Window handle sensor

Abstract

A handle (100) for attachment to a locking mechanism of a window (300) or a door, and movable between first and second positions to engage and disengage the locking mechanism. The handle (100) comprises a handle body (102) configured, when attached to the locking mechanism, to be rotatable about a first axis (104) to move between the first and second positions, and to be rotatable about a second axis (108) perpendicular to the first axis (104), a sensor (106) coupled to the handle body (102) and configured to collect first sensor data and second sensor data indicative of rotation of the handle body (102) about the first axis (104) and the second axis (108) respectively, and a controller (122) configured to determine a state of the handle (100) based on the first sensor data and the second sensor data, for determining a window or door status when the handle (100) is attached to the locking mechanism.

Description

[0001] Window Handle Sensor

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The invention relates to a handle for attachment to a locking mechanism of a window or a door. More specifically, the invention relates to (but need not be limited to) a handle for determining a handle state for use in determining a status of a window or a door.

[0004] Background

[0005] Increasingly, property owners are using smart devices within their households / properties. Smart devices may allow a property owner to monitor and / or control appliances, thermostats, lights and other devices installed within the property through an Internet connection, using a user device such as a mobile phone or tablet.

[0006] Some smart devices / systems, such as smart window handles, allow homeowners to monitor one or more windows of their property, for example, to determine whether the windows are open or closed. Such systems however are typically difficult to install and may require that the user embed or otherwise attach components of the system to the window frame in addition to attaching the smart handle to the window leaf. This may be a complicated process with a high potential for installation error, and such systems may not be suitable for fitting to all types of window.

[0007] Furthermore, such smart devices / systems may not be capable of distinguishing between the window being open (and therefore not secure), or in a night-vent position in which the window is partially open but still secure (i.e. held in the partially open nightvent position such that an intruder is unable to further open the window). Therefore, the potential for providing an incorrect window status to a user is high.

[0008] A further problem is that smart devices and systems frequently have a high unit cost and can thus be cost prohibitive to some users, especially where it is desired for the door and / or window hardware to have a uniform appearance. In some cases, users may wish to selectively install the smart functionality onto only a subset of the handles. In some cases, users may wish to cost effectively upgrade their system or add new functionality over time. The present invention seeks to overcome or mitigate some or all of the above- mentioned deficiencies.

[0009] Summary

[0010] According to the invention in a first aspect, there is provided a handle for attachment to a locking mechanism of a window or a door, the handle movable between a first position and a second position to engage and disengage the locking mechanism, the handle comprising: a handle body configured, when attached to the locking mechanism, to be rotatable about a first axis to move between the first and second positions, and to be rotatable about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; a sensor coupled to the handle body and configured to collect first sensor data indicative of rotation of the handle body about the first axis and second sensor data indicative of rotation of the handle body about the second axis; and a controller configured to determine a state of the handle based on the first sensor data and the second sensor data, the state of the handle for use in determining a window or door status when the handle is attached to the locking mechanism.

[0011] Optionally, the handle body is rotatable about the second axis between a first orientation, a second orientation and a third orientation, and wherein when the handle is attached to the locking mechanism of a window, the first orientation is indicative of the window being closed, the second orientation is indicative of the window being open, and the third orientation is indicative of the window being in a night-vent position.

[0012] The locking mechanism may comprise a single or multi-point lock, an espagnolette type lock, a hook or dead bolt mechanism and / or any other suitable locking mechanism. In one series of embodiments the handle is a cockspur handle and the locking mechanism comprises the locking arm portion of the cockspur handle. For example, the handle being attached to the locking mechanism may comprise the handle and one or more locking arms, hooks, or bolts being integrally formed. The locking mechanism may comprise a keep, e.g. for securing to a door or window frame, and the keep may optionally comprise more than one recess corresponding to more than one secure positions e.g. fully closed and a night vent position. Optionally, the controller is configured to determine that the state of the handle is engaged, and indicative of an engaged status of the window, when the first sensor data indicates that the handle body is in the first position and the second sensor data indicates that the handle body is in the first or third orientations.

[0013] Optionally, the controller is configured to determine that the state of the handle is disengaged, and indicative of a disengaged status of the window, when the first sensor data indicates that the handle body is in the second position.

[0014] Optionally, the handle is operable in a calibration mode in which the controller is configured to control the sensor to collect first sensor data when the handle body is moved to each of the first and second positions, and wherein the first sensor data collected in the calibration mode is used to set thresholds for use in determining whether the handle body is in the first or second position.

[0015] Optionally, the handle is operable in a calibration mode in which the controller is configured to control the sensor to collect second sensor data when the handle body is moved to each of the first, second and third orientations, and wherein the second sensor data collected in the calibration mode is used to set thresholds for use in determining whether the handle body is in the first, second or third orientation.

[0016] Optionally, the handle further comprises a receiver configured to receive data from external equipment, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the set thresholds based on data received by the receiver from the external equipment.

[0017] Optionally, the handle further comprises a power source configured to provide power to the sensor. The power source may be coupled to the handle body. For example, the power source may be located within the handle body. Advantageously by locating the power source within the handle body, a compact and retrofittable handle is provided. Optionally, the power source comprises a rechargeable battery.

[0018] Optionally, the sensor comprises a gyroscope. Optionally, the handle further comprises a lock cylinder moveable between a locked position to retain the handle body in the first position and an unlocked position in which the handle is able to be moved between the first and second positions.

[0019] Optionally, the handle further comprises a detection mechanism configured to determine whether the lock cylinder is in the locked position or the unlocked position.

[0020] Optionally, the detection mechanism comprises an indicator element and a detector configured to detect a position of the indicator element relative thereto, wherein one of the handle and the lock cylinder comprises the indicator element and the other of the handle and lock cylinder comprises the detector.

[0021] Optionally, the detector comprises a sensor configured to detect a property of the indicator element indicative of a relative direction and / or range of the indicator element from the detector.

[0022] Optionally, the property comprises a strength and / or a pattern of a magnetic field, and wherein the indicator element comprises a magnet that generates the magnetic field.

[0023] Optionally, the controller is configured to determine that the handle is secured when the state of the handle is engaged and the lock cylinder is in the locked position.

[0024] Optionally, the controller is configured to determine that the handle is insecure when the state of the handle is engaged and the lock cylinder is in the unlocked position.

[0025] Optionally, the handle further comprises a transmitter configured to transmit data comprising the state of the handle and / or the status of the window or door to external equipment.

[0026] Optionally, the handle further comprises a transmitter configured to transmit, to the external equipment, data comprising an indication of whether the handle is secured or insecure, and / or data comprising the state of the handle and / or the status of the window or door to external equipment. Optionally, the second axis comprises a door or window axis about which the door or the window rotates when moved between open and closed positions.

[0027] According to the invention in a second aspect, there is provided a door or window comprising a handle according to the first aspect.

[0028] According to the invention in a third aspect, there is provided a server comprising: a prediction module configured to calculate one or more thresholds for use, by a handle according to any of claims 1 to 19 or any claim dependent thereon directly or indirectly, in determining whether the handle body is in the first or second position; and a transmitter configured to transmit the one or more thresholds to the handle.

[0029] Optionally, the one or more thresholds calculated by the prediction module are for use, by a handle according to claim 2 or any claim dependent thereon directly or indirectly, in determining whether the handle body is in the first, second or third orientation.

[0030] Optionally, the one or more thresholds are calculated based on historical data received from one or more handles according to any of claims 1 to 19 or any claim dependent thereon directly or indirectly.

[0031] According to the invention in a fourth aspect, there is provided a user device comprising: a receiver configured to receive, from a handle according to any of claims 16-18 or any claim dependent thereon directly or indirectly, data comprising an indication of whether the handle is secured or insecure, and / or data comprising the state of the handle and / or the status of the window or door to external equipment; and an indication unit configured to provide an indication of whether the handle is secured or insecure, and / or data comprising the state of the handle and / or the status of the window or door to external equipment to a user.

[0032] Optionally, the user device further comprises a transmitter configured to transmit data received from the handle to the server of any of claims 34 to 36. Advantageously, this allows data from the handle to be routed through the user device, meaning that the handle does not need to incorporate long range / WAN communications capabilities. According to the invention in a fifth aspect, there is provided a system comprising: a plurality of handles according to any of claims 1 to 19 or any claim dependent thereon directly or indirectly; and a server according to any of claims 34 to 36.

[0033] Optionally, the system may further comprise a user device. The user device may be the user device of claim 37 or claim 38.

[0034] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a handle for a door or window. The handle may comprise a handle body. The handle body may comprise a first body portion. The handle body may comprise a detachable cartridge portion. The cartridge portion may be connectable to the first body portion to form the handle body. The sixth aspect may be combinable with any of the preceding aspects.

