Automated system for managing smart devices of a house and method of controlling such a system

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automated system 1 for managing smart devices of a house. Said system comprises a plurality of smart devices 10 configured to manage the operating systems of a house 2, each smart device 10 of said plurality being connected to the other smart devices 10 of said plurality by means of a wired and / or wireless connection so as to form a local network. In accordance with the invention, said local network comprises at least one calculation management device 10A configured to process the input data received from the other smart devices 10 of the local network and to check whether a value representing the calculation activity Ci connected with the processing of said input data is higher than a calculation activity reference value Crif. In particular, the calculation management device 10A is configured to transfer at least a part of said calculation activity Ci to one or more of the other smart devices 10 of said local network if the value representing said calculation activity Ci is higher than said calculation activity reference value Crif. The present invention also relates to a method of controlling such an automated system 1 and to a control device of the wearable type 10B, for managing smart devices 10 of a house.

Description

[0001] “Automated system for managing smart devices of a house and method of controlling such a system”

[0002] ★ ★★★★

[0003] Field of application

[0004] The present invention relates to an automated system for managing smart devices in a house, commonly known as “smart home devices”, such as: devices for operating roller shutters or blinds or small electric household appliances, lighting devices, thermostats for controlling heating system valves, thermostats for controlling the temperature of convector heaters, etc.

[0005] The present invention also relates to a method of controlling such an automated system.

[0006] Finally, the present invention also relates to a control device of the wearable type, for managing smart devices of a house. Such a control device is in particular suitable for being used with the automated system according to the present invention.

[0007] Prior art

[0008] Smart home devices may be defined as those devices which are connected together by means of a wireless network and which are able to control the operating systems in a house, for example: the lighting system, heating system, air-conditioning system, alarm system, irrigation system, etc.

[0009] Such devices are therefore configured to be connected, for example, to electrical sockets, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, rain sensors, wind sensors, light sensors, electric household appliances, automated systems for opening or closing gates, automated systems for opening or closing roller shutters or blinds, automated systems for external sun awnings, etc.

[0010] Hitherto, smart home devices may be controlled by means of smartphones or computers. In particular, since they are connected together by means of a wireless network via a dedicated access device (gateway), the smart home devices may send and / or receive information via the gateway in a remote server (cloud) which is in turn in communication with the smartphone or computer so as to allow control of the smart home devices.

[0011] Said control system, although favourably regarded, is not without drawbacks.

[0012] A first problem lies in the fact that the calculation and the processing of the information received from the various smart home devices must be performed in a central server which then transmits the commands, generated on the basis of the information received, to the smart home devices concerned. These devices therefore act as final actuators.

[0013] This centralized system and the fact that the information must be output from and input into the local network to which the smart home devices are connected results not only in an excessive use of resources, but is also inefficient for high-intensity calculation applications, such as artificial intelligence and self-learning processes.

[0014] Furthermore, centralized servers are usually situated in remote locations and therefore have a greater latency and consequently long response times.

[0015] A further problem, which is increasingly experienced by users, consists in possible privacy violations.

[0016] The data collected in the cloud via the gateway contains confidential information, such as access codes, the user routines of the various smart home devices, etc., which must not be shared with unknown sources.

[0017] As is known, the data stored in remote storage systems may be hacked by ill- intentioned persons who, once in possession of the user’s personal data, may commit criminal acts, such as stealing information and taking possession of user accounts.

[0018] Finally the controlling of smart home devices by means of a smartphone or computer is not always easy or simple to use.

[0019] Not only computers, but also the latest generation smartphones are somewhat bulky and relatively heavy. Furthermore, they are not always within the easy reach of a user in order to control the smart home devices, when required.

[0020] Summary of the invention

[0021] The main object of the present invention is to provide an automated system for managing smart home devices in a house and a method of controlling such an automated device able to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0022] A further task of the present invention is to provide an automated system and a method of the type described above able to increase the computational speed of smart home devices.

[0023] A further task of the present invention is to provide an automated system and a method of the type described above able to improve the efficiency of the house.

[0024] Another task of the present invention is to provide an automated system and a method of the type described above able to protect the sensitive data of the user from ill-intentioned persons.

[0025] A further task of the present invention is to provide an automated system and a method of the type described above which are simple and inexpensive to produce and implement.

[0026] Finally, another task of the present invention is to provide a control device which is suitable in particular for use with the automated system of the type described above and which is easy and convenient to use.

[0027] The object and main tasks described above are achieved with an automated system for managing smart devices of a house in accordance with Claim 1 , using a method of controlling an automated system according to Claim 13 and using a control device according to Claim 26.

