Control device including an interface capable of proposing the next control order to be sent to a home-automation apparatus

The invention relates to a control device for use within a home automation system comprising at least one home automation equipment, the control device being adapted to communicate with at least one automation equipment installation to transmit orders command. The invention also relates to a method of operating such a control device method. The invention also concerns a home automation installation comprising such a home automation device.

Such control devices can be used for example to control the movements of mobile elements of a building such as blinds, shutters doors or gates controlled by electromechanical actuators.

In the remainder of this document, we can use the "remote" name to identify a wireless control device according to the invention.

However, the object of this invention is not limited to wireless devices; a wired controller may as well put the method described in this document. Similarly, for wireless devices, and are not limited to, communication can be uni- or bidirectional radio or infrared for example.

Wireless remote controls for controlling home automation equipment often include a limited number of command buttons for transmitting control commands. In some cases, these remote controls are still used to issue various commands toward different equipment, a key can be associated with a device, the same key used to send orders of different kinds in the equipment concerned. The control orders transmitted may correspond to state change orders: each control command said sequential order, and has a meaning that depends on the state in which is the controlled home automation equipment. Thus, for example, pressing a button of a remote control may give rise to an action of opening a shutter when it is closed and lead to a closing action of the shutter if the latter is open. The problem in this case is that the user does not know necessarily what order will be sent and executed by the automation equipment, especially if it is a remote control without visibility of the mobile element.

In the remainder of this document, it uses the terms "order", "command" and "control order" to refer to the content of information sent from the remote at the home automation equipment. These terms refer especially content causing movement of a movable element of a home automation equipment or activation of a home automation equipment or deactivation of a home automation equipment.

Let us take another example a remote one button, used to control a garage door (1 support: up order if the garage door is not completely open, supporting 2: stop order if the door is in motion , support 3: order of descent, support 4: stop order ...). If for one reason or another, the movement is automatically stopped (eg because the door meets an obstacle) or if the user stops the movement of the garage door while it is being closed (the door is in motion, and pressing the button stops the movement), eg because he realizes that obstacle will hinder the complete closure of the door, when he has cleared the obstacle and that he will want to finish closing the door, he will not necessarily know what control order will be sent by remote control and could be surprised by the order sent; in this case, for the example, this could be an order of recovery because the order before the judgment requested by the user was a descent order (closing). The result of pressing the button will have the opposite effect to that desired by the user. Conversely, this order of ascent could affect appreciated by the user: the rise of the garage door could help the user to identify the troublesome obstacle. It follows in some situations unnecessary activations of the door.

It is known from <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="EP1783716A"><text>EP1783716</text></patcit> a method of operating a home network offering feedback step on the part of home automation devices controlled by two-way remote control, the remote control is capable of displaying the information received. This step allows the user to check, in particular, how to order, for example, a state change order from the remote control has been interpreted.

The document <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US200650142B"><text>US2006 / 50142</text></patcit> describes a universal remote control device having a touch screen display which changes with the actions exerted on the screen to view all the control buttons for controlling each home automation equipment, that is to say, allowing for display on the screen simultaneously all control buttons equivalent to those of the original remote control of the home automation equipment.

The document <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="US2004268391A"><text>US2004 / 268391</text></patcit> describes a remote control device in which to illuminate one or more keys to attract the user's attention on the keys and on the orders that match it.

The object of the invention is to provide a method for operating a control device increasing the ease and comfort of use and improving the known prior art processes. In particular, the invention provides a simple and easy method of operation allows the user to avoid making steps or stages of groping unnecessary activations of a home automation equipment. The invention applies in particular to a remote control having small dimensions and on which a limited number of buttons may be disposed. The invention also provides a control device implementing such a method.

According to the invention, the method controls the operation of a control device of a home automation equipment. It comprises at least one step of selection of a possible control command among a plurality of predefined control commands that may be issued by the control device and at least one order of display step selected by the device command.

The control order selected and displayed by the control device may be the next order that the controller intends to send to the home automation equipment.

Selecting the order displayed by the control device can result from an analysis of the history of the orders previously sent or analysis of the actual state of the home automation equipment or a sequence of predefined commands by the user.

