KR200363344Y1 - Control apparatus for use in home automation and home network structure formed by employing such control apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for home automation according to the present invention, comprising: an IR signal receiver 120 for receiving an infrared (IR) signal and providing an IR received signal; An address defining unit 150 defining addresses of the control device and the electric / electronic devices (hereinafter, referred to as 'devices and devices') therein; Voice guidance data storage unit 130; A speaker 170; An IR communication control unit 111 for interpreting an IR reception signal using address data and providing an IR control signal for controlling the device and the device; A control program memory for storing a device and an electric / electronic device control program therein; When a voice guidance command signal is received from the outside or a predetermined automatic voice guidance condition is satisfied, voice guidance on the overall state of the device and the device is based on the detection signal and control program information from the predetermined detection signal processing units 112, 113, and 117. A comprehensive control module 119 for constructing and providing a scenario; A sense signal memory 160 for storing a sense signal; According to the voice guidance scenario, a home automation control device including a voice guide control unit 114 that reads the voice guide data stored in the voice guide data storage unit 130 and controls the speaker 170 to output the voice guide. Is provided.

Description

CONTROL APPARATUS FOR USE IN HOME AUTOMATION AND HOME NETWORK STRUCTURE FORMED BY EMPLOYING SUCH CONTROL APPARATUS}

The present invention relates to a home automation control device and a home network structure formed using the control device, and more particularly, to a home automation control device with enhanced user convenience and comprehensive control function.

Recently, due to the wide spread of the Internet and the development of communication technology, the home network or home automation field for the connection and utilization of various electric / electronic devices and communication devices in the home or office has been attracting attention.

In the field of home network or home automation, standardization and technology development are being actively developed for each communication method such as wired LAN such as HomePNA or IEEE1394, wireless LAN using HomeRF, Bluetooth, and IrDA communication. Automation devices and the like are also attracting attention.

Integrated standardization of home network and home automation related technologies is still inadequate, and home servers required to perform comprehensive home automation control that can support various protocols and support remote control and home control using wired / wireless communication line or Internet network. The development of the home gateway is also in progress (see Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0328499, Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2000-0055033).

On the other hand, a control device capable of integrated management of home appliances distributed in a home corresponding to various communication protocols has also been developed. For example, Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0369318 describes a control device for a home network that can support all communication protocols such as IEEE1394, USB, IrDA, X-10, and Lonwork.

Republic of Korea Patent No. 0133356 relates to the 'Home and Office Integrated Management Electronic System', the Pyro-Electric Detector (Pyre-Electric Detector), the gas detection and / or fire detection sensor connected to the monitoring, telephone / wireless communication / An integrated management transcription system including a communication system for transmitting and receiving data using power line communication, a control system, and a power management system for protecting data of a specific electronic device in case of a power failure are described.

However, such control devices for home networks or home automation are expensive, and there are many economic and technical difficulties in wide application in actual homes or offices due to lack of standardization and differences in communication methods.

In addition, Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0210505, for example, discloses a range hood with a gas leakage detection and fire suppression function. Such a home automation control device limited to a specific function cannot be effective with respect to the limited function. But it does not provide the basis for a comprehensive automation control device.

Therefore, it is possible to develop an effective control device that can function as a basic device for comprehensive home automation control by utilizing the purpose of home network and home automation, and which is inexpensive and can be well connected with various technical standards or communication methods. It is required. In this regard, the Republic of Korea Utility Model Registration No. 20-0319048 is an advanced power control-oriented home network control device having an emergency lighting control function and infrared (IR) communication function.

However, the Utility Model No. 20-0319048 has a limitation in comprehensive home automation control because of the weight of power control, and has a weak point in providing user convenience for home automation control. In addition, the Utility Model Registration No. 20-0319048 discloses another control device in which one control device receives an IR signal from the outside and then analyzes address data to form a home network structure in the home network structure implementation using the control device for the home network. By adopting a method of transmitting a control signal for the electric / electronic equipment within the control device, there was a limit in communication operation between the control devices.

Therefore, while implementing the basics of the home automation function at a low price, there is a demand for a control device for home automation that can enhance the overall control function and increase user convenience. In addition, there is a need for a technology development that can provide flexibility in communication operation between control devices in a network structure using such control devices.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an automation control device that has been devised to solve the above problems, and that enhances the user's convenience and improves the overall control function through a voice guidance function.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to eliminate the need for wired power line installation grooves for connecting lighting devices and their switches to the walls of homes or offices by using universal infrared (IR) communication for switching control of lighting devices. It is to provide a control device for home automation that can improve the safety of the building, reduce construction cost, shorten the construction air, improve the convenience of construction, efficiently space construction of the customized apartment and eliminate the risk of leakage.

Another object of the present invention is to install a control device for home automation in each space of a home or office (eg, a room, a living room, a work room, etc.) so that two or more home automation control devices can communicate with each other. It is to provide a function that can be controlled remotely in and outside the house by connecting.

According to an aspect of the present invention to achieve the above object, a control device for home automation, comprising: an IR signal receiver for receiving an infrared (IR) signal from the outside and providing a corresponding IR received signal; An address defining unit defining a unique address of the control device for home automation and defining an address of an electric / electronic device therein; A voice guide data storage for storing voice guide data prepared in advance; With a speaker; The IR reception signal is interpreted using the address data so that the IR reception signal is related to the control device for home automation and the electrical / electronic device therein, and the control device for home automation or the corresponding electrical / electronic device therein. An IR communication control unit providing a corresponding IR control signal used to control the electronic device; A control program memory for storing a control program prepared in advance for controlling the home automation control device and the electric / electronic device therein; In the integrated control module connected to the IR signal receiving unit and the predetermined detection signal processing unit, The predetermined detection signal processing unit is provided with at least one of the intrusion detection signal processing unit, the illumination intensity detection signal processing unit and the temperature detection signal processing unit, the voice guidance command signal from the outside Is received or a predetermined automatic voice guidance condition is satisfied, based on the detection signal from the predetermined detection signal processing unit and the control program information, the overall state of the control device for home automation and the electric / electronic device therein A comprehensive control module for configuring and providing a voice guidance scenario relating to a state of a; A sense signal memory for storing a sense signal from the predetermined sense signal processor; According to the voice guidance scenario is provided a control device for home automation including a voice guide control unit for controlling the speaker to read the voice guide data stored in the voice guide data storage unit to output the voice guide.

