Method for configuring a home automation installation

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for configuring a home automation system (100) which comprises the following equipment: - a set of home automation appliances (3a, 3b); and - a first remote control (12a); the method comprising the following steps: - a step of switching a plurality of home automation appliances of the set into a configuration mode; followed by, consecutively, - a step of selecting a first home automation appliance in configuration mode from among the plurality of home automation appliances that are in configuration mode; and - a step of configuring the first home automation appliance selected.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE :

[0003] METHOD FOR CONFIGURING A HOME AUTOMATION INSTALLATION

[0004] The present invention relates to a method for configuring a home automation installation. The invention also relates to a remote control configured to implement such a configuration method. The invention further relates to a home automation device configured to implement such a configuration method. The invention finally relates to a computer program, a data storage medium and a signal from a data medium in connection with the configuration method.

[0005] In the field of home automation systems, some home automation devices are controlled by one or more remote controls via a wireless communication protocol, for example a Zigbee protocol. A set of home automation devices in the home automation system, these devices being intended to communicate and interact with each other, constitutes at least part of a network.

[0006] The Zigbee protocol operates in a mesh network type that requires the presence of a device in the network that is powered by the mains and serves as a repeater. At least one repeater has a coordinator function, that is, the network master, which will designate the relationships and functions of the other members of the mesh network.

[0007] A device such as a home automation box or smart gateway can connect the network to other terminals via an external link to a physical or virtual server, also called a cloud. As a mains-powered device, the home automation box can act as a repeater. The home automation box also generally takes on the role of network coordinator. The coordinator of a mesh network can carry out operations to discover the home automation devices in the network installation and create the links necessary for building and meshing the network. Compatible with the Zigbee protocol, in an unconnected mode, i.e. without a repeater or coordinator and without a link to a server, it is possible to associate two devices together, typically a remote control and an electrical appliance within a network.In this unconnected mode, the principle is a simple connection, without needing to go through the network coordinator and without using an advanced interface, such as that of a smartphone. This function is identified within the Zigbee protocol under the name "Touchlink". It typically allows one or more devices such as light bulbs to be associated with a remote control. It is similar to local programming, usually activated by at least one action by a user or installer on a mechanical element of the device to be connected (for example, pressing a button on the electrical device). This association in unconnected mode may also extend to an installation without equipment powered by the network.

[0008] This association in offline mode has several advantages:

[0009] The operation is faster than when the coordinator has to carry out an equipment discovery, since the exchange is done directly between two chosen electrical devices.

[0010] The offline mode ensures that the scenario works even if the coordinator, in particular the home automation box, is not yet installed or is out of service.

[0011] The association in offline mode is an option that is added to the possibility of carrying out the association managed by the coordinator.

[0012] In the Touchlink function (or mode), exchanges between home automation devices and remote controls to be paired are generally carried out with signals whose radio emission level is reduced (-3 dB in transmission and reception and / or filtering in reception), which generally makes it possible to distinguish a home automation device from among others within range or nearby.

[0013] If, during Touchlink mode, two smart home devices are available, the remote control automatically selects the smart home device with the best radio performance (i.e., the smart home device transmitting with the highest RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) level). In installations where multiple smart home devices are installed side by side, the same smart home device may consistently appear as the smart home device proposed for pairing, even though another device or devices could or should be paired.

[0014] Home automation devices can be paired (and respond to Touchlink mode) when they are in a pairing target state. In particular, this can be the case in the following situations:

[0015] - a lighting fixture can remain in a pairing target state for its entire lifetime,

[0016] - a device with no configuration (without settings) can remain in a pairing target state for a specific period of time, for example 5 minutes, after being powered on,

[0017] - a device may be switched to a pairing target state by resetting a remote control during a network rebuild and remain in that determined pairing target state, for example 15 minutes, or

[0018] - a device can be switched to a pairing target state by instruction from a remote control with which the home automation device is already paired.

[0019] To solve this problem, when you want to pair a home automation device to a remote control, or even just to be able to select a single device from several in the installation, it is known to disable or deactivate the home automation devices located near the home automation device to be paired. This way, it is ensured that the home automation device with the best radio performance in Touchlink mode is the home automation device to be paired. Such a procedure is not practical to implement.

[0020] The present invention aims to resolve the aforementioned drawbacks and to propose a configuration method improving known configuration methods. In particular, the configuration method according to the invention makes it easier to configure an installation when it is desired to pair a remote control and a specific home automation device located near at least one other home automation device.

[0021] According to the invention, a method for configuring a home automation installation comprising the following equipment: - a set of home automation devices,

[0022] - a first remote control, includes the following steps:

[0023] - a step of switching a plurality of home automation devices of the set into a configuration mode, following which successively take place,

[0024] - a step of selecting a first home automation device in configuration mode from among the plurality of home automation devices in configuration mode, and

[0025] - a configuration step for the first selected home automation device.

[0026] The method may comprise, following the step of configuring the first selected home automation device,

[0027] - a selection modification step during which the first previously selected home automation device, in particular automatically selected, is deselected and

[0028] - a selection step in which a second home automation device in configuration mode is selected.

[0029] The method may also comprise a step of classifying discovered or detected home automation devices, all the discovered or detected home automation devices being automatically classified according to a criterion, in particular a criterion of better radio performance such as their RSSI level or a priority degree criterion.

[0030] In the selection step, the first home automation device can be automatically selected in the order of the ranked home automation devices.

[0031] The selection modification step may comprise a step of exiting the configuration step of the first home automation device without recording any modification of operating parameters of the first home automation device.

[0032] The method may comprise a step of detecting home automation devices in configuration mode, or even a step of detecting home automation devices in configuration mode and in proximity to the first remote control.

