WO2001048722A1

WO2001048722A1 - Telemetry module

Info

Publication number: WO2001048722A1
Application number: PCT/EP2000/010855
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Güntzer; Frank Heineck
Original assignee: Gap Ag
Priority date: 1999-12-28
Filing date: 2000-11-03
Publication date: 2001-07-05
Also published as: DE20006680U1

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a telemetry module (1) which is configured as a terminal that is capable of bi-directional communication, for a communications network (3). The module comprises at least one electrical signal input device (25, 27) for coupling with a signal-generating component; and at least one electrical control output device (23) for coupling with a component to be controlled. The module also comprises a memory arrangement (19) which can preferably be programmed by a user of the telemetry module (1) and in which the following can be stored: a message identifier, in association with a predetermined change of electrical status of the signal input device (25, 27), respectively; and a control identifier, in association with a predetermined change of electrical status of the control output device, respectively. The inventive module also comprises an electronic control unit (11), which is connected to the signal input device (25, 27) and the control output device (23) and which is designed to effect the sending of a message containing the corresponding message identifier, respectively, especially in the form of an SMS short message, to a predetermined recipient (5, 7), via the communications network (3) in dependence on a change in the electrical status of the signal input device (25, 27); and which is also designed to compare a message, especially an SMS short message, with each stored control identifier when such a message is received via the communications network (3), and if the two match, to effect the change of electrical status of the control output device (23) associated with the respective matching control identifier. The message and control identifiers are preferably stored on a SIM card.

Description

Telemetry Module

According to a first point of view, the invention relates to a telemetry module.

Telemetry modules make it possible to receive control commands, in particular sent by radio, from a remote command point and to implement them in corresponding control processes for electrical devices connected to the telemetry module. Telemetry modules can also be used as detectors, with which status, alarm or monitoring messages relating to electrical devices connected to the telemetry module can be transmitted to a remote receiver, in particular by radio.

Telemetry modules can be particularly useful in everyday life. For example, it can be important to find out immediately when on vacation or traveling when electrical devices in your home fail or the alarm system goes off. Likewise, a traveler may wish to remotely activate electrical devices in his home, for example to find a warm home, a preheated sauna or fresh coffee when he returns.

The object of the invention according to the first approach is to provide a telemetry module that is also suitable for everyday use.

According to the invention, a telemetry module is provided to solve this problem, which is designed as a terminal for a communication network capable of bidirectional communication, comprising: at least one electrical signal input for coupling to a signaling component, at least one electrical control output for coupling to a component to be controlled,

a memory arrangement for storing a message identifier in association with a predetermined status change in the electrical status of the signal input and for storing a control identifier in association with a predetermined status change in the electrical status of the control output and

- An electronic control unit connected to the signal input and the control output, which is designed to send a message containing the respectively assigned message identifier via the communication network to a predetermined receiver as a function of a change in the status of the signal input, and also to do so is designed, when a message is received via the communication network, to compare its content with each stored control identifier and, if there is a match, to effect the change in status of the electrical status of the control output associated with the corresponding tax identifier.

In the solution according to the invention, the telemetry module can be designed as a mobile radio terminal for a mobile radio network, but also as a terminal for a fixed network. Basically, it can communicate with any other subscriber in the communication network, for example mobile stations or internet subscribers (via an internet bridge).

The bidirectional communication capability allows the telemetry module according to the invention to be used both as a detector and as a control device. Accordingly, it has at least one signal input and at least one control output. Any electrical devices can be connected to the signal input, which the user would like to monitor for their status and which, in the event of a status change, emit a signal that can be detected by the telemetry module, for example in the form of a voltage change. This change in state of the respective closed device (for example, the oncoming of an alarm or the failure of a home device) is reflected in a corresponding status change in the electrical status of the signal input and is reported by the telemetry module to a predetermined receiver. An event-specific message identifier is sent to the receiver so that the receiver knows which connected device is affected by the message and the type of change in the status of the device on which the message is based. The user can define this himself by storing it in the memory arrangement. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the message identifier is already set by the manufacturer and cannot be changed by the purchaser of the telemetry module, for example in the case of a dedicated telemetry module that is only offered for a specific purpose and is optimized in this regard.

