Method of generating a representation of a structure

This application relates to systems and methods for networking consumer products.

Low-power personal area networks such as ZigBee, Z-Wave, Insteon, JenNet-IP, and X10 are becoming more and more popular. Home appliances, lighting, heating and cooling, security, and monitoring systems, entertainment systems, communications, lawn sprinklers, etc. now include microprocessors and wireless communication devices that enable wireless connections to home networks. The controls for these devices may be in smartphones, PDAs, laptop computers, desktop computers, other devices where user-friendly software control interfaces may exist, or the controls are located in the network cloud. You may.

There are several different ways to organize and configure these home networks. Existing technologies are categorized based on their ability to communicate home devices using visible light, ultrasound, infrared, radio frequencies, and other communication technologies, which allows the device to be placed in the space in which they are located. Allows you to organize into clusters based on the defined space, as well as the types of these devices. By integrating the microprocessor into a separate device, the device makes it possible to receive programming, which allows a high degree of freedom for the user. However, the typical user can be confused by the large number of available configurations. In fact, many network technologies for home networks are relatively complex and difficult for consumers to use. Adding and certifying new equipment may require the hiring of trained technicians to carry out the deployment.

<p num="0004"> However, the reduced cost of microprocessors, memory, displays, wireless transmitters and receivers, and line-of-sight communications makes it possible to add these features to cheap, disposable consumer products. The increase in functionality and the number of network home devices can pose some new challenges for consumers and home networks.</p>

<p num="0005"> In one embodiment, a method for incorporating a node into an ad hoc network associated with a structure having a large number of rooms, each node using at least one of room-restricted communication and room-transparent communication with the ad hoc network. Containing a communication module configured to communicate, the method is the process of transmitting room-restricted communication by the first node of an ad hoc network, the first node being connected to the wall of a room in a structure with a large number of rooms. The process of determining whether or not room-restricted communication has been received at the second node in the ad hoc network, and when the first room-restricted communication is received, the second node is associated with the first node. A process of segmenting into rooms to be performed, the segmentation of which includes a process stored in a room list in a database.</p><p num="0006"> In one embodiment, a method for incorporating a node into an ad hoc network associated with a structure having a large number of rooms, each node using at least one of room-restricted communication and room-transparent communication with the ad hoc network. Includes a communication module configured to communicate, the method is the process of transmitting room-restricted communication by a first node in an ad hoc network, where the first node is with a wall outlet in a structure with multiple rooms. Related processes and the process of determining whether room-restricted communication has been received at the second node in the ad hoc network, and when the first room-restricted communication is received, the second node is associated with the first node. It is a process of segmenting into rooms to be segmented, and this segmentation is stored in the room list of the database.</p><p num="0007"> In one embodiment, a method for incorporating a node into an ad hoc network associated with a structure having a large number of rooms, each node using at least one of room-restricted communication and room-transparent communication with the ad hoc network. Includes a communication module configured to communicate, the method is the process of transmitting room-restricted communication by a first node in an ad hoc network, where the first node is on the wall of a room in a structure with a large number of rooms. The process associated with the light switch, the process of determining whether room-restricted communication was received on the second node of the ad hoc network, and when the first room-restricted communication is received, the second node is the first node. The process of segmenting into the rooms associated with, including the process of being stored in a room list in the database.</p><p num="0008"> In one embodiment, a method for incorporating a node into an ad hoc network associated with a structure having a large number of rooms, each node using at least one of room-restricted communication and room-transparent communication with the ad hoc network. It includes a communication module configured to communicate and the method is to send room-restricted communication by the first node in the ad hoc network and whether room-restricted communication is received by the second node in the ad hoc network. The process of determining, where the second node is connected to the wall of a room in a structure with a large number of rooms, and when the first room restricted communication is received, the first node is seconded. The process of segmenting into the rooms associated with the node, including the process in which the segmentation is stored in the room list of the database.</p>

<figref num="1">An embodiment of a consumer product device is shown.</figref><figref num="2">The block diagram of the embodiment of the communication part of the network apparatus is shown.</figref><figref num="3">An embodiment of a lighting device is shown.</figref><figref num="4">Another embodiment of the luminaire is shown.</figref><figref num="5">FIG. 6 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a structure having a large number of potential nodes in an ad hoc wireless network.</figref><figref num="6">The flowchart of the embodiment of the method of forming a room list is shown.</figref><figref num="7">The flowchart of the embodiment of the method of assigning a function to a room is shown.</figref><figref num="8">A flowchart of an embodiment of a method of determining and executing a function based on the configuration of an ad hoc wireless network is shown.</figref><figref num="9">A flowchart of an embodiment of a method of constructing a three-dimensional representation of a house is shown.</figref><figref num="10">An example of a three-dimensional representation of a node in a structure is shown.</figref><figref num="11">A typical network structure including an ad hoc network formed by a plurality of nodes is shown.</figref><figref num="12">A typical network structure including an ad hoc network formed by a plurality of nodes is shown.</figref><figref num="13">A typical network structure including an ad hoc network formed by a plurality of nodes is shown.</figref><figref num="14">A typical message sequence chart for forming a zero-configuration ad hoc network including a plurality of nodes capable of dual channel communication is shown.</figref>

Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are described below to provide a comprehensive understanding of the structure, function, manufacture, and principles of use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more embodiments of these non-limiting embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the systems and methods specified herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which are non-limiting embodiments. Features shown or described in connection with one non-limiting embodiment may be combined with features of another non-limiting embodiment. Such modifications and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Common nodes and non-lighting devices FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a representative consumer product device 10 having network functionality. The consumer product device 10 has an adapter 12 that accommodates the consumer product or is otherwise associated. The adapter 12 may be a suitable receiver, socket, receptacle, container, or other structure that accommodates, attaches, or otherwise associates with the consumer product. The consumer product can be any suitable type of consumer product. For example, consumer products consist of consumable product dispensers that distribute or deliver certain consumable products such as shaving creams, air cleaners, toothpastes, lotions, shampoos, cotton swabs, razor blades, and tissue. In some cases. Consumer products may consist of non-driven tools such as blades, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, dusters, brooms, mops, scrubbing brushes, and toilet cleaning tools. Consumer products include electrically driven devices, such as coffee makers, or other kitchen devices, such as toaster ovens. It may consist of over), TV, hair dryer, vacuum cleaner, air purifier, humidifier, etc. The consumer product may be a driven device, including a battery as the power source, use another type of power source, or use a combination of power sources. For example, one or more energy harvesting sources configured to generate electricity based on motion, temperature, solar energy, or motion may be used. As an example, in one embodiment, the operation of squeezing a product during a distribution operation produces the operation required to generate electric power by the energy harvesting source associated with this product. In another embodiment, the action of moving the switch from position 1 to position 2 can induce current and generate power. Therefore, as will be appreciated, these particular embodiments are merely exemplary non-driven and driven products and are not intended to be limited to any particular product or configuration, and as such. Should not be guessed. As defined herein, consumer products do not have any network communication capabilities. Communication in these devices takes only the form of local communication, such as user interfaces, warning lights, acoustics, audio converters, etc.

In some embodiments, the adapter 12 is snapped onto the consumer product device, or otherwise the consumer device is mechanically and optionally electrically connected to the consumer product device 10. Allows to be done. With respect to the device to be driven, the device 10 may include, for example, a bifurcated or tridented power receiver as found in an outlet, or any other type of power connector (exemplified as the power connector 16).

The consumer product device 10 also includes at least one communication module or hub 14. The communication hub may include one communication module or several communication modules, each using a different type of communication technology. For example, the communication module may consist of a communication module limited to a room. As used herein, "room restriction" refers to the form of a communication signal configured such that the communication medium of the communication module 14 does not penetrate barriers such as walls, floors, closed doors, and ceilings. Means that. Representative signals include in-line signals, such as in-line signals, such as optical signals and some kind of acoustic signal. The communication module 14 may also include, or in addition, a room-transparent communication module. As used herein, "room transmission" means that the communication medium of the communication module 14 is configured not to be restricted by barriers such as walls, floors, or other types of structures. These barriers can reduce the relative strength of the signal at the age of propagation, but generally do not block it. Typical "room transmission" signals include, among other things, various radio frequency signals, subsonic signals. As further detailed below, the communication hub 14 may include one or both of these types of modules, two of each type, for example two room limiting modules and one room transparent module. The above may be included, and each has a unique function of communicating and connecting with other devices by an ad hoc mesh network.

The network functions provided by the communication module 14 generally give the ability to enter and exit the ad hoc mesh network to devices that do not originally have such a function, and also other devices that do not have such a function. Allows communication with the device. By providing equipment and products with the ability to communicate and coordinate with other equipment, users can use their homes or other types of environments, such as complex offices, commercial establishments, or consumer products, or traceable units. You will be able to manage many aspects of other types of areas or spaces, including.

The power connector 16 may be electrically connected to the communication module. Thus, in some embodiments, the power connector may power the communication module and power the consumer product portion of the device. While a power connector 16 with a three-pronged plug is illustrated in FIG. 1, the communication module 14 can receive power from any suitable power source. The communication module 14 is from an outlet or battery via the power connector 16. Can receive power. In some embodiments, the power connector 16 may include a wireless power receiver. The base device sends a signal to the receiver, which can convert the signal into power for the receiver. In some embodiments, the power connector 16 may use an energy harvest to supply energy to the communication module 14. For example, the physical movement of the product associated with the consumer product device 10 induces current and / or voltage, which can be used as a power source. The consumer product device 10 may include many types of power connectors. The consumer product device 10 may be configured such that the communication module 14 has a wider range when connecting directly to a power source or otherwise altering these behaviors, depending on the type of power source available. ..

In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the consumer product device 10 includes a sensor 18. One sensor 18 is shown, but any suitable number of sensors can be used. The sensor 18 may allow the user to track the remaining amount of consumable product in the receiver 12. For example, if the consumer product consists of some kind of dispenser, the sensor 18 can be an optical sensor (ie, a photodiode). The optical sensor is associated with the remaining amount of consumable product in the dispenser. When a certain threshold is exceeded, the light of the sensor may be positioned so as to be blocked. When the amount of consumable product in the dispenser falls below the threshold, ambient light reaches the sensor and the sensor generates a signal indicating that the dispenser is almost empty. Other types of sensors include heat sensors, weight sensors, accelerators, temperature sensors, diagnostic sensors, air quality sensors, VOC (volatile organic compound) sensors, flow sensors, pressure sensors and the like. As further detailed below, when the sensor 18 detects the presence of a certain state (ie, low product quantity), one or more actions are the network functions of the consumer product 10, as described in more detail below. Can be triggered using.

In some embodiments, the consumer product device 10 is a direct connection communication port 17, such as a universal serial bus (USB), or IEEE. It may have a 1394 (firewall) port, an RJ45 port, a Thunderbolt port, or any other type of port associated with various other communication protocols. Port 17 may provide the user with the ability to connect the consumer product device 10 to a computing device. Through this connection, device 10 can receive, for example, firmware or software initialization or programming, and updates. Port 17 also allows the device to belong directly to consumer products with similar ports, such as televisions, remote controls, or music systems. Port 17 may also allow connectivity to network access points, or gateways, to provide connectivity with external networks such as the Internet. In some embodiments, the consumer product device 10 may additionally or optionally include a wireless communication port. The wireless communication port may use a suitable communication protocol, such as a Bluetooth® protocol, a Wi-Fi communication protocol, or a combination of communication protocols.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the communication module 14 that provides the network function. Modules may include a room transparency module 26 and a room restriction communication module 28.

The room transparency module 26 may communicate by one of various types of protocols, including packet-based protocols such as the Internet Protocol. Particularly with respect to embodiments utilizing the Internet Protocol, the protocol may be one of IP Version 6 (IPv6) (6LoWPAN) or Neighborhood Exchange Protocol on a low power wireless personal area network. In some embodiments, the room transmission module 26 is an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11x series protocol, eg, the standard protocol IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n series and variants ("Wi-". (Also known as "Fi"), standard protocol and variants of the IEEE 802.16 series and variants (also referred to as "WiMAX"), standard protocols and variants of the IEEE 802.20 series, and standard protocols and variants of the IEEE. It can provide wireless local area network (WLAN) data communication functions related to the 802.15.4 series and the like.