[0028] Brief description of the drawings

[0029] In order to illustrate more clearly the innovative principles of the present invention and its advantages compared to the prior art, an example of embodiment of an automated system for managing smart devices of a house and a method of controlling such an automated system and a control device of the wearable type will be described below with the aid of the accompanying drawings. In particular:

[0030] - Figure 1 shows a plan view of a house in which an automated system for managing smart devices according to the present invention is located;

[0031] - Figure 2 shows a connection diagram for the various smart devices of the automated system according to the present invention;

[0032] - Figure 3 shows a perspective schematic view of a smart device, able to act as a control device, for the automated system according to the present invention;

[0033] - Figure 4 shows a partially cross-sectioned view of the device according to Figure 3;

[0034] - Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the device according to Fig. 3;

[0035] - Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectioned view of the device according to Figure 5.

[0036] Detailed description

[0037] The present invention relates to an automated system for managing smart devices of a house and a method of controlling such an automated system.

[0038] The present invention relates, furthermore, to a control device of the wearable type, for managing smart devices of a house.

[0039] For simpler description, the automated system will be described first, followed by the method of controlling such an automated system.

[0040] With reference to the attached figures, the automated system according to the present invention is denoted overall by the reference number 1.

[0041] In particular, as shown in schematic form in Figure 1 , the automated system 1 is configured to manage smart devices 10 arranged at different points or in different rooms R of a house 2. By way of a non-limiting example, the automated system 1 allows the management of devices for operating roller shutters or blinds or small electric household appliances, lighting devices in the various zones of the house, one or more thermostats connected to a heating or air-conditioning system, one or more smart sockets for connecting one or more electric household appliances to the electricity mains, etc.

[0042] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the automated system 1 comprises a plurality of smart devices 10 configured to manage the operating systems of a house 2.

[0043] For the purposes of the present invention, “plurality of smart devices” is understood as meaning at least two smart devices.

[0044] Each smart device 10 of said plurality is connected to the other smart devices 10 of said plurality by means of a wired and / or wireless connection for forming a local network.

[0045] In particular, each smart device 10 of said local network is configured to send and receive input data to / from every other smart device 10 of said local network.

[0046] In accordance with the invention, said local network formed by said plurality of smart devices 10 comprises at least one calculation management device 10A configured to process the input data received from the other smart devices 10 of the local network and to check whether a value representing the calculation activity Ci connected with the processing of said input data is higher than a calculation activity reference value

[0047] Crif.

[0048] In particular, the calculation management device 10A is configured to transfer at least a part of said calculation activity Ci to one or more of the other smart devices 10 of the local network if the value representing said calculation activity Ci is higher than said calculation activity reference value Crif.

[0049] As will become clear from the description below, the activity of processing the input data transmitted and received from the various smart devices 10 of the automated system 1 is performed in cooperation with some or all of the smart devices 10 of the system 1 , without the use of an external cloud.

[0050] On the one hand this ensures a greater degree of security and privacy since the data processed by the various smart devices 10 is managed within the local network.

[0051] On the other hand, the possibility of transferring part of the calculation activity Ci to one or more of the smart devices 10 of the local network allows better use of the local resources and low latency.

[0052] Moreover, the distribution of the calculation activity Ci among one or more of the smart devices 10 of the local network ensures a better performance since the various devices 10 are never required to perform calculation activities above their real capacity.

[0053] The distribution of the calculation activity Ci among one or more smart devices 10 of the network makes the automated system 1 more flexible. In fact, in the event of a fault or malfunction of a smart device 10, the other smart devices 10 of the local network may perform the calculation activity initially assigned to the faulty or malfunctioning device such that the functionality of the local network, overall, is not negatively affected. Finally, the distribution of the calculation activity Ci among one or more smart devices of the local network makes the automated system 1 easily updatable. In fact, since the smart devices 10 are configured to cooperate with each other during execution of the calculation activities of the system 1 , the latter may be easily updated by means of the addition, the removal or the updating of one or more smart devices 10, without the basic structure thereof being modified.

[0054] As already mentioned, the automated system 1 comprises at least one calculation management device 10A.

[0055] In one embodiment, the calculation management device 10A may coincide with one of the smart devices 10 of the local network.

[0056] In an alternative embodiment, the local network may comprise a gateway which has the function of connecting together the various smart devices 10 of the local network in the case where they use communication protocols which differ from each other.

[0057] In one embodiment, the calculation management device 10A may coincide with the gateway of the local network.

[0058] As mentioned, the calculation management device 10A manages the calculation activity Ci connected with the processing of the input data received from the various smart devices 10 of the local network carrying out in each case a comparison between a value of said activity Ci and a reference value Crif, so as to maximize the efficiency of the system.