[0035] The detachable cartridge portion provides a mechanism for swapping the cartridge portion of the handle. The interchangeability is advantageous, since the handles can be easily upgraded to provide additional functionality e.g. by exchanging the cartridge portion with one having the functionality described above.

[0036] The first body portion and cartridge portion may comprise inter-engaging formations configured to connect the first body portion and cartridge portion together.

[0037] The inter-engaging formations may comprise one or more push-fit plug and socket connectors. For example, the first body portion may comprise a socket connector and the cartridge portion may comprise a push-fit plug connector. In some embodiments, the reverse configuration is envisaged. The push fit plug connector may be configured to engage the socket connector and secure the cartridge portion to the first body portion. The push-fit plug connector may comprise one or more spring arms and / or latches.

[0038] The first body portion may comprises one or more rails. The cartridge portion may slide along the rails e.g. when being connected or disconnected from the first body portion. The cartridge portion may comprise one or more formations for engaging the rails e.g. a groove or slot. The cartridge portion may comprise a cooperating portion with a profile configured to cooperate with the rails. The cooperating portion may have a mushroom, dovetail or similar profile. In some embodiments, the one or more rails are provided on the cartridge portion.

[0039] The cartridge portion may be connectable and disconnectable from the first body portion without using tools.

[0040] The handle may further comprise a back plate for securing to a door or window leaf. The first body portion may be connectable to the backplate and rotatable relative to the backplate. The first body portion may be permanently connectable to the backplate e.g. during manufacture or installation. The first body portion may be connected to the backplate by a circlip, riveted portion, screw thread or other means.

[0041] The first body portion and backplate may comprise a handle locking mechanism e.g. configured to prevent rotation of the handle body relative to the backplate when the handle locking mechanism is engaged.

[0042] The cartridge portion may be a dummy cartridge comprising no electronic components. Alternatively, the cartridge portion may comprise one or more electronic components. For example, the cartridge portion may comprise any one or more of the electronic components previously described above. The cartridge portion may comprise a further electronic components in addition to the above described components.

[0043] The first body portion and the cartridge portion may together define one or more internal chambers. The one or more electronic components may be disposed within the one or more internal chambers. Alternatively, the cartridge portion may define one or more internal chambers, and the one or more electronic components may be disposed within the one or more internal chambers. The cartridge portion may comprise one or more compartment covers to cover and / or seal the one or more internal chambers.

[0044] For example, as described above, the electronic components may comprise a sensor configured to collect first sensor data indicative of rotation of the handle body about a first axis and second sensor data indicative of rotation of the handle body about a second axis. The electronic components further comprise one or more of a processor, controller, memory, program, receiver, transmitter, sensor, power source, or detector. The power source may comprise a battery. The cartridge portion may comprise a first internal chamber housing the power source and may comprise a second internal chamber housing the remaining or further electronic components. The first and second internal chambers may have separate compartment covers.

[0045] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a cartridge portion for use in the handle of the preceding aspect. The cartridge portion may comprise one or more connectors for detachably connecting to a first body portion to together form a handle body. The cartridge portion may comprise the electronic components described previously.

[0046] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a method of adapting a handle described previously. The method may comprise detaching a first cartridge portion from the first body portion. The method may comprise connecting a second cartridge portion to form the first body portion. The first cartridge portion may be a dummy cartridge. The second cartridge portion may comprise the one or more electronic components described previously. This method allows for swift and easy upgrade of a handle to provide greater functionality.

[0047] Brief description of drawings

[0048] Figure 1 shows a front view of an exemplary handle in a first position;

[0049] Figure 2 shows a front view of the exemplary handle of Figure 1 in a second position;

[0050] Figure 3 shows a front view of a window with the exemplary handle of Figures 1 and 2 attached thereto, the handle being in a first orientation;

[0051] Figure 4a shows a front view of a window with the exemplary handle of Figures 1 and 2 attached thereto, the handle being in a second orientation, and Figure 4b shows a plan view thereof;

[0052] Figure 5a shows a front view of a window with the exemplary handle of Figures 1 and 2 attached thereto, the handle being in a third orientation, and Figure 5b shows a plan view thereof;

[0053] Figure 6 shows a schematic view of exemplary handle electronics;

[0054] Figure 7 shows a schematic view of an exemplary user device; Figure 8a shows a front view of an exemplary lock cylinder in an unlocked position and Figure 8b shows the exemplary lock cylinder of Figure 8a in a locked position;

[0055] Figure 9 shows a schematic view of an exemplary server;

[0056] Figure 10 shows a schematic view of an exemplary system;

[0057] Figure 11a shows a table indicating an exemplary handle body in a first position, second position, first orientation, second orientation and third orientation respectively, Figure 11b shows a table indicating the conditions for determining an engaged and disengaged handle state, and Figure 11c shows a table indicating the conditions for determining whether the handle is secured or insecure;

[0058] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a handle;

[0059] Figure 13 is an exploded diagram of the handle of Figure 12;

[0060] Figure 14 is a cross-section through the handle of Figure 12;

[0061] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a cartridge portion; and Figure 16 is an exploded view of the handle of Figure 12.

[0062] Detailed description

[0063] Generally disclosed herein is a handle for attachment to a locking mechanism of a window, and comprising a sensor configured to collect data indicative of a position and / or orientation of the handle for use in determining a state of the handle and / or a status of the window. That is, the data collected by the sensor of the handle may be indicative of and / or used to determine whether the window is, for example, engaged (e.g. closed or in a night-vent position) or disengaged (e.g. open), and / or secure (retained in position) or insecure (freely moveable). A night-vent position may encompass the window being partially open but still secure (i.e. held in the partially open night-vent position such that a user is unable to further open or close the window). The skilled person will appreciate that while exemplary handles are disclosed herein as being for attachment to a locking mechanism of a window, the exemplary handles disclosed herein are also suitable for attachment to a locking mechanism of a door.

[0064] The handle may be a “smart” handle. That is, the handle may comprise electronics that allow the handle to receive data from and / or transmit data to external equipment. In this way, data may be provided from the handle to a user device to provide the user with an indication of the state of the handle and / or the status of a window or door to which the handle is attached.

[0065] Figures 1 and 2 show an exemplary handle 100 comprising a handle body 102. The handle 100 is for attachment to a locking mechanism of a window. As mentioned above, the handle 100 may also be suitable for attachment to a door. The term “locking mechanism”, as briefly discussed herein, encompasses any mechanism that may be actuated to cause engagement and disengagement of one or more locking elements of the locking mechanism with a corresponding keep in a window or door frame. For example, the locking mechanism may comprise any suitable, spindle operated mechanism. For example, the locking mechanism may comprise an espagnolette locking mechanism and the locking element(s) may comprise mushroom and / or roller cams, or the locking mechanism may comprise a single or multi-point lock. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be integrally formed with the handle e.g. as with a cockspur handle. The handle disclosed herein may be used with any suitable locking mechanism, and the skilled person will be able to envisage other locking mechanisms with which the handle may be used.

[0066] When attached to the locking mechanism, the handle body 102 is movable between a first position and a second position to actuate the locking mechanism to engage and disengage the locking element(s) of the locking mechanism with the keep. Specifically, the handle body 102 is rotatable about a first axis 104 (extending into the page in Figures 1 and 2) to move the handle body 102 between the first position and the second position. Figure 1 shows the handle body 102 of the exemplary handle 100 in the first position and Figure 2 shows the handle body 102 of the exemplary handle 100 in the second position.

[0067] As used herein, the “first position” corresponds to a position of the handle body 102 that causes the locking element(s) of the locking mechanism to extend or otherwise be positioned to engage with the keep or another feature of the window (or door) frame, when the handle 100 is attached to the locking mechanism. It will be appreciated that the handle body 102 may be moved into the first position when not aligned with the keep, and in this instance, the locking element(s) will extend / move into a keep engaging position but not engage with the keep. The “second position” corresponds to a position of the handle body 102 in which the locking element(s) are retracted or otherwise positioned such that they are unable to engage the keep. It will be appreciated that the “second position” therefore need not be a single, finite position, but may rather encompass a range of positions of the handle body about the first axis 104.

[0068] It will be further be appreciated by the skilled person that Figures 1 and 2 show exemplary first and second positions only. In alternative arrangements, the first and second positions may differ from those shown in Figures 1 and 2. In the particular example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the handle 100 is for mounting to a vertically installed locking mechanism of a window or door. In alternative handle arrangements, for example, handles for mounting to a horizontally installed locking mechanism, the first and second positions as defined in Figures 1 and 2 may be rotated through 90 degrees.

