METHOD FOR CONFIGURING AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING A CONTROL TOOL AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEM

Abstract

METHOD FOR CONFIGURING AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE BY MEANS OF A CONTROL TOOL AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEM. One aspect of the invention relates to a method for configuring an electronic device (10) by means of a control tool (12), the method comprising: the association, by the electronic device, of visual information, such as a color or a number, with an address of the electronic device; the selection, by the control tool, of the visual information from a list of visual information and the determination of the communication address from the selected information; the sending, by the control tool, of a command (7) comprising the determined communication address; the execution of the command by the electronic device. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: METHOD FOR CONFIGURING AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING A CONTROL TOOL AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The technical field of the invention is that of configuring at least one electronic device by means of a wireless control tool. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The commissioning of certain electronic devices, such as building lighting, may require a configuration step to customize the functionalities of each device according to user expectations. When these devices are inaccessible, for example when they are hung on a ceiling, their configuration can be carried out using a wireless configuration tool. The latter then makes it possible to send configuration instructions to the various devices via wireless communication. Infrared or Bluetooth(R) communications are commonly used to configure lighting devices when they are already installed on a ceiling. They are economical and offer significant ranges. They also make it possible to establish one-way or two-way communication.

[0003] Infrared communication generally relies on universal addressing of devices. While this addressing method works well for configuring a single electronic device, it poses problems when it is necessary to configure multiple electronic devices.

[0004] [Fig.l] schematically shows an example of controlling two electronic devices 2 by the same control tool 5. Each device 2 comprises an infrared receiver 3. The electronic devices 2 are fixed on a ceiling 4 and arranged close to each other. The control tool comprises an infrared transmitter 6. The user 1, too far from the two devices 2 and pointing the control tool 5 towards one of the two electronic devices 2, cannot prevent the emission of an infrared frame 7 towards both devices 2 at the same time. A command intended for one of the two devices 2 only will therefore also be executed by the other as well.

[0005] Furthermore, when a response is expected in the form of an infrared frame 8, from the targeted device 2, all nearby devices 2 can also send an infrared frame 8 jamming the initial frame.

[0006] There is therefore a need to be able to carry out infrared communication with a single electronic device among a plurality of devices, the carrying out of this communication having to be simple to implement.

[0007] The same need exists with Bluetooth® communication, i.e. carrying out point-to-point communication via Bluetooth® with a single electronic device and in particular specifically targeting this device among a plurality of devices, the carrying out of this communication having to be simple to implement.

[0008] Document US2012268365A1 describes a lighting system comprising lights controlled by a control apparatus for which communication between the control apparatus and each light is carried out by means of an internet network, a mobile communication network or a local area network.

[0009] Document EP3022993A1 describes a lighting system comprising lights and a lighting control device for which communication between the control device and each light is carried out by means of wired communication or radio frequency (RF) wireless communication using for example the Zigbee(TM), EnOcean(TM), Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi(TM) protocols.

[0010] Document EP3549408A1 describes a system for controlling the color of one or more lights. Communication between the control device and the lights is carried out by wire.

[0011] Document US2021173667 describes a configuration tool connected to an electronic device, the configuration tool enabling the establishment of wireless peer-to-peer communication. Summary of the invention

[0012] The invention relates to a method of executing a command sent to an electronic device, the method being implemented by the electronic device, the method comprising: • the association of a communication address of the electronic device with visual information; • receiving, by means of a wireless receiver of the electronic device, a command associated with the visual information; • execution of the command associated with the visual information.

[0013] The association of visual information with a communication address makes it possible to communicate complex information (communication address) to a user in a simple and understandable manner. In this way, the user can identify the device to which he wishes to send a command without having to physically access the latter. The user can associate a command with a device by means of the visual information. He can thus ensure that the command is only executed when it is associated with the correct communication address (otherwise bit with the correct visual information).

[0014] Advantageously, the command is executed when said command comprises the communication address associated with the visual information.

[0015] Thus, when an electronic device receives a command (for example by means of an infrared or radiofrequency signal), it can determine whether the communication address associated with it is included in the command. For example, in the case of infrared communication, by associated address is meant the communication address based on the visual information. When this is the case, it can execute the received command. Otherwise it ignores the command. The use of a specific address associated with the electronic device makes it possible to ensure that the latter does not execute any command sent to another device (for example associated with other visual information).Thus, when several electronic devices according to the invention are placed in the field of the same wireless transmitter, the commands received by all the devices are executed only by the devices associated with the correct communication address, that is to say associated with the correct visual information. The other devices ignore the commands received.

