Method for configuring a home automation system.

Abstract

Method for configuring a home automation system. Method for configuring a home automation system (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 a plurality of home automation devices from the set into a configuration mode, following which successively take place: - a step of selecting a first home automation device in configuration mode from among the plurality of home automation devices in configuration mode, and - a step of configuring the first selected home automation device. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Method for configuring a home automation system.

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for configuring a home automation system. 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. Finally, the invention relates to a computer program, a data storage medium, and a signal from a data storage medium associated with the configuration method.

[0002] In the field of home automation systems, certain 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.

[0003] The Zigbee protocol operates as a mesh network, requiring the presence of a mains-powered device in the network that acts as a repeater. At least one repeater has a coordinator function, i.e., the network master, which defines the relationships and functions of the other members of the mesh network.

[0004] A smart home hub or smart gateway can connect the network to other devices via an external link to a physical or virtual server, also known as the cloud. As a mains-powered device, the smart home hub can act as a repeater. The smart home hub also generally assumes the role of network coordinator. The coordinator of a mesh network can perform operations to discover the smart home devices in the network installation and create the necessary links for building and meshing the network.

[0005] In a manner compatible with the Zigbee protocol, in a connectionless mode, i.e., without a repeater or coordinator and without a link to a server, it is possible to associate two devices, typically a remote control and an electrical appliance, within a network. In this connectionless 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 as "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 non-connected mode may also extend to an installation without equipment powered by the network.

[0006] This non-connected mode association offers several advantages: - The operation is faster than when a discovery of the equipment has to be carried out by the coordinator, since the exchange takes place directly between two chosen electrical equipment. - The non-connected mode ensures that the scenario will function even if the coordinator, in particular the home automation box, is not yet installed or is out of service. - Association in offline mode is an option that is added to the possibility of carrying out the association managed by the coordinator.

[0007] 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 one home automation device among several within range or in the vicinity.

[0008] If, during Touchlink mode, two home automation devices are available, the remote control automatically selects the home automation device with the best radio performance (i.e., the home automation device transmitting with the highest RSSI "Received Signal Strength Indication"). In installations where several home automation devices are installed side by side, the same home automation device may consistently appear as the one offered for pairing, even though another device or devices could or should be paired.

[0009] 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: - A lighting device can remain in a pairing target state for its entire lifespan, - A device with no configuration (no settings) can remain in a pairing target state for a specified period, for example 5 minutes, after being powered on. - a device can be switched into 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 - a device can be switched into a pairing target state by instruction from a remote control with which the home automation device is already paired.

[0010] To resolve this problem, when pairing a home automation device with a remote control, or even simply selecting a single device from among several in the installation, it is known to disable or deactivate the home automation devices located near the device to be paired. This ensures that the home automation device with the best radio performance in Touchlink mode is the one to be paired. Such a procedure is not practical to implement.

[0011] The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide a configuration method that improves upon known configuration methods. In particular, the configuration method according to the invention makes it easier to configure an installation when pairing a remote control with a specific home automation device located near at least one other home automation device.

[0012] According to the invention, a method for configuring a home automation system comprising the following equipment: - a set of home automation devices, - a first remote control, comprises the following steps: - a step involving switching a plurality of home automation devices within the system into a configuration mode, following which the following take place successively, - a step of selecting a first home automation device in configuration mode from among the plurality of home automation devices in configuration mode, and - a step of configuring the first selected home automation device.

[0013] The method may include, following the configuration step of the first selected home automation device, - a selection modification step during which the first previously selected home automation device, in particular one automatically selected, is de-selected and - a selection step in which a second home automation device in configuration mode is selected.

[0014] The selection modification step may include an exit step from the configuration step of the first home automation device without saving any modification of the operating parameters of the first home automation device.

[0015] The method may include a step of detecting home automation devices that are in configuration mode, or even a step of detecting devices home automation devices in configuration mode and near the first remote control.

[0016] The method may include a step of constructing a list of home automation devices, the list containing identifiers of the home automation devices detected in configuration mode.

[0017] The method may include, following the selection modification step during which the first home automation device is deselected, a step of excluding the first home automation device.

[0018] The exclusion step may include adding the identifier of the first excluded home automation device to a list of excluded home automation devices.

[0019] The step of selecting the first home automation device may include selecting a home automation device that is in configuration mode and not excluded.

[0020] The step of switching the equipment into a configuration mode can be controlled by a command issued by the first remote control.

