Redundant control of wireless devices in home automation systems

Abstract

In one embodiment, an architecture for redundant control of wireless devices (e.g., wireless lamps, wireless light strips, wireless curtains, or other wireless devices) for a home automation system using a combination of WLAN and WPAN communications is provided. During normal operation of the home automation system, control commands generated in response to user input in a control application (app) on a control device (e.g., a remote control, a mobile device, or other electronic device) are transmitted via a WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi) to a bridge device (e.g., a light module or a wireless keypad) proximate to the wireless device, which forwards the command to the wireless device via a WPAN (e.g., BLE). In the absence of an available WLAN connection (e.g., due to a failure, before its configuration, etc.), the control device can send control commands directly to the wireless device via a WPAN (e.g., BLE).

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 899,004, entitled “REDUNDANT CONTROL OF WIRELESS DEVICES IN A HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM,” filed by Robert P. Madonna et al. on September 11, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to device control, and more particularly to an architecture for redundant control of wireless devices for a home automation system. Background Art

[0004] As homes and other structures become larger and filled with more devices, device control becomes an increasing challenge. Home automation systems are becoming more and more popular to manage these complexities. Traditionally, home automation systems rely primarily on wired connections (e.g., Ethernet, RS-232, DMX / RS-485, etc.) to communicate between controllers and controlled devices (e.g., lighting fixtures, electric curtains, electronic door locks, etc.). Such wired connections are highly reliable, but present significant installation challenges, especially when installing home automation systems in existing structures. Installers typically need to run wires through walls between each device and the controller. This task requires a significant amount of time, effort, and expense.

[0005] To address the installation challenges of using wired connections, various types of wireless communications with devices in home automation systems have been attempted. Some devices have been configured with a wireless local area network (WLAN) interface (e.g., a Wi-Fi interface) and join a home WLAN provided by one or more access points (APs) (e.g., Wi-Fi APs). Other devices have been configured with a wireless personal area network (WPAN) adapter (e.g., a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) adapter) and are configured to communicate via a short-range WPAN. Although useful, each approach has disadvantages.

[0006] WLAN communication may be unreliable due to AP failure, low signal strength and other problems. When WLAN is not available, the user may not be able to change the state of the device controlled by the home automation system, for example, turn on the lighting device, open the electric curtain to let in natural light, open the door with an electric door lock, etc. This may not only be inconvenient, but may also hinder the user's ability to resolve failures in WLAN communication (for example, restarting the AP) and restore functions. In addition, the use of WLAN communication may complicate the installation of home automation equipment. The active WLAN needs to operate in a structure that can be used for the initial configuration of the device. This may be inconvenient for some project workflows. For example, in a new construction, it may be inconvenient to set up an active WLAN before installing the lighting device. In addition, the use of WLAN communication places restrictions on the use of battery power for the device. WLAN adapters (such as Wi-Fi adapters) may consume a large amount of power source. This demand may be difficult to meet with battery-powered devices.

[0007] Furthermore, WPAN communications may present their own problems. Most WPAN protocols have a short operating range under real-world conditions (e.g., 10 meters or less for BLE) and poor penetration of obstacles in structures (e.g., walls). Thus, when a WPAN is used between a control device and a wireless device in a home automation system, the control device must typically be in close proximity. Using a WPAN alone, a user may not be able to control a wireless device from a remote room of a structure or from outside the structure.

[0008] Although many architectures have attempted to address these issues, many such architectures have added undesirable complexity and unit cost.Since home automation systems may include a large number of wireless devices, minimizing complexity and unit cost may be very important.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for an improved architecture for controlling wireless devices of a home automation system. The architecture preferably provides long-range operation during daily use while also providing high reliability and flexibility during initial installation. It would be further desirable if such an architecture did not significantly increase complexity and unit cost. Summary of the invention

[0010] In one embodiment, an architecture for redundant control of wireless devices (e.g., wireless lamps, wireless light strips, wireless curtains, or other wireless devices) of a home automation system using a combination of WLAN and WPAN communications is provided. During normal operation of the home automation system, control commands generated in response to user input in a control application (app) on a control device (e.g., a remote control, a mobile device, or other electronic device) are transmitted via WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi) to a bridging device (e.g., a light module or a wireless keypad) near the wireless device, which forwards the command to the wireless device via WPAN (e.g., BLE). In the absence of an available WLAN connection (e.g., due to a failure, before its configuration, etc.), the control device can send control commands directly to the wireless device via WPAN (e.g., BLE).