[0033] The method may comprise a step of constituting a list of home automation devices, the list containing identifiers of the home automation devices detected in configuration mode. The method may comprise, following the selection modification step during which the first home automation device is deselected, a step of excluding the first home automation device.

[0034] The exclusion step may include adding the identifier of the first excluded home automation device to a list of excluded home automation devices.

[0035] The step of selecting the first home automation device may include selecting a home automation device that is in configuration mode and not excluded.

[0036] The step of switching the equipment into a configuration mode can be controlled by an order issued by the first remote control.

[0037] The configuration mode can be maintained for a determined maximum time delay, in particular a time delay of between 3 minutes and 7 minutes, typically 5 minutes or at least for a duration greater than a predefined configuration duration of a home automation device.

[0038] The configuration mode may be a mode allowing reduced-range communication between the home automation device and the remote control and / or a mode in which the signals transmitted or received are attenuated by at least 2 dB, typically 3 dB, compared to the signals transmitted or received in usage mode.

[0039] The step of configuring the selected home automation device may include at least one step of network sharing between the remote control and the selected home automation device and, preferably, at least one step of pairing between the remote control and the selected home automation device.

[0040] According to the invention, a method of operating a home automation installation comprising a plurality of home automation devices and at least one first remote control comprises:

[0041] - a configuration phase implementing a previously defined configuration process, and

[0042] - a usage phase or usage mode, the first selected home automation device automatically switching from the configuration phase to the usage phase as soon as a configuration of this first home automation device is validated in the configuration phase. The configuration phase can be iterated on all remote controls and on all home automation devices to be configured or iterated on all remote control-home automation device pairs that must be configured.

[0043] According to the invention, a remote control comprises hardware and / or software elements implementing the method defined previously, in particular hardware and / or software elements designed to implement the method defined previously.

[0044] According to the invention, a remote control comprises means for implementing the method defined previously.

[0045] According to the invention, a home automation device comprises hardware and / or software elements implementing the method defined above, in particular hardware and / or software elements designed to implement the method defined above.

[0046] According to the invention, a home automation device comprises means for implementing the method defined above.

[0047] According to the invention, a computer program product comprises program code instructions recorded on a computer-readable medium for implementing the steps of the method defined above when said program operates on a computer.

[0048] According to the invention, a computer program product downloadable from a communications network and / or recorded on a data medium readable by a computer and / or executable by a computer is characterized in that it comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by the computer, cause the latter to implement the method defined previously.

[0049] The invention also relates to a data recording medium, readable by a computer, on which is recorded a computer program comprising program code instructions for implementing the method defined above.

[0050] The invention further relates to a computer-readable recording medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the latter to implement the method defined above. The invention further relates to a signal of a data medium, carrying the computer program product defined above.

[0051] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following description with reference to the appended drawings, given as non-limiting examples: Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of two home automation devices of a home automation installation; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of two home automation devices of the home automation installation; Figure 3 is a schematic view in partial longitudinal section of a home automation device of a home automation installation; Figure 4 is a schematic view of a remote control and two home automation devices located near the remote control; Figure 5 is a block diagram of an algorithm of a first embodiment of a configuration method according to the invention; Figure 6 is a block diagram of an algorithm of a second embodiment of a configuration method according to the invention;Figure 7 is a block diagram of an algorithm of a third mode of execution of a configuration method according to the invention; Figure 8 is a block diagram of an algorithm of a fourth mode of execution of a configuration method according to the invention.;

[0052] First of all, with reference to Figures 1 and 2, a home automation installation 100 is described. The home automation installation is for example a closing, concealment or solar protection installation 100 according to the invention and linked to a building. The installation 100 comprises home automation devices 3a, 3b such as for example concealment devices 3a, 3b, in particular motorized blinds equipped with screens 2a, 2b, placed at openings 1a, 1b of the building. The openings 1a, 1b are for example windows or doors.

[0053] The occultation devices 3a, 3b may be interior or exterior blinds with screens 2a, 2b made of fabric or, possibly, with adjustable slats. The present invention, however, applies to all types of occultation devices and more generally to all types of home automation devices. In the installation shown, the installation 100 comprises the occultation devices 3a, 3b. The occultation devices 3a, 3b may be fixed to a structure of the building or to a structure annexed to the building, for example to a structure of a pergola or an arbor.

[0054] Blinds forming part of embodiments of the invention are described in more detail with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0055] The screens 2a, 2b of the occulting devices 3a, 3b are wound on winding tubes 4a, 4b driven by motorized drive devices 5a, 5b. The screens 2a, 2b are movable between a wound position, in particular high in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, and an unwound position, in particular low in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2.

[0056] The installation 100 comprises the motorized drive devices 5a, 5b.

[0057] The movable screens 2a, 2b of the occultation devices 3a, 3b are closing, occultation and / or solar protection screens, wound on the winding tubes 4a, 4ba, 4b whose internal diameter is substantially greater than the external diameter of electromechanical actuators 11a, 11b, so that the electromechanical actuators 11a, 11b can be inserted into the winding tubes 4a, 4b, during the assembly of the occultation devices 3a, 3b.

[0058] The motorized drive devices 5a, 5b each comprise an electromechanical actuator 11a, 11b, in particular of the tubular type, making it possible to rotate a winding tube 4a, 4ba, 4b, so as to move, in particular unwind or wind, a screen 2a, 2ba, 2b, of the occulting device 3a, 3b.

