WO2002084949A1

WO2002084949A1 - A method for installing new nodes in a home network

Info

Publication number: WO2002084949A1
Application number: PCT/IB2002/001141
Authority: WO
Inventors: Valerio Aisa; Marcello Belli; Lucio Bianchi
Original assignee: Wrap SpA
Current assignee: Wrap SpA
Priority date: 2001-04-11
Filing date: 2002-04-10
Publication date: 2002-10-24
Anticipated expiration: 2003-10-11
Also published as: ITTO20010354A0; ITTO20010354A1; EP1382159A1

Abstract

A method for isntalling new network nodes in a users network, which users network comprises a communication network (RE) connected to network nodes (NR) associated to the users, each network node (NR) being associated to a control and interface system (N, AI) being suitable for exchanging information on the communication network (RE); moreover, one or more network nodes (NR) being configurated as an installer node (NI), comprising to that purpose registering means (R) of the users connected to the users network, the isntaller node (NI) being associated to a domain (D), said method providing installation of a new user (NNR) through at least a communication phase (103, 107) of identity information (ID) to the registering means (R) of the users connected to the users network associated to the installer node (NI). According to the invention, the method provides for the new network node (NNR) to execute an recognition phase (105) of the installer node (NI) and of its pertaning domain (D).

Description

A METHOD FOR INSTALLING NEW NODES IN A HOME NETWORK

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a method for installing new network nodes in a users network, which users network comprises a communication network connected to network nodes associated to the users, each network node being associated to a control and interface system being suitable for exchanging information on the communication network, moreover one or more network nodes being configurated as an installer node, comprising to that purpose registering means of the users connected to said users network, said installer node being associated to a domain, said method providing installation of a new user through at least a communication phase of identifier information, each network node being associated to a control and interface system apt for exchanging information on the communication network to the registering means of the users connected to the users network, associated to the installer node.

Hereafter, the term 'resources' will mean in particular consumption resources, such as water, electric power, gas or other fuel, being apt to ensure operation of apparatuses or users. These apparatuses are connected to the above resources management network, in order to utilize one or more resources.

The present invention has a more immediate application in the management networks of electric power consumption to be more detailed by way of example, but is also extending to the consumption of the above mentioned or equivalent resources. Given a general apparatuses or users system connected to a communication network like the management networks mentioned above, i.e. capable of exchanging information between them by means of appropriate interfaces (or communication nodes), appropriate physical means (or transmission lines) and according to proper rules (or communication protocols), one of the most important and delicate points to be faced is the initial installation of each element of the system. Installing operation should actually warrant for each system element being appropriately aggregated to the same context (or domain), so as to ensure regular performance of the assigned function. This is obtained, in principle, starting from a first system element, which besides performing its specific function will also register on a proper appropriate memory the list of the elements gradually entering to become a part of the system itself.

Figure 1 is illustrating a basic diagram generally defining a management network from an installation viewpoint. Said first system element is normally indicated as an installation element or node NI, being agreed that a wide meaning is attributed to the term "node", holding also for the other system elements, i.e. including both the apparatus or user it refers to and relevant interface (or communication node) to a communication network RE.

The installer node NI is associated to an identification code or address OID, typically used for identifying a domain D, i.e. a whole set of network nodes NR of the system, which are connected in the network through the installer node NI itself.

Before being installed inside a determined domain D associated to an installer node NI, each network node NR can typically exchange information according to the broadcast procedure, i.e. a general procedure not associated to any domain (conventionally defined as communication on the zero domain). It is called broadcast, since it diffuses a message to all the network nodes in opposition to point-to-point communications.

Each network node NR, after installation inside a determined domain D associated to an installer node NI, generally leaves the broadcast procedure (the zero domain) and restricts itself to exchange information only with the network nodes NR of its own pertaining domain D, obviously including the installer node NI.

Vice- versa, besides exchanging information inside its own domain, the installer node NI will maintain the capacity of exchanging information according to the broadcast procedure (i.e. on the zero domain), in order to be able to carry on a dialog with likely new nodes NNR to be installed. According to the common state of art, the process for an installer node NI to install a new network node NNR inside its domain is generally featured by the following steps:

A. Once the new network node NNR is connected to the communication network RE associated to the installer node NI, it will state according to the broadcast procedure (i.e. on the zero domain) that it wants to be installed. This statement is typically required by the service man, who performs appropriate operations (such as pressing a button) on the apparatus to be installed.

B. The installer node NI detects on the broadcast communication channel (i.e. the zero domain) the installation request of the new network node NNR to be installed. This detection is typically required by the service man performing appropriate operations (such as pressing a button) on the apparatus associated to the installer node NI.

C. The installer node NI installs the new node and assign it a single address inside its own domain D, registering the new network node NNR in a proper data base R.

D. The new network node NNR, after having noted the address of the installer node NI identifying the pertaining domain D and its own address inside the domain, gives up the broadcast communication procedure (i.e. the zero domain) and takes the proper procedure of the same pertaining domain D. Figure lb graphically describes the flow diagram related to an installation procedure P of the new network node NNR, i.e. the above four steps required for installing a new network node NNR.

The block 1 , which represents the beginning of the installation procedure of a new network node NNR, releases control to the block 2, which is a test block verifying the likely presence of a new network node NNR to be installed.

