WO2016195608A1

WO2016195608A1 - Space automation application with ease of installation and operation

Info

Publication number: WO2016195608A1
Application number: PCT/TR2016/000055
Authority: WO
Inventors: Levent KORKMAZ; Başar TURAN; Kenan ÖZDEMİR; İlyas KARACA
Original assignee: Audio Elektroni̇k İthalat İhracat Sanayi̇ Ve Ti̇caret Anoni̇m Şi̇rketi
Priority date: 2015-05-29
Filing date: 2016-04-22
Publication date: 2016-12-08

Abstract

The present invention, which relates to a space automation application with ease of installation and operation providing practical and simple performance of the processes and settings such as network topology planning, project design, equipment selection, application, installation, programming, element mapping, usage, repair in the space automation applications without any software training and computer competency is generally composed of; task identified modules(l) for all the system and devices included in the space automation; module name(1.1) on the task identified modules(1) indicating to which system and/or device it belongs; physical switches(1.4) grouped as position (addressing) switches(1.2) and device switches(1.3) on the task identified modules(l); space section list providing standard performance of the addressing process; switch numbers( 1.4.1) providing the determination of the position switch(1.2) corresponding to the number of the room in the space section list, which is selected for the addressing and device assignment process and device switch(1.3) corresponding to the device number determined by the user according to the number of devices in the room; automation monitor(2) providing the performance of all the settings and processes related to the space automation through touch-screen(2.1) and mode selection monitor(3) providing the determination and application of combined modes(3.1) related to the space automation system.

Description

DESCRIPTION

SPACE AUTOMATION APPLICATION WITH EASE OF INSTALLATION AND

OPERATION

The present invention relates to a space automation application providing the centralization at one main unit of the operation and control of all the equipment scattered all over the place within the space (lighting, audio, video, heating, cooling, ventilation, safety, warning etc. systems and domestic devices, white goods, decoration etc. devices), control of the main unit by remote access, identification of operation scenarios for the system and devices and change of such identified scenarios at any space such as buildings, houses, workplaces, yachts, hospitals etc., and it is characterized by; a space automation application with ease of installation and operation providing a practical and easy performance of the transactions and settings such as network topology planning, designing, equipment selection, application, installation, programming, element mapping, usage, repair.

Automation, in general terms, is the sharing of a work between man and machine. The sharing percentage of the work determines the level of the automation. Automations in which human influence is intense are designated as semi-automation and the automations in which machine influence is intense are designated as full automation.

Space and building automation applications (smart home, building etc.) generally provide automatic and/or semi-automatic management and control of the devices in the place, lighting, audio, video, HVAC (heating, cooling, ventilation), decoration, (curtain, shutter etc.) and security and warning systems. Space automation systems can be controllable or both controllable and programmable. With space automation applications, it is possible to identify automatic operation scenarios for the devices and systems in the space. As based on the level of the automation, while detailed scenarios can be identified for any condition in some systems, only functions can be assigned in simple systems. As an example to the scenarios that can be identified in space automations; the processes such as programming different operation settings for the devices (combi boiler, air conditioning, lighting units etc.) for the parameters such as the temperature of the medium, light level etc., assigning operation settings at certain modes (summer, winter, night, economic, guest, at home, not at home, vacation mode, personal modes etc.) for all the devices connected to the automation, can be given. These processes are applied automatically (automatic application according to the conditions perceived by the sensors) or semi-automatically (mode and setting selection by the user) by the automation system following the identification. Full automation systems apply the identified scenarios automatically, when the determined time comes and/or when the determined conditions occur. In order to realize this process with full performance, it is required to establish a communication network between the elements such as the device, system, sensor (detector), setting equipment, controller etc., to perform addressing and identification. In space automations in the state of the art, addressing and identifications are loaded on to the system through special software programs.

In some smart building applications today, the control of the automation system can be performed through remote access systems and communication methods (GSM, GPRS, internet, VPN, RFID etc.). In other words, the automation system can be accessed through cell phones, computers, remote controls etc.

Space automation systems (smart homes, programmable homes, controllable homes etc.) may include all the automation systems such as lighting automation, HVAC (heating, cooling, air conditioning, ventilation) automation, decoration (curtains, shutters etc.) automation, security, alarm and monitoring systems automation, domestic equipment (equipment, white goods, IT etc.) automation, power supply automation etc., or may include some or only one of them.