[0059] A screening device 3a, 3b comprises the screen 2a, 2ba, 2b, the winding tube 4a, 4b and the motorized drive device 5a, 5b for moving the screen 2a, 2ba, 2b. In the mounted state, the electromechanical actuators 11a, 11b are inserted respectively into the winding tubes 4a, 4b.

[0060] The blinds, which are part of the occultation devices 3a, 3b, may comprise aprons comprising flexible fabrics, forming the screens 2a, 2b of the blinds, the fabrics being able to be rolled up on the winding tubes 4a, 4b and possibly guided by two lateral slides 6a, 6b. Alternatively to a screen consisting of a fabric, the blind comprises horizontal slats, integrated into a fabric or suspended by cords. The slides may be made in uprights of a pergola structure and the screen may be arranged vertically or substantially vertically. Alternatively or in addition, the slides may be made in side members or crosspieces of a pergola structure and the screen may be arranged horizontally or substantially horizontally.

[0061] The rolled-up high position corresponds to the positioning of a load bar 8a, 8b, of the apron 2a, 2b of the blind 3a, 3b at the edge of a box 9a, 9b of the occultation device 3a, 3b or to the stopping of the load bar 8a, 8b in a programmed high end-of-travel position. In addition, the rolled-up low position corresponds to the resting of the load bar 8a, 8b of the apron 2a, 2b of the blind 3a, 3b on a threshold 7 or to the stopping of the load bar 8a, 8b in a programmed low end-of-travel position.

[0062] Here, the screen 2a, 2b is configured to be moved, by means of the motorized drive device 5a, 5b, between an open position, corresponding to the rolled-up position and which can also be called the upper end-of-travel position FdcH, and a closed position, corresponding to the rolled-up position and which can also be called the lower end-of-travel position FdcB.

[0063] In the case of a slatted blind, the individual slats of the blind are preferably suspended via cords intended to be wound onto the roller tube or unwound from the roller tube in order to fold or unfold the screen.

[0064] In the case of a blind 3a, 3b having a fabric screen 2a, 2b, the screen is directly rolled up or unrolled from the winding tube 4a, 4b so as to fold or unfold the blind.

[0065] The winding tubes 4a, 4b are arranged inside the boxes 9a, 9b of the blinds 3a, 3b. The apron 2a, 2b of the blind 3a, 3b winds and unwinds around the winding tube 4a, 4b and is housed at least partly inside the box 9a, 9b.

[0066] Generally, the box 9a, 9b is fixed to the structure, for example at the level of an opening in the structure.

[0067] The motorized drive device 5a is controlled by a local control unit 12a or remote control. The motorized drive device 5b is controlled by a local control unit 12b or remote control. The central control unit may be a group remote control or a home automation box. A group remote control includes its own power source and is therefore a non-mains powered product, unlike a home automation box. The home automation box can operate in connected mode or in non-connected mode.

[0068] The motorized drive devices 5a, 5b are preferably configured to execute the movement commands, in particular deployment or retraction, of the screens 2a, 2b of the occultation devices 3a, 3b, which can be issued, in particular, by the local control unit 12a, 12b or the central control unit 13.

[0069] The installation 100 comprises either the local control unit 12a, 12b, or the central control unit 13, or the local control unit 12a, 12b and the central control unit 13.

[0070] A motorized drive device 5, including the electromechanical actuator 11, belonging to the installation 100 of FIGS. 1, 2, will now be described in more detail and with reference to FIG. 3. This description may relate to the motorized drive device 5a as well as the motorized drive device 5b, since the indices "a" and "b" are not used in the references in this figure.

[0071] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 11 comprises an electric motor 16. The electric motor 16 comprises a rotor and a stator, not shown and positioned coaxially around an axis of rotation X, which is also the axis of rotation of the winding tube 4 in the mounted configuration of the motorized drive device 5.

[0072] Means for controlling the electromechanical actuator 11, allowing the screen 2 of the occulting device 3 to be moved, are constituted by at least one electronic control unit 15. This electronic control unit 15 is capable of putting the electric motor 16 of the electromechanical actuator 11 into operation, and, in particular, of allowing the electric motor 16 to be supplied with electrical energy.

[0073] Thus, the electronic control unit 15 controls, in particular, the electric motor 16, so as to open or close the screen 2, as described previously.

[0074] The control means of the electromechanical actuator 11 comprise hardware and / or software means.

[0075] By way of non-limiting example, the hardware means may comprise at least one microcontroller 31.

[0076] The electronic control unit 15 comprises at least a first communication module 27, in particular for receiving control orders, the control orders being sent by an order transmitter, such as the local control unit 12a, 12b or the central control unit 13, these orders being intended to control the motorized drive device 5.

[0077] Preferably, the first communication module 27 of the electronic control unit 15 is of the wireless type. In particular, the first communication module 27 is configured to receive radio control orders.

[0078] The electronic control unit 15, the local control unit 12a, 12b and / or the central control unit 13 may be in communication with a weather station, not shown, located outside the building, including, in particular, one or more sensors which may be configured to determine, for example, a temperature, a brightness or even a wind speed.

[0079] The electronic control unit 15, the local control unit 12a, 12b and / or the central control unit 13 may also be in communication with a server 28, so as to control the electromechanical actuator 11 according to data made available remotely via a communication network, in particular an internet network which can be connected to the server 28.

[0080] The electronic control unit 15 can be controlled from the local control unit 12a, 12b or central control unit 13. The local control unit 12a, 12b or central control unit 13 is provided with a control keyboard. The control keyboard of the local control unit 12a, 12b or central control unit 13 comprises one or more selection elements 14 and, optionally, one or more display elements 34.

