NETWORK INSTALLATION CONFIGURATION STACK

Description

AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to devices and methods for simplifying the installation of components of a network, in particular in the field of building services and their networking. BACKGROUND

[0002] When networking household appliances, such as blinds, light sources, heating, and entertainment electronics, the goal is to integrate new components into an existing network with as little effort as possible. Components are also referred to as network nodes or elements, or network components. Well-known protocols for implementing such networks and integrating new components include KNX, DALI, and EIB.

[0003] When a new network-capable component, such as a blind or light source, is integrated into the network, certain standards access a database in which the component manufacturers store specifications for these components' functions. However, these functions are often also stored in firmware or other memory of a component. An installer can access these functions using dedicated applications in order to identify the functions and their configuration options. The possible configurations stored in the database or on the firmware are stored, for example, in the form of parameters and associated possible parameter values. By setting these parameters to a specific parameter value, the functionality of the component can be controlled.For example, if the component is a light source, a parameter could specify a switching mode, for example, whether the light source is switched on or off, or whether it can be continuously dimmed. If the component is a blind, a parameter could specify a "shading mode," for example, a first mode in which the blind's slats are open or closed, and a second mode in which the slats are raised or lowered. Assigned parameter values ​​indicate corresponding value ranges, for example, on / off for a light source in the first switching mode, or "0..1" for a light source in the second switching mode, and open / closed for a blind in the first mode, or "0..1" in the second mode.If such a component is integrated into the network, switching elements in the network must be connected to these parameters so that, for example, the triggering of a specific switching element selects a specific mode for the component, and a second triggering of the switching element or triggering of a second switching element sets a value for the component, which it then executes. For example, in the case of a light source, pressing a first switch can turn the light source on or off, and pressing a second switch can set the switching mode to continuous dimming; subsequent pressing of the first switch could, in turn, set a dimming value for the light source. Analog switching connections are possible and necessary with a blind and with other components.

[0004] To define such connections between switching elements in the network and components, a network has a protocol stack that allows signals from specific components to be linked to functions of other or even identical components. To do this, an installer accesses the parameters and their values ​​provided by a component and programs the connections according to specified requirements.

[0005] An example of parameter sets and their use to configure a component using modes is the KNX standard with the modes "E-Mode" and "S-Mode".

[0006] WO 2009 / 024179 discloses a shared parameter set stored in a central device of a substation within a peer-to-peer network architecture. Field devices can load the shared parameter set in whole or in part from the substation, retrieve their associated field device parameter set from the loaded shared parameter set, and parameterize themselves according to the retrieved field device parameter set. SUMMARY

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention include an apparatus according to the appended claim 1.

[0008] Advantageously, the adapter module is a component of the second configuration stack.

[0009] In particular, the first and second plurality of parameters with associated parameter values ​​may be implemented as a variable comprising an enumeration type and assigning the parameters to the associated parameter values.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment, the write access further indicates whether the parameter is to be set in the first or the second plurality, and the device sets the parameter in the respective plurality.

[0011] The device can also be configured to perform the testing based on the data structure of the adapter module.

[0012] Embodiments of the invention further include a method according to the appended claim 6.

[0013] Advantageously, the method comprises: determining, in response to a write access, whether the parameter is to be set in the first or second plurality, and setting the parameter in the respective plurality.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, the checking is carried out using a data structure of an adapter module of the network node, wherein the data structure maps the first plurality to the second plurality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 shows exemplary components of a network component used to configure it in the network. Figure 2 shows an inventive arrangement of components for configuring a network component. Figure 3 shows an inventive method for processing access to a network component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The components used in building technology today often have a multitude of parameters that allow them to be precisely controlled remotely, namely via other components in the same network. Furthermore, parameters and associated parameter values ​​can be interdependent, making the configuration of such components very complex and thus confusing for the installer. This is particularly disadvantageous when certain specific configurations are used more frequently for certain components than others.

[0017] To support the installer in using such configurations, component manufacturers store a reduced parameter set in the component's firmware, representing a subset of the possible parameters. However, the complete parameters are accessible in parallel via a database maintained by the manufacturer, allowing more complex configurations; alternatively, the complete parameters are also included in the firmware. Providing simple and complete parameter sets simplifies configuration for the installer but results in increased effort for the manufacturer; two parameter sets must be managed.