[0059] In the case where the value of the calculation activity Ci is higher than the activity reference value Crif, the calculation management device 10A may assign to one or more of the other smart devices 10 of the local network only the excess part Ce exceeding said reference value Crif, where said excess part Ce is equal to the difference between the reference value Crif and the measured value Ci. Said excess activity part Ce may be sent to a single smart device 10 or may be divided up into several fractions, not necessarily of the same size, to be sent to two or more smart devices 10 of the local network.

[0060] Alternatively, in the case where the value of the calculation activity Ci is higher than the activity reference value Crif, the calculation management device 10A may assign to one or more of the other smart devices 10 of the local network a part of the activity which is greater than only the excess part Ce, taking into account the resources present in each smart device 10 of the local network and the aims of the calculation activity.

[0061] In a first embodiment, the activity reference value Crif may be fixed so as to ensure an adequate working quality and accessibility to the resources, in technical jargon Qos (“quality of service”).

[0062] In other words, the activity reference value Crif is set so as to ensure a QoS level which is not less than a predefined level (QoS)rif, even when the calculation management device 10A must manage high volumes of incoming and outgoing input data.

[0063] Alternatively, the activity reference value Crif is set so as to ensure that the calculation activity is balanced out among the various smart devices 10 of the local network in order to reduce to a minimum the time needed for processing of the entire calculation activity Ci (“makespan”).

[0064] In an alternative embodiment, the activity reference value Crif is set so as to maximize the amount of data transmitted between the various smart devices 10 of the local network per unit of time (throughput).

[0065] Alternatively, the activity reference value Crif is set to reduce to the minimum the energy consumption of the various smart devices 10 of the automated system 1 and consequently reduce the energy consumption of the entire automated system 1.

[0066] Advantageously, the activity reference value Crif may be set taking into account one or more of the criteria mentioned above.

[0067] The activity reference value Crif may also be set taking into account a combination of the criteria mentioned above.

[0068] In an alternative embodiment, said activity reference value Crif may be varied during the use of the automated system 1.

[0069] Preferably, the calculation management device 10A comprises a control unit 12A.

[0070] Advantageously, the calculation management device 10A may be provided with an algorithm or a self-learning model configured to perform the processing of the input data received from the smart devices 10 of the local network.

[0071] Said self-learning algorithm may be advantageously implemented in the control unit 12A of the calculation management device 10A.

[0072] The self-learning algorithm preferably consists of an artificial intelligence model based on machine learning processes.

[0073] Advantageously, the self-learning algorithm is based on a moving average autoregressive model in which the output value to be optimized is calculated on the basis of previously stored input data.

[0074] Preferably, the self-learning algorithm is configured to be trained by means of the operating information and / or data of the smart devices 10 of the local network, said operating information and / or data being collected in a database stored in a memory 14A of the calculation management device 10A.

[0075] Said data comprises, for example, information relating to the types of different smart devices 10 of the local network and information relating to the consumption levels, duration of use, period of use, etc., of the various smart devices 10. The algorithm may also be trained on the basis of the input data received from the various smart devices 10 of the local network, such as metadata relating to the calculation activity being performed on the calculation management device 10A or on each smart device 10 of the local network and / or metadata relating to information about the use of the various smart devices 10, where the information about use also comprises the power supply method or the type of device and its capacity to process the input data received.

[0076] In this way, the calculation management device 10A by means of the self-learning algorithm may learn the habits of the user of the automated system 1 so as to be able to operate autonomously the various smart devices 10 of the local network.

[0077] The calculation management device 10A also comprises a communication unit 16A configured to send and receive data.

[0078] With reference to Figure 2, each smart device 10 of the local network may comprise at least one control unit 12 for processing input data received from the other smart devices 10 and / or from the calculation management device 10A.

[0079] Said control unit 12, as well as the control unit 12A of the calculation management device 10A may advantageously be a DSP (digital signal processor), a CPU (central processing unit), a GPU (graphic processing unit) or any other electronic processing component for processing algorithms on the basis of the input data received.

[0080] Furthermore, each smart device 10 of the local network may comprise at least one memory unit 14.

[0081] Said memory unit 14, as well as the memory unit 14A of the calculation management device 10A, advantageously comprises one or more memory devices, for example a RAM (random access memory), a ROM (read only memory), an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) or an EFD (embedded flash drive).

[0082] The memory unit 14 may store a series of instructions (routines) which, when executed by the control unit 12, enable the operating systems connected to the smart device 10.

[0083] The memory unit 14 may advantageously store input data received from the other smart devices 10 of the local network.

[0084] In addition, each smart device 10 of the local network may comprise a communication unit 16 which allows the wired or wireless communication with the other smart devices 10 of the local network and / or with the calculation management device 10A.

[0085] The calculation management device 10A in turn also comprises a communication unit 16A.

[0086] The communication unit 16, 16A of each smart device 10 of the network or of the calculation management device 10A may comprise a network adapter, for example a USB port to Ethernet cable adapter.