[0016] It is thus easy to specifically control a single electronic device from among a plurality of devices, provided that the command correctly includes the communication address associated with its visual information (and that this information, among the plurality of devices, is unique).

[0017] In the case of infrared communication, it is also easy to control a subset of electronic devices from among a plurality of devices, provided that the devices of this subset are associated with the same visual information (and that this information is different from the visual information of the other devices).

[0018] Advantageously, the method comprises, before receiving the command, pairing a control tool with the electronic device using the communication address associated with the visual information, for example in the case of a BLE(R) implementation.

[0019] Pairing allows point-to-point communication to be achieved between the electronic device and the control tool. The commands that are associated with the visual information are therefore sent by the control tool and only received by the desired electronic device. Thus, when several electronic devices according to the invention are placed in the field of the same wireless transmitter, the commands sent are only executed by the paired device(s).

[0020] Visual information means information that a user is able to interpret visually. For example, the visual information is a fixed or flashing color or a fixed or flashing number.

[0021] Advantageously, the method comprises, before the association of the communication address with the visual information, the definition of the visual information. In this way, devices having identical identifiers (for example serial numbers) can still be configured independently. In addition, the devices do not have to be preconfigured in the factory by assigning them a fixed identifier.

[0022] Preferably, the definition of the visual information is carried out randomly. This is the simplest solution to implement for associating a unique piece of information with each electronic device of a plurality of devices, in particular when the number of devices is small and the number of associable pieces of information is sufficiently large.

[0023] Advantageously, the method comprises, after defining the visual information, displaying said visual information. In this way, the visual information associated with the device can be communicated to a user so that the latter can select the correct device to control. Preferably, the display is carried out by means of a light display module.

[0024] Advantageously, the definition of the visual information is triggered by the reception of a command to reset the visual information, comprising a universal communication address. Thus, each device can redefine the visual information with which it is associated. The use of a universal communication address makes it possible to trigger the reset of the visual information without it being necessary to use the specific address of each device. Thus, the command can be sent to a plurality of devices without carrying out a systematic scan of the different possible addresses.

[0025] Alternatively, the definition of the visual information is triggered by the powering up of the electronic device. Preferably, the definition of the visual information is triggered by the first powering up of the electronic device.

[0026] Advantageously, the execution method comprises, before receiving the command, sending a message comprising visual information and the communication address of the electronic device. This message is preferably multi-broadcast, i.e. sent without a specific recipient. This broadcast is generally called “advertising” or “advertising” in English.

[0027] Advantageously, the method comprises, after or during the execution of the command, sending by means of a wireless transmitter of the electronic device, a feedback relating to the execution of the command. Thus, the device can communicate a result relating to the execution of the order or that it has correctly received the order or that it has completed the execution of the order and is able to execute the subsequent orders.

[0028] Advantageously, the electronic devices comprise a lighting device, a motion detector or a safety unit (i.e. an emergency light that can turn on in the event of a power outage).

[0029] The invention relates to a method of sending a command to an electronic device, the method being implemented by a control tool, the method comprising: • the selection, by means of a human-machine interface of the control tool, of visual information from a list of visual information; • determining a communication address from the selected visual information; and • sending, by means of a wireless transmitter of the control tool, a command associated with the visual information.

[0030] The control tool thus makes it possible to send a command which can be executed by an electronic device associated with the selected visual information.

[0031] The selection of visual information makes it possible to establish a point-to-point communication between the control tool and the electronic device(s) associated with this visual information. By point-to-point communication is meant a communication carried out without an intermediary between a transmitter and a receiver, by a direct addressing principle. When several electronic devices are associated with the same information (and therefore with the same address), a single point-to-point communication can be established (for example in the case of pairing) or several point-to-point communications in parallel (for example in the case of infrared communication).