[0018] The network component has two parallel stacks implemented according to a network protocol. The first stack is used to access the full parameter set, while the second stack is used to access the reduced parameter set. The component to be integrated is delivered with two applications: the first application uses the full parameter set, the second application uses the reduced parameter set.

[0019] Embodiments of the invention also comprise two stacks implemented analogously to those mentioned above. However, the second stack additionally has an adapter module. This is either permanently integrated into the second stack or stored externally and connected to it via an API. The adapter module forms an interface to the first stack and defines mappings between the complete parameter set of the first stack and the reduced parameter set of the second stack. These mappings can be defined, for example, by a data structure in which a corresponding parameter of the reduced parameter set is specified for selected parameters of the complete parameter set. Preferably, the invention comprises only one application configured to access the complete parameter set.

[0020] The selection of parameters can be determined by the manufacturer, for example, by programming the adapter module. Furthermore, the adapter module can be configured to independently check whether the selected parameters from the complete parameter set actually exist in the complete parameter set and can deactivate the mapping for these parameters. As a result, such parameters are not displayed to the installer for further configuration using the second stack and thus cannot be configured as long as the configuration is performed using the reduced parameter set. In this way, the invention prevents non-configurable parameters from being displayed and used.Such independent checking is particularly advantageous when the complete parameter set is updated by the manufacturer and certain parameters previously selected for mapping have been renamed or removed; in this case, the affected parameters no longer appear in the reduced parameter set.

[0021] According to the invention, redundant storage of parameters of the reduced set can be completely dispensed with. Instead, with the aid of the adapter module and the mappings specified therein, references to parameters of the complete parameter set are used, the entirety of which represents the thus reduced parameter set. In this way, the invention not only enables the aforementioned advantageous adaptation to parameter updates but also saves storage space. Furthermore, the duplicate provision of parameters and the maintenance of two parameter sets required in the prior art are eliminated.

[0022] Parameters can be assigned values, such as a natural or binary number or a mode. When mapping parameters implemented by the adapter module, the assigned parameter values ​​are either mapped along with the device or set to a separate value. For example, a parameter in the full parameter set can specify a switch-on brightness between 0 and 100% as a parameter value. If this parameter is selected by the manufacturer for mapping to the reduced parameter set, the assigned parameter value can be set to a specific switch-on brightness between 0 and 100%. If an installer changes this value, certain inventive measures are implemented, which are described below.

[0023] In addition to the complete parameter set, the component can also be assigned a set of possible communication data points or types of communication data points from which the component can be accessed. A communication data point is an object used to represent a component within the network, for example a switching or control element, including permissible input and output formats as well as parameters and their values. Such an object can also represent an app and be installed on a cell phone or other mobile device, so that settings can be made to network components from this app. By specifying communication data points or their types in addition to parameter sets, the installer is supported in linking those of the existing communication data points defined by this information to the new component.

[0024] Analogous to the provision of a reduced parameter set by the adapter module, it can also be configured to map communication data points assigned to the component in its firmware or in a database entry to a reduced set that is a subset of the complete set. This reduced set, like the reduced parameter set, can consist of references to a complete set of communication objects, so that the invention enables simplified and reliable configuration.

[0025] The invention allows an installer to integrate a component in one of two modes: The installer can choose whether to configure the component using the full parameter set or the reduced parameter set. The mode is selected via an application with a user interface. The application can run on a computer integrated into the network. The application is based on the network's protocol stack and is therefore able to display the network topology, i.e., the existing components. The application detects the component to be integrated and displays it, preferably combined with the provided parameter sets.Using the application, the installer can select communication data points and parameters, establish links between communication data points, and configure which inputs and outputs of a selected communication data point correspond to the inputs and outputs of the new component. In this way, the application enables the functionality of a component to be controlled through one or more communication data points in the network.

[0026] The installer can initially freely choose whether to configure using the full or the reduced parameter set. If the installer selects a configuration based on the full parameter set, one embodiment disables the option to revert to the reduced parameter set during a future configuration process. This can be advantageous to prevent the possibility of parameters being set during configuration using the full parameter set that are not included in the reduced parameter set or are incompatible with its parameter assignment. The invention thus prevents, for example, certain parameter dependencies from being violated.

