CONTROLLER FOR A CONTROL DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING A LIGHT PROTECTION DEVICE

Description

Area of ​​Revelation

[0001] The present disclosure relates to controllers for control devices for controlling a light protection device, in particular a blind, a roller shutter or an awning. Technological background

[0002] In order for a light protection device to be moved to a specific position by a control unit, information regarding the travel time must be available to the control unit. It is known that during an initial calibration run, sometimes also during normal operation, the total travel time between two end positions of the light protection device is measured. Typically, a motor current is recorded during the measurement to determine when an end position has been reached, using a suitable sensor. Therefore, special electronic components are required.

[0003] Patent application US 2018 / 347271 A1 discloses a motorized window treatment comprising a covering material designed to hang in front of a window. The covering material can be adjusted between a fully open and a fully closed position to control the amount of daylight entering a room. The upper and lower limits of the window treatment can be programmed using a remote control. Summary of Revelation

[0004] The present invention relates to a controller for a control unit for controlling a light protection device. The controller comprises a processor and is configured to initiate a transfer of the light protection device from a first position to a second position in a calibration mode of the controller and to register confirmation of reaching the second position by a user. The controller is also configured to measure a travel time for the transfer of the light protection device from the first position to the second position in the calibration mode or to measure a travel time for the transfer from the second position to the first position, wherein the controller is configured to measure the travel time based on a clock pulse of the processor.

[0005] A further aspect of the invention relates to a control device for controlling a light protection device, comprising a user interface and a controller according to claim 1.

[0006] A further aspect of the invention relates to a system comprising a control unit according to claim 5 and a light protection device connected to the control unit.

[0007] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for calibrating a controller for a control unit for controlling a light protection device, wherein the controller comprises a processor. The method comprises, in a calibration mode of the controller: transferring a light protection device from a first position to a second position and registering confirmation of reaching the second position by a user. The method further comprises, in the calibration mode of the controller, measuring a travel time for transferring the light protection device from the first position to the second position or measuring a travel time for transferring from the second position to the first position, and wherein the measurement of the travel time is carried out based on a clock pulse of the processor. Short description of the drawings

[0008] The details are described below with reference to the figures, wherein the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown in the figures. Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a controller for a control unit for controlling a light protection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a control unit for controlling a light protection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a user interface according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a system comprising a controller and a light protection device connected to the controller, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Detailed description of the figures and embodiments

[0009] Typical embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure are described below. The same reference numerals are used for identical or similar parts and are not explained again with each figure. The subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited to the typical embodiments described below.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a controller for a control unit for controlling a light protection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The light protection device can be designed, for example, as a blind, a roller shutter, or an awning.

[0011] In embodiments, the controller is configured to start a calibration mode through a user input. The user input may, for example, be a simultaneous actuation of an upper left button and a lower left button of a user interface connected to the controller. In particular, the duration of the simultaneous actuation of the buttons must be greater than a specified value. Typically, the specified value is between 1 and 10 seconds. It may, for example, be 2, 3, or 4 seconds.

[0012] The controller can be configured to cause the user interface connected to the controller to output a signal confirming the start of calibration mode. In embodiments, the signal is output via a left LED of the user interface.

[0013] Typically, the controller is configured to expect the registration of another specific user input after the confirmation signal is issued. If this does not occur, or if a different user input is received, the calibration mode is exited, in particular without making any changes to the controller's calibration.

[0014] The further specific user input can, for example, be the pressing of a button, in particular the lower left button, of the user interface connected to the controller. The button must be pressed, for example, within 5 seconds of starting calibration mode. In particular, the button must be pressed for a duration longer than, for example, 5 seconds. Requiring further specific user input can prevent accidental initiation of a light protection device procedure. Advantages can be achieved, particularly with regard to user-friendliness and safety.

