Method for coupling home automation devices

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for coupling home automation devices by means of a wireless network, in particular by means of Zigbee, the method comprising: - transferring a first device into a coupling mode, - transferring a second device (14) into the coupling mode, - searching for an existing wireless network by the first and / or the second device, - creating a new wireless network by the first device if no existing wireless network is found by the first device within a predetermined period of time, - connecting the second device to the new wireless network, - coupling the second device to the first device via the new wireless network.

Description

[0001] METHOD FOR COUPLING HOME AUTOMATION DEVICES

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for coupling home automation devices by means of a wireless network, in particular by means of Zigbee.

[0003] In home automation, Zigbee wireless networks are often used to connect (i.e., transmit data) devices. Zigbee is particularly notable for its ability to create a mesh network, allowing even distant devices to communicate with each other via intermediate devices.

[0004] Especially if there is no gateway in the Zigbee wireless network, pairing devices can be time-consuming and complicated. Pairing requires the user to complete several steps, each of which requires a separate operation on the device.

[0005] It is therefore the object underlying the invention to provide a method for coupling devices which makes coupling easier for a user.

[0006] This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1.

[0007] The method according to the invention comprises the following steps:

[0008] Transferring a first device into a pairing mode, Transferring a second device into the pairing mode, Searching for a, in particular already existing, wireless network by the first and / or the second device, Creating a wireless network by the first device if no existing wireless network is found by the first device within a predetermined period of time,

[0009] Connecting the second device to the new wireless network, pairing the second device with the first device over the new wireless network.

[0010] The invention is based on the realization that, thanks to the aforementioned method steps, user intervention is only required once at the beginning to transfer the first and second devices into pairing mode. After that, the pairing of the two devices can be fully automated, eliminating the need for many user interventions and thus making the pairing process faster and easier.

[0011] The essentially automatic pairing is made possible in particular by the fact that after the first and second device are put into pairing mode, both devices first search for a wireless network, which may already be present. If neither device is yet paired with another device via a wireless network, neither device will find a wireless network when searching, whereupon the first device will create a new wireless network while the second device is still searching for a wireless network. The second device can then connect to the new wireless network. By connecting to the new wireless network, data can then be exchanged with the first device, which has created the new wireless network and is broadcasting the new wireless network, for example, so that the coupling (i.e. pairing) of the second device with the first device can take place via the new wireless network.After pairing, the first and second devices "know" each other, communicate with each other, and, for example, execute commands from the other device. Further details of the method according to the invention are described below.

[0012] In pairing mode, the devices are specifically designed to perform the necessary procedural steps to pair with a new and / or additional device.

[0013] When searching for a wireless network, the device specifically searches for an existing wireless network to which the first and / or second device could connect. The search preferably occurs after entering pairing mode. Pairing mode can be maintained until the first and second devices have successfully paired.

[0014] Alternatively, pairing mode can also be terminated by a predetermined timeout. In particular, pairing mode can be terminated by the first and / or second device if successful pairing is not achieved, even though, for example, a wireless network has been created or discovered. The user can then restart the pairing process.

[0015] The new wireless network created by the first device can be created using, for example, a master key for Zigbee wireless networks. Alternatively or additionally, the first device can use preset settings for the new wireless network.

[0016] The coupling can, in particular, be a 1:1 assignment between the first and second devices. As explained later, multiple devices can also be coupled in the wireless network, for example, each using a 1:1 assignment. The coupling preferably occurs via a direct radio transmission between the first and second devices. Alternatively, the coupling can also occur via transmission over an existing wireless network, in particular a mesh network, such as a Zigbee wireless network, with additional devices forwarding the data exchanged between the first and second devices.

[0017] In particular, the wireless network does not contain a gateway that enables control via Wi-Fi, e.g., with a smartphone or the like. Instead, the wireless network is created and / or managed, in particular, by the first device.

[0018] Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the description, the drawings and the dependent claims.

