Methods for networking consumer devices.
Abstract
Methods for enrolling nodes into an ad hoc network associated with a multi-roomed structure. Nodes within the ad hoc network comprise a communication module configured to communicate with the ad hoc network using at least one of room-limited communications and room- transparent communications.

Term
6.8 yearsleft in the term
Expires 17 July 2033.
- Priority
- Filed
- Granted
- Today
- Expires
22 claims: 4 independent, 18 dependent
- 1REIVINDICACIONES 1. Un método para incorporar nodos en una red ad hoc asociada con una estructura de múltiples cuartos, cada nodo comprende un módulo de comunicación 5 configurado para comunicarse con la red ad hoc mediante el uso de al menos una de comunicaciones limitadas al cuarto y comunicaciones transparentes al cuarto; el método comprende:transmitir mediante un primer nodo en la red ad hoc una comunicación limitada al cuarto, caracterizado porque el primer nodo se acopla a una pared de un 10 cuarto en ia estructura de múltiples cuartos;determinar en un segundo nodo en la red ad hoc si la comunicación limitada al cuarto se recibió;cuando se recibe la primera comunicación limitada al cuarto, segmentar el segundo nodo en el cuarto asociado con el primer nodo, caracterizado porque la 15 segmentación se almacena en una lista de cuartos en una base de datos.
- 2El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado además porque el primer nodo se asocia con un interruptor de pared.
- 3El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 2, caracterizado además porque el primer nodo comprende un interruptor de pared. 20
- 4El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado además el primer nodo se asocia con un enchufe de pared.
- 5El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 4, caracterizado además porque el primer nodo comprende un enchufe de pared.
- 6El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado 25 además porque la comunicación limitada al cuarto es una señal óptica.
- 7El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 6, caracterizado además porque la señal óptica es imperceptible al ojo humano.
- 8El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado el método porque comprende:determinar una distancia espacial entre el primer nodo y el segundo nodo.
- 9El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado el método porque comprende:recibir un identificador del segundo nodo, caracterizado además porque el identificador identifica un producto de consumo.
- 10Un método para incorporar nodos en una red ad hoc asociada con una estructura de múltiples cuartos, cada nodo comprende un módulo de comunicación configurado para comunicarse con la red ad hoc mediante el uso de al menos una de comunicaciones limitadas al cuarto y comunicaciones transparentes al cuarto; el método comprende:transmitir mediante un primer nodo en la red ad hoc una comunicación limitada al cuarto, caracterizado porque el primer nodo se asocia con un enchufe eléctrico en una pared de un cuarto en la estructura de múltiples cuartos;determinar en un segundo nodo en la red ad hoc si la comunicación limitada al cuarto se recibió;cuando se recibe la primera comunicación limitada al cuarto, segmentar el segundo nodo en el cuarto asociado con el primer nodo, caracterizado porque la segmentación se almacena en una lista de cuartos en una base de datos.
- 11El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 10, caracterizado el método porque comprende:medir en un primer nodo en la red ad hoc un nivel de condición del ambiente.
- 12El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 11, caracterizado además porque el nivel de condición del ambiente es un nivel de iluminación y la comunicación limitada al cuarto es una señal óptica.
- 13El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 12, caracterizado además porque la señal óptica es imperceptible al ojo humano.
- 14El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 10, caracterizado el método porque comprende:determinar una distancia espacial entre el primer nodo y el segundo nodo.
- 15El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 10, caracterizado el método porque comprende:recibir un identificador desde el segundo nodo, en donde el identificador identifica un producto de consumo.
- 16Un método para incorporar nodos en una red ad hoc asociada con una estructura de múltiples cuartos, cada nodo comprende un módulo de comunicación configurado para comunicarse con la red ad hoc mediante el uso de al menos una de comunicaciones limitadas al cuarto y comunicaciones transparentes al cuarto; el método comprende:transmitir mediante un primer nodo en la red ad hoc una comunicación limitada al cuarto, caracterizado porque el primer nodo se asocia con un interrruptor de luz en una pared de un cuarto en la estructura de múltiples cuartos;determinar en un segundo nodo en la red ad hoc si la comunicación limitada al cuarto se recibió;cuando se recibe la primera comunicación limitada al cuarto, segmentar el segundo nodo en el cuarto asociado con el primer nodo, en donde la segmentación se almacena en una lista de cuartos en una base de datos.
- 17El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 16, caracterizado el método porque comprende:medir en un primer nodo en la red ad hoc un nivel de condición del ambiente, en donde el nivel de condición del ambiente es un nivel de iluminación y la comunicación limitada al cuarto es una señal óptica.
- 18El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 17, caracterizado además porque la señal óptica es imperceptible al ojo humano.
- 19El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 16, caracterizado el método porque comprende:determinar una distancia espacial entre el primer nodo y el segundo nodo.
- 20El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 16, caracterizado el método porque comprende:recibir un identificador desde el segundo nodo, caracterizado además porque el identificador identifica un producto de consumo.
- 21El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 20, caracterizado además porque el identificador es uno de un número de unidad de mantenimiento de existencias (SKU), una dirección de red, un código de barras, y una identidad supuesta.
- 22Un método para incorporar nodos en una red ad hoc asociada con una estructura de múltiples cuartos, cada nodo comprende un módulo de comunicación configurado para comunicarse con la red ad hoc mediante el uso de al menos una de comunicaciones limitadas al cuarto y comunicaciones transparentes al cuarto; el método comprende:transmitir mediante un primer nodo en la red ad hoc una comunicación limitada al cuarto;determinar en un segundo nodo en la red ad hoc si la comunicación limitada al cuarto se recibió;caracterizado porque el segundo nodo se acopla a una pared de un cuarto en la estructura de múltiples cuartos;cuando se recibe la primera comunicación asociada al cuarto, segmentar el primer nodo en el cuarto asociado con el segundo nodo, caracterizado porque la segmentación se almacena en una lista de cuartos en una base de datos.
Independent claims22
110 paragraphs in 6 sections, as filed
(54) Title: METHODS FOR NETWORK CONSUMPTION DEVICES. (54) Title: METHODS FOR NETWORKING CONSUMER DEVICES.
(57) Summary
Methods for incorporating nodes into an ad hoc network associated with a multi-room structure. The ad hoc network nodes comprise a communication module configured to communicate with the ad hoc network by using at least one of the limited communications to the room and transparent communications to the room.
(57) Abstract
Methods for enrolling nodes into an ad hoc network associated with a multi-roomed structure. Nodes within the ad hoc network comprise a communication module configured to communicate with the ad hoc network using at least one of room-limited Communications and room-transparent Communications.
METHODS FOR NETWORK CONSUMPTION DEVICES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present application relates to systems and methods for consumer devices in networks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Low power personal area networks such as ZigBee, Z-Wave, Insteon, JenNet-IP, X10 or the like are becoming more frequent. Today appliances, lighting, heating and cooling, monitoring and security systems, entertainment systems, communications, lawn sprinklers, etc., include microprocessors and wireless communication devices to allow a wireless connection to a home network. Controls for these devices may reside on smartphones, PDAs, laptops, desktops, or other devices where an easy-to-use software control interface may exist, or the controls may reside in a cloud on the network.