Each message identifier is assigned to a predetermined status change in the electrical status of the signal input. For example, for a change in potential of the signal input from a high level to a low level, the message "device defective" can be stored. For a potential change in the opposite direction, however, the message identifier "device is working" can be stored. Each time one of these potential changes occurs, the telemetry module then sends the corresponding message identifier to the recipient intended to receive the message.

Similarly, the user (or the manufacturer) can store control identifications in advance in the memory arrangement, each of which is associated with a predetermined change in the status of the control output. For example, for a change in potential of the control output from a low level to a high level, the associated control identifier can be "switch on device", while for the reverse potential change, the associated control identifier can be "switch off device". When a message is then sent to the telemetry module, the control unit compares the content of the received message with the stored control identifiers. Provides the If the control unit determines that the received message contains a control command which corresponds to one of the stored control identifiers, it initiates the corresponding change in status of the electrical status of the control output.

Conceivable areas of application for the telemetry module according to the invention can be found, for example, in alarm systems, in vending machines, in meters, in home control and in general in remote controls. Of course, the uses mentioned are not to be understood as limiting.

A preferred development of the telemetry module according to the invention provides that it is designed to send each message containing a message identifier in the form of a short message by means of a short message service of the communication network serving to transmit alphanumeric character strings, for example the SMS service of a GSM network , to send and when receiving a short message to compare its content with each saved tax identification. This training enables very simple and convenient communication with the telemetry module based on short written texts. Short message services are now supported by common communication networks. If the short message service uses packet-oriented message transmission with intermediate storage, it is ensured that important messages that cannot be delivered temporarily, for example because the recipient's receiving device is switched off, are not lost. But it is within the scope of

Invention also conceivable to use connection-oriented short message services that can transmit messages in real time.

For details regarding GSM networks ("Global System for Mobile Communication") and SMS services ("Short Message Service"), reference is made to "Manual for Telecommunications", Volker Jung, Hans-Jürgen Warnecke, Springer- Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, 1998, and "GSM and Personal Communications Handbook ", Siegmund M. Redl, Matthias K. Weber, Malcolm W. Oliphant, Artech House Publishers Boston London, 1998. It should be noted that the term GSM network is to be understood here in its most general meaning and not only the GSM 900 system is intended to include, but also the DCS 1800 and PCN 1900 systems. The telemetry module according to the invention can also be used in conjunction with other mobile radio communication networks, for example according to the UMTS standard. For a definition and details of these systems, reference is again made to referred to the literature cited previously.

The telemetry module is preferably to be operated with a subscriber identification card, for example a SIM card for a GSM network, it being designed for storing at least the message and control identifiers in a memory of the subscriber identification card, in particular in a telephone book memory area of the card memory is. If it is left to the user to save the message and control identifiers and, if desired, further data himself, this can be done, for example, by inserting the subscriber identification card of the telemetry module into another terminal device, which is used to write data into such subscriber identification cards allowed. This can be, for example, a conventional mobile telephone, with which any entries in the telephone book memory area of the card memory can be made using the telephone keypad. Complicated programming measures to store the desired data are not necessary.

For a definition and details of a SIM card ("Subscriber Identification Module"), reference is again made to the literature cited above. It is understood that within the scope of the invention, in addition to the SIM cards standardized for GSM networks, any other, by one Network operator or a service provider of the network issued subscriber identification cards that allow the storage of data by the user. It may be desirable to notify the user of different electrical status changes of one and the same signal input by means of different messages. With a digital signal input, for example, the user will usually be interested to find out whether the electrical potential of the signal input has changed from a high level to a low level or vice versa. Likewise, in many cases it will be desirable to give the user the option of commanding different electrical status changes on one and the same control output in order to effect different control processes of the device connected to this control output. For example, in many cases the applicant will be interested in being able not only to switch on a device connected to the control output, but also to be able to switch it off. According to the foregoing, a preferred development of the telemetry module provides that it is designed to store at least two different message identifiers for at least two different, in particular opposite, status changes in the electrical status of this signal input in association with each signal input in the memory arrangement , Likewise, it is preferably provided that it is designed to store at least two different control identifiers for at least two different, in particular opposite, status changes in the electrical status of this control output in association with each control output in the memory arrangement.

The range of use of the telemetry module can be increased in that it has a plurality of signal inputs for coupling to a signaling component in each case and / or in that it has a plurality of control outputs for coupling with a component to be controlled in each case.