The method may include a step of modifying, according to a choice of the user, in the order selected by the control device.

The modification step may include a scroll sequentially the plurality of commands that can be issued.

The method may include a validation step and sending the selected control command.

The method may comprise a step of displaying a stop command after the validation step and sending the selected control command.

According to the invention, the device for controlling a home automation equipment includes hardware and processing means adapted to implement the previously defined operating method.

The materials and processing means may include means for selecting a control command and at least one display device for displaying a symbol representing the selected control command.

The materials and processing means may include means for modifying the selected order.

The materials and processing means may include a transmission medium of the selected order.

The same key can include the display device and the change means that key being able to trigger the sending of control command when activated.

A first key may include the display device and a second key may comprise at least one means of modification or trigger the sending of the control order.

The invention also relates to a readable data recording medium by a computer on which is recorded a computer program comprising computer program code means for implementation of the phases and / or steps of the method defined above.

The invention further relates to a computer program comprising computer program code means adapted to the realization of the process steps defined above, when the program runs on a computer or calculator.

The invention will be better understood from reading the description which follows, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:<ul><li>The <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> is a diagram of one embodiment of a home automation system or network according to the invention.</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0002">Figures 2 to 6</figref> illustrate some possible examples of embodiments of a control device according to the invention.</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0003">7</figref> is a flowchart of a first embodiment of the operating method according to the invention.</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0004">8</figref> is a flowchart of a second embodiment of the operating method according to the invention, to a bidirectional control device.</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0005">9</figref> is a flowchart of a third embodiment of the operating method according to the invention for a monodirectional control device.</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0006">Figure 10</figref> illustrates the successive steps of an embodiment of the operating method according to the invention, and although the invention can be applied to any type of home automation network equipment, it is described in its application to a garage door motor-driven two-way radio remote control, with a single button, which button is the display means the next proposed order.</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0007">11</figref> illustrates the successive steps of an embodiment of the operating method according to the invention applied to a one-way controller.</li></ul>

An embodiment of automation system 11 or home network, represented in <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref>Comprises a motorized garage door 41 and a first embodiment of a control device, such as a wireless remote control 21, the motorized garage door device and the wireless remote control communicating through electromagnetic signals 71 emitted by the remote control 21 and the electromagnetic signals 81 emitted by the motorized garage door device 41.

Motorized garage door device 41 includes an actuator 61 driving the door 51. The actuator 61 comprises an electric motor 615, transmitting means 611 and receiving electromagnetic signals 612, a logic unit 613 and processing means 614 power control of the electric motor. 613 The logic processing unit comprises a microprocessor and by signal processing means or software means for interpreting a signal such as a control command received by the signal receiving means. This interpretation to generate engine control signals that are transmitted to the control means of the motor.

21 The wireless controller includes a Power 213, a processor unit 212, receiving means of electromagnetic signals 211, average emission of electromagnetic signals 214, a memory 215 that stores the different commands that can be issued to the door operator 61, and a man-machine interface 31 equipped with a display device (eg a screen or light emitting diodes) that can display a symbol representative of a type of order as for example an arrow pointing up to indicate an up instruction, a square to indicate a stop command ... the logic processing unit 212 comprises a microprocessor.

The control device, in particular the logic processing unit comprises hardware and software means or treatment making it suitable for setting priorities between different levels of commands that can be issued to the door operator 61 to choose the next command order to offer the user. This order is displayed on the display device of man-machine interface 31 before it is sent to the actuator 61. The priorities between the different possible control commands are determined for example according to the history of orders previously sent to the state of the actuator, various information received from the actuator .... the user could also configure a command sequence to execute, or customize reactions its product based on the state in which it is located; for example, a garage door having encountered an obstacle on the way down, and having stopped this obstacle, the remote default propose sending a rise in order for the next order to send, while the user could, in this case, prefer to systematically send a down command. The list of commands stored in memory 215 is not fixed and can be completely updated during the life of the product using a specific tool, or a remote control more evolved, or using any other means to communicate with the controller. The list of commands is not necessarily composed only of simple commands, it could also contain scenarios to launch a series of simple commands shipments to at least one home automation equipment installation; one could for example have a script "I leave my home," which, when selected and launched, could ask the garage door to close, the alarm is set off, the shutters to close and the terrace to fold blind. Each scenario can be represented by a specific symbol (for example, the scenario "I leave my home" could be symbolized by a padlock, a "dusk" scenario with a moon). If a list of predefined scenarios can be proposed to the user, it also has the ability to define their own scenarios and modify those proposed by default it.