[0081] By way of non-limiting examples, the selection elements may comprise push buttons and / or sensitive keys. The display elements may comprise light-emitting diodes and / or an LCD (acronym for the English term “Liquid Crystal Display”) or TFT (acronym for the English term “Thin Film Transistor”) display. Alternatively, for example, the display elements may comprise or consist of one or more light-emitting diodes.

[0082] Selection and display elements can also be carried out using a touch screen.

[0083] Advantageously, the display element(s) may not include a screen and may be limited to one or more light sources such as one or more light-emitting diodes. The control unit is then called a basic control unit.

[0084] The local control unit 12a, 12b or central control unit 13 comprises at least one second communication module 36.

[0085] Thus, the second communication module 36 of the local control unit 12a, 12b or central control unit 13 is configured to transmit, in other words emit, control commands, in particular by wireless means, for example radioelectric.

[0086] Furthermore, the second communication module 36 of the local control unit 12a, 12b or central control unit 13 can also be configured to receive, in other words receives, control orders, in particular via the same means.

[0087] The second communication module 36 of the local control unit 12a, 12b or central control unit 13 is configured to communicate, in other words communicates, with the first communication module 27 of the electronic control unit 15.

[0088] Thus, the second communication module 36 of the local control unit 12a, 12b or central control unit 13 exchanges control orders with the first communication module 27 of the electronic control unit 15, either in a unidirectional manner or in a bidirectional manner.

[0089] Advantageously, the local control unit 12a is a fixed or nomadic control point and / or the local control unit 12b is a fixed or nomadic control point. A fixed control point may be a control box intended to be fixed on a facade of a wall of the building or on a face of a fixed frame of a window or a door. A nomadic control point may be a remote control, a smartphone or a tablet. In particular, the remote control unit 12a may be a remote control of the basic type, that is to say without a display screen.

[0090] Advantageously, the local control unit 12a, 12b or central control unit 13 also comprises a controller 35.

[0091] The motorized drive device, in particular the electronic control unit 15, is preferably configured to execute movement control orders, in particular closing and opening, of the screen 2 of the occulting device 3. These control orders can be issued, in particular, by the local control unit 12a, 12b or by the central control unit 13.

[0092] The motorized drive device 5 can be controlled by the user, for example by receiving a control command corresponding to pressing the or one of the selection elements 14 of the local control unit 12a, 12b or central control unit 13.

[0093] The motorized drive device can also be controlled automatically, for example by receiving a control command corresponding to at least one signal from at least one sensor and / or a signal from a clock of the electronic control unit 15, in particular the microcontroller 31. The sensor and / or the clock can be integrated into the local control unit 12a, 12b or into the central control unit 13.

[0094] Preferably, all communications between the elements of the installation are implemented via a wireless communication protocol, in particular the Zigbee protocol. Preferably, communications between the remote controls 12a, 12b and the home automation devices 3a, 3b are implemented via a wireless communication protocol, in particular the Zigbee protocol.

[0095] The motorized drive device 5 may comprise an autonomous electrical energy supply device 26.

[0096] The autonomous electrical energy supply device 26 comprises at least one photovoltaic panel 25 and at least one electrical energy storage device 24.

[0097] The autonomous electrical power supply device 26 is configured to supply electrical power to the electromechanical actuator 11 a, 11 b.

[0098] Thus, the autonomous electrical power supply device 26 makes it possible to supply electrical power to the electromechanical actuator 11a, 11b, without itself being electrically connected to a mains power supply network.

[0099] Here, the photovoltaic panel 25 is electrically connected to the electrical energy storage device 24.

[0100] The electromechanical actuator 11a, 11b is electrically connected to the autonomous electrical energy supply device 26 and, more particularly, to the electrical energy storage device 24. Preferably, the electromechanical actuator 11a, 11b is electrically connected to the autonomous electrical energy supply device 26 and, more particularly, to the electrical energy storage device 24 by means of at least one electrical power supply cable 18, so as to enable the electromechanical actuator 11 to be supplied with electrical energy from the autonomous electrical energy supply device 26.

[0101] The electronic control unit 15 is electrically connected to the autonomous electrical energy supply device 26 and, more particularly, to the battery electrical energy storage device 24.

[0102] Advantageously, the electrical energy storage device 24 comprises at least one battery 32.

[0103] Advantageously, the battery 32 comprises at least one electrical energy storage element, not shown.

[0104] Here, the battery 32 comprises a plurality of electrical energy storage elements. Preferably, the electrical energy storage elements are electrically connected in series.

[0105] The number of electrical energy storage elements in the battery is not limited.

[0106] Advantageously, the electrical energy storage device 24 is of the rechargeable type and is configured to supply electrical energy to the electromechanical actuator 11. Furthermore, the electrical energy storage device 24 is configured to be supplied with electrical energy by the photovoltaic panel 25.

[0107] Thus, the recharging of the electrical energy storage device 24 is implemented by solar energy, by means of the photovoltaic panel 25.

[0108] In this way, the electrical energy storage device 24 can be recharged without having to dismantle a part of the box 9a, 9b of the concealing device 3.

[0109] The photovoltaic panel 25 comprises at least one photovoltaic cell and, more particularly, a plurality of photovoltaic cells.

[0110] The photovoltaic panel 25 comprises charging elements configured to charge the battery 32 of the electrical energy storage device 24 from the solar energy recovered by the photovoltaic panel 25.

[0111] Thus, the charging elements configured to charge the battery 32 of the electrical energy storage device 24 from solar energy make it possible to convert the solar energy recovered by the photovoltaic panel 25 into electrical energy.

[0112] Alternatively or additionally, the motorized drive device 5a, 5b, in particular the electromechanical actuator 11a, 11b, is supplied with electrical energy by means of the battery 32 or from a mains electricity supply network, in particular from the commercial AC network, in particular depending on a state of charge of the battery 32.

