Updating scenes in remote controllers of home control system. RU patent 2510809.

FIELD: physics, control.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to synchronising settings in a home control system such as settings for lighting scenes in a lighting system with a plurality of light units. The basic idea of the invention is to synchronise settings such as lighting scene settings in a home control system with a network of devices such as light units and multiple control devices for controlling the network devices. An embodiment of the invention provides a device (Sync) for synchronising settings in a home control system comprising memory (12) for storing settings of one or more of devices (L1-L9) of the home control system, a communication unit (14) for receiving signals (16) from and transmitting signals (18) to control devices (RC3-RC4) of the home control system, and a processor (10) for synchronising stored settings in the home control system upon receiving a signal (16) from a control device (RC3, RC4) of the home control system by transmitting a synchronisation signal (18). All control devices may have access to all settings.

EFFECT: simplifying device control due to that a user may control all settings with one control device and does not have to remember which settings are stored in which control device.

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THE TECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES

The present invention relates to the sync settings in the home control system, such as the settings for the scene illumination of the lighting system, with lots of light elements.

PRIOR ART

An example of home control system is the system of light control. Future lighting application foresee home lighting control system with dimmable light sources and wireless control devices, such (wall) switches and remote controls. In most cases, people will start with a simple system with multiple lamps and a single remote control. Gradually this system will be expanded by a large number of lamps and a large number of devices (remote) control. Such lighting systems often allow the user to create a scene lighting via remote control devices, and save these scenes in this remote control. Scene illumination contains the settings lamps lighting systems that are activated to create this scene lighting. Usually, these settings contain values dimmable lamps, color generated lighting. Stage lighting saved in the remote control can be later retrieved by the user.

However, with increasing and greater the number of lamps and control devices to create, adjust and store the scenes lighting can lead to a situation where different control devices, which keep different lighting scenes. This may lead to a situation, when to user's hard to remember what the control unit contains what stage lighting, and/or what the control unit regulates what kind of lamp.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is to provide systems and methods that allow the user to use any device control home control system to extract and settings saved settings home management system.

This is achieved through the combination of features of the independent claims. Additional options for implementation disclosed in dependent claims.

The main idea of the invention is synchronization settings, such as setting options lighting scenes in home control system with some network devices, such as lighting blocks, and multiple control devices to control these network devices. Through synchronization settings, all controller can have access to all parameters settings, home control system, and the user can adjust all settings using any of the controls, and he should not remember what the settings are stored which device management. Device management in the context of the present invention means any device which is intended to control the settings of the devices in the home control system, such as a wireless remote control that is able to communicate home control system, in particular to devices in the home of a control system over a wireless connection. Home system management in the context of the present invention contains any system that is installed in the house and contains a number of devices that can be regulated through one or more control devices, such as lighting system, heating and/or air conditioning.

Option the implementation of the present invention provides a device for synchronization settings in home control system, containing

- memory for storage of configuration settings of one or more devices in the home control system,

- connection unit for reception of signals from control devices home system management and signaling to them, and

- processor for synchronising saved settings in the home control system when making signal from control unit home control system by sending a signal sync. This device makes possible to enter the synchronization feature to the settings of the devices in the home control systems, such as home lighting system. This unit can be implemented as a separate device for expanding existing home control system, but can also be integrated in home control system, and device management.

According to the additional option of the implementation of the present invention, the controller may be performed with the possibility

- download and processing of the saved configuration option according to the command, adopted by signals from control devices through the connection unit, and

- control unit communication sync signal to the device to configure these devices in accordance with the processed parameter settings. Under this option implementation, device synchronization serve as a Central location for all settings home management system. The synchronization signals in this embodiment, can store all the settings for devices in the home control system, for example, to play a desired scene lighting in the home lighting system in accordance with these settings. Configuration options may be available for access through control devices so that the user can easily and conveniently select the desired setting using the control device.

According to another additional option of the implementation of the present invention, the processor can be made with the possibility

- save the modified configuration option according to the command, adopted by signals from control devices through the connection unit, and

- control unit communication synchronization signal to other active control devices to specify the modified parameter settings and/or to respond to update requests from other devices of control and to (re) signal sync to the device. Under this option implementation, these devices synchronization serve as some sort of temporary memory for the changed settings and can inform other control devices when they become active on the changed settings using the synchronization signals. Settings can be saved in all control devices, and when the user changes using one device control some settings, this option exercise allows to carry out automatic update settings saved in all other control devices home management system. In addition, all other control device can request an update when they are activated or re-join the system. This renewal request starts (re) transmission of sync signal to the device that sent the renewal request.

