Automated system for lighting control

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/405,681, filed Oct. 7, 2016, entitled “Automated System for Lighting Control,” the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference for all purposes.

0002This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/146,369, entitled “Automated System for Lighting Control,” filed May 4, 2016, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/156,680, entitled “Automated System for Lighting Control,” filed May 4, 2015; the disclosure of each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

0003This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/521,884, entitled “Automated System for Lighting Control,” filed Oct. 23, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/894,899 entitled, “Automated System for Lighting Control,” filed Oct. 23, 2013; the disclosure of each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

0004This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/848,667, entitled “Wireless Sensor System, Method and Apparatus with Switch and Outlet Control,” filed Mar. 21, 2013, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/613,753, entitled “Wireless Sensor System with Switch and Outlet Control,” filed Mar. 21, 2012; the disclosure of each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

0005Some embodiments described herein relate generally to wireless sensor systems, methods and apparatus with switch and outlet control.

0006Known systems exist for remotely controlling power to switches and outlets. Such system, however, may use long cabling runs to control an individual switch or outlet. Other known system may frequently use battery power, causing rapid depletion of onboard batteries and/or may use additional cabling to provide power to local switch and outlet controllers.

0007Thus, a need exists for a wireless sensor systems, methods and apparatus with switch and outlet control.

SUMMARY

0008In some embodiments, a method includes receiving, at a first wireless device of a plurality of wireless devices, a data packet including an indication of a source of the data packet. In response to the first wireless device being associated with the source of the data packet, whether the first wireless device is a local repeater can be determined based at least in part on at least one of a random number or a number of wireless devices of the plurality of wireless devices. In response to the first wireless device being determined to be a local repeater, the first wireless device can be caused to be configured as a local repeater such that the first wireless device sends the data packet to at least one remaining wireless device of the plurality of wireless devices. In response to the first wireless device being determined to not be a local repeater, the first wireless device does not repeat the data packet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0009<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a schematic illustration of a wireless sensor system according to an embodiment.

0010<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a schematic illustration of a wireless sensor and junction box according to an embodiment.

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a schematic illustration of a wireless sensor system according to an embodiment.

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a schematic illustration of a wireless sensor system according to an embodiment.

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a schematic illustration of a wireless sensor system according to an embodiment.

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a schematic illustration of a wireless sensor coupled to a network gateway device according to an embodiment.

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is an illustration of a wireless sensor according to an embodiment.

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is an illustration of a front view of a wireless sensor according to an embodiment.

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is an illustration of a side view of the wireless sensor shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>.

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a schematic illustration of a wireless sensor and junction box according to an embodiment.

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a schematic illustration of a wireless sensor and junction box according to an embodiment.

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a schematic illustration of a wireless sensor and junction box according to an embodiment.

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a schematic illustration of a wireless sensor and junction box according to an embodiment.

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a schematic illustration of a wireless sensor and junction box according to an embodiment.

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a schematic illustration of a wireless sensor and junction box according to an embodiment.

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is an illustration of a wireless sensor, a faceplate, and a junction box according to an embodiment.

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is an illustration of a front perspective view of an antenna of a wireless sensor according to an embodiment.

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is an illustration of a rear perspective view of the antenna shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>.

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is an illustration of a second rear perspective view of the antenna shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>.

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is an illustration of a front perspective view of the antenna shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> at least partially disposed in a junction box according to an embodiment.

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> is an illustration of a rear perspective view of the antenna shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> at least partially disposed in a junction box according to an embodiment.

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> is an illustration of a second rear perspective view of the antenna shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> at least partially disposed in a junction box according to an embodiment.

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> is a schematic illustration of a lighting control system according to an embodiment.

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> is a schematic illustration of a portion of a lighting control system according to an embodiment.

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> is a schematic illustration of multiple gateways interfacing a proxy server connected to a cloud server according to an embodiment.

0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 26A and 26B</figref> are schematic illustrations of a wireless switch according to a first and second embodiment, respectively.

0035<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> is a schematic illustration of a flow chart of method of operating a lighting control system according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0036In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a signal indicating that a timeout timer associated with a space has crossed a threshold. If a motion sensor is disposed within the space, the method includes sending a signal to a wireless controller operatively coupled to a light source such that the wireless controller reverts to a default state. If (1) a motion sensor is not disposed within the space and (2) a light sensor is disposed within the space, the method includes sending a signal to the wireless controller such that the wireless controller is controlled by the light sensor.

0037In some embodiments, the method includes receiving a signal from the light sensor indicating that a lux level of the space is below a predetermined level, and sending a signal to the wireless controller to causes the light in the space to brighten. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving a signal from the light sensor indicating that a lux level of the space is above a predetermined level and sending a signal to the wireless controller such that the wireless controller causes a light in the space to dim. In some embodiments, if a motion sensor is disposed within the space, the method includes resetting, in response to an indication from the motion sensor that the space is occupied, the timeout timer. In some embodiments, the timeout timer is set for thirty minutes. In some embodiments, if the (1) the motion sensor is not disposed within the space and (2) a light sensor is not disposed within the space, the method includes sending, in response to an indication that the space is not scheduled to be occupied, a signal to the wireless controller such that the wireless controller reverts to the default state. In some such embodiments, the default state is OFF.

0038In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a network gateway device. The network gateway device is configured to be wirelessly coupled to (1) a wireless switch, (2) a light sensor disposed in a space, and (3) a wireless controller coupled to a light that is configured provide a lux level to the space. The network gateway device configured to receive, from the light sensor, an indication of an ambient light level of the space. The network gateway device is configured to receive, from the wireless switch, a signal indicative of a request for the light to be turned on. The network gateway device is configured to send, to the wireless controller, a command configured to cause the light to increase in brightness an amount based on the ambient light of the space.

0039In some embodiments, the network gateway device is configured to receive a signal indicating that a timeout timer has crossed a threshold, and, if a motion sensor is disposed within the space, the network gateway device is configured to send a signal to the wireless controller such that the wireless controller reverts to a default state. In some such embodiments, the default state is ON. In some embodiments, the network gateway device is configured to receive a data packet including an identification of a motion sensor disposed within the space and the network gateway device is configured to associate the motion sensor with the wireless controller. In some embodiments, the network gateway device is configured to receive, from the light sensor, an indication of the lux level of the space and the network gateway device is configured to send signal to the wireless controller such that a brightness level of the light changes to maintain the lux level of the space within a predetermined range. In some such embodiments, the predetermined range is between 350 and 450. In some embodiments, the network gateway device is wirelessly coupled to the wireless controller via two channels simultaneously.

0040In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a wireless controller configured to be operatively coupled to a light that is configured to selectively provide a lux level to a space. The wireless controller is configured to be wirelessly coupled to (1) a network gateway device that is wirelessly coupled to a light sensor and (2) a wireless switch. The wireless controller is configured to receive, from the network gateway device in response to the network gateway device receiving a request from the wireless switch, an instruction to increase a brightness of the light an amount based on a data from the light sensor indicative of the lux level of the space. The wireless controller is configured to send a signal to the light such that the brightness of the light is increased.

0041In some embodiments, the wireless controller is configured to be line-powered and the wireless switch is configured to be battery-powered. In some embodiments, the wireless controller is configured to wirelessly couple the light sensor to the network gateway device by repeating all packets received from the light sensor to the network gateway device. In some embodiments, the wireless controller is configured to receive an indication of a lost connection with the network gateway device and the wireless controller is configured to, in response to the lost connection, default to an ON state. In some embodiments, the wireless controller is configured to receive, from the network gateway device, a signal to revert to a default state in response to the network gateway device receiving (1) a signal indicating that a timeout timer crossed a threshold and (2) an indication from a motion sensor that the space in unoccupied.

0042In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a signal indicating that a timeout timer associated with a space has crossed a threshold. If a motion sensor is disposed within the space, the method includes sending a signal to a wireless controller operatively coupled to a light source within the space such that the wireless controller reverts to a default state. If (1) a motion sensor is not disposed within the space and (2) an indication is received that the space is not scheduled to be occupied, the method includes sending a signal to the wireless controller such that the wireless controller reverts to the default state.

0043In some embodiments, if (1) the motion sensor is not disposed within the space and (2) an indication is received that the space is scheduled to be occupied, the method includes allowing the wireless controller to continue in a present state. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving, from a battery-powered capacitive touch switch, a signal indicative of a request to increase a brightness of the light source. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving, from a battery-powered capacitive touch switch, a signal indicative of a request to reduce a brightness of the light source. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving, from a battery-powered capacitive touch switch, a signal indicative of a request to turn off the light source.

0044In some embodiments, a method includes receiving, at a first wireless device of a plurality of wireless devices, a data packet including an indication of a source of the data packet. In response to the first wireless device being associated with the source of the data packet, whether the first wireless device is a local repeater can be determined based at least in part on at least one of a random number or a number of wireless devices of the plurality of wireless devices. In response to the first wireless device being determined to be a local repeater, the first wireless device can be caused to be configured as a local repeater such that the first wireless device sends the data packet to at least one remaining wireless device of the plurality of wireless devices. In response to the first wireless device being determined to not be a local repeater, the first wireless device does not repeat the data packet.

0045In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a first wireless device having a transceiver and a processor. The processor can be operatively coupled to the transceiver. The transceiver can be configured to receive a data packet and the processor can be configured to determine whether to repeat the data packet at least in part in response to the first wireless device being associated with a source of the data packet. The transceiver can, at a first time, be configured to repeat the data packet in response to a determination to repeat the data packet during operation of the first wireless device. The transceiver can, at a second time different from the first time, be configured to not repeat the data packet in response to a determination to not repeat the data packet during operation of the first wireless device.

0046In some embodiments, a system includes a network repeater configured to repeat data packets and a plurality of wireless devices operatively coupled to the network repeater. The network repeater can have a first transmission power level associated with a first propagation distance. Each wireless device from the plurality of wireless devices can be operatively coupled to the remaining wireless devices of the plurality of wireless devices and associated with a light source from a plurality of light sources. Each wireless device of the plurality of wireless devices can be configured to individually determine whether to operate as a local repeater such that at least one wireless device of the plurality of wireless devices operates as a local repeater and at least one remaining wireless device of the plurality of wireless devices operates as an end device and not a local repeater. The local repeater can be configured to repeat data packets at a second transmission power level associated with a second propagation distance. The second transmission power level can be less than the first transmission power level and the second propagation distance can be less than the first propagation distance.

0047A wireless sensor system can be used to measure and monitor environmental characteristics of, for example, a room of a building, characteristics of a wireless sensor itself, for example, whether a plug is in use, and/or to effect a characteristic of a room or the wireless sensor. By way of example, a wireless sensor can include a light or outlet switch configured to sense and/or control whether an electrical switch controlling a light or outlet is opened or closed. In another example, a wireless sensor can include carbon monoxide sensor configured to measure a level of carbon monoxide in an area. In some embodiments, aspects of a wireless sensor system can be retrofitted into an existing system without the need to make additional changes to the existing system. For example, a light switch type wireless sensor described herein can replace an existing light switch without the need to add additional wiring, replace junction boxes, etc.

0048As used in this specification, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, the term “a data packet” is intended to mean a data packet or a combination of data packets.

0049<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a schematic illustration of a wireless sensor system (“system”) <b>100</b> according to an embodiment, system <b>100</b> includes a wireless sensor <b>110</b>. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the wireless sensor <b>110</b> may be disposed within an electrical enclosure (not shown). System <b>100</b> includes a wireless repeater <b>130</b>, a wireless repeater <b>130</b>′, and a network gateway device <b>140</b>.

0050System <b>100</b> includes a wireless sensor <b>110</b> that is configured to measure a characteristic of wireless sensor <b>110</b> and/or of a room with which wireless sensor <b>110</b> is located. In some embodiments, wireless sensor <b>110</b> can include an environmental sensor, for example, to measure a temperature, pressure, carbon gas levels, humidity etc. In some embodiments, wireless sensor <b>110</b> can include an area sensor, for example, to measure motion, light level, proximity, touch, etc. In some embodiments, wireless sensor <b>110</b> can include an electrical sensor, for example, to measure and/or control an energy usage, switch state, outlet state, etc. In some embodiments, at least a portion of wireless sensor <b>110</b> can be disposed within the electrical enclosure. In some embodiments, an electrical enclosure can be a standard electrical junction box, for example, a metal and/or plastic box that is configured to be disposed in and/or on a wall and/or other support, and that is configured to house one or more electrical connections and/or associated components, for example, switches, outlets, etc. In some embodiments, the electrical enclosure can generally be any enclosure normally used to house AC or DC wiring electrical connections, such as grounded enclosures (e.g. light fixtures, breaker boxes, distribution panels, etc.). In some embodiments, wireless sensor <b>110</b> can include a sensor module (not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>), processor module (not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>), a first radio module (not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>), a second radio module (not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>), a first antenna (not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>), a second antenna (not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>). In some embodiments, wireless sensor <b>110</b> can include a battery (not shown), a switch (not shown), an analog-to-digital converter (not shown), ports (not shown), interfaces (not shown), etc. In some embodiments, wireless sensor <b>110</b> can operate as a wireless repeater, for example, similar to wireless repeater <b>130</b> described below, for other wireless sensors.