[0032] The use of a human-machine interface allows a user to select a device (or a set of devices), by means of its visual information. In a practical case, the user can observe visual information such as a color displayed by a multicolor display of an electronic device to select this color in the human-machine interface. The use of a color rather than another data to designate a device has certain additional advantages. For example, when the user is too far from the electronic device (for example when it is fixed on a ceiling) so that he can no longer correctly read the identifier of the device (such as the serial number), he can still distinguish the color associated with the device and emitted by a luminous display. The use of a color rather than an audible status feedback allows the correct device to be controlled, even in a noisy environment. Alternatively, the visual information is a number that can be displayed by a seven-segment display. Using a number also has the advantages mentioned above. Displaying a number rather than a number limits the number of displayable combinations and therefore makes it easier to distinguish and interpret, thereby reducing the risk of selecting the wrong device.

[0033] Advantageously, the command sent includes the determined communication address.

[0034] Advantageously, the method comprises, before sending the command, a pairing, by means of the wireless transmitter, to the electronic device using the communication address associated with the visual information.

[0035] Advantageously, the method comprises, before selecting the visual information, sending, by means of a wireless transmitter, a command to reset the visual information comprising a universal communication address. Thus, the device(s) can execute the reset of their visual information without it being necessary to use the specific address of each device.

[0036] Advantageously, the method comprises, before the selection of the visual information, the reception, by means of a wireless receiver, of a message comprising the visual information and the communication address. The message is for example received during an advertisement of an electronic device. Thus, the control tool can associate a communication address with a visual information without having to determine it by its own means. Thus, when several electronic devices carry out an advertisement, the control tool receives each message and records the corresponding {visual information; communication address] pairs. Thus, the visual information used in the selection step and in the determination step are up to date and exhaustive.

[0037] Advantageously, the method comprises receiving, by means of a wireless receiver of the control tool, feedback relating to the execution of the command.

[0038] In this way, the control tool can be informed of a value relating to the execution of the command (for example, a set light intensity). It can also be informed of the successful execution of the command in order to be able to send other commands.

[0039] Advantageously, the method also comprises, before sending the command: • a selection of a parameter by means of the human-machine interface of the control tool; and • the inclusion of the selected parameter in the command to be sent.

[0040] The invention also relates to a method for configuring an electronic device by a control tool, the method comprising: • the association, by the electronic device, of a communication address of the electronic device with visual information of the electronic device; • the selection, by means of a human-machine interface of the control tool, of visual information from a list of visual information; • the determination, by the control tool, of a communication address from the selected visual information; • sending, by means of a wireless transmitter of the control tool, a command associated with the visual information; • receiving, by means of a wireless receiver of the electronic device, the command comprising the communication address associated with the visual information; and • the execution of the command associated with the visual information by the electronic device.

[0041] The invention further relates to an electronic device comprising a wireless receiver and means configured to carry out the steps of the method for executing a command according to the invention.

[0042] Advantageously, the wireless receiver is an infrared receiver or a radio frequency wave receiver, for example, in a 2.4 GHz frequency band or in a 968 MHz frequency band. These are, for example, the frequency bands that can be used by the Bluetooth® and Zigbee(TM) communication protocols.

[0043] The invention also relates to a control tool comprising a wireless transmitter, a human-machine interface and means configured to carry out the method of sending a command according to the invention.

[0044] The wireless transmitter is advantageously an infrared transmitter or a radiofrequency wave transmitter, for example in a 2.4 GHz frequency band or in a 968 MHz frequency band.

[0045] The invention also relates to a system comprising: • at least one electronic device according to the invention; and • a control tool according to the invention.

[0046] Advantageously, the system comprises a plurality of electronic devices according to the invention.

[0047] The invention and its various applications will be better understood upon reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0048] The figures are presented for information purposes only and in no way limit the invention. Unless otherwise specified, the same element appearing in different figures has a single reference.

[0049] [Fig. 1], already described, schematically presents an example of configuration of two electronic devices according to the prior art by means of a control tool according to the prior art.

[0050] [Fig.2] schematically presents a first embodiment of a system according to the invention comprising an electronic device according to the invention and a control tool according to the invention.

[0051] [Fig.3] schematically presents a mode of implementation of a method execution of a command according to the invention which can be implemented by the electronic device of [Fig.2].

[0052] [Fig.4] schematically presents a mode of implementation of a sending method of a command according to the invention which can be implemented by the command tool of [Fig.2].

[0053] [Fig.5] schematically presents a second embodiment of a system according to the invention comprising in particular two electronic devices according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] [Fig. 2] schematically presents a first embodiment of a system 19 for configuring an electronic device 10 by means of a control tool 12. The system 19 further comprises a control tool 12 and an electronic device 10. The control tool 12 is, among other things, used to send a command 28, for example a configuration command, to the device 10.