If there is no new network node to be installed, the installation procedure is stopped to move to block 8 of procedure end; vice-versa, if a new network node NNR has to be installed, control passes to the block 3, which performs the procedure of declaration of the new node NNR in the zero domain (Step A above). From the block 3 control passes to the block 4, which is a test block verifying whether the installer node NI has been enabled or not for installing a new network node NNR. If the installer node NI has been enabled for installing a new network node, control moves to the block 6; vice-versa, if the installer node NI has not been enabled, it moves on to the block 5. The block 5 performs the enabling procedure of the node NI for installing a new network node NNR (Step B above) and releases control to the block 6.

The block 6 is a test block verifying the recognition or not of the new network node NNR by the installer node NI.

If the installer node NI is not able to detect the new node NNR to be installed, the installation procedure ends and control passes to the block 8 of procedure end; vice-versa, if the installer node NI acknowledges the new node NNR to be installed, then control passes to the block 7. The block 7 performs the installation procedure of the new network node NNR by the installer node NI (steps C and D above) and releases control to the block 8 of procedure end.

The installation procedure of a new network node described above shows schematically a common general installation procedure according to the present state of the art. A main limit for this procedure is represented by the statement operations of the new network node to be installed (step A) and installation ability of the node NI (step B), which are not automatic, but require the presence of specialized technical personnel with appropriate instrumentation.

In fact, the new network node to be installed does not know in advance the address (or identifier code) of the node to be installed; therefore, in the instance of several installer nodes it is unable to make a spontaneous choice, since it has to be guided from outside.

Analogously, the installer node does not know in advance the new nodes to be installed inside its own domain, so it is unable to make a spontaneous choice, since it has to be guided from outside. As a result, both the installer node and new node to be installed must be put safely and controlled in communication by specialized technical personnel.

It is the object of the present invention to solve the above drawbacks and provide a method for installing new network nodes in a users network, which is improved and more efficient than the solutions already known. In this frame, it is the main object of the present invention to provide a method for installing new network nodes in a users network, which provides for self-installation of the users without the need of operators from outside.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for installing new network nodes in a users network, which prevents the possibility of installing a new user on a non pertaining management network.

In order to achieve such aims, it is the object of the present invention to provide a method for installing new network nodes in a users network, incorporating the features of the annexed claims, which form an integral part of the description herein. Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and annexed drawings, which are supplied by way of non limiting example, wherein:

- Fig. la shows a basic diagram of a users management network implementing the method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to the known state of art;

- Fig. lb shows a flow diagram of the method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to the known state of art;

- Fig. lc shows a basic diagram of a management network of electric power consumption implementing the method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to the present invention;

- Fig. 2a shows a basic diagram of a detail of the management network of electric power consumption implementing the method for installing new network nodes in a users network of Fig. 1; - Fig. 2b shows a further basic diagram of the detail of the management network of electric power consumption implementing the method for installing new network nodes in a users network of Fig. 1;

- Fig. 3 shows a flow diagram of the method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to the present invention; - Fig. 4 shows a flow diagram of a first step of the method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to the present invention;

- Fig. 5 shows a flow diagram of a second step of the method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to the present invention;

- Fig. 6 shows a flow diagram of a third step of the method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to the present invention;

- Fig. 7 shows a flow diagram of a fourth step of the method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to the present invention;

- Fig. 8 shows a flow diagram of a fifth step of the method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to the present invention. Figure 3 is illustrating a basic block diagram of the method for installing new network nodes in a users network according to the present invention, which is based on the following two points:

1. The installer node NI is able to measure directly or indirectly the value of one or more physical quantities representative of resources consumption (e.g. water or gas flow-rate, electric power, etc. ...), typically related to the system of apparatuses connected in the network pertaining to their own domain, and communicate said information to the zero domain (broadcast communication procedure). 2. Each new network node NNR to be installed is associated to a specific apparatus (e.g. washing machine, refrigerator, oven, air conditioner, gas boiler, water boiler, electric stove ... as better detailed in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. lc), which performs determined functions and is able to change the value of at least one of the physical quantities (e.g. water supply in time unit, gas consumption in time unit, absorbed electric power ...) the installer node NI is able to measure; moreover, each network node NNR to be installed is able to exchange information on the zero domain (broadcast communication procedure). The above stated, each new network node NNR to be installed can recognize its own installer node NI through appropriate perturbations of one or more physical quantities the latter is able to measure and communicate to the zero domain.