[0027] In a specific embodiment, parameters A, B, and C are assigned to a component, here a light source, as a complete parameter set. Parameter A corresponds to setting the light source to a value between 0 and 100, whereby the value 0 switches the light source off and the value 100 sets it to full brightness. Parameter B corresponds to saving the brightness value and is provided, for example, immediately before the light source is switched off - so when a call to switch off is received, the current brightness value is saved first. Parameter C corresponds to setting the light source to the saved brightness value. Parameters B and C can be binary values ​​that specify whether saving or setting should take place.

[0028] If the installer selects the complete parameter set to configure a light source, they can link the parameters to one or more components in the network. For example, a switch can be linked to parameter A, where the first press sets the brightness to 0 and a second press sets the brightness to 100. Furthermore, a controller in the network can be linked to the parameter, where moving the controller up or down sets the brightness to a corresponding value between 0 and 100. Furthermore, the controller can be linked to parameter B, where each press of the controller saves the newly set value as the last value.Another switch can be linked to parameters B and C. A first actuation of the additional switch sets the light source to the last stored brightness value, and a second actuation of the additional switch sets the light source to 0 or turns it off. These switches and the controller are characterized by a set of communication data points. Thus, parameter A corresponds to a switch or controller, and parameters B and C to a controller. Information about these communication data points in the application facilitates the described assignment and linking of switches and controllers to parameters for the installer.

[0029] In this embodiment, a reduced parameter set can, for example, only comprise parameter A. Such a reduced parameter set is suitable, for example, for installations in which switching a light source on and off, including dimming, is to be enabled, but not the saving and retrieval of brightness values. Corresponding communication data points are still switches and controllers. The reduced parameter is a subset of the complete parameters and can be linked to switches and controllers as described above. In particular, the parameters in their stored form can merely be references, for example addresses or pointers that designate corresponding parameters of the complete set. A mapping between the two parameter sets is stored in the adapter module, which mapping only contains a reference to parameter A from the complete parameters in this embodiment.This ensures that any future update of parameter A by the manufacturer, for example a limitation to a value range of 0 to 50 instead of 0 to 100, will be immediately visible in the reduced parameter set.

[0030] An alternative reduced parameter set may include parameters A, B, and C, all of which represent mappings of parameter A from the full set. As already explained, the full parameter A in this embodiment relates to setting a light source to a value between 0 and 100. In this example, the reduced parameter A may define setting to the value 0, the reduced parameter B may define setting to the value 50, and the reduced parameter C may define setting to the value 100. Parameters B and C of the full parameter set are not used in the reduced parameter set. The example clarifies the distinction between parameters and parameter values: The parameter A of the full parameter set is mapped three times, each with a different parameter value of 0, 50, or 100.The mapping is implemented by a respective reference to parameter A of the full set; however, the parameter values ​​0, 50, and 100 must be saved instead of being transferred by reference. Depending on the type of parameter, parameter values ​​can also be referenced by reference, for example, when a reduced parameter adopts the parameter value provided by the corresponding full parameter unchanged. Whether parameter values ​​are transferred to the reduced set can be specified by the manufacturer when defining the reduced set; the installer is free to define parameter values ​​when setting up the component anyway. At the latest when such a redefinition occurs, the parameter values ​​are also saved directly, without using a reference to corresponding parameter values ​​of the full set.

[0031] If the installer selects the full parameter set during the initial or subsequent configuration of a component, the invention prevents the reduced parameter set from being subsequently selected again, for example by setting and subsequently checking a flag. In the specific embodiment, this prevents parameters B and C, which are not included in the reduced parameters, from being temporarily selected and linked, and subsequently no longer being displayed when the reduced set is selected again.

[0032] In another specific embodiment, a different component, here an actuator for opening and closing a window, is assigned a complete parameter set containing a parameter A for tilting and closing the window and a parameter B for setting a time duration and subsequent closing of the window. After selecting the complete parameter set, the installer can link the first parameter to a switch and the second parameter to a controller or a display with a time selection. A reduced parameter set could, in this example, only include parameter A; this allows the window to be opened and closed for simpler installations. As already explained, the elements to be linked can be specified by communication data points.