In general, an automation system contains the elements such as point element, device and system, site equipment, controllers (modules), data communication network, central software, control unit and monitor. If the lighting automation is to be given as an example, the elements can be listed as; - Light source such as lamp, LED, spot etc. (point element),

Switch, sensor, dimmer, detector, fuse etc. (site equipment),

- Modules such as I/O, relay, IR, PLC etc. (controllers),

- Cable, RFID etc. (data communication network),

- Central software and control unit. In the state of the art automation systems, the installation processes such as scenario programming, mode determination, address assignment and element-role matching are identified on the modules (controllers). The most important problems in the existing technique are seen during the identification of the installation.

One of the available installation methods is the application which is named as button mapping. Being a limited method, button mapping is used for mapping the point element and site equipment with the controllers. In this method, the programming button on the controller and the mapping button on the element are pressed respectively and the element and the controller are enabled to recognize each other. In general, button mapping application occurs as follows: the person performing the installation first presses the programming button on the controller (module). Programming button activates the controller for the mapping process. When the controller is active, it scans (element, equipment and/or device search) for the mapping. The controller is active for a certain period of time. The person performing the installation presses the mapping button on the element or elements (lamp, dimmer, sensor, any device etc.) when the controller is active and activates the elements. This way, the elements are ready to be found by the controller. Mapping is completed when the controller and the element find each other via signal such as RFID etc.. The button mapping method is a limited method which only provides the formation of the equipment network during the installation. The processes, such as scenario identification, programming, are out of the scope and purpose of this method. Moreover, application difficulties result in some disadvantages. During the installation; the user pressing the programming button on the controller during the installation is required to press the mapping buttons on the elements within the time in which the controller is active. Otherwise, the mapping process is not realized. This state makes it very difficult for a single person to perform the installation. At least two people are needed for a smooth installation in button mapping method,

In the state of the art, there is a computer programming method which enables all the installation processes such as network formation, element mapping, address and task identification, scenario programming, to be performed within the frame of a single process. The computer programming enables the identification of the processes such as task assignment, network formation, element mapping, scenario programming to the space automation system for which the physical installation is realized. In this method, the installation process is realized through the computer which is connected to the controllers and/or the main unit. For this purpose, special computer software programs developed specifically for the automation systems are used. However, the interfaces of such computer software programs cannot be understood and consequently cannot be used by everyone. Only the people who had taken the relevant courses and training programs can use such interfaces. This state makes it impossible for the users to identify scenarios for their own space automations and to change the identified scenarios. This way, the user needs a qualified person (operators with special software training) each time for the installation and new scenario identifications. Need for qualified operators for each process related to the installation in the automation system causes the creation of monopoly in the sector by some companies which produce automation software. The user who is required to call an expert to the house for each minor scenario change or programming in the space automation experiences difficulties both financially and morally.

The tasks of the relay modules used in the installation of the available automation systems are assigned via software programs. This state may cause confusion with respect to the issues such as module selection according to the automation type and troubleshooting. Moreover, in case of any failure in the module the scenario is required to be re-identified since the scenarios are identified in the module in these automation systems. This state causes the users to experience the difficulties mentioned above. In addition, use of relay models without any task identification makes it difficult to select the automation equipment for the physical installation with respect to the compatibility, capacity, planning, project designing etc..

The present invention which relates to a space automation application providing the centralization at one main unit of the operation and control of all the equipment scattered all over the place within the space (lighting, audio, video, heating, cooling, ventilation, safety, warning etc. systems and domestic devices, white goods, decoration etc. devices), control of the main unit by remote access, identification of operation scenarios for the system and devices and change of such identified scenarios at any space such as houses, buildings, workplaces, yachts, hospitals, schools etc., completely overcomes the disadvantages mentioned above and it is characterized by; providing a practical and easy performance of the transactions and settings such as network topology planning, designing, equipment selection, scenario identification, change of identified scenarios, application, installation, programming, element mapping, usage, repair; easy performance of the processes such as the virtual installation, scenario identification, change of identified scenarios, element mapping etc., by the user; enabling the user the facility to change the scenario at any moment; practical and easy performance of the equipment selection and element assignment by means of the device automation modules for this task assignment is realized; ability perform all the settings and controls via various units (automation monitor, modem, remote control, cell phone, television, button, switch etc.); the touch-screen being used both as intercom and the automation monitor; storage of the scenarios at the control units and modules; this way, no-loss of the scenarios as a result of any failure which are probable to occur in the modules and the control units; easy performance of the troubleshooting and repair by means of modules to which task assignment is carried out; simple and easy to understand nature of the automation monitor use; easy performance of the address and element mapping processes during the installation via physical switches on the modules by means of determined instructions; performance of all the installation processes by a single person without any need for any training; practical and easy to understand nature of the whole system.