[0113] A casing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11 is preferably cylindrical in shape.

[0114] In one embodiment, the casing 17 is made of a metallic material.

[0115] The material of the electromechanical actuator casing is not limiting and may be different. In particular, it may be a plastic material.

[0116] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 11 also comprises a reducer 19, a brake 29 and an output shaft 20.

[0117] Advantageously, the reducer 19 comprises at least one reduction stage. The reduction stage may be an epicyclic type gear train.

[0118] The type and number of reduction stages of the reducer are not limiting. The number of reduction stages can be greater than or equal to two.

[0119] By way of non-limiting example, the brake 29 may be a spring brake, a cam brake or an electromagnetic brake.

[0120] The electromechanical actuator 11 may also comprise an end-of-travel and / or obstacle detection device, which may be mechanical or electronic.

[0121] Advantageously, the electric motor 16, the brake 29 and the reducer 19 are mounted inside the casing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0122] The winding tube 4 is rotated about the axis of rotation X and the casing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11 while being supported by two pivot connections. The first pivot connection is made at a first end of the winding tube 4 by means of a ring 30 inserted around a first end 17a of the casing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11. The ring 30 thus makes it possible to produce a bearing. The second pivot connection, not shown in FIG. 3, is made at a second end of the winding tube 4, not visible in this figure.

[0123] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 11 comprises a torque support 21. The torque support 21 projects at the first end 17a of the casing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11, in particular the end 17a of the casing 17 receiving the crown 30. The torque support 21 of the electromechanical actuator 11 thus makes it possible to fix the electromechanical actuator 11 to a frame 23, in particular to a cheek of the box 9a, 9b.

[0124] Furthermore, the torque support 21 of the electromechanical actuator 11 can make it possible to close the first end 17a of the casing 17.

[0125] Furthermore, the torque support 21 of the electromechanical actuator 11 can support the electronic control unit 15. The electronic control unit 15 can be supplied with electrical energy by means of the electrical power supply cable 18.

[0126] Here, and as illustrated in Figure 3, the electronic control unit 15 is thus arranged, in other words integrated, inside the casing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0127] In a variant, not shown, the electronic control unit 15 is arranged outside the casing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11 and, in particular, mounted on the frame 23 or in the torque support 21. In a variant not shown, the electronic control unit 15 is distributed between the inside and the outside of the casing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11 and, in particular, partially housed in the torque support 21.

[0128] The electronic control unit 15 supports in particular human-machine interface elements, such as light-emitting diodes and / or push buttons. In particular, these human-machine interface elements can be accessible at the torque support 21 of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0129] Advantageously, the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 11 is arranged inside the winding tube 4 and at least partly outside the casing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0130] Advantageously, one end of the output shaft 20 projects relative to the casing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11, in particular relative to a second end 17b of the casing 17 opposite the first end 17a.

[0131] Advantageously, the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 11 is configured to drive in rotation a connecting element 22 connected to the winding tube 4. The connecting element 22 is produced in the form of a wheel.

[0132] When the electromechanical actuator 11 is operated, the electric motor 16 and the reduction gear 19 rotate the output shaft 20. In addition, the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 11 rotates the winding tube 4 via the connecting element 22.

[0133] Thus, the winding tube 4 rotates the screen 2 of the occulting device 3, so as to open or close the opening 1.

[0134] The installation 100, in particular the remote controls 12a, 12b and / or the home automation devices 3a, 3b comprise all the hardware and / or software means for implementing the configuration method which is the subject of the invention. These means may comprise software modules.

[0135] The home automation installation is described above with two local remote controls 12a and 12b each controlling a home automation device. However, the home automation installation 100 may comprise one or more than two local remote controls and / or each local remote control may control more than one home automation device 3a, 3b. Furthermore, the same home automation device may be controlled by several local remote controls.

[0136] We will now describe, with reference to FIG. 5, a first mode of execution of a method for configuring the installation 100 described previously.

[0137] In a first step S110 of requesting switching to a configuration mode, the installer or the user commands the remote control 12a and / or several home automation devices 3a, 3b to switch to configuration mode. This step can be carried out by performing an action on each of the devices concerned, for example by pressing a control button on each of the devices concerned. Alternatively, it is also possible to act only on one of the devices, for example on the remote control 12a. For example, the installer or the user can press a control button on the remote control 12a. As a result of the action on the remote control 12a, the remote control can broadcast a command to switch to configuration mode.Upon receipt of this command to switch to configuration mode, the home automation devices switch from a usage mode to the configuration mode for a specified maximum time delay, for example between 3 minutes and 7 minutes, typically 5 minutes. In this configuration mode, the transmission power and / or the reception power of the signals at the home automation devices can be attenuated, to allow configuration or pairing actions based in particular on proximity between two devices. The attenuation only concerns configuration and pairing commands.

[0138] Then, in a so-called discovery step S120, one of the devices, advantageously the remote control 12a, performs a scan (i.e. a search and a detection) of the other devices in configuration mode. For example, the home automation devices 3a and 3b which are in proximity to the remote control 12a and have been placed in configuration mode are detected as being in configuration mode. Such a situation is illustrated by FIG. 4 where the home automation devices 3a and 3b are within range (delimited by the dotted circle) of the remote control 12a. During the discovery step S120, the home automation devices in configuration mode emit signals which are received by the remote control 12a so that the latter is informed and becomes aware of or detects home automation devices in configuration mode. Each of these signals may include the identifier of the home automation device emitting the signal.

