Method for connecting a household appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for connecting (100) a household appliance (A1) to a communication network (R), accessible by means of at least one item of connection information by which a first device (D1) can connect to the communication network (R), the method comprising: - a step of turning on (E0) the household appliance (A1); - a first step of connecting (E1) the household appliance (A1) to the first device (D1) by means of a first wireless connection technology; - a step of transmitting (E2), by the household appliance (A1), at least one request for the transmission of the at least one item of connection information to the first device (D1); - a step of receiving (E5), by the household appliance (A1), the at least one item of connection information from the first device (D1); - a second step of connecting (E6) the household appliance (A1) to the communication network (R) by means of the at least one item of connection information.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Method for connecting a household appliance

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The invention relates to the field of household appliances and more particularly to a method for connecting a household appliance to a communication network and a household appliance implementing such a method.

[0005] State of the prior art

[0006] There are household appliances, such as a food preparation appliance, a robot vacuum cleaner or an air purifier for example, which can be connected to a communication network, such as a private home network, for example a Wl Fl network, in order to exchange information or commands with a remote server.

[0007] It is known to connect a new household appliance to a user's private home communication network. To do this, the user must manually enter at least one connection information. This connection is long and generally tedious for the user, and requires the user to know at least one connection information. Therefore, it is common for the user not to make this connection or to call customer service for assistance.

[0008] There is therefore a need to simplify and facilitate the connection of a new household appliance to the private home communication network.

[0009] Statement of the invention

[0010] One embodiment relates to a method for connecting a household appliance to a communication network, said communication network being accessible by means of at least one attachment information by which a first device is already connected to said communication network, the method being executed by the household appliance and comprising:

[0011] A step of starting the household appliance in an environment of the first device,

[0012] A first connection step in which the household appliance connects to the first device using a first wireless connection technology,

[0013] A transmission step in which at least one request for transmission of the at least one item of attachment information is sent by the household appliance to the first device,

[0014] A step of receiving by the household appliance the at least one attachment information from the first device, A second connection step in which the household appliance connects to the communication network by means of the at least one attachment information. The invention relates to a household appliance, i.e. a device designed to help carry out household tasks or domestic work, using mainly electricity as an energy source, so as to make them easier, faster or more efficient. Household appliances cover a wide range of functions, from cooking and preparing food to laundry, cleaning and keeping the house in good condition.For example, household appliances include food preparation appliances, air purifiers, refrigerators, dishwashers, microwave ovens, washing machines, vacuum cleaners including vacuum robots, irons, etc.

[0015] A communication network is defined as a set of interconnected elements allowing the exchange of information between distant points. The communication network may include physical elements, for example cables, antennas, etc., and / or virtual elements, i.e. based on wireless communication technology.

[0016] According to the invention, the communication network is accessible to a new household appliance only by means of at least one piece of connection information. In other words, without the at least one piece of connection information, the new household appliance cannot connect to the communication network.

[0017] The at least one attachment information may include at least one name of the communication network, also called a service defined identifier, and a password for connecting to said communication network.

[0018] According to the invention, a first device knows this attachment information so that it is, or can, connect to the communication network.

[0019] The household appliance implements a step of starting the household appliance, i.e., switching on the household appliance. More specifically, the household appliance must be in an environment of the first device. The household appliance is in the environment of the first device as soon as a wireless connection can be made between the household appliance and the first device. In other words, the environment of the first device depends on an implemented technology allowing said wireless connection. Generally, the environment of the first device is a few meters, for example between 0m and 15m.

[0020] After the startup step, the household appliance performs a first connection step during which the household appliance connects remotely to the first device. For this, the household appliance and the first device are each equipped with a transmitter / receiver adapted to implement the first wireless technology. Thus, the household appliance and the first device can exchange information with each other.

[0021] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, said first connection step is carried out immediately after starting the household appliance. In other words, there are no additional steps or operations between the step of starting the household appliance and said first connection step.

[0022] According to one possibility, the said first connection step is carried out automatically after the start-up step of the household appliance: no action or operation is required.

[0023] After the first connection step, the household appliance performs the transmission step in which it sends, to the first device, a request for transmission of the attachment information.

[0024] Following this transmission step, the household appliance receives the attachment information during the reception step.

[0025] The transmission and reception stage implement the first wireless technology.