In order to give the user the opportunity to freely determine to whom the notification of an electrical status change of the signal input should go, a preferred embodiment provides that in the memory arrangement in association with each message identifier at least one recipient number is stored or storable and that the control unit is designed to send a message containing a message identifier to the network subscriber identified by the associated recipient number.

It may be desirable to ensure that a device connected to the control output can only be controlled by one (or, if desired, several) persons authorized beforehand. To ensure this, it can be provided that at least one authorization number is stored or can be stored in the memory arrangement in association with each control identifier and that the control unit is designed to receive the associated status change of the electrical status when a message coinciding with a stored control identifier is received to effect the relevant control output only if at least part of the number of the sender of the message matches the authorization number. Of course, this presupposes that the communication network supports the transmission of the sender's number.

So that the user knows that his control commands sent to the telemetry module have actually been carried out, it is expedient if the control unit is designed, after effecting the change in status of the electrical status of the control output, to send a confirmation message confirming this change in status to the authorization - Rung phone number to cause identified network subscribers.

It is conceivable that a user wants to keep the possibility open to be able to send control commands to the telemetry module from different stations participating in the communication network. The storage of authorization numbers can then be unsuitable, for example when the user intends to send control commands over the Internet, among other things. To even in such cases not to confirm the execution of the telemetry module To have to do without sent control commands, it is preferably provided that a predetermined reference pointer can be stored in the memory arrangement in association with each control identifier and a receiver number can be stored in association with this reference pointer and that the control unit is designed to send the confirmation message in the presence of a reference pointer to effect that network subscriber who is identified by the recipient number assigned to this reference pointer. Saving a reference pointer in association with a tax identification is equivalent to general authorization of any sender of control commands. If, when a control command is received, the control unit determines that such a reference pointer exists for the corresponding stored control identifier, it executes the control command and reads out the recipient number for the confirmation message from the memory area to which the reference pointer refers. In the simplest case, the reference pointer can be a number (for example the number 0) which the control unit interprets as a reference to a predetermined memory area of the memory arrangement in which the recipient's telephone number for the confirmation message can be stored.

A further development of the invention provides that a receiver number for an operational message is stored or storable in the memory arrangement and that the control unit is designed to send the operational message, in particular in the form of a short message, after the telemetry module has been made operational to effect on the network subscriber who is identified by the associated recipient number. In this way, the operational readiness and functionality of the telemetry module can be signaled to the user remotely in a simple and reliable manner. In particular, the user can be able to store at least part of the operational readiness message in the memory arrangement. The telemetry module can have a serial interface, in particular, for data communication with an external device. On the one hand, this serial interface can be used to load a control program written by the user into the control unit from an external computer. In this way, the user can program the telemetry module individually and implement individual functions of the telemetry module. For example, the user could write a program that queries a room temperature sensor connected to an analog signal input of the telemetry module and switches a heating on or off when the temperature falls below or exceeds predefined thresholds. If certain limit values are exceeded, for example, an alarm message could then be sent as a short message to a mobile phone owner.

In addition to the programming of new software, the interface could also be used to read out data for subsequent data analysis or processing, for example error logs of a faulty machine connected to the telemetry module.

According to another consideration, the invention relates to an arrangement for radio remote control of an electrical device, comprising a radio receiver that can be brought into control connection with the electrical device and a radio control signal for controlling the device that sends the radio transmitter to the radio receiver.

Such radio remote control arrangements allow an electrical device, for example a household appliance, to be switched on or off from the radio transmitter. However, conventional radio transmitters that are used for remote control purposes only have a limited range, which, for example, allows a maximum distance between the radio transmitter and radio receiver of only about 30 meters. This is sufficient for many applications in the home. The short range is no longer sufficient, however There is a desire to control electrical devices in one's own home from a great distance, for example from a holiday location.

The object of the invention from the further point of view is accordingly to provide a radio remote control arrangement which permits the control of an electrical device even over greater distances.

According to the invention, the radio transmitter is assigned a telemetry module designed as a callable terminal of a bidirectional telecommunications network, in particular of the type described above, with at least one electrical control output that can be connected to an electrical control input of the radio transmitter, the electrical status of which is transmitted by transmitting a predetermined message sent to the telemetry module by another subscriber of the communication network can be influenced, and that the radio transmitter is designed to send a radio control signal for controlling the electrical device in response to an electrical status change of its control input.

