Method and entity for managing a standby mode of a device

Abstract

Method and entity for managing a standby mode of a device Method for managing, by a control entity, a standby mode of an electronic device, comprising: - a step of obtaining at least one piece of information representative of an energy context of an infrastructure including said device, and - a step of selecting, as a function at least of said at least one piece of information, a standby mode from a plurality of possible standby modes of the device. Figure for the abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Method and entity for managing a standby mode of a device Field of the invention

[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of managing the electrical consumption of electronic or electrical devices.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a method for managing the standby modes of electronic or electrical devices. Prior art

[0003] Electronic devices are now omnipresent, whether in domestic, industrial, urban environments, etc., for example, within a house, the presence of various electronic devices providing access to various services, network connectivity, etc. In a context of reducing energy costs in the home, electronic devices such as TV decoders, televisions, routers now all offer a standby mode to reduce their electricity consumption.

[0004] However, although much lower than the electrical consumption when they are in an active mode, the electrical consumption of devices in standby represents a few watts, which, over a year, results in a significant energy expenditure.

[0005] In countries where electricity production is heavily linked to fossil fuels (coal, gas), this expenditure also constitutes a carbon footprint that should be reduced, especially since some devices spend the majority of their time on standby.

[0006] In order to reduce this consumption in standby mode, component manufacturers as well as electronic device manufacturers have introduced so-called “deep” standby mechanisms or modes as opposed to so-called “shallow” or “light” standby modes.

[0007] The deeper the sleep mode, in other words the more the electronic components of a device are "asleep", the lower the power consumption. However, the level of sleep of the components of the device can prove problematic during their wake-up phase to a so-called "active" mode. Indeed, the restart time of the device is proportional to the level of sleep, which can generate a waiting time for the user of the device which can reach 30 or even 60 seconds before he can benefit from all the functionalities of the device. This waiting time can put off some users who ultimately prefer pay a few euros more per year for electricity rather than having to endure excessive latency when activating their electronic devices.

[0008] Well aware of this problem, manufacturers of electronic devices are increasingly offering two standby modes for their devices, namely a light standby mode and a deep standby mode. The user can then decide, via a human-machine interface, the standby level of the device, for example according to their budgetary constraints, their desire to control their carbon impact and / or their patience with regard to the standby exit time of this device.

[0009] However, the implementation of two standby modes creates other problems that sometimes render these standby modes inoperative. In particular, it is difficult to understand the benefits and / or savings provided by the different standby modes, but also the complexity and the heaviness relating to the adjustment of the standby modes of the different devices present in a house or in an office building.

[0010] Object and summary of the invention

[0011] The invention responds in particular to these problems by proposing a method for managing, by a control entity, a standby mode of an electronic device, comprising: - a step of obtaining at least one piece of information representative of an energy context of an infrastructure including said device, and - a step of selecting, as a function of at least said at least one piece of information, a standby mode from a plurality of possible standby modes of the device.

[0012] Correlatively, the invention also relates to an entity for managing standby modes of a device, said management entity comprising: - an obtaining module configured to obtain information representative of an energy context of an infrastructure including said device, and - a selection module configured to select, for said device, a standby mode from a plurality of standby modes of said device, based at least on said at least one piece of information representative of the energy context.

[0013] This method (and incidentally the management entity implementing this method) advantageously makes it possible to automate the choice of the standby mode, without requiring manual action from the user. Thus, each electronic device (television, router, radiator, etc.) of an infrastructure (a house or an apartment, a building or a hamlet, etc.) dynamically switches to the most appropriate standby mode taking into account the current energy context (overproduction or underproduction of electricity, overtaxed electricity tariff or not, etc.) of the infrastructure to which it is attached.

[0014] The invention advantageously makes it possible to have management of the standby modes of the devices of an infrastructure as a whole or with finer granularity by example device by device or by category of devices.

[0015] This invention is all the more interesting because it also makes it possible to take into account an energy context of the devices which is constantly evolving according to events which are sometimes beyond the control of users such as the evolving tariffs charged by electricity suppliers (e.g.: peak / off-peak hours) or even the production of domestic electricity for installations having, where appropriate, photovoltaic panel(s), and / or wind turbine(s), and / or local storage solutions (battery, electric vehicle charging station, etc.) and / or any other source(s) of electricity apart from domestic electricity sources.

