Communication system, data transmission device, control device and data exchange method

Abstract

Communication system for the unidirectional, bidirectional or multidirectional transfer of control system data between an electronic control device for controlling gates or gate drives and a mobile communication device. a control device for controlling gate drives with at least one data interface, a mobile communication device with a radio communication interface for data transfer using a Bluetooth standard, and a data transmission device with a radio communication device for data transfer using a Bluetooth standard, where The data transmission device can be connected to the control device via the data interface, and Control system data can be transferred from the data transmission device to the mobile communication device and / or from the mobile communication device to the data transmission device. characterized in that data transmission takes place via an RS 485 interface, and that the data transmission device is formed as a compact peripheral device, namely as a stick.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a communication system according to the preamble of claim 1. The communication system serves for the unidirectional, bidirectional, or multidirectional transfer of control system data between an electronic control device for controlling gates or gate drives and a mobile communication device. Monodirectional means that the data is transmitted either only to the control device or only to the mobile communication device. Bidirectional means that the data is exchangeable between two components or transmitters / receivers. Multidirectional means that the data is exchangeable between more than two transmitters / receivers, wherein the at least third transmitter / receiver can optionally be part of the communication system.

[0002] The invention further relates to a data transmission device for the monodirectional, bidirectional or multidirectional transfer of control system data between an electronic control device for controlling gates or gate drives and a mobile communication device with a radio near-field communication interface according to the preamble of claim 12.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a control device according to the preamble of claim 13.

[0004] Finally, the invention relates to a method for the monodirectional, bidirectional or multidirectional exchange of controller system data according to the preamble of claim 14. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

[0005] Electrically operated gates, such as roller doors, roller shutters, sectional doors, sliding gates, or industrial gate systems, include electronic control units that send control instructions to the gate drive units. Radio control systems for buildings or building components, or for objects (goods) within a building, are described, among others, in US 2013 / 0297075 A1, US 2005 / 0076242 A1, US 2013 / 0284806 A1, and US 2010 / 0297941 A1. In the context of gate applications, these control instructions include not only instructions such as "open" or "close," but also other instructions such as "stop in end position," "stop on fault," "reverse direction," "open / close quickly," "open / close slowly," "decelerate," and numerous other instructions. If malfunctions or faults occur due to use or wear, these can be logged in suitable control devices.If repeated malfunctions or a failure of the gate drive occur, maintenance measures are usually required, which must be carried out by a technician from the manufacturer of the drive systems.

[0006] Reproducing and / or reproducing malfunctions and errors in gate operation is often hampered by the need for complex cable connections between the control unit and relevant equipment (such as a laptop). This is exacerbated by the fact that the control units are often difficult or nearly impossible to access. For example, it is very common for apparent errors to disappear, especially when a service technician is present at the control unit's location. While it may be possible for the technician to read the control unit's memory, this requires a relatively expensive and cumbersome transmission cable to connect to the technician's laptop.Investigations revealed that the maintenance options and measures were regularly not fully utilized by the appointed technicians, as the technicians faced too great an effort in carrying out at least some analytical measures. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The object of the invention is now to simplify the maintenance of control devices for gates and the like.

[0008] This problem is solved by a communication system according to claim 1. Accordingly, the communication system is suitable for the unidirectional, bidirectional, or multidirectional transfer of control system data between an electronic control device for controlling gates or gate drives and a mobile communication device. The communication system comprises a control device with at least one data interface, a mobile communication device with a radio near-field communication interface, and a data transmission device with a radio near-field communication device. The data transmission device can be connected to the control device, particularly via the data interface, for data transmission purposes. Control system data can be transmitted from the data transmission device to the mobile communication device and / or from the mobile communication device to the data transmission device.The data transmission device, designed as a USB stick, comprises hardware that can read data via RS-485 and transmit it to a receiver via Bluetooth. Further embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] The radio near-field communication interface for data transfer may include a Bluetooth standard, in particular an (Ultra-Low-Energy) Bluetooth 4.0 standard (see, for example, ASUS, UST-BT400, Bluetooth 4.0 USB dongle, Taiwan 2012, company publication). The data interface may be designed as a limit switch interface. The data transmission device may be designed as a compact, portable peripheral, in particular as a dongle. Alternatively, the data transmission device may be located in the control device, in particular in a housing of the control device.