[0033] Furthermore, the invention comprises a single application that sits on the first stack and accesses the first parameter set. The application is used, for example, to read parameters and their values. Even if only the reduced parameter set is used, the values ​​can be stored either separately in the reduced and complete sets, or only in the complete parameter set. In the first case, the application accesses the adapter module to read values ​​from the first parameter set, specifying one or more parameters, and receives the corresponding parameter values ​​from the adapter module. In the second case, the application only accesses the complete parameter set to read parameter values. If the complete parameter set is used instead of the reduced one, the application proceeds as in the second case.

[0034] Figure 1shows a conventional implementation of device stacks in a building automation network. The device stacks are also referred to as configuration stacks or simply stacks. Shown is a first device stack 170 in a simplified mode and a second device stack 180 in a complete mode. Both device stacks implement layers of a network protocol stack and are supplied with a device or component to be integrated. Alternatively, both device stacks are modules provided by the network for new devices and components, for example, by a server. Both device stacks contain an API via which functions of the network protocol as well as functions of the component can be called.

[0035] When installing a new component, the installer is presented with two modes to choose from, for example, via a configuration application running on a server or another component in the network. Alternatively, the installer can call up one of two applications, 110 and 120, directly on the component and thus select one of the two modes. The first mode provides simplified configuration with access to a reduced parameter set, while the second mode provides configuration with access to the component's complete parameter set.

[0036] The device stack 180 is assigned to the complete configuration. A complete parameter set 150 is based on the device stack 180. Optionally, a complete set of communication data points 160 is also provided, which designates network objects to which the parameters can be applied. Furthermore, an application 120 is based on the device stack 180. This application can be called on the component or another location in the network and accesses the complete parameter set, optionally also the communication data points. This application gives the installer the option of selecting parameters, configuring them with specific parameter values, and linking the parameters to communication data points in the network. As already shown, an installer can, for example, link a light switch in the network to a parameter for controlling the component, such as a light source.Where appropriate, associated communication data points determine which type of network element is eligible for such a link; for example, the complete object set can define 160 types of communication data points, and the installer receives a list of communication data points of these types that exist in the network.

[0037] The parallel device stack 170 is assigned to the simplified configuration. A reduced parameter set 130 is based on the device stack 170, which contains a selection of parameters from the full parameter set 150. Optionally, a reduced set of communication data points 140 is shown next to it; this indicates objects in the network that can be linked to the parameters of the reduced set.

[0038] Figure 2shows an embodiment according to the invention. The embodiment shown comprises a first device stack 270 in a simplified mode and a second device stack 280 in a complete mode. Both device stacks do not differ from the Figure 1 shown device stacks 170 and 180. The use of modes during installation also corresponds to the measures already explained.

[0039] The complete parameter set 250 and the complete set of communication data points 260 correspond to the previously explained parameter set 150 and the communication data point set 160, respectively.

[0040] The reduced parameter set 220 contains a selection of parameters from the complete set 250, and includes a selection of parameters from the complete parameter set 260. The reduced parameter set 220 can also be identical to the complete parameter set 260 (improper subset). Unlike the parameter set 130 of the Figure 1However, the parameter set 130 does not consist of copies of the parameters of the complete parameter set, but is implemented by references to them. In the embodiment shown, an adapter module 240 is provided for this purpose, which maps parameters of the complete set 250 to associated parameters of the reduced set 220. This mapping can be implemented by a suitable data structure, for example a table, an associative array, or an object with corresponding variables and call methods. Furthermore, routines are preferably provided with which the list of all mappings, the list of all complete parameters, the list of all reduced parameters can be displayed, or with which the associated parameter of the reduced set can be displayed based on a specific parameter of the complete set, provided that such a parameter exists.In one embodiment, each reduced parameter is stored as a reference, for example, a pointer variable, to an associated parameter of the full set. This reference may be stored without an associated parameter value; in this case, the parameter value of the associated "full" parameter is accessed when the reference is used. However, manufacturers may also provide the reference with a concrete parameter value corresponding to a value from a range of values ​​of the full parameter; examples of such parameter values ​​have been provided previously.

[0041] Figure 2further shows a single application 210. This application, similar to the application 120 described above, serves to access parameters of the new component. The application 210 accesses only the complete parameter set. If the component is used in a simplified mode, two alternative embodiments are possible. Either the parameters of the reduced set reference parameter values ​​of the complete set; then the application can directly access the complete parameter set to read them. Or the parameters of the reduced parameter set store parameter values ​​separately; then these values ​​can be retrieved using the adapter module and passed to the application when accessing the complete parameter set.