There are several different ways to organize and configure these home networks. Existing technologies can associate devices into groups based on their ability to communicate using visible light, ultrasound, infrared light, radio frequency, and other communication technologies, thereby enabling devices to be organized into groups based on the reduced space in which they reside, as well as the class of devices they represent. The integration of a microprocessor in the individual devices enables the devices to receive the programming that allows a high degree of flexibility for the user. However, the sheer number of settings available can overwhelm the typical user. In fact, many of the network technologies for home networks are relatively complicated and difficult to use for the consumer. Adding, authenticating, and configuring new devices can include hiring a trained technician to perform the installation.
However, as the costs of microprocessor, memory, displays, radio transmitters and receivers, and line-of-sight communications decrease, the cost of adding these capabilities to inexpensive and even disposable consumer products becomes possible. Increasing the capabilities and number of networked home devices can create a new set of challenges for consumers and home networks.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In one embodiment, a method of incorporating nodes into an ad hoc network associated with a multi-room structure, where each node comprises a communication module configured to communicate with the ad hoc network through the use of at least one limited communication to the room. and transparent communications to the room; The method comprises: transmitting through a first node in the ad hoc network limited communication to the room, where the first node is coupled to a room wall in the multi-room structure; determining at a second node in the ad hoc network whether communication limited to the fourth was received; when the first communication limited to the room is received, segment the second node into the room associated with the first node, where the segmentation is stored in a list of rooms in a database.
In one embodiment, a method of Incorporating nodes into an ad hoc network associated with a multi-room structure, where each node comprises a communication module configured to communicate with the ad hoc network by using at least one of communications limited to the room and transparent communications to the room; The method comprises: transmitting through a first node in the ad hoc network limited communication to the room, where the first node is associated with an electrical outlet in a room wall in the multi-room structure; determining at a second node in the ad hoc network whether communication limited to the fourth was received; when the first limited communication to the room is received, segment the second node into the room associated with the first node, where the segmentation is stored in a list of rooms in a database.
In one embodiment, a method of incorporating nodes into an ad hoc network associated with a multi-room structure, where each node comprises a communication module configured to communicate with the ad hoc network through the use of at least one limited communication to the room. and transparent communications to the room; The method comprises: transmitting through a first node in the ad hoc network limited communication to the room, where the first node is associated with a light switch on a room wall in the multi-room structure; determining at a second node in the ad hoc network whether communication limited to the fourth was received; when the first limited communication to the room is received, segment the second node into the room associated with the first node, where the segmentation is stored in a list of rooms in a database.
In one embodiment, a method of incorporating nodes into an ad hoc network associated with a multi-room structure, where each node comprises a communication module configured to communicate with the ad hoc network through the use of at least one limited communication to the room. and transparent communications to the room; the method comprises: transmitting a limited communication to the fourth through a first node in the ad hoc network; determining at a second node in the ad hoc network whether communication limited to the fourth was received; wherein the second node is attached to a room wall in the multi-room structure; when the first communication associated with the room is received, the first node is segmented into the room associated with the second node, where the segmentation is stored in a list of rooms in a database.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a consumer product device.
Figure 2 shows a block diagram of one embodiment of a communications portion of a network device.
Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a device that provides lighting.
Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a device that provides lighting.
Figure 5 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a structure that has many potential nodes in an ad hoc Wireless network.
Figure 6 shows a flow chart of one embodiment of a method for building a list of rooms.
Figure 7 shows a flow chart of one embodiment of a method for assigning a function to a room.
Figure 8 shows a flowchart of one mode of a method for determining and executing an action based on an ad hoc wireless network configuration.
Figure 9 shows a flow chart of one embodiment of a method for developing a three-dimensional representation of a house.
Figure 10 shows an example of a three-dimensional representation of nodes in a structure.
Figure 11 shows an illustrative network architecture comprising an ad hoc network made up of a plurality of nodes.
Figure 12 shows an illustrative network architecture comprising an ad hoc network made up of a plurality of nodes.
Figure 13 shows an illustrative network architecture comprising an ad hoc network made up of a plurality of nodes.
Figure 14 shows an illustrative message sequence diagram for forming a zero configuration ad hoc network comprising a plurality of nodes capable of dual channel communications.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described to provide a general understanding of the principles of structure, function, and use of the systems and methods described in the present disclosure. One or more examples of these non-limiting modalities are illustrated in the attached figures. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems and methods specifically described in the present description and illustrated in the attached figures are non-limiting modalities. The features illustrated or described in conjunction with a non-limiting embodiment may be combined with the features of other non-limiting embodiments. It is intended to include such modifications and variations within the scope of the present description.
General node device that does not provide lighting
Figure 1 shows a simplified view of an illustrative consumer product device 10 that has network capability. The consumer product device 10 has an adapter 12 that contains, or is associated in any other way with, a consumer product. The adapter 12 can be any receiver, outlet, receptacle, container, or other suitable structure to contain, connect, or otherwise associate with a consumer product. The consumer product can be any suitable type of consumer product. For example, the consumer product may be a consumable product dispenser that dispenses or supplies some type of consumer product, such as shaving cream, air freshener, toothpaste, lotion, shampoo, cotton swabs, razor blades, tissue paper, etc. The consumer product may be, for example, a non-powered implement such as a razor, a toothbrush, a hairbrush, a feather duster, a broom, a mop, a bristle brush, a toilet brush , etc. The consumer product can be an electrically powered device such as a coffee maker, toaster, television, hair dryer, vacuum cleaner, air purifier, humidifier, etc. The consumer product may be a powered device that includes a battery as a power source, uses other types of power sources, or uses a combination of power sources. Some consumer products may use one or more energy harvesting sources that are configured to generate energy based on motion, temperature, solar power, or motion, for example. For example, in one embodiment, the act of squeezing a product during the dispensing act generates the action necessary for an energy harvesting source associated with that product to produce energy. In another example, the act of moving a switch from a first position to a second position can induce an electric current to generate power. As can be appreciated, however, these particular examples are merely illustrative products with or without power and no limitation to any particular product or configuration should be intended or inferred. Consumer products, as defined in this description, do not have any network communication capabilities. In these devices, communications only take the form of local communications, such as user interfaces, warning lights, audio transducers, etc.
In some embodiments, the adapter 12 may snap on, or otherwise allow the consumer device to be mechanically and possibly electrically connected to the consumer product device 10. On powered devices, device 10 may include a standard 2-pin or 3-pin receiver, such as a power outlet, or any other suitable type of power connector, illustrated as the power connector
16.
The consumer product device 10 further includes at least one communication module or hub 14. The communication hub may comprise a communication module, or multiple communication modules, each using a different type of communication technology. For example, the communication module may consist of a communication module limited to the fourth. As used herein, "limited to a quarter" means that the communication medium of communication module 14 uses forms of communication signals configured not to penetrate barriers, such as walls, floors, closed doors, and ceilings. Illustrative signals include line of sight signals, such as optical signals, and some types of acoustic signals. Alternatively or additionally, the communication modules 14 may further include a transparent communication module to the room. As used in the present description, "transparent to the room" means that the communication medium of the communication module 14 is configured so that it is not limited by barriers, such as walls, floors or other types of structures. These barriers can decrease the relative strength of the signal as it spreads, but generally do not stop it. Illustrative transparent to the room signals include various radio frequency signals and subsonic signals, among others. Communication hub 14 may contain one or both of these types of modules, and may contain more than one of each type, for example, two modules limited to the fourth and one transparent to the fourth, etc., each with its own capacity to Communicate with, and connect to, other devices on a mesh ad hoc network, as described in more detail below.