[0019] According to a first embodiment, the second device searches for a wireless network, in particular an already existing one, for longer than the predetermined period of time. The second device therefore searches for the wireless network for longer than the first device, in particular at least twice as long. If the second device has not found a wireless network even then, the pairing mode can be exited again. Because the second device searches for longer than the first device, it can be ensured that the first device has already created the new wireless network during the second device's search time, so that the second device can then also find the new wireless network and connect to the new wireless network. A conflict between two devices creating a new wireless network at the same time can thus be avoided.

[0020] It should be noted that the first and second devices can be different device types. For example, the first device can be a controlled device and the second device a controlling device, as will be explained in more detail later. Depending on the type of device, the predetermined time period for the first device and the search time for the second device can be selected accordingly to enable secure pairing of the different device types.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, the first device enters an identification state upon or after the creation of the new wireless network, in which the first device can be discovered by other devices in the wireless network and / or enables pairing with other devices. In the identification state, the first device notifies other devices (e.g., the second device) of its readiness for pairing. The readiness for pairing can be announced, for example, via a broadcast message.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the second device only connects to the new wireless network if the second device, in particular in the new wireless network, detects exactly one device, in particular the first device, in the identification state. If the second device detects multiple wireless networks, for example, it can determine which wireless network the second device should connect to by detecting a device in the identification state. However, the condition that the second device only connects to the new wireless network if exactly one device is detected in the identification state is advantageous because, with multiple devices in the identification state, it would otherwise be unclear between which devices the pairing should occur.If the second device does not find any wireless network or does not find a wireless network with exactly one device in the identification state within the search time, then the pairing mode is exited and the pairing attempt is aborted.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, during pairing, the second device sends a connection command and / or an identification command to the first device via the, in particular new, wireless network. After connecting to the wireless network, the second device preferably transmits a connection command ("bind command") and an identification command ("identify command") to the first device. The connection command couples the second device to the first device. The identification command also explicitly informs the first device that the second device has successfully paired with the first device.

[0024] After the first and second devices have been successfully paired, the pairing parameters can be stored, in particular, in a non-volatile memory of the first and / or second device. The pairing parameters can include, for example, a network address and / or identification number of the other device and an identification of the wireless network used for the pairing. After restarting the devices, the pairing does not need to be renewed.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, the first and / or second device is transferred into pairing mode by pressing at least one button on the respective device. The button can be pressed by a user. For example, this can include a key combination of different buttons and / or a long press of at least one button to prevent accidental activation of pairing mode. The button can be, in particular, a mechanical button but also, for example, a button on a touchscreen of the respective device. The button is preferably attached directly to the respective device.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, after being transferred to pairing mode, the respective device provides the wireless network via which the pairing was established if at least the first and / or the second device is already paired with another device via the wireless network. If, for example, a network of three devices is to be created, the first and the second device are paired with each other as described above. If the first or second device and the other device are then subsequently transferred to pairing mode, the already paired device transmits the wireless network via which the previous pairing was established. In this way, the other device can connect to the same wireless network and pair with the first or second device, so that the aforementioned three-way network can be created. The pairing of more than two devices in a wireless network is described in more detail below.

[0027] A further embodiment relates to the coupling of another device to the first or second device. This embodiment comprises the method steps of

[0028] - after pairing the first and second devices, another device is put into pairing mode,

[0029] - the first or second device is also transferred, for example again, into pairing mode,

[0030] - the first or second device provides the wireless network through which it is coupled with the other of the first and second devices,

[0031] - the other device connects to the wireless network,

[0032] - the additional device is paired with the first or second device.

[0033] If the first and / or second device is already paired, these devices will then transmit the wireless network used for the previous pairing in pairing mode. After the other device is connected to the wireless network, the pairing then occurs as described above, specifically by one of the devices entering the identification state and the other device sending a connection command and / or identification command to the device in the identification state.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, the existing and / or new wireless network is a Zigbee wireless network, in particular a Zigbee 3.0 wireless network. Preferably, all wireless networks mentioned herein are Zigbee wireless networks and / or Zigbee 3.0 wireless networks.