[0021] The configuration mode can be maintained for a maximum specified time period, in particular a time period 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.

[0022] The configuration mode can be a mode allowing communication at a reduced range between home automation device and remote control and / or a mode in which the signals emitted or received are attenuated by at least 2 dB, typically 3 dB, compared to the signals emitted or received in usage mode.

[0023] The configuration step of the selected home automation device may include at least one network sharing step between the remote control and the selected home automation device and, preferably, at least one pairing step between the remote control and the selected home automation device.

[0024] According to the invention, a method for operating a home automation system comprising a plurality of home automation devices and at least one first remote control includes: - a configuration phase implementing a previously defined configuration process, 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.

[0025] 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 need to be configured.

[0026] According to the invention, a remote control includes hardware and / or software elements implementing the method defined above, in particular hardware and / or software elements designed to implement the method defined above.

[0027] According to the invention, a remote control includes means for implementing the method defined above.

[0028] According to the invention, a home automation device includes hardware and / or software elements implementing the process defined above, in particular hardware and / or software elements designed to implement the process defined above.

[0029] According to the invention, a home automation device includes means for implementing the process defined above.

[0030] According to the invention, a computer program product comprises program code instructions recorded on a computer-readable medium to implement the steps of the process defined above when said program runs on a computer.

[0031] According to the invention, a computer program product downloadable from a communication network and / or recorded on a data medium readable by a computer and / or executable by a computer is characterized in that it includes instructions which, when the program is executed by the computer, lead the latter to implement the process defined above.

[0032] The invention further 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.

[0033] The invention further relates to a computer-readable recording medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, lead the computer to implement the process defined above.

[0034] The invention further relates to a signal from a data carrier, carrying the computer program product defined previously.

[0035] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples:

[0036] [Fig.1] is a schematic cross-sectional view of two home automation devices in a home automation installation;

[0037] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective view of two home automation devices of the home automation installation;

[0038] [Fig.3] is a schematic partial longitudinal section view of a home automation device in a home automation installation;

[0039] [Fig.4] is a schematic view of a remote control and two home automation devices located near the remote control;

[0040] [Fig.5] is a block diagram of an algorithm for a first execution mode of a configuration method according to the invention;

[0041] [Fig.6] is a block diagram of an algorithm for a second execution mode of a configuration method according to the invention;

[0042] [Fig.7] is a block diagram of an algorithm for a third execution mode of a configuration method according to the invention;

[0043] [Fig.8] is a block diagram of an algorithm for a fourth execution mode of a configuration method according to the invention.

[0044] A home automation system 100 is described first, with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The home automation system is, for example, a system 100 for closing, shading, or solar protection according to the invention and connected to a building. The system 100 includes home automation devices 3a, 3b such as, for example, shading 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.

[0045] The blackout devices 3a, 3b can be interior or exterior blinds with screens 2a, 2b made of fabric or, optionally, with adjustable slats. However, the present invention applies to all types of blackout devices and, more generally, to all types of home automation devices.

[0046] In the installation shown, the installation 100 includes the shading devices 3a, 3b. The shading devices 3a, 3b can be fixed to a structure of the building or to a structure attached to the building, for example to a structure of a pergola or a gazebo.

[0047] Blinds forming part of embodiments of the invention are described in more detail with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0048] The screens 2a, 2b of the shading devices 3a, 3b are wound onto winding tubes 4a, 4b driven by motorized drive devices 5a, 5b. The screens 2a, 2b are movable between a wound position, in particular a high position in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, and an unwound position, in particular a low position in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2.

[0049] Installation 100 includes motorized drive devices 5a, 5b.

[0050] The movable screens 2a, 2b of the shading devices 3a, 3b are closing, shading and / or solar protection screens, which roll up onto the winding tubes 4a, 4ba, 4b whose inner diameter is substantially greater than the outer diameter of electromechanical actuators lia, 11b, so that the electromechanical actuators lia, 11b can be inserted into the winding tubes 4a, 4b, when assembling the shading devices 3a, 3b.

[0051] The motorized drive devices 5a, 5b each include an electromechanical actuator 1la, 11b, in particular of tubular type, enabling the rotation of a winding tube 4a, 4ba, 4b, so as to move, in particular unwind or wind, a screen 2a, 2ba, 2b, of the occultation device 3a, 3b.

[0052] A blackout 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.