Generally, the network capacity provided by communication module 14 allows devices that would not otherwise have the ability to join and leave an ad hoc mesh network and communicate with other devices that may otherwise not to have, in addition, that capacity. Giving devices and products the ability to communicate and coordinate with other devices allows a user to manage many aspects of their home or other type of environment, such as an office complex, a shopping center, or any other type of area or space. that includes consumer products or other types of units that can be traced.
Power connector 16 can be electrically coupled to the communication module. Therefore, in some embodiments, the power connector supplies power to the communication module and may supply power to the consumer product portion of the device. Although a power connector 16 having a three-prong plug is illustrated in Figure 1 , the communication module 14 can be powered from any suitable power source. Therefore, the communication module 14 can receive its power from an electrical outlet or a battery through the power connector 16. In some embodiments, the power connector 16 can comprise a wireless power receiver. A base device can transmit a signal to a receiver that can convert the signal into energy for the receiver. In some embodiments, the power connector 16 can use the power take-up to supply power to the communication module 14. For example, the physical movement of a product associated with the consumer product device 10 can generate current and / or voltage by induction that can be used as an energy source. The consumer product device 10 can include many types of power connectors. The consumer product device 10 may be configured such that communication module 14 has extended range when connected directly to a power source, or alter its operations in any other way depending on the type of power source available.
In the embodiments, as illustrated in Figure 1, the consumer product device 10 includes a sensor 18. While a single sensor 18 is shown, any suitable number of sensors can be used. Sensor 18 may allow the user to control the level of consumable product within receiver 12. For example, if the consumer product consists of a dispenser of some kind, sensor 18 may be a light sensor (i.e., a photodiode ). The light sensor may be located such that the light directed to the sensor is blocked by the consumable when the level of the consumable in the dispenser is above a certain threshold relative to sensor 18. When the level of the consumable is at the dispenser drops below the threshold, ambient light would reach the sensor, and the sensor would generate a signal to indicate that the dispenser is nearly empty. Other types of sensors may include heat sensors, weight sensors, accelerometers, temperature sensors, diagnostic sensors, air quality sensors, VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) sensors, flow sensors, pressure sensors, etc. When sensor 18 detects the presence of a certain state (i.e., low product level), one or more actions can be triggered by using the network capacity of the consumer product device 10, as described below in greater detail.
In some embodiments, the consumer product device 10 may have a direct connect communication port 17, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) or IEEE 1394 (Firewlre) port, an RJ45 port, a Thunderbolt port, or any other type of port associated with various other communication protocols. Port 17 can provide the user with the ability to connect the consumer product device 10 to a computing device. Through this connection, device 10 can receive initial setup or programming and firmware or software updates, for example. Also, port 17 can allow the device to connect directly to a consumer device that has a similar port, such as a TV, remote control, or music system, for example. Port 17 may additionally allow connection to a network access point or gateway to provide connection to an external network such as the Internet. In some embodiments, the consumer product device 10 may additionally or alternatively include a wireless communication port. The wireless communication port can use any suitable communication protocol, or combination of communication protocols, such as a Bluetooth® protocol, a wl-fi communication protocol, etc.
Figure 2 shows a schematic view of an example of the communication module 14 that provides the network capacity. The module may contain a transparent module to room 26 and a communication module limited to room 28.
The transparent room module 26 can communicate using one of the many different types of protocols, including a packet-based protocol, such as the Internet protocol (IP). With specific relation to modalities that use the Internet protocol, the protocol can be one of the following: IP version
6 (IPv6), such as IPv6 over low-power personal area wireless networks (6L0WPAN) or the peer-to-peer protocol, for example. In some embodiments, the transparent module to room 26 can provide wireless local area network (WLAN) data communication functionality in accordance with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802-xx series of protocols, such as 802.11a / b / g / n series of protocols and IEEE standard variants (also known as “wl-fi”), the 802.16 series of IEEE protocols and standard variants (also known as “WIMAX”), the 802.20 series of protocols and standard variants of the IEEE, the 802.15.4 series of protocols and standard variants of the IEEE and others.
The transparent module to room 26 may comprise, or be in communication in any other way with, various radio elements, Including a radio processor, one or more transceivers, amplifiers, filters, switches, etc., to provide communication functionality of data. It can be appreciated that the transparent room module 26 can operate in accordance with different types of wireless network systems that use different radio elements to implement different communication techniques. The transparent room 26 module may further comprise various input / output (l / O) interfaces to support different types of connections, such as a serial port connection, an IR port, a Bluetooth® interface, an interface network, a wl-fi interface, a WIMax interface, a cellular network interface, a wireless network interface card (WNIC), a transceiver, etc. The transparent module to room 26 may comprise one or more Internal and / or external antennas to support operation in many frequency bands or subbands, such as the 2.4 GHz range of the ISM frequency band for wi-f¡ communications and Bluetooth®, one or more of the 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 1900 MHz frequency bands for GSM, CDMA, TDMA, NAMPS, cellular and / or PCS communications, the 2100 MHz frequency band for CDMA2000 / EV-DO and / or WCDMA / JMTS communications, the 1575 MHz frequency band for Global Positioning System (GPS) operations, and others. By means of the transparent module to room 26, device 10 can receive initial configuration or programming, as well as firmware or software updates, for example. The transparent module to the room 26 can also allow the device to communicate with other devices, such as a television, remote control or music system, for example. Through communications from the transparent module to room 26, a connection to a network access point or other type of gateway can facilitate connection to an external network, such as the Internet.
The communication module limited to room 28 can be a line-of-sight communication module using infrared light, visible light, ultrasound, and / or other acoustic signals, for example. When a receiver is not within the transmitter's view, the receiver does not receive the signal. The line-of-sight communication module may be in communication with a sender 24 to transmit the limited communication to the room. In some embodiments, the emitter 24 is a component of the consumer product device 10. In some embodiments, a consumer product (not shown) associated with the consumer product device 10 can be operated as an emitter of limited communication to the room. An example of this configuration includes an element that provides illumination, such as a light bulb, that is associated with the consumer product device 10. As described in greater detail below with reference to Figure 14, the communication module limited to room 28 may be configured to turn the light bulb on and off at a particular frequency at a particular time, to provide a signal light of Vision communication to other consumer product devices in optical proximity. By using communication limited to the room having a particular frequency, the receiver circuitry can be tuned specifically to that frequency, thereby improving the signal to noise ratio during optical detection. Other modes may use other techniques to transmit the limited signal to the room. In some embodiments, limited communication to the room transmitted by emitter 24 may comprise data, for example, in a modulated format, or use other techniques to embed the data in the communication signal. Therefore, the communication module limited to room 28 can be configured to transmit a variety of signals by using any suitable communication protocol.