[0016] No limitation is attached to the number of possible standby modes for the device in question: for example, it is possible to envisage a deep standby mode and a light standby mode as conventionally in the state of the art, but also intermediate standby modes if necessary, depending on the device considered.

[0017] By way of illustration, in the event of a favorable energy context, for example when photovoltaic panels or wind turbine installations in a home produce a surplus of electricity, the invention automatically selects a shallow standby mode for the devices in the home, thus improving their responsiveness and consequently their availability to users.

[0018] In an unfavorable energy context, for example when the infrastructure consumes more electricity than it produces or when the electricity is sold at a premium rate, the invention automatically selects a deep standby mode in order to limit the electricity consumption and its cost, and / or even reduce the load on the electricity network.

[0019] Thus, the invention advantageously makes it possible to limit the electrical consumption of the devices (and the costs associated with it) in a transparent manner for users and while guaranteeing significant responsiveness (shallow standby mode) when the energy context lends itself to it.

[0020] According to a particular embodiment, the selection step is preceded by a step of determining a state of the energy context from at least said at least one piece of information, and the standby mode selected during the selection step corresponds to a standby mode associated, in a table, with the state of the determined energy context, said table associating with each possible standby mode of said device at least one state of the energy context.

[0021] This embodiment facilitates the implementation of the invention. In addition, it advantageously makes it possible to organize the selection of standby modes according to predefined energy context states, which can take into account a plurality of cross-referenced and aggregated information, for example the electricity pricing, the value in KWh of electricity produced locally, the consumption in KWh or even the temperature. temperature, time of day, etc.

[0022] For example, by way of illustration: - a state no. 1 or "unfavorable" of the energy context can be defined as corresponding to the combination of a tariff corresponding to peak hours, a domestic energy production lower than 0.lkwh, and an outside temperature lower than 15 degrees Celsius; this state no. 1 can be associated in the table with a deep standby mode, - a state n°2 or “favorable” of the energy context can be defined as corresponding to the combination of a pricing corresponding to off-peak hours, a domestic energy production between 0.1 and 1 KWh, and an outside temperature greater than or equal to 15 degrees Celsius; this state n°2 can be associated in the table with a shallow or light standby mode.

[0023] Other states and other associations can of course be envisaged as a variant.

[0024] The association of the different standby modes available for a given device with each of these states of the energy context advantageously makes it possible to achieve a more suitable and more coherent selection of the standby modes as a function of all the information representative of the available energy context.

[0025] This embodiment also allows simplified management of standby modes when the standby mode management entity obtains a large amount of information representative of the energy context.

[0026] According to a particular embodiment, the selection step further takes into account a user preference.

[0027] This embodiment advantageously makes it possible to combine several criteria when selecting the standby mode of the device, and to adapt the selected standby mode to the habits (or more generally to the preferences) of the user. Thus it is possible to select, in an equivalent energy context, a shallow standby level for the device(s) for which the user wishes to maintain a short standby exit time (for example a computer or a television) and a deep standby level for the device(s) for which, for the user, energy saving appears to be more important than the responsiveness of the device (for example a router or a network attached storage server (also known as NAS for "Network Attached Storage" in English)).

[0028] The invention advantageously makes it possible to achieve an optimal balance between reactivity (shallow standby mode) and energy saving (deep standby mode), depending on the energy context (where appropriate depending on the energy context states) and depending on the importance given by the user to the reactivity of the device. This embodiment thus helps to limit the inconveniences which could be caused by a uniform application of deep sleep mode management across all devices in an infrastructure, and consequently, to convince a greater number of users to use the different sleep modes available for the infrastructure devices, including the deepest sleep modes.

[0029] According to a particular embodiment, the selection step further takes into account a characteristic of the device.

[0030] This embodiment advantageously allows a selection of standby modes directly adapted to the characteristics of the device, which includes for example the uses which are associated with its type (and the resulting expected reactivity) as well as its electrical consumption (and therefore the importance of the energy savings provided by deep standby modes).

[0031] This embodiment also allows simplified selection of standby modes for devices of the same type (for example all televisions in the home or all radiators in an office building) within a given infrastructure.