[0087] Alternatively or in addition, said communication unit 16, 16A may use one or more wireless technology standard protocols, for example Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth or BLE (Bluetooth low energy).

[0088] Advantageously, each smart device 10 of the local network may also comprise at least one sensor unit 18.

[0089] Said sensor unit 18 may comprise one or more sensors able to detect a physical parameter from the room R of the house 2 in which the smart device 10 is positioned and transmit the detected value of said physical parameter to the control unit 12. Each of said sensors may be, by way of a non-limiting example, an acoustic sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a rain detection sensor, a wind measurement sensor, a light detection sensor, a sensor for detecting the electric power consumption, etc.

[0090] In the case where the smart device 10 is of the portable type, the sensor unit 18 may comprise an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope so as to allow the control unit 12 to detect movements and orientations of the smart device 10.

[0091] Preferably, each smart device 10 of the local network also comprises at least one actuation element 20, for example of the electromechanical type, configured to actuate equipment in the house.

[0092] Advantageously, in the case where the smart device 10 is intended to actuate a movable element, such as a shutter or a roller blind, the actuation element 20 consists of a tubular motor configured to execute the movement, winding or unwinding commands imparted by the control unit 12.

[0093] In the case where the smart device 10 is intended to be connected to a socket, the actuation element 20 consists of a switch adapted to interrupt selectively the current flow in the socket.

[0094] Advantageously, the components of each smart device 10 of the local network are connected electrically together by means of one or more buses, electric lines or wireless systems.

[0095] Each smart device 10 may automatically receive input data from another smart device 10 of the local network and / or from the calculation management device 10A of the local network, so as to be independently operated without the need for manual input by the user. In addition, each smart device 10 may be operated manually by means of a local control unit, for example a pushbutton panel located in the vicinity of the device, which may be connected by means of a wired or wireless connection to a central control unit, for example a remote control. As shown in Figures 3-6, at least one smart device of the local network may be a wearable device 10B.

[0096] Preferably, said wearable device 10B may be a ring intended to be worn on a finger of the user’s hand.

[0097] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, said wearable device 10B may advantageously be a smart ring intended to act also as a control device for a plurality of smart devices 10, said smart devices 10 being preferably part of the automated system 1.

[0098] In other words, the wearable ring 10B may be one of the smart devices 10 of the local network of the automated system 1 or may act as a controller of one or more smart devices of a house, which are not necessarily connected to each other.

[0099] The following description of the main components of the ring 10B is applicable both to the case where the ring 10B forms part of the local network of the automated system 1 and in the case where the ring 10B acts as a controller for one or more smart devices of a house 2.

[0100] Advantageously, the ring 10B may detect a variety of signals indicating the activities of the person wearing the ring.

[0101] For example, the ring 10B may detect biometric signals of the user. Moreover, the ring 10B may monitor the physical activities of the user providing also corresponding feedback.

[0102] In addition, the ring 10B may receive input data from the other smart devices 10 of the local network and may detect data relating to the room R of the house 2 in which it may be positioned at any one time.

[0103] In this embodiment also, the ring 10B, using integrated calculation capacities or in cooperation with the other smart devices 10 of the local network, may provide feedback to the user wearing it about the functional properties of the various smart devices 10 in the network.

[0104] Preferably, the ring 10B, in addition to a control unit 12B, a memory unit 14B, a communication unit 16B and an actuation element 20B of the type described above, may comprise inside its structure a battery 21 B and a charging unit 23B (these elements are shown schematically in Figure 6).

[0105] The battery 21 B may supply energy to the components of the ring 10B.

[0106] Advantageously, the battery 21 B may include one or more cells suitable for converting chemical energy, thermal energy, nuclear energy or solar energy into electrical energy.

[0107] In addition or alternatively, the battery 21 B may include one or more cells suitable for converting into electrical energy electromagnetic energy obtained by recovering the stray energy resulting from any electromagnetic emission in the environment in which the ring 10B is located.

[0108] In a further embodiment, the battery 21 B may include a charge accumulation device, such as a capacitor or a super capacitor.

[0109] Advantageously, the battery 21 B may be composed of one or more capacitive elements able to supply currents higher than the standard conversion cells included in the battery.

[0110] These capacitive elements, moreover, may keep constant the voltage available for the various components of the ring, even when one or more depleted cells are removed for replacement.

[0111] The charging unit 23B may be configured, in turn, to restore the charge supplied by the battery 21 B to the various components of the ring 10B, these components taking in electrical energy by means of the corresponding associated circuits. Advantageously, the charging unit 23B is configured to convert the alternating current into direct current. Alternatively, the charging unit 23B may consist of a frequency converter with current control or of a frequency converter with voltage control.