[0015] The controller 100 is configured to initiate a transfer of the light protection device from a first position to a second position in a calibration mode and to register confirmation of reaching the second position by a user. Since reaching the second position is confirmed by a user, technical devices for determining reaching the second position can be dispensed with. This enables a controller that can be manufactured particularly cost-effectively. In particular, special electronic components, for example for measuring a motor current of the light protection device, can be dispensed with.

[0016] Typically, the first position is a first end position and the second position is a second end position of the light protection device. For example, the first end position can be an upper end position and the second end position a lower end position of the light protection device. In particular, if the light protection device is a blind or roller shutter, the upper end position can be understood as a fully open state and the lower end position as a fully closed state.

[0017] Controller 100 is configured to measure the travel time for transferring the light protection device from the first position to the second position. Controller 100 includes a processor 102. The controller is configured to measure the travel time based on a processor clock. This advantageously eliminates the need for a real-time clock. This allows for a particularly cost-effective controller.

[0018] Typically, the user confirms reaching the second position by pressing a button. For example, the controller may be configured to require an immediate press of a lower left button on a user interface connected to the controller to confirm reaching the second position. In particular, the button must be pressed for longer than, for example, 60 ms.

[0019] The controller may be configured to interrupt the transfer of the light protection device from the first position to the second position after a specified time period unless a specified user input is received. The specified time period may be a maximum expected duration for the transfer from the first position to the second position.

[0020] The controller can be configured to cause the light protection device to move to the first position after confirmation of reaching the second position and to register confirmation of reaching the first position by the user. Typically, confirmation of reaching the first position by the user occurs by pressing a button. The controller can, for example, be configured to require an immediate press of an upper left button of a user interface connected to the controller to confirm reaching the second position. In particular, the button must be pressed for longer than, for example, 60 ms.

[0021] The controller may be configured to measure the travel time of the transfer of the light protection device from the second position to the first position, in particular as already described with regard to the reverse case.

[0022] Typically, the controller is configured to perform a calibration based on at least one measured travel time. Calibration, in particular, enables the controller to subsequently move the light protection device to a specific position. A specific position can be understood, for example, as an end position or a stored position, in particular a position stored by a user.

[0023] The controller can be configured to confirm successful calibration by outputting a signal to a user interface connected to the controller. For example, successful calibration can be confirmed by a left LED on the user interface.

[0024] The controller can be configured to output a signal to a user interface connected to the controller if an error occurs during the calibration process. For example, the signal can be output to a left LED of the user interface. In the event of an error, the controller exits calibration mode without making any changes. An error could, for example, be a lack of user confirmation.

[0025] In embodiments, the controller is configured to enable storage of a position of the light protection device, particularly in a calibrated state. For this purpose, a desired position can first be set via the user interface connected to the controller. For example, the position can be set by pressing an upper left and a lower left button of the user interface.

[0026] In embodiments, the desired position of the light protection device can be set by means of a long or short actuation of the two left-hand buttons 1, 2. By briefly actuating one of the two left-hand buttons 1, 2, a slat position of the light protection device can be adjusted. In particular, a short jerk of the light protection device upwards or downwards occurs. To improve the accuracy of the position during recall, the light protection device can first be moved to an end position, in particular triggered by a user input. The user input is typically a long actuation, for example longer than 400 ms, of a button of a user interface connected to the controller. The button can be, for example, an upper left button or a lower left button of the user interface.In typical embodiments, the controller is configured to automatically stop the light protection device when an end position has been reached.

[0027] If the light protection device is frequently moved from one intermediate position to another, tolerances may cause the actual position of the light protection device to differ from a stored position based on logged travel times. Over time, these differences can accumulate. Travel to one of the end positions may be incomplete. In particular, the light protection device may visibly no longer move up or down completely.

[0028] In embodiments, the controller is configured to correct deviations of a value stored as the current position from the actual position of the light protection device. The correction takes place, in particular, during normal operation. Normal operation is understood, in particular, to mean operation outside of the calibration mode. The correction can be carried out by initiating a transfer of the light protection device for a specified period of time when the light protection device moves to an end position. In particular, outputs of the controller are switched on for the specified period of time.