[0139] This discovery step is executed for a determined duration, for example a duration of less than one minute, in particular one or more tens of seconds. At the end of this duration, if no home automation device is detected, in a step S130, the remote control 12a switches to the operating mode in which it was before switching to the configuration mode. For example, the remote control switches back to usage mode or to factory setting mode. The remote control 12a can still issue a command to exit the configuration mode to the home automation devices. Alternatively, the home automation devices can exit the configuration mode at the end of the time delay mentioned in the description of step S110. Note that the characteristics of the configuration mode of the remote control and the home automation devices may be different.On the other hand, at the end of the determined duration, if several home automation devices are detected, we move on to a step S 140 called selection. At the end of this discovery step, all the discovered or detected home automation devices are automatically classified according to a criterion. This selection criterion may in particular be a criterion of better radio performance (i.e. the home automation devices are classified according to their RSSI level “Received Signal Strength Indication”). Another criterion may be a degree of priority, this degree of priority being able to be indicated by the detected home automation devices themselves.

[0140] Any other selection or selection criteria may alternatively be used.

[0141] In this step S140, a first detected home automation device is automatically selected in the order of the classified home automation devices. In other words, in each iteration of the selection step S140, it is automatically the first detected home automation device appearing in the classification carried out according to the criterion (and, preferably, only this one) which is selected.

[0142] Then, in a configuration step S150, settings or a configuration of the first selected home automation device 3a are implemented. In this configuration step, network construction and / or pairing are implemented, if necessary. For example, a network identifier is created by the remote control 12a and transmitted from the remote control 12a to the selected home automation device 3a. The remote control 12a and the home automation device 3a are then on the same network. In step S150, pairing of the remote control 12a and the selected home automation device 3a is preferably implemented. The remote control 12a and the home automation device 3a are then at least temporarily on the same shared network and share a network identifier.

[0143] In this shared network, configuration or adjustment operations of the selected home automation device 3a can take place from the remote control 12a. These adjustment operations include, for example, adjustments of the end of travel, direction of rotation, and an intermediate position of a home automation device for motorized screen operation. The adjustment operations can further include pairing with a possible other remote control 12b and / or with a possible other home automation device 3b.

[0144] Preferably, all or any part of the operations of step S150 are optional.

[0145] Advantageously, in a step preceding step S150, a procedure can be set up to verify that the selected home automation device is indeed the one that was intended to be configured. This can be done by performing an action at the selected home automation device that can be noticed by the installer or the user. For example, this action can be visible and / or audible to the installer or the user.

[0146] Advantageously, the configuration step S150 automatically follows the selection step S140, without there being any need for a particular action at the remote control level executed by the installer or the user to move on to this configuration step. In other words, a home automation device in configuration mode and which has indicated itself as such during a discovery step S120 is able to be selected (in step S140) and then directly adjusted during this adjustment step S150.

[0147] Following step S150, the installer or user can command the exclusive execution of one of the following steps S160, S170, S180 and S190, which complete the configuration step S150.

[0148] In step S160, called the cancellation of settings step, all configurations and settings that may have been made in step S150 are canceled and erased. In particular, the information relating to the temporary network share is erased if there was one during step S150. If a home automation device belonged to a network before step S150, the information relating to this network is not erased.

[0149] In step S170 called unpairing, the information relating to the pairing contained in a memory of the selected home automation device is erased.

[0150] In step S180 called pairing, the adjustment and pairing operations, or even the adjustment, pairing and network data sharing operations, which may have been carried out in step S150, are validated. Preferably, it is also possible, more generally, to validate all the adjustment and configuration operations which may have been carried out in step S150.

[0151] In step S190 called selection modification, as in step S160, all or part of the configurations and settings that may have been made in step S150 are canceled and erased and the process loops to step S120, taking into consideration that the home automation device(s) already selected in step S140, since the last execution of step S110, should preferably no longer be retained in step S120. In other words, during step S190, the first home automation device is deselected. For example, to do this, the selected and possibly partially or totally adjusted home automation device is commanded to exit its configuration mode and switch, for example, to usage mode following step S190, as generally following steps S160, S170 or S180.

[0152] Furthermore, following step S160 or step S170 or step S180, in a step S195, the remote control 12a switches to usage mode. The remote control 12a can still issue a command to exit the configuration mode to the home automation devices. Alternatively, the home automation devices can exit the configuration mode at the end of the time delay mentioned in the description of step S110. The home automation devices also switch to usage mode.

[0153] Advantageously, the plurality of detected home automation devices is maintained in a configuration mode for a predetermined duration, preferably greater than a predefined duration of configuration of a home automation device, so that they are easily discovered and selectable in turn at the end of the configuration step of the first home automation actuator, without needing to be subjected to a new step of requesting switching to configuration mode.

[0154] According to an alternative not shown, this duration is extended automatically as soon as a new home automation device is selected, by transmitting a command to extend the configuration mode from the remote control 12a.

[0155] In this embodiment, as in those that follow, a second remote control can be considered as a home automation device.

[0156] We will now describe, with reference to FIG. 6, a second mode of execution of a method for configuring the installation 100 described previously.

[0157] This second execution mode differs from the first execution mode in that it comprises, between steps S120 and S140, a logic test step S310 making it possible to execute an alternative procedure to step S140 and consisting of steps S320 to S350.