This recognition procedure of the installer node NI by the new node NNR to be installed is structured in the following steps:

The new node NNR to be installed performs appropriate perturbations on at least one of the physical quantities the installer node NI is able to measure; - the installer node NI measures the changes of the perturbed physical quantity (or perturbed physical quantities) and communicates this measurement to the zero domain, i.e. broadcast procedure; - the new node NNR to be installed receives the information generated by the installer node NI on the zero domain and verifies whether it is coherent with the perturbations generated by the new node NNR to be installed; the new node NNR to be installed recognizes as its own installer node the sole node NI sending to the zero domain measuring information coherent with the perturbations caused by the new node NNR itself. According to the present invention, the process followed by the installer node NI for installing automatically a new network node NNR inside its own domain is featured by the following steps:

A. Once the new network node NNR to be installed is connected to the communication line associated to the installer node NI, i.e. the communication network RE, it will spontaneously states it wants to be installed as per the broadcast procedure (i.e. the zero domain). B. The installer node NI detects on the broadcast communication channel (i.e. on the zero domain) the request of installation by the new network node NNR to be installed and inputs on the network RE the measurement of the resource or resources monitored by it. This detection, that, according to the known art, is typically required by the installing serviceman performing appropriate operations (such as pressing a button) on the apparatus associated to the installer node NI, occurs automatically upon request of the node NNR to be installed. The node NNR to be installed will verify the matching between the perturbation performed on one or more of the resources it is able to perturb and the response of the installer node. If the response of the installer node NI is recognized by the node NNR to be installed as matching the perturbation, the latter will send its own identification code to the installer node NI in order to be installed.

C. The installer node NI performs installation of the new node NNR automatically and assigns one single address inside its own domain, registering the new node NNR in its database R.

D. After having noted the address OID of the installer node NI, which identifies the pertaining domain, and its own address inside the domain, the new node NNR will leave the broadcast communication procedure (i.e. the zero domain) and take the proper procedure of the same pertaining domain.

Figure 3 graphically describes the previous four steps required for installing a new network node NNR according to the method of the present invention.

Therefore, Figure 3 indicates the flow diagram of a self-installation procedure PI of the new network node NNR. This procedure comprises a phase 101 containing the beginning of the installation procedure executed at each startup of the user and relevant monitoring device Al, if available.

A test is executed in a phase 102 verifying whether the new network node NNR has already been installed or not.

In the affirmative, the procedure PI moves on to the phase 108, i.e. to the end of the procedure. In the negative, the procedure PI moves on to the phase 103, where a so-called

"self-declaration in the zero domain" or basic domain operation is performed. In other words, the network node NNR declare on the communication network RE to be present and wanting to be installed at an installer node's NI, which in the instance of Figure lc corresponds to the power meter MP. At the end of the phase 103, a test phase 104 is performed for verifying the likely response from an installer node NI.

In the affirmative, control passes to the phase 105 for executing a recognition procedure of the installer node NI.

In the negative, the procedure PI moves on to the phase 108, i.e. end of procedure, since the installation procedure PI cannot be executed without an installer node NI. The phase 105 for executing a recognition procedure of the installer node NI, identifies the installer node NI according to the procedures further described, but comprising the above appropriate perturbation operations at least on one of the physical quantities the installer node NI is able to measure.

Now a phase 106 is executed for verifying the node recognition. In the negative, the procedure PI moves on to the phase 108, i.e. the end of the procedure. In the affirmative, a phase 107 of installation procedure of the network node NR is executed, then it moves on to the phase 108, i.e. the end of the procedure.

A preferred embodiment is now illustrated for better explaining the installing method for new network nodes in a users network. To this purpose, Figure lc represents a power consumption management network implementing the method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to the present invention.

A system is schematically represented in this Figure, which consists of a plurality of household electric users connected by means of an appropriate communication network, the purpose of which is to rationalize the electric power absorptions of said users and avoid exceeding a preset power limit, represented by the power value set in the Electricity Board agreement or any other limit value conveniently established by the person using the appliances.

The general structure of the system illustrated in Figure lc is like described in EP-A-0 727 668, whose teachings in this connection are incorporated herein for reference. In this view, some household electric users (FO, LS, FG) are appropriately arranged for dynamic power absorption self-regulation, adapting it consistently to the global power requirements of the domestic environment in which they operate, which may change in the course of the day.

In other words, according to the present invention these household electric users are equipped with relevant "smart" control systems having at least the following essential features:

1) Capacity of receiving information, through an appropriate transmitting means and appropriate electronic interface, about the total power (or, simply, the total absorbed current) absorbed by the domestic environment, along with the preset maximum limit for such an environment, said information being supplied by a special suitable measuring device.

2) Capacity of interpreting the information of the total power absorption as a function of the maximum power output limit set in the Electricity Board agreement (power agreement) or as a function of a convenience limit (e.g. bound to a lower power cost) established by the person using the appliances.

3) Capacity of constantly managing power absorption coherently within the above limits, with the specific function of the electric user itself and, as far as possible, with the function of the other electric users in the house, which permit to carry a dialog with. The above item 1) highlights the need of using a suitable instrument for measuring the electric power (or simply the current) absorbed by the domestic environment and the need of using an adequate communication system between the above measuring apparatus and the electric users conveniently equipped with a dynamic self-regulation system of their own power absorption. Items 2) and 3) highlight the need of equipping the household electric users with a control system, which according to the information transmitted by the power (or current) meter can help to maintain total power (or current) absorption of the whole domestic environment below the maximum limit (established by the Electricity Board Agreement or conveniently set by the person using the appliances), searching from time to time a best possible compromise between a reduction of the absorbed power and the need of warranting an acceptable performance anyway.