According to another aspect of the present invention, at least two control devices for home automation having the same, similar, or substantially similar structure as those of the above-mentioned home automation control device performing a home automation control function (hereinafter, referred to as 'first home automation'). In the communication network between the first home automation control device and the second home automation control device. IR signal receivers of the respective control devices for home automation are connected to each other by an IR signal common reception connection line, and a MCU of the control devices is connected to each other by an MCU communication line.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a control device for home automation and a peripheral device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a view showing a format configuration example of an IR communication signal used for control of a home automation control device and an electric / electronic device therein according to an embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a diagram illustrating an example of hardware classification and control program setting of a control device for home automation used to describe the structure and function of the control device for home automation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a diagram illustrating an operation menu configuration of a user interface unit included in or connected to a control device for home automation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

5 is a view illustrating a configuration of a user operation menu of a remote controller which is a kind of a user interface unit for a control device for home automation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

6 to 9 are each an example of a home network structure using two or more home automation control devices according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,

10 is a flowchart illustrating a home automation control process that can be implemented using a control device for home automation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

11A and 11B are views illustrating the configuration of voice guidance data in a home automation control process that can be implemented using a home automation control apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

12A to 12C are exemplary voice guidance scenarios for explaining the output of the voice guidance scenario in the home automation control process that can be implemented using the home automation control apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

13 is a flowchart illustrating an intrusion detection control process that can be implemented using a control device for home automation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

14 is a flowchart illustrating an illuminance detection control process that can be implemented using a control device for home automation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

15 is a flowchart illustrating an emergency light control process that can be implemented using a control device for home automation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

16 is a flowchart illustrating a lighting device switching control process that can be implemented using a control device for home automation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

17 is a flowchart illustrating an opening / closing control process of a gas valve or a door that can be implemented using a control device for home automation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

18 is a flowchart illustrating a dimmer control process that can be implemented by using a control device for home automation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

19 is a flow chart illustrating a temperature sensing and boiler control process that can be implemented using a control device for home automation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<Description of the code | symbol about the principal part of drawing>

100: control device for home automation 110: central control unit (MCU)

112: intrusion detection signal processing unit 113: roughness detection signal processing unit

114: voice guidance control unit 116: relay control unit

117: temperature detection signal processing unit

120: IR signal receiver 130: voice guidance data storage unit

140: control program memory 150: address memory

160: detection signal memory 170: speaker

200: DC power supply 220: emergency light

300: control device for other home automation

400: external communication channel 500: IR signal transmitter

600: user interface unit 700: dimmer unit

800: home equipment control unit

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a control device for home automation and a peripheral device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the control device for home automation according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a central control unit (MCU) 110, an infrared (IR) signal receiver 120, an address definition unit 150, and a preliminary preparation. And a voice guide data storage unit 130 for storing voice guide data, a voice guide control unit 114, and a speaker 170 for outputting voice.

At least one detection signal processing unit such as the intrusion detection signal processor 112, the illumination detection signal processor 113, and the temperature detection signal processor 117 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a home automation control device according to another embodiment of the present invention. It may be further included or connected. In addition, in the home automation control device according to another embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the relay controller 116, the relay 180, the dimmer unit 700, and the emergency light 220 shown in FIG. It may be further included or connected. The control device for home automation according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include or be connected to at least one of the user interface 600 and the IR signal transmitter 500 shown in FIG. , To enable communication with at least one of the other home automation control device 300 and the home facility control unit 800 having the same, similar or substantially similar structure and function as the home automation control device 100. Can perform a home automation control function.

In addition, according to the embodiment, the home automation control device 100 includes a temperature sensor (not shown) for implementing a fire monitoring function, or a digital image acquisition unit for acquiring a still image or a moving image for indoor monitoring at a remote location. (Eg, a digital camera or camcorder (not shown)) may be further included or connected.

Here, the external communication channel 400 is an external electrical / electronic device capable of communicating outside the home or office where the control device for home automation 100 is installed (for example, a mobile communication terminal, a PDA, a laptop, a landline, etc.). ) Or an external service system (eg, a remote security service center). The external communication channel 400 also includes such external electrical / electronic devices (e.g., mobile communication terminal 453, external PC 455 shown in FIG. 8) and external service system and control device 100 for home automation. A control device (for example, a home server (or home PC) 451 of FIG. 8 or a home gateway) capable of connecting internal electric / electronic devices connected to each other through various wired / wireless communication networks and intermediating or mediating remote control. Or a home PC (not shown) that performs a similar function.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention MCU 110 has an IR communication control unit 111, a detection signal memory 160, a control program memory 140, a comprehensive control module 119, as shown in FIG. do.

As shown in FIG. 1, the home automation control device 100 receives an external AC power source (indicated by an AC power source in FIG. 1) and controls the DC power supply unit (eg, to supply DC power). , So-called switching mode power supply (SMPS) unit 200. In order to avoid the convenience of description and the complexity of the drawing examples, DC power supply lines supplied to various electric / electronic devices, controllers, and facilities shown in FIG. 1 are omitted.