[0029] The specified time period can be a maximum expected duration for the transition from the first end position to the second end position, or from the second position to the first end position. It can be ensured that the light protection device actually reaches the end position. This poses no risk to the motor connected to the light protection device, especially since internal limit switches of the motor can ensure that the motor is shut down at the end positions.

[0030] In embodiments, the specified time period is greater than, for example, 2, 3, or 4 minutes. The specified time period can be less than, for example, 10, 7, or 5 minutes. During the correction, the stored position is replaced by the corresponding end position, i.e., in particular, set to 0 or 100%.

[0031] The controller can be configured to save a current position of the light protection device when a button on a user interface connected to the controller is pressed for a long time, for example, longer than 400 ms. The button can, for example, be an upper right button and a lower right button of the user interface. In particular, it is possible to save up to two different positions on the two right-hand buttons.

[0032] The controller can be configured to confirm successful storage of the position by outputting a signal on a user interface connected to the controller. For example, successful calibration can be confirmed by a right-hand LED on the user interface. The controller can be configured to output a signal on a user interface connected to the controller if an error occurs during a storage process. The signal can, for example, be output on a right-hand LED on the user interface.

[0033] The controller can be configured such that a previously saved position of the light protection device can be retrieved by means of a user input on a user interface connected to the controller. This then causes the light protection device to move to the desired position, in particular regardless of the current position. In one embodiment, a position previously saved on a button on the user interface is retrieved by briefly pressing a button on the user interface, for example between 60 ms and 400 ms. The button can in particular be an upper right button or a lower right button on the user interface. Typically, the controller causes an error to be signaled if a retrieval attempt is made without a position having previously been saved on the pressed button. The error can be indicated, for example, by a right-hand LED on the user interface.

[0034] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a control unit for controlling a light protection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The control unit comprises a user interface 202 and a controller 100 according to the present disclosure. The user interface 202 is typically configured to transmit inputs from a user to the controller 100. The user interface can be configured in particular according to the method described below with regard to Fig. 3 described example. The control unit 200 may include a power unit 204. The power unit 204 is typically electrically connectable to a motor of the light protection device.

[0035] Fig. 3is a schematic representation of a user interface 202 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The user interface includes at least one input unit for transmitting user inputs to a controller connected to the user interface. The user interface includes at least one output unit for displaying signals generated by the controller.

[0036] In the embodiment illustrated here, the user interface 202 comprises four buttons as input units: an upper left button 302, an upper right button 304, a lower left button 306, and a lower right button 108. The embodiment illustrated here comprises two LEDs as output units: a left LED 310 and a right LED 312. It is advantageous that a controller connected to the user interface can be operated without the need for additional computing devices, such as computers or mobile devices. Furthermore, no additional display devices, in particular displays, are necessary. A particularly cost-effective and reliable user interface can be provided.

[0037] Fig. 4is a schematic representation of a system comprising a controller 200 according to aspects of the present disclosure and a light protection device 402 connected to the controller. The light protection device can be designed, for example, as a blind, a roller shutter or an awning.

[0038] For a better understanding of the present disclosure, a method for calibrating a controller according to aspects of the present disclosure will also be described below. The method comprises, in a calibration mode of a controller: moving a light protection device from a first position to a second position and registering confirmation of reaching the second position by a user.

[0039] The method may comprise, in the calibration mode of the controller: moving the light protection device from the second position to the first position and registering a user confirmation of reaching the second position.

[0040] The method comprises, in the calibration mode of the controller: measuring a travel time of the transfer of the light protection device from the first position to the second position or measuring a travel time of the transfer from the second position to the first position.

[0041] In embodiments, the method comprises starting a calibration mode through a user input. The user input may, for example, be a simultaneous actuation of an upper left button and a lower left button of a user interface connected to the controller. In particular, the duration of the simultaneous actuation of the buttons must be greater than a specified value. Typically, the specified value is between 1 and 10 seconds. It may, for example, be 2, 3, or 4 seconds.