[0055] The device 10 is configurable, that is to say that at least one of its functionalities can be configured. For example, when the device 10 is a lighting device, the functionalities can be the adjustment of a light intensity, a duration before going into standby or an automatic switching-on programming according to the days of the week. When it is a motion detector, the functionalities can be the trigger level or a programming according to the days of the week.

[0056] The device 10 comprises a wireless receiver 3. This is for example an infrared receiver, such as those that can be found on electronic devices of the prior art (for example of [Fig.l]). The device 10 according to the invention can thus receive a first infrared frame 7. This first frame 7 is notably used to convey a command 28 (indicated in parentheses in [Fig.2]). In a variant, the wireless receiver 3 can be configured to communicate by means of radio frequency frames, for example implementing the Bluetooth® protocol (including in particular “Bluetooth low energy”, also known as “Bluetooth low energy”, also called “Bluetooth Low Energy” or “BLE” or “BTLE” or “Bluetooth Smart”) or Wi-Fi(TM) or protocols allowing communication by sub-gigahertz radio frequency frames such as Zigbee(TM) or EnOcean(TM).

[0057] In the embodiment of [Fig.2], the device 10 comprises a wireless transmitter 15, for example infrared. The device 10 can thus send a second infrared frame 8. This second frame 8 can be used to convey a feedback 29 (indicated in parentheses in [Fig.2]) on the execution of a command 28. Alternatively, the wireless transmitter receiver 15 can also be configured to communicate with the Bluetooth® protocol and for example by BLE. The device 10 can thus send a Bluetooth® frame.

[0058] In the embodiment of [Fig.2], the device 10 also comprises a display for displaying visual information. In this case, this is a polychromatic display 11, also called “multicolor.” By polychromatic or multicolor, we mean a display capable of displaying, sequentially or simultaneously, several different colors. This is, for example, a polychromatic (called “RGB”) light-emitting diode (called “LED”). It can also be a plurality of LEDs of different colors. The LEDs are, for example, five in number and are white, yellow, green, blue or even magenta. The display is then preferably configured to be able to display different colors in a fixed or flashing manner. Thus, the usable visual information can be fixed or flashing. Thus, the number of usable visual information is increased without, however, resorting to additional displays.

[0059] In a variant, the device 10 may comprise a display configured to display a digit, such as a seven-segment illuminated display. The display can, for example, display the digits from 0 to 9. Here too, it is advisable for the display to be able to display the digits in a fixed or flashing manner.

[0060] In one embodiment, the device 10 comprises a presence detector. The device 10 can then be configured to display visual information when a presence is detected. Thus, the energy consumed by the device 10 is reduced.

[0061] The example in [Fig.2] describes the implementation of a color as visual information. However, the teachings described below are directly transposed to a number as visual information.

[0062] Several devices 10 can present exactly the same multi-color displays 11. It is the activation of LEDs of different colors (or the selection of a color of an RGB LED), fixed or flashing, which makes it possible to differentiate the devices 10 or the subsets of devices 10 (when these are associated with the same color).

[0063] The device 10 further comprises a memory 16 capable of storing parameters of the device 10, such as a light intensity or a color, flashing or not, (or a number) with which the device 10 is associated.

[0064] The device 10 also comprises means 14 for implementing the wireless receiver 3, the wireless transmitter 15, the multi-color display 11 and the memory 16. Said means 14 comprise, for example, a controller, a calculator, an on-board computer or even an electronic circuit. To simplify the description, it will be considered that these means comprise a controller 14. The controller 14 is in particular configured to implement the aforementioned elements according to the execution method of [Fig. 3].

[0065] The control tool 12 comprises a wireless transmitter 6, for example infrared and such as those that can be found on control tools of the prior art (for example of [Fig.l]). It can thus send a command 28 to the device 10 by means of an infrared frame 7. The wireless transmitter 6 can also be configured to implement radiofrequency communication such as Bluetooth®, BLE® or Zigbee(TM). It can thus send a command 28 to the device 10 by means of a Bluetooth® frame.

[0066] The control tool 12 illustrated in [Fig.2] also comprises a wireless receiver 18, for example infrared or Bluetooth®. It can thus receive feedback 29 from the device 10.