According to the additional option the implementation of the present invention, the controller may also be made with the possibility

- save command to change parameter settings, adopted by signals from control devices through the connection unit, and

- control unit communication synchronization signal containing saved command to change the setting, to other active control devices. This option is particularly suitable for home control systems, in which the settings are stored in the device, for example in lamps home lighting system. However, in order to allow the user to select from a saved configuration, device management also keep at least the list of available settings. Thus, when the settings changed by the user, this change must also be synchronized with other control devices. This may be done under this option the implementation of that command to change this setting, which is transmitted from the control devices to the appropriate devices is made by the device synchronization and temporarily stored. The device synchronization can then transfer the synchronization signal containing the stored command, to other active control devices so that these controls can update them internally stored configuration settings.

The present invention according to the additional variant of implementation refers to the home control system, containing

- several devices

- multiple control devices adapted for remote control of these devices, and

- the device according to any of the previous items to synchronize the settings in the home the control system. Home control system can be, for example, home lighting system with multiple lamps and remote control devices to change the settings of these lamps, such as a lamp burning.

In addition, a variant of the implementation of the present invention provides a way to synchronize the settings in the home management system that contains the time that

- save the settings of one or more devices in the home control system,

- accept signals from control devices home control systems and signal transmission to them, and

- synchronize your saved settings in the home control system for receiving a signal from the control unit of the home of a control system by sending a signal sync. This method can be, for example, is implemented by means of an algorithm for synchronize home management system.

According to the additional option of the implementation of the present invention,

- phase synchronization saved settings transmit the clock signal to the device to configure these devices in accordance with the processed parameter settings.

According to the additional option of the implementation of the present invention:

- at the stage of acceptance signals shall receive a signal containing the command to save the modified settings, device management, and

- phase synchronization saved settings transmit the clock signal to other active control devices to specify the modified parameter settings.

According to the additional option of the implementation of the present invention,

- at the stage of receiving signals shall receive a signal containing the command to save command to change parameter settings, device management, and

- phase synchronization saved settings configure the transmit clock signal containing the stored command to change the setting, to other active control devices.

According to the additional option of implementing the present invention may be provided with a computer program that allows the processor to perform the above method according to the invention.

According to the additional option of implementing the present invention may be provided the recording media that store a computer program according to the invention, such as CD, DVD, memory card, floppy disk, the device of the Internet memory, or similar data carrier, suitable for storage of this software for optical or electronic access.

Additional variant of the invention, provides the computer is programmed to complete method according to the invention, such as the PC (personal computer), which may contain interface for communication with devices and device management, home management system.

These and other aspects of the invention disclosed in the variants of implementation described below and illustrated with reference to them.

This invention will be described in more detail below, with reference to indicative options for implementation. However, this invention is not limited to the approximate variant of implementation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The drawings figure 1 depicts home lighting system with multiple lamps and remote control devices to configure these lamps in order to create desirable for user lighting scenes, in which the settings for different lighting scenes saved in a variety of remote control devices;

Figure 2 depicts home lighting system of figure 1, in which the remote control device are synchronized and contain settings for the same scene lighting;

Figure 3 depicts home lighting system of figure 1 with the device for synchronization settings in home lighting system, according to the invention;

Figure 4 depicts an implementation option device to synchronize the settings in the home lighting system, according to the invention;

Figure 5 depicts the first variant of the method for synchronization settings in home lighting system, according to the invention;

6 depicts the second variant of the method for synchronization settings in home lighting system, according to the invention;

7 depicts the third variant of the method for synchronization settings in home lighting system, according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 depicts home lighting system with multiple lamps L1-L9 that can remotely be regulated by devices RC1 and RC2 remote control. Device RC1 and RC2 remote control contact with lamps L1-L9 through wireless communication, such as radio frequency (RF) connection. Both devices RC1 and RC2 remote control can create, adjust and save the "scenes", i.e. lighting scenes. The device RC1 remote control lamps L1, L2, L4, L7 and L8, and the device RC2 remote control lamps L2, L3, L5, L6, L8 and L9. If the lamps are dimmable, it is possible that each device RC1 and RC2 remote control has different settings dimming for lamps. In these cases, the device RC1 remote control has a different configuration options "scene" (stage a and b) compared with the device RC2 remote control (stage C and D). For example, a scene And can be specified as: L1 50%, L2 80%, L4 30%, L7 100%, L8 20% level blackout; the scene can be specified as: L2 90%, L3 40%, L5 60%, L6 70%, L8 75% and L9 25% level blackout.

