Method for operating a sensor node

Abstract

A method (500) for operating a sensor node (100), the method (500) comprising: receiving (S501), by the sensor node (100), a control message according to a wireless communication protocol; and forwarding (S502), by the sensor node (100), the control message to another sensor node (200) in a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) network (300) via the DALI network (300).

Description

Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of control and debugging. More particularly, this document discloses various methods, apparatuses, and systems for remotely providing control messages to one or more sensor nodes. Background Technology

[0004] Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) is a standard communication protocol and network-based system for lighting control. DALI controls the communication flow between lighting drivers / gears (DALI: control drive units) and lighting controllers (DALI: control devices) that form a DALI network. DALI networks must be powered. DALI systems are defined by technical standards IEC 62386 and IEC 60929, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] To meet the application needs of the Internet of Things (IoT), the new DALI standard D4i offers more features and functions by focusing on control and power requirements, making it easier to install sensors and communication devices on lighting fixtures. Smart D4i lighting fixtures are ideal platforms for IoT, capable of collecting information from onboard D4i sensors and providing data for performance monitoring, asset management, predictive maintenance, and many other tasks. Communication and data exchange with external networks can be performed via D4i control devices with wireless communication capabilities. D4i is an extension of the DALI-2 certification program. D4i LED drivers have a set of mandatory functions related to power requirements and intelligent data capabilities. Therefore, the D4i protocol enriches next-generation lighting applications by employing diverse sensing data in lighting control systems.

[0006] Wireless controllers are widely used for indoor and outdoor lighting control. For outdoor lighting, smart streetlights typically use wireless controllers with secure networks. Commissioning of wireless controllers is usually done via a tablet or smartphone using a short-range wireless communication link such as Bluetooth. Access to the secure network is only granted to authorized personnel. If authorization is lost, the device needs to be reset to be put back into use.

[0007] For some wireless controllers or other sensors in a DALI network, the lack of easily accessible reset options can be very inconvenient for outdoor lighting applications.

[0008] US2016286628A1 relates to a modular wireless lighting control device that includes a wireless interface and lighting control equipment, and the lighting control equipment may have a DALI interface. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The inventors recognize that it is advantageous to implement a method for conveniently providing control messages to sensor nodes or wireless controllers, especially when the sensor nodes or wireless controllers are not directly accessible. More particularly, the objectives of the invention are achieved by the method claimed in claim 1, by the sensor node claimed in claim 9, and by the DALI network claimed in claim 13.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for transmitting control messages using a wireless communication protocol is provided. A method for transmitting control messages using a wireless communication protocol, the method comprising: Connect sensor nodes that support wireless communication protocols to a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) network; - Send control messages to the sensor nodes according to the wireless communication protocol; and - Control messages are broadcast by sensor nodes via the DALI network, enabling other sensor nodes in the DALI network that do not support wireless communication protocols or cannot directly receive control messages via wireless communication protocols to receive control messages via the DALI network.

[0012] The newly added sensor node has interfaces with both the wireless communication protocol and the DALI network, while the existing sensor nodes have interfaces with the DALI network but not with the wireless communication protocol required to receive control messages. Control messages can be provided by debugging equipment, remote controllers, smartphones, or tablets. Because the sensor node and other sensor nodes are connected to the same DALI network, it is advantageous for control messages to be forwarded from one sensor node to the other.

[0013] By broadcasting control messages, sensor nodes can forward control messages to any other sensor node connected to the same DALI network, regardless of addressing within the DALI network.

[0014] The newly added sensor node can be a brand new, factory-installed sensor node. The newly added sensor node assists in the process of sending control messages to one or more existing nodes in the DALI network that cannot directly receive control messages via the wireless communication protocol.

[0015] It's also possible that other sensor nodes also have interfaces with the wireless communication protocol. However, in one scenario, due to a fault, the other sensor nodes cannot receive control messages via the wireless communication protocol. In another scenario, the other sensor nodes can only receive certain types of commands via the wireless communication protocol, and not the others.

[0016] Because devices on the DALI network are hot-swappable, newly added or connected sensor nodes can be temporarily connected to the DALI network and used only for forwarding control messages. Therefore, sensor nodes can also be removed or disconnected from the DALI network after delivering control messages to one or more additional sensor nodes in the DALI network, or after completing some other task (such as assisting users, commissioning engineers, or field engineers in sending one or more commands to at least one additional sensor node).