To this purpose, Figure lc shows a power consumption managing network, where RE indicates the communication network of the domestic environment, to which the various household apparatuses are connected. In the example, the network RE consists of the same electric network of the domestic environment, while the communication system of the various household apparatuses is a power line carrier. This communication system is known and ensures information exchange between various interface modules indicated with the letter N in the Figure lc, which in the specific case are nodes for a network of the Echelon Lon Works technology, through the same supply cable of the electric user, i.e. without having to provide an additional cabling system in the building.

Each interface module N comprises e.g. a suitable micro-controller, which manages the communication protocol (i.e. the set of rules for information exchange with the other network nodes), and an appropriate electronic interface comprising a bi-directional modem for a half-duplex power line carrier (i.e. for information exchange in both directions, but at different times) for appropriate interfacing with the communication line, which in the above example is represented by the electric network RE itself. In the specific instance, the micro-controller consists of a NeuronChip (a device managing Echelon LonTalk communication protocol), whereas the bi-directional modem for the power line carrier is Echelon power line transceiver PLT-22.

Reference CE indicates a common electric power meter associated to the domestic environment to which the system of Figure lc is referring to. Location of this meter CE is assumed at the input of the household electric system, even if in reality it is often located on the ground floor (in the instance of a condominium), or outside the house (one-family house), said location being anyway ineffective for the purposes of the present invention. Reference QE indicates the main electric board directly downstream the meter CE or anyway at the input of the domestic environment, which besides the conventional actuation devices (switches) and safety devices (power limiters, "life saver", etc ..) also contains an appropriate device MP, connected on the network through a relevant interface module N in a position to consistently measure the total power value (or current) absorbed by the domestic environment and send to the network the value of this measurement along with the maximum power (or current) limit value admitted. According to the present invention, the interface module N of the power meter MP has the role of the installer node NI represented in the Figure la, i.e. a reference node for the operations of network configuration, in which the installation data base is located. References FO, LS and FG indicate an oven, a dishwasher and a refrigerator, respectively, each one equipped with an appropriate electronic control system performing the functions previously mentioned with reference to EP-A-0 727 668, and appropriately connected to te network through a relevant interface module N. Hereafter, the household appliances FO, LS and FG will be indicated either as "smart" household apparatuses or users for the above reasons. References LB and COT indicate a washing machine and a freezer fitted with a conventional control system (i.e. electromechanical or electronic, but without the capacities previously mentioned with reference to EP-A-0 727 668), respectively, whereas AU indicates as a whole other electric users available in the house (such as an iron, hair-dryer, lighting system, and so on); the appliances LB and COT, as well as the electric users AU are "dummy" users, i.e. unable to self-regulate their own power consumption based on the information transmitted by the power (or current) meter MP located at the start of the electric system. These conventional users LB, COT and AU may anyway become active part of the power absorption self-regulation system by means of relevant associated monitoring devices AL For this application, a control system SC comprised in each monitoring device Al is programmed for "emulating" the control systems capacities of the "smart" household appliances; in this view, based on the information transmitted on the network by the power meter MP, the control systems SC of the various monitoring devices Al will help maintaining the total power absorption of the whole domestic environment below the maximum limit (established by the Board Supply Agreement or conveniently set by the person using the appliances), searching from time to time the best possible compromise between the need of reducing the absorbed power through ON/OFF actuations of the supply of the relevant user by means of a normally closed relay RNC, as better described in the Figure 2 and ensuring anyway an acceptable performance of the user itself.

The monitoring device Al, as it will be better detailed with reference to Figure 2b, incorporates an interface module N, so that it appears on the network RE as a further node

NR.

It should be noticed how the ON/OFF actuation of more than one apparatus can be decided based on performance priority rules, since the monitoring device Al is able to know in which work phase the associated electric user finds itself.

Since the device MP has to measure the total power (or current) absorbed by the domestic environment, it is referred to the initial non sectioned length of the electric network RE; as said above, through the relevant interface module N it will send directly to the electric network RE the information about the total power (or current) value absorbed by the domestic environment and about the maximum admitted limit (agreed power or other convenient value established by the person using the appliances).

The control logic of the meter MP, based on the use of a microprocessor, performs at least three essential functions: - a measuring function of the total active power absorbed by the totality of the electric users in one same domestic environment; a transmitting function of such information, along with the information related to the maximum admitted power (or current) limit, to the same electric line RE by means of the power line carrier system through the interface module N; a setting function of the frequency for the meter MP to send the above information to the network RE, in order to minimize a possible engagement of the communication network. In main terms, in view of rationalizing electric power absorptions, operation of the system represented in Figure lc is the following one.

Electric power for the domestic environment is drawn from the external supply network through the power meter CE. As said, the power absorbed by the domestic environment is limited by means of an appropriate limiter device (not represented), which limits the power supply to a maximum value Pmax, e.g. 3 kWh (supply agreement).

Both the "smart" household appliances FO, LS, FG and "dummy" users LB, COT, AU are powered through standard current sockets; however, the network supply line RE is provided with the monitoring device Al.

The control system of each "smart" household appliance, as well as the control systems SC of the monitoring devices Al, receive the measured value of the total power PT absorbed by the entire domestic environment and the preset value Pmax of the maximum admitted power from the meter MP at regular intervals.

The control system of each active "smart" household appliance verifies whether the current value of the total power PT absorbed by the entire domestic environment exceeds the value of the maximum admitted Pmax as established by the supply agreement and regulated by the above power limiter.