[0158] In step S310, it is tested whether, during step S120, one or more home automation devices were detected. If only one home automation device was detected, the method proceeds according to the first embodiment. The procedure proceeds to step S150. For example, in step S150, the detected and automatically selected home automation device is set if necessary. If several home automation devices were detected, the procedure proceeds to step S320, equivalent to the selection step S140, in which a first home automation device is selected from the plurality of detected home automation actuators.All the detected home automation devices can be located, for example in the form of a list of targets (a target being a home automation device in configuration mode), on the basis of an individual identifier transmitted to the remote control 12a during the step S120 described above. During the step S320, the detected home automation devices are classified in the list of targets according to an order of priority according to at least one given classification criterion. This classification criterion can in particular be a criterion of best radio performance (i.e. the home automation device transmitting with the highest RSSI level (Received Signal Strength Indication). Another classification criterion can be a degree of priority, this degree of priority being able to be indicated by the detected home automation devices themselves.

[0159] The first home automation actuator in the target list that has not already been selected is then selected.

[0160] Then, in a step S330, it is tested whether the first selected home automation device corresponds to the one that the installer or user wishes to configure. Indeed, if this is the case, we move on to a step S350 in which the installer or user validates the selection of the first home automation device that he wishes to configure. Following this selection, we move on to step S150. On the other hand, if the first selected home automation device does not correspond to the home automation device that the installer or user wishes to configure, the installer or user indicates this by a defined manipulation of the remote control 12a. The first home automation device can then switch to the usage mode in a step S340. Alternatively, this step S340 can be implemented by default action of the installer or user at the end of a time delay triggered by step S320.Alternatively, the home automation devices can exit the configuration mode only at the end of the time delay mentioned in the description of step S110. Alternatively, the first home automation device is simply deselected during this step S340 and the method loops back to step S320 or possibly to step S120.

[0161] In this second embodiment, following step S190, a loop is optionally carried out on step S320, in which a second home automation device 3b from the list of targets is selected, distinct from the first home automation device 3a. In the case where the selected home automation device was the last in the list of targets or if only one device had been detected in step S310, the method loops directly back to the discovery step S120.

[0162] Advantageously, the plurality of detected home automation devices is maintained in a configuration mode for a predetermined duration, preferably greater than the configuration duration of the first home automation device, so that they are easily selectable in turn at the end of the configuration step of the first home automation actuator, without needing to be subjected to a new step of requesting switching to configuration mode.

[0163] Alternatively, this duration is automatically extended as soon as a new home automation device is selected, by transmitting an extension command from the remote control 12a.

[0164] We will now describe, with reference to FIG. 7, a third mode of execution of a method for configuring the installation 100 described previously.

[0165] This third mode of execution differs from the first mode of execution in that it includes:

[0166] - between steps S140 and S150, a logic test step S210,

[0167] - after step S190, a step S240, and

[0168] - after steps S160, S170 and S180, a step S230 replacing step S195 described previously.

[0169] In step S240, the home automation device selected in the preceding step S140 is added to an exclusion list on which there are so-called excluded home automation devices, i.e. devices which do not correspond to the home automation device that the installer or user wishes to configure.

[0170] In step S210, it is tested whether the home automation device selected in step S140 is part of the exclusion list. If this is the case, we proceed to a step S220 in which an error message is issued, for example by flashing a light-emitting diode of the remote control 12a. Following this step S220, the method can loop back to the discovery step S120. Alternatively, the method ends and the remote control is switched to usage mode. The remote control 12a can then still issue a command to exit the configuration mode to the home automation devices. Alternatively, the home automation devices can exit the configuration mode at the end of the time delay mentioned in the description of step S110. The home automation devices also switch to usage mode. If the home automation device selected in step S140 is not part of the exclusion list, we proceed to step S150.

[0171] In step S230, the remote control 12a switches to usage mode. The remote control 12a can still issue a command to exit the configuration mode to the home automation devices. Alternatively, the home automation devices can exit the configuration mode at the end of the time delay mentioned in the description of step S110. The home automation devices also switch to usage mode. In this step S230, the exclusion list is reset, that is to say all the home automation devices are deleted from this exclusion list.

[0172] Advantageously, the plurality of detected home automation devices is maintained in a configuration mode for a predetermined duration, preferably greater than the configuration duration of the first home automation device, so that they are easily selectable in turn at the end of the configuration step of the first home automation actuator, without needing to be subjected to a new step of requesting switching to configuration mode.

[0173] Alternatively, this duration is automatically extended as soon as a new home automation device is selected, by transmitting an extension command from the remote control 12a.

[0174] We will now describe, with reference to FIG. 8, a fourth mode of execution of a method for configuring the installation 100 described previously.

[0175] This fourth execution mode combines the second and third execution modes.

[0176] Consequently, following step S240, the process loops to step S320 or to step S120. Furthermore, the method further comprises a test step S360 between steps S350 and S150. Indeed, in step S360, it is tested whether the home automation device selected in step S350 is part of the exclusion list. If this is the case, the process loops to step S330, otherwise it goes to step S150. Advantageously, the plurality of home automation devices detected is maintained in a configuration mode for a predetermined duration, preferably greater than the configuration duration of the first home automation device, so that they can be easily selected in turn at the end of the configuration step of the first home automation actuator, without needing to be subjected to a new step of requesting switching to configuration mode.

[0177] Alternatively, this duration is automatically extended as soon as a new home automation device is selected, by transmitting an extension command from the remote control 21a.

[0178] In the execution modes described above, the configuration mode mentioned is the "Touchlink" mode of the Zigbee protocol. However, regardless of the execution mode, any other configuration mode and in particular any other pairing configuration mode can be considered.

[0179] Throughout this document, the mode of use is the normal and usual operating mode of the home automation installation in which the home automation devices perform their main functions and execute commands determined by users or by automation systems.

[0180] Regardless of the execution mode or variant, the configuration process is preferably iterated on all remote controls and on all home automation devices to be configured. In other words, the configuration process is preferably iterated for each remote control-home automation device pair that is to be configured.