[0011] During routine operation, long-range WLAN communication (e.g., Wi-Fi) can be achieved, and in the absence of an available WLAN, the device can still be controlled using WPAN by bringing the control device nearby. Since no redundant hardware is required (e.g., the device does not require both a WLAN interface and a WPAN adapter), the complexity and cost of the wireless device can be minimized. In addition, since the bridging device can provide other useful home automation functions independent of bridging (e.g., independent of the bridging function, the lamp module can provide lighting device control functions, the keypad can provide user interface functions, etc.), the increased cost of providing bridging can be shared. Given the low power requirements of WPAN (e.g., BLE) communications (e.g., compared to Wi-Fi), the technology can be well suited for battery-powered wireless devices.

[0012] It will be appreciated that various additional features and alternative embodiments may be implemented. This summary is intended only as a brief introduction to the reader and does not indicate or imply that the examples mentioned herein cover all aspects of the invention or are essential or critical aspects of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The following description refers to the attached drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary architecture of a home automation system that may feature redundant control of at least some wireless devices;

[0015] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary wireless window shade that can receive control commands via a wireless connection to a WPAN (eg, BLE); and

[0016] Figure 3is a flow chart of an exemplary sequence of steps for redundant control of wireless devices of a home automation system using a combination of WLAN and WPAN communications. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] definition

[0018] As used herein, the term "home automation system" should be broadly interpreted to encompass various types of home control, "smart home," and / or device control systems that can control devices (e.g., lighting devices, display devices, electric window coverings, HVAC equipment, and / or other types of devices) within a structure such as a residential residence or commercial building.

[0019] As used herein, the term "mobile device" refers to an electronic device that executes a general-purpose operating system and is suitable for carrying on a person's body. Devices such as smart phones should be considered mobile devices. Desktop computers, servers, or other primarily fixed computing devices are generally not considered mobile devices.

[0020] As used herein, the term "bridge device" refers to a device of a home automation system that includes multiple wireless interfaces / adapters that utilize different wireless communication protocols and are capable of receiving control commands via one wireless communication protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi) and forwarding control commands via another wireless communication protocol (e.g., BLE).

[0021] As used herein, the term "close" refers to the property of being within the operating range of another device's WPAN adapter. A device within the operating range of a second device's WPAN adapter is considered close to the second device. A device not within the operating range of a second device's WPAN adapter is considered not close to the second device.

[0022] Exemplary Home Automation System Architecture

[0023] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary architecture 100 of a home automation system that may feature redundant control of at least some wireless devices. At the heart of the system is a host controller 110 that is coupled to an in-home wired local area network (LAN) 105, such as an Ethernet LAN, which in turn is coupled to an AP 107, such as a Wi-Fi AP, that provides an in-home WLAN.

[0024] The host controller 110 may include hardware components such as a processor, memory, and storage devices that collectively store and execute host software 111 configured to monitor and control the operation of the devices 120 and 142; provide UI interpretation, system management, and monitoring; perform synchronization with a cloud service 180; provide an activity recording service; provide an activity prediction service; and / or provide other types of functionality. The host controller 110 may also maintain a home database 112 in its storage device that stores configuration information including information about the devices 120-142 controlled by the home automation system and the services that the devices are capable of providing, as well as information about the remote control 140, the mobile device 160, and other electronic devices 170 that provide a graphical user interface (GUI) for controlling the devices 120-142.

[0025] The devices 120-142 controlled by the home automation system can take a variety of different forms. The devices 120-142 can include audio devices 122 and video devices 124 (collectively referred to as A / V devices), such as display devices (e.g., televisions, monitors, etc.), A / V device controllers, media servers, audio amplifiers, cable boxes, etc., which receive control commands via a wired connection (e.g., an Ethernet link) to the wired LAN 105, via an interconnect device 126 (such as an infrared (IR) blaster), or other types of wired or wireless links. Devices 120-142 may also include lighting devices, such as wired light fixtures 128 and controllers 135 (e.g., light emitting diode (LED) fixtures coupled to the controller with a wired connection for control); wireless light fixtures 129 (e.g., LED fixtures with wireless connections for control); wireless light strips 130 and drivers 132 (e.g., LED light strips coupled to drivers with a wired connection for control); wireless light strips 131 (e.g., LED light strips with wireless connections for control); wireless light modules 133 (i.e., modules that are coupled to lighting sources such as lamps 134 via electrical wiring (e.g., household 120 / 240V electrical wiring) and that regulate power flow to one or more attached lighting sources in response to control commands received via the wireless connection); and the like.