Therefore, the control system of each "smart" household appliance FO, LS and FG is able to reduce or take back to normality the electric power absorption requested by the particular operation step the appliance is presently performing in the cycle. The self-regulation system of the absorbed power by each "smart" user can obviously be more sophisticated than the user described above merely by way of example, but a further investigation of this point is not contemplated by the aims of the present invention. Obviously, the above system provides priority rules between the various electric users, in order to warrant a dynamic power distribution depending on the different apparatuses being simultaneously active from time to time and as a function of their significant role for the person using them.

Concluding, through the power absorptions managing procedure described above the user isable to activate several electric users simultaneously, i.e. either "smart" or conventional appliances, the latter made "smart" by the monitoring device AL

Consequently, the monitoring device Al can also be advantageously utilized for the purposes of rationalizing power consumptions in a domestic environment. Figure 2a illustrates the monitoring device Al, which is connected in use from the freezer COT to a standard current socket PDC, available in any domestic environment. For the purposes of the above connection, the monitoring device Al has its own current socket PCI, in which the plug SI of the supply cable of the freezer COT will be inserted, and a proper supply cable CI for connection to the household current socket PDC. Therefore, as it will be noticed, physical connection of the monitoring device Al to the relevant electric user COT occurs very simply along the power supply line of the latter. The inner components of the device Al in a first possible embodiment, are shown schematically in Figure 2b. In this Figure, reference N indicates the interface module (whose operation and manufacture are known) facing a communication network or bus, which consists of the same power line carrier in the domestic environment where the electric user COT is installed. This interface module N forms the "communication node" enabling each device connected to it to exchange information with the environment outside through the common "power line carrier" technique. Each communication node has appropriate interfacing means to the same communication network and also contains the control logic managing both the communication protocols to the bus (i.e. the rules governing information exchange with the other network nodes) and the information exchange with its associated device. Since the technology related to network communication nodes and relevant protocols is known (reference is made e.g. to household bus systems such as Lon Works, CEBus, EHS, EIB...), it will not be further investigated herein.

As previously mentioned, the interface module N contains the resources required for managing information transmission and receipt through the same power network actually connected to the module N of the device Al through appropriate terminals 1 and 2, and their relevant communication protocols. In particular, the interface module N may consist of an Echelon PLT-22 power line modem and a NeuronChip implementing the LonTalk protocol associated to Echelon LonWorks technology, analogously for the interface modules already described with reference to smart units.

Reference RNC indicates a normally closed relay, which will cut off the power line to the user COT, if required and so instructed by a micro-controller MC pertaining to the control system SC of the device AL As it will be noticed, this ON/OFF activity performed by the relay RNC of the device Al for the relevant electric user can be performed in the frame of a regulation process of the electric power absorption in a domestic environment. Reference A indicates a general common current sensor, detecting instant by instant the amount of absorbed current by the electric user COT associated to the device Al, and consequently inform the above micro-controller MC through an appropriate common interface ISC. By mere way of non limiting example, the sensor A may consist of a simple shunt (power resistor with a very low ohmic value), whose voltage at the terminals proportional to the flowing current is appropriately measured by an analog-digital 8-bit converter, such as presently equipped on the majority of low-cost micro-controllers available on the market. Reference SC indicates in its whole the electronic control system of the monitoring device Al, which comprises an electronic micro-controller MC, a non volatile memory MNV, e.g. EEPROM or Flash, a voltage supply AL connected to the network voltage by appropriate terminals 3 and 4, which is provided for generating a stabilized direct voltage required for supplying the whole control system SC; an interface ISC for connection of the micro- controller MC to the current sensor A, a serial line LS for connection of the micro-controller MC to the interface module N, a selector STE for selecting the household electric user associated to the monitoring device Al in a plurality of possibilities. The functions of the monitoring device Al are based on two main points:

- continuous measurement of the current absorbed by the electric user COT, through which the control system SC of the device Al is able to generate and eventually store at least diagnostic and statistic information, useful for repairing and/or service purposes of the user COT itself;

- possibility of dialog with the world outside, in order to make the above information available e.g. to a power consumption managing system or to the personnel of a Service and Maintenance Centre.

From the analysis of the current absorptions profile performed by the micro-controller MC interpreting the measures of the sensor A, when the electric user connected to the device Al is known, monitoring of the user operation, identification of the number and type of work cycles performed both instantaneously and day by day, as well as detection of likely perturbations is actually possible. Using an appropriate software of the micro-controller MC, this is obtained comparing the profiles of the absorbed current detected by the sensor A with representative reference profiles of the normal operating conditions of the electric user contained in the memory of the micro-controller MC itself.

The above reference profiles are appropriately coded in the memory of the micro-controller MC, based on experimental analysis results performed on various types of products to which the device Al can be associated. Therefore, the memory associated to the micro-controller MC will contain a plurality of such reference profiles, each one of them related to a specific household electric user and representative of its normal operation. When installing the monitoring device Al, the electric user associated to it will be selected by the setting means STE of Figure 2b, and consequently the relevant reference current profiles to be used by the control system SC for monitoring correct operation of the user itself and also for obtaining the information related to its use procedure either instantaneous or in time.