[0053] The blinds, which are part of the shading devices 3a, 3b, may have curtains comprising flexible fabrics, forming the screens 2a, 2b of the blinds, the fabrics being rolled up onto the roller tubes 4a, 4b and optionally guided by two side channels 6a, 6b. As an alternative to a screen made of fabric, the blind comprises horizontal slats, integrated into a fabric or suspended by cords. The side channels may be made in the uprights of a pergola structure and the screen may be arranged vertically or substantially vertically. Alternatively or in addition, the side channels may be made in the stringers or crossbeams of a pergola structure and the screen may be arranged horizontally or substantially horizontally.

[0054] The rolled-up high position corresponds to the positioning of a weight bar 8a, 8b, of the curtain 2a, 2b of the blind 3a, 3b at the level of an edge of a housing 9a, 9b of the blackout device 3a, 3b or to the stopping of the weight bar 8a, 8b in a programmed upper limit position. Furthermore, the unrolled low position corresponds to the resting of the weight bar 8a, 8b of the curtain 2a, 2b of the blind 3a, 3b on a threshold 7 or to the stopping of the weight bar 8a, 8b in a programmed lower limit position.

[0055] 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 limit position FdcH, and a closed position, corresponding to the unrolled position and which can also be called the lower limit position FdcB.

[0056] In the case of a slatted blind, the different slats of the blind are preferably suspended via cords intended to be wound onto or unwound from the winding tube so as to fold or unfold the screen.

[0057] In the case of a blind 3a, 3b having a fabric screen 2a, 2b, the screen is directly wound or unwound from the winding tube 4a, 4b so as to fold or unfold the blind.

[0058] The winding tubes 4a, 4b are arranged inside the boxes 9a, 9b of the blinds 3a, 3b. The curtain 2a, 2b of the blind 3a, 3b winds and unwinds around the winding tube 4a, 4b and is housed at least in part inside the box 9a, 9b.

[0059] Generally, the chest 9a, 9b is fixed to the structure, for example at an opening in the structure.

[0060] The motorized drive unit 5a is controlled by a local control unit 12a or remote control. The motorized drive unit 5b is controlled by a local control unit 12b or remote control. The central control unit can be a group remote control or a home automation hub. A group remote control has its own power source and is therefore not mains-powered, unlike a home automation hub. The home automation hub can operate in connected or disconnected mode.

[0061] The motorized drive devices 5a, 5b are preferably configured to execute movement commands, including 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] A motorized drive device 5, including the electromechanical actuator 11, belonging to the installation 100 of Figures 1, 2, is now described in more detail with reference to [Fig.3]. This description may relate to the motorized drive device 5a as well as the motorized drive device 5b, therefore the subscripts "a" and "b" are not used in the references to this figure.

[0064] 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.

[0065] Control means for the electromechanical actuator 11, enabling the movement of the screen 2 of the occulting device 3, are constituted by at least one electronic control unit 15. This electronic control unit 15 is capable of activating the electric motor 16 of the electromechanical actuator 11, and, in particular, of enabling the supply of electrical energy to the electric motor 16.

[0066] 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.

[0067] The control means for the electromechanical actuator 11 include hardware and / or software means.

[0068] By way of non-limiting example, the material means may include at least one microcontroller 31.

[0069] The electronic control unit 15 includes at least a first communication module 27, in particular for receiving control orders, the control orders being issued 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.

[0070] 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 commands.

[0071] 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 that can be configured to determine, for example, a temperature, a brightness or a wind speed.

[0072] The electronic control unit 15, the local control unit 12a, 12b and / or the central control unit 13 can 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 that can be connected to the server 28.

[0073] 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 equipped with a control keypad. The control keypad of the local control unit 12a, 12b or central control unit 13 includes one or more selection elements 14 and, optionally, one or more display elements 34.

[0074] By way of non-limiting examples, the selection elements may include pushbuttons and / or touch-sensitive keys. The display elements may include light-emitting diodes and / or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or TFT (Thin Film Transistor) display. Alternatively, for example, the display elements may include or consist of one or more light-emitting diodes.

[0075] The selection and display elements can also be performed using a touch screen.

[0076] 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.

[0077] The local control unit 12a, 12b or central unit 13 includes at least one second communication module 36.

[0078] Thus, the second communication module 36 of the local control unit 12a, 12b or central 13 is configured to transmit, in other words, sends out, control orders, in particular by wireless means, for example radioelectric.