[0069] Figure 3 shows the handle 100 mounted to a locking mechanism of a window 300. In other examples, the handle 100 may be mounted to a locking mechanism of a door. In this particular example, the handle 100 is mounted to a vertically disposed locking mechanism (not shown) of the window 300. The window 300 comprises a window frame 302 and a window leaf 304 coupled to the window frame 302, for example by hinges. The window leaf 304 is rotatable about an axis 108 to allow the window leaf 304 to be opened and closed. When the handle 100 is attached to the locking mechanism of the window 300, the handle 100 is coupled to the window leaf 304 such that it moves therewith. Therefore, the handle 100 is rotatable about the axis 108, for example, as the window leaf 304 is opened and closed.

[0070] As will be appreciated, the handle body 102 is therefore rotatable about the first axis 104 to move the handle body 102 between the first and second positions, and also rotatable about a second axis 108 perpendicular to the first axis 104.

[0071] Rotation of the handle body 102 about the second axis 108 may move the handle 100 between a first orientation, a second orientation and a third orientation. The first orientation is indicative of the window being closed (as shown in Figure 3), the second orientation is indicative of the window being open, and the third orientation is indicative of the window being in a night-vent position. The skilled person will appreciate that the handle body 102 may be in either the first position or the second position in any one of the first orientation, the second orientation and the third orientation. Figure 3 shows the handle body 102 in the first orientation. The window 300 is closed. The plane of the handle body 102 (which is parallel to the plane of the window leaf 304) is parallel to the plane of the window frame 302. The handle body 102 is also in the first position. Since the window 300 is closed, the locking element(s) of the locking mechanism are in such a position that they are aligned with the keep of the window frame 302, and therefore the locking element(s) are engaged with the keep and movement of the window leaf 304 is prevented.

[0072] Figure 4a shows the handle body 102 in the second orientation. The window 300 is open. The plane of the handle body 102 is at an angle to the plane of the window frame 302. This is shown schematically in Figure 4b, which is a top view of the window 300 and the handle body 102 in the orientation of Figure 4a. As can be seen in Figure 4b, the plane of the handle body 102 is at an angle 6 to the plane of the window frame 302. The skilled person will appreciate that the second orientation is indicative of the window 300 being open and therefore need not be a single angle, 6. The second orientation may encompass a range of orientations of the handle body 102 about the second axis 108, and in some arrangements may encompass any orientation in which 6 is greater than a close angle. The close angle may be defined by the orientation of the handle body 102 about the second axis 108 when the window 300 is closed, and therefore the close angle may be defined as 6 = 0 degrees. In Figures 4a and 4b, the handle body 102 is also in the second position.

[0073] Figure 5a shows the handle body 102 in the third orientation. The window 300 is in a night-vent position, in which the window leaf 304 is partially open. The plane of the handle body 102 is at an angle to the plane of the window frame 302, as shown schematically in Figure 5b, which is a top view of window 300 and handle body 102 in the orientation of Figure 5a. Similarly to the second orientation, in the third orientation, 6 is greater than the close angle. However, the locking element(s) of the locking mechanism are still aligned with at least a portion of the window frame 302 such that they may engage the portion of the window frame 302 and retain the window leaf 304 in the partially open position. In Figures 5a and 5b, the handle body 102 is also in the first position and so the locking element(s) are engaged with a portion of the window frame 302. As mentioned above, the handle 100 may be a “smart” handle. As such, the handle 100 may comprise electronics for operation of the handle 100, and in particular for determining whether the handle body 102 is in the first or second position, and / or whether the handle body 102 is in the first, second or third orientation. A determination of the position and / or orientation of the handle body 102 may be used to determine a status of the window or door to which the handle 100 is attached. For example, the determination of the position and / or orientation may be used to provide an indication as to whether the status of the window is open, closed or night-vent, and / or engaged or disengaged.

[0074] The handle 100 comprises a sensor 106 (shown in Figures 2 and 6) configured to collect data indicative of the position and / or orientation of the handle body 102. In the exemplary handle 100, the sensor 106 is configured to collect data indicative of movement and / or rotation of the handle body 102, such as rotation of the handle body 102 about the first axis 104 and the second axis 108. The sensor 106 is coupled to the handle body 102 and in the particular example shown in Figures 1 and 2, is mounted in an internal chamber of the handle body 102.

[0075] The sensor 106 may be a gyroscope, such as a micromachined silicon (MEMs) gyroscope. In an exemplary arrangement, the gyroscope may be capable of collecting data in six axes. That is, the gyroscope may be capable of collecting rotational data about three orthogonal axes and acceleration data along three orthogonal axes. The combination of rotational data and acceleration data can be used to determine rotation about the first axis and second axis. In alternative arrangements, the sensor 106 may comprise a gyroscope capable of collecting rotational data about three orthogonal axes and an accelerometer capable of collecting data about three orthogonal axes.

[0076] The electronics 110 of the handle 100, which comprise the sensor 106, are shown schematically in Figure 6. The electronics 110 may be mounted within the internal chamber of the handle body 102.

[0077] The handle electronics 110 may comprise a receiver 112 and / or a transmitter 114. The receiver 112 and / or the transmitter 114 may be in data communication with other entities, such as user equipment, servers / hubs and / or functions in a telecommunications network and are configured to transmit and receive data accordingly.

[0078] The handle electronics 110 may further comprise a memory 116 and a processor 118. The memory 116 may comprise a non-volatile memory and / or a volatile memory. The memory 116 may have a computer program 119 stored therein. The computer program 119 may comprise instructions for performing the methods disclosed herein. The computer program 119 may be loaded in the memory 116 from a non-transitory computer readable medium 120, on which the computer program is stored. The handle electronics 110 may further comprise a controller 122 and a detector 140. The processor 118 is configured by the computer program 119 to perform one or more of the functions of the controller 122.

[0079] The exemplary handle electronics 110 further comprises a power source 130 configured to provide power to one or more of the components 112, 114, 116, 118, 122. The power source may comprise a battery, which may be rechargeable. In alternative arrangements, the power source may comprise a disposable battery or any other kind of battery capable of providing power to the one or more components 112, 114, 116, 118, 122.

[0080] Each of the receiver 112, transmitter 114, memory 116, processor 118, controller 122, detector 140 is in data communication with the other components 112, 114, 116, 118, 122, 130, 140 of the handle electronics 110. The handle electronics 110 can be implemented as a combination of computer hardware and software. The memory 116 stores the various programs / executable files that are implemented by a processor 118, and also provides a storage unit for any required data.

[0081] The handle 100 may be in data communication with an external device, which may be a user device, such as a mobile phone, tablet, computer or any other suitable user equipment. For example, the handle 100 may transmit data indicative of a determined state of the handle and / or a determined status of the window / door to the user device. An exemplary user device 700 is shown in Figure 7.

[0082] The user device 700 comprises a receiver 702 and may also comprise a transmitter

[0083] 704. The receiver 702 and / or transmitter 704 may be in data communication with other entities, such as the handle 100, servers / hubs and / or functions in a telecommunications network and are configured to transmit and receive data accordingly.

[0084] The user device 700 may further comprise a memory 706, a processor 708 and an indication unit 714. The indication unit 714 comprises an indicator, such as a display screen or other suitable visual, audible and / or haptic output device, configured to provide an indication of a state of the handle 100 or a status of a window / door to which the handle 100 is attached. The memory 706 may comprise a non-volatile memory and / or a volatile memory. The memory 706 may have a computer program 710 stored therein. The computer program 710 may comprise instructions for performing the methods disclosed herein. The computer program 710 may be loaded in the memory 706 from a non-transitory computer readable medium 712, on which the computer program is stored. The processor 708 is configured by the computer program 710 to perform one or more of the functions of an indication unit 714, as set out below.

[0085] Each of the receiver 702, transmitter 704, memory 706, processor 708 and indication unit 714 is in data communication with the other components 702, 704, 706, 708, 714 of the user device 700. The user device 700 can be implemented as a combination of computer hardware and software. In particular, the indication unit 714 may be implemented as software configured to run on the processor 708. The memory 706 stores the various programs / executable files that are implemented by a processor 708, and also provides a storage unit for any required data. The programs / executable files stored in the memory 706, and implemented by the processor 708, can include the indication unit 714, but are not limited to such.

[0086] Use of the handle 100 to determine a state of the handle and / or a status of the window to which the handle is attached is now described with reference to Figures 1 to 7.