[0026] Finally, the household appliance performs the second connection step in which it connects to the communication network by means of the at least one attachment information. After the second connection step, the household appliance can exchange information on the communication network.

[0027] Thus, the household appliance is connected to the communication network without a user having to do anything other than power on the household appliance in the environment of the first device. The method therefore significantly reduces the connection effort required by the user to connect the household appliance to the communication network. Use of the household appliance by the user is therefore facilitated.

[0028] The subject matter of this disclosure may also exhibit one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0029] In some embodiments, the method comprises a step of stopping the first connection step in which, following the receiving step, the household appliance stops the connection with the first device via the first wireless connection technology.

[0030] Thus, when the household appliance has received the attachment information from the first device, the connection between them is terminated. The household appliance is therefore not connected to both the first device and the communication network. The household appliance therefore consumes less energy. In addition, the transceiver enabling the connection with the first device can be used to connect to the communication network.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first wireless connection technology used in the first connection step is a Bluetooth, WIFI, NFC, RFID, Zigbee, Z-wave technology. Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-wave and WIFI technologies are standard wireless technologies used to establish connections between electronic devices.

[0032] NFC communication technology enables a short-range wireless connection, a few centimeters, which allows the exchange of data between compatible devices.

[0033] RFID technology uses radio waves.

[0034] In some embodiments, the communications network is accessible using a second wireless connection technology.

[0035] The communication network is therefore a remote network comprising a virtual element, i.e. based on wireless communication technology.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the first wireless technology is different from the second wireless technology.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the second wireless technology is chosen from: Bluetooth, WIFI, NFC, RFID, Zigbee, Z-wave technology.

[0038] In some embodiments, the communication network is a WIFI network and / or a private remote network.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first device is another household appliance or a mobile terminal or a local server.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first device implements a verification step in which the first device checks a reference uniquely associated with the household appliance issuing the at least one transmission request.

[0041] Each household appliance is associated with a unique reference which makes it possible to determine that it is a household appliance that can be safely connected to the communication network.

[0042] The verification step therefore makes it possible to limit the transmission of attachment information to authorized household appliances only.

[0043] The verification step aims to guarantee the security of the communication network.

[0044] In some embodiments, the first device performs the verification step using at least one algorithm or database stored in the first device.

[0045] Thus the first device performs the verification step within the first device, that is to say without requiring a connection to the communication network.

[0046] The verification step is faster.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first device performs the verification step by transmitting a verification request over the communication network to a first remote server and receiving connection approval information from the household appliance transmitting the at least one transmission request. In this embodiment, the first device connects to the communication network. During the verification request, the first device transmits to a first remote server at least the reference uniquely associated with the household appliance transmitting the at least one transmission request.

[0048] In return, the first remote server sends approval information.

[0049] For example, the approval information is validation information, or denial information. The validation information indicates to the first device that the household appliance issuing the at least one transmission request can connect to the communication network. The denial information indicates to the first device that the household appliance issuing the at least one transmission request cannot connect to the communication network.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the at least one attachment information is recorded in the first device, or on a second remote or local server accessible by means of the communication network by the first device.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the first remote server and the second remote server are merged.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the first remote server and the second remote server are different.

[0053] According to one embodiment, each step of the method 100 can be redone in the event of failure or malfunction.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the household appliance may, after the connecting step, become a new first device for connecting a new household appliance to the communication network.

[0055] Another aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance implementing a method according to the invention.

[0056] Brief description of the drawings

[0057] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to an embodiment according to the present invention, given as a non-limiting example and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which:

[0058] [FIG. 1] is a schematic representation of the method according to the invention.

[0059] Description of the embodiments

[0060] Only the elements necessary for understanding the invention have been shown in the figure. The invention relates to a method 100 for connecting a household appliance A1 to a communication network R and a household appliance A1 implementing such a method 100.

[0061] An A1 household appliance is a device designed to help perform household chores or domestic work, primarily using electricity as a power source, in a way that makes them easier, faster, or more efficient. The A1 household appliance has a function, ranging from cooking and preparing food to laundry, cleaning, and keeping the house in good condition. For example, the A1 household appliance is chosen from: a food preparation appliance, an air purifier, a refrigerator, a dishwasher, a microwave oven, a washing machine, a vacuum cleaner including a vacuum robot, an iron, etc.