[0079] In addition, the second communication module 36 of the local control unit 12a, 12b or central 13 can also be configured to receive, in other words receives, control orders, in particular through the same means.

[0080] The second communication module 36 of the local control unit 12a, 12b or central 13 is configured to communicate, in other words communicates, with the first communication module 27 of the electronic control unit 15.

[0081] Thus, the second communication module 36 of the local control unit 12a, 12b or central 13 exchanges control orders with the first communication module 27 of the electronic control unit 15, either unidirectionally or bidirectionally.

[0082] Advantageously, the local control unit 12a is a fixed or portable control point and / or the local control unit 12b is a fixed or portable control point. A fixed control point may be a control box intended to be fixed to the facade of a building wall or to the face of a fixed window or door frame. A portable control point may be a remote control, a smartphone, or a tablet. In particular, the remote control unit 12a may be a basic type of remote control, i.e., without a display screen.

[0083] Advantageously, the local control unit 12a, 12b or central unit 13 also includes a controller 35.

[0084] The motorized drive device, in particular the electronic control unit 15, is preferably configured to execute movement control commands, in particular for closing and opening, of the screen 2 of the shading device 3. These control commands can be issued, in particular, by the local control unit 12a, 12b or by the central control unit 13.

[0085] The motorized drive device 5 can be controlled by the user, for example by receiving a command order corresponding to a press on the or one of the selection elements 14 of the local control unit 12a, 12b or central 13.

[0086] 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 in 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.

[0087] Preferably, all communication between the elements of the installation is implemented via a wireless communication protocol, in particular the Zigbee protocol. Preferably, communication between the remote controls 12a, 12b and the home automation devices 3a, 3b is implemented via a wireless communication protocol, in particular the Zigbee protocol.

[0088] The motorized drive device 5 may include a self-contained electrical power supply device 26.

[0089] The autonomous electrical power supply device 26 includes at least one photovoltaic panel 25 and at least one electrical energy storage device 24.

[0090] The autonomous electrical power supply device 26 is configured to supply electrical power to the electromechanical actuator 1la, 11b.

[0091] Thus, the autonomous electrical power supply device 26 makes it possible to supply electrical power to the electromechanical actuator lia, 11b, without itself being electrically connected to a mains power supply network.

[0092] Here, the photovoltaic panel 25 is electrically connected to the electrical energy storage device 24.

[0093] The electromechanical actuator lia, 11b is electrically connected to the autonomous electrical power supply device 26 and, more particularly, to the electrical energy storage device 24. Preferably, the electromechanical actuator lia, 11b is electrically connected to the autonomous electrical power 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 allow the electromechanical actuator 11 to be supplied with electrical power from the autonomous electrical power supply device 26.

[0094] The electronic control unit 15 is electrically connected to the autonomous electrical power supply device 26 and, more particularly, to the battery electrical energy storage device 24.

[0095] Advantageously, the electrical energy storage device 24 includes at least one battery 32.

[0096] Advantageously, the battery 32 includes at least one electrical energy storage element, not shown.

[0097] Here, the battery 32 comprises a plurality of electrical energy storage elements. Preferably, the electrical energy storage elements are electrically connected in series.

[0098] The number of electrical energy storage elements in the battery is not limited.

[0099] Advantageously, the electrical energy storage device 24 is of the rechargeable type and is configured to supply electrical energy to the electromechanical actuator 11. In addition, the electrical energy storage device 24 is configured to be supplied with electrical energy by the photovoltaic panel 25.

[0100] Thus, the recharging of the electrical energy storage device 24 is implemented by solar energy, using the photovoltaic panel 25.

[0101] In this way, the electrical energy storage device 24 can be recharged without having to dismantle part of the box 9a, 9b of the blackout device 3.

[0102] The photovoltaic panel 25 comprises at least one photovoltaic cell and, more in particular, a plurality of photovoltaic cells.

[0103] The photovoltaic panel 25 includes 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] Alternatively or in addition, the motorized drive device 5a, 5b, in particular the electromechanical actuator 1la, 11b, is supplied with electrical energy by means of the battery 32 or from a mains power supply network, in particular from the commercial AC network, in particular depending on a state of charge of the battery 32.

[0106] A housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11 is preferably cylindrical in shape.

[0107] In one embodiment, the housing 17 is made of a metallic material.