The emergency light 220 controls the external AC power and supplies the DC power from the DC power supply 200 that supplies DC power (hereinafter, referred to as a 'normal' battery). When the charging is controlled to be performed and the supply of the DC power from the DC power supply unit 200 is cut off (hereinafter, referred to as a power failure), the discharge function is performed to perform an emergency lighting function. According to an embodiment, the emergency light 220 is connected to the MCU 110 (the integrated control module 119 therein) to perform a charging operation on the battery 210 therein as usual, and at the same time from the MCU 110. In response to the control signal for the emergency light 220, the lighting function may be performed according to one of a predetermined control mode (eg, a normal lighting mode, a sleeping lighting mode, an atmosphere lighting mode, etc.).

The address defining unit 150 defines a unique address of the control device 100 for home automation and also performs a function of defining an address of an electric / electronic device therein. Herein, the internal electric / electronic device does not mean only being inside the control device 100 by hardware, but refers to all electric / electronic devices connected to the control device 100 and directly controlled by the control device 100. Note that it can mean. The address defining unit 150 may receive a user selection signal from the outside (for example, a signal generated through a user's key input through the user interface unit 600 or from another external communication channel 400 through a separate line). When a signal input by wire or wirelessly by a user's operation) or a selection signal input from another home automation control device 300 is transmitted to the MCU 110, the home automation control device 100 and the other home automation are accordingly transmitted. Define a unique address to distinguish the control device 300 for each other and also to define a unique address for each electrical / electronic device included in each home automation control device (eg, 100, 300) do.

In FIG. 1, when the AC power levels supplied by the dimmer 700 connected to the control device 100 are controlled, D1, D2, and D3, respectively, represent lightings of a room, a living room, and a bathroom, each of which is unique to each other. By designating the address thereafter, it is input through the control device 100, the control device for another home network 300, the external communication channel 400, or the user interface 600, or an external IR signal generator (not shown). The IR control signal generated in the control signal for the D1, D2, D3 input through the IR signal receiving unit 120 can be distinguished from the control signal for other electrical / electronic devices can be performed precise control.

Here, the address data defined by the address defining unit 150 has access such as, for example, a regulation on which electric / electronic devices of which home automation control device are allowed to receive or transmit the corresponding (control) signal. Control commands may be provided. In addition, the address data may be provided with, for example, a control command for a limit (for example, control execution time or control voltage level, etc.) or a standard in performing control of a specific device or system (device). Note that there is.

The IR signal receiver 120 receives an IR (infrared) signal for a control device 100 or another control device (for example, 300) generated from an external IR signal transmitter (not shown) and includes a photo provided therein. Converting the received IR signal as an electrical signal using a light receiving element (not shown) such as a diode or a photo transistor (hereinafter referred to as an 'IR received signal') may be referred to as the MCU 110 (the IR communication control unit 111 within). To pass).

The IR communication control unit 111 in the MCU 110 interprets an IR reception signal using address data, and when the IR reception signal relates to the home automation control device 100 and the electric / electronic device therein, An IR control signal (hereinafter, referred to as a 'first control signal') used to control the automation control device 100 or a corresponding electric / electronic device therein is provided. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a format configuration of an IR communication signal used for controlling a home automation control device and an electric / electronic device therein according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the IR communication signal is provided with a control device ID code used to distinguish a START code from a control device and a control device selection code related to distinguishing a controlled electric / electronic device. It can be seen that the control selection code related to the specific operation or function selection of the control target device is provided.

The control program memory 140 stores a control program prepared in advance for controlling the home automation control device 100 and the electric / electronic devices therein. The control device for home automation 100 having the structure shown in FIG. 1 includes lighting control, gas valve control, door opening and closing control, temperature and boiler control, intrusion detection control, illuminance detection control, emergency light control, and security according to hardware selection. It may be set to perform some or all of various control functions, such as control and dimmer control. Usually, the home automation control device 100 is commercially available in a variety of models to be used as a hardware structure most suitable for the situation according to the installation and use conditions of course.

On the other hand, when the hardware structure is set, a control program suitable for the corresponding control device can be set by the device designer (manufacturer) within the range. Figure 3 shows an example of hardware (function) classification and control program (protocol) setting example, function selection used to explain the structure and function of the control device for home automation 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention One drawing. Referring to FIG. 3, a control field that can be performed by the control apparatus 100 in hardware is set in the section of FIG. 3, and the type of protocol set for each control field is illustrated in the set protocol type. . It also illustrates the function selection that can be selected by the user (administrator) using the protocol. Those skilled in the art will be able to implement various program (protocol) and function selections with reference to FIG.

The sensing signal memory 160 stores a sensing signal from the sensing signal processing units 112, 113, and 117.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the IR signal transmitter 500, which may be additionally included in or connected to the home automation control device 100, receives a first control signal from the MCU 119 and includes a light emitting diode provided therein. The same light emitting device is used to generate an IR signal (hereinafter referred to as an IR transmission signal) corresponding to the first control signal and emit the same in a predetermined angle range. The IR transmission signal radiated from the IR signal transmitter 500 is usually mainly used for controlling a corresponding electric / electronic device in a home or an office. The IR signal transmitter 500 is usually attached to the hardware body of the home automation control device 100 or wired connection.

The comprehensive control module 119 detects a detection signal from the detection signal processor (usually stored in the detection signal memory 160) when a voice guidance command signal is received from the outside or when a predetermined automatic voice guidance condition is satisfied. Signal) and a voice guidance scenario relating to the overall state of the home automation control device 100 and the state of the electric / electronic device therein based on the control program information stored in the control program memory 140. It performs the function. In addition, the integrated control module 119 that can receive power from the DC power supply unit 200 includes various control units 116, 700, and 800 that are included in or connected to the control device 100 according to an embodiment, and a sensing signal processor ( 112, 113, 117, the emergency light 220, the user interface 500, an external communication channel 400, and other home automation control devices 300 may be connected to perform the corresponding communication and control functions. Of course.