[0026] As described above, some lighting devices (e.g., lighting controller 135) can receive commands and provide control signals via a wired connection. For example, lighting controller 135 can receive commands via an Ethernet link to wired LAN 105, and provide control signals to individual lighting fixtures 128 and light strips 130 via one or more other wired connections (e.g., DMX / RS-485, 2-wire 0-10v wiring, etc.). Other lighting devices can receive control commands via a wireless connection to a WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi) or WPAN (e.g., BLE). For example, light module 133 can receive control commands via a wireless connection to WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi) 105. Similarly, other lighting devices can also receive control commands via a WPAN (e.g., BLE). For example, wireless lamps 129 and wireless light strips 131 can receive control commands via a WPAN (e.g., BLE). At least some lighting devices (eg, light module 133) may provide bridging functionality in addition to lighting functionality, eg, receiving commands via a WLAN (eg, Wi-Fi) and forwarding the commands to a wireless device over a WPAN (eg, BLE).

[0027] Devices 120-142 may also include interface devices, such as keypad 136, keypad controller 138, and wireless keypad. Some interface devices (e.g., keypad 136) receive user input requesting a state change and provide control commands to other interface devices (e.g., keypad controller 138) via a wired connection (e.g., RS-485), which convert and forward the control commands through other wired connections (e.g., LAN 105). Other interface devices may receive user input requesting a state change and provide control commands via a wireless connection such as a WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi). For example, wireless keypad 137 may provide control commands via a wireless connection to WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi) 105. In some cases, an interface device may be directly coupled to one or more attached lighting sources, such as lamp 128, and adjust power flow to the one or more attached lighting sources in response to user input requesting a state change. For example, the wireless keypad 137 can couple to more light fixtures 128 (e.g., via household 120 / 240V wiring) and regulate power flow to the more light fixtures 128. At least some interface devices (e.g., the wireless keypad 137) can provide bridging functionality in addition to user interface functionality (and potentially lighting device control functionality), e.g., receiving commands via a WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi) and forwarding the commands to a wireless device over a WPAN (e.g., BLE).

[0028] Devices 120-142 may also include motor and / or relay operated devices. Some motor and / or relay operated devices (e.g., shade controller 142) may receive commands and provide control signals via a wired connection. For example, shade controller 142 may receive commands via an Ethernet link to wired LAN 105 and dock with individual curtains 140 via other wired connections (e.g., RS-485). Other motor and / or relay operated devices may receive control commands via wireless connections, such as via WPAN (e.g., BLE). For example, wireless shade 141 may receive control commands via a wireless connection to WPAN (e.g., BLE). These WPAN signals may be provided by a bridging device (e.g., light module 133 or wireless keypad 137) close to the device, which receives commands via WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi) and forwards the commands to the device via WPAN.

[0029] It should be understood that in addition to WPAN (BLE) wireless lighting devices (e.g., wireless lamps 129 and wireless light strips 131) and Figure 1 In addition to the wireless motor and / or relay operated devices shown in (e.g., wireless curtains 141), various other types of wireless devices (e.g., security devices, heating ventilation and cooling (HVAC) equipment, interface devices, electronic door locks, etc.) can also receive control commands via WPAN (e.g., BLE).

[0030] The user can use the remote control 150 to control the devices 120-142 of the home automation system 100. The remote control 150 may include a touch-sensitive display, physical buttons, a WLAN interface (e.g., a Wi-Fi interface), a WPAN adapter (e.g., a BLE adapter), a processor, a memory, and a storage device that stores and executes a control application app configured to interface with the host controller 110 and the cloud service 180. The control app on the remote control 150 can present a user interface with a screen, which is used to trigger control commands to control the devices 120-142 of the home automation system 100, among other functions.

[0031] The user can also use the mobile device 160 to control the devices 120-142 of the home automation system 100. The mobile device 160 may include a touch-sensitive display, a WLAN interface (e.g., a Wi-Fi interface), a WPAN adapter (e.g., a BLE adapter), a processor, a memory, and a storage device that stores and executes a control app 162 configured to interface with the host controller 110 and / or the cloud service 180. The control app on the mobile device 160 can present a user interface with a screen for triggering control commands to control the devices 120-142 of the home automation system 100, as well as other functions.

[0032] In addition, the user can use a tablet computer, a dedicated touch screen unit, or other electronic device 170 to control the devices 120-142 of the home automation system 100. The electronic device 170 may include a display screen (e.g., touch-sensitive, non-touch-sensitive, etc.), an input device, a WLAN interface (e.g., a Wi-Fi interface), a WPAN adapter (e.g., a BLE adapter), a processor, memory, and storage devices that store and execute a control app 162 configured to interface with the host controller 110 and / or the cloud service 180. The control app on the electronic device 170 can present a user interface with a screen, which is used to trigger control commands, among other functions, to control the devices 120-142 of the home automation system 100.