[0035] According to a further embodiment, the first device is a controlled device and the second device is a controlling device, wherein the second device can control the first device after coupling. Control of the first device by the second device preferably means that the control triggers a home automation action. For example, the second device can be a wall switch that controls a relay (i.e., the first device).

[0036] In principle, each device can be considered either a controlled device or a controlling device. Preferably, it can be specified that the controlled devices create a new wireless network in pairing mode if no existing wireless network is found by the device within a predetermined period of time and / or that the controlled devices enter the identification state in pairing mode. The controlled devices can thus be equated with the first device described herein, whereas the controlling devices can be equated with the second device described herein. A reverse assignment is also possible.

[0037] According to a further embodiment, the first and / or second device is a wall switch, a switchable socket, a relay, a dimmer, a lamp / light, a motor, or a sensor. The wall switch can, for example, be operated manually by a user, e.g., to control the lamp via the wireless network. In general, actuators can be considered controlled devices, and (wall) switches and sensors (e.g., motion detectors, brightness sensors, anemometers, and the like) can be considered controlling devices.

[0038] Each device mentioned herein is preferably a standalone Zigbee device. Each of the devices mentioned herein may include software and / or firmware that causes the device to perform the method steps described herein. For this purpose, each device may include a computing device for executing the software and / or firmware. It is understood that each device may also include a power supply, a transceiver, and an associated antenna.

[0039] The invention further relates to a system of connectable home automation devices with a first device and a second device, wherein the first device can be converted into a coupling mode, the second device can be converted into a coupling mode, the first and / or second device are designed to search for a, in particular already existing, wireless network, in particular a Zigbee wireless network, in the coupling mode, the first device is designed to create a new wireless network if no existing wireless network is found by the first device within a predetermined period of time, the second device is designed to connect to the new wireless network, the first and second devices are designed to couple via the new wireless network.

[0040] The invention further relates to a home automation device that can be coupled to another device, wherein the device can be transferred into a coupling mode, the device is designed to search for a, in particular already existing, wireless network, in particular a Zigbee wireless network, in the coupling mode, the device is designed to create a new wireless network if no existing wireless network is found by the device within a predetermined period of time, the device is designed to couple to another device, which has preferably connected to the wireless network, via the new wireless network. The aforementioned device can correspond to the first device described herein.

[0041] Furthermore, the invention relates to a home automation device which can be coupled to another device, wherein the device can be transferred into a coupling mode, the device is designed to search for a, in particular already existing, wireless network, in particular a Zigbee wireless network, the device is designed to connect to the wireless network, the device is designed to carry out a coupling with another device, which has preferably created the wireless network, via the new wireless network.

[0042] The above-mentioned device may correspond to the second device described herein.

[0043] The statements regarding the methods described herein apply accordingly to the system and devices according to the invention. This applies in particular with regard to advantages and embodiments.

[0044] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for coupling home automation devices by means of a wireless network, in particular by means of Zigbee, the method comprising:

[0045] Transferring a first device into pairing mode, Transferring a third device into pairing mode, Providing a wireless network by the first device, Searching the wireless network by the third device, Entering an identification state by the first device with or after providing the wireless network, wherein in the identification state the first device can be found in the wireless network by other devices and a coupling with other devices is realized,

[0046] Connecting the third device to the wireless network, pairing the third device with the first device via the wireless network.

[0047] In the method described above, it can be assumed that the first device is already paired with the second device via the wireless network. In this case, the first device provides a wireless network in pairing mode. The provided wireless network is in particular the wireless network via which the first device is already paired with the second device. In addition, the first device enters the identification state so that it can be found by the third device in the wireless network. If the first device is, for example, a controlled device, the first device can then be controlled by both the second device and the third device after pairing with the third device. This can be used, for example, to control a lamp or light using two different wall switches.The third device can therefore be a controlling device.