[0017] DALI networks can be based on the D4i standard.

[0018] In one option, the method also includes: - Commands included in the control message are executed by the sensor node.

[0019] Commands included in control messages can address both the sensor node and other sensor nodes.

[0020] Alternatively, commands can be addressed to other sensor nodes, such as when the command is placed in the payload portion of a control message containing address information. In this case, the sensor node itself does not execute the command but simply forwards it to another sensor node.

[0021] In one example, the sensor node is attached to or integrated into the illuminator.

[0022] The sensor node can be a wireless controller used to control the lighting.

[0023] In another example, the illuminator is a two-socket illuminator, and an additional sensor node is attached to the same illuminator.

[0024] A double-socket luminaire is a type of lighting fixture with two sockets or lamp holders, allowing two bulbs to be installed in the same fixture. These fixtures are typically used in applications requiring high light output, such as in commercial or industrial environments. Double-socket luminaires can accommodate different types of bulbs, including incandescent, fluorescent, LED, or HID bulbs. Some double-socket luminaires also offer the ability to independently control each socket, allowing for greater flexibility in lighting design and control.

[0025] Dual-socket lighting fixtures are used in a variety of applications, including warehouse lighting, retail display lighting, and outdoor lighting, because they offer a cost-effective way to achieve desired lighting levels without having to install multiple luminaires.

[0026] For outdoor lighting fixtures, dual-socket lighting fixtures can be manufactured according to Zhaga standards, such as Zhaga Book 18. Here, a dual-socket lighting fixture is described as a lighting fixture with two sockets, which can be used for sensor input and / or communication between the lighting fixture and the network. The mechanical and electrical connections of the lighting fixture can be made according to Zhaga Book 18, and the communication between the sensor node and the controller device can be made according to the DALI standard D4i.

[0027] In one example, a sensor node and another sensor node are used to independently control two sockets.

[0028] Advantageously, the lighting device is a street lamp.

[0029] Different short-range wireless communication technologies can be used to provide control messages to sensor nodes.

[0030] Advantageously, the wireless communication protocol is based on one of the following standards: Zigbee, Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi, NFC, LTE, 5G cellular.

[0031] In one example, the command is a reset command.

[0032] The reset command is used to reset a sensor node to its default settings. When a reset command is issued, all user-configured settings, such as network configuration, security settings, and user preferences, are erased, and the sensor node is restored to its factory default settings.

[0033] The reset command is typically used to troubleshoot problems with sensor nodes, such as when they are unresponsive or behaving abnormally. Taking a wireless controller as an example, resetting the controller to its default settings can clear any misconfigured settings or corrupted data that may be causing the problem, and can restore the controller to a known stable state.

[0034] Other sensor nodes cannot receive reset commands via wireless communication protocols but only through the DALI interface, while sensor nodes can receive both.

[0035] In one example, after a reset, additional sensor nodes can receive additional configuration commands via a wireless communication protocol or RF channel.

[0036] In one option, DALI network is either a wired network or a DALI bus.

[0037] A DALI network may include a central controller and multiple devices. The DALI controller is the central device that manages and controls the DALI network; it sends commands and receives feedback from the DALI devices in the network. DALI devices can be individual luminaires or groups of luminaires connected to the DALI network. These devices are individually addressable and can be controlled independently or in groups.

[0038] Wired DALI uses physical cables to connect DALI devices to a central controller.

[0039] In the alternative options, DALI network is wireless network or wireless DALI.

[0040] Wireless DALI (also known as wireless-based DALI) enables DALI lighting control applications on top of an underlying wireless network. Devices in a DALI network within a wireless mesh are DALI-based devices with wireless communication capabilities. There is no conversion between DALI and wireless protocols. Therefore, wireless DALI uses wireless signals to communicate between the DALI devices and the central controller. Essentially, wireless DALI provides a way to control lighting fixtures without the need for wires, which can be useful in situations where running wires is difficult or impossible.

[0041] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a system is provided. The system includes a sensor node and a control device, the control device being configured to send control messages to the sensor node using a wireless communication protocol; wherein the sensor node includes: - An interface configured to connect sensor nodes to a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) network; - A transceiver configured to receive control messages according to a wireless communication protocol; and - The controller is configured to control the sensor nodes to: o By broadcasting control messages via the DALI network, other sensor nodes in the DALI network that do not support wireless communication protocols or cannot directly receive control messages via wireless communication protocols can receive control messages via the DALI network.