Figure 2 depicts home lighting system of figure 1, in which both devices RC3 and RC4 remote control contain the settings of the scene E, F and G, and both devices RC3 and RC4 are managed by the same lamps (L1, L2, ..., L9). In this case for remote controls you want to synchronize their configurations. For example, if the user changes the setting of the scene in the device RC3 remote control, and/or add some light to the scene in the device RC3 remote control, and/or creates a new stage in the device RC3 remote control, you must also transfer those settings to the device RC4 remote control, or to exchange with him, even if these settings are saved in the lamps.

Figure 3 depicts home lighting system of figure 1 with the new device, called the “Sync” (below briefly called device Sync)to synchronize the settings according to the invention. Function device Sync is to implement synchronization settings in network of home lighting system. The device Sync is a separate device home lighting systems and can be, for example, is located in the center of the room, mounted on a wall, integrated in the lamp or even a remote control device. To expand the home lighting systems with the synchronization function device Sync may be offered as a separate device that can be easily integrated in existing home control system or home lighting system through the automatic configuration.

4 depicts the device Sync, which contains the block 14 of the RF due to receive RF signals 16 and send RF signals 18, processor 10, managing block 14 of the RF communications and running the program for synchronization settings, such as lighting scenes in home lighting system, and memory for 12 storing settings in the device Sync. The device Sync adapted for communication with remote control home lighting system. It can also be adapted for the implementation of a direct connection with lamps home lighting systems, as will be detailed later. The connection to the device home lighting systems, such as the remote control can be set by means of the integration process in pairs device Sync with the device. Also it is possible to integrate devices in Sync wireless in the home lighting system, for example, by storing a key, like wireless local area network (WLAN) in order to enable the device to Sync contact with each device home lighting system, which is able to communicate with other devices on the network.

Figure 5 depicts a variant of implementation, in which the device Sync saves the settings scenes, lighting, home lighting systems so that there is one Central place where these settings are stored and can be retrieved. Thus, all devices RC3 and RC4 remote control to activate the same settings and scenes, that prevents the problems described earlier. In the situation shown in figure 5, the device Sync saves the settings scenes, E, F and G. As only one of the devices RC3 or RC4 remote control becomes active and sends a command to create a "scene" or lighting scenes, this command is passed to the device Sync from the device RC3 or RC4 remote control via the signal 16. Next, the device Sync will send a team or will propagate settings to lamps L1, ..., L9, which are included in playback komandovanie lighting scenes, through the signal 18. Both signals 16 and 18 are transmitted over the air through RF connection. In the situation shown in figure 5, the device Sync acts as a Central element of synchronization, switchable between devices RC3 and RC4 remote control and lamps L1-L9. Thus, the device RC3 or RC4 remote control is not directly controls the led L1-L9, and through the device Sync. Also, if a user creates or configures new or existing stage lighting through the device RC3 or RC4 remote control, the device RC3 or RC4 remote control sends commands to create and settings through 16 signal to the device Sync, which keeps these settings and sends them via the signal 18 to the appropriate lamps L1-L9 home lighting system in such a way that the user receives feedback to the commands entered in the device RC3 or RC4 remote control. Thus, Sync can update all of the control device of the fact that the new scene is created and added to the list of available scenes, or equivalent device management can get the latest information updates when they become more active, join or re-join the system.

The program is executed by the processor 10 device Sync to sync settings, as shown in figure 5, are briefly explained below. Settings lamps L1-L9 to create scenes lighting is stored in the device Sync. This can be done by passing a configuration from the device RC3 or RC4 remote control that were entered by the user to the device Sync via signals that contain these settings and command to store these settings in the device Sync. Then, the device Sync takes the signal from 16 devices RC3 or RC4 remote control, which, for example, was activated by the user to load the saved settings and to process the uploaded configuration option. This can be done, for example, when after the user activates the remote control device the user is viewing a list of available settings scenes lighting displayed on the device RC3 or RC4 remote control selects the desired scene lighting by selecting the appropriate parameter settings, and presses the transfer button to transfer this choice to the device Sync. The device Sync, which makes this choice, loads the saved settings and processes through a signal to configure lamps L1-L9 so that the desired scene lighting may be reproduced in home lighting system. After that the device Sync passes created a signal lamps L1-L9.

