WO2005081079A1

WO2005081079A1 - Programming device for operating systems of roller blinds and the like

Info

Publication number: WO2005081079A1
Application number: PCT/EP2005/000689
Authority: WO
Inventors: Oscar Marchetto
Original assignee: Nice Spa
Priority date: 2004-02-19
Filing date: 2005-01-25
Publication date: 2005-09-01
Also published as: ITTV20040016A1

Abstract

Device (100) for programming operating parameters saved in a non-volatile memory (52) of an operating system (10) for roller blinds or the like, which can operated by means of at least one remote transmitter, said programming device (100) being external to the operating system (10) and comprising: an input/output interface (162) for the user, means (30, 120) for interfacing and electrical communication with said operating system (10) and a processing logic unit (156).

Description

PROGRAMMING DEVICE FOR OPERATING SYSTEMS OF ROLLER BLINDS AND THE LIKE

The invention relates to a programming device for operating systems of roller blinds in solar protection arrangements, for example sun awnings, Nenetian blinds, shutters ot blinds.

Automation plays an increasingly important role also in the sector of roller bliαds or the like. Users are more and more appreciative of the possibilities offered by technology, such as, for example, the remote operation of motorized roller blinds, the possibility of programming their parameters, and the automatic computerized management of an entire system of roller blinds.

While, with the advent of automation, the motorization of a roller blind was an excellent result, now decidedly superior performance features are sought after. In fact, these operating systems are nearly always equipped with the following assembly: - a drive unit, usually an electric motor;

- a logic control unit, which controls the movements of the drive unit_.

- devices for remote control of the operating system (remote control devices or wall- mounted switches);

- interfaces for communication between the control unit and said devices. In this sector, the known art offers several solutions. The programming, i.e. personalized setting of "mechanical" operating parameters of the operating system (end-stop positions, direction of rotation of the motor, driving torque profiles, etc.), may be performed, in systems which envisage radio control, by means of the same remote control device which controls operation. Said remote control device generally comprises only a few buttons. Therefore, in order to be able to implement all the programming procedures, it is necessary to perform complicated series of operations on the buttons, which must be pressed at given times and in given sequences. The result is that, in practice, programming of the operating system is performed only by an expert installer, albeit sometimes with difficulty, and never by the user. In more complex arrangements, such as for example the centralized control of roller blinds in an entire building, some manufacturers provide the operating system, which in nearly all cases is a tubular motor, with a cable bus communications system by means of which it is possible to operate separately from a control unit each operating system forming part of a set. As regards the programming thereof, which includes only the mechanical parameters of the operating system, it is performed using a special test cable. Once programming has been completed by the expert installer , the operating system is connected to the bus by means of a suitable actuator. Other manufacturers exclusively control the operating systems via radio, avoiding the use of a bus, while the programming is performed via cable at the time of installation.

It was proposed using modules, external to the operating system, in addition to the remote control device, for programming only the end-stop settings, which operation otherwise is long and complex if performed using the remote control device alone. This therefore avoids the need to perform a comphcated and tiresome sequence of operations using the remote control device (pressing of buttons, acknowledgement of sound sequences or movements and waiting for predetermined time intervals) by means of a cable interface which selects with a single button the programming of the end-stop settings. However, this is the only function performed and therefore only this function is simplified as a result. From that stated it is obvious that it is useful to be able to control in a centralized manner a plurality of operating systems, but the use of a bus via cable, in addition to complicating the wiring, requires interfaces and adapters. This increases the complexity of the system and the costs. In addition to this there is the difficult and comphcated programming procedure, performed via cable, which also characterizes these operating systems.

If, instead, a fully radio controlled management system is used, although the complexity of the bus system is avoided, two problems arise:

- the first problem, already described, is again the programming procedure, which is slow and complex; - the second problem relates to the procedure for storing/ cancelling the codes of the remote radiofrequency (RF) transmitters (for example that of a remote control device) to be enabled during operation. This problem is typical of radio transmission systems. Since, with a transmitter, it is required to control a specific operating system, without interference or problems of security, or it is required to be able to choose one from among those of a system, a transmission code which uniquely identifies the transmitter is required. This implies, obviously, that the operating system will have internally a non-volatile memory which memorizes the code of the transmitter to be enabled (or in any case a limited number of reserve codes) and other useful data. During installation it is therefore possible to enable, by means of a suitable programming sequence, only the transmitter of the remote control device provided. In the case of breakage, malfunctions or replacement, the codes of the enabled transmitters must be introduced again into the memory of the operating system, using a procedure similar to that above. Since this procedure, as before, must be carried out using a single remote control device, it is complex and laborious.