[0032] According to a particular embodiment, the invention further comprises a step of sending a command to the device to switch to the selected standby mode.

[0033] This embodiment allows centralized management of the standby modes of remote devices. Sending a command is not, however, systematic. Indeed, it is possible to consider not sending a command when the selection step leads to a standby mode in which said device is already located (and selected for example during a previous selection step). This results in a reduction in the messages sent between the management entity and the different devices, bandwidth savings and less stress on the network equipment.

[0034] According to a particular embodiment, during the selection step, a standby mode different from a current standby mode in which said device is located can only be selected at the end of a given period of time after the selection of said current standby mode.

[0035] This embodiment offers a hysteresis mechanism which advantageously makes it possible to limit untimely switches from one standby mode to another, and which can themselves induce unnecessary energy expenditure, for example when the device requires a significant amount of time to exit a deep standby mode or even significant electrical consumption associated with exiting such a deep standby mode.

[0036] According to a particular embodiment, said at least one piece of information representative of an energy context comprises a prediction of said energy context.

[0037] This embodiment advantageously makes it possible to use forecasts of change in energy context (for example in the case of a switch to “off-peak hours” (when electricity is cheaper) or in the case where strong sunshine is forecast, involving significant photovoltaic electricity production) in order to anticipate the time taken to switch from one standby mode to another for a given device.

[0038] According to a particular embodiment, said at least one piece of information representative of an energy context comprises information received from at least one electricity meter.

[0039] This embodiment is particularly simple to implement. In addition to information on the electricity consumption of the infrastructure, this embodiment makes it possible to benefit from and take into account, when selecting standby modes, additional information such as information relating to the purchase and / or resale prices of electricity as well as the possible balance between the electricity produced and / or exported and the imported electricity. This makes it possible to obtain a more detailed measurement of the energy context and, ultimately, an optimized selection of the standby modes of the devices, guaranteeing more substantial energy savings.

[0040] According to a particular embodiment, said infrastructure is an individual dwelling, a building or a hamlet.

[0041] The invention can in fact be implemented in a large number of situations, depending on the definition of the energy context and its scope.

[0042] The invention also relates to a computer program comprising program code instructions for implementing a method for managing the standby modes of a device according to any one of the particular embodiments described above, when said program is executed on a computer.

[0043] Such instructions can be stored permanently in a non-transitory memory medium of a communication terminal implementing the standby mode management method according to the invention.

[0044] This program may use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0045] The invention also relates to an information or recording medium readable by a computer and comprising instructions of a computer program as mentioned above.

[0046] The recording medium may be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may include a storage means, such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), for example a CD ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory) or a microelectronic circuit ROM. electronics, or a magnetic recording medium, for example a mobile medium, a hard disk or an SSD (“Solid State Drive” in English).

[0047] Furthermore, the recording medium may be a transmissible medium, such as an electrical or optical signal, which may be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by radio or by other means, so that the computer program contained therein is remotely executable. The program according to the invention may in particular be downloaded over a network, for example an Internet-type network.

[0048] Alternatively, the recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the aforementioned management method.

[0049] The invention also relates to a system for managing standby modes, said system comprising: - a management terminal according to the invention, and - a device of an infrastructure whose standby mode is managed by said management terminal. Brief description of the drawings

[0050] Other characteristics and advantages will appear on reading particular embodiments of the invention, given as illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings, among which:

[0051] [Fig.l] represents a standby mode management system according to the invention in a particular embodiment,

[0052] [Fig.2] describes the steps of the method according to one embodiment,

[0053] [Fig.3] represents the steps of the analysis method according to a particular mode of realization,

[0054] [Fig.4] represents the steps of the analysis method according to a particular mode of realization,

[0055] [Fig.5] represents the steps of the analysis method according to a particular mode of realization,

[0056] [Fig.6] represents an example of a standby mode management device according to an embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0057] Description of an example of architecture in which the method for managing standby modes is implemented

[0058] Figure [Fig.l] shows an example of architecture within which the standby mode management method according to the invention can be implemented in a particular embodiment. This architecture comprises: - an MSV standby mode management entity according to the invention, configured to implement the management method according to the invention, said entity designating a software module or hardware device, - an MCI capture module, - a Tl device having at least two sleep modes, a shallow sleep mode and a deep sleep mode, - a communication network R allowing the MSV management entity, the MCI capture module and the device T1 to exchange information between them, in particular within the framework of the invention. - an INFRA infrastructure, bringing together the MSV management entity, the MCI capture module, the Tl device and covered by the R network.