[0042] The Figure 2The embodiment shown is configured to receive read and write access from other network nodes. This can occur, for example, during the initial configuration of a new component in the network; furthermore, such access can occur during normal operation of the component in order to control it; moreover, such access can be performed to reconfigure the component.

[0043] To perform an initial configuration, an installer first selects the parameter set to be used. This can be done using the configuration application 210 or via a configuration application running on another component. After selecting the parameter set, the installer can link the parameters of the selected set to communication data points, for example, other components. Such links can also be implemented using the aforementioned applications and are stored decentrally in the participating communication data points and / or centrally in a server of the network. Subsequently, a communication data point can send commands to the component via the network to access parameters and their values ​​for reading or writing, and in particular to control the component.For example, a corresponding function for controlling the component can be called when writing a parameter value; alternatively, separate commands for writing and controlling are required.

[0044] The configuration process can be repeated later using the previously selected parameter set. Once the installer has selected the reduced parameter set, it is possible to switch to the full parameter set; conflicts when setting and reading parameters are excluded, as the reduced parameter set represents a subset of the full parameter set. However, if the full parameter set is selected, the invention can prevent a return to the reduced parameter set, for example, by setting a corresponding flag. This avoids conflicts that could arise, for example, due to parameter dependencies.

[0045] The commands sent to the component contain parameter access requests. The component receives these requests via a suitable interface or interface module. This interface comprises common hardware and software components that enable wired or wireless communication within the network. The format of such access requests follows the network protocol used or the definitions of the building automation standard used. If the access request is read-only, the component returns the currently used parameters and / or their values. For example, such a read-only request can request all parameters of this component and receive a list of the parameters with assigned parameter values ​​in response; alternatively, a read-only request can specify a specific parameter and receive the current value of this parameter in response.Such access can be performed remotely, for example, via a configuration application running on another network node. The parameters and values ​​read in this way can be displayed and modified in this configuration application. Such a change, in turn, results in a write command being sent to the component. A write command comprises at least one of the parameters known to the component and an associated value to which this parameter is to be set. Upon receipt of such a write command, the component will set the parameter to the specified value.

[0046] In addition to this configuration mode, the component is set up to receive control commands during normal operation. Similar to write commands, a control command contains a parameter and a value. The control command can be triggered when another network component is operated, for example a switch that has been previously linked via configuration by an installer, by selecting a command, a target component, a parameter and a parameter value. The parameter value depends on the switching properties of the other network component; for example, if it is a continuously variable controller that controls a value range from 0 to 100 percent, and this controller is connected to a fan as the target component, then when the controller is set to a specific position, a corresponding parameter value and assigned parameters can be sent to the target component, in this case a fan, in a control command.There, the functionality is controlled based on the command, and the fan is set to a power level corresponding to the passed value. Depending on the configuration, the value is also saved to be used as the power-on value when the component is subsequently turned off and on again.

[0047] If the reduced parameter set is selected, parameters can be accessed in two alternative ways.

[0048] In a first embodiment, read and write accesses via the device stack 270 occur directly to a parameter specified in the access, without using the adapter module. In this embodiment, the reduced parameters are merely references to the corresponding parameters of the full parameter set. However, the assigned parameter values ​​are stored independently and separately from the parameter values ​​of the full parameter set and may differ from them. If a switch to the full parameter set occurs during configuration, the values ​​of the reduced parameter set that have already been used can no longer be accessed.

[0049] In a second embodiment, read and write accesses are performed via the device stack 270 using an adapter module. For this purpose, the adapter module uses the parameter of the reduced parameter set specified in the access to determine the corresponding parameter of the full set, and then writes or reads its value. When switching to the full set, the values ​​written once can continue to be used.

[0050] In both embodiments, the adapter module uses a data structure that maps the full parameters to the reduced parameters and represents the reduced parameters merely as references to the full parameters. The only difference is that in the first embodiment, the parameter values ​​are stored separately in association with the respective reduced parameter, while in the second embodiment they are always stored in association with the underlying parameters of the full set. In both embodiments, an access can always specify whether the respective parameter should be read or written from the reduced or the full set; however, this is optional, since the selected parameter set is determined via configuration.