[0042] Advantageously, the controller of the sensor node is also configured to control the sensor node to execute commands included in the control message.

[0043] In one example, the command is a reset command.

[0044] The command can also be of other types besides reset. For example, the control message can also carry queries for status or diagnostic information. The control message can also carry additional control or configuration commands for controlling the sensor node, or for controlling other devices attached to or connected to the sensor node (such as illuminators connected to the sensor node).

[0045] Advantageously, the sensor node is attached to or integrated into the illuminator.

[0046] In one example, the illuminator is a street lamp.

[0047] In one option, DALI network is either a wired network or a DALI bus.

[0048] In the alternative options, DALI network is wireless network or wireless DALI.

[0049] A DALI network can be used as a control network. Preferably, a DALI network is used as a lighting control network. Attached Figure Description

[0051] Throughout the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals typically refer to the same parts. Furthermore, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather generally emphasize the principles of the invention.

[0052] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a method for operating sensor nodes is shown; Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the basic block diagram of a sensor node; Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the basic block diagram of another sensor node; Figure 4 This illustrates a prior art setup for providing control messages to additional sensor nodes; Figure 5 An example setup for providing control messages to another sensor node according to the present invention is shown; Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a wired DALI network; and Figure 7 The diagram illustrates a wireless DALI network. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The embodiments described below illustrate information that enables those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments. By reading the following description with the aid of the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of this disclosure and recognize the application of these concepts not specifically mentioned herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0055] Figure 1 A flowchart is shown for a method 500 for transmitting control messages using a wireless communication protocol. Method 500 includes: - Connect the sensor node 100, which supports the wireless communication protocol, to the Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) network (300). - In step S501, a control message is sent to sensor node 100 according to the wireless communication protocol; and - In step S502, sensor node 100 broadcasts control messages via DALI network 300, enabling other sensor nodes 200 in DALI network 300 that do not support wireless communication protocols or cannot directly receive control messages via wireless communication protocols to receive control messages via DALI network.

[0056] Optionally, the method 500 in claim 1 may further include: - In step S503, the sensor node 100 executes the command included in the control message.

[0057] Commands included in control messages can address both sensor node 100 and the other sensor node 200, or only the other sensor node 200.

[0058] Control messages can carry queries for status or diagnostic information. Control messages can also carry additional control or configuration commands for controlling the sensor node, or for controlling other devices attached to or connected to the sensor node (such as illuminators connected to the sensor node).

[0059] Preferably, the command is a reset command. When a reset command is issued, all user-configured settings, such as network configuration, security settings, and user preferences, are erased, and the sensor node or other sensor nodes are restored to their factory default settings. Reset commands are typically used to troubleshoot problems with sensor nodes or other sensor nodes, such as when they are unresponsive or behaving abnormally. When the sensor node or other sensor node is a wireless controller, resetting the wireless controller to its default settings can clear any misconfigured settings or corrupted data that may be causing the problem.

[0060] Figure 2 A basic block diagram of sensor node 100 is shown. As a basic setup, sensor node 100 includes a transceiver 101, an interface 102, and a controller 103. Transceiver 101 is configured to receive control messages according to a wireless communication protocol. Interface 102 is configured to connect sensor node 100 to a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) network 300. Controller 103 is configured to control sensor node 100 to broadcast control messages to the DALI network via interface 102, enabling other sensor nodes 200 in the DALI network 300 that do not support the wireless communication protocol or cannot directly receive control messages via the wireless communication protocol to receive control messages via the DALI network.

[0061] The controller can also be configured to control sensor node 100 to: Execute the command included in the control message.

[0062] Wireless communication protocols are related to short-range wireless communication and can be based on one of the following standards: Zigbee, Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi, NFC, LTE, or 5G cellular. These protocols are used to establish RF communication between sensor nodes and debugging equipment, remote controllers, smartphones, or tablets, enabling control messages or commands to be provided to the sensor nodes by these devices.

[0063] Preferably, the sensor node 100 is attached to or integrated into a luminaire. The luminaire can be deployed indoors or outdoors, such as a street light.