Communication module 14 may comprise other components. For example, memory 20 may reside within communication module 14 (as illustrated), elsewhere on the device, or it may be network or remote memory, as is common in cloud services. While a controller 20 is illustrated as part of communication module 14, other embodiments may have a controller 20 separate from communication module 14, for example, a networked controller. In some embodiments, a central device controller can be used to control various communication modules 14. In addition to sensors configured to detect the status of a product associated with the consumer product device 10, there may be other types of sensors in the device. of the consumer product 10, or a sensor may reside on its own node that is not locally associated with a consumer product, but is a member of the ad hoc network. The sensor can be a security sensor, a radio frequency identification tag, a barcode reader, a near field communication (NFC) sensor, or an environmental sensor, motion sensor, sound sensor, odor sensor , smoke alarms, airborne particle sensor, pollen and dust sensor, air purification system, metrology, airborne biological agent sensor, bacteria and virus sensors, surface contaminant sensors, sanitary sensors, water quality sensors, humidity sensors, etc. Environmental sensors can detect air quality, light level, light quality, temperature, air flow, or other environmental conditions. For example, a sensor that detects air quality can determine that the room needs to be set and can send a signal, via the network, to a consumer products device associated with an air freshener to set the air by activating of the air freshener. In applications that provide lighting, the sensor can send information about the level of light that could cause lighting devices to turn on, off, or dim. Lighting devices used as nodes are described in more detail below.
Products that provide lighting
In an illustrative embodiment, the consumer product associated with device 10 may be a product that provides lighting. The term "lighting-providing product", as used herein, refers broadly to any form of lighting-providing bulb or element, which is screwed or otherwise inserted into an electrical outlet or receptacle for selectively receive energy from a power source. In this regard, products that provide lighting may include, but are not limited to, traditional incandescent bulbs, light emitting diode bulbs, light emitting diodes, and compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). In addition, “lighting-providing product” can broadly refer to lamps, ballasts, lighting-providing fixtures, and other devices that receive various types of light bulbs or lighting-providing items that can be turned on / off and / or dimmed. The power supply that powers the lighting product may vary based on the application. Illustrative power sources include, but are not limited to, a battery source, an electrical grid, an induction-based power supply, a solar-based power supply, a sound-based power supply, type combinations different from energy sources etc.
Figure 3 shows one embodiment of a consumer product device that is an adapter 30 for use with a product that provides lighting (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the adapter 30 comprises a communication module 14 that is integral with a part of a housing. The housing further comprises a light emitting receptacle 32 which, in the illustrated embodiment, is configured to accept a bulb having a screw type base, although this description is not limited thereto. The adapter 30 further comprises an insertable portion 34 that can generally be configured to be inserted into a light socket or receptacle that would typically receive the lighting providing product. In the illustrated embodiment, the insertable portion 34 is threaded and is structurally similar to the threaded portion of a standard bulb, so that it can be received by a standard electrical outlet. A user can insert a lighting providing product, such as a household light bulb, into light emitting receptacle 32 and then insert plug 34 into a standard outlet. As can be seen, the particular structural arrangement shown in Figure 3 is merely illustrative of a non-limiting illustrative embodiment. The particular structural arrangement of any particular adapter can vary without departing from the scope of the present description. For example, some geographic regions may use adapters that have a first structural configuration, while other geographic regions may use adapters that have a second structural configuration. Accordingly, the use of the term "light socket" is not intended to be limiting, but rather is used simply as an illustrative type of structural arrangement. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the components of the adapter 30 may be integral with a product that provides lighting in a non-separable arrangement.
While Figure 3 illustrates an illustrative configuration of light emitting receptacle 32, a variety of other embodiments are possible. Figure 4, for example, illustrates one embodiment of an adapter 30 having a light emitting receptacle 32 that takes the form of a socket structurally similar to that of a socket. In this embodiment, the adapter 30 may include a plug-in portion 16 comprising a three-pin arrangement, similar to the power connector 16 on the rear of the consumer product device 10 of Figure 1. The adapter 30 of Figure 4 it may further comprise a communication module 14 having one or both communication modules limited to the room and transparent communication to the room, as described in detail above. The light-emitting receptacle of Figure 32 can accept the plug of a power cord from any light bulb, light, lamp, or other suitable lighting-providing device with a plug. The light emitting receptacle 32 may further receive other suitable power connectors, such as a power connector associated with a light having an integrated power connector, as seen in emergency lights, for example. Furthermore, in some embodiments, adapter 30 is Integral with a standard wall socket, extension cord, power strip, surge suppressor, or other electrical component.
Like the device 10 illustrated in Figure 1, the adapter 30 of Figures 3 and / or 4 may further include a data collection device, such as sensor 18. Sensor 18 may be a light sensor. , such as a photodiode. In other embodiments, the sensor may be a temperature sensor, a smoke detection sensor, a proximity sensor, or any other suitable sensor or data collection device, or a collection of these. The sensor can communicate with a controller (i.e. controller 20 in Figure 2) residing in adapter 30, or it can communicate with a controller found in other devices that provide Lighting or devices that do not provide Lighting in an ad network associated hoc. The controller can control a power connection to enable or disable power to the light emitter, as ordered by sensor inputs. In some embodiments, activation or deactivation can be controlled, alternatively or additionally, with user input on desired lighting levels for particular hours of the day, activities or other factors, for example.
A lighting-providing product and associated adapter 30 can form an ad hoc mesh network of networked nodes, into which various devices (such as consumer products, devices that provide lighting, devices that do not provide lighting, etc.) enter and they leave the network at will, and all devices on the network can communicate with any and all devices within range. While there may be a central controller, each device may also have its own controller. In some embodiments, a node can provide control signals to the other nodes. Control signals can be transmitted through the use of transparent signals to the room, signals limited to the room, or a combination of transparent signals to the room and signals limited to the room. According to known mesh ad hoc network protocols, a network node can be a bridge node that has the ability to bridge the mesh ad hoc network to other networks.
The analysis of this point has focused on providing consumer products with the capacity to form ad hoc wireless mesh networks. Consumer products can have intelligence that varies from relatively 'dumb', such as light bulbs, sweepers, air fresheners, etc., to high sophistication, such as consumer electronics and computing devices. Having networks of devices with these capabilities can allow a user to segment network nodes into rooms in the home or structure without any prior knowledge of their floor plans.
Room List / Room ID
Figure 5 shows an example of a house floor plan. However, the techniques used in the present description can be applied to any type of structures or environments, such as office buildings, hospitals, hotels, factories, shipyards, stadiums, apartment complexes, airports and warehouses, for example. This description focuses on consumer products within a home for illustrative purposes only. No limitation is intended or should be inferred from this selection.
The nodes of an ad hoc network reside in the rooms, but a system user does not necessarily have to enter into the system the particular floor plan or an identification of the various room types within the structure (i.e. bathroom, bedroom , etc.). Instead, a master node, bridge node, or other controller can analytically determine a floor plan and room types of a structure based on a combination of transparent communications to the room and limited coordinated communications to the room between nodes in the structure. . It should be noted that the user of the techniques and modalities is not necessarily a human consumer. The 'user' can be a Computer device that a human consumer uses to collect this Information, so that the human being does not have to do so. The nodes illustrated in Figure 5 can be associated with a variety of consumer products and devices. Merely by way of example, node A may be associated with a wall socket, node B may be associated with a floor lamp, node E may be associated with an air freshener, node J may be associated with a light switch, node L can be associated with household appliance etc.