[0067] The control tool 12 further comprises a human-machine interface 13 for interacting with a user 1. The human-machine interface 13 may be a keyboard associated with a list of visual information (such as colors or numbers) or a multicolor or monochrome touch screen. The human-machine interface 13 thus allows the user 1 to select 31 a visual information (a color or a number) from a list of visual information (in this case a list of colors or numbers) or to select a parameter to be sent to the device 10.

[0068] The control tool 12 also comprises means 17 configured to implement the wireless transmitter 6, the wireless receiver 18 and the human-machine interface 13. The means 17 of the control tool 12 may, in the same way as the device 10, comprise a controller, a calculator, an on-board computer or an electronic circuit. To simplify the description, it will be considered that these means 17 comprise a controller 17. The controller 17 of the control tool 12 is notably configured to implement the aforementioned elements according to the method of sending a command of [Fig.4].

[0069] Figures 3 and 4 show schematically: • a method for executing a command 28, which can be implemented by the device 10 of [Fig.2]; and • a method for sending such a command 28, which can be implemented by the command tool 12

[0070] These two methods, which can be grouped under a single method of configuring an electronic device 10 by means of a control tool 12, allow the control tool 12 to send a command 28 to the device 10 so that the latter only executes said command 28 when a particular condition is met. Said condition is in this case the use of a valid communication address to communicate with the device 10. This amounts to implementing point-to-point communication between the control tool 12 and the device 10.

[0071] The two methods of Figures 3 and 4 will now be described together considering colors as visual information. Alternatively, the visual information could be numbers.

[0072] The device 10 may be associated with a color, flashing or not. By “associated with a color”, it is meant that the device 10 stores, for example in its memory 16, information linked to a color. It is advantageously understood that the device 10 is also able to display the color, for example by means of the multicolor display 11.

[0073] For example, in a very simplistic embodiment, the device 10, associated with a color, may comprise an element of said color on one of its faces. This is for example a label or a sticker of said color, stuck on the casing of the device 10. The color and the association with this color are for example predefined in the factory, during the manufacture of the device 10. The color may be based on an identifier of the device 10, such as a serial number or a model number. Alternatively, the color may be defined when the electronic device is first powered on, for example randomly or according to an identifier of the device 10. This initial definition of the color may then be stored permanently in a non-volatile memory of the device 10.

[0074] It is however advantageous that the device 10 is able to be associated with different colors and that it is able to present the color with which it is associated to a user 1.

[0075] The execution method implemented by the device 10 may firstly provide a step 21 of defining the color. It may be carried out each time the device 10 is powered up. The color may be defined from an identifier of the device 10, such as hardware data relating to the device 10, for example a serial number or a model number. The color may also have been defined previously and stored in the memory 16 of the device 10.

[0076] The color can also be defined randomly. The memory 16 of the device 10 stores, for example, a correspondence table between integers and a list of colors that can be associated with the device 10 (in other words the list of colors that can be displayed by the display 11 of the device 10).

[0077] A random drawing of an integer thus makes it possible to determine, using said correspondence table, the color associated with the device 10.

[0078] In the embodiment of [Fig.3], the execution method provides that the color defined during the previous step is displayed 22. The display 22 is for example produced by means of the multicolor display 11. The controller 14 activates for example one of the LEDs of the display 11 or activates the color defined on the RGB LED.

[0079] It allows the user to see the color with which the device 10 is associated. When there are several devices 10, the user 1 is able to determine the colors associated with each device 10.

[0080] The random definition of the colors makes it possible to simply distribute the different colors between devices 10 which do not exchange any data between them. The risk that at least two devices 10 display the same colors depends on the number of devices 10 and the number of accessible colors.

[0081] In order for the user 1 to be able to select the device 10 to be controlled, the method for sending the command 28 provides a step 31 of selecting a color from a list of colors. The list of colors includes, for example, all the colors accessible to the device 10. The user can then select the color displayed 22 by the device 10. This selection 31 is preferably carried out by means of the human-machine interface 13 of the control tool 12.

[0082] The method for sending the command 28 then provides a step 32 for determining a communication address in order to communicate with the device 10 associated with the color selected by the user 1. For this, the method provides that the communication address is determined from the selected color.