[0010] According to one embodiment, a data storage medium and / or a processor may be provided, wherein the data storage medium is suitable for storing data. The data storage medium and the processor may be interconnected within a computer. The data storage medium and / or the processor may be assigned to a computer network, in particular a cloud. Data transfer between the mobile communication device and the data storage medium and / or the processor may take place via an internet data connection.

[0011] The stored data may include the following information: control device type, control device identification number, control device software version, control device description, manufacturing date, data record identifier, reason for data record creation, firmware version, current programming, errors, especially recent errors, control events, especially recent control events, time information, location information, language information, user information, manufacturer information, maintenance information, and additional information.

[0012] The mobile communication device can include a program storage medium in which mobile application software, in particular an app, can be stored. The mobile communication device can be a mobile phone or a smartphone.

[0013] The mobile communication device may include a camera capable of generating image information and, in particular, of reading a QR code. The image information captured by the camera may be at least partially comparable to the stored data.

[0014] Simplification in the maintenance of control devices is also achieved by a data transmission device according to claim 12. Accordingly, the data transmission device is provided for the unidirectional, bidirectional, or multidirectional transfer of control system data between an electronic control device for controlling gates or gate drives and a mobile communication device with a radio near-field communication interface. Control system data can be transmitted from the data transmission device to the mobile communication device connectable to the data transmission device and / or from the mobile communication device connectable to the data transmission device to the data transmission device. The radio near-field communication device for data transfer comprises a Bluetooth standard, in particular a Bluetooth 4.0 standard.

[0015] A housing for the data transmission device can be provided, which is shaped like a stick, thus forming the data transmission device as a compact peripheral device.

[0016] Simplification in the maintenance of control devices is also achieved by a control device according to claim 13. The control device is thus used to control gates or gate drives. The control device includes a data interface that can be connected to a data transmission device described herein.

[0017] Simplification in the maintenance of control devices is also achieved by a method according to claim 14. This method serves the unidirectional, bidirectional, or multidirectional transfer of control system data between an electronic control device for controlling gates or gate drives and a mobile communication device. The method comprises the following steps: generating control system data, transferring the control system data to a data interface, transferring the control system data to a data transmission device connected to the data interface, and sending the control system data from the data transmission device to a mobile communication device via a near-field communication (NFC) connection. The NFC connection is established according to a Bluetooth standard, in particular a Bluetooth 4.0 standard.

[0018] Preferably, the tax system data can be compared with stored data, whereby the stored data can be retrieved from the mobile communication device.

[0019] The stored data can be stored, or is stored, in a computer network, particularly in a cloud. An app may be provided on the mobile communication device, which can be used to process, and in particular manipulate, the control system data. The app may be available in an app store and / or a game store, and may be available for a fee.

[0020] Finally, the maintenance of control devices is simplified by using a Bluetooth 4.0 standard for data transfer between a drive control system, especially for gates, and a mobile communication device, especially a mobile phone or smartphone.

[0021] The entire communication system requires various hardware and software components. According to the invention, the communication system utilizes the Bluetooth 4.0 standard. This standard is supported by mobile operating systems for custom interface programming. Components include, among others: a dongle, a mobile app, a web portal, a service tool, and a (manufacturer's) cloud.

[0022] The data transmission device, designed as a USB stick, comprises hardware that can read data via RS-485 and transmit it to a receiver via Bluetooth. The software on the stick controls the two interfaces and acts as a translator between the two data platforms.

[0023] The software on the USB stick is divided into two blocks. The first block is required for initialization. When the stick is powered on for the first time, the green LED starts flashing. At the same time, the stick transmits its device identifier. The device identifier begins with the text "Status," followed by an 8-digit number.

[0024] This number is the controller's serial number, which is automatically read as soon as the controller is powered on and a condition is met (example: menu item 95 is set to 0). If a successful connection between the dongle and the mobile phone is established, the LED lights up continuously. The second block is required for data transmission. Here, the software acts as a translator between the commands from the mobile phone and the responses from the controller.

[0025] The USB stick communicates with the mobile phone using profiles. The yellow LED lights up as soon as data is transferred.