Figure 6 shows a flow chart of one embodiment of a method for determining the nodes residing in each room. The mesh ad hoc network is formed at 40. This may include deploying the nodes and then having them transmit signals to notify any node in the area of their presence. The nodes can be products that provide lighting or consumer products, such as those described above. As part of the network formation, the nodes can send their signals and determine the presence of other nodes.
Signals between nodes of the mesh ad hoc network are analyzed at 42. This analysis can take place at one or more locations, such as on the network, at a node, in the cloud, on a computing device such as a computer desktop, on a mobile computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet, etc. Referring to the floor plan in Figure 5, some nodes will be able to 'see' nodes that other nodes cannot 'see', where 'seeing' a node means detecting the presence of the node as, for example, by detecting a signal limited to the room. 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 signals, it can be determined that node J cannot see node M, so there must be a wall or other obstruction between nodes J and M at the time the signal is sent. Similarly, node I can see node H through the gate, but node I cannot see node G, even though node I knows of the existence of node G through the information from node H.
In addition to this analysis, the nodes can determine the distances between them. A receiving node can determine the time of a transmission from another node and determine, from there, the distance between nodes, although not necessarily the orientation. By using these two types of analysis, as examples, the rooms within a structure can be determined. Based on the line of sight data, the nodes can be segmented into rooms. Furthermore, depending on the intensity of the received signal, the network may be able to determine the approximate dimensions of the rooms. Nodes have many ways of detecting each other, such as optically, electrically, through the use of sensors, etc. In some embodiments, the nodes are incorporated into plugs, light switches, and other components typically mounted to a wall in a structure. Those nodes can help determine the approximate dimensions of the rooms in which they are associated, as they are possibly located on the boundaries (i.e. walls) of the rooms.
The previous analysis assumes only the use of a communication module limited to the room. In some modalities, one or more of the nodes can also use a transparent communication module to the room. In this case, the nodes can identify themselves, without relying on communication limited to the room. By coupling this data with the site line data, the network can identify walls and openings between the nodes and segment the nodes into rooms at 44.
For example, with reference to Figure 5, node I can know of the existence of node C based on the transparent communication module to the room. However, observing the signals limited to the room, node I would not be able to detect the presence of node C, indicating that a wall or other barrier interposes between them. On the other hand, by analyzing in time the absence or presence of limited communications to the room, additional intelligence can be obtained about the structure. For example, a door can be located between two nodes of a given structure. When the door is open, limited communications can be transmitted to the room between the two nodes. When the door is closed, limited communications are not transmitted to the room between the two nodes. Consequently, the position of the door can be deduced based on the presence or absence of limited communications to the room between the two nodes.
Furthermore, through the analysis of the transparent communications to the room, it is possible to deduce, alternatively or additionally, various states, activities or events. For example, the signal strength of a transparent communication to the room between two nodes may decrease if a door is moved between the two nodes from an open position to a closed position. In another example, a node is attached to a pet's collar and while the animal is roaming the house, the relative signal strength can be measured for communications between the collar node and other nodes in the house to determine a position real-time pet in the house. In yet another example, a node associated with a person can be tracked to determine the person's position within the house. Therefore, while the person moves around the house, various activities can be activated. As described in more detail below, these activities may include turning lights on / off, turning appliances on (i.e. coffee machines) on / off, controlling HVAC units, security systems, etc. In some embodiments, a node may be associated with a cleaning utensil. When the movement of the cleaning utensil is detected, a music system turns on. Once the nodes are segmented into rooms, the Node Information is updated to associate nodes with particular rooms at 46. One of the nodes in the network may include non-volatile memory, or the non-volatile memory may reside outside the network, but in communication with one of the nodes. The list of rooms and the nodes associated with the rooms can be stored in this memory. The nonvolatile memory node, or has the link to the nonvolatile memory, can be a bridge to another network, such as the Internet. Since one or more nodes within the ad hoc network may be connected to or comprise consumer products that can move or that a user can move, this process can be repeated to acquire updated information. The process can be repeated periodically (for example, every hour, daily or weekly, for example), according to an activation event (adding / removing a node), or it can be repeated when requested by a user, for example.
It should be noted that although the process illustrated above concentrates on segmenting the nodes into rooms, it is also possible to segment the devices into additional or alternative types of segments, such as segmenting them by user, by type of device, etc. Consequently, although this description focuses on quarter segmentation, the use of other types of segments should be considered within the scope of the modalities presented in this description.
Purpose of the room
Once the nodes are segmented into rooms and the nodes associated with those rooms are identified, a purpose can be determined for each room. Figure 7 shows a flowchart of one embodiment of a method for assigning a purpose to the room. Processes 50-56 mimic those in Figure 6 with a similar, if not identical, analysis of the signals to segment the nodes into rooms. The nodes form the network at 50 and the signals between the nodes are analyzed. Analysis may take place, for example, at each individual node, at a master node, if there is one designated, on the network, in the cloud, on a computing device, such as a desktop computer, on a mobile computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet, or any combination of these. After segmenting the nodes into rooms, the network obtains, at 58, the identity of one of the nodes in a room.
Obtaining the identity of one of the nodes in a room can be based on any number of identification processes. For example, the nodes themselves may have information that they encode in the signals they transmit, such as a device identifier, a stock keeping unit number, a name, etc. In some embodiments, this information is transmitted in transparent communications to the node room. In some embodiments, this information is transmitted in limited communications to the node room. In still other modalities, this information is transmitted both in communications limited to the room and in transparent communications to the node room. In some modes, the user can provide this information on the node when activating the node. The information can be provided by using any suitable technique, for example, by using the USB port or a resident interface on the node, such as a wireless interface, for example. In some embodiments, the user can interact with the node through an application that runs on a computing device. In any case, the node can store this information together with what will be called in this description 'node data'. Node data can include any information about the node, such as the type of device on the node, the state of the device (for example, full or nearly empty, for example), its power state, other nodes to which it is connected , etc.
In one embodiment, the node data comprises at least one identifier for the consumer product device that resides on the node. That node or another node on the network has access to a database of identifiers and uses the identifier as an index in the database. The information obtained provides more information about the node to the network. For example, the consumer product device may have a stock keeping unit (SKU) number as its identifier. Access to a database causes the SKU to be identified as a toothbrush. In addition, there may be other types of identifiers. The identifier can be a barcode, a network address, an RFID-based code, an assumed identity based on an analysis of surrounding devices or information about the environment, etc. Based on this information, a function can be assigned to the room at 60, in this example, where the toothbrush resides as a bathroom.
The database can also take many forms. It can be a fully populated product database, a small lookup table, or any other suitable format. The database may reside in the nonvolatile memory of a network node, or it may reside external to the network, but be accessible through a link to the external network, such as at the bridge node.
Access to the database can also occur in layers. A first database can identify a particular device such as a toothbrush, activating access to a second database that provides more information about the toothbrush, such as a model or brand number. In one embodiment, the accessed database may comprise a database populated by consumers who have similar networks and may have a better understanding of function allocation in the room.
The database can be organized in many different ways. In one embodiment, the database comprises a node table, a quarter table, and associations between the node table and the quarter table. In another, the database is a wireless network node table, a room table in the house, a list of room functions, and associations between room, room, and node functions. Associations can be updated over time as nodes move between rooms, leave the network, as products associated with the nodes are used, or new nodes are added to the network, for example.