71 the transmitted signals using the transmitting means of electromagnetic signals by the remote control 214 include control commands motorized garage door device.

The signals 81 transmitted using electromagnetic signal transmitting means 611 by the motorized door device in the direction of the remote control may for example be information signals, for example by interpreting the control commands received. This can be such a good reception of the control command information, or information of satisfactory execution of this order, or otherwise information from non-execution of this order, the reason for non-performance may be specified in that information. These signals 81 may on the other hand carry information regarding the state of the door. Examples of conditions of the motorized door, for example: the door is fully open, the door is completely closed, the door is in an intermediate position, the door opens, the door closes, an obstacle is detected, the movement of the door has been reversed, the actuator is in a normal operating mode or the actuator is in an abnormal mode of operation. Other states may be considered.

The <figref idrefs="f0002">2</figref> illustrates a second embodiment of the control device 22, in which there is only one human-machine interface element 32 capable of displaying a symbol representing 92 of a control order proposed by the controller . Pressing element 32 allows validation, this validation should occur to trigger the sending of the order. This unique feature can also help to change the proposed order with specific ergonomics related to the element 32, before validating and trigger the sending of the control order. To validate and send the proposed order, the user could for example make a "short" support (of less than 800ms duration, for example) on the element 32, and to change the order could for example make a "long" support (of more than 1.2s duration for example) on the element 32, each "long" support for displaying a different order (and orders can cycle through).

The <figref idrefs="f0002">3</figref> illustrates a third embodiment of the control device 23. This comprises a first man-machine interface element 33 provided with an interferometric display ace capable of displaying a symbol representing 93 of the proposed control order and a second man-machine interface element 103. in one embodiment, the element 33 is only used to display the range of proposed order, and element 103 allows the user, by action on one to change the order and validate it. Validation automatically leads sending the order. The amendment to the proposed order may be done for example by short-term support, and its validation by a longer support, or vice versa.

Alternatively, the element 33 can serve as a display and means of validation and sending of the selected order, the element 103 only to change the order proposed by the control device.

Alternatively, the element 33 can be used to display and means for modifying the proposed order, the element 103 only to validate and send the selected order. In this case, the element 33 is also a key.

The <figref idrefs="f0002">4</figref> illustrates a fourth embodiment 24. It comprises a first man-machine interface element 34 capable of displaying a symbol representing 94 of the proposed order, a second man-machine interface element 114 for changing the proposed and a control third interface element 104 human machine to trigger the sending of the selected command. Successive presses of the element 114 scroll through the list of possible commands on the display element 34.

The <figref idrefs="f0002">5</figref> illustrates a fifth embodiment 25. It includes a display element 35 of a symbol representing 95 of the proposed order, elements of interface man-machine in 1151, 1152, 1153 to change the proposed order, and an element man-machine interface 105 separate to trigger the sending of the selected command. If the command displayed on the display element 35 is not suitable, simply select the desired order directly with the elements 1151, 1152 and 1153. This embodiment is of particular interest if, according to the term supports on 1151 keys, 1152 and 1153, or according to a particular use of ergonomics of these keys (eg successive presses), orders of different types are sent. For example, a 1152 short press key will select a stop command while a long press will select the command "go to preset position 1", a short press on the button will select a 1151 order of then rise a long press will select the command "go to preset position 2" ... the selection of different orders is facilitated.

The <figref idrefs="f0002">6</figref> illustrates a sixth embodiment 26. This device is a variation of that described in <figref idrefs="f0002">2</figref>. The element 36 is capable of performing the same functions as the element 32. The difference lies in the fact that the device 26 is capable of controlling various equipment and equipment selection that the user wants to drive is using the selection elements 1261, 1262, 1263, and 1264; when the user has acted on the item 1261, as shown in the figure, the device will drive the first unit, he acted on the 1262 item, it will drive a second device and so on.

