WO2015097297A1

WO2015097297A1 - Method and device for notification of the charge of an autonomous power supply source, portable communicating terminal and sound signal repeater

Info

Publication number: WO2015097297A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/079330
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stéphane DI MARCO; Laurent Pichard
Original assignee: Finsecur
Priority date: 2013-12-24
Filing date: 2014-12-24
Publication date: 2015-07-02

Abstract

The method (10) of notification of the state of charge of an autonomous electrical power supply source which comprises: a step (11) of detecting a state of charge of the autonomous power supply source of a device, a step (12) of determining a command for transmission, by the device, of a sound signal representative of a communication request triggered remotely by a third party, and a step (13) of modulating at least a part of the sound signal signalling this communication request as a function of the state of the autonomous power supply source.

Description

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR NOTIFYING THE CHARGE OF AN AUTONOMOUS POWER SOURCE, COMMUNICABLE PORTABLE TERMINAL AND REPEATER

SOUND SIGNAL

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and a device for notifying the state of charge of an autonomous power source, a communicating portable terminal and a sound signal repeater. It applies in particular to energy-autonomous electronic devices, ring repeaters, intercoms, mobile phones, laptops, digital tablets, cameras and geolocation devices.

STATE OF THE ART

The warning of a low state of charge in a battery of a device is currently transmitted as a visual or audible signal as soon as the charge of the battery is below a limit value. This warning seems to arrive at any time and the user is therefore caught off guard at a time when he does not pay particular attention to the device, for example at night. The user may therefore not be informed of the low state of charge and the risk of the device shutting down.

In addition, this additional signal is often repeated and decreases the level of the already low battery. For example many mobile phones vibrate, ring and light regularly as the battery level becomes low, for example, and further reduce their autonomy.

Finally, the residual electric charge in the battery may be insufficient in comparison with the time in which the user will have access to a battery charger compatible with the device. Thus, a user can be in the way or the office when he is informed that he has only a few moments of use of the device while it will take several hours to be able to recharge.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these disadvantages.

For this purpose, according to a first aspect, the present invention aims at a method of notifying the state of charge of an autonomous power supply source, which comprises:

a step of detecting a state of charge of the autonomous power source of a device, a step of determining a transmission command, by the device, of a sound signal representative of a communication request triggered remotely by a third party, and

a step of modulating at least a part of the sound signal signaling this communication request as a function of the state of the autonomous power supply.

An advantage of this modulation is that the user is attentive to the sound signal and so he will quickly notice a modulation of this signal. For example, at each ring of a mobile phone, the frequency or intensity of the last second of the ring represents the state of the charge. A second advantage is to transmit two pieces of information by means of a single sound signal. In addition, the information of the state of charge of the battery does not need to be repeated, which saves this charge.

In embodiments, the modulation step is performed at each emission of a sound signal representative of at least one message independent of the state of charge of the power source.

Thus, at each transmission of a sound signal by the device, the user is informed of the load of the power source, even when this load is still high, which gives the user time to recharge this source before moving away from the charger or from a power source.

In embodiments, the modulation step is performed when the load of the autonomous power source is less than a predetermined low limit value.

The advantage of these embodiments is to inform a user that the amount of energy stored in the autonomous power source has fallen below a certain predetermined limit value. The user can react and recharge the battery of the device or change the power source.

In embodiments, the modulation step is performed when the load of the autonomous power source is greater than a predetermined high limit value.

These embodiments have the advantage of informing the user that the amount of energy stored in the autonomous power source is greater than a certain predetermined limit value. He knows that there is no need to recharge or change the stand-alone power source. This allows for example to inform a user that the replacement of the battery of a device has been done.

In embodiments, during the modulation step, the energy consumed to transmit the modulated signal is an increasing function of the load of the autonomous power source. Thus, the user is informed of the amount of energy stored in the autonomous power source without consuming this energy unnecessarily. For example, the modulation of the sound signal is performed by intersecting one of the tones of the sound signal or reducing the duration of the modulation when the load of the autonomous power source is low.

In embodiments, during the modulation step, the sound signal is amplitude modulated.

These embodiments have the advantage of being readily distinguishable by a user and reducing the power consumption of the autonomous power source. For example, the modulation of the sound signal is achieved by lowering the sound level of a tone suddenly when the load of the autonomous power source is low.

In embodiments, during the modulation step, the sound signal is frequency modulated.

These embodiments have the advantage of modulating the sound signal so as to be quickly identifiable by the user. For example, if the tone emitted by a battery powered sound repeater drops in frequency, the user can know that the batteries of this repeater need to be changed.