In one modality, the information contained in the list of rooms can be useful in assigning a function to the room. Room function can be assigned based on a historical or previous list of rooms, a current node function list, a historical node function list, current node location data, historical node location data, current sensor data , historical sensor data, user preference data, an external database of room functions, structure plans and external structure related data.
In some embodiments, the identification of a room may be based on the node data collected from two or more nodes within a room. For example, if a first node in a room is identified as a hand soap dispenser, the room associated with the hand soap dispenser could possibly be a kitchen or bathroom. Once a second node in the room is identified as a dishwasher (or other product commonly used in a kitchen), the system could conclude that the first node is in a kitchen.
Actions
After identifying a purpose for the room, actions can be taken based on the purpose of the room and the nodes in the room. Figure 8 shows one modality of this process. In one embodiment, the ad hoc network has, at 62, a node associated with a consumer product, such as an air freshener dispenser. As will be readily understood, however, the nodes may be associated with any type of consumer product device, as described with respect to Figure 1. In addition, the network has a node with a Computing device such as node A, that has a link to an internal or external network, sometimes called a bridge node.
At 62, the consumer product node sends the data to the computing device node. This data can be node data, described above, and can include a node identifier, a state of the consumer product and / or the energy state, etc. Node data can include information gathered from a sensor at the consumer product node. The computing device can then access, at 64, a database to collect more data about the node and associate that data with the node data. The Computing device can then make, at 66, a determination of an action to be taken with respect to the device at the node and perform that action at 68. The action can be internal or external to the network.
Internal actions can include altering the function of the node, such as turning it off, turning it on, slowing it down, reducing its use, etc. This may include altering the operation of devices associated with the current node, for example, activating another device if one is running low on supplies. Furthermore, it may comprise updating an Internal database, such as a shopping list to be provided to a user, identifying the necessary supplies at a particular node, or sending a message to the user within the network.
External actions may include sending a text message to a user via a link to a cell phone network, sending an email through an Internet portal and a mail client, accessing an e-commerce portal to order more supplies, access information about devices residing on a node from an external database, or any other appropriate external action.
For example, assuming the node has an air freshener dispenser, the node data may include an identifier that identifies the device as an air freshener and a state that indicates an amount of air freshener remaining in the package. The node transmits this data to the computing device. The computing device accesses an internal or external database, and determines that, based on that amount, the tank is almost empty. In this case, the database can simply be a list stored in memory. The computing device then identifies different actions based on the container being nearly empty. The device can contact the user to notify them of the situation (for example, via text message, email, or instant message). The device could access an e-commerce portal and place an order for an air freshener. Also, the device could suspend the operation of the air freshener to prevent the air freshener device from running out. The device could instruct another node associated with an air freshener to start operating.
The actions or activities generated by various conditions that the nodes detect can also be interconnected, for example, when a first condition is satisfied in a first node, certain activities are generated in other nodes. Therefore, if it is determined that a user is cleaning the house (i.e. by detecting the movement of a node associated with a mop), a series of events can be initiated. Those events can be user-defined, such as adjusting the lights to a certain setting, turning on an entertainment system, drawing curtains, dispensing an air freshener, etc. Other detected events can generate other activities. For example, if it is determined that the home has not been occupied for a certain number of hours (or days), the lights throughout the home may be cyclically turned on or off as a safety measure. Also, the lights in a room can be turned off (or at least dimmed) if it is determined that an occupant of the room has left it.
The selection of the action, or actions, to be executed may comprise sensor inputs, user inputs, preconditions configured by the user, etc. For example, a sensor can detect that an air flow through an air filter has dropped below a particular threshold, indicating that the filter should be cleaned or replaced. This information would help the network select the action to take.
In this way, the network gains valuable knowledge about the devices at the network nodes, allowing the network to provide services to the user automatically. The more tasks and services the network can handle, the easier it is to use the products and the network for the user. By having that existing network in a structure, other benefits may also appear.
Discovery of the house
As previously mentioned regarding determining the layout of the structure, a user may not have available floor plans or plans to enter the network. However, the network nodes can 'see' the structure differently based on the communication signals between the various network nodes. Therefore, one of the benefits of the network may lie in its ability to develop a three-dimensional representation of the structure. Figure 9 shows an embodiment of a method for performing a 'house discovery', where a network of devices generates a three-dimensional representation of the house. While Figure 9 is illustrated in the context of a home, it should be readily apparent that systems and methods can be used to determine the design of any type of structure or environment. In 80, a network is provided that has at least three nodes. Using three nodes allows one node to triangulate its position relative to the other two nodes. Generally, the communication modules on these nodes will be the transparent modules to the room. Having three nodes provides enough information for signal analysis, and since one of the nodes may reside on a different floor, the signal generated by modules limited to the fourth would not reach that node. In 82 the flight time of the signals between the three nodes is obtained. At 84, signal analysis can generate a three-dimensional representation of the structure, as shown in Figure 10. In some embodiments, the flight time calculation is provided by a chip associated with the transparent module to the room, such as wireless microcontroller chips powered by Jennet-IP network protocol stacks offered 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 can be connected to a floor sweeper, such as a Swiffer® mop. The movement of the floor sweeper during use provides information on how far there are floors without carpet and also provides more triangulation data such as the location of the other two nodes. In another example, a node may be connected to a robotic vacuum cleaner, such as a Roomba®. In this configuration, you can identify the carpeted surfaces as well as possible information about the locations of the furniture in the rooms. The user could even use a feather duster or other type of 'rod' structure and map the structure for the network. Still another alternative would comprise attaching a node to a pet. Naturally, other mobile nodes are possible.
More information translates into a more accurate picture of the house. Although the description above focuses on the use of the transparent communication module to the room as a means of locating the nodes, it is also possible to use the modules limited to the room, as well as the segmentation of the room and the purposes of the room that were previously identified . All of this additional information can be used, along with signal analysis, to generate a three-dimensional representation of the house, which can include a list of rooms, a list of nodes within rooms, a status of a consumer product associated with nodes, etc. This Information can be stored within the network or external to it, but accessible by at least one node.
Network architecture
Figure 11 shows an Illustrative network architecture comprising an ad hoc network 100 formed by a plurality of AE nodes. Ad hoc network 100 is contained within structure 130. As described above, structure 120 may be a multi-room and / or multi-story structure, where the AE nodes are temporarily or permanently positioned throughout the structure. Within structure 130 various groups of nodes can be segmented into rooms (not shown). One or more AE nodes can be associated with a consumer product, such as a product that provides lighting, for example. Furthermore, one or more AE nodes may include a sensor, which may be similar to sensor 18 (Figures 1-4). The AE nodes may further comprise a communication module to facilitate limited communications to the room and transparent communications to the room.
Figure 11 illustrates various communication channels between the nodes. AE nodes communicate with various other nodes through communications limited to room 102, 104,106, 108, 110. Since AE nodes are located in rooms throughout an entire structure, some nodes are not in communication with other nodes via signals of communication limited to the room. With reference, now, to the transparent communication signal to the room, node A is in communication with each node AE through transparent communications to room 112, 114, 116, 118. Through transparent communications to room 112, 114, 116, 118, Node A can perform a variety of functions, such as requesting node data from BE nodes, initiating functionality at BE nodes, etc.