It may be noted that the list of possible commands can be different from the other equipment. For example, if the first device is of type garage door or shutters, the list of possible commands could include raising or opening orders, stop, lowering, or closure. If the second device is Venetian blind type, the list of possible commands could include the following commands: up, stop, direction of the blades descent. Other equipment could be a portal for which the list of possible commands could include a partial opening command, control total opening, a closing order ...

Note that the devices 23, 24 and 25 could also have this type of selection interface to control multiple devices.

All elements 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, and all of the other elements "button" shown in <figref idrefs="f0002">Figures 2 to 6</figref> can be technology "touch". They can be virtual keys, or may be mounted on a movable mechanical button.

In all cases, at least one of the elements may be enriched with a capacitive type sensor for example, capable of detecting the approach of the hand of the user thereby not wake up the control device and n display control only when the user is about to actually use its remote control. Alternatively, in another embodiment, for example when the remote control is not equipped with the approach of the hand of the user sensing means, pressing any of the buttons of the control device can wake the device in standby. Preferably, this support will have no function other than the alarm clock.

Alternatively, in another embodiment, for example when the man-machine interface of the control point uses a technology, for example, electronic paper (e-paper) or electronic ink, not consuming energy only when changes state, the display is permanent and there is no need to wake / sleep to the point of order.

Alternatively, in another embodiment, the alarm control point can be done by simple grip or a shaking motion or other specific movement of the control point; order selection in the list can also be done this way (every jolt control point causes the selection of a new order in the list).

In any case, the symbol representative of the control command which is displayed on the control point can be enriched with any other symbol, such as a representative symbol of the impact that the proposed order, if selected and sent to the home automation equipment on the overall energy consumption of the house. For example, if the outside temperature is relatively low, and the user selects an opening order of a window, it is possible to display, in addition to the opening symbol, a symbol indicating if this opening is confirmed, it will cause energy consumption at that. One could imagine a note corresponding to the impact of an order on this consumption (this note could be symbolized by 1 to 3 green stars to quantify any energy saving, and with 1 to 3 red stars to quantify a waste of energy, for example).

The control device includes hardware and / or software or processor means to govern its operation in accordance with the invention process object, such govern the steps of this process and their sequences. Material resources include the logical processing unit. The processing means may be contained in the logical processing unit. The processing means may include a computer program code means adapted to the implementation steps of the method according to the invention, when the program runs on a computer. The processing means include means for selecting a potential control command among a plurality of predefined control commands and that may be issued by the control device.

The <figref idrefs="f0003">7</figref> is a flowchart illustrating the main steps of implementing a first embodiment of the operating method according to the invention.

Preferably, when unused, self control device, that is to say with its own source of power, is in a sleep state. Also, a recovery step should be implemented to end this sleep state. This optional step is not shown and corresponds to the passage of the remote standby state to a normal operating state with an optimum diet. In a wired control device, that is to say, being connected to the power supply network of the building, it is the same. This wake-up step may be performed in various ways, as described above.

Once awakened remote control, it implements a step of choosing or selecting the next control command to propose in a step E0.

This choice can be done in different ways it can eg be based on:<ul><li>a history of previously sent orders</li><li>and / or the real state of the actuator, which is possible for two-way remote controls; For this, the remote control, as soon as she woke up, can send an inquiry command to the actuator to know his real state,</li><li>and / or a number of information sent by the actuator to the remote control (possible for two-way remote controls only).</li><li>and / or system usage statistics over time</li><li>and / or a previously defined by the user configuration.</li></ul>

In a second step E1, the control device displays the control command selected by the control device. This control order is offered to the user for the next shipment of order, and, for a predefined time D0 not shown in the figure. Without any action by the user during that time D0, the controller can automatically return to the standby state.

In a third step E2, the controller determines if the control command should be proposed to the user. To do this, the control device analyzes a user action. If the control order is appropriate, it goes directly to a step E4 in which the control command is sent. Otherwise, in a step E3, the controller changes the control command proposed based on user actions. Whenever the user modifies the proposed order, the symbol corresponding to the changed order is displayed, that is to say that loops back to step E1.