Device automation modules (controllers), for which tasks are identified, are used in the space automation system with ease of installation and operation. Device automation modules are labeled as lamp module, dimmer module, curtain module, combi module, air conditioner module etc.. The user, project design and equipment selection can easily be carried out by means of device automation modules for which tasks are identified. Moreover, device compatibility is provided and troubleshooting is facilitated. When the defective module is desired to be changed, the replacement module (with the same name and same task) can practically be supplied. Address (room, area, location etc.) and equipment (element, device) assignments to the device automation modules are performed by means of the physical switches on the module. There are different switch series on the modules for the addresses (room number) and equipment (device number). In addition, there is another switch series for the task identification in the control unit (input) modules. A specific number of switches is available in each series. The physical switches in each series are numbered. This way address and equipment assignment is enabled by the combination of the device no (...) in the room no (...). There is a list in which the numbers assigned for each room in the space is written in automation application with ease of installation and operation. A sample list is as; the living room=l, bedroom=2, kitchen=3, guest room=4, bathroom=5, entrance=6, balcony=7 etc.. If a lamp module is to be given as an example; the physical switches for the relevant room number and the device number are set to 'on' position in order to determine to which lamp in which room it belongs. This way, address (room, location) and equipment (element, device) assignment can easily be performed. As an example; in a lamp module, when the physical switch no 3 is turned on for the address and the physical switch no 2 is turned on for the device, the module is assigned to the second lamp in the kitchen. The automation monitor and/or other control units automatically recognize the module connected to the network, for which task assignment is carried out, and include it in the system. This way, the symbol seen as "kitchen 2" in the automation monitor under the lamps file controls the second lamp in the kitchen. The addresses and devices identified by the modules with determined names (tasks) and the physical switches on the modules provide the creation of the files and files access paths on the automation monitor. The user can access all the system and devices within the space by using (by touching) the file and the symbols under the names of the files. Moreover, scenario identification is possible by using the touch-screen. Touch-screens can be used both as the automation monitor and the intercom.

Complicated interfaces are not used in the present invention for the processes such as scenario identifications, changes in the identified scenarios, element and address assignments. The installation and processes are carried out by selection over the monitor screen. The modules attached are automatically recognized by the control modules. In the automation monitor, even those people who do not know how to use computers can easily perform the processes such as scenario identifications, change of identified scenarios, element and address assignments etc.. Computers and computer software programs are not needed for this work. Computers are not required even for the installation of the system. This way, the users can perform by themselves, all the processes and settings concerning the automation. By means of ease of the project design, equipment selection, installation and operation provided by the invention, the users can use the space automations economically and without any difficulties.

In addition to the automation monitor, various control units can also be used for the control of the invention. As an example to the other control units, remote controls, cell phones, televisions, computers, tablets, buttons, simple circuit switches etc. can be listed. By means of input modules, control unit identification can be assigned to the simple devices such as buttons and circuit switches. In the input models, there are physical switch series for the addressing (positioning), device and task identification. This way, the devices for which control unit identification is performed can be included in the system network.

The present invention is explained in detail through sampling with the attached drawings; such drawings are as; Figure 1 is the representative view of a module for this task identification is made.

Figure 2 is the representative view of automation monitor, space automation, addressing, identification and setting screen.

Figure 3 is the representative view of automation monitor, space equipment screen.

Figure 4 is the representative view of automation monitor, device setting and identification screen.

Figure 5 is the representative view of mode selection monitor.

Legend:

NO NAME OF THE PART

1 Task identified module

1.1 Module name

1.2 Position switches

1.3 Device switches

1.4 Physical switches

1.4.1 Switch numbers

1.4.2 Passive switch

1.4.3 Active switch

2 Automation monitor

2.1 Touch-screen

2.2 Automation system identification and setting files

2.3 Space equipment files

2.4 Device symbols 3 Mode selection monitor

3.1 Modes

The present invention, which relates to a space automation application with ease of installation and operation providing practical and simple performance of the processes and settings such as network topology planning, project design, equipment selection, application, installation, programming, element mapping, usage, repair in the space automation applications without any software training and computer competency, is generally composed of; task identified modules(l) for all the system and devices included in the space automation; module name(l . l) on the task identified modules(l) indicating to which system and/or device it belongs; physical switches(1.4) grouped as position (addressing) switches(1.2) and device switches(1.3) on the task identified modules(l); space section list providing standard performance of the addressing process; switch numbers(1.4.1) providing the determination of the position switch(1.2) corresponding to the number of the room in the space section list, which is selected for the addressing and device assignment process and device switch(1.3) corresponding to the device number determined by the user according to the number of devices in the room; automation monitor(2) providing the performance of all the settings and processes related to the space automation through touch-screen(2.1) and mode selection monitor(3) providing the determination and application of combined modes(3.1) related to the space automation system. The installation, application and usage of the invention are as follows:

