WO2013135925A1

WO2013135925A1 - System for the remote control of machines

Info

Publication number: WO2013135925A1
Application number: PCT/ES2013/070017
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vicente MONZO PEIRÓ; Juan José MASIÁ ALTAMIRA
Original assignee: Prometeo Sistemas, S.L.
Priority date: 2012-03-13
Filing date: 2013-01-17
Publication date: 2013-09-19
Also published as: ES2425688B1; ES2425688A1

Abstract

The invention relates to machines that generate a voltage signal when actuated. The system is characterised in that the machines (1) are connected to a microprocessor (2) configured to detect and count the number of times each of said machines (1) is actuated. The microprocessor (2) is connected to a web server (3) which receives and stores information relating to the number of times each of the machines (1) is actuated and which is configured to allow access to remote devices (7-8) via the internet (6), thereby allowing the aforementioned information to be obtained from said remote devices (7-8). In addition, the system is configured to: allow the machines (1) to be activated/deactivated from the remote devices (7-8); and control different devices (9-14) in the enclosure in which the machines (1) are installed, such as lights, the opening of doors, etc. The system comprises a semi-spherical camera (5) for recording images of the enclosure in which the machines (1) are installed.

Description

DESCRIPTION

REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM OF MACHINES OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, as expressed in the statement of this specification, refers to a remote machine control system, which aims to detect, count and store the number of drives that are performed of each of the machines of an installation, such as machines installed in an enclosure or establishment, so that in the case where the machines are operated by a coin or token, it also allows to know the collection made by each of the machines.

It is another object of the invention to allow visual monitoring of the machines through the use of a video camera, as well as to register different parameters of the machine.

The invention allows access to the system from a remote device via the Internet, so that the different data obtained by the system can be sent to the remote device. In addition, this setting allows each machine to be activated / deactivated from the remote device.

In general, the invention is applicable in any machine installation that needs to be controlled, and more specifically in installations in which the machines are operated by introducing coins or tokens, producing an operating cycle. More specifically, the invention has been designed for application in automated laundries, where the washers and dryers are operated by the user, by previously buying chips or directly by introducing coins, so that the washing cycles can be controlled, in the case of washing machines and cycles of drying in the case of dryers, as well as the collection made by each of the machines; all this by means of the account of the cycles of operation of each one of said machines. The invention is also applicable in automated car wash facilities, where different machines are also operated by means of tokens or coins.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the prior art, alarm systems are known to warn of the existence of problems in the operation of machines. These alarms are emitted by audible or luminous warnings and in some cases transmitted remotely but with very little information that makes it difficult for the control operator to know exactly the real situation of the machine that produced the alarm.

There is no system where an operator has remote access to the information regarding the cycles of operation of the machines, nor of the collection that the machine has been able to accumulate during a certain period of time, so that to know these data it is required that the operator must travel to the place where the machines are installed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve the objectives and solve the aforementioned drawbacks, the invention has developed a new machine remote control system in which the machines generate a voltage signal when driven. The invention is characterized in that said machines are connected to a microprocessor that is configured to detect and count the number of drives of each of the machines from the voltage generated by the machines when they are driven; the microprocessor being also connected to a web server that receives and stores the information of the number of drives of each of said machines, and which is also configured to allow the access of remote devices through the Internet to the information stored, so that through a remote device the web server is accessed, and from it to the different operating cycles of each of the machines.

Remote devices can be wired or wireless devices, such as computers, smart mobile phones, tablets, etc.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention the machines are washers and / or dryers, and whose operation is carried out by means of coins or tokens, so that each drive determines a washing or drying cycle respectively, from which the server is configured to determine the collection of each of said machines. Each machine is connected to two microprocessor inputs. One of the inputs is common to all machines and the signal that is applied to this input indicates to the microprocessor that one of the machines has been operated. The other input to which each machine is connected is independent for each of said machines, so that each input is assigned to the machine to which it is connected, so that the microprocessor can identify the machine that has been driven.

In addition, the microprocessor is configured to increase the drive count of each machine by detecting the activation of the common input and that of a specific input to which each machine is assigned.

The connection to the inputs of the microprocessor with the machines is carried out by means of optocouplers that transform the analog signal provided by the machines when operated, at TTL levels ((Logic, Transistor to Transistor) corresponding to the level of signaling of the microprocessor).

In another embodiment of the invention the connection of the microprocessor inputs with each machine is effected by means of a AC to DC converter that is connected to a two-output activation relay, so that one of the outputs is connected to the common input of the machines and the other output is connected to the designated input to the corresponding machine.

In either case, this configuration allows a signal to be transmitted from the machines to the distortion and noise free microprocessor.

It is known that washing machines incorporate a soap, sanitizer and / or softener tank, the level of which is detected by sensors. The invention provides that said level sensors are connected to the microprocessor inputs so that it can know these levels, which allows it to be communicated to the web server, where they are stored, so that from a remote device it is allowed Know the level of the different deposits that the machines incorporate.