In embodiments, during the modulation step, the sound signal is modulated in duration.

The advantage of these embodiments is to be able to adapt the modulation to allow energy savings. For example by interrupting the emitted sound signal.

In embodiments, during the determining step, the message represented by the sound signal represents the reception of a communication.

These embodiments have the advantage of intervening when the user is most attentive to the sound signal emitted by a telephone for example. The user can quickly detect a reduced load.

According to a second aspect, the present invention aims at a device for notifying the state of charge of an autonomous power supply, which comprises:

means for detecting a state of charge of the autonomous power source of a device,

means for determining a transmission command, by the device, of a sound signal representative of a communication request triggered remotely by a third party, and

means for modulating at least a part of the sound signal signaling this communication request as a function of the state of the autonomous power supply. Since the advantages, aims and particular characteristics of the device forming the subject of the present invention are similar to those of the method that is the subject of the present invention, they are not recalled here.

According to a third aspect, the present invention aims a communicating portable terminal which comprises a notification device object of the present invention.

Since the advantages, aims and particular characteristics of the terminal object of the present invention are similar to those of the method that is the subject of the present invention, they are not recalled here.

According to a fourth aspect, the present invention aims to repeater sound signal, which comprises:

a notification device object of the present invention and

a means for receiving a radio signal representing a communication request message triggered remotely by a third party,

the means for determining the device determining a transmission command of a sound signal representative of a communication request message triggered remotely by a third party, on receiving a radio signal.

The advantages, aims and special characteristics of the sound signal repeater object of the present invention being similar to those of the method object of the present invention, they are not recalled here.

The present invention also provides a device and a method for determining a residual electric charge in an autonomous power source, including a security system and a site security device. It applies, in particular, to the security of an industrial site or activity. This device and method are combined favorably with the method and the device for notifying the state of charge of an autonomous power source since a determination of the electrical charge allows the notification of the state of charge.

Securing a site against hazards, such as fires, currently uses systems that include:

sensors capturing a physical quantity whose value may represent the danger, such as the temperature of a room for example,

an alarm center receiving the values transmitted by the sensors, detecting an anomaly in a physical quantity sensed by a sensor and

means for securing the site, such as, for example, winches opening hatches of openings of the site when an anomaly is detected.

In current systems, the sensors are powered by batteries or batteries allowing autonomous power supply sensors, which limits the cost of installation of these systems. The disadvantage of these systems is that the batteries or the batteries of the sensors must be changed in such a way that these systems work.

In these systems, so that the operation of the sensors is interrupted as little as possible, these sensors are equipped with means for signaling a low residual electrical charge in the battery or battery. In order to identify a low residual electrical charge, these systems measure the voltage across the autonomous power source and compare this measured voltage to a predetermined limit value. If the measured voltage is below the predetermined limit value, the sensor determines that the power source has a low residual electrical charge.

The disadvantage of these systems comes from the fact that the discharge curve of a battery or battery has a low decay first and then a very fast decay approaching the end of life of the battery or battery. For these reasons, if the predetermined limit value is too high, this value is not representative of a low residual electric charge. Conversely, if the predetermined limit value is selected to be close to the point of inflection of the curve, the sensor signals a low residual electrical charge too short of time before the absence of residual electric charge.

Moreover, these systems do not make it possible to establish that a sensor consumes electrical energy abnormally.

According to a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a device for determining a residual electric charge in an autonomous power source of a system, which comprises:

means for measuring at least one duration during which the system is in at least one predetermined operating state,

means for determining an electrical consumption as a function of at least one duration in each measured operating state and an estimate of instantaneous power consumption in said state,

means for estimating a quantity of energy remaining in the autonomous power source as a function of the determined consumption and of an initial quantity of energy of the power source and

means for transmitting a signal representative of the estimated amount of energy remaining.

Thanks to these provisions, the electrical energy consumption of the determined device makes it possible to estimate a quantity of electrical energy remaining from an autonomous power source. The signal representative of the estimated amount of remaining energy can thus be transmitted more precisely and independently of the voltage measured across the autonomous power source. It is notably This signal may be sent earlier than in systems measuring the voltage across the stand-alone power source.

In embodiments, the transmitting means is a means of transmitting an audible and / or visual alarm.

These embodiments have the advantage of making it possible to draw the attention of users around the device to the low residual electric charge of this device.

In embodiments, the device that is the subject of the present invention comprises a fire detector, an operating state corresponding to the activation of the detector and an operating state corresponding to the standby of the detector.

The advantage of these embodiments is that they allow the device to detect a fire near the device, moreover, these embodiments can refine the estimate of the energy consumption achieved.