It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the various BE nodes may additionally communicate with each other through transparent communications to the room (not shown). Those communications can be used, for example, for the calculation of the flight time, in order to determine the relative distances between nodes within the ad hoc network 100. Therefore, while node B and node E, for example, are not in communication using limited room communications in Figure 11, node E may still be able to receive and respond to transparent room communication sent from node B.
In Figure 11, node A functions as a bridge node and bridges the ad hoc network 100 and a communications network 122 through network communications 120. As can be seen, communication network 122 can be any type Network suitable and may include a large number of computers and / or data networks, including the Internet, and may comprise wired and / or wireless communication links. Furthermore, while node A serves as a bridge to communications network 122, this description is not limited thereto. Other nodes or devices can function as a bridge device.
A computing device 124 may further be in communication with the communications network 122. The computing device 124 may be any type of client device suitable for communication over the communications network 122, such as a personal computer, a laptop or a netbook, for example. In some embodiments, computing device 124 is a mobile communication device, including any computer or computing device running an operating system for use on mobile devices, such as smart phones, PDAs, tablets, cell phones, and the like. For example, a mobile communication device can include devices such as the Apple iPhone ™, the Apple ¡Pad ™, the Palm Pre ™, or any device that runs the Apple iOS ™, Android ™ OS, Google Chrome OS, Symbian OS ™ , Windows Mobile ™ OS, Palm OS ™ or Palm Web
OS ™.
In some embodiments, a user interacting with computing device 124 may further interact with a specialized application, sometimes called an "app" that includes instructions executable by computer capable of executing on the computing device's computing platform. 124 to interact with various nodes of the ad hoc network 100. The computing device 124 may additionally or alternatively provide one or more other applications that allow a user to perform various tasks with the ad hoc network 100 and / or receive communications generated by a node within the ad hoc network. Applications may include, without limitation, a web browser application (for example, INTERNET EXPLORER, MOZILLA, FIREFOX, SAFARI, OPERA, NETSCAPE NAVIGATOR), telephony application (for example, cellular, VolP, PTT), network application , messaging application (for example, email, IM, SMS, MMS, BLACKBERRY Messenger), calendar application, etc.
Figure 12 shows an alternative network architecture in which communication network 122 is local to structure 130. Communication network 122 of Figure 12 may comprise computer systems located within a specific local geographic area, such as the office. , home, or other indoor and outdoor facilities interconnected by a local area network, commonly called a LAN. The LAN can also be connected to additional public networks (not shown), such as the Internet. To provide the wireless extension of the LAN network through the use of wi-fi, one or more wi-fi access points can be connected to the LAN network. One or more AE nodes, such as bridge node A, may be in communication with communication network 122. Computing device 124 may further be in communication with communication network 122. Similar to Figure 11, computing device 124, through its connection to communication network 122, can control or receive information in any other way related to the various nodes of ad hoc network 100.
Figure 13 shows an illustrative network architecture comprising a network device 134, which comprises one or more databases (for simplicity, a single database 136 is illustrated). As described above with reference to Figure 8, for example, database 136 can store product information, node data, room lists, room function lists, node and room associations, etc. The network device 134 can be placed at any suitable point in the network architecture, including in the vicinity of the structure associated with the ad hoc network 100 or at a location generally remote from the ad hoc network 100 (i.e. in a cloud-based provision). In some embodiments, database 136 may be located at bridge node A. In some embodiments, bridge node A can communicate directly with database 136 by using database communications 138 to send Information to database 136, as well as retrieve Information associated with ad hoc network 100 , as described above with respect to Figure 6, for example. In other embodiments, database 136 can be accessed through communications through communications network 122. Some implementations may use a plurality of databases, such as a first database local to the structure to store a list of rooms, and a second database in a cloud-based layout to store product information.
The information stored in database 136, or other databases associated with the system, can be used for any suitable purpose, such as for analysis. For example, the information can be used to provide consumer-related information related to product consumption, product use, and other types of consumption habits.
A user may interact with computing device 124 to control or receive Information in any other way about the various nodes of ad hoc network 100. While the type of control will vary based on the type of nodes and the type of consumer products associated with the nodes, the illustrative types of controls include operating products that provide lighting, operating security systems, operating household appliances, operating heating / air conditioning systems etc. In addition, a user may receive Product Information, for example, through a messaging application, related to the status of a consumer product associated with the ad hoc network 100, or other types of Information. In some embodiments, room lists, room function lists, nodes associated with rooms, product lists, and other information stored in databases associated with ad hoc network 100 may be accessible by computing device 124.
In some embodiments, instructions for an Onboarding process may be presented on the Computing device 124. The Computing device 124 may be in communication with the ad hoc network 100 through a public network (ie, Figure 11) or may be in communication with a local network to a bridge node of the ad hoc network (that is, Figure 12). In any case, the instructions can be presented through a web browser or a specialized application that is running on the Computing device 124. In an illustrative Incorporation process, the user receives instructions to turn on certain products that provide lighting within a structure. Once the lighting-providing products were turned on, it can be determined, based on data collected from sensors at the respective nodes, which nodes are communicating in line of sight with that lighting-providing product. In some embodiments, when the lighting-providing products are turned on, they are instructed to pulse at a certain frequency that is not noticeable to the human eye, as described below with respect to Figure 14. In some cases, the user may operating a wall switch to simultaneously turn on a plurality of lighting-providing products.
In accordance with the instructions of computing device 124, the user can iteratively turn on and off products that provide lighting. In some modes, the user can turn on two lighting-providing products within a specified time period (i.e. 5 seconds) to establish a grouping of those lighting-providing products. For example, during the onboarding process, the user can turn on two floor lamps and a table lamp within a certain period of time in a living room. The system will understand that those three lighting-providing products (i.e. nodes) are related and can be controlled simultaneously to illuminate the living room. In some embodiments, products that provide lighting or other types of device may transmit an identifier (such as a SKU number), so that a circuit or other grouping of nodes can be established. Throughout the onboarding process, bridge node A, or another network device, may collect information from the ad hoc network 100 and / or user nodes. For example, the user may enter, through an interface into computing device 124, functionality of a particular room in structure 130. In some embodiments, computing device 124 provides the user, based on node data, with a list of certain room functions and the user confirms or edits the room functions. Once the onboarding process is complete, the user can interact with computing device 124 to control or receive data from the ad hoc network nodes 100. In some embodiments, the onboarding process can be automated, in which case requires little or no user input, as described below with respect to Figure 14.
Zero configuration network
Figure 14 shows an illustrative message sequence diagram for forming a zero configuration ad hoc network comprising a plurality of nodes capable of dual channel communications. The ad hoc network comprises a master node, node A, node B, node C, node D, and a database. As will be readily appreciated, however, an ad hoc network in accordance with the present disclosure may have a relatively high number of nodes, where each can join and leave the network. Each of the AD nodes in Figure 14 comprises a communication module, which may be similar to communication module 14 in
Figure 2, to provide limited communications to the room and transparent communications to the room. While each of the AE nodes in the ad hoc network in Figure 14 has communication functionality limited to the fourth and transparent to the fourth, other ad hoc networks may include nodes that do not have forms of communication functionality. For example, some nodes may only be able to detect limited communications to the room, but not transmit them. Some nodes may only be able to transmit and receive transparent communications to the room.