[0108] The material of the electromechanical actuator housing is not limiting and may be different. In particular, it may be a plastic material.

[0109] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 11 also includes a reducer 19, a brake 29 and an output shaft 20.

[0110] Advantageously, the reducer 19 comprises at least one reduction stage. The reduction stage may be an epicyclic gear train.

[0111] The type and number of reduction stages of the reducer are not limiting. The number of reduction stages may be greater than or equal to two.

[0112] By way of non-limiting example, the brake 29 may be a spring brake, a cam brake or an electromagnetic brake.

[0113] The electromechanical actuator 11 may also include a limit switch and / or obstacle detection device, which may be mechanical or electronic.

[0114] Advantageously, the electric motor 16, the brake 29 and the reducer 19 are mounted inside the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0115] The winding tube 4 is driven in rotation about the axis of rotation X and the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11 by means of two pivot joints. The first pivot joint is formed at one end of the winding tube 4 by means of a ring 30 inserted around one end 17a of the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11. The ring 30 thus provides a bearing. The second pivot joint, not shown in [Fig. 3], is formed at a second end of the winding tube 4, not visible in this figure.

[0116] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 11 includes a torque support 21. The torque support 21 is projecting at the first end 17a of the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11, in particular the end 17a of the housing 17 receiving the ring 30. The torque support 21 of the electromechanical actuator 11 thus makes it possible to fix the electromechanical actuator 11 on a frame 23, in particular to a side of the housing 9a, 9b.

[0117] In addition, the torque support 21 of the electromechanical actuator 11 can allow the first end 17a of the housing 17 to be closed.

[0118] 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 power supply cable 18.

[0119] Here, and as illustrated in [Fig.3], the electronic control unit 15 is thus arranged, in other words integrated, inside the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0120] In an alternative, not shown, the electronic control unit 15 is located outside the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11 and, in particular, mounted on the frame 23 or in the torque support 21. In an alternative, not shown, the electronic control unit 15 is distributed between the inside and outside of the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11 and, in particular, partially housed in the torque support 21.

[0121] The electronic control unit 15 supports, in particular, human-machine interface elements, such as light-emitting diodes and / or pushbuttons. In particular, these human-machine interface elements can be accessed at the torque support 21 of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0122] Advantageously, the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 11 is disposed inside the winding tube 4 and at least partly outside the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0123] Advantageously, one end of the output shaft 20 is projecting relative to the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11, in particular relative to a second end 17b of the housing 17 opposite to the first end 17a.

[0124] Advantageously, the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 11 is configured to drive in rotation a linkage element 22 connected to the winding tube 4. The linkage element 22 is made in the form of a wheel.

[0125] When the electromechanical actuator 11 is switched on, the electric motor 16 and the reducer 19 drive the output shaft 20 in rotation. In addition, the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 11 drives the winding tube 4 in rotation via the connecting element 22.

[0126] Thus, the winding tube 4 causes the screen 2 of the occulting device 3 to rotate, so as to open or close the opening 1.

[0127] The installation 100, in particular the remote controls 12a, 12b and / or the home automation devices 3a, 3b, includes all the hardware and / or software means for implementing the configuration method that is the subject of the invention. These means may include software modules.

[0128] The home automation system is described above with two local remote controls 12a and 12b, each controlling a home automation device. However, the home automation system 100 may include 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.

[0129] A first mode of execution of a configuration process for the installation 100 described previously is now described with reference to [Fig.5].

[0130] In a first step SI 10 of requesting a switch to configuration mode, the installer or 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 on only one of the devices, for example, the remote control 12a. For example, the installer or 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 receiving this command to switch to configuration mode, the home automation devices switch from a usage mode to configuration mode for a predetermined maximum time, for example between 3 and 7 minutes, typically 5 minutes. In this configuration mode, the transmission and / or reception power of signals at the home automation devices may be reduced to allow for configuration or pairing actions based, in particular, on a [specific element / method]. proximity between two devices. The attenuation only applies to configuration and pairing commands.

[0131] Then, in a discovery step S120, one of the devices, advantageously the remote control 12a, performs a scan (i.e., a search and detection) of the other devices in configuration mode. For example, the home automation devices 3a and 3b, which are near the remote control 12a and have been placed in configuration mode, are detected as being in configuration mode. Such a situation is illustrated in [Fig. 4], where the home automation devices 3a and 3b are within range (delimited by the dashed circle) of the remote control 12a.