In embodiments, the device that is the subject of the present invention comprises a means of wireless transmission of a signal representative of the detection of a fire at an alarm center, a state of operation corresponding to the start of operation of the transmission means and an operating state corresponding to the standby of the transmission means.

These embodiments have the advantage of allowing the device to transmit, to a remote control panel, a signal representative of the detection of a fire.

In embodiments, the transmission means and the transmitting means are merged.

The advantage of these embodiments is that they transmit to the alarm center a signal representative of the residual electric charge available in the autonomous power source.

In embodiments, the device that is the subject of the present invention comprises means for estimating a remaining power duration as a function of the estimated amount of remaining energy and of the power consumption in a standby state, the means transmission being configured to transmit a signal representative of the remaining power duration.

These embodiments have the advantage of allowing the transmission of a signal representative of the remaining power duration. This remaining power duration allows a user to estimate a duration before having to change the autonomous power source.

In embodiments, the device that is the subject of the present invention comprises means for controlling a value representative of a quantity of energy remaining in the autonomous power source, the transmission means being configured to emit a signal. depending on the amount of energy controlled and the amount of energy estimated. These embodiments make it possible, in particular, to identify an anomaly in the actual electrical energy consumption of the device as a function of the estimated consumption.

In embodiments, the control means processes a voltage across the autonomous power source.

The advantage of these embodiments is that the voltage is a reliable indicator of the amount of energy remaining in an independent power source.

In embodiments, the transmission means is configured to transmit a remaining amount of controlled energy when the value representative of the amount of energy remaining is less than a predetermined limit value and to transmit the estimated amount of energy when the amount of energy remaining controlled is greater than the predetermined limit value.

These embodiments have the advantage of allowing a transition to the transmission of more reliable information as measured.

According to a sixth aspect, the present invention aims at a device for securing a site, which comprises:

at least one device for determining a residual electrical charge in an autonomous power supply source that is the subject of the present invention, and

- An alarm center comprising a transmission means configured to communicate with at least one device.

According to a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a method for determining a residual electric charge in an autonomous power source of a system, which comprises:

a measurement step of at least one duration during which the system is in at least one predetermined operating state,

a step of determining an electrical consumption as a function of at least one duration in each measured operating state and an estimate of instantaneous power consumption in said state,

a step of estimating a quantity of energy remaining in the autonomous power source as a function of the determined consumption and of an initial quantity of energy of the power source and

a step of transmitting a signal representative of the estimated amount of energy remaining.

Since the objects, advantages and characteristics of the device for securing a site and method that are the subject of the present invention being similar to those of the device that is the subject of the first aspect of the present invention, they are not recalled here. The main and particular features of the various aspects of the present invention are intended to be combined together to form particular embodiments of the device and method of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other advantages, aims and features of the invention will become apparent from the following nonlimiting description of at least one method of notifying the state of charge of an autonomous power source, a notification device of the state of charge of an autonomous power source, a communicating portable terminal and an electro-acoustic transducer, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 represents, in the form of a logic diagram, steps of a particular embodiment of the method that is the subject of the present invention,

FIG. 2 represents, in the form of a graph representing the discharge of an autonomous power source, the determination of limit values; FIG. 3 represents, in the form of a graph, an example of a modulated sound signal; in amplitude,

FIG. 4 represents, in the form of a graph, an example of a frequency modulated sound signal,

FIG. 5 represents, in the form of a graph, an example of a duration modulated sound signal,

FIG. 6 represents, schematically, a particular embodiment of a notification device which is the subject of the present invention,

FIG. 7 represents, schematically, a particular embodiment of a communicating portable terminal object of the present invention,

FIG. 8 represents, schematically, a particular embodiment of a sound signal repeater object of the present invention.

FIG. 9 represents, schematically and in section, an embodiment of the device for determining a residual electric charge in an autonomous power supply of a security system,

FIG. 10 schematically represents a particular embodiment of the device for determining a residual electric charge in an autonomous power source of a safety system that is the subject of the present invention,

FIG. 11 represents, schematically, a particular embodiment of the device for securing a site that is the subject of the present invention,

FIG. 12 represents a logic diagram of steps of a particular embodiment of the method which is the subject of the present invention and Figure 13 shows schematically an embodiment of a particular application of the device and method of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

As of now, we note that the figures are not to scale.

For the rest of the document, "modulation" is defined as the process by which the signal is transformed from an original form into a suitable form transmitting information.