[0048] Finally, the invention also relates to a method for coupling home automation devices by means of a wireless network, in particular by means of Zigbee, the method comprising:

[0049] Transferring a second device into a pairing mode, Transferring a fourth device into the pairing mode, Providing a wireless network by the second device, Searching the wireless network by the fourth device, Connecting the fourth device to the wireless network, Entering an identification state by the fourth device, wherein in the identification state the fourth device can be found in the wireless network by other devices and pairing with other devices is enabled,

[0050] Pairing the fourth device with the second device via the wireless network.

[0051] In the method described above, it can be assumed that the second device is already paired with the first device. The second device can then, in particular, provide the wireless network via which the second device is already paired with the first device. The fourth device can preferably be a controlled device (like the first device). After the fourth device has been paired with the second device, the first and / or fourth device can thus be controlled by the second device. For example, a single wall switch (second device) can simultaneously activate / deactivate a switchable socket (first device) and a lamp (fourth device).

[0052] It's important to note that not only can two or three devices be paired over the same wireless network. Instead, additional devices can be paired with previously paired devices in the same way as the third and fourth devices.

[0053] The statements regarding the first method apply accordingly to the last two methods explained. This applies in particular to advantages and embodiments. It is understood that all features and embodiments mentioned herein can be combined with one another, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0054] The invention is described below purely by way of example with reference to the drawings. They show:

[0055] Fig. 1 shows a first and a second device connected via a wireless network;

[0056] Fig. 2 schematically shows the method steps for coupling the first and second devices,

[0057] Fig. 3 shows a first, second and third device connected via a wireless network;

[0058] Fig. 4 schematically shows the method steps for coupling the first and third devices;

[0059] Fig. 5 shows a first, second and fourth device connected via a wireless network; and

[0060] Fig. 6 schematically shows the method steps for coupling the second and fourth devices.

[0061] Fig. 1 shows a system 10 comprising a first device 12 and a second device 14. The first device 12 is configured as a switchable socket, and the second device 14 as a wall switch. The first and second devices 12, 14 can be coupled to each other via a Zigbee wireless network 16, so that the first device 12 can be controlled by the second device 14 (indicated by an arrow in Fig. 1).

[0062] To enable control of the first device 12 by the second device 14, a coupling of the first and second devices 12, 14 is necessary. The method steps performed during the coupling are schematically illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0063] In Fig. 2, the time sequence t is plotted from top to bottom, with the left column showing the process steps carried out by the first device 12 and the right column showing the process steps carried out by the second device 14.

[0064] To pair the first and second devices 12, 14, user intervention is only required at the beginning. Thus, in step 100, the first and second devices 12, 14 are transferred into pairing mode, for example, by pressing a key combination.

[0065] In the subsequent step 1 10, both devices 12, 14 search for existing Zigbee wireless networks 16.

[0066] In the example shown in Fig. 2, it is assumed that the first device 12 has not discovered a Zigbee wireless network 16 within a predetermined period of time (e.g., 30 seconds). The first device then creates a (new) Zigbee wireless network 16 in step 120. During or after the creation of the Zigbee wireless network 16 by the first device 12, the second device 14 continues to search for Zigbee wireless networks 16. A search time of the second device 14 can be, for example, 60 seconds, to ensure that the second device 14 also discovers the Zigbee wireless network 16 provided by the first device 12.

[0067] After the second device 14 has discovered the Zigbee wireless network 16, the second device 14 connects to the Zigbee wireless network 16 in step 130. In parallel or later, the first device 12 enters an identification state in step 140, in which the first device 12 can be discovered by the second device 14 via the Zigbee wireless network 16.

[0068] If the second device 14 in the Zigbee wireless network 16 detects exactly one device in the identification state, namely the first device 12, the second device 14 sends a connection command and an identification command to the first device via the Zigbee wireless network 16. This occurs in step 150.