Connection of the interface module N to the smart users of -Figure lc is not described in detail herein, being substantially similar to the one illustrated in Figure 2b for the monitoring device AL The interface module N also communicates with a micro-controller, which carries on a dialog with the control system of the smart user through an asynchronous serial line; said control system differs from the control system SC of the monitoring device Al as it is contained inside the smart user and usually has greater control and actuation functions for user operation.

The method for installing new network nodes in a users network according to the present invention is now described, which is applied to the power consumption managing network described above. From now on, the interface modules N, either associated to smart users or contained in monitoring devices Al, will be called network nodes NR, as indicated in Figure lc, whereas the interface module N of the power meter MP is indicated as the installer node NI. By way of example, the new network node to be installed indicated with NNR in the Figure 1 c is assumed related to the dishwasher LS.

Figure 4 shows in detail the phase 103 related to the self declaration procedure PI of a network node NNR, comprising a starting step 301 of the procedure. It should be recalled that the self declaration phase 103 occurs either on the base domain or the zero domain.

In Lonworks networks the domain D means the set of logic devices on one same communication channel, in particular nodes NR. It should be recalled that the base or the zero domain means a channel intended by all installer nodes NI on the communication network RE, corresponding to the broadcast transmission mode or circular emission. Then, each installer node NI will have its own domain countersigned by a domain address OID.

Step 301 moves on to step 302, where the information related to an identification code ID of the network node NNR are sent to the communication network RE by the network node

NNR to be installed. Said identification code ID is a factory installed code in the household appliance. Optionally, the network node NNR can also send information about the function performed by the user.

Step 303 performs a receipt test on a response from the installer node NI. In the affirmative, a variable ANS with an affirmative value is entered in a step 306 to be transferred to the test step 104, then the procedure end step 307 of the phase 103 is reached.

In the negative, control is released to a time-out verification step 304, checking whether a preset time has elapsed. In the negative, step 302 is repeated, whereas in the affirmative, the variable ANS with a negative value is entered in a step 305 to be transferred to the test step 104, then the procedure end step 307 of the phase 103 is reached.

The phase 103, associated to a user comiected to a monitoring device Al, differs because its possibilities are more limited with respect to the control systems of the smart users.

However, for the monitoring device Al two additional steps are provided after the starting step 301, i.e. a first test step verifying whether the user is an active user, followed by a test step verifying whether the network RE has enough power for bearing the input of the new load. If the result of these two tests is a positive one, then the self declaration procedure of the node will start according to the steps 302 and following ones; otherwise the step 103 will be stopped. Figure 5 is representing in detail the recognition phase 105 of the installer node NI by the new network node NNR, which comprises a starting step 501 of the procedure.

A storing step 502 of the power values measured by the various power meters MP visible on the communication network RE will follow. In fact, should installation concern an apartment in a condominium, also the power meters will be visible on the network RE, i.e. the installer nodes NI of the other apartments, i.e. of the other domains. Subsequently, a step 503 is executed for activating an electric load with a known power, pertaining to the electric user to be installed. This corresponds to the execution of appropriate perturbations on at least one of the physical quantities the installer node NI is able to measure, as mentioned with reference to Figure 3.

Control is then released to a step 504 performing a second storage of the power values detected by the various power meters RE visible on the communication network RE. In a step 505 the network node NNR will compare information reception times and the power values detected before and after activation of the electric load in the step 503.

Based on the tables previously stored in the network node NNR, a score is then assigned in step 506 to each power meter MP visible on the communication network RE. The electric load previously activated at the step 503, is deactivated in a step 507. Thereafter, control is released to step 508, where a third storage of the power values detected by the various power meters RE visible on the communication network RE is performed.

In other words, according to the present invention, in the steps 502 to 508 the new node NNR to be installed receives on the zero domain the information generated by the installer node NI, whereas in the subsequent steps further illustrated, it verifies whether they are coherent with the perturbation generated by the same new node NNR to be installed. Therefore, in a step 509, the new network node NNR will compare information reception times and the power values detected before and after activation of the electric load in the step 507. Based on the tables previously stored in the network node NNR, a score is then assigned in a step 510 to each power meter MP visible on the communication network RE. Thereafter a verification step 511 will check whether the installer node NI has been identified based on the score.

This corresponds to the portion in which the new node NNR to be installed recognizes as its own installer node the sole node NI sending measurement information to the zero domain coherent with the perturbation impressed by the same new node NNR. In the affirmative, a step 514 is executed for assigning the value of a variable ID, during which the address value 0ID of the installer node NI is stored in said variable ID.

In the negative, control is transferred to a further verification step 512, in the frame of which it is checked whether a predetermined number of attempts has been carried out. In the affirmative, a step 513 is executed for assigning the variable ID with zero value, reaching the procedure end step 515 of the phase 105.

In the negative, control is transferred to the step 503 for a new activation of the electric load.

As regards the users connected through the monitoring device Al, being said device Al unable to exert a highly sophisticated control on the electric loads of the associated user, the only change will be to replace the step 503 for activating an electric load with a known power pertaining to the electric user to be installed, with the deactivation of the electric user associated to the monitoring device Al, whereas the deactivation step 507 of the electric load previously activated is replaced by reactivating the electric user. The monitoring device Al can perform these operations controlling the relay RNC.