[0059] In this embodiment, the INFRA infrastructure is a private dwelling (e.g. house, apartment, etc.). However, the invention applies to other infrastructures such as a collective living space (building, hamlet, village, etc.), a factory, a set of company offices, etc.

[0060] In this embodiment, the MCI capture module is an electric meter. However, the invention applies to other capture modules such as a tool for monitoring solar and / or wind production, a tool for managing the export and / or import of electrical energy, a connected thermometer or any device capable of producing ICE information representative of the energy context.

[0061] In this embodiment, ICE information representative of the energy context is information representative of the electrical consumption of the house. However, the invention applies to other information representative of the energy context, whether it is information directly providing the energy situation of the infrastructure, for example, electrical production, KWh pricing, the charge level of local storage solutions, or indirectly, for example, temperature (possible need for electrical consumption), sunshine conditions (possible production of photovoltaic energy), wind speed (possible production of wind energy), etc.

[0062] In this embodiment, the device T1 is a television. However, the invention also applies to a router, a washing machine, a heat pump or any other electrical or electronic equipment present within an INFRA infrastructure. The INFRA infrastructure may also group together one or more other electrical or electronic devices in addition to the device T1 (not shown in the figure) and / or one or more capture modules in addition to the MCI module (not shown in the figure).

[0063] The MSV management entity, the MCI capture module and the device T1 form a system SYS, in accordance with the invention. According to the embodiments, the MSV management entity, the MCI capture module and the device T1 are individualized or associated two by two or all three sets so as to constitute respectively one, two or three separate devices.

[0064] Description of the steps of the management method according to a first embodiment

[0065] Figure [Fig.2] represents the main steps of the method according to the invention as they are implemented by the MSV standby mode management entity within an architecture similar or identical to that represented in figure [Fig.l].

[0066] In the example envisaged here, the device T1 is a connected television having an on mode, an off mode and two standby modes (shallow and deep), the MCI capture module is a device for controlling the energy expenditure and production of the house and the INFRA infrastructure is an individual house. This is however only a non-limiting illustrative example of the invention; thus, it is possible to envisage according to other examples that: - It is a computer, a heating system or any other electrical equipment, - the INFRA infrastructure is a building, a factory, a hamlet or any type of an assembly grouping at least one electronic device Tl, equipped with at least one MCI capture module of at least one ICE information representative of the energy context CE specific to said infrastructure and where the device Tl, the MCI capture module and the MSV entity for managing standby modes can communicate with each other via a network R.

[0067] During step E211, the standby mode management entity MSV obtains, from the MCI capture module (as a reminder, in the example described here, the MCI module is a device for controlling the energy expenditure and production of the house), via the network R, ICE information representative of the energy context CE.

[0068] In this embodiment, the ICE information represents the net energy production of the INFRA infrastructure, i.e. all of the electrical production resulting from equipment of the INFRA infrastructure less all of the electrical consumption within the INFRA infrastructure. This net production is negative if the infrastructure consumes more electricity than it produces and positive otherwise.

[0069] However, in other embodiments, the ICE information may relate to other data such as for example electricity pricing, to the sole electricity production or to the sole electricity consumption of the INFRA infrastructure or of a T1 device of the INFRA infrastructure in particular, to meteorological data (temperature, sunshine, wind) which may impact the energy consumption or production of the INFRA infrastructure, etc.

[0070] In step E221, the MSV management entity selects, based at least on said at least one ICE information item obtained in step E211, a standby mode from a plurality of possible standby modes of the Tl device.

[0071] In this embodiment, if the information representative of the energy context ICE corresponds to a negative net electrical production, the standby mode management entity MSV selects the deep standby mode for the device T1.

[0072] In this way, the consumption of the device T1 is minimized. In return, the responsiveness of the device T1 may be degraded compared to a less deep sleep mode.