FIG. 1 shows a particular embodiment of the method of 10 which is the subject of the present invention and which comprises:

a step 1 1 for detecting a state of charge of the autonomous power source of a device,

a step 12 of determining a transmission command, by the device, of a sound signal representative of a communication request triggered remotely by a third party, and

a step 13 of modulating at least a part of the sound signal signaling this communication request as a function of the state of the autonomous power supply.

The determination step 1 1 can be carried out by means of an electronic circuit configured to detect the state of charge of a battery, for example an electronic tensiometer. It is observed that the detection can be made, for example, by measuring a voltage or an electric current at the terminals of an autonomous power source or by estimation. The estimation is done, for example, by calculation according to a duration in standby state and an instantaneous consumption in this state.

Step 12 may be performed, for example, by means of an electronic component for detecting the reception of a signal, by the device and to transmit information representative of the detection of this signal.

The modulation step 13 may be carried out, for example, by an electronic component which makes it possible to modulate the signal in frequency, duration or amplitude as represented in FIG. 3. This modulation is carried out, for example, when the determined load of the battery is 5% to 15% lower than a predetermined value. In this example, the modulation is performed so as to decrease the frequency, duration or amplitude of the signal.

FIG. 2 shows a graph showing a typical discharge voltage curve 205 of an independent power source as a function of time. The abscissa represents a duration in seconds, for example and the ordinate a voltage in volts. The upper limit values 210 and the lower limit 215 are defined so as to represent a high or low state of charge of the autonomous power source which can be a battery for example. The value 210 is, for example, representative of a state of charge of the battery located between 90% and 100% of the total charge capacity. Similarly, the value 215 may represent a state of charge between 0% and 10% of the total charge capacity of the battery.

FIG. 3 shows a graph representing an amplitude modulated signal. We find on the abscissa time and on the ordinate a position in space measured in meters for example. A first part of the wave 300 represents the unmodulated wave. A second portion of the wave 305 represents an amplitude modulated wave. For example, the amplitude of the wave is weakened which lowers the sound level.

FIG. 4 shows a graph 40 representing an amplitude modulated signal. We find on the abscissa time and on the ordinate a position in space measured in meters for example. A first part of the wave 300 represents the unmodulated wave. A second portion of the wave 405 represents the frequency modulated wave. For example, the frequency is increased which makes the sound more acute.

FIG. 5 shows a graph 50 representing an amplitude modulated signal. We find on the abscissa time and on the ordinate a position in space measured in meters for example. A first part of the wave 300 represents the unmodulated wave. A second part of the wave 505 represents a wave modulated in duration. For example, the end of the wave is truncated over one to three periods so that the emission duration of the wave is less than the transmission duration initially planned.

Frequency modulation, duration or amplitude may be an increasing function of a state of charge of an autonomous power source. For example, the lower the state of charge, the lower the frequency. The same can be done with regard to modulation in duration and amplitude.

FIG. 6 shows a device 60 making it possible to implement the method 10 described in FIG. A component 605 represents an autonomous power source, such as a battery for example. This component provides information 610 representing a state of charge of the component 605. The information 610 is an input of a component 615 representing a comparator for comparing the state of charge 610 with two predetermined values:

a low predetermined value 620 representing, for example, a state of charge less than 10% of the maximum load and

a high predetermined value 625 representing, for example, a state of charge greater than 90% of the maximum load.

These values can be determined from the discharge curve of a battery as shown in the graph 20 given in FIG. 2, for example. A signal 630 at the output of the component 615 transmits a comparison information between the three signals 610, 620 and 625, for example:

the state of charge 610 is greater than the predetermined high value 625,

the state of charge 610 is lower than the predetermined low value 620, or

- The state of charge 610 is between the predetermined values 620 and 625.

In addition, a signal 635 is a sound signal transmission command representing a communication request initiated remotely by a third party. The transmission of this audible signal is controlled by another communicating device with device 60. The signal 635 may be the arrival of a call on a cordless or mobile telephone, pressing the button of a bell or a an intercom, the receipt of a written message, for example a short message (SMS), a message on a social network or an e-mail. The ringer transmission command signaling this communication request triggered remotely by a third party then constitutes the signal 635. The message transmitted by the determined sound signal is thus independent of the state of charge of the battery since it consists of a communication request triggered remotely by a third party.

The signal 635 arrives at the input of a component 640. The component 640 is, for example, a component enabling the existence of the command 635 to be determined. The component 640 outputs a command existence information 645. 635.

The information 645 enters a component 650 used for the modulation of a sound signal 655 whose command 635 is the transmission control. This component 650 is a component for modulating the signal 655 in frequency, duration or amplitude according to the principle explained in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. The modulation can be carried out as a function of the information of the signal 630. For example, if the signal 630 indicates that:

the state of charge 610 is greater than the predetermined high value 625, whereas the signal 655 can be frequency modulated so as to become more acute, or

the state of charge 610 is lower than the predetermined low value 620 whereas the signal 655 can be modulated in duration, and / or

the state of charge 610 is between the predetermined values 620 and 625, while the signal 655 undergoes no modification.