[0026] The mobile application software (app) for mobile phones and / or smartphones is provided for various operating systems, particularly iOS, Android, and / or Windows Phone. A cross-platform framework may be used for cross-platform use. Frameworks such as PhoneGap or Rhodes may be employed. Furthermore, especially within the app, JavaScript or Ruby may be used for logic to access hardware interfaces, and HTML5 for the user interface. Frameworks such as Monotouch or Xamarin generate native apps for each platform from C, C#, or .NET-based code, respectively.

[0027] The app can include the following functions: app installation, status reading function, QR code scanner, callback function, video conference, live chat, info ticker, status analysis tool and, if applicable, a logbook for corresponding goals.

[0028] The app should be installed from an app and / or game store. It may be possible to download the app from a specific business area.

[0029] After successfully downloading the app to your mobile phone / smartphone, you will be asked which phone / smartphone functions the app is allowed to access. This may include access to the phone's Global Positioning System (GPS) data. Access to other necessary functions, such as internet access, may also be granted optionally. After granting permission for the relevant phone / smartphone functions, an interface check may be performed. The communication device (mobile phone, smartphone) supports the Bluetooth 4.0 standard in both hardware and software (e.g., iOS 4.5, Android 4.3).

[0030] To use a status reading function, the user must be identified. A "user verification" function can be provided for this purpose. User verification is intended to identify the user. Once the app is installed, user verification takes place. It may be possible to identify the user using a username and password. The username and password are used to search the cloud for a registered user. Registration in the cloud can occur prior to this. If a match is found, the identification process is complete, and the user can use the app. This can be indicated by a symbol or other visual cue. User verification can be skipped on subsequent uses of the app.For users who wish to identify themselves via the app, user and company data will be requested in a separate window (user data: title, first name, last name, telephone number, native language, foreign language, email address, company data and / or customer number, as well as password and / or password confirmation). The user data could preferably be automatically retrieved from the mobile phone registration.

[0031] If the user knows the company customer number, this information is sufficient for the remaining fields to be automatically populated. This has the advantage of preventing duplicate entries, for example, due to different spellings, when multiple users from the same company log in. However, this requires storing and potentially updating part of the customer database in the cloud.

[0032] To initialize the dongle, the user must first be identified in the app. After the dongle is plugged into the limit switch socket of the control unit and the unit is powered on, the dongle queries the unit for its serial number. The unit only responds to the query if a specific condition is met (e.g., menu item 95 is set to 0). A "Search" button in the app allows users to search for Bluetooth devices.

[0033] Once a device identifier is received, it is displayed in the app. Selecting the displayed device identifier by the user activates the connection. The identifier is only stored temporarily for the duration of the connection session. The connection is intended to be stored less frequently than permanently in the phone's Bluetooth settings. This ensures that the app can also be used with more advanced control devices that have a built-in Bluetooth controller.

[0034] To transfer data from the controller to the mobile phone, various status data is sent from the phone to the controller. Once this data is received, the controller sends a data block. This data block is then processed by a mask that is stored in the app according to the current software version. A service program can be used for documentation and reference.

[0035] Depending on the controller and software version, different masks are required to mask the data block. The masked data is converted into variables and can then be displayed on the mobile phone's screen. Simultaneously, the masked data is saved to the cloud via an internet connection. The masks can be saved independently of the app in separate files. These files can be edited with a text editor. Therefore, only one mask would need to be updated for further developments and / or extensions to the controller software. Additionally, the controller type and the software version with which that mask is to be used are stored in the mask.

[0036] Data is automatically saved to the cloud as soon as the phone has an internet connection. If no connection is available, the data to be saved is temporarily stored locally. This temporary storage is deleted as soon as the internet connection is re-established and the data has been saved to the cloud. Furthermore, it may be possible to save user-specific data. Information such as username, date, GPS location, etc., is also stored.

[0037] A special QR code scanner integrated into the app software displays the control-specific instructions. This eliminates the problem of language selection. The app detects the language in which the instructions should be displayed based on the phone's language setting. This function could also be used by unregistered users.