[0073] Conversely, if the information representative of the energy context ICE corresponds to a positive net electrical production, the standby mode management entity MSV selects the shallow standby mode for the device T1.

[0074] In this embodiment, a standby mode different from a current standby mode of the device can only be selected after a given period of time has elapsed after the selection of the current mode. This minimum time between two changes of standby mode can be predefined or entered by the user via, for example, a dedicated user interface. It can also be specific to all the devices in the infrastructure or specific to each device or each type of device.

[0075] For example, for a television type Tl device, it is possible to envisage a change of standby mode only at least every hour or every two hours.

[0076] According to one embodiment, ICE information obtained by an MCI capture module comprises a prediction of said energy context. This is for example a prediction of meteorological information (temperature, sunshine or wind speed, etc. obtained for example by a meteorology application), a prediction relating to a future consumption peak (which can be deduced for example from programming data of electrical devices or from the history of electrical consumption of the infrastructure). Thus, for example, information representative of the energy context can relate to sunshine in the next 4 hours, from which a future production of photovoltaic electricity can be deduced with regard to past production or reference data.

[0077] According to such an embodiment, in E221, the standby mode management entity MSV selects a standby mode from a plurality of possible standby modes of the device as a function of this prediction of the energy context.

[0078] The steps which have just been described can be repeated regularly or at given times or even each time the energy context changes.

[0079] Description of the steps of the management method according to a second embodiment

[0080] Figure [Fig.3] represents the main steps of the standby mode management method according to the invention as implemented by the management entity MSV standby modes within an architecture similar or identical to that shown in figure [Fig.l] and where the INFRA infrastructure further comprises two additional devices respectively T2 and T3, in a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0081] In this embodiment, T2 is a second television and T3 is a stand-alone vacuum cleaner.

[0082] Step E311 is identical or similar to step E211 described in the figure [Fig.2].

[0083] In step E321, the standby mode management entity MSV selects a standby mode standby from among a plurality of possible standby modes of the device T1 as a function of at least said at least one ICE information obtained in 311 and as well as as a function of a user preference,

[0084] In the embodiment described here, this user preference takes into account a choice consisting of prioritizing, for the device T1, the reactivity (corresponding to the least deep standby mode) or the energy saving (corresponding to the deepest standby mode) or where appropriate intermediate standby modes and this according to at least one piece of information representative of the energy context.

[0085] By way of illustration, in one embodiment, a user preference indicates that the device T1 must prioritize responsiveness rather than energy saving so that the standby mode management entity MSV selects a shallow standby mode not if said at least one piece of information representative of the energy context ICE corresponds to a negative net electricity production but if the latter is less than -25 kilowatt hours.

[0086] The other devices T2 and T3 are not affected by this user preference. Therefore, as soon as the information representative of the ICE energy context corresponds to a negative net electricity production, the MSV entity selects a deep standby mode for the devices T2 and T3.

[0087] According to another embodiment, during the selection step E321, the selection of the standby mode also takes into account a characteristic of the devices, aiming in particular to establish a selection of the specific standby mode according to the type of device.

[0088] In this embodiment, said characteristic of the devices relates to the category of the device (television, kitchen equipment, computer hardware, home automation, number of available standby modes, etc.). However, the invention can be implemented with other types of characteristics of the devices such as the electrical power in kilowatts associated with the device or even the fact that they are devices used directly by the user (television, computer) or not (router, NAS, water heater, autonomous vacuum cleaner) etc.

[0089] This characteristic of the devices can be indicated by the manufacturer of each device or be subsequently informed by the user at the MSV standby mode management entity level.

[0090] By way of illustration, in the embodiment, for a given energy context, the standby mode management entity associates a shallow standby mode with “television” type devices, here the devices T1 and T2, and a deep standby mode with the other types of devices, here the device T3.

[0091] The steps which have just been described can be repeated regularly or at given times or even each time the energy context changes.

[0092] Description of the steps of the management method according to a third embodiment

[0093] Figure [Fig.4] represents the main steps of the standby mode management method according to the invention as implemented by the standby mode management entity MSV within an architecture similar or identical to that represented in figure [Fig.1] where the infrastructure INFRA further comprises two additional devices respectively T2 and T3 and a second capture module MC2 in a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0094] In this embodiment T1 is a television, T2 is a computer and T3 a router, MCI is a connected electric meter indicating the electric consumption and the current pricing by the energy supplier (for example “peak hours” or “off-peak hours” tariff) and MC2 is a module for controlling the solar production of the INFRA infrastructure indicating the number of kilowatts produced over the last 60 minutes.