A signal 660 is the modulated electrical signal at the output of the component 650 and the device 60 representative of the sound signal to be transmitted.

Finally, a component 665 communicates with the component 650 a duration information 670 of the device. This duration information is transmitted to the component 650. The information can enable the component 650 to emit a sound signal for notifying the state of charge of the autonomous power source. Indeed, the waking period makes it possible to estimate the state of charge of the power supply. FIG. 7 shows a communicating portable terminal 70, for example a mobile telephone, integrating a device 60. More particularly, the signal 635 signifies the arrival of a communication request triggered remotely by a third party, for example by component or selecting the called number assigned to the communicating portable terminal 70 on a mobile telephone network. The signal 660 is transmitted to the speakers of the terminal 710.

FIG. 8 shows a sound signal repeater 80 comprising a device 60, a device for receiving a radio signal 805 and a determining means (810) determining a command (635) for receiving a radio signal. More particularly, with regard to the device 60, the signal 635 signifies the arrival of a communication request by the communicating terminal to which the repeater is connected. Component 805 represents an autonomous power supply comprising at least one battery or accumulator battery. The sound transmission is via a loudspeaker 815. 810 represents an electronic circuit for determining the state of charge of the autonomous power supply 805. The means for determining the repeater 80 determines a transmission command of a representative sound signal a call message, independent of the state of charge of the autonomous power source to receive a radio signal representing this call.

FIG. 9, which is not to scale, shows an embodiment of a device 90 for determining a residual electric charge in an autonomous electric power source 910 of a 905 system. security. This device 90 comprises:

means 915 for measuring at least one duration,

means 920 for determining an electrical consumption,

a means 925 for estimating a quantity of energy remaining,

means 930 for transmitting a signal representative of the estimated amount of energy remaining,

a fire detector 935,

means 940 for issuing an audible alarm when a fire is detected.

The stand-alone power source 910 is, for example, a battery or a battery.

The measuring means 915 is, for example, an electronic circuit comprising an electronic clock. This measuring means 915 measures at least one time during which the security system is in at least one predetermined operating state. The device 90 comprises a list of predetermined states entered into the programming memory of the device 90. This list of states comprises, for example, a representative state of: the day before the device 90,

operating the determination means 920,

the operation of the estimation means 925 of an electrical consumption,

the operation of the transmission means 930,

- operation of the 935 detector or

operating the transmission means 940.

The measuring means 915 measures the time spent by the device 90 in each of these states.

The determination means 920 of an electrical consumption is, for example, an electronic circuit. This determining means 920 determines the power consumption as a function of at least one duration in each measured operating state and an estimate of instantaneous power consumption in said state. The instantaneous power consumption in each state is, for example, entered into memory when the device 90 is configured. In variants, when the device 90 is put into operation, thanks to the control means 950, the instantaneous electricity consumption is measured for each operating state. The determining means 920 sum the multiplication of the durations in each state by the instantaneous consumption in each said state, for example.

The means 925 for estimating a quantity of energy remaining in the autonomous power source 910 is, for example, an electronic circuit. This estimation means 925 estimates a quantity of energy remaining in the autonomous power source 910 as a function of the determined consumption and of an initial energy quantity of the power source 910. This estimation means 925 for example, subtracting the determined energy consumption from the initial energy amount of the power source 910.

The transmission means 930 of a signal representative of the estimated amount of energy remaining is, for example, a light emitting diode configured to flash when the estimated amount of energy remaining is less than a predetermined limit value. In variants, this transmission means 930 also emits an audible signal when the estimated amount of energy remaining is less than the predetermined limit value. In other variants, the transmission means 930 and the transmission means 940 are combined.

The detector 935 is, for example, an optical smoke detector. This detector 935 measures, for example, a density of smoke in the air and, when this measured density is greater than a predetermined limit value, detects a fire 935. When a fire is detected, the detector 935 controls the transmission means 940 the emission of a signal representative of the detection of a fire.

The transmission means 940 is, for example, a loudspeaker configured to emit a sound signal representative of the detection of a fire by the detector 935.

When one of the transmitting means, 930 or 940, emits a sound signal, this signal is modulated according to the remaining energy load estimated by the estimation means 925. The details of this modulation are detailed in FIG. .

To determine the load of the power supply, it is possible to implement a device or a method as described below, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13.