The inclusion of the telecommunications network results in an almost unlimited range of the radio remote control arrangement, which allows control of the electrical device from anywhere in Germany and abroad as far away as desired. It is sufficient to dial the number of the telemetry module and to send it a predetermined message via the telecommunications network, the content of which is interpreted by the telemetry module as a command to change the electrical status of its control output. A control electronics of the radio transmitter recognizes this potential change, which also occurs at the control input of the radio transmitter, and initiates the sending of a radio command. The message transmission to the telemetry module can take place in particular in the form of alphanumeric short messages. The radio transmitter and the telemetry module can be assembled or assembled into a structural unit. It is conceivable that the radio transmitter and the telemetry module are housed in a common housing. Alternatively, the telemetry module and the radio transmitter can be produced as structurally separate modules, which can be attached to one another in particular by means of a plug connection.

A further development of the invention according to the further approach provides that the radio transmitter carries a manually operated pushbutton switch arrangement, by means of which the transmission of radio control signals for controlling the electrical device can be effected independently of an electrical status change in the control input of the radio transmitter. An alternative control of the electrical device is possible either by calling the telemetry module or by actuating the push-button arrangement of the radio transmitter.

A plurality of radio receivers which can be addressed individually by the radio transmitter can be provided for the independent control of a plurality of electrical devices. The telemetry module will then each have an individually controllable control output in association with each of the radio receivers, which can be connected to a control input of the radio transmitter.

The telemetry module can be designed as a terminal of a mobile radio network, in particular a GSM network. However, it is not excluded to design the telemetry module as a fixed network terminal.

The invention is explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They represent:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the telemetry module according to the invention, Figure 2 shows an assignment example for the card memory of a subscriber identification card to explain a standard operating mode of the telemetry module and

Figure 3 schematically shows an arrangement for radio remote control of several electrical devices.

The telemetry module shown in FIG. 1 is generally designated 1. It is designed for operation as a GSM mobile station, which can communicate with other network subscribers via a schematically indicated GSM network 3, for example a GSM mobile phone 5 or a home computer 7, which communicates with the GSM via the Internet and an Internet bridge -Network 3 is switched on. The telemetry module 1, which is preferably designed in pocket format as a housed structural unit, has a GSM transceiver unit 9 which, under the control of an electronic control unit 11, is responsible for sending and receiving mobile radio messages. The transmitting / receiving unit 9 comprises, for example, a GSM modem from Siemens AG with the type designation "GSM - Cellular Engine M20". The control unit 11 is expediently formed by a microprocessor, the control program of which is stored in a memory 13. At least part of the memory 13 is preferably designed as a programmable read-only memory in order to load new program software into the memory 13 via a serial interface 15 of the telemetry module 1, which a user can write according to individual wishes, for example on a schematically indicated home computer 17 to be able to.

To operate the telemetry module 1 as a GSM mobile station, a subscriber identification card 19 in the form of a SIM card is required, which is issued by the network operator or by a service provider and is to be inserted into a SIM card reader 21 of the telemetry module 1. For the SIM card reader 21, a conventional card reader can be used, as is known, for example, from common mobile telephones. It is conceivable that the telemetry module 1 is offered for sale together with the SIM card 19 as a trading unit. It is also conceivable to offer the telemetry module 1 without a SIM card 19 in stores and to leave it to the buyer of the telemetry module 1 to obtain a SIM card 19 for himself.

In order to be able to connect devices to be controlled to the telemetry module 1, the latter has a plurality of, for example four, in particular digital control outputs 23. Likewise, the telemetry module 1 has a plurality of analog signal inputs 25 and a plurality of digital signal inputs 27, again for example four each. The digital signal inputs 27 are suitable for connecting devices via which yes-no information is to be obtained, while the analog signal inputs 25 can be used, for example, for connecting analog sensors. The control unit 11 is designed to detect and evaluate the signals arriving at the signal inputs 25, 27 and, depending on the criteria defined in the program of the control unit 11, to compose messages as required about the state of the devices connected to the inputs 27 and possibly 25, which are sent via the mobile radio network 3 to a receiver specified in advance.