[0069] The connection and identification command initiates the pairing of the first and second devices 12, 14, and the first device 12 is notified of the successful pairing. In step 160, the pairing is thus successfully completed.

[0070] After successful pairing, the socket of the first device 12 can be activated and deactivated by the switch of the second device 14 via the Zigbee wireless network.

[0071] Fig. 3 shows the system from Fig. 1, wherein a further wall switch, i.e. a third device 18, has been added to the system. The third device 18 is also to be paired with the first device 12. The method steps carried out for this are shown in Fig. 4. In contrast to the method steps shown in Fig. 2, the steps shown in the right-hand column in Fig. 4 relate to the third device 18. In this case, the first and third devices are first put into pairing mode in step 100. The third device 18 is not yet paired and accordingly begins searching for a Zigbee wireless network 16 in step 110. The first device 12, on the other hand, is already paired and therefore provides the Zigbee wireless network via which it is already paired with the second device 14 in step 125.

[0072] In step 130, the third device 18 connects to the Zigbee wireless network 16. In addition, the first device 12 enters the identification state in step 140.

[0073] As already described for the second device 14, the third device 18 now only detects the first device 12 in the identification state and thus sends the connection and identification commands in step 150, so that in step 160, a successful pairing between the first and third devices 12, 18 also occurs. The socket of the first device 12 can now be switched via the Zigbee wireless network 16 by both the wall switch of the second device 14 and the wall switch of the third device 18.

[0074] Fig. 5 shows the system 10 of Fig. 1, wherein an additional switchable socket, i.e., a fourth device 20, is included in the system 10. The steps for coupling the fourth device 20 with the second device 14 are illustrated in Fig. 6. Fig. 6 shows the method steps performed by the fourth device 20 in the left column and the method steps performed by the second device 14 in the right column, each over the time course t.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 6, the fourth device 20 and the second device 14 are first placed into pairing mode by a user pressing a key combination in step 100. Since the second device 14 is already paired with the first device 12, the second device 14 provides the Zigbee wireless network 16 that is already used for pairing with the first device 12 in step 125. In step 110, the fourth device 20 searches for Zigbee wireless networks 16. Subsequently, the fourth device 20 connects to the Zigbee wireless network 16 transmitted by the second device 14 in step 130. The fourth device 20 then enters the identification state in step 140.The second device 14 then detects that only the fourth device 20 is in the identification state, whereupon the second device 14 sends connection and identification commands to the fourth device 20 in step 150, resulting in successful pairing in step 160. The switch on the second device 14 can now switch the sockets of the first and fourth devices 12, 20.