For illustration purposes, each of the AD nodes is associated with a respective product that provides lighting. As will be readily appreciated, however, various nodes can be associated with a wide range of other types of products and devices, such as kitchen appliances, cleaning products, product dispensers, consumer products, computer devices, people, pets , wall plugs, light switches, etc.
During an illustrative zero configuration process, the master node first instructs each node to acquire a sample of the Illumination level in the vicinity of the node. This Instruction can take any suitable form, which includes a transparent communication message to the room transmitted simultaneously to all AD nodes in the network, or the instruction can be a specific communication directed to particular nodes. In the illustrated mode, the master node sends instructions 212, 216, 220, 224 to node A, node B, node C, and node D, respectively. Although a master node is illustrated in Figure 14, any suitable network element can send the instructions. In response to receiving the Instruction, each node measures a level of illumination through the use of a sensor (such as a photodiode) that is associated with the node. In some embodiments, once the measurements have been made, the AE nodes transmit the light level data to the master node in transparent communications to room 214, 218, 222, 226, respectively, to store them in a database. In some embodiments, the light levels measured at each node are stored locally on the node for use by the node in a later process.
Once the backlighting levels at each node were measured, the master node sends a command 228 to a subset of the entire node network. In the illustrated mode, command 228 is sent to a single node (node A). Command 228 instructs node A to transmit a limited communication signal to room 230. The limited communication signal to room 230 can be any suitable type of signal, such as optical, audio, etc. In this embodiment, since node A is associated with a lighting-providing product, the lighting-providing product can be turned on and off at a particular frequency for a particular duration, in order to generate a modulated light source. The communication signal limited to room 230 may be imperceptible to the human eye. In one embodiment, the light source associated with node A is modulated at approximately 1.8 kHz to generate the signal limited to the fourth, so that the modulation frequency is aligned with the center frequency of a bandpass filter on the receivers , although other frequencies can be used. Other modes may use different frequencies. In some embodiments, the frequency is in the range of about 600Hz to about 2000Hz. During the emission of the limited communications signal to the room by node A, the signals limited to the room
232, 234 are received by node C and node D. In other words, nodes C and D are in line-of-sight communication with node A. In the illustrated example, node B does not receive a signal limited to the fourth node A, which could be due to the presence of a physical obstacle (such as a wall, floor, or door, for example) blocking the line-of-sight path between node A and node B.
Once the master node instructed node A to transmit limited communication to the room, the master node instructs each node to acquire a second sample of the illumination level in the vicinity of the node. In the illustrated mode, the master node sends instructions 234, 238, 242 to node B, node C, and node D, respectively. In response to receiving the instruction, each node can measure a level of illumination by using a sensor. BD nodes can use a filtering circuitry, so only certain frequencies (such as approximately 1.8 kHz) are measured. In some embodiments, once the measurements have been made, the BD nodes transmit the illumination level data to the master node in transparent communications to room 236, 240, 244, respectively. In those modes, the master node, or another network entity, can compare the initial measurements received by transparent communications to room 218, 222, 226 to determine if the respective node received limited communication to the room. In this case, measurements received from nodes C and D would indicate successful reception of the limited communication to the room of node A. In modes where the measured levels are stored at the node, each node can individually determine whether limited communication to the room was received and then supply that information to the master node for further processing.
The general messaging in Figure 14 can be repeated for each node in the ad hoc network, so that each node is instructed in series to issue limited communication to the room, so that the nodes receiving the communication can be identified and registered. Additionally, nodes can supply data to the master node that can be used to determine the function of the room. After a loop through each node in the ad hoc network, or at any other appropriate time in the zero configuration process, the master node can communicate with a database via communication 246 to provide the corresponding Information regarding the ad hoc network, such as node grouping, SKU numbers, product information, room functions, etc.
Once the room list and node segmentation have been determined, it can be queried when a new node appears on the network. As an example, nodes A, C, and D can be determined to be in a bathroom of a structure. A user can place a new node in the bathroom. The new node can transmit a transparent communication to the room to the master node to inform the master node of its presence in the network. The master node can instruct you to issue limited communication to the room. In this case, nodes A, C, and D would detect limited communication to the room.
Based on this detection of limited communication to the room, the master node, or another entity, would determine that the new node is physically located in the same room as nodes A, C, and D and, accordingly, could update the list of rooms and node segmentation.
The above modalities provide a user with a convenient, simple and easy to use way to establish a network of product nodes in an environment, such as consumer products in an environment. The network collects information for the user or can act more autonomously. The end result is a network of devices that can help the user maintain and enjoy the environment.
Each document cited in this description, which includes any cross-reference or related patent or application, and any patent or patent application to which this application claims priority or benefit from it, is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, to Unless expressly excluded or limited in any other way. All documents cited in this description, including any cross references or related applications or patents, are Incorporated in their entirety in the present description by reference unless expressly excluded or limited in any other way. Furthermore, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this document shall govern.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those with experience in the industry that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It has been intended, therefore, to encompass in the appended claims all changes and modifications within the scope of the invention.
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24 members in 7 offices
Priority claims9
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13551562 | United States of America | – | |
| 201213551562 | United States of America | A | |
| 201213551562 | United States of America | A | |
| 2013050839 | United States of America | W | |
| 2013050839 | United States of America | W | |
| 13551562 | – | – | – |
| US1350839 | – | – | – |
| US201213551562 | – | – | – |
| WO2013US50839 | – | – | – |
Members24
| Document | Office | Kind | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2879641A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| CA2879649A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| US2014023060A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2014025805A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| WO2014015007A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| WO2014015009A2 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A2 | |
| WO2014015009A3 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A3 | |
| WO2014015009A3 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A3 | |
| CN104487860A | China | A | |
| CN104508506A | China | A | |
| MX2015000705AThis record | Mexico | A | |
| MX2015000780A | Mexico | A | |
| EP2875374A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| EP2875375A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| JP2015530008A | Japan | A | |
| JP2015532796A | Japan | A | |
| JP6010226B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| JP6085027B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| CN104487860B | China | B | |
| MX349290B | Mexico | B | |
| CN104508506B | China | B | |
| US10165654B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| EP2875374B1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 | |
| EP2875375B1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 |
Numbers
- Publication
- 2015000705
- Publication, DOCDB
- 2015000705
- Publication, EPODOC
- MX2015000705
- Application
- 2015000705
- Application, DOCDB
- 2015000705
- Application, EPODOC
- MX20150000705
Titles2
- Spanish
- METODOS PARA DISPOSITIVOS DE CONSUMO EN REDES.
- English
- METHODS FOR NETWORKING CONSUMER DEVICES.
Classification
- CPC, 11
- G01S1/76
- H04B11/00
- H04L12/2803
- G01S5/16
- G01S5/18
- H04B10/1149
- H04B10/116
- G01S1/725
- G08B21/18
- G01S1/753
- H05B47/19
- IPC, 7
- G01S1 68
- G07F11 00
- H04B10 114
- H04B11 00
- H04L12 28
- H04W4 04
- H05B41 00