[0087] In use, the handle 100 is attached to a locking mechanism of a window. For the purposes of this example, the handle 100 is attached to a locking mechanism of the window 300, however the skilled person will appreciate that use of the handle 100 would be similar if it was attached to the locking mechanism of a door. The skilled person will further appreciate that doors may not be operable in a night-vent mode. As such, in arrangements in which the handle 100 is attached to the locking mechanism of a door, determinations relating to a night-vent status may not be made.

[0088] In use, the handle body 102 will be rotated about the first axis 104, as the user engages and disengages the locking mechanism to allow the window leaf 304 to be opened and closed. For example, when the window leaf 304 is closed, the handle body 102 may be in the first position such that the locking element(s) of the locking mechanism are engaged with the keep on the window frame 304. In order to open the window 300, the user may rotate the handle body 102 about the first axis 104 to cause the locking element(s) of the locking mechanism to disengage from the keep and allow the window leaf 304 to be opened.

[0089] The sensor 106 collects first sensor data indicative of rotation of the handle body 102 about the first axis 104. The sensor 106 may collect the first sensor data periodically. As mentioned above, in the exemplary handle 100, the sensor 106 comprises a gyroscope capable of collecting rotational data about three orthogonal sensing axes. The first sensor data collected by the gyroscope may therefore comprise data indicative of rotation of the handle body 102 about a sensing axis aligned with, or parallel to, the first axis 104 to determine whether the handle body 102 is in the first position or the second position.

[0090] The collected first sensor data may comprise an indication of the rotational position of the handle body 102 about the first axis 104 and / or a detected rotation of the handle body 102 about the first axis and / or a detected acceleration of the handle body 102 in a plane perpendicular to the first axis 104 (i.e. the plane of the window leaf 304).

[0091] For example, the handle body may be rotatable between two positions about the first axis 104, which in this example, are 90 degrees apart, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The first sensor data may comprise an indication of a position of the handle body 102 about the first axis 104. For example, the first sensor data may comprise an indication that the handle body is at an angular position of 0 degrees (corresponding to / defined by the first position shown in Figure 1) or at an angular position of greater than 0 degrees, for example 90 degrees (corresponding to the second position shown in Figure 2). The first sensor data may alternatively or additionally comprise an indication of rotation of the handle body 102 about the first axis 104. For example, the first sensor data may comprise an indication that the handle body has been rotated through an angle of +90 degrees about the first axis 104, to move it from the first position shown in Figure 1 to the second position shown in Figure 2, or that the handle body 102 has been rotated through an angle of -90 degrees about the first axis 104, to move it from the second position shown in Figure 2 to the first position shown in Figure 1.

[0092] As mentioned above, the gyroscope may additionally collect acceleration data along three orthogonal axes. The gyroscope may also collect acceleration data along the sensing axes that form a plane perpendicular to the first axis 104 (corresponding to the plane of the window leaf 304). This is the plane that the handle body 102 moves in when rotated about the first axis 104 between the first and second positions. The acceleration data may be alternatively or additionally used to determine whether the handle is in the first and / or second position. For example, a detection of rotation of the handle body 102 about the sensing axis aligned with / parallel to the axis 104 and a detection of acceleration of the handle body 102 in the plane perpendicular to the first axis 104 may indicate that the handle body is moving from the first position to the second position, or vice versa.

[0093] In use, the handle body 102 will be also be rotated about the second axis 108 as the user opens and closes the window leaf 304. This will cause the handle body 102 to move between the first, second and third orientations shown in Figures 3 to 5b.

[0094] The sensor 106 collects second sensor data indicative of rotation of the handle body about the second axis 108. The sensor 106 may collect the second sensor data periodically. As mentioned above, the sensor 106 comprises a gyroscope in this example. The second sensor data collected by the gyroscope may therefore comprise data indicative of rotation of the handle body 102 about a sensing axis aligned with, or parallel to, the second axis 108. In exemplary arrangements, in which the gyroscope is capable of sensing acceleration data along three orthogonal axes, the gyroscope may also collect acceleration data along the sensing axes that form a plane perpendicular to the second axis 108. That is, the plane that the window opens in. The collected second sensor data may be indicative of the rotational position of the handle body 102 about the second axis 108 and / or a detected rotation of the handle body 102 about the second axis 108 and / or a detected acceleration of the handle body 102 in a plane perpendicular to the second axis 108. As such, the second sensor data may be indicative of whether the handle body 102 is in the first, second and third orientation, and / or moving between the first, second and third orientations.

[0095] The controller 122 is configured to determine a state of the handle 100 based on the collected first and second sensor data.

[0096] In order to determine the state of the handle 100, the controller 122 may determine whether the handle body 102 is in the first position or second position, and whether the handle body 102 is in the first, second or third orientation. The controller 122 may compare the collected first and second sensor data to thresholds to determine the position and / or orientation of the handle body 102. The thresholds may be stored in the memory 116. The thresholds may be pre-set or may be determined during a calibration operation, as will be described in more detail below.

[0097] The controller 122 may compare the collected first sensor data to a position threshold to determine whether the handle body 102 is in the first position or the second position. In exemplary arrangements, the position threshold may correspond to an “engaged angle”, that is, the position of the handle body 102 about the first axis 104 that causes the locking element(s) to be in a position in which they can engage the keep if aligned therewith. In exemplary arrangements, the position threshold may comprise an engaged angle range. The engaged angle range may be defined as the engaged angle + / - a tolerance angle. The tolerance angle is configured to account for limits in the accuracy of the sensor 106, physical changes in the window leaf 304, the window frame 302 or the handle 100 due to changes in conditions such as temperature, and / or movement of the building / structure to which the handle 100 and window 300 are attached over time. If the first sensor data collected by the sensor 106 indicates a position of the handle body 102 about the first axis 104 that is equal to the engaged angle, or within the engaged angle range, the controller 122 determines that the handle body 102 is in the first position. If the first sensor data collected by the sensor 106 indicates a position of the handle body 102 about the first axis 104 that is less than or greater than the engaged angle, or outside of the engaged angle range, the controller 122 determines that the handle body 102 is in the second position. Alternatively, or additionally, the controller 122 may determine that the handle body 102 is in the first and / or second position based on a detected change in position of the handle body 102. That is, if handle body 102 is initially in the first position (which may be determined using the above process), and the first sensor data indicates a rotation about the sensing axis aligned with / parallel to the first axis 104 and an acceleration in the plane perpendicular to the first axis 104, the controller 122 may determine that the handle body 102 has been moved to the second position.

[0098] The controller 122 may compare the collected second sensor data to an orientation threshold to determine whether the handle body 102 is in the first, second or third orientation. In exemplary arrangements, the orientation threshold may correspond to a “close angle”, that is, the orientation of the handle body 102 when the window leaf 304 is closed. As mentioned above, the close angle may be defined as 6 = 0 degrees (with 6 being the angle between the plane of the handle body 102 and the plane of the window frame 302, as shown in Figure 4a). In exemplary arrangements, a close angle range may be defined. The close angle range may be defined as the close angle + / - a tolerance angle. The tolerance angle is configured to account for limits in the accuracy of the sensor 106, physical changes in the window leaf 304, the window frame 302 or the handle 100 due to changes in conditions such as temperature, and / or movement of the building / structure to which the handle 100 and window 300 are attached over time.

[0099] If the orientation of the handle body 102 about the second axis 108 is equal to the close angle, or within the close angle range, the controller 122 determines that the handle body 102 is in the first orientation. If the orientation of the handle body 102 about the second axis is greater than the close angle or falls outside of the close angle range, the controller 122 determines that the handle body 102 is in one of the second or third orientations. The orientation threshold may further define a “night-vent angle” or night-vent angle range (i.e. the night-vent angle + / - a tolerance angle), defined as the orientation that the handle body 102 is in when the window leaf 304 is partially open and in the night-vent position (i.e. partially open but still in a position where the locking element(s) can engage the keep / portion of the window frame). In such arrangements, if the orientation of the handle body 102 about the second axis is greater than the close angle but less than or equal to the night-vent angle (or within the night-vent angle range), the controller 122 determines that the handle body 102 is in the third orientation. If the orientation of the handle body 102 about the second axis is greater than the night-vent angle, the controller 122 determines that the handle body 102 is in the second orientation. Alternatively, or additionally, the controller 122 may determine that the handle body 102 is in the first, second or third orientation based on a detected change in orientation of the handle body 102. That is, if handle body 102 is initially in the first position (i.e. the window is closed), and the second sensor data indicates a rotation about the sensing axis aligned with / parallel to the second axis 108 and an acceleration in the plane along the sensing axes that form a plane perpendicular to the second axis 108, the controller 122 may determine that the handle body 102 has been moved to either the second orientation (i.e. the window is open) or the third orientation (i.e. the window is in the night-vent position).