[0083] The determination of the communication address may depend on the communication protocol used between the control tool 12 and the electronic device 10. This protocol may integrate a field dedicated to a communication address, also called an “addressing field”. For example, the protocol may provide that a command includes an addressing field coded on one or more bytes. The addressing field thus makes it possible to store color information (called a “color code”) linked to the device 10.

[0084] In a practical case, based on five different colors, the following correspondence table can be drawn up: Color Code Color 01 white 02 yellow 03 green 04 blue 05 magenta 06 flashing white 07 flashing yellow 08 flashing green 09 flashing blue 10 flashing magenta

[0085] The controller 17 of the control tool can then determine the communication address by following the above-mentioned example.

[0086] The method of [Fig.4] provides for the sending 33 of the command 28 to the device 10 (or to the different devices 10 when there are several). The sending 33 can be carried out in several ways, for example by transmission of an infrared frame or by transmission of a radiofrequency frame (corresponding for example to BLE(R)). These two examples are described below.

[0087] In the case where the transmission is carried out by infrared, it is provided that the command 28 includes the previously determined communication address. For this, the communication address can be inserted in the addressing field of the protocol detailed above and provided for this purpose.

[0088] The command 28 is then sent 33 in the form of an infrared frame 7 by means of the wireless transmitter 6 (in this case infrared) of the control tool 10. The infrared frame 7 is emitted according to a solid angle which can encompass several devices 10.

[0089] The method of [Fig. 3] provides for the device 10 a step 23 of associating a communication address with the color with which it is associated. The association 23 of the address can advantageously use the same method as that used by the control tool 10, namely basing the address of the device 10 on the visual information. This involves, for example, the application of the communication protocol detailed above. Alternatively, the color may be based on the communication address of the device 10.

[0090] Upon reception 24 of an infrared frame 7 by the wireless receiver 3 (in this case infrared) of the device 10, the controller 14 of the device 10 can interpret said frame 7 and determine the associated command 28.

[0091] The execution method provides that the controller 14 performs a comparison of the communication address stored in the received command 28 with the previously determined communication address. In other words, the controller 14 of the device 10 compares the information relating to the color coded in the two addresses. When this color information is identical, the command 28 is indeed addressed to the device 10. From then on, the device 10 can execute this command 28.

[0092] When this color information is identical, the command 28 received is intended for the device 10. The device 10 can then execute this command 28 (and for example change the light intensity of the device 10).

[0093] On the other hand, when the color information does not match, the received command 7 is not intended for the device 10 and it is ignored.

[0094] In this way, only the commands 28 intended for the device 10 corresponding to the color selected on the human-machine interface 13 are executed by said device 10.

[0095] In the case where the transmission is carried out by radio frequency (for example by BLE(R) or Zigbee(TM)), the method provides that each device 10 sends 41 a message 51 comprising its communication address. This sending is preferably carried out by multicasting by means of the wireless transmitter 15 (in this case radio frequency), that is to say without a specific recipient. This broadcasting is then called “advertising” in English. If advertising, prior to pairing, is known to the person skilled in the art, the method is remarkable in that each message 51 also includes the visual information (in this case the color, flashing or not) associated with each device 10.

[0096] In this implementation of a radiofrequency transmission, the method provides for the reception 42 of each message 51 by the control tool 12, for example by means of the wireless receiver 18 (in this case radiofrequency). Thus, the control tool 12 can record each color / address association received. When selecting the visual information, the control tool 12 displays the list of color / address associations previously received, for example by means of a screen. Thus, the user 1 looks at the targeted product displaying its color code to determine its color code, then checks in the list of colors proposed by the control tool 12 the device with the corresponding color.

[0097] The method then provides for a pairing 43 of the control tool 12 to the targeted device 10 using the communication address associated with the color selected by the user 1. By pairing, we mean the establishment of a communication channel between the control tool 12 and the device 10 designated by the communication address, strictly reserved for the control tool 12 and the designated device 10.

[0098] Thanks to the pairing 43, the command 28 is only sent 33 to the designated device 10. The other devices 10 then do not receive the command 28.

[0099] Similar to the implementation mode based on infrared transmission, the association 23 of the communication address may comprise a determination of the address of the device 10 from the visual information associated with the device 10. Alternatively, the communication address of the device 10 may be predefined (for example when the device is switched on or in the factory). Thus, the association step 23 then comprises a determination of the visual information (color or number) to be displayed from the communication address of the device 10.