A "short distance" is a distance less than one-tenth of the communication range.

FIG. 10, which is not to scale, shows an embodiment of the device 100 for determining a residual electric charge in a stand-alone electric power source 1010 of a security system 1005 of the present invention. This device 100 comprises:

means 1015 for measuring at least one duration,

means 1020 for determining an electrical consumption,

a means 1025 for estimating a quantity of energy remaining,

a means 1030 for transmitting a signal representative of the estimated amount of energy remaining,

a fire detector 1035,

means 1040 for wireless transmission of a signal representative of the detection of a fire at an alarm center,

means 1045 for estimating a remaining power duration and

means 1050 for controlling a value representative of a quantity of energy remaining in the autonomous power source 1010.

The stand-alone power source 1010 is, for example, a battery or a battery.

The measuring means 1015 is, for example, an electronic circuit comprising an electronic clock. This measuring means 1015 measures at least one time during which the security system is in at least one predetermined operating state. The device 100 comprises a list of predetermined states entered into memory by programming the device 100. This list of states comprises, for example, a representative state of:

the day before the device 100,

operating the determination means 1020, the operation of the estimation means 1025 of an electrical consumption,

operating the transmission means 1030,

the operation of the detector 1035,

the operation of the transmission means 1040, modulated by the quality of the transmission signal,

setting into operation the estimation means 1045 of a duration and / or

operating the control means 1050.

The measuring means 1015 measures the time spent by the device 100 in each of these states.

The determination means 1020 of an electrical consumption is, for example, an electronic circuit. This determining means 1020 determines the power consumption as a function of at least one duration in each measured operating state and an estimate of instantaneous power consumption in said state. The instantaneous power consumption is, for example, entered into memory during the configuration of the device 100. In variants, when the device 100 is put into operation, thanks to the control means 1050, the instantaneous electricity consumption is measured for each operating state. The determining means 1020 sum the multiplication of the durations in each state by the instantaneous consumption in each said state, for example.

The means 1025 for estimating a quantity of energy remaining in the autonomous power source 1010 is, for example, an electronic circuit. This estimation means 1025 estimates a quantity of energy remaining in the autonomous power source 1010 as a function of the determined consumption and of an initial quantity of energy of the power source 1010. This estimation means 1025 for example, subtracting the determined power consumption from the initial energy amount of the power source 1010.

The transmitting means 1030 of a signal representative of the estimated amount of energy remaining is, for example, a light emitting diode configured to flash when the estimated amount of energy remaining is less than a predetermined limit value. In variants, this transmission means 1030 also emits an audible signal when the estimated amount of energy remaining is less than the predetermined limit value. In other variants, the transmission means 1030 and the transmission means 1040 are combined.

The detector 1035 is, for example, an optical smoke detector. This detector

1035 measure, for example, a density of smoke in the air and, when that density When a fire is detected, the detector 1035 commands the transmission means 1040 to transmit a signal representative of the detection of a fire.

The transmission means 1040 is, for example, a wireless antenna configured to communicate with a control panel paired with the device 100. In variants, this transmission means 1040 is also configured to transmit a signal representative of the quantity of the signal. Estimated remaining power from the stand-alone 1010 power source. The alarm center, not shown, is configured to display or transmit representative information that the estimated amount of energy transmitted transmitted.

The means 1045 for estimating a remaining power duration is, for example, an electronic circuit configured to estimate the remaining power time as a function of the estimated amount of remaining power and the power consumption of the device 100 in a waking state. A signal representative of this estimated supply period is emitted by the transmission means 1030 and / or transmitted by the transmission means 1040.

The control means 1050 is, for example, an electronic tensiometer. This control means 1050 measures the voltage across the autonomous power source 1010. Depending on this measured voltage, the control means 1050 determines a quantity of electrical energy remaining. If the difference between the amount of electrical energy remaining controlled by the control means 1050 and the amount of electrical energy remaining estimated by the estimating means 1025 is greater than a predetermined limit value, a signal representative of a defect of The transmitting means 1030 and / or transmitted by the transmission means 1040 are transmitted. In variants, when the amount of energy controlled by the control means 1050 is lower than a predetermined limit value, the transmission means 1040 transmits a signal representative of the amount of energy controlled instead of a signal representative of the estimated amount of energy.

FIG. 11, which is not to scale, shows an embodiment of the device 10 for securing a site that is the subject of the present invention. This device 1 10 comprises:

two devices 1005 for determining a residual electric charge in an autonomous power supply of a security system as described in FIG.

an alarm control unit 105 comprising transmission means configured to communicate with at least one device 1005.