[0051] Regardless of which parameter set has been defined, the component can independently check upon receiving an access request whether the parameter to be read or written is contained in the reduced parameter set. If this is not the case, the component can independently switch from the reduced parameter set to the full parameter set, for example, by setting a flag. Upon receiving further access requests, only the full parameter set is accessed; this is ensured by checking the flag upon receiving an access request.

[0052] As already described several times, the invention can exclude access to the reduced parameter set if the complete parameter set has been accessed in the meantime or from the beginning, for example by means of the aforementioned flag. In a special embodiment, however, the invention enables the component to be configured such that selected parameters of the reduced set remain accessible even after the complete set has been used. For this purpose, a selection of such parameters can be made, for example, using an application. If the flag indicates during a check that access to the reduced parameters is no longer permitted, access can still be permitted if the specified parameter is one of the selected parameters.

[0053] The Figure 3shows an exemplary method according to the invention. The subject matter of this method includes all features already explained here; these will therefore not be repeated in detail and can easily be combined with the following illustration.

[0054] Figure 3 shows, by way of example, obtaining 310 a read access to a component integrated into a network. The read access occurs via an interface with which the component is connected to the network and contains a parameter name to be read or a request to output all parameters.

[0055] In some embodiments, a check is then performed 320 to determine whether the request is for the complete parameter set. This information may be included in the request or may be checked independently of the request by determining a current mode, which was specified, for example, in a previous configuration of the component. This check may be omitted if the access includes a request for all parameters.

[0056] If the parameter is not directed to the complete parameter set, a check is made 330 to determine whether a flag is set. The flag indicates that the reduced parameter set cannot be accessed. If the flag is not set, the access is responded to by reading the parameter from the complete parameter set 360. Reading involves reading the corresponding parameter and / or associated parameter values ​​and sending a response message to the address of the communication data point from which the access originated. If the flag is set, an error is output 350 and transmitted to the sender of the request.

[0057] If, however, the request is directed to the complete parameter set, the flag is set 340 to prevent future requests from being made to the reduced parameter set. The access is then answered by reading the parameter(s) from the complete parameter set and sending them 360. As an alternative to issuing an error, the procedure can process accesses to specific parameters that were previously marked accordingly, for example, by a manufacturer's configuration.

[0058] The procedure from Figure 3 can be performed analogously for write accesses to a component. Unlike in the Figure 3 In the method shown, the access is answered 360 by describing a parameter defined in the access by a defined value.

[0059] If the write access is directed to the reduced parameter set, the parameter can be written in two different ways. In a first embodiment, parameter values ​​are stored in association with the corresponding parameters, for example, in a data structure indexed by parameters and containing the parameter values ​​at the index corresponding to the assigned parameter. In this embodiment, the parameter is written to the relevant location. In this embodiment, the parameters of the reduced parameter set can be references to corresponding parameters in the full parameter set; thus, different values ​​may be stored for the reduced parameter set than for the full parameter set.

[0060] In a second embodiment, the same value is to be stored for each parameter of the reduced set as in the full parameter set; if necessary, the parameter of the full set assumes the value of the corresponding parameter in the reduced set. As already explained, in many embodiments described here, each parameter of the reduced set is implemented as a reference to a corresponding parameter of the full set. In the second embodiment, writing the parameter therefore involves determining the parameter in the full parameter set to which the parameter of the reduced set refers. This is done by the adapter module of the component, which manages the mappings between the two sets. The parameter passed in the write access can then be written to the correct location in a data structure containing the full parameter set.As with the previously described structures, this data structure can be indexed by parameters, with the value corresponding to that parameter stored at each index. Since the parameter of the reduced set simply points to the corresponding parameter of the full set, the parameter value can be determined by reading this reference.

[0061] In all embodiments described here, the parameter sets can be implemented as arrays, lists, enumeration types, or even tree structures; the latter are particularly suitable when modeling dependencies between parameters. For example, the parameters can be arranged in nodes of a tree such that all parameters, as nodes of a subtree, depend on all higher nodes of the tree. A dependent parameter requires that all parameters on which it depends are contained in the same parameter set. This makes it easier for the manufacturer to decide which parameters from the complete set are included in the reduced set. The parameters can be implemented using well-known variable types. An enumeration type, for example, is suitable for implementing the modes.