0051Wireless sensor <b>110</b> can include the sensor module to measure a value of a characteristic of wireless sensor <b>110</b> and/or an environment within which wireless sensor <b>110</b> is located. For example, the sensor module can measure an environmental value (temperature, pressure, motion etc), a motion and/or occupancy value, and/or a characteristic and/or state of an electrical component associated with wireless sensor <b>110</b> (open or closed light switch, electrical outlet plugged in or in use, etc). In some embodiments, the sensor module can be included in the processor module. The sensor module can measure the value at a predetermined time and/or on a predetermined schedule, in response to an event, etc. The sensor module can provide the value of a measurement to the processor module. In some embodiments, sensor module <b>110</b> can include a clock module (not shown) to prompt a measurement based on the predetermined time and/or schedule. In such embodiments, the clock module can include a “loose tolerance” of between about 5-10%. In such an embodiment, the clock module can include an RC based oscillator to implement the loose tolerance. In such embodiments, the RC based oscillator can be included in the processor module. In this manner, a system <b>100</b> that includes more than one wireless sensor <b>110</b> that each includes a clock module having substantially the same setting can, via radio/antenna sets, send signals at different times to reduce communication collisions. In some such embodiments, the clock can determine when a measurement is taken and/or when a data packet including the value of the measurement is sent. The predetermined time for measuring a value and/or transmitting an associated packet can be programmed, user adjustable via an input device, event driven, randomly derived, or set by network gateway device <b>140</b>.

0052Wireless sensor <b>110</b> can include a processor module to define at least one data packet including values associated with measurements of the sensor module. The sensor module can define one or more copies of the one or more data packets. A data packet can include sensor data (e.g. value of measurement taken by the sensor module), control data (e.g. a switch has been opened or closed), control requests (e.g. should a switch be opened or closed), network identification information (e.g. node identification number, network identification number), security information (e.g. data encryption key), etc. The processor module can include a computer processor or microprocessor and/or memory, for example a random access memory (RAM), a memory buffer, a hard drive, a database, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), and/or so forth. Memory can be used to hold data such as, but not limited to, schedules, set points, instructions, etc. for use to control or communicate data to wireless sensor <b>110</b>, repeaters <b>130</b>, <b>131</b>′, or network gateway device <b>140</b>. In this manner, the processor module stores and sends the at least one data packet and the one or more copies of the at least one data packet to the first radio and/or to the second radio at different times. In this manner, wireless sensor <b>110</b> can send a data packet, which may include the value of the measurement, control data, control requests etc, at more than one time and from more than one antenna.

0053Wireless sensor <b>110</b> can include one or more transmitter sets, for example a first transmitter set (e.g, the first radio and the associated first antenna), and a second transmitter set (e.g., the second radio and associated second antenna), to transmit data packets including a value of a measurement, control data, control requests etc from wireless sensor <b>110</b> to, for example, wireless repeaters <b>130</b>, <b>130</b>′. A transmitter set can transmit a data packet using any modulation type, for example Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) or Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS). In some embodiments, a hybrid DSSS and FSSS system, frequency hopping direct sequence spread spectrum (FHDSSS), can be used spreading data packets across both frequency and time to reduce the probability of interference from other transmitter sets (e.g., within wireless sensor <b>110</b>, another wireless sensor, or another device including a transmitter set). In a hybrid system, the data packet can be transmitted using a DSSS signal that can be hopped from channel to channel to increase robustness. In some embodiments, the first antenna and/or the second antenna can be a dipole (e.g., omnidirectional) antenna or can be a patch (e.g., directional) antenna.

0054In some embodiments, each transmitter set of wireless sensor <b>110</b> can operate on a different channel substantially simultaneously. In some embodiments, a transmitter set of wireless sensor <b>110</b> can operate on two or more different channel sequentially. In this manner, wireless sensor <b>110</b> may not need to verify that other components of system <b>100</b> are operating on a particular channel. In other words, by sending a copy of a data packet on multiple channels of system <b>100</b>, the other components of system <b>100</b> should receive at least one of the data packet and/or the copies of the data packet. In some such embodiments, and as discussed below, other components of system <b>100</b> can include multiple transmitter sets, such that those components can receive at least one of the data packet and/or copies of the data packet. In such embodiments, an amount of energy used to send a data packet and/or copies of a data packet at multiple times and/or on multiple channels can be lower than the energy used to verify a component is operating on a particular channel. In such embodiments, a first channel and a second channel can be substantially opposite ends of the frequency band to maximize the probability that any source of potential interference is avoided by the other channel. As an example wireless sensor <b>110</b> can transmit, substantially simultaneously or sequentially, on a first channel at 903 MHz and on a second channel at 927 MHz in the 902-928 MHz band.

0055In some embodiments, and as described above, wireless sensor <b>110</b> can send a data packet and/or copies of the data packet on two or more channels and at two or more times. In such embodiments, wireless sensor <b>110</b> can be in a sleep mode (or other low power or zero power mode of operation) for a portion of the time to conserve the power of a power supply (e.g., battery). At the predetermined interval and/or schedule, wireless sensor <b>110</b> can awake from the sleep mode and can be in an active mode. Wireless sensor <b>110</b> can measure a value of a characteristic and define a data packet including the value. Wireless sensor <b>110</b> can define a data packet including control data or control requests. In such embodiments, as discussed above, wireless sensor <b>110</b> can send a data packet via a first transmitter set at a first time, and then send a first copy of the data packet from the first transmitter set at a second time, after the first time. In such embodiments, wireless sensor <b>110</b> can send a second copy of the data packet via a second transmitter set at a third time, and then send a third copy of the data packet from the second transmitter set at a fourth time, after the third time.

0056In some embodiments, wireless sensor <b>110</b> can receive data for setup of system <b>100</b>, including a network ID, security features, and a wireless sensor identification numbers. In some embodiments, after the setup of system <b>100</b>, wireless sensor <b>110</b> can be designated as a transmit-only wireless sensor. In some embodiments, wireless sensor <b>110</b> can periodically send a status request data packet to network gateway device <b>140</b>, via wireless repeater <b>130</b> and wireless repeater <b>130</b>′ if necessary, and can be designated as a transmit/receive device to receive commends.

0057System <b>100</b> includes wireless repeater <b>130</b> configured to receive data packets from wireless sensor <b>110</b> and/or wireless repeater <b>130</b>′, and to send data packets to network gateway device <b>140</b>. System <b>100</b> includes wireless repeater <b>130</b>′, similar to wireless repeater <b>130</b>, and configured to receive data packets from wireless sensor <b>110</b> and to send data packets to wireless repeater <b>130</b>. Wireless repeaters <b>130</b>,<b>130</b>′ can include a computer/micro processor or microprocessor and/or memory, for example a random access memory (RAM), a memory buffer, a hard drive, a database, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), and/or so forth. Memory may be used to hold data such as, but not limited to, schedules, set points, instructions, etc. for use to control or communicate data to wireless sensor <b>110</b>, repeaters <b>130</b>, <b>131</b>′, or network gateway device <b>140</b>. In this manner, wireless repeaters <b>130</b>, <b>130</b>′ can store received data packets for a predetermined period of time in a buffer. In some embodiments, the buffer of a wireless repeater can store a received data packet and can compare the data packet to other data packets in the buffer and/or data packets that have been recently received and/or forwarded. In such embodiments, the wireless repeater can discard duplicate data packets. By way of example, wireless repeater <b>130</b> can receive a first data packet from wireless sensor <b>110</b>, and can receive a second data packet, identical to the first data packet, from wireless sensor <b>110</b> via wireless repeater <b>130</b>′. In such embodiments, wireless repeater <b>130</b> can discard either the first data packet or the second data packet, for example, based on which was received first (e.g., first in first out, “FIFO”), which has a stronger received signal strength, and/or another metric. In some embodiments, wireless repeater <b>130</b> can discard packets after a period of time, for example 5 seconds.

0058Wireless repeaters <b>130</b>,<b>130</b>′ can include at least one transmitter set to receive and/or send signals, including data packets. In some embodiments, wireless repeaters <b>130</b>,<b>130</b>′ can include at least the same number of transmitter sets as wireless sensor <b>110</b>. In this manner, wireless repeaters <b>130</b>,<b>130</b>′ can send and receive any data packet sent from wireless sensor <b>110</b>. By way of example, wireless sensor <b>110</b> can include a first transmitter set sending data packets on a first channel and at a first time and a second time, and can include a second transmitter set sending data packets on a second channel and at a third time and a fourth time. In such an example, wireless repeaters <b>130</b>,<b>130</b>′ can include a first transmitter set operating on the first channel and a second transmitter set operating on the second channel such that either of wireless repeaters <b>130</b>,<b>130</b>′ can receive four copies of a data packet. By way of example, wireless sensor <b>110</b> can include a first transmitter set sending data packets on a first channel at a first time and second channel at a second time. In such an example, wireless repeaters <b>130</b>,<b>130</b>′ can each include a first transmitter set operating on the first channel and a second transmitter set operating on the second channel such that either of wireless repeaters <b>130</b>,<b>130</b>′ can receive two copies of a data packet without a need to switch between the channels. In such an example, the system <b>100</b> can include multiple frequencies, multiple times, multiple data paths, and multiple antennas, i.e. the system <b>100</b> has frequency diversity, time diversity, spatial diversity, and antenna diversity. Said another way, the system <b>100</b> has concurrent frequency, time, spatial, and antenna diversity. By way of another example, wireless repeaters <b>130</b>,<b>130</b>′ can each include a first transmitter set sending or receiving data packets on a first channel at a first time and a second transmitter set sending or receiving data packets on a second channel at a second time. In such an example, the first time and the second time may overlap.

0059In some embodiments, wireless repeaters <b>130</b>,<b>130</b>′ can calculate a received signal strength indication (RSSI) upon receipt of a data packet. In such embodiments, wireless repeaters <b>130</b>,<b>130</b>′ can add this data to the data packet, for example, at the end of a data packet payload. In this manner, network gateway device <b>140</b> can examine the RSSI data for each hop between wireless sensor <b>110</b> and network gateway device <b>140</b>. In some such embodiments, network gateway device <b>140</b> can use the added data to determine a number of hops between wireless sensor <b>110</b> and network gateway device <b>140</b>. In such embodiments, network gateway device <b>140</b> can compare the number of hops actually used to an expected number of hops, for example, to determine an efficiency and/or health of system <b>100</b>.

0060System <b>100</b> includes network gateway device <b>140</b> configured to receive data packets from wireless repeater <b>130</b>,<b>130</b>′ or directly from wireless sensor <b>110</b>. Network gateway device <b>140</b> can receive data packets using a wireless protocol, for example, with one or more transmitter sets, and can convert the data packets to a wired protocol for further transmission via a wired network (not shown) coupled to the network gateway device <b>140</b>. By way of example, network gateway device <b>140</b> can transform data packets received in a wireless format, for example 802.15.4, WiFi, cellular (GSM, CDMA, etc.), or satellite, and convert them into a different wireless protocol and/or a wired protocol such as 1) Ethernet: BACnet/IP, BACnet/Ethernet, Modbus TCP, Ethenet/IP, Omron FINS, DNP3, SNMP, XML 2) RS-485: BACnet/MSTP, Metasys N2, Modbus RTU, JBus, DNP, YorkTalk, Allen Bradley DF1, and 3) FTT-10: LonWorks. In some embodiments, network gateway device <b>140</b> can convert the data packets to a wireless protocol for further transmission via a wireless network (not shown) such as for example 802.15.4, WiFi, cellular (GSM, CDMA, etc.), or satellite wireless networks. In such embodiments, network gateway device or wireless repeaters can have one or more input/outputs, each input/output configured to operate using a different protocol. By way of example, with respect to a building, network gateway device <b>140</b> can include a first input/output operating using the BACnet/IP protocol for communication with a building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, can include a second input/output operating using the TCP/IP protocol for communication via a network, such as the internet, for viewing on a browser based page, and can include a third input/output operating using a serial bus connection (e.g., universal serial bus) for local (e.g., at network gateway device <b>140</b>) communication, configuration, etc. The input/outputs can be used, for example, for monitoring, graphing, alarming (via email, text message, or other method), setup of the wireless network, etc.

0061Similar to wireless repeaters <b>130</b>,<b>130</b>′ described above, in some embodiments, network gateway device <b>140</b> can include the same number of transmitter sets as wireless sensor <b>110</b> and/or wireless repeaters <b>130</b>,<b>130</b>′. In this manner, network gateway device <b>140</b> can send and/or receive any data packet sent from wireless sensor <b>110</b> and/or from wireless repeaters <b>130</b>,<b>130</b>′. Similar to wireless repeaters <b>130</b>,<b>130</b>′ and wireless sensor <b>110</b>, network gateway device <b>140</b> can include a computer/micro processor and/or memory, for example a random access memory (RAM), a memory buffer, a hard drive, a database, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), and/or so forth. Memory can be used to hold data such as, but not limited to, schedules, set points, instructions, etc. for use to control or communicate data to wireless sensor <b>110</b>, repeaters <b>130</b>, <b>131</b>′, or network gateway device <b>140</b>. In this manner, the network gateway device <b>140</b> can store and send data packets, for example prior to and/or after conversion from a first protocol to a second protocol, as described above, or in response to data received from the one or more input/outputs.

0062In some embodiments, network gateway device <b>140</b> can coordinate the frequency of the channel (or channels for multiple transmission set embodiments) at which wireless sensor <b>110</b> and wireless repeaters <b>130</b>,<b>130</b>′ operate. In such embodiments, network gateway device can transmit a periodic instruction to switch channel(s) and/or network ID. In such an embodiment, network gateway device <b>140</b> can send such an instruction, for example, every ten seconds. In some embodiments, whether an instruction is sent, for example to change channel(s), and what the instruction includes, can be based on the health of the network, for example the number of hops a data packet takes, the RSSI of data packet transmissions, etc. In some embodiments, network gateway device <b>140</b> can coordinate the security of the wireless system <b>100</b> by transferring security data, wirelessly or via a wired connection, such as a security key, to the wireless sensor <b>110</b> and wireless repeaters <b>130</b>,<b>130</b>′.