[0033] Some devices (e.g., host controller 110, mobile device 160, other electronic devices 170, etc.) can communicate with cloud service 180 and its host application program interface (API) 182 and mobile API 184 via the Internet 175. Cloud service 180 can provide remote access to home automation controls; permanent backup of home database 130, e.g., storing data in configuration database 186; interface with third-party infrastructure, e.g., via third-party adapter 188; user profile and usage tracking, e.g., storing data in user database 189; mechanism for over-the-air updates; host crash reporting; license management; and various other functions.

[0034] Figure 2 1 is a block diagram of a wireless window shade 141 that can receive control commands via a wireless connection to a WPAN (e.g., BLE). The wireless window shade 141 utilizes a power source 210 (e.g., an AC / DC power source) that can be external or internal and a power converter 220 that converts the power to an appropriate voltage and current. Power is supplied to a controller board 230 that includes a motor control processor 240 and a wireless adapter 250 coupled to an antenna 260. The wireless adapter 250 may include a WPAN (e.g., BLE) processor that takes control commands received via the antenna 260 and passes them to the motor control processor 240 via parallel or serial communication (e.g., I2C, SPI, UART, etc.), which converts them into signals using a conversion mechanism to drive a motor 270 attached to a window shade assembly (not shown) and rotate the motor in a specific direction at a specific speed for a specific duration to raise or lower the window shade. The motor 270 may be a digital motor or other type of controllable motor.

[0035] Figure 31 is a flowchart of an exemplary sequence of steps for redundant control of wireless devices of a home automation system using a combination of WLAN and WPAN communications. At step 310, an input is received from a user in a GUI of a control app executed on a control device (e.g., remote control 150, mobile device 160, or other electronic device 170), the input requesting a state change to a wireless device (e.g., wireless light fixture 129, wireless light strip 131, wireless curtain 141, or other wireless device 142). At step 320, the control app determines whether there is an available WLAN connection (e.g., Wi-Fi connection) to a bridge device (e.g., light module 133 or wireless keypad 137) that is separate from but close to the wireless device that can be used. If so, then at step 330, the control app causes the control device to send a control command to a bridge device (e.g., light module 133 or wireless keypad 137) that is near the wireless device. At step 340, the bridge device (e.g., light module 133 or wireless keypad 137) converts the control command and forwards it to the wireless device via WPAN (e.g., BLE). At step 350, the wireless device's WPAN adapter (e.g., a BLE adapter) receives the control commands and forwards them to the appropriate circuitry that implements the desired state change (e.g., to the motor control processor 250 that drives the motor 270 in the wireless window shade 141). The system then waits and loops back to step 310 when additional input is received from the user in the GUI, and repeats these steps.

[0036] Returning to step 320, in the absence of an available WLAN (e.g., due to a malfunction, prior to its configuration, etc.), execution proceeds to step 360, where the control app causes the control device to attempt to send control commands directly to the wireless device via a WPAN (e.g., BLE). This attempt should succeed if the control device is in proximity to the wireless device. Assuming this, at step 370, the wireless device's WPAN adapter (e.g., BLE adapter) receives the control commands and forwards them to the appropriate circuitry that implements the desired state change (e.g., in the wireless window shade 141, to the motor control processor 250 that drives the motor 270). The system then waits and loops back to step 310 when additional input is received from the user in the GUI, and repeats these steps.

[0037] In summary, an architecture for redundant control of wireless devices of a home automation system using a combination of WLAN and WPAN communications is provided. Although the above description uses certain specific examples, it should be clear that many modifications and / or additions may also be made thereto. For example, although it is discussed above that WPAN (e.g., BLE) communications to wireless devices (e.g., wireless lamps 129, wireless light strips 131, wireless curtains 141, or other wireless devices 142) can be used to provide redundancy in the event that there is no available WLAN connection (e.g., Wi-Fi connection) due to a failure, for example, WPAN can sometimes be used even if there is an available WLAN connection. For example, an installer can use a WPAN (e.g., BLE) between an installer control device (e.g., a mobile device or other electronic device operated by the installer) and the wireless device to configure settings (e.g., limits, speed, direction, etc.) during initial configuration. The end user of the system can later control the wireless device primarily by using their control device to send control commands forwarded to the wireless device via a WPAN (e.g., BLE) to a bridging device close to the wireless device via a WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi). Likewise, these techniques can be used as an initial option as part of an expandable home automation system even if there is an available WLAN connection (e.g., a Wi-Fi connection). For example, the home automation system can be initially configured to use a WPAN (e.g., BLE) between the control device and the wireless device. At a later time, the home automation system 100 can be upgraded to add a bridging device (e.g., a light module 133 or a wireless keypad 137) and potentially other devices (e.g., a host controller 110), and communication between the control device and the wireless device can be performed by transmission via a WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi) to a bridging device in the vicinity of the wireless device and forwarding via a WPAN (e.g., BLE) to the wireless device.