[0100] The state of the handle 100 may be determined to either be engaged or disengaged based on the first and second sensor data. The term “engaged”, as used herein when referring to a position, state of the handle 100, or status of the door or window, encompasses the locking element(s) of the locking mechanism being engaged with the keep, or another feature of the window or door frame, such that the window or door is retained in position. Conversely, the term “disengaged”, as used herein when referring to a position, state of the handle 100, or status of the door or window, encompasses the locking element(s) of the locking mechanism being disengaged from the keep, such that a user is free to move the window or door between the open and closed positions.

[0101] If the first sensor data indicates that the handle body is in the first position and the second sensor data indicates that the handle body is in the first or third orientations (i.e. corresponding to the window leaf 304 being open or in the night-vent position), the controller determines that the state of the handle is engaged. An engaged state of the handle is indicative of an engaged-closed or an engaged-night-vent window status.

[0102] If the first sensor data indicates that the handle body 102 is in the second position, then regardless of the orientation of the handle body 102 (i.e. regardless of whether the handle body is in the first, second or third orientation), the controller 122 determines that the state of the handle is disengaged. This is because regardless of whether the window is open, closed or in a night-vent position, the handle body 102 is not in a position where the locking element(s) can engage the keep / other portion of the window frame. As such, the user is free to move the window between the open, closed and night-vent orientations without having to first disengage the locking element(s). In the above-described arrangement, if the first data indicates that the handle body 102 is in the first position and the second sensor data indicates that the handle body is in the second orientation, the controller determines that the state of the handle is disengaged. This is because when the window leaf 304 is in the second orientation (i.e. open) the locking element(s) are not aligned with the keep of the window frame 302 and so the user is free to move the window leaf 304 without having to first disengage the locking element(s). Therefore, the window leaf 304 is not retained in position, but rather is freely moveable by the user.

[0103] The controller 122 may further be configured to determine a window status based on the determined state of the handle 100. The window status may be determined to be disengaged if the state of the handle 100 is disengaged (indicative that the locking element(s) are not engaged with the keep). The window status may be determined to be engaged if the handle state is engaged. The window status may be determined to be engaged-closed if the handle state is engaged by virtue of the handle body 102 being in the first orientation, and engaged-night-vent if the handle state is engaged by virtue of the handle body 102 being in the third orientation. Similarly, the window status may be determined to be disengaged-open if the handle state is disengaged by virtue of the handle body 102 being in the second or third orientation, and disengaged-closed if the handle state is disengaged by virtue of the handle body 102 being in the first orientation.

[0104] The transmitter 114 of the handle 100 may transmit data indicative of the handle state and / or the window status to external equipment, such as the user device 700. The skilled person will appreciate that in alternative arrangements, the user device 700 may be configured to receive sensor data from the handle 100, and based on the sensor data determine a handle state and / or a window status. That is, the determination of the handle state and / or the window status described above may be performed by the user device 700 instead of the handle 100. The user device 700 receives, or determines, the handle state and / or window status data and provides an indication to the user of the handle state and / or window status. In exemplary arrangements, the user device 700 is a mobile phone and an indication of the handle state and / or window status may be displayed to the user via the mobile phone screen. An alert, such as a haptic (vibration) or audio alert, may be generated by the user device 700 to alert the user of the handle state and / or window status. The skilled person will envisage other user devices and indication mechanisms. The transmitter 114 of the handle 100 may transmit the data indicative of the handle state and / or the window status directly to the user device 700, or via a hub / server, which will be described in more detail below.

[0105] In this way, a user is able to receive information as to whether or not their window(s) / door(s) are in an engaged or disengaged state, and therefore whether or not they are vulnerable to undesired opening / closing, for example by intruders. The user may then take corrective action if necessary.

[0106] Advantageously, the above-described handle 100 may be retro-fitted to substantially any window / door without having to make adjustments to the window / door or window / door frame. This is in contrast to known arrangements in which a separate sensor / component needs to be mounted to the window / door frame. Furthermore, the above-described handle 100 may be retrofitted to an existing locking mechanism, since the exemplary handle 100 does not rely on any components within the locking mechanism in order to determine the status of the window / door.

[0107] The handle 100 optionally further comprises a lock cylinder 136, shown in Figures 8a and 8b. The lock cylinder 136 may be moveable between a locked position, in which the lock cylinder 136 acts to retain the handle body 102 in the first position, and an unlocked position, in which the handle body 102 is able to be moved between the first and second positions. The lock cylinder 136 comprises a plug 138 which is rotatable to move the lock cylinder 136 between the locked and unlocked positions. Typically, a key is inserted into a key hole within the plug 138 and the plug 138 is rotated as the user turns the key to move the lock cylinder 136 between the locked and unlocked positions.

[0108] The exemplary handle 100 comprises an optional detection mechanism configured to determine whether the lock cylinder 136 is in the locked or unlocked position. The exemplary detection mechanism of the handle 100 comprises a detector 140 and an indicator element 142.

[0109] The detector 140 is configured to detect a property of the indicator element 142. The property of the indicator element 142 may be indicative of distance and / or range of the indicator element from the detector 140. In exemplary arrangements, the indicator element 142 is configured to generate a magnetic field and may comprise a magnet (e.g., a permanent magnet). In such arrangements, the detector 140 is configured to detect a strength and / or pattern of a magnetic field of the indicator element 142. The detector 140 may comprise a hall effect sensor.

[0110] The skilled person will appreciate that in alternative arrangements, alternative indicator elements 142 and detectors 140 may be used. For example, in alternative arrangements, the indicator element may be configured to emit an electromagnetic field or, specifically, a radiofrequency (RF) field, and may comprise an electromagnetic field emitter or an RF emitter. In such arrangements, the detector may be configured to detect a strength of the electromagnetic or RF field of the indicator element. In further alternative arrangements, the indicator element may comprise a conducting material configured to complete a circuit in the detector. The skilled person will be able to envisage further arrangements in which the indicator element emits and / or generates a wave, field strength or field pattern, or else comprises a property, which may be detected by the detector.

[0111] In the exemplary handle shown in Figures 1 and 2, the detector 140 is coupled to the handle body 102 and the indicator element 142 is coupled to the lock cylinder 136. Specifically, the indicator element 142 of the exemplary handle 100 is coupled to the plug 138 of the lock cylinder 136 such that it rotates therewith when the lock cylinder 136 is moved between the locked and unlocked positions. The detector 140 may be fixed to the handle body 102 in a position adjacent to the lock cylinder 136.

[0112] In use, as a user moves the lock cylinder 136 between the locked and unlocked positions, the position of the indicator element 142 relative to the detector 140 changes.

[0113] The skilled person will appreciate that in alternative arrangements, the detector 140 may be coupled to the lock cylinder 136 and the indicator element 142 may be coupled to the handle body 102.

[0114] In further alternative arrangements the detector and indicator element may be omitted from the handle. Since some users may not require key operated locking of their door or window handles, the additional functionality may not be required. Figure 8a shows the lock cylinder 136 in the unlocked position and Figure 8b shows the lock cylinder 136 in the locked position. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, as the lock cylinder 136 is moved from the unlocked position shown in Figure 8a to the locked position shown in Figure 8b, the strength of the magnetic field sensed by the detector 140 increases because the indicator element 142 moves closer to the detector 140. Specifically, the plug 138 has been rotated by the user turning the key, which causes the indicator element 142 to rotate with the plug 138, bringing the indicator element 142 closer to the detector 140. Similarly, if the lock cylinder 136 is moved from the locked position shown in Figure 8b to the unlocked position shown in Figure 8a, the strength of the magnetic field sensed by the detector 140 decreases because the indicator element 142 moves further away from the detector 140. Therefore, the detection mechanism is able to determine whether the lock cylinder 136 is in the locked or unlocked position based on the detected magnetic field. The detected magnetic field may be compared to a threshold to determine whether the lock cylinder 136 is in the locked or unlocked position.

[0115] In alternative arrangements, the indicator element 142 may be mounted to an opposite side of the plug 138 such that the strength of the magnetic field sensed by the detector 140 decreases as the lock cylinder 136 moves from the unlocked position to the locked position and increases as the lock cylinder 136 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0116] The controller 122 may be configured to determine whether the handle state and / or status of the window / door is secured or insecure based on the detected position of the lock cylinder 136. In alternative arrangements, the user device may receive data indicating the detected position of the lock cylinder 136 from the handle 100 and the user device 700 may determine whether the handle state and / or status of the window / door is secured or insecure.