0063<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a schematic illustration of a wireless sensor <b>210</b> at least partially disposed within an electrical enclosure <b>220</b>. Wireless sensor <b>210</b> can be similar to and can include similar components to wireless sensor described above. For example, wireless sensor <b>210</b> can include a processor <b>216</b> that can be similar to the processor described above with respect to wireless sensor <b>110</b>. Wireless sensor <b>210</b> includes a sensor module <b>214</b>, the processor <b>216</b>, a radio <b>262</b>, a radio <b>262</b>′, an antenna <b>264</b>, and an antenna <b>264</b>′. In some embodiments, radio <b>262</b>, <b>262</b>′ can include more than one antenna, for example, radio <b>262</b> includes antenna <b>264</b> and can include a second antenna (not shown). In such an embodiment, wireless sensor <b>210</b> can select whichever of antenna <b>264</b> or the second antenna has a stronger RSSI for use by radio <b>262</b>.

0064<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a schematic illustration of a wireless sensor system (“system”) <b>300</b> according to an embodiment, system <b>300</b> can be similar to system <b>100</b> and can include similar components. For example, system <b>300</b> includes a wireless sensor <b>310</b> that is similar to wireless sensor <b>110</b> and at least a portion of which can be disposed within an electrical enclosure (not shown). System <b>300</b> includes a wireless repeater <b>330</b>, a wireless repeater <b>330</b>′, and a network gateway device <b>340</b>. Unlike wireless sensor <b>110</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, wireless sensor <b>310</b> includes an energy source <b>312</b> configured to supply wireless sensor <b>310</b> with energy independent of an energy supply (not shown) of the electrical enclosure <b>320</b>. In some embodiments, energy source <b>312</b> can include a battery, for example battery using stable battery chemistry, such as Lithium Thionyl Chloride or Lithium Iron Disulfide, that can chemically last up to and beyond 25 years. In some embodiments, energy source <b>312</b> can include an energy harvester, alone or in combination with a battery. In some embodiments, an energy harvesting device can be, for example, similar to an energy harvesting device described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,868,482, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY RECTIFICATION FOR VARIOUS LOADS,” which is incorporated by reference herein.

0065<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a schematic illustration of a wireless sensor system (“system”) <b>400</b> according to an embodiment. System <b>400</b> can be similar to system <b>100</b> and can include similar components. For example, system <b>400</b> includes a wireless sensor <b>410</b> that is similar to wireless sensor <b>110</b> and at least a portion of which can be disposed within an electrical enclosure (not shown). System <b>400</b> includes a wireless repeater <b>430</b>, a wireless repeater <b>430</b>′, and a network gateway device <b>440</b>. Unlike system <b>100</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, system <b>400</b> includes a network gateway device <b>440</b>′. In such embodiments, network gateway devices <b>440</b>, <b>441</b>′ can be configured to receive data packets from wireless sensor <b>410</b> and wireless repeaters <b>430</b>,<b>430</b>′. In this manner, if one of network gateway devices <b>440</b>, <b>440</b>′ should fail, the other of network gateway devices <b>440</b>, <b>440</b>′ can continue to operate. In some embodiments network gateway device <b>440</b> can be associated with a first wired network and network gateway device <b>440</b>′ can be associated with a second wired network, at least a portion of which can be different from the first wired network. In some embodiments, network gateway device <b>440</b> can be in communication with a portion of a set of wireless repeaters and/or wireless sensors (not shown in its entirety) of system <b>400</b>, and network gateway device <b>440</b>′ can be in communication with a different portion of the set of wireless repeaters and/or wireless sensors of system <b>400</b>. In such embodiments, either of wireless repeaters <b>430</b>,<b>430</b>′ can be included in the portion of the plurality of wireless repeaters and/or in the different portion of the set of wireless repeaters.

0066In some embodiments, it may be necessary to install a new network gateway device (not shown) or a second network gateway device (not shown) within the wireless sensor system. This can be performed using a listen mode initiated by a button press on the network gateway device <b>440</b>,<b>440</b>′ or by using a computer interface on the network gateway device <b>440</b>,<b>440</b>′ and graphical user interface. As an example, the wireless sensor <b>410</b> can be connected to the network gateway device <b>440</b>,<b>440</b>′ by connecting a mini-USB cable between the wireless sensor <b>410</b> and the network gateway device <b>440</b>,<b>440</b>′. At this time, the network gateway device <b>440</b>,<b>440</b>′ will instruct the wireless sensor <b>410</b> via the cable to set the appropriate channel and network ID and assign the wireless sensor <b>410</b> a unique wireless sensor ID. If a network gateway device <b>440</b>,<b>440</b>′ ceases to operate, a new network gateway device <b>440</b>,<b>440</b>′ can be deployed by enabling listen mode to listen to the network for a predetermined period of time and store the IDs of all wireless sensors <b>410</b> and map the wireless sensor <b>410</b> data to the appropriate memory location.

0067<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a schematic illustration of a wireless sensor system (“system”) <b>500</b> according to an embodiment. System <b>500</b> can be similar to system <b>100</b> and can include similar components. For example, system <b>500</b> includes a wireless sensor <b>510</b> that is similar to wireless sensor <b>110</b> and at least a portion of which can be disposed within an electrical enclosure (not shown). System <b>500</b> includes a wireless repeater <b>530</b>, a wireless repeater <b>530</b>′, and a network gateway device <b>540</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, wireless sensor <b>510</b> can send a data packet C at a time t, shown as C(t). Wireless repeater <b>530</b> can receive the data packet C from wireless sensor <b>510</b> and can determine by comparison to its buffer in memory that the data packet C has not been sent by wireless repeater <b>530</b>. Wireless repeater <b>530</b> can randomly delay between about 25 ms to 100 ms and can then broadcast the data packet C packet at time (t+y), shown as C(t+y). In some embodiments, because data packet C is broadcast, wireless sensor <b>510</b> can receive data packet C, the receipt of which can be an acknowledgement of a successful transmission. In the example, wireless repeater <b>530</b>′ can receive data packet C and can determine by comparison to its buffer in memory that the packet has not been sent by wireless repeater <b>530</b>′. Wireless repeater <b>530</b>′ can randomly delay between about 25 ms to 100 ms and can then broadcast the packet at time (t+x), shown as C(t+x). The packet C(t+x) can be received by wireless repeater <b>530</b>. Wireless repeater <b>530</b> can compare data packet C(t+x) to its buffer in memory, can determined that data packet C(t+y), equivalent to data packet C(t+x) has already been sent, and can discard and/or otherwise ignore data packet C(t+x).

0068<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a schematic illustration of a wireless sensor <b>610</b> and a network gateway device <b>640</b> operatively coupled by a cable <b>650</b>. Wireless sensor <b>610</b> and network gateway device <b>640</b> can be similar to wireless sensor <b>110</b> and network gateway device <b>140</b>, respectively. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> depicts a temporary hardwire connection between wireless sensor <b>610</b> and network gateway device <b>640</b>, for example, during an initial setup process. Network gateway device <b>640</b> can assign network ID, channels, data encryption, security keys, and/or any other security feature.

0069<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is an illustration of wireless sensor <b>710</b>, specifically, a rocker type switch. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is an illustration of a front view of a wireless sensor <b>810</b>, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is an illustration of a side view of wireless sensor <b>810</b>, specifically toggle (e.g., momentary) type switch. Wireless sensors <b>710</b>, <b>810</b> can be similar to and can include similar components to wireless sensor <b>110</b> described above. Wireless sensors <b>710</b>, <b>810</b> can be configured to be disposed within a standard junction box. In some such embodiments, wireless sensors <b>710</b>, <b>810</b> can include three terminals, and/or wires, to be coupled to a load line, a hot line, and a ground without the need for a neutral wire. In such embodiments, power for operation of the wireless sensor <b>710</b>, <b>810</b> can be obtained by a battery (not shown) contained within the wireless sensor <b>710</b>,<b>810</b> that can be mounted at least partially in the junction box. In some embodiments, wireless sensors <b>710</b>, <b>810</b> can harvest energy by trickling a small amount of current from the load line to the ground connection.

0070<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10-15</figref> are schematic illustrations of wireless sensors according to embodiments described herein. Specifically, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates a wireless sensor <b>1010</b> including an antenna <b>1064</b> disposed within a junction box <b>1020</b>; <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> illustrates a wireless sensor <b>1110</b> including an antenna <b>1164</b> disposed outside a junction box <b>1120</b>; <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> illustrates a wireless sensor <b>1210</b> including an energy harvester <b>1212</b> in a first configuration; <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> illustrates a wireless sensor <b>1310</b> including an energy harvester <b>1312</b> in a second configuration; <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> illustrates a wireless sensor <b>1410</b> including an energy harvester <b>1412</b> in a third configuration; and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> illustrates a wireless sensor <b>1510</b> including a power supply <b>1513</b> operatively coupled to a junction box <b>1520</b>. By way of example, a wireless sensor, for example, wireless sensors <b>1010</b>, <b>1110</b>, <b>1210</b>, <b>1310</b>, <b>1410</b>, <b>1510</b> can include a light or outlet switch configured to sense and/or control whether an electrical switch controlling a light or outlet is opened or closed.

0071Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, wireless sensor <b>1010</b> can be at least partially disposed within electrical enclosure <b>1020</b>, and can include a processor module <b>1016</b>, a radio <b>1062</b>, an antenna <b>1064</b>, a button <b>1066</b>, a current transformer <b>1072</b>, a switch <b>1074</b> (as an example a relay or TRIAC), a DC/DC converter <b>1076</b>, and a regulator <b>1078</b>. Wireless sensor <b>1010</b> can operate as a light switch. For example, when button <b>1066</b> is pressed, lights associated with wireless sensor <b>1010</b> would turn ON or OFF by connecting or disconnecting the load to the AC mains <b>1022</b>, <b>1024</b> (preferably at 120-277 VAC, 50 or 60 Hz). Wireless sensor <b>1010</b> can be configured such that, when button <b>1066</b> is pressed on, an interrupt is generated within the processor <b>1016</b>, which can bring wireless sensor <b>1010</b> out of a sleep mode. The processor <b>1016</b> can toggle a state of switch <b>1074</b> to power or de-power a load (e.g. lights) coupled to wireless sensor <b>1010</b>. Processor <b>1016</b> can send, using radio <b>1062</b> and antenna <b>1064</b>, a change of state of wireless sensor <b>1010</b>, based on, for example, a state of switch <b>1074</b>, to, for example, a building automation system (BAS) via a wireless sensor system, for example, as described above. In some embodiments, processor <b>1016</b> can store the state of the switch and go back to sleep. In such embodiments, processor <b>1016</b> can transmit data packets associated with the state on a predetermined schedule and/or at a predetermined interval. Current transformer <b>1072</b> can measure an amount of current provided to the load and can send a value if the current provided to the data processor <b>1016</b>, such that the data processor <b>1016</b> can define and send a data packet can to, for example, the BAS, via a wireless sensor system. In some embodiments, antenna <b>1064</b> can use at least a portion of electrical enclosure <b>1020</b> as part of the antenna <b>1064</b>. In such embodiments, a radio frequency (RF) current can flow on the exterior of the electrical enclosure <b>1020</b> in support of radiation of the wireless (RF) data signal.

0072In some embodiments, the BAS can monitor the energy usage of the load. In such embodiments, a building having many standard (e.g., not wireless sensors) switches, outlets, and sensors, can be retrofitted with wireless sensors described herein to allow the BAS to wirelessly control the loads on all switches and outlets, in addition to local control by a user. In some embodiments, a BAS may have a schedule of when a room is occupied and unoccupied and use that data to switch ON and OFF wireless sensors within that room. In such embodiments, a user can be in a room labeled unoccupied, and can manually operate the switch to enable the load. In some embodiments, a wireless sensor can include a timer to maintain an ON state a predetermined or programmable time such as one hour. In such embodiments, the wireless sensor can listen for data from the BAS as to whether the room is still labeled unoccupied based on the schedule. When the room is still labeled as unoccupied, the wire sensor can electronically remove power from the load.

0073Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>, wireless sensor <b>1110</b> can be at least partially disposed within electrical enclosure <b>1120</b>, and can include a processor module <b>1116</b>, a radio <b>1162</b>, an antenna <b>1164</b>, a button <b>1166</b>, a current transformer <b>1172</b>, a switch <b>1174</b>, a DC/DC converter <b>1176</b>, and a regulator <b>1178</b>. Electrical enclosure <b>1120</b> can include AC mains <b>1122</b>, <b>1124</b>. Wireless sensor <b>1110</b> can be similar to and include similar components as wireless sensor <b>1010</b>. For example, wireless sensor can include a processor module <b>1116</b> similar to processor module <b>1016</b>. Unlike wireless sensor <b>1010</b> depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, antenna <b>1164</b> of wireless sensor <b>1110</b> is at least partially disposed outside of electrical enclosure <b>1120</b>.