Alarm control unit 1 105 is configured to display information representative of the remaining electrical energy transmitted by each determining device 105. FIG. 12 shows a particular step logic diagram of the state of charge estimation method of an autonomous power supply 120 which is the subject of the present invention. This method 120 comprises:

a step 1205 of measuring at least one duration during which the security system is in at least one predetermined operating state,

a step 1210 for determining an electrical consumption as a function of at least one duration in each measured operating state and an estimate of instantaneous power consumption in said state,

a step 1215 for estimating a quantity of energy remaining in the autonomous power supply as a function of the determined consumption and of an initial quantity of energy of the power source and

a step 1220 for transmitting a signal representative of the estimated amount of energy remaining.

The measurement step 1205 is performed, for example, by the implementation of an electronic circuit comprising an electronic clock. During this measurement step 1205, each duration is measured in at least one operating state of the system. These durations are stored in a RAM, for example.

The determination step 1210 is performed, for example, by the implementation of an electronic circuit that sums the multiplications between each measured duration in a state and a predetermined instantaneous consumption value of this state.

The estimation step 1215 is carried out, for example, by the implementation of an electronic circuit configured to make a comparison of the estimated consumption with the amount of initial energy of the power source of the system. If, for example, the subtraction of the estimated consumption from the initial energy amount is less than a predetermined limit value, the electronic circuit determines that the amount of energy remaining in the power supply is low.

The transmission step 1220 is performed, for example, by the implementation of a light-emitting diode configured to flash when the estimated amount of energy in the power source is below the predetermined limit.

FIG. 13 shows a device 130 for signaling a state of charge of a battery. This device 130 comprises a device 1305 as described in FIG. 10. This device 1305 transmits a signal 1310 representing an estimated state of charge of an independent power source of the device 130. The signal 1310 is used at the input of a comparator 1315 configured to compare the estimated state of charge 1310 with two predetermined values:

a predetermined low value 1320 representing, for example, a state of charge less than 10% of the maximum load and a predetermined high value 425 representing, for example, a state of charge greater than 90% of the maximum load.

These values can be determined from the conventional discharge curve of a battery.

The comparator 1315 transmits a signal 1330 representative of a comparison information between the three signals 1310, 1320 and 1325, for example:

the estimated state of charge 1310 is greater than the predetermined value 1325, the estimated state of charge 1310 is lower than the predetermined value 1320, or the estimated state of charge 1310 is between the predetermined values 1320 and 1325.

In addition, this device 130 comprises an input for a signal 1335 for transmitting a sound signal, this command coming from another device communicating with device 130. The sound signal represents, for example, the arrival of a call on a cordless telephone, the transmission command of this ring then being the signal 1335. The message transmitted by the determined sound signal is independent of the state of charge of the battery.

The control signal 1335 arrives at the input of a means 1340 for listening to a command. This determining means 1340 is, for example, a component for detecting a command in the received control signal 1335. When the determination means 1340 detects a command, this determination means 1340 transmits a signal 1345 representative of the detection of a command.

The signal 1345 is used at the input of a means 1350 for modulating a sound signal 1355 whose control 1335 controls the transmission. This modulation means 1350 is, for example, an electronic circuit modulating the signal 1355 in frequency, duration or amplitude. The modulation can be carried out according to the information of the signal 1330. For example, if the signal 1330 indicates that:

the state of charge 1310 is greater than the predetermined value 1325 while the signal 1355 is frequency modulated so as to become more acute, or

the state of charge 1310 is lower than the predetermined value 1320 while the signal 1355 is modulated in duration, or

the state of charge 1310 is between the predetermined values 1320 and 1325, while the signal 1355 undergoes no modification.

A signal 1360 is the modulated electrical signal at the output of the component 1350 and the device 130 representative of the sound signal to be emitted.

Claims

1. Method (10) for notifying the state of charge of an autonomous power source, characterized in that it comprises:

a step (1 1) of detecting a state of charge of the autonomous power source of a device,

a step (12) for determining a transmission command, by the device, of a sound signal representative of a communication request triggered remotely by a third party, and

a step (13) of modulating at least a part of the sound signal signaling this communication request as a function of the state of the autonomous power supply.

A method (10) of notifying the state of charge of an autonomous power source according to claim 1, wherein the modulating step (13) is performed each time a representative tone signal is transmitted. at least one message independent of the state of charge (610) of the power source (605).

A method (10) for notifying the state of charge of an autonomous power source according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the modulating step (13) is performed when the load (610) of the Standalone power source (605) is less than a predetermined low limit value (215).