In the description of the above embodiment, a case where the MCU 110 of the control device 100 is configured as the IR communication control unit 111, control program memory 140, integrated control module 119, sense signal memory 160 as an example As described above, those skilled in the art can configure the device constituting the MCU 110 differently.

The voice guide control unit 114 reads the voice guide data stored in the voice guide data storage unit 130 according to the voice guide scenario from the comprehensive control module 119 and controls the speaker 170 to output the voice guide. Perform the function. In hardware, the voice guide data storage unit 130 is usually embedded as a memory in the voice guide control unit 114.

The relay controller 116 controls the relay 180 connected between an AC power source and a predetermined electric / electronic device (for example, R1 may be a lighting device and R2 may be an outlet) in the MCU 110. In response to the control signal from the comprehensive control module 119, the relay 180 may perform a function of controlling the supply / blocking switching function of the AC power to the corresponding electric / electronic device. Detailed structures and functions of the relay control unit 116 or the relay 180 are well known to those skilled in the art, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

On the other hand, the dimmer unit 140, which may be further included in the home network control device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, for example, as the effective power control device as disclosed in the Republic of Korea Utility Model Registration No. 20-0300320 A frequency phase detector 750 and an output controller 760 are provided to control the AC power level supplied to a predetermined electric / electronic device (for example, a lighting device (indicated by D1 and D2 in FIG. 1)). do. That is, the frequency phase detector 750 detects a phase corresponding to the frequency of the AC power provided (from the outside), and the output controller 760 receives the phase detection signal provided from the frequency phase detector 750. Outputs a switching signal for controlling the active power of the AC power source in response to the corresponding control signal (from the MCU 110) for the lighting devices D1 and D2 D3. The control switch (not shown) controls only the AC power of a specific phase range to pass according to the switching signal.

According to an embodiment, a digital image acquisition unit (not shown), such as a digital camera, which may be further included in the home network control apparatus 100 according to the present invention or may be connected to the home network control apparatus 100, may be connected to a predetermined location of a house or an office. The digital image may be acquired and provided to the MCU 110. The MCU 110 may receive a digital image, process it, and use the same to control the home automation control device 100 itself and / or to control other home automation control devices (eg, 300).

According to an embodiment, the temperature sensing signal processor 117, which may be further included in the home network control apparatus 100 or connected to the comprehensive control module 119, may be connected to the temperature sensing sensor 173. At this time, the temperature sensor 173 processes the temperature sensing signal obtained by measuring the temperature of a predetermined space of the corresponding house or office (for example, converting an analog (temperature sensing) signal into a digital signal and the digital signal). Adding sensor code data indicating which signal is from a sensor) and providing the same to the MCU 110 (the general control module 119 within). The temperature sensing signal may be transmitted to the comprehensive control module 119 to be used for cooling and heating control or other control through a boiler or air conditioner control.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the integrated control module 119 analyzes the temperature sensing signal from the temperature sensing signal processor 117 and determines that a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined fire occurrence reference temperature is measured, the external communication channel is measured. The 400 alerts an emergency alert signal through an intermediary device such as a home server or a home PC (not shown) and / or a management server (not shown) and / or (of the homeowner) of an external fire department or safety management company. A function provided to the communication terminal device (for example, 453 of FIG. 8) may be further performed.

According to an embodiment, the intrusion detection signal processing unit 112, which may be further included in the home network control device 100 or connected to the general control module 119, may be connected to the motion detection sensor 171. At this time, the motion sensor 171 processes the motion detection signal obtained by detecting the movement of the object (for example, using a passive IR detection technique) within a predetermined space of the house or office (eg For example, converting an analog (motion detection) signal into a digital signal and adding sensor code data indicating which sensor is a signal from the digital signal, etc.) to perform an integrated control module (the 119).

In addition, according to the embodiment, the illuminance detection signal processor 117 that may be further included in the home network control apparatus 100 according to the present invention or connected to the comprehensive control module 119 may be connected to the illuminance detection sensor 172. At this time, the illuminance sensor 172 processes the illuminance detection signal obtained by detecting the illuminance of a predetermined space of the house or office (for example, converting an analog (illuminance detection) signal into a digital signal and the digital signal). And adding sensor code data indicating which sensor is from which signal to the signal and providing the same to the MCU 110 (the general control module 119 therein).

According to an embodiment, the home facility control unit 800, which may be further connected to the home network control device 100 (to the comprehensive control module 119 of the present invention), is, for example, a boiler control unit 810 and a gas valve (opening and closing). It may be configured to have at least one or more of the control unit 820, the door opening and closing control unit 830, each control unit is connected to the MCU 110 (integrated control module 119 in) to communicate with the corresponding home equipment ( For example, it performs the function of controlling the operation of the boiler, gas valve, door, and provides the MCU 110 with the data about the home equipment (eg, the data indicating the operation state) and the corresponding from the MCU 110. It also performs a function such as receiving a control command signal of a home facility.

The user interface unit 600 is a device that allows a user to input a control signal for the control device 100 and the electric / electronic device therein by a key operation (or touch operation), and physically controls the body of the control device 100. It may be attached or wired, or may communicate as a wireless IR signal, such as a remote control. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation menu configuration of an operation pad 640 which is a kind of user interface unit 600 that may be included in or connected to the control device 100 for home automation according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a user operation menu of the IR communication remote control 650, which is a type of the user interface 600 for the control device 100 for home automation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The operation pad 640, which is usually used in a wired connection to the control device 100, is essentially provided with a voice guidance button 641 used to request voice guidance or to release the automatic voice guidance function from being set. Check the operation state of the reset button 642 used to perform the reset of the control device 100 or the electric / electronic devices therein, and the control device 100 or the electric / electronic devices overall therein. At least one or more of the self-diagnostic button 643 used to control, the network cut-off button 644 and the numeric manipulation panel 645 used to control to block or ignore the data communication with the other home network control device 300 It may be further provided.