0074Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, wireless sensor <b>1210</b> can be at least partially disposed within electrical enclosure <b>1220</b>, and can include the energy harvester <b>1212</b>, a processor module <b>1216</b>, a radio <b>1262</b>, an antenna <b>1264</b>, a button (not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>), a current transformer <b>1272</b>, a switch <b>1274</b>, a DC/DC converter <b>1276</b>, and a regulator <b>1278</b>. Electrical enclosure <b>1220</b> can include AC mains <b>1222</b>, <b>1224</b>. Wireless sensor <b>1210</b> can be similar to and include similar components as wireless sensor <b>1010</b>. For example, wireless sensor <b>1210</b> can include a processor module <b>1216</b> similar to processor module <b>1016</b>. Unlike wireless sensor <b>1010</b> depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, wireless sensor <b>1210</b> includes an energy harvester <b>1212</b>, which can be similar to the energy harvesters described above. Specifically, when energy harvester <b>1212</b> is in the first configuration, for example, energy harvest <b>1212</b> can harvest energy from the current flowing through wireless sensor <b>1210</b>. Energy harvester <b>1212</b> can transform a small portion of the current to a usable voltage. The voltage can be rectified to DC and can be used to recharge a battery or another storage device such as a supercapacitor. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, energy harvester <b>1212</b> can only harvest energy when the switch <b>1274</b> is closed, connecting the line <b>1222</b> to the load <b>1224</b>. In some embodiments, energy harvester <b>1212</b> can trickle a small current through a ground wire (not shown) which can enable the wireless sensor <b>1210</b> to harvest energy from the line <b>1222</b> when the load <b>1224</b> is disconnected by the switch <b>1274</b>. In such embodiments, the trickle current can be less than 6 mA, specifically, less than 3 mA.

0075Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, wireless sensor <b>1310</b> can be at least partially disposed within electrical enclosure <b>1320</b>, and can include the energy harvester <b>1312</b>, a processor module <b>1316</b>, a radio <b>1362</b>, an antenna <b>1364</b>, a button (not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>), a current transformer <b>1372</b>, a switch <b>1374</b>, a DC/DC converter <b>1376</b>, and a regulator <b>1378</b>. Electrical enclosure <b>1320</b> can include AC mains <b>1322</b>, <b>1324</b>. Wireless sensor <b>1310</b> can be similar to and include similar components as wireless sensor <b>1010</b>. For example, wireless sensor <b>1310</b> can include a processor module <b>1316</b> similar to processor module <b>1016</b>. Unlike wireless sensor <b>1010</b> depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, wireless sensor <b>1310</b> includes an energy harvester <b>1312</b>, which can be similar to the energy harvesters described above. Specifically, when energy harvester <b>1312</b> is in the second configuration, for example the energy harvester <b>1312</b> can be independent from the AC circuit. More specifically, in some embodiments, energy harvester <b>1312</b> can be a solar cell. In such embodiments, the solar cell can be designed to be exposed to the outside of wireless sensor <b>1310</b> through a face plate. The face plate can be a standard design or may be custom and integrated in the wireless sensor <b>1310</b>.

0076Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, wireless sensor <b>1410</b> can be at least partially disposed within electrical enclosure <b>1420</b>, and can include the energy harvester <b>1412</b>, a processor module <b>1416</b>, a radio <b>1462</b>, an antenna <b>1464</b>, a button (not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>), a current transformer <b>1472</b>, a switch <b>1474</b>, a DC/DC converter <b>1476</b>, and a regulator <b>1478</b>. Electrical enclosure <b>1420</b> can include AC mains <b>1422</b>, <b>1424</b>. Wireless sensor <b>1410</b> can be similar to and include similar components as wireless sensor <b>1010</b>. For example, wireless sensor can include a processor module <b>1416</b> similar to processor module <b>1016</b>. Unlike wireless sensor <b>1010</b> depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, wireless sensor <b>1410</b> includes an energy harvester <b>1412</b>, which can be similar to the energy harvesters described above. Specifically, when energy harvester <b>1412</b> is in the third configuration, for example, energy harvester <b>1412</b> can be designed to provide power to wireless sensor <b>1410</b> independent of a battery. In such embodiments, energy harvester <b>1412</b> and the battery may be diode OR-ed. In some embodiments, when the source of energy used for harvesting is not present (i.e. no light) a battery can be the primary source of energy to power the wireless sensor <b>1410</b>. In such embodiments, as the source of energy used for harvesting increases, e.g., as the ambient light in a room increases, energy harvester <b>1412</b> can augment the battery. In such embodiments, when the source of energy used for harvesting reached a large enough value, energy harvester <b>1412</b> can be the primary source of energy to power wireless sensor <b>1410</b>. In some embodiments, all energy may be provided by energy harvester <b>1412</b> and no energy may be provided to the battery to power the wireless sensor <b>1410</b>. In such embodiments, if energy harvester <b>1412</b> has sufficient energy, it can power wireless sensor <b>1410</b> and maintain the battery energy. In some embodiments, energy harvester <b>1412</b> can charge a supercapacitor or rechargeable battery.

0077Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>, wireless sensor <b>1510</b> can be at least partially disposed within electrical enclosure <b>1520</b>, and can include the power supply <b>1513</b>, a processor module <b>1516</b>, a radio <b>1562</b>, an antenna <b>1564</b>, a button (not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>), a current transformer <b>1572</b>, a switch <b>1574</b>, a DC/DC converter <b>1576</b>, and a regulator <b>1578</b>. Electrical enclosure <b>1520</b> can include AC mains <b>1522</b>, <b>1524</b> and neutral <b>1526</b>. Wireless sensor <b>1510</b> can be similar to and include similar components as wireless sensor <b>1010</b>. For example, wireless sensor can include a processor module <b>1516</b> similar to processor module <b>1016</b>. Unlike wireless sensor <b>1010</b> depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, wireless sensor <b>1510</b> includes a power supply <b>1513</b>. Specifically, because electrical enclosure <b>1520</b> includes a neutral line <b>1026</b>, wireless sensor <b>1510</b> can receive power from, for example, building electricity. Power supply <b>1513</b> can include an AC/DC converter.

0078As described herein, with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10-15</figref>, a wireless sensor may adjust or dim the electrical connection on the load wire via any method such as chopping the AC input from the line wire or by a 0-10V signal to an external dimming device (not shown).

0079<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is an illustration of a portion of a wireless sensor <b>1610</b> disposed within a electrical enclosure <b>1620</b>. Specifically, wireless sensor <b>1610</b> includes an antenna <b>1664</b>, a faceplate <b>1668</b>, a button <b>1666</b>, a battery compartment door <b>1682</b> and a battery compartment door securing device <b>1684</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>, antenna <b>1664</b> can be disposed within and/or adjacent to faceplate <b>1668</b>. Battery compartment door <b>1682</b> can provide access for installing and/or replacing a battery (not shown). Battery compartment door securing device <b>1684</b> secures batter compartment door <b>1682</b> in a closed position and can include, for example, a screw or snapping mechanism. In some embodiments, button <b>1666</b> may be implemented using capacitive touch technology using one or more sensing locations. In some embodiments, button <b>1666</b> may give the ability to control the switch and also dim the electrical connection between a line wire and a load wire.

0080As described herein, with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-16</figref>, a wireless sensor can be, at least partially disposed within an electrical enclosure, specifically a junction box, and one or more antennas can be disposed internal, external, partially internal, or integral to the junction box. In some embodiments, a characteristic of the junction box can determine a positioning of an antenna. In some embodiments, the junction box can include metal or can include plastic. In some embodiments, a faceplate associated with the junction box and/or wireless sensor can include plastic and allow the antenna mounting within the junction box and RF energy can exit the box through the plastic face plate when the junction box is metal. Alternatively, when the junction box is plastic, RF energy can exit through both the face plate and junction box. In some embodiments, the antenna can exit the junction box to maximize performance by minimizing the influence of the metal junction box. In some embodiments, the antenna may be cabled to the junction box or may be panel mounted on the side or top of the junction box, a stud, or a wall.

0081In some embodiments, the antenna may use a junction box or metal of a light fixture as a ground plane or as part of the antenna's radiating structure. In some embodiments, the antenna can also be formed by using a metal junction box and metal face plate and using a slot within the face plate. By way of example, a junction box can be metal. The metal of the junction box can prevent a standard antenna from working properly because the junction box can shield radiation and/or detune the antenna. Placing a metal cover over the junction box with a slot with the proper dimensions can enable radiation from the junction box. Preferably, the slot runs along the long side of the junction box and is feed from a transmission line that has no physical connection to the slot or earth ground of the junction box. Preferably, a dielectric, such as but not limited to, FR4, is present between the slot antenna and the transmission line to provide electrical isolation at the frequency of the AC line or from the DC voltage. The isolation allows the use of a non-isolated power supply to conform to UL requirements.

0082In some embodiments, the antenna may use a junction box or metal of a light fixture as a ground plane for the antenna without a physical connection of the RF ground of the radio to the earth ground of the junction box. Isolation between the grounds is performed using a dielectric. The RF signal establishes a virtual ground connection using the capacitance formed between the RF ground and earth ground through the dielectric. In some cases, the printed circuit board (PCB) containing the radio may be completely inside a junction box or under a ballast cover effectively making the PCB shielded from the outside world. A wire antenna can be fed out through a small hole in the metal so it is substantially orthogonal to a plane of the metal. A virtual ground can be established from the PCB ground plane to the metal of the junction box or metal of the light fixture to excite RF current in the junction box or metal of the light fixture to make the wire and non-ground (isolated) metal of the junction box or metal of the light fixture resonant as seen by the radio. The dielectric used is preferably the ABS plastic of the enclosure combined with the adhesive (if used) such as double sided tape.

0083In some embodiments, an antenna can use metal of a junction box as part of the antenna to improve performance. In such embodiments, the antenna can use a plastic junction box cover. In such embodiments, the antenna structure includes a metal plane, orthogonal metal wings, and a point fed plane. The point fed plane can be constructed on a dielectric such as FR4 and can also have a superstrate that can cover the plane, and can be made of a second dielectric, for example, plastic. In such embodiments, the antenna is a hybrid between a patch antenna, an inverted-F antenna, and a dipole antenna. Additionally, the metal plane includes orthogonal wings to ensure resonance in a multi-gang or plastic junction box. In such an embodiment, the junction box acts as half of a dipole antenna while the point fed plane acts as the other half. The metal plane under the point fed plane can force the current associated with an RF wave to flow on the outside of the junction box to form a dipole type antenna (the point fed plane can be the positive side of the dipole and the metal plane combined with the junction box metal and orthogonal wings can be the negative side of the dipole). In another example, the junction box is a plastic junction box, and orthogonal wings allow the current associate with an RF wave to flow rearwards as is the case in a metal junction box. This can allow the resonance of the antenna to be maintained (return loss less then −7 dB). Said another way, the resonant frequency of an antenna occurs when the impedance of the antenna is the complex conjugate for the source or load impedance. In an example, an antenna can be designed to be 50 ohms to match the 50 impedance of the connected radio transceiver. In such an example, return loss can be a measure of how close to 50 ohms (or other impedance for non-50 ohm systems) the antenna is. In the example, a return loss of less than −10 dB can be a good match, e.g. the antenna is resonant at that frequency or over that frequency range. Additionally, the orthogonal wings can allow the antenna to stay in resonance when mounted in a multi-gang metal junction box. In some embodiments, the metal plane and metal orthogonal wings can be formed from a single piece of bent metal. The orthogonal wings can be spaced, for example, at least 1 mm from the junction box walls. In some embodiments, the antenna can be used as part of a button in a wireless sensor. In some embodiments, the point fed point can be used as part of the antenna and as a capacitive touch button to eliminate the mechanical motion of the antenna.

0084<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 17-22</figref> depict illustrations of various views of an antenna of a wireless sensor with and without an associated junction box. Specifically, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is an illustration of a front perspective view of an antenna of a wireless sensor according to an embodiment; <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is an illustration of a rear perspective view of the antenna shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>; <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is an illustration of a second rear perspective view of the antenna shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>; <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is an illustration of a front perspective view of the antenna shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> at least partially disposed in a junction box according to an embodiment; <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> is an illustration of a rear perspective view of the antenna shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> at least partially disposed in a junction box according to an embodiment; and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> is an illustration of a second rear perspective view of the antenna shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> at least partially disposed in a junction box according to an embodiment. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 17-22</figref>, an antenna <b>1764</b> includes a metal plane <b>1794</b>, orthogonal wings <b>1792</b>, and a point fed plane <b>1796</b>. Also as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 20-22</figref>, antenna <b>1764</b> can be at least partially disposed in a junction box <b>1720</b>.

0085A lighting control system can be used as part of a BAS for the control, configuration and analysis of lighting systems in spaces (e.g., open and/or enclosed rooms, areas, etc) in a building. In some embodiments, lighting control systems can be used when a person physically occupies a space based on that person's interaction with the lighting control system. In some embodiments, lighting control systems can be used when a person does not physically occupy a space based on motion detected, or not detected, in that space. In some embodiments, lighting control systems can be used based on a schedule and/or characteristics of an environment of a space. Lighting control systems can include wireless controllers, lights, motion and other sensors, wireless switches, and gateways and other networking systems. Lighting control systems can be integrated with the BAS via local and/or wide area networks and/or cloud based networks.

0086<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> is a schematic illustration of a lighting control system (“system”) <b>2300</b>. System <b>2300</b> includes wireless controllers <b>2310</b> mounted within or mounted to light fixtures <b>2320</b>, a wireless switch <b>2330</b>, motion sensors <b>2340</b>, light sensor <b>2350</b>, a gateway <b>2360</b>, a proxy server (not shown), and a cloud server (not shown).

0087Wireless switch <b>2330</b> can be configured to control the state of, for example, a light fixture such as one or both of light fixtures <b>2320</b>. In some instances, wireless switch <b>2330</b> can be a battery operated device. In such instances, a battery (not shown) of wireless switch <b>2330</b> can be coupled to an energy harvester as described herein. In some instances, wireless switch <b>2330</b> can be a transmit-only device. In other instances, wireless switch <b>2330</b> can be configured to receive information from other devices of system <b>2300</b>. In instances where wireless switch <b>2330</b> is configured as a transmit-only switch, wireless switch <b>2330</b> can last 25 years or more on a single pre-installed (e.g., soldered) battery. In some instances, wireless switch <b>2330</b> can have no moving parts. Such a lack of moving parts can increase the usable lifetime.