[0076] List of reference symbols

[0077] 10 systems

[0078] 12 first device

[0079] 14 second device

[0080] 16 Zigbee wireless network

[0081] 18 third device

[0082] 20 fourth device

[0083] 100 Transfer to pairing mode

[0084] 110 Finding a Zigbee wireless network

[0085] 120 Creating a Zigbee wireless network

[0086] 125 Deploying a Zigbee wireless network

[0087] 130 Connecting to a Zigbee wireless network

[0088] 140 Entering the identification state

[0089] 150 Send connection and identification command

[0090] 160 Coupling successful t Time course

Claims

Claims Method for coupling home automation devices by means of a wireless network (16), in particular by means of Zigbee, wherein the method comprises: - Transferring a first device (12) into a pairing mode, - Transferring a second device (14) into pairing mode, - Searching for a wireless network (16) by the first and / or the second device (12, 14), - Creation of a new wireless network (16) by the first device (12) if no existing wireless network (16) is found by the first device (12) within a predetermined time period, - Connecting the second device (14) to the new wireless network (16), - Pairing the second device (14) with the first device (12) via the new wireless network (16). Method according to claim 1, wherein the second device (14) searches for a wireless network (16) for longer than the predetermined duration. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first device (12) enters an identification state with or after the creation of the new wireless network (16) in which the first device (12) can be discovered by other devices in the wireless network (16) and pairing with other devices is possible. Method according to claim 3, wherein the second device (14) connects to the new wireless network (16) only if the second device (14) detects exactly one device, in particular the first device (12), in the identification state. A method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein during pairing, the second device (14) sends a connection command and / or an identification command to the first device (12) via the wireless network (16). A method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second device (12, 14) is brought into pairing mode by pressing at least one button on the respective device. A method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein, if at least the first or the second device (12, 14) is already paired with another device via the wireless network (16), the respective device, after being brought into pairing mode, provides the wireless network (16) via which the pairing was carried out. A method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein, - after the first and second devices (12, 14) have been paired, another device is put into pairing mode, - the first or second device (12, 14) is also put into pairing mode, - the first or second device (12, 14) provides the wireless network (16) through which it is connected to the other of the first and second devices (12, 14), - the other device connects to the wireless network (16), - a coupling of the additional device with the first or second device (12, 14) takes place.

9. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the existing and / or the new wireless network (16) is a Zigbee network, in particular a Zigbee 3.0 network.

10. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the first device (12) is a controlled device and the second device (14) is a controlling device, wherein preferably the second device (14) controls the first device (12) after coupling.

11. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second device (12, 14) is a wall switch, a switchable socket, a relay, a dimmer, a lamp, a motor or a sensor.

12. System of connectable home automation devices comprising a first device (12) and a second device (14), wherein - the first device (12) can be put into a pairing mode, - the second device (14) can be put into a pairing mode, - the first and / or second device (12, 14) are configured to search for a wireless network (16), in particular a Zigbee network, in pairing mode, - the first device (12) is trained to create a new wireless network (16) if no existing wireless network (16) is found by the first device (12) within a predetermined time period, - the second device (14) is trained to connect to the new wireless network (16), - the first and second devices (12, 14) are trained to connect via the new wireless network (16).

13. Home automation device (12, 20) which can be coupled with another device (14, 18), wherein - the device (12, 20) can be put into a pairing mode, - the device (12, 20) is configured to search for a wireless network (16), in particular a Zigbee network, in pairing mode, - the device (12, 20) is configured to create a new wireless network (16) if the device (12, 20) does not find an existing wireless network (16) within a predetermined time period, - the device (12, 20) is designed to perform a coupling with another device (14, 18) which has preferably connected to the wireless network (16) via the new wireless network (16).

14. Home automation device (14, 18) which can be coupled with another device (12, 20), wherein - the device (14, 18) can be put into a pairing mode, - the device (14, 18) is configured to search for an (existing) wireless network (16), in particular a Zigbee network, in pairing mode, - the device (14, 18) is designed to connect to the wireless network (16), - the device (14, 18) is designed to perform a coupling with another device (12, 20), which preferably created the wireless network (16), via the new wireless network (16).

15. Method for coupling home automation devices using a wireless network (16), in particular using Zigbee, wherein the method comprises: - Transferring a first device (12) into a pairing mode, - Transferring a third device (18) into pairing mode, - Provision of a wireless network (16) by the first device (12), - Searching for the wireless network (16) by the third device (18), - The first device (12) entering an identification state with or after the provision of the wireless network (16), wherein in the identification state the first device (12) can be discovered in the wireless network (16) by other devices and coupling with other devices is enabled, - Connecting the third device (18) to the wireless network (16), - Pairing of the third device (18) with the first device (12) via the wireless network (16). Method for pairing home automation devices using a wireless network (16), in particular using Zigbee, wherein the method comprises: - Transferring a second device (14) into a pairing mode, - Transferring a fourth device (20) into pairing mode, - Provision of a wireless network (16) by the second device (14), - Searching for the wireless network (16) by the fourth device (20), - Connecting the fourth device (20) to the wireless network (16), - The fourth device (20) assuming an identification state, wherein in the identification state the fourth device (20) can be discovered in the wireless network (16) by other devices and coupling with other devices is enabled, - Pairing of the fourth device (20) with the second device (14) via the wireless network (16).

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