The invention provides that the microprocessor can be connected to a plurality of devices, such as a light on / off control, a door opening device, an ambient temperature control device, an intercom and a detector of movement, so that from the microprocessor its control can be carried out, and therefore this control can also be carried out from a remote device. In addition, the web server is connected to a hemispherical video camera, so that from the remote device you can view and control the status of the different machines, as well as visualize the enclosure in which they are installed, allowing to monitor the users of these machines, for which the web server is also configured to record the captured images.

The invention also provides that the system is provided with a "POE" switch (Power, Over, Etermet, power via Ethernet) to which the microprocessor, the camera, are connected, the intercom and the web server, so the POE switch provides them with the necessary power supply for its operation.

Both the remote device and the web server and the microprocessor are configured to enable the activation / deactivation of the machines from a remote device, so that, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, a washing or drying cycle from A remote device By means of the described configuration the integral management of a set of machines is obtained, such as for example an automatic washing / drying establishment, in which the invention carries out the integral management, avoiding the continuous movement of operators for the control of consumables and / or involuntary stops due to the depletion of said consumables, apart from the fact that it allows accounting, remotely, of the economic income and performance of each machine, allowing statistics to be carried out according to the needs required. Next, in order to facilitate a better understanding of this specification, and as part of it, a single figure is attached in which the object of the invention has been represented by way of illustration and not limitation.

BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE FIGURES Figure 1.- Shows a schematic representation of a possible embodiment of the system of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A description of the invention based on the above-mentioned figure is given below. The invention consists of a remote machine control system 1 in which said machines 1 generate a voltage signal when driven. In the embodiment example the Machines 1 are washers and dryers Ib that are put into operation by introducing coins or tokens, performing a washing or drying cycle. In figure l four washing machines (Lvl-Lv4) and three dryers Ib (Scl-Sc3) have been represented.

Each of the washers and dryers Ib are connected to two inputs of a microprocessor 2: a common input for all machines 1, and an input specifically assigned to each of the machines, so that when one of the machines 1, this provides a signal at the two inputs of the microprocessor to which it is connected, so that through the common input, the microprocessor is indicated that one of the machines 1 has been put into operation, and by the input specifically assigned to each of the machines 1, the microprocessor 2 is indicated which machine 1 has started an operating cycle.

The connection of the machines 1 to the two inputs of the microprocessor 2 is carried out by means of a device that transmits the analog signal generated by the machines at the start of an operation cycle, free of distortion and noise to the microprocessor 2, and so that it transforms the analog signal in a signal of TTL levels that are required for the correct operation of microprocessor 2. Thus, in an embodiment of the invention, this connection is made by optocouplers. Thus when entering a chip or coin, the machine 1 emits a start signal by means of a switching that produces a timed pulse that causes the optocoupler to activate an output circuit that provides the continuous output voltage at the commented TTL level. The invention also provides that instead of an optocoupler, it comprises an AC to DC converter that is connected to a two-output relay, one for connection to the common input and another for connection to a specific input assigned to the machine, so that there is a relay of two outputs for each machine, which allows the microprocessor to Activate a relay, detect that one of the machines has been put into operation, and at the same time you can check which of the machines has been activated.

Thus, when the microprocessor detects the two signals provided by a relay, it increases the counter of the machine that has been operated and stores the number of operating cycles performed for each machine 1. This information is sent to a web server 3 to the which is connected, in which this information is also stored by creating a database of each machine 1. Web server 3 is configured to be accessed from a remote device 7 or 8 via Internet 6, as is done conventionally with this type of remote devices. Thus, the remote device can be a computer, a mobile phone, a PDA., Etc. The information stored in the microprocessor 2 and web server 3 has a format that identifies the driven machine and the number of cycles performed by said machine. For example, Lv2..4 will be stored, which indicates that the washing machine 2 has performed four operating cycles. The connection of the microprocessor 2 with the web server 3 is carried out by means of a signal converter that converts the signals from an RS-232 serial port to signals compatible with TTL levels, so that data exchange between the microprocessor 2 can be established and the web server 3. Taking advantage of the capabilities of the system described, the invention provides that the different level 4 sensors that machines 1 can incorporate, such as for example the level sensors of the tanks included in the washing machines the , such as a soap tank, a sanitizer product tank and / or a softener product tank, are connected to the microprocessor 2, so that said microprocessor 2 knows the level of product included in each of these deposits. This information is stored in the microprocessor and sent to the web server 3, so that By means of a device 7 or 8, the level of each of these deposits can be known.

It should be noted that the level sensors are floats that are located in the tanks, and that have a built-in switch that switches through two wires, a microprocessor input, which, as in the previous case, the microprocessor 2 interprets and sends to the web server 3.