0088In some instances, wireless switch <b>2330</b> can use capacitive sensing to indicate interaction from a user. In such an instance, the user can touch a zone on wireless switch <b>2330</b>, the capacitance change can be sensed by wireless switch <b>2330</b>, and a command based on the zone that is pressed can be transmitted. As an example and with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref>, a wireless switch <b>2630</b><i>a </i>may have four zones. The first zone (e.g., “Zone <b>1</b>” in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26A</figref>) shown at the top of wireless switch <b>2630</b><i>a </i>can be used to indicate that the user wants the lights in a room to turn on. The zone below Zone <b>1</b> (e.g., “Zone <b>2</b>” in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26A</figref>) can be used to indicate that the user wants the light level in the room to increase. The zone below Zone <b>2</b> (e.g., “Zone <b>3</b>” in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26A</figref>) can be used to indicate that the user wants the light level in the room to decrease. The zone at the bottom (e.g., “Zone <b>4</b>” in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26A</figref>) can be used to indicate that the user want the lights in a room to turn off. In another example, Zones <b>1</b>-<b>4</b> can be used to set the room or area to a user definable scene. Preferably, the wireless switch <b>2330</b> does not store data about the scene setting. Preferably, the scene data is stored in the one or more wireless controllers <b>2310</b> in the room that are associated to the wireless switch <b>2330</b>. The wireless switch preferably sends a command for the wireless controllers <b>2310</b> to change settings to the values saved in the memory of the wireless controllers <b>2310</b> based on the capacitive button pressed. As an example, button <b>1</b> may send command <b>1</b> telling the lights, or other connected device(s), to go to the scene values stored in memory on the wireless controller <b>2310</b> for scene <b>1</b>. Preferably, the wireless controllers <b>2310</b> are transmit only devices to maintain an extremely long battery life. In some instances, the capacitive sensing is duty cycled. Such a duty cycle can save power and contribute to enabling a 25 year lifetime of the battery. As an example, the zones can be sensed once every quarter of a second or every eighth of a second. When a user is detected, wireless switch <b>2330</b> can transition from a first mode of detecting a user (User detection mode) to a second mode with faster sampling of the zones to ensure quick response to the user's commands (Run mode) or to implement a digital filter or digital calculation (signal processing) to analyze the detection. A microcontroller preferably takes several samples of the detection to avoid false triggers caused by noise sources such as AC wiring in close proximity. False detections may be ignored and the wireless switch <b>2330</b> may not transmit a packet due to the false detection. Zones <b>1</b>-<b>4</b> can be configured to each set a different scene within a room. As an example, Zone <b>1</b> can be configured to set wireless controllers <b>2310</b> to a 40% dim level. In such an example, the Zone <b>1</b> command can be sent from wireless switch <b>2330</b> to wireless controllers <b>2310</b> directly or through repeaters (not shown). In such an example, gateway <b>2360</b> can program wireless controllers <b>2310</b> with the desired state for each Zone command.

0089Wireless switch <b>2330</b> can be configured to turn the lights ON and OFF and also to dim the lights. In some embodiments, wireless switch <b>2330</b> can include a slider. By way of example, and with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26B</figref>, a wireless switch <b>2630</b> can include a two element capacitive touch (sensing) slider <b>2632</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26B</figref>). Slider <b>2632</b> can allow the user to touch the top part of the switch to turn the lights ON. Slider <b>2632</b> can allow the user to touch the bottom part of the switch to turn the lights OFF. In between the ON and OFF zones, the user can slide their finger to adjust the dim level of the lights. In some instances, the user need not physically touch wireless switch <b>2630</b>. In such instances, the capacitive sensing can be sensitive such that the user's finger can be sensed within several millimeters of the sensing surface of wireless switch <b>2632</b>.

0090As discussed above, wireless switch <b>2330</b> can be a transmit-only device configured to transmit commands on two or more sequential channels using a single radio. As an example, wireless switch <b>2330</b> can transmit on a first channel (e.g., “Channel A”) followed by second channel (e.g., “Channel B”). Wireless switch <b>2330</b> can be mounted to a wall, can be a mobile device (movable about a room), or can be mounted in a cradle that is secured to the wall with fasteners, such as a screws, such that wireless switch <b>2330</b> can be removed from the cradle. Wireless switch <b>2330</b> can be associated with a unique serial number that is assigned at the time of manufacture and that is included as data within every packet transmitted.

0091Wireless switch <b>2330</b> is preferably constructed using two or more printed circuit board (PCB) in a stacked configuration. The PCBs are preferably parallel planes and are preferably connected using one or more PCB to PCB board level connector. Preferably, the top PCB contains the capacitive touch pads for sensing a change in capacitance caused by the presence of a person's finger. The traces for the capacitive pads to the capacitive touch module, which may be integrated into the microcontroller, may run from the top PCB to the bottom PCB through the one or more board level connector. The top PCB containing the cap touch buttons is preferably mounted in a manner to provide contact with an outer plastic wall of a housing. Preferably, the mounting securely pushes the PCB against the outer plastic wall without a significant air gap. Preferably, the two or more PCBs are each two or more layers.

0092The wireless switch <b>2330</b> includes an antenna for communication. The antenna is preferably constructed on the capacitive touch PCB which is mounted in contact with an outer plastic wall of the housing. The antenna preferably in routed next to or within the capacitive touch buttons. In some embodiments, the antenna is designed to capacitively excite the capacitive touch buttons thereby making the capacitive touch buttons part of the antenna. Using the buttons as part of the antenna allows the buttons and antenna to share the same space on the PCB. The antenna frequency is set high enough not to interfere with the capacitive touch operation. Additionally, the feedpoint for the antennas may use one or more of the connections on the board level connector. Preferably, the antenna is a DC short to enhance the performance of the capacitive touch buttons. As an example, the antenna may be a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) type antenna. One or more connections to the PIFA on a first PCB may be connected to the ground on a second PCB through the board level connector. One or more connections to the PIFA may be connected to the radio's output signal through the board level connections. Preferably, the board level connector connection spacing is designed to have a specific characteristic impedance to aid in antenna matching. The antenna may include a passive resonating element as part of the antenna on the second PCB to increase the bandwidth of the antenna. The passive resonating element preferably has no physical connection to the radio signal and is only connected to the ground on the second PCB.

0093Wireless switch <b>2330</b> may be used to control the operation of other devices other than lights, such as motors and other devices. The levels between ON and OFF may be used to change a parameter of the device such as the speed, volume, flow, or other measurable quantity.

0094Wireless controller <b>2310</b> can be configured to control one or more lighting fixtures <b>2320</b> and communicate with the BAS. In some instances, wireless controller <b>2310</b> can be an AC or DC line powered device. Wireless controller <b>2310</b> can be configured, during normal operation, to receive data from wireless switch <b>2330</b>, gateway <b>2360</b>, motion sensors <b>2340</b>, and/or light sensors <b>2350</b>, and control the status of light fixture <b>2320</b>. Wireless controller <b>2310</b> can turn lights within light fixture <b>2320</b> ON or OFF or dim a light level. By way of example, and with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>, light fixture <b>2320</b> can include multiple bulbs <b>2324</b> controlled by a ballast <b>2322</b> and wireless controller <b>2310</b> can interface with ballast <b>2322</b>. In such an instance, wireless controller <b>2310</b> can include a mechanism for making or breaking the AC or DC line power to ballast <b>2322</b>. In such instances, mechanism can be a latching relay to limit the amount of power used by wireless controller <b>2310</b>; alternatively, the mechanism can be a non-latching relay or other solid-state relay or switch.

0095In some instances, wireless controller <b>2310</b> can be queried from gateway <b>2360</b> to join a BAS network. Wireless controller <b>2310</b> can be enrolled into the BAS network when the user scans or manually enters a bar code of wireless controller <b>2310</b> into a webpage associated with gateway <b>2360</b> or the cloud server(s). Wireless controller <b>2310</b> can then transmit to gateway <b>2360</b> the unique identification number of gateway <b>2360</b>, which can be included with packets transmitted from wireless controller <b>2310</b>. Additionally, wireless controller <b>2310</b> can receive association data from gateway <b>2360</b>. In such an instance, the association data can indicate to wireless controller <b>2310</b> which system devices (e.g., switches, sensors, etc.) will be providing data to wireless controller <b>2310</b>. As an example, gateway <b>2360</b> can indicate to wireless controller <b>2310</b> to receive signals from one or more wireless switches <b>2330</b>. Once this association is stored in wireless controller <b>2310</b>'s non-volatile memory, wireless controller <b>2310</b> can directly receive data or commands from the one or more wireless switches <b>2330</b> and act upon the data or commands received. In some instances, wireless controller <b>2310</b> can receive commands from gateway <b>2360</b>. Gateway <b>2360</b> can set the frequency channel of wireless controller <b>2310</b>. As an example, wireless controller <b>2310</b> can be set to Channel A to receive data from sensors <b>2340</b> or switches <b>2330</b> on Channel A (first sequential transmission from sensors <b>2340</b> or switches <b>2330</b>) or wireless controller <b>2310</b> can be set to Channel B to receive data from sensors <b>2340</b> or switches <b>2330</b> on Channel B (second sequential transmission from sensors <b>2340</b> or switches <b>2330</b>).

0096In some instances, wireless controller <b>2310</b> can be enabled as a repeater to repeat packets from other devices (e.g., wireless switches, sensors, other wireless controllers, etc.). In such instances, wireless controller <b>2310</b> can track the packets received to ensure the same packet is not transmitted more than once. In such instances, wireless controller <b>2310</b> can also add the gateway unique identification number to the packet to indicate to other repeating wireless controllers (not shown) that the packet has already been repeated and also that the packet is only repeated by wireless controllers associated with the gateway whose unique identification number is contained in the packet. In some instances, diagnostic data can be added to the packet to monitor the health of the network including hop count, received signal strength, packet counter, etc. In certain instances, wireless controller <b>2310</b> will only repeat packets of devices stored in memory and are associated to wireless controller <b>2310</b>. In some instances, for example, when wireless controller <b>2310</b> is configured in a non-repeater mode of operation, wireless controller <b>2310</b> can ignore any packets except those from associated devices stored in memory (e.g., wireless switches, sensors, etc.) and gateway <b>2360</b>. The channel for repeater mode can be set by the gateway (Channel A or Channel B), which can allow the network to have two redundant overlapping networks. As an example, the user can instruct gateway <b>2360</b> to enable one wireless controller <b>2310</b> in a room to be on repeater Channel A and another wireless controller <b>2310</b> in a room to be on repeater Channel B. In some instances, a repeater can sequentially transmit on all channels.

0097In some instances, wireless controller <b>2310</b> can default to ON after a power outage to ensure that light is restored until the user via wireless switch <b>2330</b> or gateway <b>2360</b> change the status of wireless controller <b>2310</b> (e.g., ON, OFF, or dim). Wireless controller <b>2310</b> may be mounted within or on a light fixture <b>2320</b> or light fixture assembly. In many instances, light fixture <b>2320</b> can be constructed of metal, which can pose a challenge for the RF communications. In such instances, the antennas described above in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 17-22</figref> can be used to overcome these challenges. As an example, light fixture <b>2320</b> can be a 2 foot by 2 foot drop ceiling light fixture, wireless controller <b>2310</b> can use a wire antenna (not shown). A printed circuit board (PCB) (not shown) can contain a ground plane for the antenna. Wireless controller <b>2310</b> can be mounted using an adhesive tape (not shown). The antenna is designed to protrude through a hole in the top of the light fixture <b>2320</b> and into the space above the drop ceiling. The antenna can be orthogonal to the top of the light fixture. The top of the light fixture can act as a ground plane for the antenna. The PCB ground plane and light fixture metal can capacitively couple to form a virtual ground for the antenna.

0098In some instances, wireless controller <b>2310</b> can include connectors for quick connection and disconnection from the mains (AC or DC) (e.g., the mains discussed above with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10-15</figref>) without the need to switch off the connection to the fixture at the breaker panel. Additionally, the connectors can allow for additional wires to allow daisy chaining of the AC or DC mains or control signals such as dimming signals to the next wireless controller. Each wireless controller <b>2310</b> can be associated with a unique serial number that can be assigned at time of manufacture that is included as data within every packet transmitted.

0099Wireless controller <b>2310</b> can perform dimming using a 0-10V signal. Wireless controller <b>2310</b> can, for example, source a 0-10V signal (output) or receive a 0-10V signal (input) using the same circuitry. This can be achieved by using a driver output that can source or sink current to hold the output at the proper voltage level.

0100Motion sensor <b>2340</b> can be configured to sense the motion of an occupant of a space. In some instances, motion sensor <b>2340</b> can be a battery operated device. In such instances, a battery (not shown) of motion sensor <b>2350</b> can be coupled to an energy harvester as described herein. In some instances, motion sensor <b>2340</b> can be a transmit-only device. In other instances, motion sensor <b>2340</b> can be configured to receive information from other devices of system <b>2300</b>. In instances where motion sensor <b>2340</b> is configured as a transmit-only device, a battery (not shown) of motion sensor <b>2340</b> can last 25 years or more. In some instances, motion sensor <b>2340</b> can have no moving parts. In such instances, the lack of moving part can increase the usable lifetime of the motion sensor <b>2340</b>. In some instances, motion sensor <b>2340</b> can use passive infrared to indicate the presence of an individual with the sensing area. In some instances, motion sensor <b>2340</b> can sample motion at a nearly continuous rate. In such instances, motion sensor <b>2340</b> can balance sensing time with energy usage (battery life). Motion sensor <b>2340</b> can be configured to provide continuous sensing while still achieving 25 years or more of operation from a single pre-installed (e.g., soldered) battery. In some instances, a 25 year battery life is achieved without energy harvesting. When motion is detected, motion sensor <b>2340</b> triggers an output signal and resets to enable sensing again. During the reset process, motion sensor <b>2340</b> may be unable to sense motion. The reset process, however, can only take about one second and because motion has just been sensed, one second of non-sensing time can be a non-factor.