[0117] The term “secured”, as used herein when referring to a position, state or status, refers to the handle body 102 being retained in the engaged state whilst the window / door is in the engaged status. When the handle is “secured” the user is unable to move the handle body 102 from the first position, without first taking action to move the lock cylinder 136 to the unlocked position, and as such, the window / door is unable to be opened without the lock cylinder 136 being unlocked. The term “insecure” as used herein when referring to a position, state or status, refers to the lock cylinder 136 being in the unlocked position and therefore the handle body 102 is moveable between the first and second position without the user having to take additional action with regards to the lock cylinder 136.

[0118] For example, the controller 122 may determine that the handle 100 is secured if the state of the handle 100 is determined to be engaged and the lock cylinder is in the locked position. The controller 122 may determine that the handle 100 is insecure if the state of the handle 100 is determined to be engaged but the lock cylinder 136 is in the unlocked position, or if the state of the handle 100 is disengaged (regardless of whether the lock cylinder 136 is in the locked or unlocked position).

[0119] The additional information about the handle state and / or the window / door status may be transmitted to the user device 700 as described above.

[0120] The handle 100 has been described above operating in a monitoring mode, in which the sensor 106 collects data indicative of the position and orientation of the handle body 102. In exemplary arrangements, the handle 100 may also be operable in a calibration mode, in which data collected by the sensor 106 is used to set the thresholds for use in determining whether the handle body 102 is in the first or second position and / or the first, second or third orientation, and / or whether the lock cylinder 136 is in the locked or unlocked position. Use of the handle 100 in the calibration mode is described below with reference to Figures 1 to 8b.

[0121] The handle 100 may receive a control signal from the user device 700. The control signal may be received directly from the user device 700 (for example, using a Bluetooth connection or other wireless connection) or via a hub / server. In response to the control signal, the controller 122 places the handle 100 into the calibration mode. The user device 700 may comprise an application (App) stored on the user device 700 which can be used by the user to facilitate placing the handle 100 into the calibration mode.

[0122] While in the calibration mode, the sensor 106 is configured to collect first sensor data when the handle body 102 is placed in each of the first and second positions, and second sensor data when the handle body 102 is placed in each of the first, second and third orientations. The data collected at each of the first and second positions and the first, second and third orientations can then be used to set the thresholds. The detector 140 may be configured to collect data when the lock cylinder is placed in each of the locked position and the unlocked position. The data collected at each of the locked and unlocked position can then be used to set the locking threshold.

[0123] The user may be prompted to move the handle body 102 into each of the first and second positions and first, second and third orientations sequentially. The prompt may be provided to the user via the indication unit 714 of the user device 700, such as by displaying instructions to the user from a screen on the user device 700 (for example, via the App).

[0124] The user may then move the handle body 102 into each of the first and second positions and each of the first, second and third orientations sequentially. The user may indicate when the handle body 102 is in a particular position / orientation and a control signal may be transmitted to the handle 100 instructing the sensor 106 to take at least one reading. The sensor 106 may be instructed to take a plurality of readings. The reading or an average of the plurality of readings taken by the sensor 106 in the particular position / orientation may be used to set the threshold.

[0125] For example, the user may be instructed to move the handle body 102 into the first position by closing the window leaf 304. The reading / readings taken by the sensor 106 when the handle body 102 is in the first orientation may be used to determine the close angle and / or the close angle range - that is, the orientation of the handle body 102 when the window 300 is closed - and set the orientation threshold. Similarly, the user may be instructed to move the handle body 102 into the third orientation by placing the window leaf 304 in the night-vent position (as shown in Figures 5a and 5b). The reading / readings taken by the sensor 106 when the handle body 102 is in the nightvent position may be used to determine the night-vent angle and / or night-vent angle range and set a night-vent threshold.

[0126] As will be understood by the skilled person, the user may undertake a similar operation to set the position thresholds. That is, the user may be instructed to move the handle body 102 into the first position, by rotating the handle body 102 about the first axis 104 to engage the locking element(s) of the locking mechanism with the keep. The reading / readings taken by the sensor 106 when the handle body 102 is in the first position may be used to determine the engaged angle and / or engaged angle range and set the position threshold. Similarly, the user may be instructed to move the handle body 102 into the second position, by rotating the handle body to disengage the locking element(s) of the locking mechanism from the keep, and the reading / readings taken by the sensor 106 may be used to provide an indication of the first sensor data that may be collected by the sensor 106 when the handle body 102 is in the second position.

[0127] The user may undertake a similar operation to set the locking thresholds for determining whether the lock cylinder 136 is in the locked or unlocked position. That is, the user may be instructed to move the lock cylinder 136 into the locked position, and a reading / plurality of readings may be taken by the detector 140. The user may then be instructed to move the lock cylinder 136 into the unlocked position, and a reading / plurality of readings may be taken by the detector 140. The reading(s) taken in each of the locked and unlocked positions are indicative of the detected magnetic field strength in each of the locked and unlocked positions and may therefore be used to set a threshold.

[0128] The thresholds set based on the data collected by the sensor 106 and / or the detector 140 in the calibration mode may be stored in the memory 116 of the handle electronics 110. The first and second sensor data collected by the sensor 106 when the handle is in the monitoring mode may then be compared to the stored thresholds to allow the controller 122 to determine whether the handle body 102 is in the first or second position and the first, second or third orientation. Similarly, the data collected by the detector 140 when the handle is in the monitoring mode may be compared to the stored thresholds to allow the controller to determine whether the lock cylinder 136 is in the locked or unlocked position.

[0129] Advantageously, the calibration mode allows the handle 100 to be calibrated to a specific window / door and re-calibrated over time to account for movements in the window / door or window / door frame as a result of changing weather conditions, age etc. The skilled person will realise however that in alternative arrangements, pre-set thresholds may be used. The handle 100 and / or the user device 700 may be in communication with a server 900. An exemplary server 900 is shown in Figure 9.

[0130] The server 900 comprises a receiver 902 and may also comprise a transmitter 904. The receiver 902 and / or transmitter 904 may be in data communication with other entities, such as the handle 100, the user device 700 and / or functions in a telecommunications network and are configured to transmit and receive data accordingly.

[0131] The user device 900 may further comprise a memory 906, a processor 908 and a prediction module 914. The memory 906 may comprise a non-volatile memory and / or a volatile memory. The memory 906 may have a computer program 910 stored therein. The computer program 910 may comprise instructions for performing the methods disclosed herein. The computer program 910 may be loaded in the memory 906 from a non-transitory computer readable medium 912, on which the computer program is stored. The processor 908 is configured by the computer program 910 to undertake one or more of the functions of the prediction module 914, as set out below.

[0132] Each of the receiver 902, transmitter 904, memory 906, processor 908 and prediction module 914 is in data communication with the other components 902, 904, 906, 908, 914 of the server 900. The server 900 can be implemented as a combination of computer hardware and software. In particular, the prediction module 914 may be implemented as software configured to run on the processor 908. The memory 906 stores the various programs / executable files that are implemented by a processor 908, and also provides a storage unit for any required data. The programs / executable files stored in the memory 906, and implemented by the processor 908, can include the prediction module 914, but are not limited to such.

[0133] The server 900 may be in communication with a plurality of handles 100a-c, directly or via a hub, as indicated in Figure 10. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the plurality of handles 100a-c may be owned by different users and installed in different locations. Alternatively, some or all of the handles 100a-c may be owned by a single user and installed in the same building. The prediction module 914 may be configured to calculate a threshold, or an updated threshold, for use in determining whether a handle body of the plurality of handles 100a-c is in a first or second position and / or a first, second or third orientation based on data received from at least one of the plurality of handles 100a-c and optionally, data received from external sources.

[0134] The server 900 may receive data from each of, or a subset of, the plurality of handles 100a-c. The data may comprise a handle identifier and location information indicative of the location at which the corresponding handle 100a-c is installed. The data may further comprise additional information relating to the installation of the handle. For example, one or more of: data indicating whether the at least one handle is installed on a window / door, data indicating whether the handle is internal or external, data indicating whether the window / door to which the handle is attached is north, south, east or west facing etc, data indicating the time and / or date of installation of the handle, data indicating the type of window / door that the handle is attached to (for example, data indicating the model, size, opening method, and / or materials of the window / door). The server 900 may optionally receive information indicative of one or more of: the thresholds stored at the handle (which may have been determined during a calibration operation), the time and / or date that the calibration operation was performed, the determined angles associated with each of the first, second or third orientations and / or first and second positions, and / or acceleration data collected by the sensor 106 as the handle 100 moves between the different orientations.

[0135] The server 900 may further receive data from external sources, for example weather data indicating one or more of a predicted weather pattern, temperature, humidity and / or atmospheric pressure for a given location.