The room transmission module 26 may include or otherwise communicate with various radio elements including a radio processor, one or more transmitters / receivers, amplifiers, filters, switches, etc. to provide data communication capabilities. .. It can be understood that the room transmission module 26 can work with different types of wireless network systems that use different wireless elements to implement different communication technologies. Room transparent module 26 also has a variety of serial connection ports, IR ports, Bluetooth® interface, network interface, Wi-Fi interface, WiMax interface, cellular communication network interface, wireless network interface card (WINIC), transmitter / receiver, etc. It may include various input / output (I / O) interfaces that support various types of connections. The room transmissive module 26 comprises a number of frequency bands or subbands, such as the ISM frequency band for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® communications. One or more of the 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, and 1900MHz frequency bands for 4GHz range, GSM, CDMA, TDMA, NAMPS, cellular, and / or PCS communications, 2100MHz frequencies for CDMA2000 / EV-DO and / or WCDMA / JMTS. It may include one or more internal and / or external antennas to support operation in the band, such as the 1575 MHz frequency band of Global Positioning System (GPS) operation. Through the room transparency module 26, the device 10 can receive, for example, setup or programming to firmware or software, as well as updates. The room transmission module 26 may also allow the device to communicate with other devices, such as a television, remote control, or music system. Communication from the room transparency module 26 may facilitate a connection to an external network such as the Internet by connecting to a network access point or other type of gateway.

The room limiting communication module 28 can be, for example, an in-line communication module that uses infrared light, visible light, ultrasonic waves, and / or other acoustic signals. When the receiver is not in the field of view of the transmitter, the receiver does not receive the signal. The line-of-sight communication module can communicate with the transmitter 24 to broadcast room-restricted communication. In some embodiments, the transmitter 24 is a component of the consumer product device 10. In some embodiments, the consumer product device 10 and associated consumer product (not shown) may operate to act as a transmitter for room-restricted communications. An example of this configuration is a lighting element such as a light bulb associated with the consumer product device 10. As further detailed below with reference to FIG. 14, the room-restricted communication module 28 is specified at a specific time to bring light of the line-of-sight communication signal to other consumer product devices in optical proximity. It can be configured to turn the bulb on and off at the frequency of. By utilizing room-restricted communication with a particular frequency, the receiver circuit is specifically tuned to this frequency, which can improve the signal-to-noise ratio during optical detection. Other embodiments may use other techniques for transmitting room restriction signals. In some embodiments, the room-restricted communication broadcast by the transmitter 24 includes data such as a modulated format, or other techniques can be used to embed the data in the communication signal. Therefore, the room-restricted communication module 28 can be configured to transmit various signals using any suitable communication protocol.

The communication module 14 may include other components. For example, the memory 20 may be located within the communication module 14 (as illustrated), elsewhere in the device, networked, or as is common in cloud computers. It may be a remote memory. Although the controller 20 is exemplified as a part of the communication module 14, other embodiments may have a controller 20 separate from the communication module 14, such as a networked controller. In some embodiments, a central unit controller may be used to control a large number of communication modules 14. In addition to sensors configured to detect the state of the product associated with the consumer product device 10, other types of sensors may be present on the consumer product device 10, or the sensor is a consumer. It may be located on its own node, which is a member of the ad hoc network, rather than being locally associated with the product. Sensors are security sensors, radio frequency identification tags, bar code readers, short-range wireless communication (NFC), or environmental sensors, motion sensors, sound sensors, odor sensors, smoke alarms, aerial fine particle sensors, pollen and dust sensors, air cleaning. Chemical systems, metrology, aerial biological factor sensors, microorganism and virus sensors, surface contamination sensors, hygiene sensors, water quality sensors, humidity sensors, etc. Environmental sensors can sense air quality, light levels, temperature, air flow, or other environmental conditions. For example, a sensor that senses air quality can determine that a room needs ventilation and signals the air purifier and associated consumer product equipment through a network to ventilate by operating the air purifier. Can be sent. In lighting applications, sensors may transmit information about lighting levels to turn one or more lighting devices on, off, or dim. Lighting devices such as nodes are described in more detail below.

Lighting products In one typical embodiment, the consumer product associated with the device 10 can be a lighting product. The term "lighting product", as used herein, is a light bulb of either form for screwing or otherwise inserting into a socket or receptacle to selectively receive power from a power source. Or broadly refers to lighting elements. In this regard, lighting products may include, among other things, conventional incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs, LEDs, and compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. Further, "lighting device" may also refer to lamps, ballasts, lighting fixtures, and various types of light bulbs, or other devices capable of accepting, switching, and / or dimming lighting elements. .. The power source that powers the lighting product can change based on the implementation. Typical power sources include, but are not limited to, power sources, electric grids, inductive power sources, solar power sources, sound wave power sources, combinations of various types of power sources, and the like.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a consumer product device, which is an adapter 30 used in a lighting product (not shown). In an exemplary embodiment, the adapter 30 includes a communication module 14 that is integral with a portion of the housing. The housing also includes, but is not limited to, the light emitting receptacle 32 configured to receive power with a threaded type base in an exemplary embodiment. The adapter 30 also includes an insertable portion 34, which can be generally configured to be inserted into a light socket or receptacle that typically receives the lighting product. In the illustrated embodiment, the insertable portion 34 has a screw, which has the same configuration as the threaded portion of a standard light bulb and can be accepted by a standard socket. The user can insert a lighting product such as a household light bulb into the light emitting receptacle 32 and then insert the insertable portion 34 into a standard light socket. As will be appreciated, the particular structural configuration shown in FIG. 3 is merely an example of a representative non-limiting embodiment. The particular structural configuration of any particular adapter may be modified without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some geographic areas an adapter with a first structural configuration may be used, while in other geographic areas an adapter with a second structural configuration may be used. Therefore, the use of the term "light socket" is not limited and is simply used as one representative type of structural configuration. Moreover, in some embodiments, the components of the adapter 30 can also be integrated with the lighting product in an indivisible configuration.