[0042] The method may include outputting a signal to confirm the start of calibration mode. In embodiments, the signal is output via a left LED of the user interface connected to the controller.

[0043] Typically, after the confirmation signal is issued, another specific user input must be registered. If this is not done, or if a different user input is received, the calibration mode is exited, particularly without making any changes to the controller's calibration.

[0044] The further specific user input can, for example, be pressing a button, particularly the lower left button, on the user interface connected to the controller. The button must be pressed within 5 seconds of starting calibration mode, for example. In particular, the button must be held pressed for a duration longer than 5 seconds, for example. Requiring further specific user input can prevent accidental initiation of a light protection device procedure. Advantages in terms of user-friendliness and safety can be achieved.

[0045] The method comprises moving the light protection device from a first position to a second position, particularly provided that a specific user input has been made beforehand. The method also comprises registering confirmation of reaching the second position, wherein the confirmation is performed by a user. Since reaching the second position is confirmed by a user, technical devices for determining reaching the second position can be dispensed with. This enables a particularly cost-effective method to be implemented.

[0046] Typically, the method comprises measuring the travel time for transferring the light protection device from the first position to the second position. According to the invention, the travel time is measured based on a processor clock. This advantageously eliminates the need for a real-time clock. This enables a particularly cost-effective method.

[0047] The method may include interrupting the transfer of the light-shielding device from the first position to the second position after a specified period of time. The specified period of time may be a maximum expected duration for the transfer from the first position to the second position.

[0048] The method may include, after confirmation of reaching the second position, moving the light protection device to the first position, and registering confirmation of reaching the first position by the user. Typically, the travel time for moving the light protection device from the second position to the first position is measured, in particular as already described with respect to the reverse case.

Claims

1. Controller (100) for a control device for controlling a light protection apparatus, wherein the controller comprises a processor (102) and is configured for, in a calibration mode of the controller: causing a transition of the light protection apparatus from a first position to a second position, and registering a confirmation by a user that the second position has been reached, characterized in that the controller is configured for, in the calibration mode: measuring a travel time of the transition of the light protection apparatus from the first position to the second position, or measuring a travel time of the transition from the second position to the first position; and wherein the controller is configured to measure the travel time using a clock cycle of the processor.

2. Controller according to Claim 1, wherein the controller is configured for, in the calibration mode: causing a transition of the light protection apparatus from the second position to the first position, and registering a confirmation by the user that the first position has been reached.

3. Controller according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the first position is a first end position and the second position is a second end position of the light protection apparatus.

4. Controller according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the transition of the light protection apparatus from the first position to the second position is interrupted after a specified period of time.

5. Control device (200) for controlling a light protection apparatus, comprising a user interface (202) and a controller (100) according to any of the preceding claims.

6. System comprising a control device (200) according to Claim 5 and a light protection apparatus (402) connected to the control device.

7. Method for calibrating a controller (100) for a control device (200) for controlling a light protection apparatus (402), wherein the controller comprises a processor (102) and wherein the method comprises, in a calibration mode of the controller: transitioning a light protection apparatus from a first position to a second position and registering a confirmation by a user that the second position has been reached; characterized in that the method further comprises, in the calibration mode of the controller: measuring a travel time of the transition of the light protection apparatus from the first position to the second position, or measuring a travel time of the transition from the second position to the first position; and wherein the travel time is measured using a clock cycle of the processor.

8. Method according to Claim 7, wherein the method further comprises, in the calibration mode of the controller: transitioning the light protection apparatus from the second position to the first position and registering a confirmation by a user that the first position has been reached.

9. Method according to any of Claims 7 to 8, wherein the method further comprises interrupting the transition of the light protection apparatus from the first position to the second position after a specified period of time.

10. Method according to any of Claims 7 to 9, wherein the method further comprises that after the confirmation that the second position has been reached, the light protection apparatus is transitioned to the first position and a confirmation by the user that the first position has been reached is registered.