[0095] After a step E411 identical to step E211 as described with reference to the figure [Fig.2], the standby mode management entity MSV determines in E412, from at least said at least one ICE information representative of the energy context, a state of the energy context from among a multitude of predefined energy states.

[0096] A state of the energy context is defined by at least one piece of information representative of the energy context. Nevertheless, the concept of state of the energy context proves to be interesting in the case where several pieces of information representative of the energy context are obtained and aggregated by the MSV management entity.

[0097] Such energy context states can be predefined or chosen for example by the user, by means of a specific user interface.

[0098] By way of example, in one embodiment, the standby mode management entity determines an energy context state from among 4 given energy context states, namely the states eCEl, eCE2, eCE3 and eCE4 as defined in the table below: eCEl: very unfavorable eCE2: unfavorable eCE3: favorable eCE4: very favorable favorable Rate: peak hours Electricity production: less than 1 kWh Rate: off-peak hours Electricity production: less than 1 kWh Rate: peak hours Electricity production: greater than or equal to 1 kWh Rate: off-peak hours Electricity production: greater than or equal to 1 kWh

[0099] Of course, other data structures than a table can be considered as a variant to establish a correspondence between one or more ICE information and given energy context states.

[0100] Thus, according to this example, if the MCI and MC2 capture modules respectively indicate that the current pricing corresponds to an “off-peak” rate and that the photovoltaic panels produce 0.5 KWh, then the MSV standby mode management entity determines that the energy context corresponds to the eCE2 state.

[0101] According to another example, if the MCI and MC2 capture modules respectively indicate that the current pricing corresponds to a “peak hours” rate and that the photovoltaic panels produce 0.5 KWh, then the MSV standby mode management entity determines that the energy context corresponds to the eCEl state.

[0102] In step E421, the standby mode management entity selects, from a table comprising a plurality of associations between the plurality of possible standby modes of said device and a plurality of states of the energy context, a standby mode corresponding to the standby mode associated with the state of the energy context determined during step E412.

[0103] An example of such a table is given below: eCEl eCE2 eCE3 eCE4 Deep sleep mode Shallow sleep mode Deep sleep mode Shallow sleep mode

[0104] By “table” is meant here generally any data structure allowing the storage of associations between energy context states and standby modes.

[0105] According to this first example, if, during step E411, the standby mode management entity MSV determines that the energy context corresponds to the state of the energy context eCE2, the management entity selects the shallow standby mode for the devices T1, T2, T3.

[0106] Conversely, if during step E411 the standby mode management entity MSV has determined that the energy context corresponds to the state of the energy context eCEl, the management entity selects the deep standby mode for the devices T1, T2, T3.

[0107] A second example of a table that can be used by the management entity is the following: Energy Context Status / Device eCEl eCE2 eCE3 eCE4 Tl Deep Sleep Mode Shallow Sleep Mode Deep Sleep Mode Shallow Sleep Mode T2 Deep Sleep Mode Shallow Sleep Mode Shallow Sleep Mode Shallow Sleep Mode T3 Very Deep Sleep Mode Deep Sleep Mode Deep Sleep Mode Shallow Sleep Mode

[0108] According to this second example, if during step E411 the standby mode management entity MSV determines that the energy context corresponds to the state of the energy context eCE2, the management entity selects the corresponding standby mode for each of the devices T1, T2, T3 respectively the shallow standby mode for T1, the shallow standby mode for T2 and the deep standby world for T3.

[0109] By allowing management of standby modes on a device-by-device basis, this embodiment makes it possible to take into account any user preferences specific to a device or a family of devices but also the technical capabilities (consumption in operating state in kilowatts, number of standby modes, etc.), specific to certain devices, in particular when the latter has more than two standby levels (like device T3 in the illustrative table of example 2).

[0110] The steps which have just been described can be repeated regularly or at given times or even each time the energy context changes.