[0112] In a further embodiment, the charging unit 23B may convert the energy stored in static electric fields or static magnetic fields into direct current.

[0113] In addition or alternatively, the charging unit 23B may convey energy from radiant or evanescent electromagnetic fields, including optical radiation, in order to store it in the battery 21 B.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment, the charging unit 23B may convert non-electric energy into electrical energy. In particular, the charging unit 23B may convert mechanical energy, for example produced by the movement of the user’s hand, into electrical energy. Alternatively, the charging unit 23B may convert the heat of the user’s body into electrical energy, making use of the temperature difference between the user’s body and the external environment (Seebeck effect).

[0115] As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, the ring 10B may be provided with a sensor unit 18B which comprises at least one input sensor configured to convert an input received from the user into a digital or analog electric signal intended to be sent to the control unit 12B of the ring and, optionally, to the calculation management device 10A or to the other smart devices 10 of the local network.

[0116] For example, the input sensor 18B may convert a tactile or acoustic type input or a movement of the user’s hand into a digital or analog electric signal.

[0117] The sensor unit 18B of the ring 10B may detect the biometric data of the user wearing the device.

[0118] The control unit 12B of the ring 10B is coupled to said sensor unit 18B and is configured to activate a predetermined function of the ring 10B or of a smart device 10 associated with it in response to the digital or analog electric signal received from the sensor unit 18B.

[0119] The ring 10B may also comprise an output unit 22B for providing the user with information about the operation of the ring 10B and / or of the other smart devices 10 of the local network. Said output unit 22B may also be present in the other smart devices 10 of the local network.

[0120] Advantageously, in the case of the ring 10B, the output unit 22B may include a loudspeaker, a tactile-type device able to generate a slight vibration, an electronic display, an e-ink display, a laser unit for projecting an image or a message, etc.

[0121] In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, the output unit 22B consists of a display provided with 3 LEDs which are coloured, for example green, yellow and red- coloured.

[0122] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the output unit 22B consists of an alphanumeric and / or graphic display for showing the user messages and / or symbols about the operation of the ring 10B and / or of the other smart devices 10 of the local network.

[0123] The display device 22B is designed to show an alphanumeric message.

[0124] In addition or alternatively, the display device 22B is designed to show a message which may comprise symbols, images, icons or visual indicators.

[0125] For example, as shown schematically in Figure 5, the display 22B may inform the user by means of an alphanumeric message (“Warning: abnormal consumption”) about an abnormal consumption of energy by a smart device of the network.

[0126] The display device 22B is also able to provide the user with visual information about the state of the battery 21 B and the charge level of the battery 21 B. Advantageously, the display device 22B may show visual information in black and white and also colours.

[0127] Preferably, the display device 22B is incorporated in the outer surface of the ring 10B.

[0128] As already mentioned, the present invention also relates to a method of controlling an automated system 1 for managing smart devices 10 of a house 2, of the type described above.

[0129] The method comprises the following steps:

[0130] - providing a plurality of smart devices 10 configured to manage the operating systems of the house 2;

[0131] - creating a local network by connecting via a wired and / or wireless connection each smart device 10 of said plurality to the other smart devices 10 of said plurality; each smart device 10 of said local network being configured to send and receive input data to / from every other smart device 10 of said local network;

[0132] - processing the input data sent from each smart device 10 of said local network by means of a calculation management device 10A in order to obtain a value representing the calculation activity Ci connected with the processing of said input data;

[0133] - providing a calculation activity reference value Crif;

[0134] - assignment of at least one part of said calculation activity Ci by the calculation management device 10A to one or more of the other smart devices 10 of the local network if the value representing said calculation activity Ci is higher than said calculation activity reference value Crif.

[0135] Preferably, during the assignment step, at least the excess part Ce of the calculation activity exceeding said reference value Crif is assigned to one or more of the other smart devices 10 of the local network; said excess part Ce being equal to the difference between the calculation activity reference value Crif and the value representing said calculation activity Ci.

[0136] In one embodiment, during the assignment step, said excess part Ce is sent to a single smart device 10 or is divided up into several fractions, not necessarily of the same size, to be sent to two or more smart devices 10 of the local network.

[0137] In detail, during the assignment step, a part of the calculation activity greater than only the excess part Ce may be assigned to one or more of the other smart devices 10 of the local network, taking into account the resources present on each smart device 10 of the local network and the aims of the calculation activity.

[0138] Preferably, during the step of providing the calculation activity reference value Crif, said calculation activity reference value Crif is fixed so as to ensure a quality of service QoS which is not below than a predefined level (QoS)rif.

[0139] Alternatively, during the step of providing the calculation activity reference value Crif, said calculation activity reference value Crif is fixed so as to balance out the calculation activity Ci among the various smart devices 10 of the local network in order to reduce to a minimum the time required for processing of the entire calculation activity Ci (“makespan”).