0101In some instances, motion sensor <b>2340</b> can be configured to transmit a packet when motion is detected. In such an instance, motion sensor <b>2340</b> can continue to sense motion but, in some instances, does not transmit another packet for a pre-determined or programmable time period such as five minutes. In such an instance, motion sensor <b>2340</b> effectively continuously monitors motion during five minute windows (or any other suitable window of time) and can send a packet indicating if motion occurred during the five minute period. In some instances, motion sensor <b>2340</b> can send data to the gateway and/or the wireless controller <b>2310</b>. Control based on or in response to the packet can be performed by gateway <b>2360</b> and/or wireless controller <b>2310</b>. In some instances, motion sensor <b>2340</b> can be used to sense occupancy or vacancy of a room or area. Motion sensor <b>2340</b> may be ceiling, wall, or hallway mounted.

0102In some instances, motion sensor <b>2340</b> can be a transmit-only device that can transmit data on two sequential channels using a single radio. As an example, motion sensor <b>2340</b> can transmit on Channel A followed by Channel B. Each motion sensor <b>2340</b> can have a unique serial number that is assigned at time of manufacture that is included as data within every packet transmitted.

0103Light sensor <b>2350</b> can be configured to sense a level of ambient light in a space and can be configured to transmit such information for control and/or configuration of light fixtures <b>2320</b>. In some instances, light sensor <b>2350</b> can be a battery operated device. In some instances, light sensor <b>2350</b> can be configured, during normal operation, to be a transmit-only device. In other instances, light sensor <b>2350</b> can be configured to receive information from system <b>2300</b>. In instances where light sensor <b>2350</b> is configured as a transmit-only device, a battery (not shown) of light sensor <b>2350</b> can last 25 years or more. In some instances, light sensor <b>2350</b> can have no moving parts. In such instances, the lack of moving part can increase the usable lifetime of the light sensor <b>2350</b>. In some instances, light sensor <b>2350</b> can include a lens, IR and UV filters, and a photodiode configured to measure the lux level striking the surface on which light sensor <b>2350</b> is mounted. A light sensing element (not shown) within light sensor <b>2350</b> can be designed to closely match a light frequency (spectral) response of the human eye. The light sensor may also include a mounting device to hold one or more of the photodiode, filters, and lens. The mounting device may also be designed to block substantially all the light other than the light entering through the lens. This eliminates error caused by light that may enter the light sensor enclosure other than through the lens. Preferably the lens, filters, and photodiode have a cosine square light transfer response to mimic the human eye.

0104In some instances, light sensor <b>2350</b> can be configured to sample the light level (e.g. lux level) and send an RF packet at a predetermined or programmable time, such as, for example, once per minute or on a condition of light level change of a percentage of the previous reading. In some instances, light sensor <b>2350</b> can send data to gateway <b>2360</b> or wireless controllers <b>2310</b>. In such instances, this data can be used to adjust the light level in a room to drive the light level to a desired level. In some instances, a range of light levels can be provided, for example, user-defined, including a maximum acceptable light level (maximum set point/lux level) and a minimum acceptable light level (minimum set point/lux level). The system can modify the dim level of wireless controllers <b>2310</b> associated with light sensor <b>2350</b> to drive the light level to in between the minimum and maximum set points. As an example, the minimum lux level for a room can be set to 300 lux and the maximum lux level can be set to 400 lux. If light sensor <b>2350</b> reports to gateway <b>2360</b> that the current lux level in a room is 350 lux, gateway <b>2360</b> can make no change to the dim level of the wireless controllers within the room. If, however, light sensor <b>2350</b> reports that the lux level is 250 lux, gateway <b>2360</b> can instruct one or more or all of wireless controllers <b>2310</b> within the room to increase the dim level by a certain percentage (e.g. 10%). In some instances, when a subsequent reading from the light sensor <b>2350</b> is received, gateway <b>2360</b> can continue to turn up the dim setting until light sensor <b>2350</b> sends a reading between 300 and 400 lux. The same process can occur if the lux level is above 400 lux except gateway <b>2360</b> can instruct one or more or all of wireless controllers <b>2310</b> to decrease the dim level by a certain percentage (e.g. 10%) until the lux level is between the user-defined set points of 300 and 400 lux.

0105In some instances, light sensor <b>2350</b> can be a transmit-only device that can transmit data on two sequential channels using a single radio. As an example, light sensor <b>2350</b> can transmit on Channel A followed by Channel B. Each light sensor <b>2350</b> can have a unique serial number that is assigned at time of manufacture that is included as data within every packet transmitted.

0106Gateway <b>2360</b> can be configured to connect wireless switch <b>2330</b>, light sensor <b>2350</b>, motion sensor <b>2340</b>, wireless controllers <b>2310</b> and associated light fixtures <b>2320</b> with a BAS network. Gateway <b>2360</b> can be similar to the network gateway devices described herein, for example, network gateway device <b>140</b>. In some instances, gateway <b>2360</b> can collect data from all devices on gateway <b>2360</b>'s network. A user can enroll devices to the network associated with gateway <b>2360</b> using a webpage served from gateway <b>2360</b> to a user's computer over the LAN (not shown). In this manner, the webpage can allow the user to enroll devices by scanning the bar codes of the unique identification numbers of the devices using a bar code scanner (not shown). The user can also set characteristics of the device (e.g. wireless switches, wireless sensors, wireless controllers, etc.) using the webpage. The user can also use the webpage to associate one device to another. All of this data can be stored in non-volatile memory in gateway <b>2360</b> to ensure retention during a power outage and to reduce system latency to and from the cloud server. In some instances, associations can tell devices how to interact with one another. As an example, wireless controllers <b>2310</b> are associated with wireless switch <b>2330</b>. In such an example, wireless controllers <b>2310</b> receive and process packets from wireless switch <b>2330</b> to control the ON, OFF, or dim state. This data can also be relayed to gateway <b>2360</b> to ensure proper system control and to double check that wireless controllers received and acted upon the command.

0107In some instances, gateway <b>2360</b> can group devices by room or area. As an example, referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>, all devices (e.g., wireless controllers <b>2310</b>, wireless switch <b>2330</b>, motion sensor <b>2340</b>, light sensor <b>2350</b>, etc.) have been added to the room. In this example, wireless controllers <b>2310</b> would be associated to wireless switch <b>2330</b>, and motion sensors <b>2340</b> and light sensor <b>2350</b> would be associated to the room.

0108In some instances, motion sensors are used to reset the room timeout. The room timeout timer can indicate when to switch from an occupied state to an unoccupied state. The room timeout timer can be user configurable and can be, for example, thirty minutes. The room timeout timer can be timed by gateway <b>2360</b> in an individual room and can be used by gateway <b>2360</b> to make decisions on how to control the room devices (e.g. wireless controllers <b>2310</b>). Data that indicates motion, sent from motion sensors <b>2340</b>, can reset the room timer of the room shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>. In some instances, each room or area has a dedicated room timer and timeout condition. In some instances, either motion sensor <b>2340</b> can sense motion and clear the room timer. In some instances, once the room timer reaches the room timeout condition, such as 30 minutes, gateway <b>2360</b> can issue to wireless controllers <b>2310</b> a command associated with that room to switch to the desired state of wireless controller <b>2310</b>. In such instance, the command to wireless controllers <b>2310</b> can occur sequentially to each wireless controller <b>2310</b> or as a single command simultaneously to all wireless controllers <b>2310</b>. In such instances, typically the desired state is OFF; in some instances, however, certain lighting, such as security lighting or emergency lighting can have a desired state of ON or dimmed to a settable level such as 50%. In some instances, light sensor <b>2350</b> can continuously monitor the light level in the room and send data to gateway <b>2360</b>. Gateway <b>2360</b> can wirelessly send commands to wireless controllers <b>2310</b> based on the sensor data (from motion sensors <b>2340</b> and light sensor <b>2350</b>). In some instances, motion sensors <b>2340</b> and/or light sensor <b>2350</b> can communicate directly with wireless controllers <b>2310</b> if found to be advantageous, and associations can be stored for motion sensors <b>2340</b> and/or light sensors <b>2350</b> in wireless controllers <b>2310</b>.

0109In some instances, gateway <b>2360</b> can set device data such as but not limited to, sensing thresholds, timeouts, dim levels, etc. This data is used by gateway <b>2360</b> to perform or ensure system control.

0110In some instances, gateway <b>2360</b> can maintain a schedule for each room or for whether the room should be occupied or unoccupied. The schedule can have, for example, a resolution of 15 minutes. In some instances, the schedule can be pushed to gateway <b>2560</b> from the cloud server and can be set by the user. In some examples, behavior under an occupied state may not match behavior in an unoccupied state. As an example, during an occupied state, lights may not go off due to a timeout condition but rather may just dim. Whereas, in an unoccupied state, the lights may shut off. At least a portion (24 hours as an example) of schedule can be stored on gateway <b>2360</b> to overcome network outages.

0111In some instances, gateway <b>2360</b> also includes an interface to the BAS to receive and provide control and monitoring information. In some instances, gateway <b>2360</b> can poll each wireless controller <b>2310</b> after a predefined time period to ensure that each wireless controller <b>2310</b> is in the proper state. In such instances, gateway <b>2310</b> can transmit a packet to correct any error found. As an example, gateway <b>2360</b> can poll one of 100 wireless controllers per second to check their state. Therefore, each wireless controller <b>2310</b> is polled every 100 seconds. In some instances, gateway <b>2360</b> can include two antennas and two radios simultaneously operating on different channels (Channel A and Channel B) to provide spatial and frequency diversity. In some instances, gateway <b>2360</b> can have a secure login and password for access from the user's computer or from the proxy or cloud server. In some instances, gateway <b>2360</b> can have the ability to perform a firmware upgrade when prompted by the cloud server and upon reception of a file containing the updated firmware. In some instances, gateway <b>2360</b> can backup its memory to the cloud server in case the gateway becomes inoperable. This can allow the user to restore the memory to a new gateway without the need to setup the system <b>2300</b> again.

0112As described above, a gateway can be a control point for a lighting control system and can be the central device for the configuration and monitoring of the system. The gateway can be a central point of control for other devices within the system. In some instances, however, the devices within the system can also function autonomously without the presence of the gateway. In such instances, in the event of a partial building power failure or interference where the gateway cannot communicate with the devices that it is configured to control, the devices can continue to function using default instructions and settings.

0113As described above, a gateway can be configured to control the initial configuration for devices (wireless controllers and associated lighting fixtures, motion sensors, lighting sensors, etc.). In such instances, the initial configuration can be accomplished by, for example, an Ethernet interface and a website that the user can load from the gateway to add or remove components or devices to or from the network. Additionally, devices in the system can be associated with a gateway via the cloud server. In some instances, the gateway can perform as a minimal control unit for all other lighting system hardware components or devices. In some instances, no scheduling is stored in gateway. In some instances, enabling or disabling of devices within the system can be done in a fixed manner via the gateway's web page interface or JSON REST interface to provide the mechanisms by which a given schedule or policy could be enacted. In some instances, the gateway is configured to push data to a proxy server, local server, and/or a cloud server as described herein. In some instances, the gateway can store information in memory about the associated devices (wireless controllers/repeaters, switches, sensors). In some instances, the gateway can upgrade software/firmware when prompted by a server. In such instances, a gateway can be configured to configure and control of new types of devices. In some instances, the gateway can use a network time protocol (NTP) client to poll an NTP server for the current time. In some instances, timestamps upon the gateway can be recorded as seconds as specified in the IEEE Std 1003.1-1988

0114As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>, a proxy server <b>2380</b> can be configured to aggregate data from multiple gateways <b>2360</b><i>a</i>-<b>2360</b><i>n </i>on the wired network. The data from multiple gateways <b>2360</b><i>a</i>-<b>2360</b><i>n </i>can then exit the firewall through a single point to minimize the security risk caused by the opening in the firewall as can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>. Additionally, proxy server <b>2380</b> can add additional security features to the system such as Client security socket layer (SSL) for added security. It should be noted that proxy server <b>2380</b> can be a physical unit, a software package, and/or a virtual machine running on an existing server.

0115A cloud server can be configured to aggregate data from multiple gateways and from multiple sites and from multiple users. In some instances, the cloud server can perform the same functions as a gateway but can also manage a complete site containing multiple gateways. The cloud server can also store, track, and analyze data. As an example, the cloud server can track energy usage of the lighting control system at the building, room/area, or wireless controller level. The user can enter the AC or DC voltage, typical current draw of the ballast, and the power factor. The cloud server could calculate the energy usage using this data and the ON time of the wireless controllers.

0116Devices described herein, for example, wireless switches, wireless sensors, etc., can each have a permanent bar code label and a removable adhesive bar code label. The removable bar code label can be removed during installation and adhered to a sheet that contains the devices with a room or area. These bar codes can be later scanned into a gateway at lighting control system setup. This can allow the gateway to know which devices should be added to the network and which device it should ignore (devices not scanned at setup).

0117In some instances, when multiple sensors are present in a room, the data from the sensors may be OR'ed, AND'ed, averaged, added, subtracted, integrated, or any other math operation to produce the desired result.

0118In some instances, multiple wireless switches can be associated with one or more wireless controllers to allow a room or area to have multiple switches for control. In such an instance, control can be based on the most recent switch press or by the switch with the highest priority within a timeout period. In some instances, a master switch that can control multiple rooms or areas and override any lower level switches contained within the rooms or areas.