[0136] Based on the data received from the plurality of or the subset of the plurality of handles 100a-c (e.g. indicating location and installation data, and optionally currently stored thresholds) and the data received from the external sources, the prediction module determines the weather conditions (i.e. the weather pattern, temperature, humidity and / or pressure) likely to be experienced by each of the plurality of handles, and whether an updated threshold is required. If it is determined that an updated threshold is required, the prediction module 914 may calculate one or more updated thresholds for use in determining a position and / or orientation of each of the plurality of handles 100a-c, based on the data received from the plurality of handles and the data received from the external sources indicating the weather conditions likely to be experienced by each particular handle. The updated threshold may further be applied to further handles, not included in the plurality of handles from which the server obtains data.

[0137] The prediction module 914 may determine whether an updated threshold is needed and / or calculate the one or more updated thresholds based on historical data. The historical data may comprise data received from previous handles and external sources indicating typical thresholds determined / used for handles in a given location and in given weather conditions. The prediction module 914 may use machine learning algorithm to determine the updated threshold.

[0138] The transmitter 904 of the server 900 transmits the updated thresholds to one or more of the corresponding handles 100a, 100b, and 100c (and / or further handles) for use in determining the position and / or orientation of the handle body. The threshold may be an updated threshold in that it is updated with respect to the thresholds determined in an initial calibration step, or the initial pre-set / factory setting thresholds used by a given handle.

[0139] Advantageously, this increases the accuracy of the determination of the state of the handle and / or the status of the window or door. Furthermore, use of the server 900 allows the thresholds to be updated centrally, without the user having to perform multiple calibration steps throughout the year. For example, throughout the year as the weather changes, the window / door frame and / or window / door leaf may expand and contract or otherwise shift, and therefore the data collected by the sensor 106 of the handle 100 may vary for a particular position / orientation of the handle body 102. That is, when the window / door leaf is closed in winter, the data collected by the sensor 106 may be different to the data collected by the sensor 106 when the window / door leaf is closed in the summer, due to the expansion / contraction of the window / door leaf. As such, the thresholds used to determine the first orientation of the handle body 102 (i.e. the orientation indicative of the window / door leaf being closed) may not be accurate across the whole life of the handle 100. To aid understanding, Figure 11a is included which shows a table including drawings showing the handle body in the first position, the second position, the first orientation, the second orientation and the third orientation. Figure 11b is a table that summarises the handle body position and orientation combinations that result in an engaged or disengaged state. Figure 11c is a table that summarises the handle states and lock cylinder position combinations that result in a determination that the handle is secured or insecure.

[0140] Turning now to Figures 12 to 16 there is shown a handle 200. The handle 200 has a handle portion formed from a first body portion 202 and an interchangeable cartridge 204, which is connected to the first body portion 202. The handle portion is rotatably connected to a backplate 206 via the first body portion 202. The backplate 206 is connectable to a door or window leaf (not shown) such that rotation of the handle portion can operate a locking mechanism (not shown) in or on the door or window leaf e.g. via a handle spindle.

[0141] Figures 13 and 14 show the handle 200 in a partially exploded view and a cross sectional view respectively. The first body portion 202 has a head portion 210 and a handle portion 211. The head portion 210 has a shaft 213 which is received within an opening 212 in the backplate when assembled. The shaft 213 can be secured to the backplate 206 with a circlip, by riveting over the end of the shaft 213 or by any other suitable means. The backplate 206 is securable to a door or window leaf by mechanical fasteners (not shown) which extend through suitable fastener apertures 215 and hidden by caps 214.

[0142] A locking bolt 216a is provided on the backplate 206 and has a resilient biasing member (e.g. spring 216b) biasing the locking bolt 216a into a bolt recess 217 in the head portion 210. When the locking bolt 216a is located within the bolt recess 217, the handle portion is prevented from rotating relative to the backplate 206. The head portion 210 is provided with a handle lock button 218 which has a lock cylinder 220 having a lock shaft 221. The lock cylinder 220 is operable by a suitably coded key (not shown) between locked and unlocked conditions. In the locked condition, the lock cylinder 220 prevents movement of the handle lock button 218. When in the unlocked condition, the lock cylinder 220 permits the handle lock button 218 to be depressed by a user, whereby the movement is transferred through the lock cylinder 220 and lock shaft 221. When the handle portion is in the closed condition (as shown), movement of the lock shaft 221 can depress the locking bolt 216a such that it is no longer in the bolt recess 217 and the first body portion 202 can thus be rotated relative to the backplate 206. When the handle 200 is in the closed condition and the lock cylinder 220 is in the locked condition, a user cannot depress the handle lock button 218 and thus the locking bolt 216a cannot be disengaged with the bolt recess 217, thereby securing the handle 200 and the window or door leaf and locking mechanism to which they are attached.

[0143] With additional reference to Figures 15 and 16, the cartridge portion 204 will be described. The cartridge portion 204 is shaped to complement the first body portion 202, such that when connected together, they form an ergonomic handle. The cartridge portion 204 comprises a cartridge head portion 230 and a cartridge handle portion 231, similarly to the first body portion 202. The cartridge portion may be formed via plastics moulding, but could also be cast or machined from metal or other suitable material. The cartridge portion 204 has a hollow cartridge body 232 which defines a first compartment 233 and a second compartment 235, a first compartment cover 234, and a second compartment cover 236. The first compartment 233 is located in the cartridge head portion 230 and houses a battery 238 e.g. a rechargeable CR2 battery, although alternative battery sizes / capacities could be used. The first compartment cover 234 comprises an arm 237 at an upper end for securing the upper end of the first compartment cover 234 and a foot 239 at the lower end which extends into a seat 239a in the cartridge head portion 230. A mechanical fastener 239b can be inserted into the cartridge head portion 230 and into the foot 239 to retain the first compartment cover 234 in position. Alternatively, a spring clip or similar arrangement can be used to secure the first compartment cover 234. Such a connection is secure and strong enough to maintain an effective seal around the first compartment cover 234 to prevent dust or moisture ingress.

[0144] The second compartment 235 is located within the cartridge handle portion 231 and houses a printed circuit board (PCB) 240 which is powered by the battery 238 in the first compartment 233. The PCB 240 comprises the electronic components described previously e.g. sensors, processors, memory, receivers, transmitters, detectors etc. in order to give the handle 200 the desired smart functionality previously described. The second compartment cover 236 has a foot 241 at one end of the second compartment cover 236 which secures against a seat 243 in the tip of the cartridge handle portion 231. The opposite end of the second compartment cover 236 is provided with a cover connector 242 which engages with a cooperating recess 244 in the cartridge handle portion 231. The cover connector 242 is a push-fit connector comprising a pair of spring arms which engage with sides of the recess 244 once inserted. Such a connection is secure and strong enough to maintain an effective seal around the second compartment cover 236 to prevent dust or moisture ingress. The second compartment cover is further provided with a cartridge connector 250 which has a pair of spring arms for engaging the sides of a connector recess 252 formed in internal facing surface the first body portion 202.

[0145] The handle portion 211 is provided with a pair of rails 254 on the underside thereof i.e. on the side facing the cartridge portion 204. The upper surface of the cartridge portion 204 has a profiled portion 256 configured to be received within the handle portion 211 and between the rails 254. In the embodiment shown, this is provided on the second compartment cover 236, although this could be formed elsewhere on the cartridge portion 204 depending on the desired aesthetics. As shown in Figure 15, the profiled portion 256 has an approximately mushroom shaped cross-section which defines grooves 258 on opposing sides thereof and corresponds with the internal profile of the cartridge handle portion 231. It will be appreciated that alternative profiles 9i.e. cross sections) will be easily achievable. The grooves 258 extend along the length of the cartridge handle portion 231 and are configured to ride over the rails 254 of the handle portion 211 of the first body portion 202. The cartridge connector 250 is located at the end of the grooves 258 and configured to connect with the connector recess 252 in a parallel direction. The rails 254 and grooves 258 ensure that movement of the cartridge portion 204 relative to the first body portion 202 is linear, i.e. parallel to the rails, and ensures the correct alignment of the cartridge connector 250 and the connector recess 252.

[0146] In a further embodiment (not shown) a cartridge portion is possible which has the same external shape and configuration as the cartridge portion 204, but which does not comprise a power source, PCB, or any further electronic components. Such a cartridge portion, e.g. a dummy cartridge, can be interchangeable with the cartridge portion 204. This allows a user to select which handles within an installation to provide with the electronics previously described in order to obtain the smart functionality.