[0140] In a further embodiment, during the step of providing the calculation activity reference value Crif, said calculation activity reference value Crif is fixed so as to maximize the amount of data transmitted between the various smart devices 10 of the local network per unit of time (throughput).

[0141] Alternatively, during the step of providing the calculation activity reference value Crif, said calculation activity reference value Crif is fixed so as to reduce to a minimum the energy consumption of the various smart devices 10 of the local network. Advantageously, the step of processing the input data is performed by means of application of at least one self-learning algorithm consisting of an artificial intelligence model, based on machine learning processes.

[0142] Preferably, the method according to the invention comprises a step of training said self-learning algorithm, wherein said self-learning algorithm is trained by means of the operating information and / or data of the smart devices 10 of the local network.

[0143] Said information and / or data may be collected in a database stored in the memory 14A of the calculation management device 10A.

[0144] Advantageously, the method comprises a step of autonomous operation of at least one of the smart devices 10 of the local network by the calculation management device 10A on the basis of the input data processed by means of said self-learning algorithm.

[0145] Moreover, the method comprises a step of adjusting said autonomous operation on the basis of further input data processed by the calculation management device 10A or by a smart device 10 of the local network.

[0146] Said further input data will form part of the input data processed by the self-learning algorithm.

[0147] The method, finally, comprises an updating step, wherein the calculation activity reference value Crif may be varied following a variation of the input data received from the smart devices 10 of the local network and / or wherein the calculation management device 10A may be replaced, even only temporarily, by one of the other smart devices 10 of the local network.

[0148] Below a possible use of the automated system 1 described above is described by way of example.

[0149] In particular, let us assume that one of the smart devices 10 of the local network consists of a wearable ring 10B and that the calculation management device 10A comprises a self-learning algorithm.

[0150] Initially, by means of the sensor unit 18B of the ring 10B, the biometric data of the user is detected.

[0151] With the biometric data detected by the ring 10B an identification database for the person is created, said database storing the personal information of the user.

[0152] The database is advantageously implemented in the memory unit 14A of the calculation management device 10A.

[0153] The calculation management device 10A by means of the self-learning algorithm is able to learn the habits of the user.

[0154] For example, in the case where some of the smart devices 10 of the system 1 are intended to control the operation of the roller shutters of the house 2, the calculation management device 10A may learn the habits of the user when adjusting the shutters.

[0155] In particular, the calculation management device 10A may store in the memory unit 14A a series of data such as the day and time when the shutters in each room R are opened / closed.

[0156] By way of example, on the basis of the input data received from the various smart devices 10, the calculation management device 10A memorizes the fact that the user prefers to have shutters in the living room which are completely open at 8 am in the morning, whereas at 5.30 pm he / she prefers to have them closed in the three- quarters closed position.

[0157] The automated system 1 is able to operate independently the movements of the various shutters by imparting the corresponding commands to the various smart devices 10 based on the stored information. At the same time, the calculation management device 10A is in constant communication with the ring 10B of the user and therefore can detect when the user enters one room R or another, so as to be able to differentiate between the operations performed for the various shutters depending on the room in which the user is present.

[0158] If the movements of the shutters differ from that which is desired in that moment by the user, the user may adjust independently the shutter via a local or central control unit of the smart device 10 associated with it, or directly via the ring 10B.

[0159] This new variation in the setting will be stored in the memory unit 14A of the calculation management device 10A and will form part of the input data of the selflearning algorithm in order to obtain new adjustment settings for the shutters.

[0160] Consequently, the user wearing the ring 10B, when entering the various rooms, may always find the required adjustment setting for the shutters without having to impart any manual commands.

[0161] In the case where some of the smart devices 10 consist of smart sockets, the automated system 1 is able to control the power consumption of one or more of the electric household appliances connected to said sockets 10.

[0162] In particular, the ring 10B may interact with said smart devices 10 and detect the power consumption of the connected household appliance.

[0163] For example, by means of the sensor unit 18 the smart socket 10 may detect the instantaneous consumption or average consumption - calculated for a predefined time interval t - of the household appliance connected to the socket.

[0164] Since all the smart devices 10 of the local network are connected together by means of the respective communication units 16, the socket may send the consumption values detected to the calculation management device 10A of the system and to the ring 10B. In the case where the ring 10B is provided with an output unit 22B having a display, said consumption value may be shown on the display and, depending on the values detected, possible warning messages may be displayed.

[0165] For example, in the case where the display 22B of the ring 10B has 3 differently coloured LEDs, if the power consumption detected is less than a reference amount, the green coloured LED may be lit up by the control device 10A.