[0181] Regardless of the execution mode, preferably, the configuration mode is a mode allowing communication between a home automation device and a remote control provided that the remote control is close to the home automation device, typically less than 2 meters or less than 1.5 meters. In other words, when a home automation device is in use mode, it transmits and receives messages with a normal range. When a home automation device is in configuration mode, it transmits and receives messages with a reduced range compared to the normal range, in particular reduced by approximately 3 dB. Regardless of the execution mode, preferably, membership in a network or the network itself is defined by a network identifier.

[0182] Regardless of the execution mode, pairings are preferably defined by a network identifier and a group identifier, a group being able to consist of a single actuator. When creating a target list, containing several detected home automation devices, these are individually identified by an individual identifier exchanged during the process. When the home automation device or remote control returns to usage mode, this individual identifier is forgotten.

[0183] Regardless of the mode of execution, preferably, network shares should consist of sending and receiving network keys or network identifiers. This is equivalent to exchanging a common key.

[0184] Regardless of the execution mode, preferably, a message requesting switching to home automation device programming mode (Touchlink) is sent at normal (not reduced) power so that it can be retrieved by all the home automation devices concerned (because the home automation devices to be reached are within radio range in the case of an unconnected network).

[0185] It is clear from the solutions described above that they make it easier to configure home automation devices, in particular their settings and / or pairing with remote controls, when several home automation devices are simultaneously in configuration mode, in particular in “Touchlink” mode, near a remote control.

[0186] In fact, the solutions described allow, when several home automation devices are simultaneously in configuration mode, for their configuration:

[0187] - an automatic selection according to a sequence or list defined by a criterion of the different home automation devices one after the other, and

[0188] - the implementation of optimized means allowing an installer or user to move efficiently and conveniently from selecting the current home automation device from the list to selecting the next home automation device from the list, without saving the configuration of the current home automation device from the list and without physical intervention by the installer or user on the home automation devices.

[0189] These optimized means therefore make it possible to carry out a selection modification during which the current home automation device previously selected, in particular automatically selected, is deselected and a selection in which the next home automation device in configuration mode is selected.

[0190] Once the home automation device desired by the installer or user is selected, it can be configured.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Method for configuring a home automation installation (100) comprising the following equipment: - a set of home automation devices (3a, 3b), - a first remote control (12a), the method comprising the following steps: - a step of switching (S110) a plurality of home automation devices of the set into a configuration mode, following which successively take place, - a step of selecting a first home automation device (3a) in configuration mode from among the plurality of home automation devices in configuration mode, and - a configuration step for the first selected home automation device.

2. Configuration method according to claim 1, characterized in that the method also comprises a step of classifying discovered or detected home automation devices, all the discovered or detected home automation devices being automatically classified according to a criterion, in particular a criterion of better radio performance such as their RSSI level or a priority degree criterion.

3. Configuration method according to claim 2, characterized in that, in the selection step, the first home automation device (3a) is automatically selected in the order of the classified home automation devices.

4. Configuration method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, following the step of configuring the first selected home automation device, - a selection modification step (S190) during which the first home automation device (3a) previously selected, in particular automatically selected, is deselected and - a selection step in which a second home automation device (3b) in configuration mode is selected.

5. Configuration method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the selection modification step comprises a step of exiting the configuration step of the first home automation device (3b) without recording any modification of operating parameters of the first home automation device.

6. Configuration method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a step (S120) of detecting home automation devices in configuration mode, or even a step of detecting home automation devices in configuration mode and in proximity to the first remote control (12a).

7. Configuration method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a step of constituting a list of home automation devices, the list containing identifiers of the home automation devices detected in configuration mode.

8. Configuration method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, following the step (S190) of modifying the selection during which the first home automation device is deselected, a step (S240) of excluding the first home automation device.

9. Configuration method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the exclusion step comprises adding the identifier of the first excluded home automation device to a list of excluded home automation devices.

10. Configuration method according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the step of selecting the first home automation device comprises the selection of a home automation device in configuration mode and not excluded.

11. Configuration method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of switching the equipment into a configuration mode is controlled by an order issued by the first remote control (12a).

12. Configuration method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the configuration mode is maintained for a determined maximum time delay, in particular a time delay of between 3 minutes and 7 minutes, typically 5 minutes or at least for a duration greater than a predefined duration of configuration of a home automation device.

13. Configuration method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the configuration mode is a mode allowing reduced-range communication between home automation device and remote control and / or a mode in which the signals transmitted or received are attenuated by at least 2 dB, typically 3 dB, compared to the signals transmitted or received in usage mode.

14. Configuration method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of configuring the selected home automation device comprises at least one step of network sharing between the remote control and the selected home automation device and, preferably, at least one step of pairing between the remote control and the selected home automation device.

15. Method of operating a home automation installation (100) comprising a plurality of home automation devices and at least one first remote control (12a) comprising: - a configuration phase implementing a configuration method according to one of claims 1 to 14, and - a usage phase or usage mode, the first selected home automation device automatically switching from the configuration phase to the usage phase as soon as a configuration of this first home automation device is validated in the configuration phase.

16. Operating method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the configuration phase is iterated on all the remote controls and on all the home automation devices to be configured or iterated on all the remote control-home automation device pairs which must be configured.

17. Remote control comprising hardware and / or software elements implementing the method according to one of claims 1 to 16, in particular hardware and / or software elements designed to implement the method according to one of claims 1 to 16.

18. Home automation device comprising hardware and / or software elements implementing the method according to one of claims 1 to 16, in particular hardware and / or software elements designed to implement the method according to one of claims 1 to 16.

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