The IR communication remote control 650, which is usually used as a remote control for transmitting an IR signal to the control device 100, includes a voice guidance button 658 (which performs the same function when the same name is shown in FIG. 4), and a reset. Button 656, self-diagnostic button 659, network cutoff button 657, numeric control panel 655, and may also be provided with ON / OFF (or ON / OFF) control or TOGGLE control (described later), ON / OFF button 651 used for selection, channel and volume control button, control field (division) selection button 654, control mode selection button 653, LED display window for outputting input data or guidance text ( 652, a SEND button 660 may be provided. Those skilled in the art may implement an IR communication remote controller having various (user selection) menus capable of transmitting IR signals for controlling the control device 100 and the electric / electronic devices therein with reference to FIG. 5. Description is omitted.

An example in which a user controls a predetermined electric / electronic device in the control device 100 using the IR communication remote controller 650 will be described. After the user selects the corresponding lighting device D1 using the IR communication remote control 650 (as a result, addressing is performed), the user selects the dimmer in the button 654 and the brightness of the lighting device D1 of FIG. When the corresponding IR signal is emitted by manipulating the volume button (shown in FIG. 1) for adjusting the IR signal, the IR signal is received by the IR signal receiver 120, and the corresponding IR received signal is generated. Generates a corresponding first control signal as in the above-described example, it is transmitted to the dimmer part 700 by the comprehensive control module 119 and the dimmer part 700 is controlled (supplyed) to the lighting device D1. By executing the operation, the brightness of the lighting device D1 is eventually adjusted.

Although the control by the first control signal has been described above as an example, the control signal from the operation switch (or operation button) (not shown) attached to each electric / electronic device itself in the home automation control device 100 ( When the second control signal hereinafter) is received by the comprehensive control module 119, the operation of each device described above may be performed in response to the corresponding second control signal instead of the first control signal. It should be noted.

On the other hand, according to another aspect of the present invention, the home described above to perform the home automation control function by receiving DC power from a switching mode power supply (SMPS) unit for supplying DC power by controlling the external AC power (AC) power At least two home automation control devices having the same, similar or substantially similar structure and function as the control device 100 for automation (hereinafter, 'the first home automation control device' and the 'second home automation control device) A home network structure configured to include the above may be implemented.

6 to 9 each show a home network structure using two or more home automation control devices having the same, similar or substantially similar structure and function as the home automation control device 100 according to an aspect of the present invention. As an example of implementing the above, it is a conceptual diagram of a connection between a control device for home automation and / or an external system.

Referring to FIG. 6, in communication connection between the control devices 610, 620, and 630, at least one of the respective IR signal receivers 6101, 6201, and 6301 receives an IR signal from the outside and transmits the IR signal to the IR signal receiver. This allows the IR signal receivers 6101, 6201, and 6301 to be interconnected via an IR signal common reception sequence line so that all other IR signal receivers can also receive the generated IR signal at the same time when the IR signal is generated. A network structure is shown that simplifies control by TTL connection.

In this way, as far as IR control signal processing is concerned, the control device (e.g., 610) is in the position of its own to define whether the received IR signal is a signal for controlling the magnetic and its internal electrical / electronic devices. If it is a signal for judging based on the address data defined in advance by the unit 150 and controlling the magnetic and the electric / electronic devices inside the magnetic signal, the signal is interpreted by its own general control module (for example, 6103). Otherwise it can be ignored and there is no need to consider signals related to other control devices.

7 shows wired communication (eg, RS) between respective integrated control modules 7103, 7203, 7303 in communication connection of control devices 710, 720, 730 without the IR signal common receive serial line as described above. 232 communication) line, that is, a home network structure in which an MCU communication line is opened to communicate with each other. In this case, for example, the IR signal receiver 7101 in the control device 710 in FIG. When the IR signal is generated to generate an IR reception signal, which is transmitted to the corresponding IR communication control unit (not shown), the first control signal corresponding thereto is generated by the IR communication control unit. Then, the internal comprehensive control module (for example, 7103) uses the address information stored in the address definition unit (not shown) therein, so that the first control signal is the first control signal to the self-controlling device or the electric / electronic device therein. The control signal may be transmitted to a corresponding device through a line in its own, otherwise, the destination to which the first control signal should go may be determined and transmitted to an integrated control module in another control device through the MCU communication line. However, although the method shown in FIG. 7 has its advantages, the address data structure is more complicated to do so, and the performance of the control module in each control device must be improved, which may cause the manufacturing and operating costs of the device to increase. .

FIG. 8 is a combination of the contents illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. As for the reception of IR signals from the outside, communication is performed through a common reception connection line as shown in FIG. 6, and associated with the IR signals from the outside through the MCU communication line. It is a home network structure that can be used for general data communication. 8 also illustrates a structure in which the control device 810 is connected to the external communication channel 400 shown in FIG. 1 to perform remote control. Referring to FIG. 8, the external communication channel 400 includes a home server (or home PC) 451 connected to the MCU 810 (the comprehensive control module 8103 of the control unit 810), and a home server through the Internet. A mobile communication terminal 453 and a PC 455 that can be connected to the 451 can be provided.

Referring to FIG. 8, the home automation of the present invention as defined above, which performs a control operation for home automation including a remote control function through data communication with an external communication device (for example, 453 and 455) via a home server 451. A network structure is shown which consists of control devices for home automation (eg, 810, 820, 830) that are the same, similar, or substantially similar to the control device. That is, the first home automation control device 810 and the first home automation control device 810 are connected to a common reception line for an external IR signal, and are connected by MCU communication for data and control communication to control home network. A network structure including a second home automation control device 820 and a third home automation control device 830 that perform work is shown.