FIG. 3 illustrates one typical configuration of the luminescent receptacle 32, but various other embodiments are possible. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of an adapter 30 having a light emitting receptacle 32 in the form of a socket having a configuration similar to an outlet. In this embodiment, the adapter 30 may include an insertable portion 16 that includes a trident configuration similar to the power connector 16 on the back side of the consumer product device 10 of FIG. As detailed above, the adapter 30 of FIG. 4 may also include a communication module 14 having one or both of a room restricted communication module and a room transparent communication module. The light emitting receptacle 32 of FIG. 3 may accept a plug of a power cord of any suitable light bulb, light, lamp, or other luminaire with a plug. The luminescent receptacle 32 may also accept other suitable power connectors, such as those found in emergency lighting, which have an integrated power connector and are associated with a light. Further, in some embodiments, the adapter 30 is integrated with a standard wall socket, extension cord, power cord, surge protector, or other electrical component.

Similar to the device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, the adapter 30 of FIGS. 3 and / or 4 may also include a data acquisition device such as a sensor 18. The sensor 18 may be an optical sensor such as a photodiode. In other embodiments, the sensor can be a temperature sensor, a smoke detection sensor, a proximity sensor, or any other suitable sensor, or a data acquisition device, or a collection thereof. The sensor may communicate with a controller located within the adapter 30 (ie, controller 20 in FIG. 2), or it may communicate with a controller located in a lighting or non-lighting device within the associated ad hoc network. The controller may control the power connection to switch the power of the light emitting device on or off as indicated by the input from the sensor. In some embodiments, switching may be controlled alternative or in addition, for example, by the user's input to the desired lighting level for a particular time of day, activity, or other factor.

Lighting products and related adapters 30 may form an ad hoc mesh network of networked nodes, with various devices (eg, consumer products, lighting devices, non-lighting devices, etc.) coming in and out of the network at will. , All devices in the network can communicate with any and all devices within that half. A central controller may be present, but each device may also have its own controller. In some embodiments, one node can provide control signals to other nodes. The control signal may be a room transmission signal transmission, a room restriction signal transmission, or a combination of a room transmission signal transmission and a room restriction signal transmission. In the context of known ad hoc mesh network protocols, the networking node can be a bridge node capable of connecting the ad hoc mesh network to other networks.

The discussion on this point focuses on giving consumer products the ability to form ad hoc wireless mesh networks. Consumer products are intelligent, ranging from relatively "dumb" products such as light bulbs, vacuum cleaners and air purifiers to high-performance products such as consumer electronics and computing devices. Can be. Having a network of devices with these functions may allow the user to segment the nodes of the network into rooms of a house or structure without prior knowledge of the floor plan.

Room list / room ID Figure 5 shows an example of the floor plan of a house. However, the techniques used herein can be applied to any type of structure or environment, such as office buildings, hospitals, hotels, manufacturing facilities, shipyards, stadiums, estates, airfields, and warehouses. .. For illustration purposes only, this discussion focuses on consumer products inside the home. This choice is not intended or suggestive of limitation. Although the nodes of the ad hoc network are located inside the room, the specific floor plan or identification of various room types within the structure (ie, bathroom, bedroom, etc.) does not necessarily have to be entered into the system by the user of the system. Absent. Alternatively, a master node, bridge node, or other controller can analytically determine the floor plan and room type of a structure based on a combination of room-transparent communication between nodes in the structure and interlocking room-restricted communication. It should be noted that the users of the technology and embodiments are not necessarily human consumers. A "user" can be a computing device used by a human consumer to collect this information so that it does not have to be done by a human. The nodes illustrated in FIG. 5 may be associated with various consumer products and devices. Simply as an example, node A may be associated with a wall outlet, node B may be associated with a floor lamp, node E may be associated with an air purifier, and node J may be associated with a light switch. Also, node L may be associated with an instrument, etc.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method of determining which node is located in a room. At 40, an ad hoc mesh network is formed. This may include deploying the nodes and then broadcasting these signals to notify any node in the area where they reside. The node can be a lighting product, such as those described above, or a consumer product. As part of network formation, a node can send its signal to determine the presence of another node.

At 42, the signals between the nodes of the ad hoc mesh network are analyzed. This analysis may occur at one or more locations, such as, for example, a network, node, cloud, computer device, eg, within a desktop computer, a handheld computing device, eg, a smartphone or tablet. Refer to the floor plan in Figure 5, some nodes see nodes that others cannot "see", where "seeing" a node means the presence of the node through detection such as a room limit signal. Means the detection of. For example, node I can see nodes J, A, and H. However, node J can also see node L and node K. Node K can see node M. By analyzing the signal, it is determined that node J cannot see node M, so there should be a wall between nodes J and M when transmitting the signal. Similarly, node I can see node H through the doorway, but node I cannot see G, but node I recognizes the existence of node G from the information from node H.

This analysis also allows the node to determine the distance between them. The receiving node can determine the transmission time from another node, thereby determining the distance between the nodes, but not necessarily the direction. For example, these two types of analysis can be used to determine a room in a structure. Nodes can be segmented into rooms based on line-of-sight data. In addition, the network may be able to determine the approximate size of the room based on the signal strength received. Nodes have many ways to detect each other, for example, optically, electrically, or by using sensors. In some embodiments, the node is incorporated into an outlet, a light switch, and other components are typically mounted on the wall of the structure. Since such nodes tend to be located at the boundaries of the room (ie, the walls), they can help determine the approximate dimensions of the associated room.