[0038] The app allows users to request a callback from the manufacturer / provider. A PC tool is installed on the service technician's computer for this purpose. This callback request can only be sent with an internet connection. To request a callback, the user simply taps the "Callback Request" button. A second confirmation prompt appears with "OK" and "Cancel" to correct any accidental activations. Once a callback request is submitted, it is stored in a special table in the cloud along with the user ID and date / time. A message appears confirming that the callback request has been received and that the system is checking if a service technician is available to process the request. Simultaneously, a countdown timer appears, starting from the moment the button is pressed. This timer disappears as soon as the service technician calls back.If the callback service is deactivated by the service employee during the waiting period and no other employee can take over the callback request, a notification message will appear.

[0039] A separate customer account can be created for each customer in a web portal. A password is automatically assigned for the first customer administrator login. This password can be changed by the user. The customer administrator is responsible for assigning access rights to their employees within the portal.

[0040] If a user logs in without administrator rights, they will be taken to a start page. Login is done with the same password used to log in to the app. This page only displays the data records saved with the user profile. The user can filter and sort the data. It may also be possible to create text documents (e.g., in PDF format) or print data records.

[0041] The data maintenance mode can be activated via a button or a GUI (Graphical User Interface, GUI) button. At least some data from the control panel can be set to be unchangeable. The user can assign a data record to a company by entering the customer number. If this information was already entered during app installation, the data record will be automatically assigned to the company.

[0042] This allows users within a company who possess the necessary permissions to access all data records. Additionally, users are encouraged or prompted to save the control system's status during initial setup. A timer function can be provided specifically for this purpose, reminding users when the next maintenance for the gate system is required. This allows users to notify their customers of maintenance needs well in advance.

[0043] Users with the appropriate authorization can access the "Return Delivery Slip" menu item. For controllers, it's important to distinguish between the different types. Controllers with a read function should have their status saved. Depending on the error description, a corresponding return delivery slip can be printed and then affixed to a package.

[0044] An optional service tool provides at least one (Windows) application. This tool is designed for PC use and indicates when a user has requested a callback. Upon launching the program, a table appears displaying all callback requests. Each row in the table contains the username, company name, native language, any foreign languages ​​spoken, the country of origin, the phone number, and / or the time elapsed since the callback request. A second section of the table displays only filtered callback requests. The filter is set individually for each service representative. The representative must speak the language recorded in the user's profile and must be responsible for service in the country from which the callback request originates.This ensures that a callback request from one country is not routed to an employee responsible for a second, differently-language country. When an employee selects a callback request, a new window appears. This window displays a call history with the date and the service representative who called back, as well as a list of control serial numbers, their control status, and any notes from service representatives about the individual. Double-clicking a serial number enlarges the window to display its complete status. Clicking the "Accept Callback" button automatically initiates the callback.

[0045] The cloud will be used for various tasks. Primarily, it will store data from the control system and, later, potentially data from drives. Furthermore, it will serve to store user identification data. The data structure for storing the control system data is designed to allow for future expansion of the control system data to be stored.

[0046] The aforementioned components, as well as those claimed and described in the exemplary embodiments, to be used according to the invention are not subject to any special exceptional conditions with regard to their size, shape, material selection and technical conception, so that the selection criteria known in the field of application can be applied without restriction.

[0047] Further details, features, and advantages of the subject matter of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, as well as from the following description and the accompanying drawing, which—by way of example—shows an embodiment of a circuit diagram and a view of a data transmission device, in particular the communication device described herein. Individual features of the claims or embodiments may also be combined with other features of other claims and embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0048] The drawing shows Fig. 1 a schematic block diagram of the data transmission device and Fig. 2 a perspective view of a data transmission device formed as a stick. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0049] A block diagram 1 of a data transmission device can be the Fig. 1. The data transmission device, designated as stick 7, has a 6-pin AMP connector 2. This is compatible with the limit switch connection of a gate drive control unit and can be plugged in there. The connector 2 is part of the housing 3. The entire housing 3 has space for a circuit board on which a microcontroller 4, an antenna 5, and other electronic components are located. This circuit board is additionally overmolded with a special plastic within the housing 3.