Meanwhile, FIG. 9 illustrates a sub-control module 9305, 9205, and 9305 in addition to the comprehensive control modules 9103, 9203, and 9303, respectively, in the control devices 910, 920, and 930, and relates to the home facility controller 990. For home automation where the sub control modules 9305, 9205, and 9305 are interconnected separately from the MCU communication lines # 1 between the comprehensive control modules 9103, 9203, and 9303 by the MCU communication line # 2 used for dedicated control. The network structure between the control devices is shown.

Thus, by providing the MCU communication line # 2 dedicated to the home facility control unit 990, the control of the home facility control unit 990 according to the communication overload of the MCU communication line # 1 compared to when only the MCU communication line # 1 is used. The inconvenience such as error or control delay can be eliminated. For example, when the boiler control unit (not shown) is provided in the home facility control unit 990, in the boiler control, the comprehensive control module 9203, 9203, 9303 and the boiler control unit exchange data with each other frequently to control temperature and The MCU communication line # 2 may be needed as a stable communication line separate from the MCU communication line # 1 under the condition of (hot water) hot water control. In addition, those skilled in the art will be able to configure a variety of network structure using the control device for home automation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

On the other hand, by utilizing the IR communication as a wireless communication in the communication to the control device for home automation as in the present invention, for example, in the case of an existing house, a switch for a lighting lamp (LED) that is usually installed on the ceiling inside the wall There was a difficulty in construction and design by providing a power line entry space to the wall for installation, but using the home automation control device according to the present invention has the advantage that such wall space can be eliminated.

For example, a control device for home automation is installed on a wall ceiling and connected to a lighting lamp, and a wall fixed attachment or detachable infrared transmitter is installed at a corresponding switch installation position in the related art to correspond to an IR signal receiver of a control device for home automation. The signal for ON / OFF control of the switch can be received and processed to replace the conventional wall-mounted switch.

Therefore, by using infrared control for switching control of lighting devices by using the control device for home automation according to the present invention, the building by eliminating the wired power line installation groove for connecting the lighting device and its switch to the wall of the home or office It can improve the safety of the wall, reduce the construction cost, shorten the construction air, improve the convenience of construction and eliminate the risk of leakage.

In addition, when the home automation control device according to the present invention is used, a home automation control device is installed in each space of a home or office, for example, a home room, a living room, or a love room, and the home automation control device is interconnected with each other. It can provide a function that can be controlled remotely. For example, a user may use an IR communication remote control 650 as shown in FIG. 5 to move between a control room for home automation that interconnects electrical / electronic devices in the room as well as in another room while interconnecting the room, living room, and love room. It can be freely controlled by sharing or exchanging control signals.

For example, when the user wants to operate the DVD in the living room using the remote control in the home, the IR transmission signal generated using the IR communication remote control 650 in the home is installed in the home automation control device installed in the home. When the signal receiving unit is received, the IR transmission signal is also received at the same time as the control device for home automation installed in the living room and the love room (that is, by using the IR signal common reception line described above). The control signal is transmitted to the DVD to control the DVD.

In addition, in relation to the remote control described with reference to FIG. 8 above, data generated from the home automation control devices (eg, 810, 820, and 830) installed in the home is transmitted through the home server (or home PC) 451. The remote control signal is transmitted to a remote control device such as the mobile communication terminal 453 or the (external) PC 455, and the remote control signal generated from the remote control device such as the mobile communication terminal 453 or the (external) PC 455 Also, the home server (or home PC) 451 is transmitted to the home automation control devices (eg, 810, 820, and 830) installed in the home, so that remote control is possible from the outside. This can be fully implemented by those skilled in the art based on the above description, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the above, the home automation control device and the network structure using the same according to the present invention have been mainly described. Hereinafter, the home automation control process that can be implemented through such a device will be described in detail with reference to related drawings. .

10 is a flowchart illustrating a home automation control process that can be implemented using a control device for home automation according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the voice guide data for storing the IR signal receiver 120 and its own address and the address definition unit 150 defining the address of the electric / electronic device therein and the voice guidance data prepared in advance. A home automation device including a storage unit 114, a speaker 170, and a central control unit (MCU) 110, wherein the MCU 110 has a sensing signal memory 160 for storing a sensing signal provided from a predetermined sensing signal processor. The control process for home automation implemented through the controller for the home automation generates the first voice guidance command when there is a voice guidance request (according to the user's request) from the outside (from step S1010 to step S1030 in FIG. 10). (If the process proceeds from step S1010 to step S1020 in FIG. 10), and analyzes the recently received IR received signal, sensing signal, and MCU communication signal (step S1020 in FIG. 10). When the predetermined automatic voice guidance condition is satisfied (if step S1040 to step S1050 in FIG. 10), generating a second voice guidance command (step S1050 of FIG. 10) is performed. Herein, the case where the predetermined automatic voice guidance condition is satisfied may mean that at least one of the detection signal values is out of the control program range or is outside the preset detection signal value tolerance range.

Then, in response to the first voice guidance command or the second voice guidance command, a voice guidance scenario relating to the state or operation of the control device for home automation and the electric / electronic device therein is configured based on the detection signal and the control program information. (Step S1080 of FIG. 10) is performed, and then controlling the speaker to read out the corresponding voice guide data stored in the voice guide data storage unit and output the voice guide according to the voice guide scenario (FIG. 10 of FIG. 10). Step S1090) is performed.