[0100] For each device 10, the advertising of the message 51 preferably takes place after the association 23 of its communication address with its visual information (whatever the method used) and before the reception 24 of the command to be executed. Preferably, the advertising occurs before the pairing step 43 of the control tool 12. For example, this advertising occurs after each power-up of the device(s) 10 or after each reset 27 of the visual information.

[0101] In a variant, the transmission can be carried out over long distances and by radio frequency. These are, for example, protocols of the Zigbee(R) or EnOcean(TM) type. These protocols, if they can allow pairing in certain cases, can also operate without pairing. Thus, in the latter case, it is advisable for the device 10 to be able to operate according to the approach described with reference to infrared communication (i.e. with incorporation of the communication address in the command to be sent to the devices).

[0102] Whether the communication is carried out by infrared or by radio frequency, the device 10 executes the command only when it is associated with the visual information. In one case, a test is carried out on the command, before its execution, to verify that it is actually associated with the visual information. In another case, a pairing makes it possible to ensure that only the commands associated with the visual information are received.

[0103] The method of [Fig.4] can also provide a step of selecting a parameter by means of the human-machine interface 13 of the control tool 12. This parameter can then be used to execute the command by the device 10. The parameter is for example included in the command 28 sent 33.

[0104] When several devices 10 display 22 the same color while the user 1 wishes to control only one of these devices, he can request a reset of the colors of all the devices 10. To do this, the method of [Fig.4] provides for the sending 30 of a color reset command 27 to the different devices 10. So that all the devices 10 targeted by the control tool 12 can carry out this reset, the method provides for this command 27 to be sent on a broadcast principle. In other words, it is expected that the devices 10 execute this reset command even when this command 27 is not sent accompanied by the specific address of each device 10 or even when there has been no pairing with the control tool 12.

[0105] The method provides in particular that the reset command 27 comprises a universal communication address. By universal, it is meant that all the devices 10 are able to execute it.

[0106] The universal communication address may be a reserved address in the accessible addresses field. Using the example relating to the correspondence table above, the universal address is for example associated with the integer 0. This implementation of the reset is particularly suitable for infrared communication. In the case where the communication is carried out by radio frequency, it is expected that the devices 10 are configured to receive and execute a command sent on a broadcast principle.

[0107] The step 30 of sending the reset command 27 is preferably carried out before the selection 31 of the color in the human-machine interface 13 by the user 1.

[0108] Thus, the method of [Fig.3] additionally provides that upon receipt of a command, in infrared, each device 10 determines whether the address stored in the command is an address linked to its particular color or whether the address is a universal address. When it is the latter option, the device 10 executes the command associated with this universal address.

[0109] Alternatively, the reset can be performed even if the devices 10 are not able to communicate by means of a universal address. In the case where several devices 10 have the same color and a reset is necessary, the user 1 then selects the color corresponding to the devices 10. The reset can take place according to two scenarios. According to a first scenario, the connection is made with all the devices 10 associated with this color (which corresponds for example to the case of an infrared communication) and all the devices 10 execute the reset. This reset is then to be carried out as long as it remaining devices 10 associated with the same color. According to a second scenario, communication (for example by pairing) is established with only one of the devices 10, without however allowing the device 10 to be distinguished. The reset then allows this device 10 to change color and therefore to distinguish itself from the other device(s) 10. This process is to be repeated as long as there are still devices 10 associated with the same color. Thus, the user 1's journey for the next connections will be simplified.

[0110] In particular, when the command is a reset command 27, each device 10 triggers 20 the step 21 of determining its color as described previously.

[0111] After the execution of a command 27, 28 by the device 10, whether it is a configuration command 28 or a reset command 27, the method of [Fig. 3] can provide that the device 10 sends 26 a return 29 relating to this execution to the control tool 12. This return 29 can be called “acknowledgment”. The return 29 can take the form of a parameter or data resulting from the execution of the command 28. It can also be a generic return indicating that the execution of the command 28 is finished and that the device 10 is waiting for a new command 27, 28.

[0112] Sending the return 29 can be carried out in the form of an infrared frame 8 transmitted by means of the wireless transmitter 15 of the device 10.

[0113] When the device 10 and the control tool 12 are paired, the sending of the return 29 is preferably carried out by means of the channel opened during the pairing 43.