[0062] Embodiments of the invention also include electronic media having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by one or more processors, perform any of the methods described herein.

[0063] The invention enables efficient configuration and management of parameters and parameter values ​​used to control a component in a network. Embodiments of the invention simplify the presettings for components on the manufacturer's side, since different parameter sets can be delivered with a component, with each parameter set being a subset of another. Implementations according to the invention in which parameters of such a subset are implemented as references to the corresponding parameters of the superset are particularly advantageous, as this enables flexible configurations of the stored parameter values.

Claims

1. An apparatus (200) for controlling a home automation network, comprising: a memory having stored thereon a first configuration stack (280), a second configuration stack (270), and an adapter module (240); and an interface module; wherein the first configuration stack (280) includes a first plurality of parameters (250) with associated parameter values and communication data points; wherein the second configuration stack (270) includes a second plurality of parameters (220) with associated parameter values and communication data points; wherein the communication data points represent network nodes that are networked with the apparatus and that access the first or second parameters (250, 220) of the apparatus; wherein the second plurality of parameters (220) with associated parameter values and communication data points is a subset of the first plurality of parameters (250); wherein the adapter module (240) includes a data structure that stores, for each parameter of the second plurality of parameters (220), a reference to a parameter of the first plurality (250); wherein the apparatus (200) is configured to obtain read and write accesses from network nodes in the home automation network via the interface module; wherein the apparatus is further configured to set a flag if a read or write access is directed to the first plurality (250), and in the case of a read access, to provide parameters and associated parameter values of the first plurality (250), and in the case of a write access, to set parameter values of the first plurality (250) to parameter values indicated in the write access; wherein the apparatus (200) is further configured to output an error if a read or write access is directed to the second plurality (220) and the flag is set, and if the flag is not set, in the case of a read access, to provide parameters and associated parameter values of the second plurality (220), and in the case of a write access, to set parameter values of the second plurality (220) to parameter values indicated in the write access; wherein the setting and reading of parameter values is performed by means of the adapter module (240), and wherein the setting of a parameter value controls a functionality of the apparatus based on this parameter value.

2. The apparatus (200) according to claim 1, wherein the adapter module (240) is a component of the second configuration stack (270).

3. The apparatus (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and the second plurality of parameters (220, 250) are implemented with associated parameter values as a variable comprising an enumeration type and associating the parameters with the associated parameter values.

4. The apparatus (200) according to claim 1, wherein the write access further indicates whether the parameter is to be set in the first or the second plurality (220, 250), and the apparatus (200) sets the parameter in the respective plurality (220, 250).

5. The apparatus (200) according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus (200) is further configured to perform the checking based on the data structure of the adapter module (240).

6. A method (300) for execution in a network node of a home automation network, comprising: obtaining (310) a read or write access from another network node in the home automation network via an interface module of the own network node; setting (340) a flag if a read or write access is directed (320) to a first plurality of parameters (250), and in the case of a read access, providing (360) parameters and associated parameter values of the first plurality (250), and in the case of a write access, setting parameter values of the first plurality (250) to parameter values indicated in the write access; outputting (350) an error if a read or write access is directed to a second plurality of parameters (220) and the flag is set, and if the flag is not set, in the case of a read access, providing parameters and associated parameter values of the second plurality (220), and in the case of a write access, setting parameter values of the second plurality (220) to parameter values indicated in the write access; wherein the first plurality of parameters (250) with associated parameter values is provided by a first configuration stack (280) of the network node and the second plurality of parameters (250) with associated parameter values is provided by a second configuration stack (270) of the network node, and wherein the second plurality of parameters (250) with associated parameter values is a subset of the first plurality of parameters (250); wherein the first and second communication stacks (270, 280) include, in addition to the associated parameter values, associated communication data points representing network nodes that access the first or second parameters (250, 220); wherein the setting and reading of parameter values is performed by means of an adapter module (240) that stores, for each parameter of the second plurality of parameters (220), a reference to a parameter of the first plurality (250); and wherein the setting of a parameter value controls a functionality of the network node based on this parameter value.

7. The method (300) according to claim 6, further comprising: in response to a write access, determining whether the parameter is to be set in the first or the second plurality (220, 250), and setting the parameter in the respective plurality (220, 250).

8. The method according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the checking is performed based on a data structure of an adapter module (240) of the network node.