11A and 11B are views illustrating the configuration of voice guidance data in a home automation control process that can be implemented using a home automation control apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 12A to 12C are exemplary diagrams of voice guidance scenarios for explaining output of a voice guidance scenario in a control process that can be implemented using a control device for home automation according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to fully implement the matters related to the voice guidance shown in FIG. 10 with reference to FIGS. 3, 11A, 11B, 12A, and 12B, and thus, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted for convenience of description.

13 is a flowchart illustrating an intrusion detection control process that may be implemented using a control device for home automation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13, in the case where the control device for home automation further includes a motion sensor 171 and an intrusion detection signal processor 112, when a motion of an object is detected by the motion sensor 171 (FIG. 13). If the intrusion detection function is selected (in the case of proceeding from step S1310 to step S1320) in step S1320 (step S1320 to step S1330 in Fig. 13), a predetermined reference time after the intrusion detection function is selected ( For example, when 5 minutes is exceeded, the security system may be activated, an emergency siren may be sounded, and a voice guidance indicating an emergency situation may be output (from step S1330 to FIG. 13). being). If the intrusion detection function is not set, the LED lamp may be turned on for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) (steps S1320 and S1340).

14 is a flowchart illustrating an illuminance detection control process that can be implemented using a control device for home automation according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the condition that the home automation control device 100 further includes an illuminance detecting sensor 172 and an illuminance detecting signal processor 113, if the set illuminance is equal to or less than the reference value and the illuminance detecting function is selected (step S1410 in FIG. 14). In step S1420 through step S1450), the lighting power may be cut off (step S1450) and the voice guidance may be output (step S1470). If the current illuminance is not greater than the set illuminance, that is, at night, for example, when the illuminance detection function is selected, the emergency light is turned on (step S1430, step S1440 in turn from step S1410 in FIG. 14), and then step S1440 is performed. In this case, the corresponding voice guide may be output (step S1470).

15 is a flowchart illustrating an emergency light control process that can be implemented by using a control device for home automation according to an embodiment of the present invention. Under the condition that the control device for home automation 100 further includes an emergency light 220 connected to the charger (battery) 210, when the power failure occurs, the charger 210 is discharged to light the emergency light (step S1510 in FIG. 15). To step S1520, and if step S1520 has been performed), if no power failure occurs, control the emergency light ON / OFF according to the emergency light control command from the outside according to the function selection based on the control program, and The operation of outputting the voice guidance corresponding thereto may be performed (if step S1530 and step S1540 are performed from step S1510 to step S1530 in FIG. 15).

Here, the TOGGLE control means that when the TOGGLE switch is pressed while the current state is ON during ON / OFF control, the corresponding switch is turned OFF. When the TOGGLE switch is pressed while the current state is OFF, the corresponding switch is turned ON. This is the same in other drawings.

16 is a flowchart illustrating a lighting device switching control process that may be implemented using a control device for home automation according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Under the condition that the home automation control device 100 further includes a dimmer unit 700 for controlling the power supply level to the lighting device, the lighting device control command from the outside according to the control program and function selection for each lighting device. As a result, a control may be performed to increase or decrease the power supply level for the lighting device. Referring to FIG. 16, the control of four lighting devices (No. 1 to 4) is performed in five modes, namely, "ON" (controlling each lighting device separately), and "OFF" (each lighting device). OFF separately), "TOGGLE" (toggle each luminaire separately), "ALL _ ON" to control all luminaires ON together, "ALL-OFF" (OFF all luminaires together) Control), and the corresponding voice guidance (BEEP or DING) is output.

17 is a flowchart illustrating an opening / closing control process of a gas valve or a door that can be implemented using a control device for home automation according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Under the condition that the home automation control device 100 is connected to the external gas valve opening / closing control unit 820 (or door opening / closing control unit 830), the function selection for the gas valve is 'CLOSE (i.e., closed)'. In the case of, the confirmation command of whether the gas valve is closed is transmitted to the gas valve opening / closing control unit 820 (or the door opening / closing control unit 830) (when the process proceeds from step S1710 to step S1750 in FIG. 17). Then, when a confirmation signal for the confirmation command is received within a predetermined time, the corresponding voice guidance DING indicating that the corresponding gas valve (or the corresponding door) is normally closed is output (from step S1760 to step S1780). In step S1780), otherwise, the operation (step S1770) of outputting a voice guidance BEEP indicating that the corresponding gas valve (or the door) is not normally closed may be performed.

On the other hand, when the function selection is not CLOSE in relation to the door opening and closing control, that is, when it is OPEN, the OPEN status confirmation command is transmitted to the door opening and closing control unit 830, and then a confirmation signal for the confirmation command is received for a predetermined time. If it is received inside, it outputs the corresponding voice guidance (DING) indicating that the door is normally closed (step S1780), and otherwise outputs the voice guidance (BEEP) indicating that the door is not normally closed (step S1740). May be performed.

18 is a flowchart illustrating a dimmer control process that can be implemented using a control device for home automation according to an embodiment of the present invention. Under the condition that the home automation control device 100 further includes a dimmer portion 700 for controlling the power level for the lighting device, the control device 100 according to the lighting device control command from the outside is based on the control program for each lighting device. Control may be performed to increase or decrease the power supply level for the lighting device.

In addition, under the condition that the home automation control device 100 further includes a relay unit 116 and a relay 180 as a switching control unit for the lighting device, the lighting device from the outside based on the function selection for each lighting device. According to a control command, a task of controlling switching of the lighting device may be performed.

19 is a flowchart illustrating a temperature sensing and boiler control process that can be implemented using a control device for home automation according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control device for home automation 100 further includes a temperature sensing signal processing unit 117 and a temperature sensing sensor 173, and receives the temperature sensing signal under a condition connected to an external boiler control unit 810, and the temperature sensing signal is If the reference value (for example, room temperature is 40 degrees Celsius) or more, the corresponding voice guidance (BLROVER_Y) (refer to Figure 11b, for example, the room temperature has exceeded 40 degrees. 19, when step S1920 and step S1930 are performed in sequence in step S1910).