The above analysis assumes the use of room-restricted communication modules only. In some embodiments, one or more of the nodes may use the room transparent communication module. In this example, the node may identify itself based on room-restricted communication. By combining this data with the line-of-sight data, the network can identify walls and openings between nodes and segment the nodes into rooms at 44. For example, with reference to FIG. 5, node I may recognize the existence of node C based on the room transparent communication module. However, looking at the room limiting signal, Node I cannot detect the presence of Node C, indicating that there is a wall or other barrier between them. In addition, additional information about the structure can be collected by analyzing the absence or presence of room-restricted communications over time. For example, the door may be placed between two nodes in the required structure. When the door is open, room-restricted communication may be transmitted between the two nodes. Room-restricted communication is not transmitted between the two nodes when the door is closed. Therefore, the position of the door can be estimated based on the presence or absence of unrestricted communication between the two nodes.

In addition, various conditions, activities, or events can be inferred alternative or additionally by analysis of room transmission. For example, the signal strength of room transmission between two nodes can be reduced when the door between the two nodes is moved from the open position to the closed position. In another embodiment, the node is attached to a pet's collar, and as Pate moves through the house, the relative signal strength in communication between the collar node and other nodes in the house is measured and the house. The real-time position of the pet in is determined. In yet another embodiment, a node associated with a person can be tracked to locate the person in the house. Therefore, as a person moves through the house, various actions can be triggered. As further described below, such operations include control of lights on / off, appliances (ie, coffee makers) on / off, HVAC units, security systems, and the like. In some embodiments, the node may be associated with a cleaning tool. When the movement of the cleaning tool is detected, the music system is turned on. Once a node is segmented into a room, the node information is updated to associate the node with a particular room at 46. One of the nodes on the network may contain non-volatile memory, or the non-volatile memory may be located outside the network but may be communicating with one of the nodes. The room list and the nodes associated with the room can be stored in this memory. A node that has or has a link to non-volatile memory may be a bridge to another network, such as the Internet. This process obtains updated information because one or more nodes in the ad hoc network can be driven by the user or can be mobile in their own right, attached to consumer products, or include this. Therefore, it may be repeated. For example, the process can be iteratively repeated on a regular basis (eg, every hour

The process illustrated above is directed at segmenting nodes into rooms, but with additional or different types of segments, such as segmenting by user, device type, etc. It is also possible to segment. Although this discussion focuses on segmentation by room, the use of other types of segments should also be considered within the scope of the embodiments presented herein.

The purpose of the room Once the nodes are segmented into rooms and the nodes are associated with these rooms, the purpose of each room can be determined. FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method of assigning a purpose to a room. Processors 50-56 are similar to those in Figure 6 and segment nodes into rooms with similar signal analysis, if not the same. At 50, the nodes form a network and the signals between the nodes are analyzed. Analysis can be done, for example, on each individual node, on the master node (if specified), on the network, in the cloud, on a computer device such as a desktop computer, on a handheld computing device such as a smartphone or tablet computer, or. It can occur in any combination of these. When the nodes are segmented into rooms, the network then acquires the identity of one of the nodes in the room at 58.

The acquisition of the identity of one of the nodes in a room can be based on any number of identification processes. For example, the node itself has information for encoding and transmitting the signal, such as a device identifier, an inventory identification number, and a name. In some embodiments, this information is transmitted in the node's room-transparent communication. In some embodiments, this information is transmitted in the node's room-restricted communication. In yet another embodiment, information is transmitted in both room restriction and room transparent communication of the node. In some embodiments, the user may bring information to the node when activating the node. Information may be provided using any suitable technology, such as a USB port, or using a resident interface on the node, such as a wireless interface. In some embodiments, the user may interact with the node through an application running on a computer device. In any case, the node may store this information along with what is referred to herein as "node data". Node data includes any information about a node, such as the type of device with which the node is located, the state of the device (eg, full or nearly empty), its power state, which other nodes it is connected to, and so on. obtain.

In one embodiment, the node data includes at least an identifier of a consumer product device resident at the node. This node, or another node on the network, accesses the database of identifiers and uses the device identifier as an index to the database. The information that arises provides the network with more information about the node. For example, a consumer product device may have a stock item identification (SKU) number as an identification. Accessing the database results identifies the SKU as a toothbrush. Other types of identifiers may also exist. The identifier can be a barcode, network address, RFID-based code, assumed identity based on analysis of peripheral devices, or information about the environment. Based on this information, a room function can be assigned to a room in 60 (in this example, the room in which the toothbrush is present is the bathroom).

Databases can also take various forms. This can be a fully populated product database, a small look-up table, or any other suitable format. The database may be located in non-volatile memory on a node in the network, or it may be outside the network but accessible to the external network through a link, such as at a bridge node.

Access to the database may also occur in layers. The first database identifies a particular device as a toothbrush, which results in access to the second database, which provides further information about the toothbrush, such as model number, or brand name. In one embodiment, the database being accessed may include a database populated by consumers with similar networks and may have a higher degree of insight into assigning functions to rooms.

Databases can be organized in many different ways. In one embodiment, the database is a table of nodes, a table of rooms, and an association between a table of nodes and a table of rooms. Alternatively, a database is a table of nodes in a wireless network, a table of rooms in a house, a table of room functions, and the relationships between rooms and nodes. This association can be updated over time as the node moves between rooms, exits the network, uses products associated with the node, or is added to the network.

In one embodiment, the information contained in the room list may be found to be useful in assigning functions to the room. Alternatively, the room function includes the previous room list or its history, the current node function list, the node function list history, the current node position data, the node position data history, the current sensor data, the sensor data history, and the user page. It can be assigned based on reference data, an external database of room functions, a blueprint for the structure, and external data about the structure.

In some embodiments, room identification may be based on node data collected from two or more nodes in the room. For example, if the first node in a room is identified as a hand soap dispenser, the room associated with the hand soap dispenser can be the kitchen or bathroom. Once the second node in the room is identified as a dishwasher (or any other product commonly used in the kitchen), the system can determine that the first node is in the kitchen.

motion Once the purpose of the room is identified, actions can be taken based on the purpose of the room and the nodes within the room. An embodiment of this process is shown in Figure 8. In one embodiment, in 62, the ad hoc network has a node associated with the consumer product, such as an air purifier dispenser. However, as will be readily appreciated, the node may be associated with any type of consumer product device described with respect to FIG. In addition, the network has nodes with computing devices such as node A (sometimes referred to as bridge nodes) that have links to either internal or external networks.