The communication of the telemetry module 1 via the GSM network 3 with other network participants always takes place in the described embodiment with the help of the SMS service. All messages from the telemetry module 1 are thus sent as short messages. Control commands that are sent to the telemetry module 1 must also be sent as SMS short messages via the GSM network 3.

With reference to FIG. 2, an operating mode of the telemetry module 1 will now be described, which can be implemented as standard in the telemetry modules offered on the market (and modified if necessary by loading new program software via the interface 15 can be). This standard configuration only takes into account the digital signal inputs 27 and the control outputs 23, the analog signal inputs 25 are not taken into account. For each occupied digital signal input 27 and each occupied control output 23, the user has to store various information in the SIM card 19 in the standard configuration, specifically in a memory area of the SIM card 19 provided for phone book entries. Such a phone book memory area is included with common SIM cards regularly available. The phone book memory area is usually used to enter names and associated phone numbers; it is divided into a name field and a number field, each of which can be addressed by a memory location number. This structure can be clearly seen in FIG. 2. The programming of the SIM card 19 can be carried out in the simplest manner with any conventional GSM mobile phone. For this purpose, the SIM card 19 is inserted into such a mobile phone and programmed in the same way as the names and associated numbers are usually stored in the phone book memory area, using the keyboard of the mobile phone. The SIM card 19 is then removed from the mobile phone and inserted into the card reader 21 of the telemetry module 1.

In the standard configuration, the first eight memory locations of the telephone book memory area of the SIM card 19 are assigned to the digital signal inputs 27, the number of which is assumed to be four in the exemplary embodiment explained here. Memory locations 1 and 5 are assigned to a signal input 27-1

Storage locations 2 and 6 a signal input 27-2, storage locations 3 and 7 a signal input 27-3 and storage locations 4 and 8 a signal input 27-4. The memory locations 1 to 4 are reserved for potential changes of the relevant signal input from a low level to a high level (for example from 0 V to +5 V), while the memory locations 5 to 8 are reserved for potential changes of the respective signal input in the opposite direction. Similarly, the memory locations 9 to 16 of the phone book memory area of the SIM card 19 are assigned to the digital control outputs 23. The memory locations 9 and 13 are assigned to a control output 23-1, the memory locations 10 and 14 to a control output 23-2, the memory locations 11 and 15 to a control output 23-3 and the memory locations 12 and 16 to a control output 23-4. The memory locations 9 to 12 are reserved for potential changes of the respective control output from a low level to a high level (again for example from 0 V to +5 V), while the memory locations 13 to 16 are reserved for opposite potential changes of the respective control output.

In the standard configuration, the control unit 11 is designed to use entries in the name fields of the memory locations 1 to 8 assigned to the digital signal inputs 27 as message identifiers which, when the respective potential changes occur at the signal inputs 27, in the form of short SMS messages from the telemetry module 1 be sent. Where these SMS short messages are sent is determined by the entries in the number fields of memory locations 1 to 8. There the user can save recipient phone numbers to which the SMS short messages are sent. In the example of FIG. 2, it is assumed that a signal transmitter is connected to the digital signal input 27-1, which indicates whether an alarm is switched on or off. Accordingly, the user has entered the message identifiers "Alarm switched on" and "Alarm switched off" in the associated memory locations 1 and 5. If the potential at signal input 27-1 goes to high level, control unit 11 accesses the name field of memory location 1 reserved for this potential change and causes an SMS short message with the content "alarm switched on" to be sent. This SMS short message is sent to the network subscriber with the phone number "1234567", which the user has entered in the associated number field of storage location 1. When the potential at the signal input 27-1 drops to the low level, the control unit 11 accesses the name field of the memory location 5 reserved for this case and causes an SMS short message with the content "alarm switched off" to be sent. From the entry in the number field of memory location 5 it follows that the recipient of this short message is again the network subscriber with the telephone number "1234567".

When the state of the devices (light, refrigerator) connected to signal inputs 27-2 and 27-3 changes, corresponding processes take place. The signal input 27-4 is not used in the example of FIG. 2, which is why the memory locations 4 and 8 are not written to.