If the temperature value is less than the reference value, the heating temperature (for example, K degrees Celsius) setting command from outside (that is, for example, from a user selection signal from an external user interface or from the MCU 110 of the other control device 100). When the control signal is received (if the process proceeds to step S1950 in step S1920), the set temperature value and the temperature setting control command are transmitted to the boiler control unit 810 (step S1950), and then predetermined If a confirmation signal from the boiler controller 810 is not received within a time (for example, 5 seconds), a corresponding voice guide BLRSET_ERR (see FIG. 11B) indicating an error is output (S1980). On the other hand, when the confirmation signal is received within a predetermined time, the corresponding voice guidance (BLRSET_1 + DIG_K + BLRSET_2) indicating the normal confirmation (that is, referring to FIG. 11B) outputs a voice guidance of 'the desired temperature is set to K degrees'.

While specific embodiments have been described in the above description of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention defined by the following claims.

By using the home automation control device according to the present invention, it is possible to perform home automation control at a low cost while enhancing user convenience and comprehensive control function, and adopting an infrared communication method, a structure required for installation in a wall of a conventional lighting device switch The construction and safety benefits can be achieved by eliminating the problem, and the home automation control can be realized by flexibly communicating with each other through the IR signal common receiving connection line and the MCU communication line by interconnecting two or more control devices as a network structure.

Claims (17)

In the control device for home automation, An IR signal receiver for receiving an infrared (IR) signal from the outside and providing an IR received signal corresponding thereto; An address defining unit defining a unique address of the control device for home automation and defining an address of an electric / electronic device therein; A voice guide data storage for storing voice guide data prepared in advance; With a speaker; The IR reception signal is interpreted using the address data so that the IR reception signal is related to the control device for home automation and the electrical / electronic device therein, and the control device for home automation or the corresponding electrical / electronic device therein. An IR communication control unit providing a corresponding IR control signal (hereinafter referred to as a 'first control signal') used to control the electronic device; A control program memory for storing a control program prepared in advance for controlling the home automation control device and the electric / electronic device therein; In the integrated control module connected to the IR signal receiving unit and the predetermined detection signal processing unit, The predetermined detection signal processing unit is provided with at least one of the intrusion detection signal processing unit, the illumination intensity detection signal processing unit and the temperature detection signal processing unit, the voice guidance command signal from the outside Is received or a predetermined automatic voice guidance condition is satisfied, based on the detection signal from the predetermined detection signal processing unit and the control program information, the overall state of the control device for home automation and the electric / electronic device therein A comprehensive control module for constructing and providing a voice guidance scenario relating to a state of a; A sense signal memory for storing a sense signal from the predetermined sense signal processor; And a voice guide controller configured to control the speaker to read the voice guide data stored in the voice guide data storage unit and output the voice guide according to the voice guide scenario. Control unit for home automation. The method of claim 1, The IR communication control unit, the control program memory, the detection signal processing unit, and the integrated control module form a central control unit (MCU) of the control unit for home automation. Control unit for home automation. The method of claim 1, And a user interface unit having an audio guide selection button, and optionally including at least one of a reset selection button, a self test (SELF TEST) selection button, and a network cutoff button and communicatively connected to the integrated control module. doing Control unit for home automation. The method of claim 1, While the DC power is supplied from the DC power supply which controls the external AC power and supplies the DC power (hereinafter, referred to as 'normally'), the charger is controlled to be charged and the DC power supply unit When the supply of DC power from the power supply is cut off (hereinafter referred to as "outage") further includes an emergency light to perform an emergency lighting function by performing a discharge function Control unit for home automation. The method of claim 1, Receiving the first control signal from the MCU to generate an IR signal corresponding to the first control signal (hereinafter referred to as 'IR transmission signal') by using a light emitting element provided therein to emit to a predetermined angle range Further comprising an IR signal transmitter Control unit for home automation. The method of claim 1, The intrusion detection signal processing unit, the illumination detection signal processing unit, and the temperature detection signal processing unit are respectively connected to the intrusion detection sensor, the illumination detection sensor, and the temperature detection sensor to process the detected signal from the corresponding sensor in a predetermined manner, and thus the MCU as the corresponding detection signal. And the MCU receives the corresponding detection signal and stores the detection signal in the detection signal memory. Control unit for home automation. The method of claim 1, In controlling the relay connected between the AC power source and the internal electrical / electronic device, the relay is connected to the integrated control module and the relay is connected to the electrical / electronic device according to the corresponding first control signal from the integrated control module. And a relay controller for controlling the relay to perform a supply / interrupt switching function of AC power. Control for Home Automation The method of claim 1, And a dimmer unit connected to the integrated control module to control a level of AC power supplied to a predetermined electric / electronic device according to a corresponding first control signal from the integrated control module. Control unit for home automation. The method of claim 1, When the predetermined automatic voice guidance condition is satisfied, at least one of the detection signal values is out of the control program range. Control unit for home automation. The method of claim 1, The internal electrical / electronic device is a lighting device Control unit for home automation. The method of claim 1, The comprehensive control module accepts and processes the first control signal only when the first control signal is a signal for the internal electric / electronic device based on the address data. Control unit for home automation. The method of claim 1, The comprehensive control module provides the detection signal and / or the first control signal to an external communication channel or to a control device for other home automation according to an external request or a predetermined rule thereof. Control unit for home automation. The method of claim 3, wherein The voice guidance command signal from the outside is generated by the selection signal of the voice guidance selection button of the user interface. Control unit for home automation. delete delete delete delete