[0132] During the S120 discovery step, home automation devices in configuration mode emit signals that are received by the remote control 12a so that the remote control is informed and 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.

[0133] This discovery step is executed for a predetermined duration, for example, less than one minute, specifically one or more tens of seconds. At the end of this period, if no home automation device is detected in step S130, the remote control 12a switches back to the operating mode it was in before switching to configuration mode. For example, the remote control switches back to usage mode or to factory default settings mode. The remote control 12a can still issue an exit command from configuration mode to the home automation devices. Alternatively, the home automation devices can exit configuration mode after the time delay mentioned in the description of step SI 10. Note that the configuration mode characteristics of the remote control and the home automation devices may differ.However, at the end of the specified period, if several home automation devices are detected, the process proceeds to a selection stage, S140. Following this discovery stage, all discovered or detected home automation devices are automatically classified according to a criterion. This selection criterion can be, in particular, a criterion of best radio performance (i.e., the home automation devices are classified according to their RSSI "Received Signal Strength Indication" level). Another criterion can be a priority level, which can be indicated by the detected home automation devices themselves.

[0134] Any other selection or selection criterion may alternatively be used.

[0135] In this step S140, a first detected home automation device is automatically selected in the order of the classified home automation devices.

[0136] Then, in a configuration step S150, settings or configuration of the first selected home automation device 3a are implemented. In this step During configuration, network construction and / or pairing are implemented if necessary. For example, a network identifier is created by remote control 12a and transmitted from remote control 12a to the selected home automation device 3a. Remote control 12a and home automation device 3a are then on the same network. In step S150, pairing of remote control 12a and the selected home automation device 3a is preferably implemented. Remote control 12a and home automation device 3a are then at least temporarily on the same shared network and share a network identifier.

[0137] In this shared network, configuration or adjustment operations for the selected home automation device 3a can be performed using the remote control 12a. These adjustment operations include, for example, setting limit switches, direction of rotation, and an intermediate position for a home automation device's motorized screen operation. The adjustment operations may also include pairing with another remote control 12b and / or another home automation device 3b.

[0138] Preferably, all or any part of the operations in step S150 is optional.

[0139] Advantageously, in a step preceding step S150, a verification procedure can be implemented to confirm that the selected home automation device is indeed the one intended to be configured. This can be done by performing an action on 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.

[0140] Advantageously, the S150 configuration step automatically follows the S140 selection step, without requiring any specific action from the installer or user on the remote control to proceed to this configuration step. In other words, a home automation device in configuration mode that has identified itself as such during an S120 discovery step can be selected (in the S140 step) and then directly configured during this S150 configuration step.

[0141] Following step S150, the installer or user can command the exclusive execution of one of the following steps S160, S170, S180 and S190, which allow the completion of the S150 configuration step.

[0142] In step S160, known as the settings cancellation step, all configurations and settings that may have been made in step S150 are cancelled and erased. In particular, information relating to temporary network sharing is erased if there was any during step S150. If a home automation device belonged to a network prior to step S150, the information relating to that network is not erased.

[0143] In the S170 step, known as the unpairing step, the pairing information contained in a memory of the selected home automation device is erased.

[0144] In the S180 pairing step, the setup and pairing operations, or even the setup, pairing and network data sharing operations, which may have been carried out in the S150 step, are validated. Preferably, more generally, all the setup and configuration operations which may have been carried out in the S150 step can also be validated.

[0145] In step S190, known as the selection modification step, 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 back to step S120, taking into account that the home automation device(s) already selected in step S140, since the last execution of step SI 10, should preferably no longer be included in step S120. In other words, during step S190, the first home automation device is deselected. For example, to do this, the selected home automation device, which may have been partially or fully configured, is commanded to exit its configuration mode and enter, for example, usage mode following step S190, as is generally the case following steps S160, S170, or S180.

[0146] Furthermore, following step S160, S170, or S180, in step S195, the remote control 12a switches to operating mode. The remote control 12a can still issue an exit command from configuration mode to the home automation devices. Alternatively, the home automation devices can exit configuration mode after the time delay mentioned in the description of step SI 10. The home automation devices also switch to operating mode.

[0147] Advantageously, the plurality of detected home automation devices is maintained in a configuration mode for a predetermined duration, preferably greater than a predefined configuration duration 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 request step to switch to configuration mode.

[0148] According to an alternative not shown, this duration is automatically extended as soon as a new home automation device is selected, by transmission of a command to extend the configuration mode from the remote control 12a.