We have seen in the description of <figref idrefs="f0002">Figures 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6</figref> above, this change could be achieved in different ways. In step E4, the selected order is validated and sent to the home automation equipment with which the remote control is able to communicate, sending can be done in different ways (communication via electromagnetic waves, infrared, by wire. ..). The controlled automation equipment can then commence action (eg motion).

Following step E4 sending the selected order, a first option is to numb the remote control and put directly into his waking state.

Another option available for a bi-directional control device is to implement a second embodiment of the operating method described below with reference to the flowchart of <figref idrefs="f0004">8</figref>. This second embodiment comprises the steps E5 to E9 of the<figref idrefs="f0004">8</figref> in addition to the steps of <figref idrefs="f0003">7</figref>.

Once the selected order has been sent, it is determined, in a step E5, the nature of that order. If this is not an order of movement, we can go directly to step E8 in which the device selects the next control order to offer the user. If it is a move order, it goes to step E6 in which the controller selects and displays for the duration of the movement, a stop order to, in an emergency, the user to validate and quickly send that order. The user of course has the ability to change this stop order and choose any other control order in the list of possible commands. If the user decides to send the proposed stop order or any other order of their choice, it returns to step E4 of dispatch of the order. Otherwise, once the movement finished, proceed to step E8. The E8 step consists in choosing the next control command that the device will offer to send the home automation equipment, as in step E0. This new order may remain displayed on the display device for a predetermined time D1 (step E9), this period may be configurable D1, before the control device gets back to sleep, and so that the user can send fast enough this order and start the process to step E4, bypassing the alarm stage. During the period D1, the user has of course the possibility to modify the proposed order.

Another option could be to move the device to directly step E4 of dispatch of the order, in step E8 of choosing the next order to propose, then in step E9 temporary display of this new order. However, it seems more interesting to propose a stop command during the motion, as described above.

Another option is, for one-way control device to implement a third embodiment of the operating method described below with reference to the flowchart of <figref idrefs="f0005">9</figref>. This third embodiment comprises the steps E10 to E13 of<figref idrefs="f0005">9</figref> in addition to the steps of <figref idrefs="f0003">7</figref>. The one-way controller is not aware of the state of the controlled equipment, following the sending of the order made in step E4.

In a step E10, the order of nature can be examined which has been sent. If this is not an order of movement, we can go directly to step E12 in which the device selects the next control order to offer the user. If it is an order of movement, passes to a step E11 in which the controller selects and displays for a predetermined time D2, D2 this time that can be parameterized, a stop order to, in case of emergency, the user can quickly confirm and send the order. The controller is not notified of the end of the movement, this time D2 will be chosen higher than a standard operating time of the home automation equipment. Of course, during this period D2, the proposed order may be modified by the user who can immediately send the order he has chosen. If during the period D2, the user chose to send the order proposed judgment or other order of command he chose, it returns to step E4 of dispatch of the order. At the end of the period D2, if the user did not choose to send a stop order or any other order of their choice, it goes to step E12 of choosing the next control order the device proposed to send to the home automation equipment, as in step E0. This new order may remain displayed on the display device for a predetermined time D3 (step E13), before the control device gets back to sleep, and this so that the user can send the order quite quickly and restart the procedure to step E4, bypassing the alarm stage. As described above, during the period D3, the user can change the order of the proposed order.

The steps depicted in <figref idrefs="f0004">figures 8</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0005">9</figref>Are only non-limiting examples of what could be achieved through the invention.

The <figref idrefs="f0006">Figure 10</figref> illustrates an exemplary implementation of the operating method according to the invention described by the <figref idrefs="f0003">figures 7</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0004">8</figref>.

The home network 110 implements a 210 without way wireless remote control, with a single button 310 equipped with a display device, and adapted to communicate with a motorized garage door 510.

Step 1 shows the system at rest, in a state of waiting for your order. The door 510 is still in the closed position, the remote control 210 emits no signal, it is in standby, the button 310 displays no information.