In order to control devices connected to the control outputs 23, for example to be able to switch them on or off, the user must write 19 control identifiers in the name fields of the memory locations assigned to the respectively assigned control outputs as part of the previous programming of the telephone book memory area of the SIM card. In the standard configuration, the control unit 11 is designed to check incoming SMS short messages as to whether the content matches one of the control identifiers stored in the telephone book memory area. Depending on the memory location where it finds the matching control identifier, it initiates the corresponding change in potential of the relevant control output. In the specific example of FIG. 2, it is assumed that a heater is connected to control output 23-2. If the user wants to switch on this heater, he sends, for example, an SMS short message with the content “switch on heating” to the telemetry module 1 from a mobile phone. The control unit 11 compares the short message received with that on the SIM card 19 in FIG Name fields of the memory locations 9 to 16 stored control IDs and determines if the memory location 10 matches. As already stated above, the memory location 10 is reserved for a potential change of the control output 23-2 from the low level to the high level. The Control unit 11 then causes this change in potential, which leads to the heating of the heating desired by the user.

On the other hand, if the user wants to switch off the heater, he sends an SMS short message with the content "switch off the heater" to the telemetry module 1. In this case, the control unit 11 determines that the memory location 14 matches, in the name field of which the user has previously assigned the control identifier Switch off heating ". The potential drop in the control output 23-2 associated with the memory location 14 to low potential then leads to the desired switching off of the heating.

The other control outputs 23-1, 23-3 and 23-4, which are not used in the example in FIG. 2, can be controlled in a corresponding manner.

Occasionally you want to restrict the access to the devices connected to the control outputs 23 to certain people. To prevent unauthorized access, 9 to 16 authorization numbers can be entered in the number fields of the memory locations assigned to the control outputs in the standard configuration. When a control command is received, the control unit 11 compares the sender's phone number with the entered authorization phone number and only executes the command if they match. In the example of FIG. 2, the heating is only switched on when the corresponding command is sent by the subscriber with the telephone number “1234567” (cf. memory location 10).

After a control command has been successfully carried out, the control unit 11, in a preferred development of the standard configuration, initiates the sending of a confirmation message to the subscriber with the call number in the number field of the respective control identifier. The authorization number is thus also used as the address for the confirmation message. In the example of FIG. 2, the confirmation message is accordingly sent to the subscriber with the telephone number “1234567”. The confirmation message is formed, for example, by taking the text of the respective tax identification in the telephone book and adding “has been carried out”.

If special persons are not to be authorized, but a confirmation message is nevertheless desired, the standard configuration can offer the option of entering a predetermined character, here the number 0, in the number field of the respective tax identification. This character is interpreted as a reference pointer, which points to a specially reserved memory area of the telephone book, here memory location 17. There the user can enter a number in the number field to which the confirmation message is to be sent. In the example of FIG. 2, after the command “switch heating off” has been successfully executed (see memory location 14), a confirmation message with the content “switch off heating has been carried out” is sent to the subscriber with the telephone number “9876543” (see memory location 17) ). There may be the additional option of entering a default value (e.g. the number 0) in the number field of memory location 17 instead of a phone number. The confirmation message is then sent back to the sender of the control command, whoever that was.

After successful start of operation, the telemetry module also sends an operational readiness message to a recipient whose phone number can be entered in the number field of a further memory area of the telephone book specially reserved for this purpose (here memory location 18). The operational readiness message can comprise a predefined text module, for example "system started and functional", and can be supplemented by a text module which the user can freely select and which he can enter in the name field of the memory location 18. In the example of FIG. 2, the operational readiness message is then: "System started and functional holiday apartment"; it is sent to the subscriber with the number "9876543". This can be found in the number field of the memory location 18 no valid phone number or a 0, the ready message is not sent.

It is to be added that it is conceivable not only to use the memory of the SIM card (or generally a subscriber identification card) for the entry of the message and control identifiers and possibly different phone numbers, but also the property of the SIM card as a smart card use and implement parts of the control program or even the entire control program for the telemetry module on the SIM card (keyword "SIM Application Toolkit"; see, for example, the literature cited at the beginning).