[0050] The microcontroller 4 integrates the entire Bluetooth interface for sending and receiving data and the transmission protocol. This interface can be integrated into the microcontroller 4 using user-specific software. The electronic components include an RS 485 interface module 6. Data exchange between the controller and the dongle 7 takes place via this module 6. The electrical supply voltage is preferably approximately 8V and is supplied by the gate drive controller via the 6-pin connector 2. The supply voltage is reduced to approximately 3.3V on the circuit board by a voltage regulator 8.

[0051] The two light-emitting diodes (LEDs, 9), especially in green and yellow, can signal various states. The LEDs 9 are encased in plastic and their light shines through the casing.

[0052] A three-dimensional view of a data transmission device formed as a stick 7 with a housing 3 can be seen in the Fig. 2 can be taken from the Fig. Figure 2 shows the 6-pin connector 2 at one end of the housing 10, and at the opposite end the LEDs 9 are indicated for status indication. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 Block diagram 2 plugs 3 cases 4 microcontrollers 5 antenna 6 RS 485 interface 7 Stick 8 Voltage stabilizer 9 LED 10 End of housing

Claims

[1] Communication system for the unidirectional, bidirectional or multidirectional transfer of control system data between an electronic control device for controlling gates or gate drives and a mobile communication device comprising a control device for controlling gate drives with at least one data interface, a mobile communication device with a radio communication interface for data transfer using a Bluetooth standard, and a data transmission device with a radio communication device for data transfer using a Bluetooth standard, where The data transmission device can be connected to the control device via the data interface, and Control system data can be transferred from the data transmission device to the mobile communication device and / or from the mobile communication device to the data transmission device. characterized by , that data transmission takes place via an RS 485 interface, and that the data transmission device is designed as a compact peripheral device, namely as a stick. [2] Communication system according to claim 1, characterized by that the data interface is formed as a limit switch interface. [3] Communication system according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by that the data transmission device is located in the control device, or in a housing of the control device. [4] Communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by at least a data storage medium and / or at least a processor device for storing data. [5] Communication system according to claim 4, characterized by that the data storage medium and / or the processor setup is assigned to a computer network or a cloud. [6] Communication system according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by , that data transfer between the mobile communication device and the data storage medium and / or the processor device takes place via an Internet data connection. [7] Communication system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by, that the stored data includes information concerning: control device type, control device identification number, control device software version, control device description, date of manufacture, identification of the data record, reason for data record creation, firmware version, current programming, errors, in particular recent errors, control events, in particular recent control events, time information, location information, language information, user information, manufacturer information, maintenance information, additional information. [8] Communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the mobile communication device includes a program storage medium in which mobile application software (app) can be stored. [9] Communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the mobile communication device is a mobile phone or a smartphone. [10] Communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the mobile communication device includes a camera with which image information can be generated and / or with which a QR code can be read. [11] Communication system according to claim 10, characterized by that the image information captured by the camera is at least partially comparable to at least part of the stored data. [12] Data transmission device for unidirectional, bidirectional or multidirectional transfer of control system data between an electronic control device for controlling gate drives and a mobile communication device with a radio communication interface, characterized by, that control system data can be transmitted from the data transmission device to the mobile communication device connectable to the data transmission device and / or from the mobile communication device connectable to the data transmission device to the data transmission device, wherein the data transmission takes place via an RS 485 interface, and through a housing which is stick-shaped, whereby the data transmission device is formed as a mobile peripheral device. [13] Control device for controlling gates or gate drives, characterized by a data interface that can be connected to a data transmission device according to claim 12. [14] Method for unidirectional, bidirectional or multidirectional transfer of control system data between an electronic control device for controlling gate drives and a mobile communication device using a communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the following steps: Generating tax system data, Transferring the tax system data to a data interface, Transferring the control system data to a data transmission device connected to the data interface, and Sending the control system data from the data transmission device to a mobile communication device via a radio communication link, characterized by that the near field communication connection is made according to a Bluetooth 4.0 standard, that the control system data for the maintenance of the gate control unit are compared with stored data, whereby the stored data can be retrieved from the mobile communication device, that the stored data is stored in a computer network, namely in a cloud, and that an app is provided on the mobile communication device with which the tax system data can be processed. [15] Method according to claim 14, characterized by that the app is available in an app store and / or a game store.

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