[0062] The communication network R is a set of interconnected elements allowing an exchange of information between remote points. The communication network R may comprise physical elements, for example cables, antennas, etc., and / or virtual elements, i.e. based on wireless communication technology. In the latter case, in certain embodiments, the communication network R is a WIFI network and / or a private remote network.

[0063] In some embodiments, the communication network R is accessible using a second wireless connection technology. The second wireless technology is selected from: Bluetooth, WIFI, NFC, RFID, Zigbee, Z-wave technology.

[0064] Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-wave and WIFI are standard wireless technologies used to establish connections between electronic devices.

[0065] NFC communication technology enables a short-range wireless connection, a few centimeters, which allows the exchange of data between compatible devices.

[0066] RFID technology uses radio waves.

[0067] Preferably, the second wireless technology is WIFI technology.

[0068] According to the invention, the communication network R is accessible for a new household appliance D1 only by means of at least one connection information. In other words, without the at least one connection information, the new household appliance D1 cannot connect to the communication network R.

[0069] The at least one attachment information may comprise at least one name of the communication network R, also called a defined service identifier, and a password for connecting to said communication network R.

[0070] According to the invention, a first device D1 knows this attachment information so that it is, or can, connect to the communication network R.

[0071] In some embodiments, the first device D1 is another household appliance or a mobile terminal or a local server. The connection method 100 is executed by the household appliance A1 and comprises a step E0 of starting the household appliance A1 in an environment of the first device D1.

[0072] During the start-up step E0, the household appliance A1 is powered on. More specifically, the household appliance A1 must be in an environment of the first device D1. The household appliance A1 is in the environment of the first device D1 as soon as a wireless connection can be made between the household appliance A1 and the first device D1. In other words, the environment of the first device D1 depends on an implemented technology allowing said wireless connection. Generally, the environment of the first device D1 is a few meters, for example between 0m and 15m.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the start-up step is initiated by a user Usr, for example by electrically connecting the household appliance A1 or by pressing a start button.

[0074] After the start-up step, and advantageously immediately after this start-up step, the household appliance performs, advantageously automatically, a first connection step E1 during which the household appliance A1 connects remotely to the first device D1. The remote connection is performed by means of a first wireless technology. To connect remotely, the household appliance A1 and the first device D1 are each equipped with a transmitter / receiver adapted to implement the first wireless technology. Thus, the household appliance A1 and the first device D1 can exchange information with each other.

[0075] In some embodiments, the first wireless connection technology used in the first connection step E1 is a Bluetooth, Wl Fl, NFC, RFID, Zigbee, Z-wave technology.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the first wireless technology is different from the first wireless technology.

[0077] Preferably, the first wireless technology is Bluetooth technology.

[0078] After the first connection step E1, the household appliance A1 performs the transmission step E2 in which it transmits, to the first device D1, a request for transmission of the attachment information. The transmission step E2 implements the first wireless technology.

[0079] In some embodiments, following the transmission step E2, the first device D1 implements a verification step E3, E3', E4', E4 in which the first device D1 checks a reference uniquely associated with the household appliance A1 transmitting the at least one transmission request. Each household appliance A1 is associated with a unique reference which makes it possible to determine that it is a household appliance that can be connected securely to the communication network. The verification step E3, E3', E4', E4 therefore makes it possible to limit the transmission of the attachment information to only authorized household appliances. The purpose of the verification step E3, E3', E4', E4 is to guarantee the security of the communication network.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first device D1 performs the verification step by means of at least one algorithm or database recorded in the first device D1. Thus, the first device D1 performs the verification step within the first device D1, i.e. without requiring a connection to the communication network R. The first device D1 includes in a memory information allowing it to determine, with the unique reference, whether the household appliance A1 is known and whether it can access the communication network R. The verification step is thus faster.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first device D1 performs the verification step by sending a verification request E3, E'3 on the communication network R to a remote server C. In other words, the first device D1 connects E3 to the communication network R using the attachment information, then queries E'3 a remote server C. During the interrogation E'3, the first device D1 transmits to the remote server C at least the reference uniquely associated with the household appliance A1 sending the at least one transmission request.

[0082] In return, the remote server C sends connection approval information from the household appliance A1 issuing at least one transmission request.

