the rotation of the motor in one direction for this sensor detect the presence of an obstacle or a particular stress during movement.

The installer then applies a mechanical action detectable by the sensor on the mobile piece of equipment he wishes to designate.

This action is represented by the arrow A2. The detection of the mechanical action has the effect of activating a program in the receiver 64 concerned, which does happen in a learning mode.

Using its command transmitter, the installer now presses the key 15 11, which has the effect of transmitting a frame containing an identification of the sender information. This frame is shown by the arrow T1.

All receivers within range of the command transmitter receive this signal with a reception program 66, but only the receiver previously designated by the action A2 active installer program 68 learning the identification information of storing it in a memory. This program can be replaced by a more complex matching and lasting bond of sharing procedure using two-way communication between the command transmitter and receiver designated orders.

Finally, a program ending 70 pending mechanical action is enabled in all receivers. This program can be automatically activated by the end of the program 66 for receivers that have not been designated and by the end of the program 68 for the receiver having been appointed.

It is also expected that the program 70 is activated by a timer event launched by the A1 or it is activated only in the paired receiver, by the end of the program 68, so that immediately after that first pairing , matching other receptors with other transmitters without a new event initiator is required.

It is also possible that the programs 64 and 68 cause the emission of a visual or other signal from the designated device, such as a short movement to and fro of the movable member, in order to confirm the selection and matching of the receiver.

A possible alternative is to reverse the sequence of T1 and A2 shares: one can indeed transmit in a first time T1 of identification frame and activate the program 66 in all receivers. A2 a mechanical action is then applied to the movable member of the receiver to be designated and successively activates the programs 64 and 68.

Note that in this embodiment, if it has been chosen to cause the initiator event from the command transmitter and not from another signal such as a double-break of the supply voltage, it becomes advantageous to group in a single step A1 shares and T1: the signal frame transmitted as initiator also includes transmitter identification information.

This pairing process can be applied to any command transmitter and all orders communicating by radio and receiver using the same frequency and / or using the same communication protocol.

These transmitters and these receptors may be capable of communicating bidirectionally or unidirectionally.