In the present state of the art, therefore, there does not exist a solution which simplifies the problem, in particular, of memorizing and re-programming the codes of RF transmitters and more generally all the parameters of the logic unit which controls the operating system ( triggering levels of wind/sun protection, direction of movement in the event of rain, etc.), defined here as "functional" parameters.

The main object of the present invention is to provide a progra-__ιming device for operating systems of roller blinds or the like, which is simple to use, both as regards programming of the mechanical operating parameters and in particular as regards the "functional" parameters, in particular memorization of the codes of the remote RF transmitters to be enabled (for example for the remote control devices).

Another object of the invention is to solve the problem of re-memorization, cancellation and archiving of the codes of the RF transmitters enabled. These objects are achieved if, in accordance with the following claims, said programming device: - comprises a logic processing unit, external to the operating system;

- is provided with data transmission/reception means and an associated protocol for the logic unit present in the programming device and that present in the operating system which controls the drive motor thereof;

- accesses and writes in the non-volatile memory associated with the logic unit of the operating system;

- sets the programming and re-programming modes and allows selection and setting of both the mechanical and functional operating parameters of the operating system;

- also comprises a non-volatile memory unit for saving the data transferred to or received from the logic unit in the operating system and/ or from the memory associated with it;

- can be interfaced with a personal computer which interacts with the logic unit of said programming device, in order to save/intioduce/modify the data present in the memories of said programming device and/ or operating system.

The advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the following description, provided by way of a non-limiting example of an embodiment of the invention, for better understanding of which reference should be made to the accompanying drawing which shows a functional block diagram of the control architecture of the operating system and external programming device. The drawing shows an operating system 10 and a programming device 100. Said operating system comprises a motor M and a control unit 12 for controlling the motor M. Said control unit is interfaced, by means of a dedicated connection 30, with the programming device 100. The connection 30 terminates at a communications interface 20, inside the unit 12, and at an interface 120 inside the programming device 100. The interfaces 20, 120 will be chosen depending on the connection 30, or vice versa. In the simplest case a 2-wire serial communications system with optional logic level translators may be used, but it is possible to envisage a radio communications system. The interface 20 is connected to a bus 40 inside the unit 12, which bus reaches a radio receiver module 50, a non-volatile memory 52, a driver stage 54, for the motor M, to which it is connected by known connections 12a, and a processing logic unit 56, for example a microprocessor. The radio receiver module 50 is responsible for demodulation of the coded data supplied by remote transmitters, for example a remote control device (not shown), used for remote control of the operating system 10. Since it uses known technology, said module 50 does not require further description. The data of the radio module 50, suitably converted, and the data supplied by the interface 20 travel along the bus 40 and are processed by the unit 56, which is able to store it in the memory 52. Moreover, the unit 56 is able to send, via the bus 40, command data for the driver stage 54 of the motor M. The radio receiver module 50 has a known design.

The programming device 100 also has an internal bus 140. Said bus has, connected thereto, the interface 120, a logic processing unit 156, a non-volatile memory 152, a user input/output interface 162, a radio receiver module 150 (which is optional, as will described more fully below). The data between these components travels along the bus 140 using ^'methods known in the art and therefore not requiring further explanation, as is likewise the case of the bus 40 of the control unit 12. The user interface 162 comprises buttons and visual indicators (for example LEDs, alphanumeric segment, liquid-crystal or dot-matrix displays) and/or acoustic signalling devices (for example buzzers) not shown in the drawing. The user chooses, via said buttons, the parameters of the operating system 10 which is to be programmed. This data will be converted by the interface 162 into signals suitable for reaching the logic unit 156 via the bus 140. This unit will process this data and, then managing the communication via the interface 120, will send them along the connection 30. Here they will be received by the interface 20 and transferred to the logic unit 56 via the bus

40.

