Home Automation Configuration Tool Wireless Actuator Pairing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current home automation systems for controlling openings like shutters, doors, and garage doors face challenges in configuration due to complex ergonomics and accessibility issues, particularly during the pairing and adjustment of actuators, which lengthens setup time and can be difficult without physical access to the actuators.
Innovation Solution
A configuration method using a tool that reads and reproduces the identifier of the actuator on a medium, such as a barcode or RFID tag, allowing for selective communication and configuration without prior intervention on the equipment or physical links, enabling easy identification and control of actuators even when inaccessible, and simplifying the pairing and adjustment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex pairing and adjustment procedures are used for configuring actuators, then security and confidentiality are improved, but configuration time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring actuators with unique identifiers before installation. During configuration, the tool automatically reads these pre-existing identifiers and uses them to establish secure pairings, eliminating the need for manual security setup during installation. This allows security measures to be in place before the actual configuration process begins, reducing configuration time while maintaining security requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a configuration tool as an intermediary device that mediates between the installer and the actuator. This tool automatically handles the complex pairing and adjustment procedures by reading actuator identifiers and transmitting appropriate commands, shielding the installer from complex security procedures while ensuring they are properly executed. The intermediary tool simplifies the user interface without compromising security protocols.
2Reliability
If detailed pairing procedures are implemented for each actuator, then system security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling actuators to automatically provide their unique identifiers when queried by the configuration tool. The actuator performs self-identification without requiring manual intervention or complex user interactions. This automatic self-service mechanism allows the configuration tool to quickly retrieve necessary information and complete pairing procedures, maintaining security while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration tool serves as an intermediary that handles the complex security procedures automatically. It reads actuator identifiers, manages pairing logic, and executes adjustment commands without requiring the installer to understand or manually perform these complex operations. The intermediary absorbs the operational complexity while presenting a simple interface to the user.
3Measurement precision
If physical access to actuators is required for configuration, then measurement precision is improved, but accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically accessing actuators with an electromagnetic solution. The configuration tool uses wireless electromagnetic communication to read actuator identifiers and transmit configuration commands without requiring physical contact or direct access to the actuator. This substitution of mechanical access with electromagnetic field-based communication maintains measurement precision while dramatically improving accessibility, allowing configuration of remotely or difficult-to-reach actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration tool acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the installer and physically inaccessible actuators. It wirelessly communicates with actuators to read their identifiers and transmit configuration data without requiring the installer to physically reach or touch the actuator. This intermediary approach maintains the precision of identifier reading while eliminating the need for direct physical access.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method significantly simplifies the pairing and adjustment ergonomics, allowing for easy configuration of home automation systems without prior knowledge of the installed system or physical links, reducing setup time and improving accessibility, while maintaining security through secure pairing and validation processes.
Implementation Method 1
Communications between command transmitters and command receivers take place in a very generalized manner on a non-cabled network, that is to say by means of electromagnetic waves and more particularly of radiofrequency waves.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for configuring equipment in a home automation installation, each equipment being identified using an identifier stored in a memory and duplicated on an accessible and visible medium, wherein said configuration method uses a configuration tool that comprises input means, signal transmission means and at least a first and a second memory, and said method comprises an iteration of the following steps: generating, at the configuration tool, a message including the content of the first memory for receiving, after an input, the equipment identifier, and the content of the second memory for receiving, after an input, information of a first type; transmitting, via the radio-electric signal transmission means, the message in the form of an electromagnetic signal; and carrying out, at the equipment, an action that is at least partially determined by the information of the first type.