6 depicts an additional variant of the invention, in which the device Sync temporarily saves the changes settings, home lighting systems, so there may be exchanged with other changes - remote control devices when they become active. In this case, the settings scenes, E, F and G lighting persist or are activated via a device RC3 and RC4 remote control. When changing the settings for the stage lighting F was carried out, for example, in the device RC3 remote control device RC3 creates and sends a command through 16 signal to the device Sync to temporarily save changes in the settings of the scene F. As the only device RC4 remote control becomes active, it takes the signal 18 synchronization from your device Sync, which indicates that there is a change in the settings of the scene F, and passes temporarily saved the modified settings scenes F to the device RC4 remote control, which saves adopted the changed settings scenes F in the internal memory. The settings of the scene F can be sent from the device RC3 and RC4 remote control via RF signals 22 and 20, respectively, for lamps L1-L9 to play a desired scene lighting.

The program is executed by the processor 10 device Sync to sync settings, as shown in Fig.6, briefly explained below. The device Sync takes the signal which contains the command to save the changed settings and change these settings. This will save the processor 10 device Sync adopted the modified settings in the memory of 12 device Sync in accordance with the established command. The device then Sync transfers the synchronization signal, which indicates the changed settings, such as through the contents of the descriptor "changed the settings of the scene F". Each active device remote control, such as RC4, which receives this signal synchronization can check if it is stored settings scenes F, and can change the saved settings in accordance with the modifications contained in the sync signal. The sync signal can be transmitted continuously device Sync, or it can be transmitted, only if the remote control is active, which may be marked with the device Sync, for example, through the activation of the remote control, which can be automatically sent to each device remote control when you activate and allows the device Sync quickly determine which devices are active and enabled.

Home lighting system can also be designed so that the settings scenes, E, F and G are stored in lamps L1-L9, as shown in Fig.7. Device RC3 and RC4 remote control will then send a command to activate some scenes to lamps L1-L9 through RF signals 20 and 22, respectively. In this case the change in the settings darkening scene will lead to "inline" synchronization because the settings are stored in only one place: in lamps L1-L9. However, devices RC3 and RC4 remote control still need to know how many scenes are created and can be activated. For example, if a new scene is created device RC3 remote control, you must also be informed about this change device RC4 remote control and update the list of available scenes. So in this case, the required timing function “Sync”. 7 depicts the additional option of the implementation of the present invention, which implements synchronization to change some scenes. If the user changes, for example, the scene E, using the device RC3 remote control, this change is signalled via the RF signal 16 to the device Sync. Signal 16 contains the command to change the setting E. The device Sync temporarily stores adopted command to change the setting E and sends this command to change the setting when the device RC4 remote control is activated by the user. Then the device RC4 remote control also knows the modified setting, and it might allow the user to choose your modified settings.

The device Sync can be also located in the lamp or the removable block. In principle, any device management, home management system that is constantly supplied with energy, can take on the role of the device Sync.

This invention makes it possible to offer the synchronization function for the settings in the home control system as a separate product for consumers. In this case the users can decide if they would like to buy this function and its benefits or not.

The invention can be used in any home control system, such as lighting control systems in homes, shops and office applications.

At least some of the functions of the present invention may be carried out by hardware or software. In case of realization in the software standard single or multiple microprocessors or microcontrollers can be used to process single or multiple algorithms that implement the invention.

It should be noted that the word "contains" does not exclude other elements or phases, and that the word "one" or "some" does not exclude plurality. In addition, any signs links in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims of the present invention.

1. The Device Sync to update the settings and/or scenes lighting in the home management system that contains the memory (12) to store configuration settings and/or scenes coverage of one or more devices (L1-L9) home management system, the block (14) connection for the reception of signals (16) from the device (RC3-RC4) management of home control and signaling (18) to them, and the processor is configured to save the changed settings and/or stage lighting according to the command of the accepted signal (16) from the device (RC3) control via the block (14) communication and control block (14) to transfer the updated signal (18) synchronize to other active devices (RC4) control to specify the modified parameter settings, and/or stage lighting, and/or response for update requests from other devices of control and to (re -) transmission updated signal sync to the device.

2. Home control system containing multiple devices (L1-L9), multiple devices (RC3-RC4) management, adaptable for remote control devices (L1-L9), and the device (Sync) according to claim 1 for the update settings and/or scenes lighting in the home management system.