The task identified modules(l) are used in the space automation application with ease of installation and operation. There is a module name(l.l) on the task identified module(l) which labels the system (lighting, air conditioning, security etc.) and/or device (lamp, sensor, lock, air conditioner, kombi etc.) to which it belongs. When the user is performing the project design and equipment selection for the space automation, he can provide the task identified modules(l), by indicating the module name(l.l). This way, the present invention provides practical performance of the project design and equipment selection.

There are physical switches(1.4) on the task identified modules(l), which are grouped as position (addressing) switches(1.2) and device switches(1.3). These physical switches(1.4) are used during the installation in order to transfer the information about which device works in which room, to the automation monitor(2) and the other control units. The position (addressing) switches(1.2) and the device switches(1.3) have (series) switch numbers( 1.4.1) within themselves. In the present invention, there is a list in which the numbers assigned for each room and section in the space is written. A sample list is as; the Lounge=Nol Living room=No 2, Bedroom=No 3, Kitchen=No 4, Entrance=No 5 etc.. While addressing during the installation, the physical switch(1.4) with the same switch number(1.4.1) with number determined in the list for the room for which the process is carried out is selected from the position switches(1.2) and it is turned on. Again, when assigning is carried out during the installation, the physical switch(1.4) with the same switch number( 1.4.1) with the device number assigned by the user as based on the number of devices in the room is selected from the device switches(l .3) and it is turned on. Active switches(l .4.3) provide the creation of file identifications in the automation monitor(2).

In addition to the automation monitor(2), the devices such as remote controls, cell phones, computers, buttons, circuit switches can also be used as control unit in the system. The devices such as buttons, circuit switches are integrated into the system by means of input modules. In the input modules, there are also task identification switches as well as the position switches(1.2) and the device switches(1.3). The equipment and/or system to which the devices such as buttons, switches, keys etc,, which are assigned as the control unit, is marked by means of task identification switches.

As the addresses and devices are assigned to the task identified modules(l), file and shortcuts are created in the automation monitor(2) for programming, scenario identification, setting and usage. The user uses the automation monitor(2) by touching the touch-screen(2.1). Moreover, there is a mode selection monitor(3) in the present invention, through which the combined modes(3.1) determined for the whole equipment included in the automation system can be selected at a single time. These combined modes(3.1) are as summer mode, winter mode, night mode, vacation mode etc.

The identified scenarios are kept both at the control units and the task identified modules(l). This way, the scenarios and settings are not lost in any failures to occur in the control units and/or task identified modules(l). In case of a failure of a task identified module(l); a task identified module(l) with the same module name(l.l) can be supplied and replaced easily. The new module is included within the system by activation of the relevant position switch(1.2) and the relevant device switch(1.3). When the new model is included in the system, it shall communicate with the control unit and the relevant scenario is transferred to the new module. Likewise, the relevant scenario and settings are also stored in the task identified modules(l).

A sample installation application is as follows in the invention: The user determines the equipment and devices to be included within the space automation as optionally. The task identified modules(l) appropriate for such devices and equipment can easily be supplied by the module names(l.l).

During the installation, each task identified module(l) is assigned to the space section and device to which it belongs. The user determines which physical switch(1.4) to turn on for which room addressing by looking at the list given together with the invention

As an example, the inclusion of the third lamp in the lounge within the spce automation is realized as follows:

Sample list:

Lounge=No.l, Living room=No.2, Bedroom=No.3, Kitchen=No.4, Entrance=No.5 etc.

With respect to the lamp within the space automation network, the user includes the task identified module(l) of which the module name(l.l) is "lamp module", within the network. For the addressing (lounge) of the task identified module(l), he turns on the physical switch(1.4) number 1 from the position switches(1.2). For the device assignment (for the third lamp) of the task identified module(l), he turns on the physical switch(1.4) number 3 from the device switches(1.3). This way, "Lounge lamp 3" device symbol(2.4) is created on the automation monitor(2) under the lighting file in the space equipment files(2.3). The user can perform all the settings, programming and identifications for the mentioned lamp over the automation monitor(2) by using this device symbol(2.4). When the user opens the relevant equipment or device symbol(2.4) over the automation monitor(2) and/or other control units, the settings that can be performed for the device and pre-identified scenarios can be viewed.