A method (10) for notifying the state of charge of an autonomous power source according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the modulating step (13) is performed when the load (610 ) of the autonomous power source (605) is greater than a predetermined high limit value (210).

A method (10) for notifying the state of charge of an autonomous power source according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the step of modulating (13) the energy consumed to emit the modulated signal is an increasing function of the load (610) of the autonomous power source (605).

Method (10) for notifying the state of charge of an autonomous power source according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein during the modulation step (13), the sound signal (300) is amplitude modulated (305).

A method (10) for notifying the state of charge of an autonomous power source according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein in the step of modulating (13) the signal sound (300) is frequency modulated (405).

A method (10) for notifying the state of charge of an autonomous power source according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein during the step of modulating (13) the sound signal. (300) is time modulated (505).

A method (10) for notifying the state of charge of an autonomous power source according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein in the step of determining (12) the message represented by the sound signal represents the reception of a communication.

A method (30) of notification according to claim 9, comprising a determination of a residual electric charge in an autonomous power source, which comprises:

a step (305) of measuring at least one duration during which the security system is in at least one predetermined operating state,

a step (310) for determining an electrical consumption as a function of at least one duration in each measured operating state and an estimate of instantaneous power consumption in said state,

a step (315) of estimating a quantity of energy remaining in the autonomous power source as a function of the determined consumption and of an initial quantity of energy of the power source and

- A step (320) for transmitting a signal representative of the estimated amount of energy remaining.

1 1. Device (60) for notifying the state of charge of an autonomous power source, characterized in that it comprises:

means for detecting a state of charge (610) of the autonomous power source (605) of a device,

a means for determining a transmission command (635), by the device, of a sound signal representative of a message independent of the state of charge of the autonomous power source,

means for modulating (650) at least a part of the emitted sound signal (660) according to the state of the autonomous power supply and

- A means for measuring a sleep state of the device.

The notification device (60) according to claim 11, which includes a device for notifying a residual electric charge in an autonomous electrical power source (1010) of a system (1005), which comprises:

means (1015) for measuring at least one duration during which the system is in at least one predetermined operating state,

means (1020) for determining an electrical consumption as a function of at least one duration in each measured operating state and an estimate of instantaneous power consumption in said state,

means (1025) for estimating a quantity of energy remaining in the autonomous power source as a function of the determined consumption and of an initial quantity of energy of the power source and

means (1030) for transmitting a signal representative of the estimated amount of remaining energy.

13. Device (60) according to claim 12, wherein the transmitting means (1030) is a means of transmitting an audible and / or visual alarm.

14. Device (60) according to one of claims 12 or 13, which comprises a detector (1035) fire, an operating state corresponding to the activation of the detector and an operating state corresponding to the standby of the detector.

15. Device (10) according to claim 14, which comprises means (1040) for wireless transmission of a signal representative of the detection of a fire at an alarm center, an operating state corresponding to the implementation of operation of the transmission means and an operating state corresponding to the standby of the transmission means.

16. Device (60) according to claim 15, wherein the transmission means (1040) and the transmitting means (1030) are merged.

17. Device (60) according to one of claims 12 to 16, which comprises means (1045) for estimating a remaining power duration depending on the estimated amount of remaining energy and the power consumption in a standby state, the transmission means (1030) being configured to output a signal representative of the remaining power duration.

18. Device (60) according to one of claims 12 to 17, which comprises means (1050) for controlling a value representative of a quantity of energy remaining in the source. power supply (1010), the transmission means (1030) being configured to transmit a signal according to the amount of energy controlled and the estimated amount of energy.

The apparatus (60) of claim 18, wherein the control means (1050) processes a voltage across the autonomous power source (1010).

20. Device (60) according to one of claims 18 or 19, wherein the transmission means (1040) is configured to transmit a controlled amount of remaining energy when the value representative of the amount of energy remaining is less than a predetermined limit value and for transmitting the estimated amount of energy when the amount of energy remaining controlled is greater than the predetermined limit value.

21. Device (60) for securing a site, characterized in that it comprises:

at least one device (1005) for determining a residual electric charge in an autonomous power source of a system according to one of claims 1 1 to 20 and

an alarm central (1 105) comprising transmission means (1 1 10) configured to communicate with at least one device.

22. communicating portable terminal (70), characterized in that it comprises a device (60) of notification according to claim 1 1.

23. Sound signal repeater (80), characterized in that it comprises:

a notification device (60) according to claim 1 1 and

means for receiving (805) a radio signal representing a communication request message triggered remotely by a third party,

the determining means (810) of the device determining a command (635) for transmitting a sound signal representative of a communication request message triggered remotely by a third party, on receiving a radio signal.