At 62, the consumer product node sends data to the computing device node. This data can be the node data described above and may include the identifier of the node, the state of the consumer product, and / or the power state and the like. Node data may include information collected from sensors at consumer product nodes. The computing device accesses the database at 64 to collect more information about the node and associate this data with the node data. The computing device can then make a determination of the action taken in relation to the device at the node at 66 and perform this action at 68. The operation can be inside or outside the network.

Internal operations can include changing the functionality of a node, such as shutting it down, slowing it down, turning it on, reducing its use, and so on. This may include a partner device for the current node whose operating state has changed, for example activating another device when the amount of supplies in the device is low. This may also include updating the internal database or sending a message to the user within the network, such as providing the user with a shopping list that identifies the supplies needed at a particular node.

External actions include sending text messages to users via links to mobile network, sending emails through internet gateways, and email clients, and accessing e-commerce gateways to order further supplies. It may include accessing information about the device located at the node from an external database, or any other suitable external operation.

For example, assuming the node has an air purifier dispenser, the node data may include an identifier that identifies the device as an air purifier and a state that indicates the amount of cleaner remaining in the reservoir. The node sends this data to the computing device. The computing device accesses the database (internal or external) and determines that the reservoir is nearly empty based on this amount. The database in this example can simply be a list stored in memory. The computing device then identifies different behaviors based on the nearly empty reservoir. The device contacts the user and informs the user of this condition (eg, by text message, email message, or instant message). The device can access the e-commerce gateway to order more air purifiers. The device can also shut down the air purifier to avoid running out. The device can instruct another node associated with the air purifier to initiate operation.

Functions or actions triggered by various conditions detected by a node can also be interconnected, for example, when the first condition is met in the first node, certain actions are triggered in the other nodes. Therefore, if it is determined that the user is cleaning the house (ie, by detecting the movement of the node associated with the mop), a series of events can be initiated. These events may be specified by the user, such as setting the light to a constant setting, turning on the entertainment system, opening the curtain, distributing the air purifier, and so on. Other detected events may trigger other actions. For example, when it is determined that the house is empty for several hours (or days), the lights in the house may be turned on and off periodically as a security measure. In addition, the light in the room may be switched off (or at least dimmed) when it is detected that a person in the room has left the room.

The choice of action to perform may include sensor input, user input, previous state set by the user, and so on. For example, a sensor may detect that the flow of air through an air filter has dropped below a certain threshold, indicating that the filter needs to be cleaned or replaced. This information helps the network choose what action to take.

In this way, the network obtains various information about the devices at the nodes of the network and allows the network to automatically service the user. The more tasks and services the network can handle, the easier it is for users to use the products and networks. Other benefits may also arise from having such a network existing within the structure.

Home discovery As mentioned earlier regarding structural design decisions, users may not have a blueprint or floor plan to enter into the network. However, the nodes of the network can "see" the structure in different ways, based on the communication that signals between the various nodes in the network. Therefore, one benefit of the network can be its ability to construct a three-dimensional representation of the structure. FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a method in which a network of devices performs "home discovery" to generate a three-dimensional representation of a house. Although FIG. 9 is illustrated in the context of a home, it should be readily recognized that systems and methods can be used to determine the design of either structure or environment. At 80, a network with at least 3 nodes is provided. The use of three nodes allows one node to be positioned in a triangle with respect to the other two nodes. Generally, the communication module in these nodes is a room transparent module. Having three nodes provides sufficient information for signal analysis, and if it can be located on one different floor of the node, the signal transmission caused by the room restriction module will not reach this node. At 82, the flight time of the signal between the three nodes is obtained. At 84, signal analysis can produce a three-dimensional representation of the structure, as shown in FIG. In some embodiments, flight time calculations can be provided by chips associated with room transmission modules, such as wireless microcontroller chips with the JenNet-IP network protocol provided by NXP Semiconductors Netherlands BV.

In addition to signal analysis, there may be other information that helps define the three-dimensional representation of the house, such as the type of node and whether the node is mobile. For example, one of the nodes may be attached to a floor vacuum cleaner, such as a Swiffer® dust mop. During use, the movement of the floor vacuum cleaner provides information on where the uncarpeted floor is, plus additional trigonometric data on the location of the other two nodes. In another embodiment, the node may be attached to a robot vacuum such as Roomba®. In this configuration, possible information about the carpeted surface as well as the location of the furniture in the room can be identified. Users may also use dusters or other types of "wand" structures to map the structure of the network. Yet another alternative involves attaching the node to the pet. Of course, other mobile nodes are possible.

Further information yields a more accurate image of the house. Although the above has focused on the use of room transmissive communication modules as a means of locating nodes, room restriction modules, as well as previously identified room segmentation, and room objectives can also be used. .. All of this additional information, along with this signal analysis, is used to generate a three-dimensional view of the house, which may include a list of rooms, a list of nodes in the room, the state of consumer products associated with the nodes, etc. Can be done. Information can be stored within or outside the network, but is accessible by at least one node.

Network configuration FIG. 11 shows a typical network configuration including an ad hoc network 100 formed by a plurality of nodes A to E. The ad hoc network 100 is contained within the structure 130. As mentioned above, the structure 120 may include multiple rooms and / or multiple floors, with nodes A-E temporarily or permanently arranged within the structure. Various groups of nodes can be segmented into rooms (not shown) within structure 130. One or more nodes A through E may be associated with consumer products such as lighting products. One or more nodes A through E may also include sensors that may be similar to sensor 18 (FIGS. 1-4). Nodes A-E may also include communication modules to facilitate room-restricted communication and room-transparent communication.

Various communication channels between nodes are illustrated in FIG. Nodes A to E communicate with various other nodes via room restriction communication 102, 104, 106, 108, 110. Since nodes A to E are located in a room in the structure, some nodes are not communicating with other nodes via signal communication by room-restricted communication. Focusing on signal communication by room transparent communication, node A communicates with each node A to E via room transparent communication 112, 114, 116, 118. Through room transparent communication 112, 114, 116, 118, node A may execute various functions such as requesting node data from nodes B to E and starting functions in nodes B to E. Good.