0119Devices described herein can each have a unique serial number. The serial number can contain a portion that can be used to identify the type of device. As an example, the serial number may be a 32 bit number where the first 8 bits identify the type of device and the remaining 24 bits are a unique number.

0120In some instances, a lighting control system can employ encryption to ensure the system is secure. As added security the system can employ a packet counter and a data whitening algorithm. The packet counter can allow a gateway to ensure packets are not repeated by an attacker. The packet counter can also be used as a simple timestamp from the transmitting device or to determine if a packet from that device was missed or lost. This data can be used to request a retransmission, when applicable. The data whitening algorithm is used primarily to give RF frequency spectral spreading to comply with FCC regulations.

0121In some instances, a lighting control system can include additional devices such as but not limited to a wired switch, a wireless outlet, a controllable vent with electronically controlled louvers, HVAC sensors (temp, humidity, CO2, differential pressure, contact closure, external temperature, pulse counters, etc.), voice-activated lighting controls, audio sensing occupancy or vacancy sensors.

0122In some instances, a gateway can include an additional radio to support the addition of other devices using a different protocol such as Zigbee or WiFi. In some instances, a gateway can include digital or analog inputs and/or outputs for connection to other systems to obtain other data for control. An example includes a connection to a security system to change the lighting settings based on a change in security status.

0123In some instances, a wireless controller can include a circuit to monitor current and power factor of the load to enable the wireless controller to report energy usage to the gateway and cloud server. Monitoring current can also be used to determine a malfunction in the load device such as a blown bulb or blown ballast.

0124<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> is a flowchart depicting a method <b>2700</b> of operating a lighting control system as described herein. Method <b>2700</b> includes a gateway associated with a space performing a periodic check, e.g., determining that whether or not a state change signal has been received during the time-out period for the space, at <b>2702</b>, <b>2704</b>. If the timeout period has passed without receiving a state change signal, method <b>2700</b> includes determining whether a motion sensor in present in the space, at <b>2706</b>. If a motion sensor is present, method <b>2700</b> includes the gateway reverting any wireless controller to their desired state, at <b>2708</b>. If no motion sensor is present, method <b>2700</b> includes the gateway determining whether the space is scheduled to be occupied, at <b>2710</b>. If the space is not scheduled to be occupied, method <b>2700</b> includes the gateway reverting any wireless controller to their desired state, at <b>2708</b>. If the room is scheduled to be occupied, method <b>2700</b> includes determining whether a light sensor is present, at <b>2712</b>. If a light sensor is not present, method <b>2700</b> includes the gateway not initiating any change, at <b>2708</b>. If a light sensor is present, method <b>2700</b> includes reverting any wireless controller to light sensor control, at <b>2714</b>. Returning to <b>2704</b>, if the timeout period has not passed, the gateway does not initiate any change, at <b>2716</b>. While not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref>, after each of end points <b>2708</b>, <b>2714</b> and <b>2716</b>, method <b>2700</b> can return to <b>2702</b>, performing a periodic check.

0125The lighting control systems described herein can be associated with different use cases. Specifically, the lighting control system can be associated with scenarios where a person interacts with the system physically (e.g., a switch) and/or via a device included in the system (e.g., motion sensor).

0126In scenarios where a person physically interacts with a switch, the switch allows the user to override the policy of the system. In the absence of a physical interaction by the user via switches or sensors, the system should behave autonomously according to a set policy.

0127In a first physical interaction scenario a user can desire more light. In this scenario, a setting can be in effect in which a light's off powered state or dimming level is too low for a user's need. The user can provide touch input to the switch based on their desired lighting level. In this scenario if the room in which the switch is pressed is set to occupied, then a room timeout can cause the wireless controllers to revert to day light harvesting, if a sensor exists. In this scenario if the room in which the switch is pressed is set to unoccupied, then a room timeout can cause the wireless controllers to revert to the default state of off as per the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards.

0128In a second physical interaction scenario a user can desire less light. In this scenario a room can have a schedule in effect that sets the defaults of a room wireless controller's state. A user can prefer to have a darker room for a presentation. In this scenario, the user can provide touch input to the switch based on their desired lighting level. In this scenario if the room in which the switch is pressed is set to occupied, then a room timeout can cause the connectors to revert to day light harvesting, if a sensor is located in that room. In this scenario if the room in which the switch is pressed is set to unoccupied, then a room timeout can cause the connectors to revert to the default state of off as per the ASHRAE standards.

0129In a third physical interaction scenario, switches can be disabled via deletion of its wireless controller associations. In such a scenario, a user's physical interaction with a switch can override the system. Similarly, if a switch times out, the user can also override the switch.

0130In a fourth physical interaction scenario, a gateway can lose connectivity. In such a scenario the switches can act as the singular point of control of the system. The wireless controllers within a room should act autonomously as a single unit and remain in the state that they were in prior to loss of connectivity. Because the building policy can be controlled via broadcasts from the gateway, all building policies that are in effect on the gateway will not be available for access by other devices upon failures and switch state will be persistent until connectivity is restored within the system.

0131In a first motion sensor scenario, no motion is detected. In such a scenario, in the event that a building vacancy sensor detects that a room is vacant (no motion within a timeout period), all wireless controllers within the room will revert to their default state. In a motion second sensor scenario, motion is detected. In such a scenario, in the event of motion being detected the room will reset the timeout timer.

0132In a light sensor scenario, a light sensor is placed in a room so that it can detect a room lux level. In such a scenario, given a configurable lux set point of the sensor, the system can dim or brighten the wireless controllers associated with a sensor. In such a scenario, the switches associated with the wireless controllers can override the default state that is set for daylight harvesting. In such a light sensor scenario, the lux point or brightness of the room as measured by the light sensors can be controlled via the gateway. This system can be designed to provide a reasonable value of light and adaptation to changing light conditions as determined by testing. Continuing with this scenario, hysteresis levels are given for a wireless controller-to-light-sensor association. These levels can provide a range of lux in which the wireless controllers associated with a light sensor may not attempt to adjust their percent diming.

0133As described herein a gateway can be connected to a lighting control system. By way of example, a technician can connect an Ethernet cable into the gateway. The Ethernet connection can be able to function without a need for cross over cables. A technician can then enable communication to the gateway by setting a static internet protocol (IP) address on the technician's computer. Continuing with this example, a technician can then navigate to a Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) server on the gateway at the gateway's default IP and can be prompted for a default username and password. After entering a default username and password, the technician can be required to enter in a username and password before proceeding. If no username or password is provided, the gateway will not be configurable or usable. In such an example, this can be a security mechanism.

0134As described herein, network settings of a lighting control system can be configured. For example a technician can change the default IP address and LAN settings (domain name server (DNS), IP Gateway, subnet mask) to match the desired network settings. A technician can enter in the gateway information to an associated cloud or proxy server. If the gateway is set to push updates to a cloud server, an associated username and password for the cloud server can be entered into the gateway either by the installer or a cloud server/proxy. A technician can install the gateway into the permanent location as a LAN fixture. A technician can log into a cloud server or proxy and confirm that the gateway has been recognized/perform additional configuration upon that server.

0135As described herein, a resource provides access to a representation of gateway configuration or current state via HTTP requests and responses. The gateway can be designed to be polled for data using HTTP requests to URLs representing resources and to return responses to those requests. Additionally, because state changes to different resource parameters can be missed between subsequent polls to the representational state transfer (REST) interface, an additional interface can be provided that can allow for pushing of state changes to an external server. Unless populated or configured by a user or an external server via the REST interface, the gateway will return empty array responses for all resources except the gateway and schedule.

0136In some embodiments of the systems described herein, repeaters can be included to increase the reliability of radio packet reception. Specifically, two types of repeaters can be used: global repeaters and local repeaters.

0137In some embodiments, a system, such as one or more of the systems described herein, can include one or more global repeaters (also referred to herein as network repeaters). A global repeater can be “global” in the sense that a global repeater can transmit packets at a higher power level and/or over a greater distance than a local repeater. For example, a global repeater may be able to transmit packets beyond a room, space, or zone, while a local repeater may be able to transmit packets only within the room, space, or zone. A global repeater can be, for example, a wireless device and can be operatively coupled to a light source or lighting fixture. In some embodiments, the wireless device can include a wireless controller and a transceiver. The wireless controller can be implemented in a processor and include a memory. Thus, in this context, a global repeater can be referred to as a lighting fixture connector because the global repeater can connect a light source and/or lighting fixture to, for example, a gateway. In some embodiments, the global repeater can be a repeater-capable wireless device that can be manually configured by the user to be a global repeater.

0138The global repeater can repeat or send data packets received from one or more other devices. For example, the global repeater can repeat data packets received from any of the devices in the systems described herein (e.g., gateways, other wireless devices, switches, sensors, or other devices programmed with the proper gateway identification number (ID)). The global repeater can use a transmission (TX) power level defined for the global repeater such that the global repeater can repeat packets over greater distances and/or across multiple rooms when repeating at a high power compared to a local repeater transmitting packets at a lower power level. In some embodiments, a repeater-capable wireless device will operate as a global repeater and repeat a data packet (e.g., a radio packet) if all of the following conditions are met:

0000The ID of the device (e.g., a repeater-capable wireless device or a gateway) that is meant to receive the packet is not equal to the ID of the repeater-capable wireless device. <br /> The repeater-capable wireless device is currently associated with a gateway. <br /> If the radio packet came from a global or local repeater or a gateway and the repeater-capable wireless device is associated with the same global or local repeater or gateway. <br /> The packet is from any certain type(s) of device (e.g., switch or sensor). <br /> If the packet (e.g., a radio packet) has not been repeated more than a certain number of time (e.g., 5 times) (maximum number of hops).

0139In some embodiments, a repeater-capable wireless device will operate as a global repeater and repeat a packet if one or more of the above conditions are met. In some embodiments, a repeater-capable wireless device can operate as a local repeater and repeat a radio packet if one, some, or all of the above conditions are met.

0140Once it is determined that a packet should be repeated, the repeater-capable wireless device, operating as a global repeater, can insert a randomly-generated delay. For example, the randomly-generated delay can be a delay ranging from about 10 ms to about 50 ms.

0141In some embodiments, a system, such as any of the systems described herein, can include one or more local repeaters. In some embodiments, a wireless device can be a repeater-capable wireless device that can be autonomously configured to be a local repeater. The repeater-capable wireless device can be operatively coupled to a light source or lighting fixture. For example, each repeater-capable wireless device of a set of repeater-capable wireless devices can be co-located with and/or disposed in a common housing with one or more light sources such that each repeater-capable wireless device can control one or more characteristics (e.g., on/of f status, dimming level, color) of the one or more light sources. Similar to the repeater-capable wireless devices described with respect to global repeaters above, a repeater-capable wireless device that can be configured to be a local repeater can also include a wireless controller and a transceiver. The wireless controller can be implemented in a processor and include a memory. Thus, in this context, a repeater-capable wireless device configured as a local repeater can be referred to as a lighting fixture connector because the local repeater can connect a light source and/or lighting fixture to, for example, a gateway. Compared to global repeaters, local repeaters can use a lower transmission power level because the packets are only meant to be repeated to devices within the same room or zone as the local repeater is disposed. Using local repeaters improves the reliability of device packet reception within a given room or zone while reducing potential interference in other rooms or zones (e.g., neighboring spaces).

0142A group of repeater-capable wireless devices that share an association with a packet source device (such as, e.g., a switch) can repeat one or more data packets received from that packet source device autonomously and randomly within a room or zone in which the group of repeater-capable wireless devices are disposed. The repeating can be performed autonomously because a repeater-capable wireless device does not require a user to configure the repeater-capable wireless device to be a local repeater and a gateway is not required to identify or configure the repeater-capable wireless device to be a local repeater. The repeating can be performed randomly because, with a given set of repeater-capable wireless devices that share an association, only a randomly chosen subset will be local repeaters for a given period in time (e.g., for the period of time lasting until a new packet is received by a repeater-capable wireless devices within the subset). The randomly chosen subset can include one or more repeater-capable wireless devices. The random subset is very likely (but statistically not guaranteed) to change every time period, for example, with every packet received by the group of repeater-capable wireless devices. Said another way, each repeater-capable wireless device within the set of repeater-capable wireless devices can autonomously determine whether to operate as a local repeater every time period, for example, each time each repeater-capable wireless device receives a packet. Thus, each repeater-capable wireless device of a set of repeater-capable wireless devices can individually determine whether to operate as a local repeater separately and independently from the determination made by each other repeater-capable wireless device in the set and/or separately and independently from any other device.

0143In some embodiments, a repeater-capable wireless device operating as a local repeater will not repeat packets originating from other repeater-capable wireless devices. The local repeaters only repeat packets from packet source devices (e.g., switches or sensors) with which the local repeaters are associated. In some embodiments, local repeaters only repeat packets from wireless devices having low transmission power levels (e.g., switches and sensors) such that the packets (e.g., packets from a switch) are received by all repeater-capable wireless devices in a room or zone for that local repeater, even if collisions occur. Therefore, in some embodiments, only a subset of packets originating from a gateway is repeated. For example, only a subset of packets originating from a gateway is repeated in the case of “gateway spoof packets”—i.e., when a gateway sends a packet in the format of a packet source device (e.g., a wireless switch, a wireless sensor, etc.) to mimic the operation of that packet source device. Spoofing allows a gateway to be able to communicate with an end device to, for example, control a characteristic of the end device. For example, a repeater-capable wireless device can operate as an end device if it receives a particular gateway spoof packet. Spoofing can be viewed as the gateway “pretending” to be, for example, a wireless switch, to, for example, turn off the lights in a room. In some embodiments, the spoof packet will include a data field to such that the device receiving the packet (e.g., an end device such as a repeater-capable wireless device) knows that the spoof packet originated from the gateway, which conveys to the receiving device that the packet is a spoofed packet.