Step 2 illustrates the approach of the hand of the user near the button of the remote control 210; this approach causes the alarm on the remote control 210, the first reaction is to ask the door what his real state in a 7101 frame; the door says she is completely closed in its 8101 response frame, and the remote control can then display on the button 310, a 9101 element representative of the order that the remote 210 proposes to send to the door 510. In the 'here, in this example, it is an up instruction symbolized by an arrow pointing upwards. In step 3, the valid user, eg by briefly pressing the button 310, the order proposed represented by element 9101, and the remote control 210 then sends a command frame containing 7102 validated the order , to the door 510. once the 7102 frame sent by the remote control received by the actuator, the door starts moving until it reaches its high abutment as shown in step 4. During the movement of the door, the remote control can optionally display a stop command symbolized by a square full 9102 so the user can quickly intervene in case of need. Once the door has reached its upper limit, it can inform the remote control by sending a frame back to 8102 information, as shown in step 5. The remote can then choose the next control command that it will ask the user for a predetermined duration D1, in the example, the remote control chooses the order of descent symbolized by a 9103 arrow facing down; it could also be "back to sleep" immediately, to view the next order that next time it detects the approach of the hand of the user or when the user presses the button 310 if the remote is not equipped with the approach of the hand of the user sensing means. At the end of the period D1, the remote control 210 returns to an idle state in which no order is displayed (step 6).

The <figref idrefs="f0007">11</figref> illustrates an exemplary implementation of the operating method according to the invention described by the <figref idrefs="f0003">figures 7</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0005">9</figref>.

The home network 111 implements a wireless way remote control 211, with a single button 311 equipped with a display device, capable of communicating with a motorized garage door 511.

Steps 1, 2 and 3 are identical to steps 1, 2, and 3 described in <figref idrefs="f0006">Figure 10</figref>. The difference lies in the fact that this time, the remote control is one-way, and therefore, it can not receive information frame from the gate indicating that the movement or the required action is completed. The optional step 4 is to provide the user a stop order symbolized by a 9112 element for a predefined period D2. After this time, the remote control can then choose the next order of order it will ask the user for a predetermined time D3; in the example, the remote control chooses the order of descent 9113; it could also be "back to sleep" immediately, to view the next order that next time it detects the approach of the hand of the user or when the user presses the button 310 if the remote is not equipped with the approach of the hand of the user sensing means. At the end of the period D3, the remote control 210 returns to an idle state in which no order is displayed (step 6).

In this document, "a step of selection of a possible control command among a plurality of predefined control commands that may be issued by the control device and at least one order of display step selected by the device control "means" a step of selecting at least one possible order of control among a plurality of predefined control commands that may be issued by the control device and at least one step of at least one display order selected by the control device. " However, the method preferably includes selecting a single order and the display of this single order, which advantageously allows the use of a smaller display interface while enabling size to display a symbol sufficiently large, to facilitate understanding by the user.

The selected orders do not include all executable commands by the home automation equipment, especially not all executable orders by account automation equipment into the state in which the home automation equipment is located. The selected orders or include the most relevant orders to execute given the current state of the home automation equipment or orders or that it is most likely to perform given the current state of the home automation equipment. The selected orders are executable orders from the home automation equipment and relevant to the actuator.

Thus, typically if the equipment is going to perform an action, this action of the control command is not selected (no need indeed <i>a priori,</i> to order again this action). It is the same for actions that can not be executed by the automation equipment given its state, for example an up instruction will not be selected by the control device if the device is already positioned at its upper limit . By cons, for example, an interrupt an action can be selected during the execution of the action.

In addition, if the control device is capable, for example, to control a roller blind with orientable slats in a first operating mode, and a garage door in a second mode of operation, he knows among other things, orientation orders blades. If this is the garage door is being ordered, that is to say that the second mode has been previously selected by the user, the selected order should not affect the shade, especially not the orientation of the blinds. Thus, if the controller is able to control several home automation equipment in different modes of operation, or the command selected by the control device are only for home automation equipment operated in the operating mode selected by the user.

As seen above, the selection of at least one order is executed by the control device itself.

As seen above, the display of a control order can be made by displaying on a screen, a symbol associated with a button of this order or display on a touch screen, a component symbol a control button that order.