[0038] Furthermore, while the above description discusses BLE as an example of a WPAN protocol, it should be understood that a WPAN may use a variety of other protocols, such as ordinary Bluetooth, IrDA, Wireless USB, ZigBee, and other protocols.

[0039] In addition, it should be understood that many of the operations and steps described above can be implemented in hardware, software (embodied as a non-transitory electronic device readable medium including software), firmware, or a combination thereof. The non-transitory electronic device readable medium can take the form of a memory such as a random access memory (RAM), a disk such as a hard drive or a flash memory device, or other tangible storage medium. In general, it should be understood that the above description is intended to be understood as an example only.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a wireless device in a home automation system in a structure, comprising: receiving, by a control application (app) executing on a control device, input in a graphical user interface (GUI) requesting a change in the state of the wireless device; determining whether a wireless local area network (WLAN) has been configured in the structure and is available to provide a connection to a bridging device of the home automation system separate from but within an operating range of a wireless personal area network (WPAN) adapter of the wireless device; In response to a WLAN being configured in the structure and available to provide a connection to the bridging device, sending a control command from the control device to the bridging device via the WLAN connection, the bridging device translating and forwarding the control command to the wireless device via the WPAN to cause the wireless device to implement the state change; as well as In response to the WLAN not being configured in the architecture and thus unavailable to provide a connection to the bridging device, a control command is sent directly from a control device to the wireless device via the WPAN to cause the wireless device to implement the state change.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The separate bridging device provides at least one other home automation function independent of bridging.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The bridging device is a light module that controls power flow to one or more attached lighting sources, and the at least one other home automation function independent of the bridging is a lighting device control function that includes regulating power flow to the one or more attached lighting sources.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The bridging device is a keypad providing a user interface, and the at least one other home automation function independent of the bridging is a user interface function including receiving user input requesting a state change and providing control commands in response to the user input.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The wireless device is a battery-powered device without a WLAN interface.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The wireless device is a device selected from the group consisting of a wireless lamp, a wireless light strip, and a wireless curtain.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The control device is a mobile device.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The WLAN is a Wi-Fi network and the WPAN is a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) network.

9. A non-transitory electronic device readable medium having software stored thereon, the software being operable when executed on one or more electronic devices to: receiving an input in a graphical user interface (GUI) requesting a state change to a wireless device of a home automation system; determining whether a wireless local area network (WLAN) has been configured in the structure and is available to provide a connection to a bridging device of the home automation system separate from but within an operating range of a wireless personal area network (WPAN) adapter of the wireless device; In response to a WLAN being configured in the structure and available to provide a connection to the bridge device, sending a control command to the bridge device via the WLAN connection, the bridge device translating and forwarding the control command to the wireless device via the WPAN to cause the wireless device to implement the state change; as well as In response to the WLAN not being configured in the structure and thus not being available to provide a connection to the bridging device, sending a control command from the control device directly to the wireless device via the WPAN to cause the wireless device to implement the state change, Wherein, the separate bridging device also provides lighting device control functions or user interface functions, wherein the lighting device control functions include adjusting the power flow to one or more attached lighting sources, and the user interface functions include receiving user input requesting a state change and providing control commands in response to the user input.

10. The non-transitory electronic device readable medium according to claim 9, wherein: The bridge device is a light module that controls power flow to one or more attached lighting sources, and the light module provides the lighting device control functionality including regulating power flow to the one or more attached lighting sources.

11. The non-transitory electronic device readable medium according to claim 9, wherein: The bridge device is a keypad providing a user interface, and the keypad provides the user interface functions, which include receiving user input requesting a state change and providing control commands in response to the user input.

12. The non-transitory electronic device readable medium according to claim 9, wherein: The wireless device is a device selected from the group consisting of a wireless lamp, a wireless light strip, and a wireless curtain.

13. The non-transitory electronic device readable medium according to claim 9, wherein: The one or more electronic devices include a mobile device.

14. The non-transitory electronic device readable medium according to claim 9, wherein: The WLAN is a Wi-Fi network and the WPAN is a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) network.

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