0144In some embodiments, as described above, a repeater-capable wireless device can include a transceiver and a processor. The processor can be operatively coupled to the transceiver. The transceiver can receive a data packet and the processor can determine whether to repeat the data packet. In some embodiments, the processor can determine whether to repeat the data packet based on whether the repeater-capable wireless device is associated with a source of the data packet (e.g., a switch, sensor, or gateway).

0145An example of the logic to decide which repeater-capable wireless device will operate as local repeaters from a group of repeater-capable wireless device that share an association is as follows: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none"><li id="ul0001-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0002" list-style="none"><li id="ul0002-0001" num="0146">The repeater-capable wireless device checks if it is associated with the source of the packet (e.g., a radio packet).</li><li id="ul0002-0002" num="0147">If so, the repeater-capable wireless device uses the following calculation to determine if the repeater-capable wireless device should act as a local repeater: ((random number) MOD ((number of repeater-capable wireless devices associated with the packet source device+2)/4))==0</li><li id="ul0002-0003" num="0148">random number: this is a randomly generated integer by the wireless controller from 0 to 32767</li><li id="ul0002-0004" num="0149">MOD: This is the mathematical modulus operator (also known as “modulo”). This operator works by performing a division between two numbers and returning the remainder. Thus, 5 MOD 2 would equal 1. As another example, 2 MOD 2 equals 0.</li><li id="ul0002-0005" num="0150">All math used in the calculation is integer based math. Thus ((5+2)/4) will result in 1 because the remainder is thrown away or ignored.</li><li id="ul0002-0006" num="0151">if the number of repeater-capable wireless devices associated with the packet source device is 0, then the repeater-capable wireless device will NOT be a local repeater.</li><li id="ul0002-0007" num="0152">in some embodiments, the packet source device is a sensor or a switch. In some such embodiments, packets from other repeater-capable wireless devices and the gateway are not repeated by local repeaters.</li><li id="ul0002-0008" num="0153">In some embodiments, the parameter “((number of repeater-capable wireless devices associated with the packet source device+2)/4)” is assigned by the gateway, as a number, to the repeater-capable wireless device. This parameter is a local repeater characteristic.</li></ul></li></ul>

0154Example input values for the above equation are as follows:

0000<tables id="TABLE-US-00001" num="00001"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="70pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="77pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="4" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry /><entry>Number of Associated</entry><entry /><entry /></row><row><entry>Random</entry><entry>Repeater-Capable</entry><entry /><entry>Local</entry></row><row><entry>Number</entry><entry>Wireless Device</entry><entry /><entry>Repeater?</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="4" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="70pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="77pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>20</entry><entry>0</entry><entry>NA</entry><entry>No</entry></row><row><entry>20</entry><entry>5</entry><entry>20 MOD ((5 + 2)/4)</entry><entry>Yes</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>20 MOD (7/4)</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>20 MOD 1 = 0</entry></row><row><entry>20</entry><entry>9</entry><entry>20 MOD ((9 + 2)/4)</entry><entry>Yes</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>20 MOD (11/4)</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>20 MOD 2 = 0</entry></row><row><entry>25</entry><entry>9</entry><entry>25 MOD ((9 + 2)/4)</entry><entry>No</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>25 MOD (11/4)</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>25 MOD 2 = 1</entry></row><row><entry>20</entry><entry>10</entry><entry>20 MOD ((10 + 2)/4)</entry><entry>No</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>20 MOD (12/4)</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>20 MOD 3 = 2</entry></row><row><entry>25</entry><entry>10</entry><entry>25 MOD ((10 + 2)/4)</entry><entry>No</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>25 MOD (12/4)</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>25 MOD 3 = 1</entry></row><row><entry>30</entry><entry>10</entry><entry>30 MOD ((10 + 2)/4)</entry><entry>Yes</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>30 MOD (12/4)</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>30 MOD 3 = 0</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="4" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

0155The probability of a repeater-capable wireless device being a local repeater depends on the number of repeater-capable wireless devices associated with the packet source device. As the number of associated repeater-capable wireless device increases, the probability of a repeater-capable wireless device being a local repeater decreases. The probability of a repeater-capable wireless device being a local repeater is one divided by the integer division of the number of associations plus two divided by four: 1/(((# of associations)+2)/4). This is illustrated in the chart below:

0000<tables id="TABLE-US-00002" num="00002"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="63pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="119pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>Theoretical</entry></row><row><entry /><entry># of Associations</entry><entry>Probability</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>1-5</entry><entry> 0%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>6-9</entry><entry>50%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>10-13</entry><entry>33%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>14-17</entry><entry>25%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>18-21</entry><entry>20%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>22-25</entry><entry>17%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>26-29</entry><entry>14%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>30-33</entry><entry>13%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>34-37</entry><entry>11%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>38-41</entry><entry>10%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>42-45</entry><entry> 9%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>46-49</entry><entry> 8%</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

0156A repeater-capable wireless device (such as one of the repeater-capable wireless devices described herein) can operate in a number of repeater modes. For example, in some embodiments, the repeater-capable wireless device can operate in any one of four modes at a given time period. In a first mode, the repeater-capable wireless device can be configured as a global repeater that repeats any packet from any other device from any network. In a second mode, the repeater-capable wireless device can be configured as a global repeater that repeats any packet from any other device on the repeater-capable wireless device's network but not from other networks. In a third mode, the repeater-capable wireless device can be configured as a local repeater that repeats any packet from any other device with which the repeater-capable wireless device is associated. Associations can be assigned wirelessly from a gateway device via a user interface by the user. In a fourth mode, the repeater-capable wireless device can be configured as an end device that does not repeat any packets.

0157A repeater-capable wireless device (such as one of the repeater-capable wireless devices described herein) may operate as one or more repeater types (also referred to herein as operating in one or more repeater modes). As an example, a repeater-capable wireless device may operate at a first time or for a first time period as a local repeater and at a second time or for a second time period as a global repeater. A room or zone may contain one or more types of repeaters.

0158Repeater modes may operate at different RF power levels. As an example, a local repeater may transmit at a power level ranging from, for example, about 0 to about 10 dBm. A global repeater may transmit at a power level ranging from, for example, about 20 to about 30 dBm. Generally, local repeaters can use less power for transmission because the associated end devices are closer than other network devices. Using less power for the transmission helps to eliminate interference to other parts of the network. In some embodiments, a repeater-capable wireless device can transmit at a first power level in a first mode and a second power level in a second mode. For example, a repeater-capable wireless device can be enabled (configured) as a local repeater in a first mode and transmit at a first power level and can be enabled (configured) as a network repeater in a second mode and transmit at a second power level greater than the first power level. In some embodiments, the first power level is associated with a first propagation distance and the second power level is associated with a second propagation distance, the second propagation distance being larger than the first propagation distance.

0159In some embodiments, local repeaters are automatically assigned. A gateway device may assign the local repeaters to specific network devices or the network devices may randomly determine if a device, such as one of the repeater-capable wireless devices described herein, should operate as a local repeater. This random determination may be persistent or may change after a predetermined period of time. In another embodiment, local devices (e.g., devices within the same room or zone) may communicate with one another to determine which devices will operate as a local repeater. In another embodiment, local devices may provide data to a gateway to allow the gateway to select the best local repeaters. The data may include, for example, received signal strength of communications from the gateway, received signal strength of communications from other local devices, time of flight data, or any other suitable data.

0160In some embodiments, a repeater-capable wireless device can be assigned to one or more rooms or zones. In some embodiments, the repeater-capable wireless device can perform an operation or change a characteristic of one or more light sources such as, for example, turning one or more lights on or off or dimming the one or more lights. In some embodiments, the wireless device can perform the operation based on instructions in a received packet.

0161In some embodiments, the repeater-capable wireless device may assign the transmitted packet a time-to-live on a network or may increment or decrement a time-to-live count within the packet data. For example, every time a packet is repeated on the network, the time-to-live count of the packet can be decremented by one by the sending repeater (or receiving repeater). If the time-to-live count of the packet is zero, a repeater on the network will not repeat the packet. Also, the repeater-capable wireless device may store packet data in memory for comparison to other packets at a future time. As an example, the repeater-capable wireless device may not repeat a packet if the device has already repeated the packet. A repeater-capable wireless device may repeat the packet on two or more channels at a first time. The repeater-capable wireless device may repeat the same packets at a second time after the first time after a random or predetermined delay.

0162In some embodiments, a method of operation of a system (such as one or more of the systems described herein), includes receiving, at a first wireless device of a plurality of wireless devices, a data packet including an indication of a source of the data packet (e.g., a sensor or switch). The first wireless device can be, for example, a repeater-capable wireless device having a wireless controller. In response to the first wireless device being associated with the source of the data packet, whether the first wireless device is a local repeater can be determined based at least in part on at least one of a random number or a number of wireless devices of the plurality of wireless devices. In some embodiments, the determining whether the first wireless device is a local repeater is based at least in part on a calculation of (the random number) modulo ((the number of wireless devices of the plurality of wireless devices associated with the first wireless device+2)/4). In response to the first wireless device being determined to be a local repeater, the first wireless device can be caused to be configured as a local repeater such that the first wireless device sends the data packet to at least one remaining wireless device of the plurality of wireless devices. In response to the first wireless device being determined to not be a local repeater, the first wireless device does not repeat the data packet.

0163In some embodiments, the capacitive touch switch may include a sensing zone or button that can sense the presence of a person's finger. The sensing zone can be activated by a person's finger at any location on the wireless switch. The sensing zone may include some or all of the area around the other sensing zones or buttons. When the user puts their finger on a sensing zone, as an example, to turn on a light, the sensing zone would first sense the presence of the finger. Then the wireless switch would sense each additional button to determine the location of the finger. This type of methodology will allow the wireless switch to sample a single zone to save energy and extend battery life. When a finger is sensed on the face of the wireless switch (anywhere), the wireless switch can do a finer check of the exact location of the finger to determine which command to transmit. The sensing includes, for example, an averaging algorithm to help reject false triggers caused by electrical/electronic noise. In one embodiment, the buttons are checked without averaging to get a coarse estimation of the finger location. Then, the wireless switch can check each zone that showed a positive indication but can use averaging on those zones. Averaging consumes more energy so elimination of buttons as a possibility saves energy and extends battery life.

0164While various embodiments, instances and implementations described herein describe a particular number of wireless switches, wireless controllers, wireless sensors, wireless repeaters, and/or network gateway devices, etc., wireless sensor systems and lighting control systems described herein can include any number of such devices, for example, to provide redundancy. By way of example, a multi-story building can include a network gateway device on a top floor and on a bottom floor, and each wireless sensor can include at least one path, via wireless repeaters to the network gateway device on the top floor and/or on the bottom floor.

0165In any of the embodiments, the device may use an F-like antenna. The antenna can be constructed, for example, on a PCB. The PCB may have two or more layers. A ground plane is formed, for example, on a bottom layer while the components and antenna are formed on a top layer. The antenna in some embodiments may have at least one conductor that is constructed as an arch. The shorting pin of the antenna and the feed point of the antenna intersect on the arch and at a non-orthogonal angle. The antenna may also contain multiple parallel segments at the end of the arch. The parallel segments are electrically connected at alternating ends to form a meander section. The antenna can have no ground plane directly underneath substantially all of the antenna. The antenna shorting pin can be orthogonal to the end of the ground plane for a portion of its length and is curved for a portion of its length and without an abrupt angle like 90 degrees.

0166If found to be advantageous, the transmitted data packets may include: Hop count, RSSI, Last repeater ID, or other data for monitoring the health of the wireless network.

0167In any of the embodiments, the device may include a bi-stable display or other indicator to allow the user to see the status of function of a device. As an example, the motion sensors may include an LED that illuminates when motion is sensed. As another example, the light sensor may include a bi-stable segmented display to display the current reading of the lux level on the sensor along with the transmission of that data to the gateway.

0168While various embodiments, instances and implementations of the invention are described herein, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Where methods described herein indicate certain events occurring in certain order, the ordering of certain events may be modified. Additionally, certain of the events may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above.

0169In some embodiments, instances and implementations, the devices can include or relate to a computer storage product with a non-transitory computer-readable medium (also can be referred to as a non-transitory processor-readable medium) having instructions or computer code thereon for performing various computer-implemented operations. The computer-readable medium (or processor-readable medium) is non-transitory in the sense that it does not include transitory propagating signals per se (e.g., a propagating electromagnetic wave carrying information on a transmission medium such as space or a cable). The media and computer code (also can be referred to as code) may be those designed and constructed for the specific purpose or purposes. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical storage media such as Compact Disc/Digital Video Discs (CD/DVDs), Compact Disc-Read Only Memories (CD-ROMs), and holographic devices; magneto-optical storage media such as optical disks; carrier wave signal processing modules; and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and execute program code, such as Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Read-Only Memory (ROM) and Random-Access Memory (RAM) devices.

0170Examples of computer code include, but are not limited to, micro-code or micro-instructions, machine instructions, such as produced by a compiler, code used to produce a web service, and files containing higher-level instructions that are executed by a computer using an interpreter. For example, embodiments may be implemented using Java, C++, or other programming languages (e.g., object-oriented programming languages) and development tools. Additional examples of computer code include, but are not limited to, control signals, encrypted code, and compressed code.

0171Although various embodiments, instances and implementations are described herein as having particular features and/or combinations of components, other embodiments are possible having a combination of any features and/or components from any of the embodiments where appropriate.