In some embodiments, it is stated that the various nodes B through E can also communicate with each other via room-transparent communication (not shown). Such communication can be used, for example, in the calculation of flight time to determine the relative distance between nodes in an ad hoc network 100. Thus, for example, if node B and node E are not communicating by room-restricted communication in FIG. 11, node E may still be able to receive and react to the room-transparent communication transmitted from node B.

In FIG. 11, node A acts as a bridge node and serves to connect the ad hoc network 100 to the communication network 122 via network communication 120. As will be appreciated, the communication network 122 can be any suitable type of network, can include a data network that includes many computers and / or the Internet, and can include wired and / or wireless communication links. Further, Node A serves as a bridge to the communication network 122, but the disclosure is not limited to this. Other nodes or devices may function as bridging devices.

The communication device 124 may also communicate with the communication network 122. The communication device 124 can be any type of client device for communication over the communication network 122, such as a personal computer, laptop computer, or netbook computer. In some embodiments, the computer device 124 is a mobile communication device, which either runs an operating system for use in handheld or mobile devices such as smartphones, PDAs, tablets, mobile phones. Includes computers or computing devices. For example, mobile communication devices include any device running Apple iPhone , Apple iPad , Palmpre , or Apple iOS , Android OS, Google Chrome OS, Symbian. Devices such as OS , Windows Mobile OS, Palm OS , or Palmweb OS can be mentioned.

In some embodiments, the user interacting with the compute device 124 may also interact with a dedicated application, sometimes referred to as an "app", because it interacts with various nodes in the ad hoc network 100. Includes computer-executable instructions that can be executed on the computing platform of computing device 124. The computing device 124, in addition or alternatively, allows the user to accomplish various tasks with the ad hoc network 100 and / or receives communications generated by nodes in the ad hoc network. Provide other applications. Applications include web browser applications (eg INTERNET EXPLORER, MOZILLA, FIREFOX, SAFARI, OPERA, NETSCAPE NAVIGATOR), telephone applications (eg cellular, VoIP, PTT), networking applications, messaging applications (eg email, IM, SMS, MMS, Blackberry Messenger), calendar applications, etc., but not limited to these.

FIG. 12 shows another network configuration in which the communication network 122 is within structure 130. The communication network 122 of FIG. 12 is a specific local geographic area, such as an office, home, or other indoor and outdoor facility, interconnected using a local area network (commonly referred to as a LAN). It may include computer systems located within the area. The LAN can also connect to additional public networks (not shown), such as the Internet. One or more Wi-Fi access points can connect to the LAN to bring the wireless area of the LAN using Wi-Fi. One or more nodes A to E, such as bridge node A, may communicate with communication network 122. The communication device 124 may also communicate with the communication network 122. Similar to FIG. 11, the computing device 124 may have to control or otherwise receive information about various nodes in the ad hoc network 100 through a connection to the communication network 122.

FIG. 13 shows a typical network configuration that includes network equipment 134, including one or more databases (only one database 136 is illustrated for simplicity). For example, as described above with reference to FIG. 8, database 136 may store product information, node data, room list, room function list, node-room association, and so on. The network device 134 is located at any suitable point in the network configuration, including near a structure associated with the ad hoc network 100 or generally away from the ad hoc network 100 (ie, a cloud-based configuration). May be done. In some embodiments, database 136 may be located at bridge node A. In some embodiments, the bridge node A may use database communication 138 to communicate directly with database 136 to send information to database 136 and in addition call information related to ad hoc network 100. (For example, described with respect to FIG. 6). In another embodiment, the database 136 can be accessed by communication via the communication network 122. Some implementations may use multiple databases, such as a first database in a structure for storing room lists and a second database in a cloud-based configuration for storing product information.

Information stored in database 136, or other databases associated with the system, can be used for any suitable purpose, such as analysis. For example, information can be used to provide information about consumers associated with product consumption, product use, and other types of consumer habits.

The user can interact with the computing device 124 to control or otherwise receive information about various nodes in the ad hoc network 100. The type of control varies based on the type of node and the type of consumer product associated with the node, but typical types of control include lighting product operation, security system operation, equipment operation, and heating. / Operation of air conditioning system, etc. Users can also receive product information about the state of consumable products associated with ad hoc networks 100, or other types of information, for example by messaging applications. In some embodiments, room lists, room function lists, room-related nodes, product lists, and other information stored in the ad hoc network 100 and associated databases are accessible via the compute device 124. possible.

In some embodiments, instructions regarding the embedded process may be presented to the computing device 124. The computing device 124 may communicate with the ad hoc network 100 over a public network (ie, FIG. 11), or may communicate with a network within a bridge node of the ad hoc network (ie, FIG. 12). In any case, the instructions may be presented via a web browser or a dedicated application running on the computing device 124. In one typical integration process, the user is instructed to turn on certain lighting products in the structure. Once the lighting product is turned on, which node is in line-of-sight communication with this lighting product can be determined based on the data collected from the sensors at each node. In some embodiments, irradiation when bright product is turned, they are as described below in FIG. 14, it is perceptible to the human eye, it is instructed to send a pulse at a fixed frequency To. In some cases, the user may operate a wall switch to illuminate multiple lighting products at the same time.

The user may iteratively turn the lighting product on and off as instructed by the computing device 124. In some embodiments, the user can turn on two luminaires within a fixed time frame (ie, 5 seconds) to establish a grouping of these luminaires. For example, during the integration process, the user may turn on the floor and table lamps in the living room within a certain time frame. The system understands that all three lighting products (ie, nodes) are related and can be controlled simultaneously for living room lighting. In some embodiments, lighting products, or other types of products, may transmit identifiers (eg, SKU numbers), thereby establishing other groups of circuits or nodes. Through the embedded process, Bridge Node A, or other network device, may collect information from nodes within the ad hoc network 100 and / or from users. For example, the user may enter the function of a particular room within structure 130 through the interface of computing device 124. In some embodiments, a list of room functions determined based on node data is provided to the user via the computing device 124, and the user reviews or edits the room functions. Once the embedding process is complete, the user can interact with the computing device 124 to control or receive data from nodes within the ad hoc network 100. In some embodiments, the embedding process is automated, requiring little or no user input, as described below with respect to FIG.