[0166] Differently, if the consumption detected is greater than the reference amount, the control device 10A may switch on the red coloured LED so as to signal immediately to the user of the ring 10B the anomalous value detected.

[0167] The yellow coloured LED may be used to signal a consumption detected which however remains within an average range.

[0168] The analysis of the consumption levels may be advantageously performed by means of the artificial intelligence algorithm of the control device 10A. The device 10A processes all the input data received from the various smart devices 10 of the local network. Said input data is stored in the memory unit 14A, for example in a calendarized database, so as to provide output data which represents a consumption range of a given household appliance.

[0169] Advantageously, if the display of the ring 10B is of the alphanumeric type, it may also be used to display directly on the ring messages relating, for example, to the power consumption level of an electric household appliance which may be connected to a smart socket.

[0170] These messages may be displayed when the ring 10B is located in the vicinity of the smart socket.

[0171] In the case where the display of the ring 10B comprises a laser unit, the message relating to consumption may be transmitted by means of laser projection. All the actions described above are performed by means of exchange of information between the various devices of the local network, without any data being sent to or received from an external cloud. In other words, the information of interest is shared uniquely between the smart devices of the local network which require that information for the next processing operation.

[0172] On the basis of that indicated above, the calculation tasks are assigned by means of techniques for minimizing functions having as variables the resources of the system and the aims of the calculation activity.

[0173] From the above description it is now clear how the automated system and the method according to the present invention are able to achieve advantageously the predefined objects.

[0174] In particular, the system and the method according to the present invention, without relying on an external server, are able to increase the computational speed of the smart devices of the local network and protect the user’s sensitive data from ill- intentioned persons.

[0175] Also, the system and the method according to the present invention are able to improve the efficiency level of the house, reducing the power consumption and signalling in a rapid and simple manner any anomalous situations.

[0176] Moreover, the possibility of using a wearable smart device, such as a ring, allows the user to control, where necessary, the operation of the various devices in a simple and intuitive manner.

[0177] Obviously, the above description of embodiments applying the innovative principles of the present invention is provided by way of example of these innovative principles and must therefore not be regarded as limiting the scope of the rights claimed herein.

Claims

Claims1. Automated system (1) for managing smart devices of a house, which system comprises:- a plurality of smart devices (10) configured to manage the operating systems of a house (2), each smart device (10) of said plurality being connected to other smart devices (10) of said plurality by means of a wired and / or wireless connection so as to form a local network in which each smart device (10) is configured to send and receive input data to / from every other smart device (10), characterized in that said local network formed by said plurality of smart devices (10) comprises at least one calculation management device (10A) configured to process the input data received from the other smart devices (10) of the local network and to check whether a value representing the calculation activity (Ci) connected with the processing of said input data is higher than a calculation activity reference value (Crif), said calculation management device (10A) being configured to transfer at least a part of said calculation activity (Ci) to one or more of the other smart devices (10) of said local network if the value representing said calculation activity (Ci) is higher than said calculation activity reference value (Crif).

2. Automated system (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that said local network comprises a gateway for connecting together said smart devices (10); said calculation management device (10A) coinciding with the gateway of said local network.

3. Automated system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said calculation management device (10A) comprises a control unit (12A); a self-learning algorithm being implemented in said control unit (12A) so as to performthe processing of the input data received from the smart devices (10) of said local network.

4. Automated system (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that said self-learning algorithm is configured to be trained by means of the operating information and / or data of the smart devices (10) of said local network; said operating information and / or data being collected in a database stored in a memory (14A) of the calculation management device (10A).

5. Automated system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each smart device (10) of said local network comprises at least one control unit (12) for processing input data from the other smart devices (10) of the local network and / or from the calculation management device (10A).

6. Automated system (1) according to Claim 5, characterized in that each smart device (10) of said local network comprises at least one memory unit (14); a series of instructions being stored in said at least one memory unit (14) and being intended to be executed by the at least one control unit (12) so as to enable the operating systems connected to the smart device (10).

7. Automated system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each smart device (10) of said local network comprises at least one communication unit (16) able to allow the wired or wireless communication with the other smart devices (10) of the local network and / or with the calculation management device (10A).

8. Automated system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each smart device (10) of said local network comprises at least one sensor unit (18); said at least one sensor unit (18) comprising one or more sensors able to detect a physical parameter from a room (R) of the house (2) in which the smartdevice (10) is positioned and to transmit the detected value of said physical parameter to a control unit (12) of the smart device (10).

9. Automated system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each smart device (10) of the local network comprises at least one actuation element (20) configured to actuate equipment in the house (2).

10. Automated system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one smart device (10) of the local network is a wearable device; said wearable device being a ring (10B) intended to be worn on a finger of the user’s hand.