In Figure 3, the telemetry module 1 is used as part of a radio remote control arrangement, by means of which several electrical devices 29 can be remotely controlled. The telemetry module 1 is plugged together with a short-range radio transmitter 31, for example transmitting in the 433 MHz range, via a plug connection 33 to form a structural unit. The plug connection 33 not only establishes a mechanical connection between the telemetry module 1 and the radio transmitter 31, but also provides for an electrical connection of the control outputs 23 of the telemetry module 1 (not shown in more detail in FIG. 3) with control inputs, which are also not shown in FIG. 3 of the radio transmitter 31. Each control output 23 of the telemetry module 1 is assigned such a control input of the radio transmitter 31. The radio transmitter 31 can individually control a plurality of short-range radio receivers 35 to which the electrical devices 29 can be connected by radio control signals. If one of the radio receivers 35 receives a radio command addressed to it from the radio transmitter 31, it switches the electrical device 29 connected to it on or off. For this purpose, the radio receivers 35 are expediently connected between the electrical devices 29 and a power supply network (not shown in more detail). It goes without saying that not only a single device 29 can be controlled via a radio receiver 35, but also a device group, which is indicated in FIG. 3 by an additional device 29 for the upper radio receiver 35. The radio transmitter 31 has a pushbutton switch arrangement 37, the actuation of which can cause the radio transmitter 31 to send radio commands to the radio receiver 35. The pushbutton switch arrangement 37 enables the radio receiver 35 to be controlled individually. For this purpose, the pushbutton switch arrangement 37, in association with each radio receiver 35, has a pair of buttons 39, 41, one of which enables the device 29 connected to the respective radio receiver 35 to be switched on and the other to be switched off of this device.

When the radio transmitter 31 is plugged into the telemetry module 1, it interprets electrical status changes in its control inputs as a request to send radio commands to the radio receivers 35, by means of which the devices 29 can be activated or deactivated. For this purpose, the radio transmitter 31 is equipped with control electronics, which detects electrical status changes, in particular in the form of rising or falling pulse edges, at the control inputs of the radio transmitter 31 and causes corresponding radio control signals to be sent. Depending on the control input at which an electrical status change was detected, or on the actuated pair of buttons 39, 41, this control electronics will code the radio control signals to be sent such that only the radio receiver 35 assigned to the relevant control input or the relevant pair of buttons 39, 41 responds to the radio control signals.

Accordingly, in the remote control arrangement according to FIG. 3, it is possible to activate or deactivate the electrical devices 29 when the radio transmitter 31 is connected by transmitting a control message to the telemetry module 1, without pressing the buttons 39, 41 of the radio transmitter 31. Alternatively, the electrical Devices 29 can be remotely controlled by actuating the push-button arrangement 37, for which purpose the radio transmitter 31 can be removed from the telemetry module 1. The telemetry module 1 can be supplied with power via a mains cable 43. The radio transmitter 31 can be supplied with power, for example, by means of a battery to be inserted therein.

Claims

Expectations

1. Telemetry module (1) which is designed as a terminal for a communication network (3) capable of bidirectional communication, comprising: - at least one electrical signal input (25, 27) for coupling to a signaling component,

- at least one electrical control output (23) for coupling to a component to be controlled,

- A memory arrangement (13, 19) for storing a message identifier in association with a predetermined status change in the electrical status of the signal input (25, 27) and for storing a control identifier in association with a predetermined status change in the electrical status of the control output (23) and

- An electronic control unit (11) connected to the signal input (25, 27) and the control output (23), which is designed to send the respective one depending on a change in status of the electrical status of the signal input (25, 27) to effect an associated message identifier containing message via the communication network (3) to a predetermined recipient (5, 7), and which is further designed to compare the content of each message with each stored control identifier upon receipt of a message via the communication network (3) and if there is a match to effect the change in status of the electrical status of the control output (23) associated with the respectively corresponding control identification.

2. Telemetry module according to claim 1, characterized in that it is designed for each message containing a message identifier in the form of a short message by means of a short message service of the communication network serving to transmit alphanumeric character strings, for example the SMS service of a GSM network, to send and when receiving a short message to compare its content with each saved tax identification.

3. Telemetry module according to claim 2, characterized in that it is to be operated with a subscriber identification card (19), for example a SIM card for a GSM network, and for storing at least the message and control identifiers in a memory rather Subscriber identification card (19), in particular in a telephone book memory area of the card memory, is designed.

4. Telemetry module according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is designed to in the memory arrangement (13, 19) in association with each signal input (25, 27) at least two different message identifiers for at least two to store different, in particular opposite, changes in the status of the electrical status of this signal input (25, 27).