[0149] In this embodiment, as in those that follow, a second remote control can be considered as a home automation device.

[0150] A second execution method of a configuration process for the installation 100 described previously is now described with reference to [Fig.6].

[0151] This second execution mode differs from the first execution mode in that it includes, between steps S120 and S140, a logic test step S310 allowing execution of an alternative procedure to step S140 and consisting of steps S320 to S350.

[0152] In step S310, it is tested whether one or more home automation devices were detected during step S120. If only one home automation device was detected, the process proceeds according to the first embodiment. The process then moves to step S150. For example, in step S150, the detected and automatically selected home automation device is configured if necessary. If several home automation devices were detected, the process moves to step S320, which is equivalent to the selection step S140, in which a first home automation device is selected from among the plurality of detected home automation actuators.All detected home automation devices can be identified, for example, as a target list (a target being a home automation device in configuration mode), based on an individual identifier transmitted to the remote control 12a during step S120 described above. During step S320, the detected home automation devices are ranked in the target list according to a priority order based on at least one given ranking criterion. This ranking criterion could be, in particular, a criterion of best radio performance (i.e., the home automation device transmitting with the highest RSSI "Received Signal Strength Indication"). Another ranking criterion could be a priority level, which could be indicated by the detected home automation devices themselves.

[0153] The first home automation actuator in the target list that has not already been selected is then selected.

[0154] Then, in step S330, it is checked whether the first selected home automation device corresponds to the one the installer or user wishes to configure. If so, the process proceeds to step S350 in which the installer or user confirms the selection of the first home automation device they wish to configure. Following this selection, the process proceeds to step S150. Conversely, if the first selected home automation device does not correspond to the home automation device the installer or user wishes to configure, the installer or user indicates this by a defined action on the remote control 12a. The first home automation device can then switch to operating mode in step S340. Alternatively, this step S340 can be implemented by default if the installer or user does not take any action after a timer triggered by step S320 expires.Alternatively, home automation devices can exit configuration mode only after the time delay mentioned in the description of step SI 10. Alternatively, the first home automation device is simply deselected during this step S340 and the process loops back to step S320 or possibly to step S120.

[0155] In this second execution mode, following step S190, the process may loop back to step S320, in which a second home automation device 3b from the target list is selected, distinct from the first home automation device 3a. If the selected home automation device was the last in the target list or if only one device was detected in step S310, the process loops directly back to the discovery step S120.

[0156] 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 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 request step to switch to configuration mode.

[0157] According to an alternative, this duration is automatically extended as soon as a new home automation device is selected, by transmission of an extension command from the remote control 12a.

[0158] A third mode of execution of a configuration method for the installation 100 described previously is now described with reference to [Fig.7].

[0159] This third mode of execution differs from the first mode of execution in that it includes: - between steps S140 and S150, a logic test step S210, - after step S190, a step S240, and - after steps S160, S170 and S180, a step S230 replaces the step S195 described previously.

[0160] 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., those that do not correspond to the home automation device that the installer or user wishes to configure.

[0161] In step S210, it is checked whether the home automation device selected in step S140 is on the exclusion list. If so, the process proceeds to step S220, in which an error message is issued, for example, by flashing an LED on the remote control 12a. Following this step S220, the process can loop back to the discovery step S120. Alternatively, the process terminates and the remote control is switched to operating mode. The remote control 12a can then still issue an exit command from configuration mode to the home automation devices. Alternatively, the home automation devices can exit configuration mode after the time delay mentioned in the description of step SI 10. The home automation devices also switch to operating mode. If the home automation device selected at step S140 is not part of the exclusion list, we proceed to step S150.

[0162] In step S230, the remote control 12a switches to operating mode. The remote control 12a can still issue an exit command from configuration mode to the home automation devices. Alternatively, the home automation devices can exit configuration mode after the time delay mentioned in the description of step S110. The home automation devices also switch to operating mode. In this step S230, the exclusion list is reset, meaning that all home automation devices are removed from this exclusion list.

[0163] 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 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 request step to switch to configuration mode.

[0164] According to an alternative, this duration is automatically extended as soon as a new home automation device is selected, by transmission of an extension command from the remote control 12a.

[0165] A fourth execution mode of a configuration method for the installation 100 described previously is now described with reference to [Fig.8].

[0166] This fourth mode of execution combines the second and third modes of execution.