It is not necessary to describe step-by-step how data are exchanged between the functional blocks, this being well-known by persons skilled in the art. It should be noted, however, how the architecture of the operating system 10 allows a bidirectional flow of data between the logic unit 56 (and/ or the memory 52 associated with it) of the operating system 10 and the logic unit 156 (and/or the memory 152 associated with it) of the programming device 100.

It can be understood that it is possible to modify, via the programming device 100, all the parameters stored in the memory 52 and used by the logic unit 56 to operate the stage 54 and therefore the motor M.

In particular, in order to store the radio codes associated with transmitters to be enabled, for example during a first installation, the following sets of operations will be carried out, depending on whether or not a radio module 150 is present in the programming device. Operations performed in the case where the radio module 150 is present in the programming device:

- the user selects via the interface 162 memorization of said code, i.e. selects as the parameter to be modified the code of the remote transmitter;

- said interface sends on the bus 140 the request in coded form to the logic unit 156, which acknowledges this request;

- the installer switches on the transmitter to be enabled;

- the radio receiver module 150 receives the signal of said transmitter and demodulates it;

- the unit 156 processes said demodulated signal received from the radio module 150 via the bus 140 and deciphers the code;

- the unit 156 transfers said code into the memory 52 of the operating system 10 via the communications channel formed by the bus 140, the interface 120, the connection 30, the interface 20 and the bus 40. The code then reaches the logic unit 56 which performs memorization of said code in the memory 52 for subsequent use. The use of a radio module 150 in the programming device 100 allows the acquisition of transmission codes also with the programming device 100 disconnected from the operating system 10, saving them in the non-volatile memory 152. The availability of the codes in the memory 152 allows, for example, an installer to enable the transmitters for other operating systems without having to repeat the programming procedure. This is extremely useful for the installers.

Operations performed in the case where the radio module 150 is not present in the prograrrtming device 100:

- said interface send on the bus 140 the request in coded form to the logic unit 156, which acknowledges this request;

- said logic unit 156 via the communications channel formed by the bus 140, the interface 120, the connection 30, the interface 20 and the bus 40 warns the logic unit 56 of the imminent sending of the code;

- the installer with the transmitter to be enabled sends a signal directly to the radio module 50 of the operating system 10;

- the logic unit 56 decodes the code present in the signal demodulated by the radio module 50; - the logic unit 56 at this point performs memorization of said code in the non-volatile memory 52 for subsequent use.

This sequence of operations is repeated as many times as there are codes to be enabled. Clearly the interface 162 allows the selection of all the mechanical and functional operating parameters of the operating system 10. By saving all the (mechanical and functional) operating parameters relating to the operating system 10 in the non-volatile memory 152, in the event of replacement of the said operating system, it is possible to obtain a configuration identical to the previous one by simply downloading the data contained in said non-volatile memory 152 of the programming device 100 in the non-volatile memory 52 of the operating system replaced. With this procedure it is possible to program rapidly and simply several operating systems using the same parameters. It can be clearly understood how the operating system 10 may be extensively configured, for example by memorizing a plurality of codes, to be used in the event of breakage of the transmitter (remote control device) or for multiple driving of the operating system 10 by different transmitters.

The prograi-timing device 100 is an object which has very small dimensions and may be powered by batteries (not shown) and is therefore very practical and light. This also allows an installer, who is using a ladder, to handle it easily, also in view of the fact that any cable for connecting the programming device 100 and operating system 10 is consequently very short and not bulky.

Another advantage of the invention is the possibihty of displaying, via the user interface 162, the codes of the transmitters or the value of the functional parameters. This allows an installer, for example, to check the parameters of a previous installation operation (for example the codes of the transmitters, the triggering levels of wind/ sun protection, etc.) and act accordingly.