Figure 6 illustrates in detail the phase 107 related to the installation procedure of the node in relation to the operations performed by the new network node NNR.

After a starting step 701 , step 702 is performed for requesting the following information to the new installer node NI: domain of the installer node NI and address of the new network node NNR to be installed.

Then a test step 703 is executed, verifying whether a response from the installer node NI has been received.

In the affirmative, the phase 107 moves on to a step 705, in which both the domain information and address are updated in the memory, reaching thereafter a step procedure end step 706.

In the negative, a test step 704 will follow verifying whether a maximum number of attempts for requesting information to the installer node NI has been reached.

In the affirmative, control is released to the procedure end step 706.

In the negative, the step 702 for requesting information to the installer node NI will be repeated.

Vice- ersa, Figure 7 illustrates the phase 107 related to the operations of the installer node

NI.

After a stalling step 701 ', a test step 702' is executed, in which it is verified whether the self declaration of a network node NNR has been received, as established during the phase 103. In the negative, a further test step 703' is executed, verifying whether this is the preset time for regular verification of the domain nodes, i.e. the network nodes NR related to that installer node NI. In the negative, control passes again to the test step 702'.

In the event of an affirmative response, i.e. the receipt of a self declaration from a new network node NNR, said test step 702' operates initially an opening step 705' of a safety time window, i.e. the installer node sets a period of time to be dedicated to the installation procedure of the network node NNR.

A step 706' is then executed in this time safety window, in which the total power value PT measured is sent to the base domain as well as to the specific domain of the installer node

NI.

Subsequently, a test step 707' verifies whether an installation is requested. In the negative, after a test step 708' verifying that a determined time has elapsed, control goes back to the step 706'.

In the affirmative, a step 709' for registering the data of the new network node NNR is executed. Thereafter, as requested by the step 702, the address and domain 0ID of the installer node NI is sent from the network node NNR to the new network node NNR. A test step 711' requesting installation confirmation of the new network node NNR is then executed.

In the negative, control goes back to the step 710' through a test step 712' verifying whether a preset number of attempts has been executed. In the affirmative, the safety time window is closed in a step 713', so as to let the installer node NI revert back to its main power meter function.

Figure 8 is representing by way of example the verification procedure of the nodes pertaining to the domain, called step 707' of the phase 107 of the installation procedure of the new network node NNR. After a starting step 401, step 402 is executed, in which a request of confirmation of presence is sent to the network node NR, countersigned by an address. Subsequently, a test step 403 will check whether a response from the network node NR countersigned by a determined address has been received.

In the event of an affirmative response, the response of the node NR is recorded in a step 405. A test step 406 is then executed, which checks whether all the nodes NR recorded as pertaining to the domain have been verified. In the affirmative, a procedure end step 409 will follow; in the negative, control goes back to the test step 403.

In the test step 403 the receipt of a response from the node NR is verified. In the event of a negative response, after controlling a preset time-out through a test step 404, execution of a step 407 is provided for updating a register of the nodes without a response, followed by a step 408 for holding up the network nodes NR for which the register of the nodes without a response has reached a maximum limit. From the step 408 control is transferred again to the step 402.

From the above description the features of the present invention are clear, and also its advantages are clear.

The method for installing new network nodes in a users network, described above by way of example, will advantageously ensure an automatic installation procedure, which does not require any operations neither from the person utilizing the users nor from a service man.

Obviously, many changes are possible for the man skilled in the art to the method for installing new network nodes in a users network described above by way of example, without departing from the novelty principles of the innovative idea, and it is clear that in practical actuation of the invention the components may often differ in form from the ones described above, and be replaced with technical equivalent elements.

In particular, it is obvious how the method for installing new network nodes in a users network can be applied to all the managing networks of a consumption resource used by a plurality of users, which have a communication network similar to the one described above and with analogous network nodes. For instance it can be applied to a water consumption managing network, in which the installer node is associated to the water meter. In this event, according to the present invention, the node NNR of a washing machine can perform self-installation provided the perturbations occurred during water intake in the tub are coherent with the water consumption measurements detected by the installer node. The same can apply for application in gas consumption managing networks, in which according to the present invention, e.g. the node NNR of a gas oven can be self-installed, should the perturbations associated to gas consumption be coherent with the measurement performed upstream by the installer node NI associated to the gas meter. The preferred embodiment of Figure lc shows a situation where the installer node has a current measuring device located in the main electric board, i.e. in the meter. This may not be convenient due to authorized personnel being needed for access to the board. Therefore, a possible implementation can provide a current measuring device in the electric board with a radio-frequency output, where the sensor is obtained e.g. through an amperometric clamp, so as not to be too intrusive in the electric board. In this event, the installer node is a node provided with a radio-frequency receiver (for receiving the values from the remote current meter) and a power line communication module, to be located anywhere in the house, eventually in the kitchen. This installer node will conveniently have an appropriate display for monitoring the whole house.

According to a further implementation, the current measuring node also has a receiver RF coimected to a sensor or several sensors (gas flow-rate, water, ...) for consumption of various resources installed against the respective meters. In a further implementation, the installer node with a display for monitoring the house, is only fitted with a radio-frequency receiver for receiving various information from remote sensors about the physical quantities connected to resources consumption.