[0111] Description of the steps of the management method according to a fourth embodiment

[0112] Figure [Fig.5] represents the main steps of the standby mode management method according to the invention as implemented by the standby mode management entity MSV within an architecture similar or identical to that represented in figure [Fig.l].

[0113] Steps E511, E521 are respectively similar or identical to steps E211 and E221 described in the figure [Fig.2].

[0114] Step E531 corresponds to a step of sending, via the network R, a command to the device T1 to switch it to the selected standby mode.

[0115] According to one embodiment, a minimum time interval (predetermined or chosen by the user) is necessary between two commands to switch the standby mode of the same device so as not to switch inadvertently. between different sleep modes.

[0116] According to another embodiment, the standby mode management entity MSV sends a command to switch the standby mode of a device only if the selected standby mode is different from the standby mode already implemented by said terminal in order to limit the number of messages sent and limit the bandwidth used on the network R.

[0117] The steps just described can be repeated regularly or at given times or even each time the energy context changes.

[0118] Description of a standby mode management entity according to an embodiment of the invention

[0119] [Fig.6] shows the simplified structure of a DGV management entity configured to implement the standby mode management method in a particular embodiment.

[0120] In this embodiment, the DGV management entity comprises a communication module El / Rl adapted to receive information from an information capture module representative of the energy context and to transmit information to an electronic device whose standby mode is managed by the DGV entity within the invention.

[0121] Furthermore, in the particular embodiment of the invention described here, the steps executed by the DGV entity, within the framework of the implementation of the standby mode management method of the present invention, are implemented by means of instructions of a computer program PG1. For this, the DGV entity has the conventional architecture of a computer and notably comprises a memory MEM1, a processing unit UTR1, equipped for example with a processor PROC1, and controlled by the computer program PG1 stored in memory MEM1. The memory MEM1 is a recording medium within the meaning of the invention. The computer program PG1 comprises instructions for implementing the steps of the standby mode management method, in particular: - a step of obtaining at least one piece of information representative of an energy context of an infrastructure including said device, and - a step of selecting, as a function of at least said at least one piece of information, a standby mode from a plurality of possible standby modes of the device.

[0122] The PG1 program thus defines functional modules of the DGV standby mode management entity which include: - a measurement module configured to obtain an energy context of an infrastructure including said device, - a selection module configured to select, for said device, a standby mode from a plurality of standby modes of said device, depending on said energy context.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for managing, by a control entity, a standby mode of an electronic device, comprising: - a step (E211) of obtaining at least one piece of information representative of an energy context of an infrastructure including said device, and - a step (E221) of selecting, as a function at least of said at least one piece of information, a standby mode from a plurality of possible standby modes of the device.

2. Management method according to claim 1 in which the selection step is preceded by a step (E412) of determining a state of the energy context from at least said at least one piece of information, and the standby mode selected during the selection step (E211) corresponds to a standby mode associated in a table with the state of the determined energy context, said table associating with each possible standby mode of said device at least one state of the energy context.

3. Management method according to claim 1 or 2 in which the selection step (E211) further takes into account a user preference.

4. Management method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 in which the selection step (E211) further takes into account a characteristic of the device.

5. A management method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a step of sending a command to the device to switch to the selected standby mode.

6. Management method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein, during the selection step (E211), a standby mode different from a current standby mode in which said device is located can only be selected at the end of a given period of time after the selection of said current standby mode.

7. Management method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which said at least one item of information representative of an energy context comprises a prediction of said energy context.

8. Management method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which said at least one piece of information representative of an energy context comprises information received from at least one electricity meter.

9. Entity for managing standby modes of a device, said entity of management comprising: - an obtaining module configured to obtain information representative of an energy context of an infrastructure including said device, and - a selection module configured to select, for said device, a standby mode from a plurality of standby modes of said device, as a function at least of said at least one piece of information representative of the energy context.

10. A computer program comprising program code instructions for implementing a method for managing the standby modes of a device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, when said program is executed on a computer.

11. A computer-readable information or recording medium on which a computer program according to claim 10 is recorded

12. IV. System comprising: - a management entity according to claim 9, and - at least one device of an infrastructure whose standby mode is managed by said management entity.

13. A system according to claim 12 wherein said infrastructure is an individual dwelling, a building or a hamlet.

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