[0147] The handle 200 may be adaptable be swapping the cartridge portion 204 with an alternative cartridge portion e.g. a dummy cartridge and / or a cartridge with an alternative shape or surface decoration. The cartridges may be interchanged by disconnecting the cartridge portion 204 from the first body portion 202 e.g. by pulling the cartridge portion 202 such that the resistance of the cartridge connector 242 within the connector recess 252 is overcome. The cartridge portion 202 can then be slid along the rails 254 until it is disengaged. A replacement cartridge portion 204 can then be connected by reversing the process; sliding the cartridge portion 204 along the rails 254 and pushing the cartridge connector 250 into secure engagement with the connector recess 252. Such process requires no tools to engage or disengage the two parts, and does not require the connection of any electronic components, since they are all housed within the interchangeable cartridge portions 204.

[0148] Such a handle 200 provides greater flexibility for manufacturer, installer, and end user alike, while still allowing all of the handles within an installation to match. For example, the end user may not need the smart functionality of every handle within an installation e.g. if the handle is installed on a smaller vent window which does not pose a security risk. Thus a handle comprising a dummy cartridge portion can be installed instead for a lower component cost. The handle simplifies stock-keeping for manufacturers and installers, since the handles can be provided with cost effective dummy cartridges as standard, and the cartridge portion 204 with electronics can be supplied separately for the installer or end user to upgrade handles depending on need and desire. Furthermore, should a user wish to upgrade the handles with newer electronics in the future, it is simple to do so without requiring the entire handle to be replaced.

[0149] It will be appreciated by the person of skill in the art that various modifications may be made to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “an example”. Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A handle for attachment to a locking mechanism of a window or a door, the handle movable between a first position and a second position to engage and disengage the locking mechanism, the handle comprising: a handle body configured, when attached to the locking mechanism, to be rotatable about a first axis to move between the first and second positions, and to be rotatable about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; a sensor coupled to the handle body and configured to collect first sensor data indicative of rotation of the handle body about the first axis and second sensor data indicative of rotation of the handle body about the second axis; and a controller configured to determine a state of the handle based on the first sensor data and the second sensor data, the state of the handle for use in determining a window or door status when the handle is attached to the locking mechanism.

2. A handle according to claim 1 , wherein the handle body is rotatable about the second axis between a first orientation, a second orientation and a third orientation, and wherein when the handle is attached to the locking mechanism of a window, the first orientation is indicative of the window being closed, the second orientation is indicative of the window being open, and the third orientation is indicative of the window being in a night-vent position.

3. A handle according to claim 2, wherein controller is configured to determine that the state of the handle is engaged, and indicative of an engaged status of the window, when the first sensor data indicates that the handle body is in the first position and the second sensor data indicates that the handle body is in the first or third orientations.

4. A handle according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to determine that the state of the handle is disengaged, and indicative of a disengaged status of the window, when the first sensor data indicates that the handle body is in the second position.

5. A handle according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the handle is operable in a calibration mode in which the controller is configured to control the sensor to collectfirst sensor data when the handle body is moved to each of the first and second positions, and wherein the first sensor data collected in the calibration mode is used to set thresholds for use in determining whether the handle body is in the first or second position.

6. A handle according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the handle is operable in a calibration mode in which the controller is configured to control the sensor to collect second sensor data when the handle body is moved to each of the first, second and third orientations, and wherein the second sensor data collected in the calibration mode is used to set thresholds for use in determining whether the handle body is in the first, second or third orientation.

7. A handle according to claim 5 or claim 6, further comprising a receiver configured to receive data from external equipment, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the set thresholds based on data received by the receiver from the external equipment.

8. A handle according to any preceding claim, wherein the sensor comprises a gyroscope.

9. A handle according to any preceding claim, the handle further comprising a lock cylinder moveable between a locked position to retain the handle body in the first position and an unlocked position in which the handle is able to be moved between the first and second positions.

10. A handle according to claim 9, further comprising a detection mechanism configured to determine whether the lock cylinder is in the locked position or the unlocked position.

11. A handle according to claim 10, wherein the detection mechanism comprises an indicator element and a detector configured to detect a position of the indicator element relative thereto, wherein one of the handle and the lock cylinder comprises the indicator element and the other of the handle and lock cylinder comprises the detector.

12. A handle according to claim 11, wherein the detector comprises a sensor configured to detect a property of the indicator element indicative of a relative direction and / or range of the indicator element from the detector.

13. A handle according to claim 12, wherein the property comprises a strength and / or a pattern of a magnetic field, and wherein the indicator element comprises a magnet that generates the magnetic field.

14. A handle according to any of claims 9 to 13, when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to determine that the handle is secured when the state of the handle is engaged and the lock cylinder is in the locked position.

15. A handle according to any of claims 9 to 14, when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to determine that the handle is insecure when the state of the handle is engaged and the lock cylinder is in the unlocked position.

16. A handle according to any preceding claim, further comprising a transmitter configured to transmit data comprising the state of the handle and / or the status of the window or door to external equipment.

17. A handle according to claim 14 or claim 15, further comprising a transmitter configured to transmit, to the external equipment, data comprising an indication of whether the handle is secured or insecure, and / or data comprising the state of the handle and / or the status of the window or door to external equipment.

18. A handle according to any preceding claim, wherein the second axis comprises a door or window axis about which the door or the window rotates when moved between open and closed positions.

19. A handle according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: a handle body comprising: a first body portion anda detachable cartridge portion, connectable to the first body portion to form the handle body.

20. A handle for a door or window comprising: a handle body comprising: a first body portion and a detachable cartridge portion, connectable to the first body portion to form the handle body.

21. The handle according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the first body portion and cartridge portion comprise inter-engaging formations configured to connect the first body portion and cartridge portion together.

22. The handle according to any one of claims 19 to 21 , wherein the inter-engaging formations comprise one or more push-fit plug and socket connectors.

23. The handle according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the first body portion comprises one or more rails along which the cartridge portion may slide when being connected or disconnected from the first body portion.

24. The handle according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the cartridge portion is connectable and disconnectable from the first body portion without using tools.

25. The handle according to any one of claims 19 to 24, further comprising a back plate for securing to a door or window leaf, and wherein the first body portion is connectable to the backplate and rotatable relative to the backplate.

26. The handle according to claim 25, wherein the first body portion and backplate comprise a handle locking mechanism configured to prevent rotation of the handle body relative to the backplate when the handle locking mechanism is engaged.

27. The handle according to any one of claims 20 to 26, wherein the cartridge portion is a dummy cartridge comprising no electronic components.

28. The handle according to any one of claims 19 to 27, wherein the cartridge portion comprises one or more electronic components, and optionally, wherein the electronic components comprise those described in any one of claims 1 to 18.

29. The handle according to claim 28, wherein the first body portion and the cartridge portion together define one or more internal chambers, and wherein the one or more electronic components are disposed within the one or more internal chambers.

30. The handle according to claim 28, wherein the cartridge portion defines one or more internal chambers, and wherein the one or more electronic components are disposed within the one or more internal chambers.

31. A cartridge portion for use in the handle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge portion comprises one or more connectors for detachably connecting to a first body portion to together form a handle body.

32. A method of adapting a handle according to any one of claims 20 to 30, comprising detaching a first cartridge portion from the first body portion, and connecting a second cartridge portion to form the first body portion.

33. A door or window comprising a handle according to any one of claims 1 to 30.

34. A server comprising: a prediction module configured to calculate one or more thresholds for use, by a handle according to any of claims 1 to claims 19 or 21 to 30 when dependent upon claim 19, in determining whether the handle body is in the first or second position; and a transmitter configured to transmit the one or more thresholds to the handle.

35. A server according to claim 34, wherein the one or more thresholds calculated by the prediction module are for use, by a handle according to claim 2 or any claim dependent thereon directly or indirectly, in determining whether the handle body is in the first, second or third orientation.

36. A server according to claim 34 or claim 35, wherein the one or more thresholds are calculated based on historical data received from one or more handles according to any of claims 1 to 18.

37. A user device comprising: a receiver configured to receive, from a handle according to any of claims 16-19 or claims 21 to 30 when dependent upon claim 19, data comprising an indication of whether the handle is secured or insecure, and / or data comprising the state of the handle and / or the status of the window or door to external equipment; and an indication unit configured to provide an indication of whether the handle is secured or insecure, and / or data comprising the state of the handle and / or the status of the window or door to external equipment to a user.

38. A user device according to claim 37, further comprising a transmitter configured to transmit data received from the handle to the server of any of claims 34-36.39 A system comprising: a plurality of handles according to any of claims 1 to 26 or 28 to 30; and a server according to any of claims 34 to 36.

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