[0114] Symmetrically, the method of [Fig.4] can provide a step 34 of receiving the return 29. The reception of this return 29 can allow the control tool 12 to send 33 a new command 28.

[0115] [Fig. 5] shows a second embodiment of the system 19 according to the invention. Unlike the system 19 of [Fig. 2], the system comprises two electronic devices 10. In this example, these are lighting devices fixed to a ceiling 4. The devices 10 can also be motion detectors or safety blocks. In the example illustrated, they are arranged close to each other, for example less than 5 m from each other, or even less than 1 m from each other.

[0116] The devices 10 display the visual information with which they are associated (in this case a color) on their respective displays 11 (in this example these are different colors). The user 1 notes the colors associated with the different devices 10 and selects one of the colors in the human-machine interface 13 of the control tool 12. In this way, the command 28 sent by the control tool 12, simultaneously on the two devices 10, will not be executed only by one of the two devices 10, the one corresponding to the color selected by user 1.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for executing a command (28) sent to an electronic device (10), the method being implemented by the electronic device (10), the method comprising: - associating (23) a communication address of the electronic device (10) with visual information; - receiving (24), by means of a wireless receiver (3) of the electronic device (10), a command (28) associated with the visual information; - executing (25) the command (28) associated with the visual information.

2. The execution method of claim 1, wherein the command (28) is executed (25) when said command (28) includes the communication address associated with the visual information.

3. Execution method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising, before receiving (24) the command (28), a pairing (43) of a control tool (12) to the electronic device (10) using the communication address associated with the visual information.

4. A method of execution according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the visual information is a fixed or flashing color, or a fixed or flashing predefined number.

5. Execution method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising, before the association (23) of the communication address with the visual information, the definition (21) of the visual information in a random manner.

6. The execution method according to claim 5, wherein the definition (21) of the visual information is triggered by the reception (20) of a reset command (27) of the visual information comprising a universal communication address.

7. A method of execution according to claim 5, wherein the definition (21) of the visual information is triggered by switching on the electronic device (10).

8. Execution method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising, before receiving (24) the command (28), sending (41) of a message (51) comprising the visual information and the communication address of the electronic device (10).

9. Method for sending a command (28) to an electronic device (10), the method being implemented by a control tool (12), the method comprising: - selecting (31), by means of a human-machine interface (13) of the control tool (12), a visual information item from a list of visual information items; - determining (32) a communication address from the selected visual information item; and - sending (33), by means of a wireless transmitter (6) of the control tool (12), a command (28) associated with the visual information item.

10. A sending method according to claim 9, wherein the command (28) sent comprises the communication address associated with the visual information.

11. Sending method according to claim 9 or 10, comprising, before sending (33) the command (28), a pairing (43) to the electronic device (10) using the determined communication address.

12. Sending method according to one of claims 9 to 11, comprising, before the selection (31) of the visual information, the sending (30), by means of the wireless transmitter (6), of a reset command (27) of the visual information comprising a universal communication address.

13. Sending method according to one of claims 9 to 14, comprising, before the selection (31) of the visual information, the reception (42), by means of a wireless receiver (18), of a message (51) comprising the visual information and the communication address.

14. Method for configuring an electronic device (10) by a control tool (12), the method comprising: - the association (23), by the electronic device (10), of a communication address of the electronic device (10) with visual information of the electronic device (10); - the selection (31), by means of a human-machine interface (13) of the control tool (12), of a

15.

16.

17.

18. visual information in a list of visual information; - the determination (32), by the control tool (12), of a communication address from the selected visual information; - sending (33), by means of a wireless transmitter (6) of the control tool (12), a command (28) associated with the visual information; - receiving (24), by means of a wireless receiver (3) of the electronic device (10), the command (28) associated with the visual information; and - the execution (25) of the command (28) associated with the visual information by the electronic device (10). Electronic device (10) comprising a wireless receiver (3) and means (14) configured to carry out the steps of the execution method according to one of claims 1 to 8. Control tool (12) comprising a wireless transmitter (6), a human-machine interface (13) and means (17) configured to carry out the method of sending a command according to one of claims 9 to 13. System (19) comprising: - at least one electronic device (10) according to claim 15; and - a control tool (12) according to claim 16. System (19) according to the preceding claim, comprising a plurality of electronic devices (10) according to claim 15.