[0167] Consequently, following step S240, the process loops back to step S320 or step S120. Furthermore, the method also includes a test step S360 between steps S350 and S150. In step S360, it is tested whether the home automation device selected in step S350 is on the exclusion list. If so, the process loops back to step S330; otherwise, it proceeds to step S150.

[0168] 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 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 request step to switch to configuration mode.

[0169] According to an alternative, this duration is automatically extended as soon as a new home automation device is selected, by transmission of an extension command from the remote control 21a.

[0170] 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 may be considered.

[0171] 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.

[0172] Regardless of the execution method 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 needs to be configured.

[0173] Regardless of the execution mode, preferably the configuration mode is one that allows communication between the home automation device and the remote control, provided that the remote control is in close proximity to the home automation device, typically within 2 meters or within 1.5 meters. In other words, when a home automation device is in usage mode, it transmits and receives messages with normal range. When a home automation device is in configuration mode, it transmits and receives messages with a reduced range compared to normal range, specifically reduced by approximately 3 dB.

[0174] Regardless of the execution mode, preferably, network membership or the network itself is defined by a network identifier.

[0175] Regardless of the execution method, preferably, pairings are 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 a unique identifier exchanged during the process. When the home automation device or remote control returns to operating mode, this unique identifier is discarded.

[0176] Regardless of the execution method, preferably, network sharing can consist of sending and receiving network keys or network identifiers. This amounts to exchanging a common key.

[0177] Regardless of the execution mode, preferably, a message requesting a switch to programming mode for home automation devices (Touchlink) is emitted at normal (not reduced) power so that it can be received by all the home automation devices concerned (because the home automation devices to be reached are within radio range in the case of a non-connected network).

[0178] 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 present simultaneously in configuration mode, especially in "Touchlink" mode, near a remote control.

[0179] Indeed, the solutions described allow, when several home automation devices are simultaneously in configuration mode, for the purpose of their configuration: - an automatic selection, according to a sequence or list defined by a criterion, of the different home automation devices one after the other, and - the implementation of optimized means allowing an installer or user to move efficiently and practically from the selection of the current home automation device from the list to the selection of 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.

[0180] 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.

[0181] As soon as the home automation device desired by the installer or user is selected, it can be configured.

Claims

Demands

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 switching step (SI 10) of a plurality of home automation devices from the set into a configuration mode, following which take place successively, - 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 step of configuring the first selected home automation device, the method further comprising: - a step of classifying discovered or detected home automation devices, all discovered or detected home automation devices being automatically classified according to a criterion, in particular a criterion of best radio performance such as their RSSI level or a criterion of degree of priority.

2. Configuration method according to claim 1, 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.

3. A configuration method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, following the configuration step of the first selected home automation device, - a selection modification step (S 190) during which the first previously selected home automation device (3a), in particular automatically selected, is deselected and - a selection step in which a second home automation device (3b) in configuration mode is selected.

4. Configuration method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the selection modification step includes an exit step from the configuration step of the first home automation device (3b) without recording any modification of the operating parameters of the first home automation device.

5. Configuration method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes a step (S 120) of detecting home automation devices in configuration mode, or even a step of detecting home automation devices in configuration mode and in the vicinity of the first remote control (12a).

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

7. A configuration method according to any one of the preceding claims and according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises, following the selection modification step (S 190) during which the first home automation device is deselected, a step (S240) of exclusion of the first home automation device.

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

9. Configuration method according to any one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the step of selecting the first home automation device includes the selection of a home automation device that is in configuration mode and not excluded.

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

11. A configuration method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the configuration mode is maintained for a predetermined maximum time period, in particular a time period 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.

12. A configuration method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the configuration mode is a mode allowing short-range communication between home automation device and remote control and / or a mode in which the signals emitted or received are attenuated by at least 2 dB, typically 3 dB, compared to the signals emitted or received in use mode.

13. A configuration method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the configuration step of the selected home automation device includes at least one network sharing step between the remote control and the selected home automation device and, preferably, at least one pairing step between the remote control and the selected home automation device.

14. 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 13, and - a usage phase or mode of use, 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.

15. A method of operation according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the configuration phase is 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 need to be configured.

16. Remote control comprising hardware and / or software elements implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, in particular hardware and / or software elements designed to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. Home automation device comprising hardware and / or software elements implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, in particular hardware and / or software elements designed to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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