A further improvement of the invention consists in providing the programming device 100 with a further communications interface 158 and connecting it, in addition to the bus 140, to a personal computer (PC) 200 via a connection 210. By introducing the identification code of any transmitter using the keyboard of the PC (200) it is possible to save said code in the non-volatile memory 52 of the operating system 10, introducing it into the programming device 100 via the connection 210 and the interface 158. At this point the code is available, on the bus 140, to the logic unit 156 which will carry out the operation of memorization in the non-volatile memory 152 of the programming device 100 and/ or in the non-volatile memory 152 of the operating system 10, as already described.

Exploiting the flexibility of the PC 200, other advantages may be obtained. The information relating to an installation operation may be archived and, if the user of the operating system 10 loses the remote control device or requires an extra one, it is sufficient, at the factory, to assign to a remote control device the code which has already been introduced into the memory (and therefore already enabled) and simply send the new remote control device already ready for use to the user. This possibihty avoids the user having to perform comphcated programming sequences and an inspection of the users premises by the installer. Obviously, irrespective as to whether or not an interface 158 is used with a PC 200, it is also possible to obtain disabling of a transmitter.

The description has been limited to the example of codes of the RF transmitter, but a system which comprises a programming device designed in accordance with the invention allows the management of all the operating parameters (both mechanical and functional) of the operating system with the same simpHcity.

Claims

1. Device (100) for programming operating parameters saved in a non-volatile memory (52) of an operating system (10) for roller blinds or the like, which can be operated by means of at least one remote transmitter, said programming device (100) being external to the operating system (10) and comprising:

- an input/output interface (162) for the user;

- first means (30, 120) for interfacing and electrical communication with said operating system (10); characterized in that it comprises a processing logic unit (156).

2. Programming device according to Claim 1, characterized in that said processing logic unit (156), by means of said first interfacing and electric communication means (30, 120), is able to read, modify and save said operating parameters in the non-volatile memory (52) of the operating system (10).

3. Programming device according to Claim 2, characterized in that said operating parameters comprise at least the radio transmission codes used to enable said at least one remote transmitter.

4. Programming device according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said input/ output interface (162) selects said operating parameters and/or sets the value thereof and/ or displays the value thereof.

5. Programming device according to any one of the preceding Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that it also comprises at least one non-volatile memory (152).

6. Programming device according to Claim 5, characterized in that said processing logic unit (156) reads and stores said operating parameters also in said nonvolatile memory (152) of the programming device (100).

7. Programming device according to Claim 6, characterized in that said processing logic unit (156) saves said operating parameters contained in said nonvolatile memory (152) of the programming device (100) in the non-volatile memory (52) of the operating system (10), and vice versa.

8. Programming device according to any one of Claims 6 to 7, characterized in that it also comprises second means (158, 210) for interfacing with a personal computer (200).

9. Programming device according to Claim 8, characterized in that said personal computer (200), by means of said second interfacing means (210, 158), sends and receives said operating parameters to/from said processing logic unit (156).

10. Programming device according to Claim 9, characterized in that said processing logic unit (156) sends to said personal computer (200) the operating parameters saved in the non-volatile memory (152) of the programming device (100) and/or in the non-volatile memory (52) of the operating system (10).

11. Programming device according to Claim 9, characterized in that said processing logic unit (156) receives the operating parameters from said personal computer (200) and saves them in the non-volatile memory (152) of the programming device (100) and/or in the non-volatile memory (52) of the operating system (10).

12. Programming device according to any one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that it also comprises second means (158) for interfacing with a personal computer

(200).

13. Programming device according to Claim 12, characterized in that said processing logic unit (156) sends to said personal computer (200) the operating parameters in the non-volatile memory (52) of the operating system (10).

14. Programming device according to Claim 12, characterized in that said processing logic unit (156) receives from said personal computer (200) the operating parameters and saves them in the non-volatile memory (52) of the operating system (10).

15. Programming device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said input/ output interface for the user (162) comprises buttons and/or visual indicators and/or acoustic signalling devices.

16. Programming device according to Claim 15, characterized in that said input/output interface for the user (162) displays the value of said operating parameters, in particular the radio transmission codes used for enabling said at least one remote transmitter.

17. Programming device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is battery-powered.

18. Programming device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first means (30, 120) for interfacing and electrical communication with said operating system (10) comprise a cable.