11. Automated system (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said ring (10B) is provided with a sensor unit (18B) which comprises at least one input sensor configured to convert an input received from the user into a digital or analog electric signal; said digital or analog electric signal being intended to be sent to a control unit (12B) of the ring (10B) and, optionally, to the calculation management device (10A) or to the other smart devices (10) of the local network.

12. Automated system (1) according to Claim 10 or Claim 11 , characterized in that said ring (10B) comprises an output unit (22B) for providing the user with information about the operation of the ring (10B) and / or of the other smart devices (10) of the local network.

13. Method of controlling an automated system (1) for managing smart devices (10) of a house (2), which method comprises the following steps:- providing a plurality of smart devices (10) configured to manage the operating systems of the house (2);- creating a local network by connecting via a wired and / or wireless connection each smart device (10) of said plurality to the other smart devices (10) of said plurality;each smart device (10) of said plurality being configured to send and receive input data to / from every other smart device (10) of said plurality;- processing the input data sent from each smart device (10) of said local network by means of a calculation management device (10A) in order to obtain a value representing the calculation activity (Ci) connected with the processing of said input data;- providing a calculation activity reference value (Crif);- assignment of at least one part of said calculation activity (Ci) by the calculation management device (10A) to one or more of the other smart devices (10) of the local network if the value representing said calculation activity (Ci) is higher than said calculation activity reference value (Crif).

14. Method according to Claim 13, characterized in that, during the assignment step, at least the excess part (Ce) of the calculation activity exceeding said calculation activity reference valve (Crif) is assigned to one or more of the other smart devices (10) of the local network, said excess part (Ce) being equal to the difference between the calculation activity reference value (Crif) and the value representing said calculation activity (Ci).

15. Method according to Claim 14, characterized in that, during the assignment step, said excess part (Ce) is sent to a single smart device (10) or is divided up into several fractions, not necessarily of the same size, to be sent to two or more smart devices (10) of the local network.

16. Method according to Claim 14, characterized in that, during the assignment step, a part of the calculation activity greater than the excess part (Ce) is assigned to one or more of the other smart devices (10) of the local network, taking into account the resources present on each smart device (10) of the local network and the aims of thecalculation activity.

17. Method according to Claim 13, characterized in that, during the step of providing said calculation activity reference value (Crif), said calculation activity reference value (Crif) is fixed so as to ensure a quality of service (Qos) which is not below a predefined level (QoS)rif.

18. Method according to Claim 13, characterized in that, during the step of providing said calculation activity reference value (Crif), said calculation activity reference value (Crif) is fixed so as to balance out the calculation activity among the various smart devices (10) of the local network in order to reduce to a minimum the time required for processing of the entire calculation activity (Ci).

19. Method according to Claim 13, characterized in that, during the step of providing said calculation activity reference value (Crif), said calculation activity reference value (Crif) is fixed so as to maximize the amount of data transmitted between the various smart devices (10) of the local network per unit of time.

20. Method according to Claim 13, characterized in that, during the step of providing said calculation activity reference value (Crif), said calculation activity reference value (Crif) is fixed so as to reduce to a minimum the energy consumption of the various smart devices (10) of the local network.

21. Method according to Claim 13, characterized in that the step of processing the input data is performed by means of application of at least one self-learning algorithm consisting of an artificial intelligence model, based on machine learning processes.

22. Method according to Claim 21 , characterized in that it comprises a step of training said self-learning algorithm, wherein said self-learning algorithm is trained by means of the operating information and / or data of the smart devices (10) of the local network, said operating information and / or data being collected in a database storedin a memory (14A) of the calculation management device (10A).

23. Method according to Claim 21 , characterized in that it comprises a step of autonomous operation of at least one of the smart devices (10) of the local network by the calculation management device (10A) on the basis of the input data processed by means of said self-learning algorithm.

24. Method according to Claim 23, characterized in that it comprises a step of adjusting said autonomous operation on the basis of further input data processed by the calculation management device (10A) or by a smart device (10) of the local network.

25. Method according to Claim 13, characterized in that it comprises an updating step, wherein the calculation activity reference value (Crif) is varied following a variation of the input data received from the smart devices (10) of the local network and / or wherein the calculation management device (10A) is replaced, even only temporarily, by one of the other smart devices (10) of the local network.

26. Wearable control device (10B) for managing at least one smart device (10) of a house, said wearable control device (10B) being in the form of a ring and being characterized in that it comprises at least one control unit (12B) and a sensor unit (18B), wherein said sensor unit (18B) comprises at least one input sensor configured to convert an input of tactile or acoustic type or a movement of the user’s hand into a digital or analog electric signal and wherein said control unit (12B) is coupled to said sensor unit (18B) and is configured to activate a predetermined function of the ring (10B) or of a smart device (10) associated with the ring (10B) in response to the digital or analog electric signal received from the sensor unit (18B).

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