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Claims

1. A method for installing new network nodes in a users network, which users network comprises a communication network (RE) connected to network nodes (NR), which are associated to the users, each network node (NR) being associated to a control and interface system (N, Al), being suitable for exchanging information on the communication network (RE), moreover one or more network nodes (NR) being configurated as an installer node (NI), comprising to that purpose registering means (R) of the users connected to said users network, said installer node (NI) being associated to a domain (D), said method providing installation of a new user (NNR) through at least a communication phase (103, 107) of identifier information (ID) to the registering means (R) of the users connected to the users network associated to the installer node (NI), characterized in that, said method provides for the new network node (NNR) to execute a recognition phase (105) of the installer node (NI) and of its pertaning domain (D).

2. A method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to claim 1 , characterized in that it associates the installer node (NI) to measuring means of the consumption of one or more resources (MP) and that said recognition phase (105) of the installer node (NI) comprises perturbation steps (503, 507) of the user consumptions connected to the new network node (NR) and comparing steps (505,

509) of the consumption values (PT) detected before and after execution of said perturbation steps (503, 507).

3. A method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to claim 2, characterized in that said comparing steps (505, 509) comprise also a comparison of the reception times of the total consumption values (PT) from the installer nodes (NI).

4. A method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the new network node (NNR) executes steps (506,

510) for assigning scores based on the results of the comparing steps (505, 509).

5. A method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to the previous claims, characterized in that before and after the consumption perturbation steps (503, 507) by the user it performs storage steps (502, 504, 508) of the total consumption values (PT) from the installer nodes (NI) visible on the network (RE).

6. A method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to the previous claims, characterized in that said communication phase (103, 107) of identification information (ID) to the registering means of the users connected to the communication network (RE) comprises a self declaration phase (103) on the base domain and is executed at each startup of the user associated to a network node (NR).

7. A method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to claim 2, characterized in that subsequent to said recognition phase (105) of the installer node (NI) an installation phase will follow (107), in which information of the new network node (NNR) are registered in the registering means (R) associated to the installer node (NI).

8. A method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to claim 7, characterized in that after execution of the self declaration phase (103) the installer node (NI) performs an opening step (705') of a time window, in which it sends total consumption values (PT) to its own domain (D) and to the base domain.

9. A method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to claim 8, characterized in that after the recognizing phase (107) the new network node (NNR) to be installed executes a step (702) of request of for information on the domain (0ID) and its own address to the installer node (NI).

10. A method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to claim 9, characterized in that subsequent to said request step, the installer node (NI) executes a registering step (709') for registering the data of the network node to be installed and a transmission step (710') of information on the domain (0ID) and on the address to the new network node (NNR) to be installed.

11. A method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to claim 10, characterized in that thereafter the new network node (NNR) to be installed executes an updating step (705) of the information of domain and of its own address.

12. A method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the installer node (NI) executes a regular verification step (703', 704') of the network nodes (NR) connected to its own domain.

13. A method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that said users are electric users (FO, LS, LB) and that the installer node (NI) comprises measuring means of the electric power consumption (MP).

14. A method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to claim 13, characterized in that the perturbation steps (503, 507) of the user consumptions connected to the new network node (NNR) consist of activation and deactivation steps (503, 507) for the electric loads of the electric user connected to the new network node (NNR) and the steps (505, 509) are comparing steps of the total power values (PT) detected before and after execution of said activation and deactivation steps of electric loads (503, 507).

15. A method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to claim 14, characterized in that said comparison steps (505, 509) also comprise a comparison of the reception times of the total power values (PT) from the installer nodes (NI).

16. A method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the new network node (NNR) executes scores assigning steps (506, 510) based on the results of the comparing steps (505, 509).

17. A method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to the previous claims, characterized in that before executing the activation and deactivation steps (503, 507) for the electric loads of the electric user it executes storage steps (502, 504, 508) of the total power values (PT) from the installer nodes (NI) visible on the communication network (RE).

18. A method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to the claims from 2 to 13, characterized in that the consumption measuring means of one or more resources (MP) are directly associated to the installer node (NI).

19. A method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to the claims from 2 to 13, characterized in that the consumption measuring means of one or more resources (MP) are remote to the installer node (NI) and communicate with it through remote communication means, in particular radio connections.

20. A method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to the claims from 20 to 21, characterized in that the consumption measuring means of one or more resources (MP) are a plurality directly associated to the installer node (NI) and/or remote to the installer node (NI) .

21. A method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to the claims from 2 to 13, characterized in that water is the resource metered by the measuring means of the resource consumption (MP).

22. A method for installing new network nodes in a users network, according to the claims from 2 to 13, characterized in that gas is the resource metered by the measuring means of the resource consumption (MP).

23. A user, in particular a household apparatus comprising interfacing means (N), being apt to configure it as a new network node (NNR) on a managing network comprising at least an installer node (NI), characterized in that it implements the method for installing new network nodes according to the claim 1 and subsequent claims.

24. An installer node, comprising registering means (R) of network nodes (NR) connected to their own domain (D), characterized in that it implements the method for installing new network nodes according to the claim 1 and subsequent claims.