In addition, the microprocessor 2 is connected to the different devices that are to be controlled in the establishment or enclosure in which the machines 1 are installed, such as for example a door opening control device 9, an ignition controller / lights off 10, an ambient temperature control device 11, a sound playback / recording device 12, a motion detector 13, an intercom 14 or any other device that can be controlled by microprocessor 2 and through the web server 3, and therefore this configuration allows control of devices 9-14 from a remote device 7-8. In addition, the web server 3 is connected to a hemispheric camera 5, which is an IP camera (Internet Protocol) equipped with a lens with "fisheye", which allows to obtain a 360 ° integrated image of the premises in which it the machines are installed to visualize live what is happening inside. Thus, the captured image can be used to visually check if the control actions performed by the microprocessor 2 are executed, and that it receives from a remote device 7 and 8 and through the web server 3, such as: open / close doors, shut down / lighting of lights or starting / stopping of machines 1, etc.

Camera 5 is also used to record live images of the enclosure on web server 3, to record incidents or possible acts of vandalism. In the exemplary embodiment, the camera is equipped with a built-in speaker and microphone and is It is possible to use it as an intercom, in which case the sound reproduction / recording device 12 would be integrated in the camera itself 5.

The recording mode configured on web server 3 of the images captured by camera 5, is by events.

In the database of the web server 3 the different data received from the microprocessor 2 is stored, in which it is updated every time an incident arises, so that remote devices 7-8 can know the different data stored.

For this, remote devices 7-8 store the corresponding program that allows access to a menu for accessing the different data stored on the web server 3.

In addition, in the menu of remote devices 7-8, control commands of devices 9 to 14 are stored, as well as commands for operating machines 1, so when you select the option to operate a machine 1, this order is received on the web server 3 and save the action to be carried out in the database table, sending this data to the microprocessor 2 that upon receiving the command activates a second relay corresponding to the machine to be started, which at its instead, it generates the process already described to increase the counter of the number of cycles of the activated machine. Therefore, each machine 1 is connected to a second relay through which this function is allowed to be performed.

The microprocessor is configured so that the counter of the different machines 1 is set to zero when requested by a user through remote devices 7 or 8, or by actuating a connected zero (reset) button to the microprocessor 2.

With each of the recorded information, information on the date and time at which it was produced is also stored. In addition, the web server is configured to perform statistics on the different data stored, such as the operation of each of the machines, controls performed on the different controlled devices 9 to 14, etc.

Finally, it should be noted that the system comprises a switch of type POE (power over the Internet), and that the microprocessor (2), the camera (5), the intercom (12) and web server (4) are connected, for provide them with the power they need to function properly.

Claims

REIVI DICATIONS

1. - REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM OF MACHINES, in which the machines (1) generate a voltage signal when activated in their operation; characterized in that said machines (1) are connected to a microprocessor (2) configured to detect and count the number of drives of each of said machines 1; the microprocessor (2) being connected to a web server (3) configured to receive and store the information of the number of drives of each of said machines, and which is also configured to allow access of remote devices (7-8) to via Internet (6) to stored information; where said remote devices (7-8) are selected between wired and wireless.

2. - REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM OF MACHINES, according to claim 1, characterized in that each machine (1) is connected to two inputs of the microprocessor (2); a common input to all machines (1), for signaling the drive of a machine (1), and a separate input assigned to each machine (1), for signaling which machine (1) has been activated; the microprocessor (2) being configured to increase the drive count of each machine by detecting the activation of the common input and that of a specific input to which each machine (1) is assigned.

3. - REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM OF MACHINES, according to claim 2, characterized in that the connection of the inputs of the microprocessor (2) with the machines (1) is carried out by means of optocouplers.

4. - REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM OF MACHINES, according to claim 2, characterized in that the connection of the inputs of the microprocessor (2) with each machine (1) is carried out by means of a continuous alternating converter that is connected to an activation relay of two Departures; where one output of the relay is connected to the common input of the machines (1) and the other output is connected to the input assigned to the machine correspondent .

5 . - MACHINE AS REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM, according to claim 1, characterized in that the machines (1) are selected between washing machines (la) and dryers (Ib) by means of elements selected between coins and tokens; where each drive determines a washing and drying cycle respectively; from which the web server (3) is configured to determine the collection of each of said machines (1).

6. - REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM OF MACHINES, according to claim 5, characterized in that the machines (1) comprise level sensors (4) of a tank selected from a soap tank, a sanitizing product tank, a softener product tank and combination of the previous ones; said sensors (4) being connected to microprocessor inputs to indicate to the web server (3) the filling status of said deposits.

7. - REMOTE MACHINE CONTROL SYSTEM, according to claim 1, characterized in that the microprocessor (2) is connected to a plurality of devices selected from a door opening device (9), a light on / off controller device (10 ), an ambient temperature control device (11), a sound playback / recording device (12), a motion detector (13), an intercom (14) and a combination of the above, for their control from a remote device (7-8); the web server (3) being connected to a hemispheric video camera (5).

8. - REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM OF MACHINES, according to claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a switch of type POE (power via the Internet), and that the microprocessor (2), the camera (5), the intercom (12) are connected ) and web server (4), to provide them with the power supply.

9. - MACHINE AS REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM, according to claim 1, characterized in that the remote device (7-8) is configured to send an activation / deactivation order of a machine (1), which is received by the microprocessor (2) a through the web server (3); the microprocessor (2) being configured to activate / deactivate said machine (1).