[0083] For example, the approval information is validation information, or refusal information. The validation information indicates to the first device D1 that the household appliance A1 issuing the at least one transmission request can connect to the communication network RC. The refusal information indicates to the first device D1 that the household appliance A1 issuing the at least one transmission request cannot connect to the communication network R.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the at least one attachment information is recorded in the first device D1, or on a second remote server C, the same as or different from the first remote server C, or locally accessible by means of the communication network by the first device.

[0085] Following the transmission step E2, the household appliance A1 receives the attachment information from the first device D1 during the reception step E5. More particularly, the reception step E5 is only carried out if the first device D1 receives the validation information. The reception step implements the first wireless technology. In certain embodiments, the method 100 comprises a step of stopping the first connection step E1 in which, following the reception step E5, the household appliance A1 stops the connection with the first device D1 via the first wireless connection technology. Thus, when the household appliance A1 has received the attachment information from the first device D1, the connection between them is stopped. The household appliance A1 is therefore not connected to both the first device D1 and the communication network R. The household appliance A1 therefore consumes less energy.Furthermore, in some embodiments, the transmitter / receiver enabling connection with the first device D1 can be used to connect to the communication network R.

[0086] Finally, the household appliance A1 performs a second connection step E6 in which the household appliance A1 connects to the communication network R by means of the at least one attachment information. After the second connection step E6, the household appliance can exchange information on the communication network R independently of the first device D1.

[0087] Thus, the household appliance A1 is connected to the communication network R without the user Usr having to do anything other than power up the household appliance A1 in the environment of the first device D1. The method 100 therefore significantly reduces the connection effort required by the user Usr to connect the household appliance A1 to the communication network R. Use of the household appliance A1 by the user Usr is therefore facilitated.

[0088] Of course, each step of the method 100 can be redone in the event of failure or malfunction. Of course, the household appliance A1 can, after the connection step E6, become a new first device for connecting a new household appliance to the communication network R.

[0089] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it is obvious that modifications and changes may be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In particular, individual features of the various illustrated / mentioned embodiments may be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

[0090] It is also obvious that all the characteristics described with reference to a method are transposable, alone or in combination, to a device, and conversely, all the characteristics described with reference to a device are transposable, alone or in combination, to a method.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Method for connecting (100) a household appliance (A1) to a communication network (R), said communication network (R) being accessible by means of at least one attachment information by which a first device (D1) can connect to said communication network (R), the method being executed by the household appliance (A1) and comprising: A starting step (E0) of the household appliance (A1) in an environment of the first device (D1), After the start step (E0), a first connection step (E1) in which the household appliance (A1) connects to the first device (D1) by means of a first wireless connection technology, A transmission step (E2) in which at least one request for transmission of the at least one item of attachment information is transmitted by the household appliance (A1) to the first device (D1), A step of reception (E5) by the household appliance (A1) of at least one item of information relating to the attachment of the first device (D1), A second connection step (E6) in which the household appliance (A1) connects to the communication network (R) by means of the at least one piece of connection information.

2. Connection method (100) according to claim 1, comprising a step of stopping the first connection step (E1) in which, following the reception step (E5), the household appliance (A1) stops the connection with the first device (D1) via the first wireless connection technology.

3. Connection method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first wireless connection technology used during the first connection step (E1) is a Bluetooth, Wl Fl, NFC, RFID, Zigbee, Z-wave technology.

4. Connection method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication network (R) is accessible by means of a second wireless connection technology.

5. Connection method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the communication network (R) is a WIFI network and / or a private remote network.

6. Connection method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first device (D1) is another household appliance or a mobile terminal or a local server.

7. Connection method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first device (D1) implements a verification step (E3, E3', E4', E4) in which the first device (D1) checks a reference uniquely associated with the household appliance (A1) issuing the at least one transmission request.

8. Connection method (100) according to claim 7, wherein the first device (D1) performs the verification step by means of at least one algorithm or database stored in the first device (D1).

9. Connection method (100) according to claim 7, in which the first device (D1) performs the verification step by sending a verification request (E3, E3') on the communication network (R) to a first remote server (C) and by receiving connection approval information (E4', E4) from the household appliance (A1) sending the at least one transmission request.

10. Connection method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one attachment information is recorded in the first device (D1), or on a second remote (C) or local server accessible by means of the communication network (R) by the first device (D1).

11. Household appliance (A1) implementing a method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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