Claims

1- The present invention relates to space automation application with ease of installation and operation and it is characterized by containing;

Task identified modules(l) separately for all the equipment and devices that can be included in the space automation

Module name(l.l) on the task identified modules(l) labeling to which equipment and/or device it belongs ;

Physical switches(1.4) grouped as position switches(1.2) and device switches(1.3) on the task identified modules(l);

Space section list where the sections in the space (rooms, entrance, balconies) are numbered, and this way, providing standard performance of the addressing process; Switch numbers(l .4.1) or switch names or switch symbols providing easy position and device assignment

Control units providing the performance of all the settings and processes related to the space automation through communication with the task identified modules(l).

2- It is the invention mentioned in Claim 1 and it is characterized by containing as a control unit, any or all of an automation monitor(2), cell phone, tablet, other smart mobile devices, computer, television, remote control, mode selection monitor(3), sensor, button, switch, circuit switch, all types of electrical switches and derivative devices.

3- It is the invention mentioned in Claim 1 and it is characterized by containing a module name(l.l) label and at least one physical switch(1.4) group in the task identified modules(l).

4- It is the invention mentioned in Claim 1 and it is characterized by containing an automation monitor(2) with touch-screen(2.1).

5- It is the invention mentioned in Claim 1 and it is characterized by containing mode selection monitor(3) providing the selection of the combined modes(3.1) determined for the whole equipment included within the automation system, in a single time.

6- It is the invention mentioned in Claim 1 and it is characterized by the use of the automation monitor(2) also as an intercom. 7- It is the invention mentioned in Claim 1 and it is characterized by containing input modules enabling the control units' inclusion within the system.

8- It is the invention mentioned in Claim 1 and it is characterized by containing task identification switches as well as position switches(1.2) and device switches(1.3) in the input modules.

9- It is the invention mentioned in Claim 1 and it is characterized by formation of automatic communication (recognition) between each task identified module(l) included within the system and each control unit included within the system.

10- It is the invention mentioned in Claim 1 and it is characterized by the task identified modules(l) having memories providing the storage of the relevant scenarios and settings within their own structures.

11- The present invention relates to space automation application with ease of installation and operation and it is characterized by the installation and operation processes as;

Selection and supply of the task identified modules(l) appropriate for the equipment and devices which are desired to be included within the space automation, by means of the module names( 1.1);

- Inclusion of the mentioned equipment, device and task identified modules(l) within the space automation network;

- Identification of the addresses (room, section, position) of the task identified modules(l) within the space by means of the position switches(1.2);

- Identification of the devices to which the task identified modules(l) belong, by means of device switches(1.3);

- Automatic communication of the task identified modules(l) included in the system with the control units;

- Creation of space equipment files(2.3) and device symbols(2.4) in the video control units, upon addressing and device assignment identifications;

- Performance of the settings, programming, scenario identification and changes for each equipment and device included within the space automation, by the user through using the automation monitor(2) without any need for a computer and programs. 12- It is the invention mentioned in Claim 11 and it is characterized by correction of any failure to occur by;

- Removal of the defective task identified modules(l) from the system

- Determination of the module name(l.l) and activated physical switches(1.4) of the task identified modules(l) which is removed from the system, by the user;

- Supply of a task identified module( 1 ) with the same module name( 1.1);

- Activation of the relevant position switch(1.2) and the relevant device switch(1.3) in the new supplied module and the integration of the module within the system;

- Automatic perception of the new system integrated into the system, by the control units;

- Automatic transfer of the relevant scenarios and settings which were identified to the previous module, to the new module by the control unit.

13- It is the invention mentioned in Claim 11 and it is characterized by the possibility to access the automation monitor(2) by means of all the communication channels (GSM, internet, WIFI, remote control etc.).

14- It is the invention mentioned in Claim 11 and it is characterized by performance of the addressing process by selecting and turning on the position switch(1.2) having the switch number(l .4.1) same with the number written in the relevant room in the space section list.

15- It is the invention mentioned in Claim 11 and it is characterized by performance of the device assignment process by selecting and turning on the device switch(1.3) having the switch number(1.4.1) same with the number determined by the user for the relevant device.