5. Telemetry module according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is designed in the memory arrangement (13, 19) in association with each control output (23) at least two different control identifiers for at least two different, in particular opposite Save status changes in the electrical status of this control output (23).

6. Telemetry module according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it has a plurality of signal inputs (27-1 to 27-4) for coupling to a signaling component.

7. Telemetry module according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it has a plurality of control outputs (23-1 to 23-4) for coupling to a component to be controlled.

8. Telemetry module according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in the memory arrangement (13, 19) in association with each message identifier at least one recipient phone number stores or is storable and that the control unit (11) is designed to send a message containing a message identifier to the network subscriber identified by the associated recipient number.

9. Telemetry module according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that in the memory arrangement (13, 19) at least one authorization call number is stored or can be stored in association with each control identifier and that the control unit (11) is designed for this purpose If a message coinciding with a stored control identifier is received, the associated change in status of the electrical status of the relevant control output (23) can only be effected if at least part of the number of the sender of the message matches the authorization number.

10. Telemetry module according to claim 9, characterized in that the control unit (11) is designed, after effecting the change in status of the electrical status of the control output (23), to send a confirmation message confirming this change in status, in particular in the form of a short message, to the network subscriber identified by the authorization number.

1 1. Telemetry module according to claim 10, characterized in that in the memory arrangement (13, 19) in association with each control message a predetermined reference pointer and in association with this reference pointer a recipient number can be stored and that the control unit (11th ) is designed, in the presence of a reference pointer, to send the confirmation message to the network subscriber who is identified by the recipient number assigned to this reference pointer.

12. Telemetry module according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that in the memory arrangement (13, 19) a recipient number for an operational message is stored or can be stored and that the control unit (11) is designed to manufacture the Operational readiness of the telemetry module (1) to send the operational readiness message, in particular in the form of a short message, to the network subscriber who is identified by the associated recipient number.

13. Telemetry module according to claim 12, characterized in that at least part of the content of the ready message from the user can be stored in the memory arrangement (13, 19).

14. Telemetry module according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it has a serial interface (15) in particular for data communication with an external device (17).

15. Telemetry module according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it is designed as a mobile radio terminal for a mobile radio network.

16. Telemetry module according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it is designed as a terminal for a fixed network.

17. Arrangement for radio remote control of an electrical device (29), comprising a radio receiver (35) which can be brought into control connection with the electrical device (29) and a radio control signal for controlling the device (29) to the radio transmitter (31) transmitting the radio receiver (35) ), characterized in that the radio transmitter (31) is designed as a callable terminal of a telecommunication network (3) telemetry module (1), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 16, is assigned with at least one electrical control output (23) which can be connected to an electrical control input of the radio transmitter (31), the electrical status of which by transmission of one of another subscriber (5, 7) of the Communication network (3) to the telemetry module (1) can be influenced predetermined message, and that the radio transmitter (31) is designed to send a radio control signal for controlling the device (29) in response to an electrical status change of its control input.

18. The arrangement according to claim 17, characterized in that the radio transmitter (31) and the telemetry module (1) are assembled or can be assembled into a structural unit.

19. The arrangement according to claim 18, characterized in that the radio transmitter and the telemetry module are housed in a common housing.

20. The arrangement according to claim 18, characterized in that the telemetry module (1) and the radio transmitter (31) are manufactured as structurally separate modules which can be attached to one another in particular by means of a plug connection (33).

21. Arrangement according to one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that the radio transmitter (31) carries a manually operated pushbutton switch arrangement (37), by means of which, independently of an electrical status change in the control input of the radio transmitter (31), the transmission of radio control signals for controlling the electrical device (29) can be effected.

22. Arrangement according to one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that for independently controlling a plurality of electrical devices (29) a plurality of radio receivers (35) which can be addressed individually by the radio transmitter (31) are provided, and in that the telemetry module (1 ) in association with each of the radio receivers (35) each has an individually controllable control output (23-1 to 23-4) which can be connected to a control input of the radio transmitter (31).

23. Arrangement according to one of claims 17 to 22, characterized in that the telemetry module (1) is designed as a terminal of a mobile radio network, in particular a GSM network.

24. Arrangement according to one of claims 17 to 23, characterized in that the telemetry module (1) has at least one further feature of at least one of claims 1 to 16.