Zero configuration networking FIG. 14 shows a typical message sequence chart for forming a zero-configuration ad hoc network including a plurality of nodes capable of dual channel communication. The ad hoc network includes a master node, node A, node B, node C, node D, and a database. However, as will be readily appreciated, the ad hoc network for this disclosure may have a relatively large number of nodes, each of which can enter and exit the network. Each of the nodes A to D in FIG. 14 includes a communication module that may be similar to the communication module 14 of FIG. 2, providing room-restricted communication and room-transparent communication. Nodes A to E of the ad hoc network in FIG. 14 have room restriction and room transparency communication functions, but other ad hoc networks may include nodes that do not have both forms of communication functions. For example, some nodes can detect room-restricted communications, but cannot send them. Some nodes can only send and receive room transparent communications.

For illustrative purposes, each node A through D is associated with each lighting product. However, as is easily recognized, various nodes have a wide range of other types of products and equipment, such as kitchen utensils, cleaning products, product dispensers, consumer products, computing equipment, people, pets, walls. It may be related to an outlet, a light switch, and the like.

During a typical zero configuration process, the master node first commands each node to obtain a sample of lighting levels near the node. The appliance may take any suitable form, including a room-transparent communication message simulcast to all nodes A to D in the network, or the instruction may be a target communication addressed to a particular node. In an exemplary embodiment, instructions 212, 216, 220, 224 are transmitted by the master node to node A, node B, node C, and node D, respectively. Although the masternode is illustrated in FIG. 14, instructions can be transmitted by any suitable network element. In response to receiving an instruction, each node uses a sensor associated with the node (eg, a photodiode) to measure the illumination level. In some embodiments, once the measurements have been made, nodes A-E transmit lighting level data to the master nodes of room transmissions 214, 218, 222, 226, respectively, for storage in a database. In some embodiments, the lighting level measured at each node is stored locally at the node for use by the node in subsequent processes.

Once the background lighting level is measured for each node, instruction 228 is sent from the master node to a subset of the node's entire network. In an exemplary embodiment, instruction 228 is transmitted to a single node (node A). Instruction 228 instructs node A to transmit the room restriction communication signal 230. The room limiting communication signal 230 may be any suitable type of signal, such as optical or auditory. In this embodiment, since Node A is associated with the lighting product, it may be switched on and off at specific intervals over a specific duration to make adjustments to the light source. The room limiting communication signal 230 can be imperceptible to the naked eye. In one embodiment, the illumination source associated with node A modulates to about 1.8 kHz to generate a room limiting signal so that the modulation frequency matches the center frequency of the receiver's band filter, but other frequencies are also used. Can be done. Other embodiments may use different frequencies. In some embodiments, the frequency ranges from about 600 Hz to about 2000 Hz. While the room restriction communication signal is transmitted by the node A, the node C and the node D receive the room restriction signals 232 and 234. In other words, nodes C and D are in line-of-sight communication with node A. In an exemplary embodiment, node B does not receive a room restriction signal from node A, which is a physical obstacle (eg, wall, floor, or door) blocking the line-of-sight path between node A and node B. Etc.) may be present.

When the master node causes node A to send room-restricted communication, the master node commands each node to obtain a second sample of lighting levels near the node. In an exemplary embodiment, instructions 234, 238, 242 are transmitted by the master node to node B, node C, and node D, respectively. Upon receipt of the instruction, each node may use a sensor to measure the illumination level. Nodes B to D may use a filter circuit so that only certain frequencies (eg, about 1.8 kHz) are measured. In some embodiments, once the measurements have been made, nodes B-D transmit lighting level data to the master nodes of room transmission 236, 240, 244, respectively. In such an embodiment, the master node, or the entire other network, receives initial measurements via room-transparent communications 218, 222, 226 to determine if each node has received room-restricted communications. Values can be compared. In this case, the measurements received from nodes C and D indicate the success of receiving the room restriction communication from node A. In an embodiment where the measured level is stored within a node, each node individually determines if it has received room-restricted communication and then sends this information to the master node for further processing. May be good.

The general message transmission of FIG. 14 is repeated for each node in the ad hoc network, which continuously commands each node to originate a room-restricted communication, thus identifying and recording the node receiving the communication. obtain. Nodes can also provide data to master nodes that can be used to determine room functions. After circulating each node in the ad hoc network, or at other suitable times in the zero configuration process, the master node communicates with the database via communication 246 and ad hoc, such as node group, SKU number, product information, room function, etc. Can provide relevant information about the network.

Once the room list and node segmentation are decided, they can be considered when new nodes appear in the network. As an example, it can be determined that nodes A, C, and D are in the bathroom within the structure. The user may place a new node in the bathroom. The new node may send room transparent communication to the master node to inform the master node of its presence in the network. The master node may instruct it to send room-restricted communications. In this case, nodes A, C, and D detect room-restricted communication. Based on the detection of room-restricted communication, the master node or other entity determines that the new node is physically located in the same room as nodes A, C, and D, and therefore updates the room list and node segmentation. can do.

The above embodiments provide convenient, simple, and easy usage for the user to establish a network of nodes for products in the environment (eg, consumer products in the environment). The network may collect information for the user and operate more autonomously. The end result is a network of devices that can help users maintain and enjoy their environment.

All documents cited herein, including references, related patents, applications and any patent application, or patents for which this application claims priority or its interests, must be explicitly excluded. Is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, unless otherwise restricted. Citation of any document is not recognized as prior art for any invention disclosed or claimed herein, or either alone or in combination with any other reference. We do not acknowledge that such inventions are taught, presented, or disclosed. In addition, if any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with the meaning or definition of the same term in the document incorporated as a reference, the meaning or definition of this term in this document shall prevail.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been exemplified and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other modifications and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to include modifications and modifications within the scope of the invention.