[0064] The luminaire can be a dual-socket luminaire, with additional sensor nodes 200 attached to different sockets of the same luminaire. With sensor node 100 and additional sensor nodes 200 attached to different sockets of the same dual-socket luminaire, the luminaire provides the ability to independently control each socket, thus allowing greater flexibility in lighting design and control.

[0065] Figure 3 A basic block diagram of an additional sensor node 200 is shown. As a basic setup, the additional sensor node 200 includes an interface 202 and a controller 203. The interface 202 is configured to connect the additional sensor node 200 to a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) network 300.

[0066] The additional sensor node 200 may not include a transceiver 201 for RF communication.

[0067] Optionally, the additional sensor node 200 may also include a transceiver 201. Unlike sensor node 100, the additional sensor node 200 cannot receive control messages via transceiver 201 according to the wireless communication protocol. This may be because the transceiver 201 of the additional sensor node 200 has malfunctioned. It is also possible that the transceiver 201 is only able to receive certain types of commands via the wireless communication protocol, and cannot receive other types of commands.

[0068] Figure 4 This illustrates a prior art setup for providing control messages to another sensor node 200. In this case, a reset needs to be provided to the other sensor node. Typically, the device can be reset using one of the following methods: • Physically (e.g., via the reset button) • Wireless (e.g., RF, IR, NFC) • Wired (e.g., via input / output / control connection) The choice between different options can also be a trade-off between availability, security, and cost.

[0069] In situations where the device can be reset wirelessly, the connection needs to be secured so that anyone else can reset it. This could be a problem with street lighting. If the device becomes unreachable via wireless communication, a second reset option should be available.

[0070] As an example, the LRI8135 (Outdoor Multisensor) can be reset using DALI control input. Manufacturer-specific command sequences need to be sent from a laptop computer via the wired DALI interface to reset the device. The reset method still requires physical access to the device. Therefore, the LRI8135 can be reset via the DALI interface when wireless connectivity is not possible, but this requires a PC and an expensive 24-bit DALI interface. Therefore, it is inconvenient and not cost-effective.

[0071] Figure 5 An example setup for providing control messages to another sensor node 200 according to the present invention is shown. In this example, the other sensor node 200 is a multi-sensor node that is currently or subsequently RF-unconnectable and needs to be reset. Instead of using methods according to the prior art... Figure 4 As shown in the settings, the reset command is transmitted via the first sensor node 100 or as... Figure 5 The illustrated health multi-sensor node is delivered to another sensor node. The health sensor node receives RESET commands or control messages from a remote controller, debugging device, smartphone, or tablet via an RF link. Then, the health sensor node forwards the RESET command via the DALI bus to the multi-sensor node that needs a RESET but is not RF-connected.

[0072] In outdoor lighting scenarios, taking the dual-socket ZHAGA luminaire as an example, the process can be performed as follows: • Power on the dual-socket ZHAGA illuminator with non-RF connectable multi-sensor (OMS1); • Observe and wait until the multi-sensor RED LED turns off; • Install the second connectable (new) multi-sensor on an additional socket of the lighting fixture; • Use the mobile application to “access” the connectable (new) multi-sensor (OMS 2) and send RESET commands; Now, both multisensors will be reset (OMS 2 will be reset directly and OMS 1 will be reset via DALI).

[0073] Taking the LRI8135 sensor node as an example, according to D4i Part 351 (Application-Specific Controller Arbitration), the following procedure can be performed: • Enables RF to connect to multiple sensors upon power-up; • Wait ≥30 seconds for the RF-connectable multi-sensor to start up (and the RED LED to turn off); • Install a second non-RF sensor to connect multiple sensors; • Wait ≥30s for the second non-RF connectable multi-sensor to activate (and the RED LED to turn off); • Use the mobile application to “access” the connectable (new) multi-sensor (OMS 2) and send RESET commands; Now, both multisensors will be reset (OMS 2 will be reset directly and OMS 1 will be reset via DALI).

[0074] To implement the scheme disclosed in this invention, development will be added to the multi-sensor firmware so that if it receives a network reset from the application, it will not only reset the connected multi-sensor, but also issue a 24-bit command to reset any other multi-sensor connected to the same DALI bus / line.

[0075] This invention can also be embodied in a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) network 300, which includes: -The first sensor node 100 according to the present invention; and - One or more additional sensor nodes 200, 200'; One or more of the other sensor nodes 200, 200' are unable to receive control messages according to the wireless communication protocol; and the first sensor node 100 is configured to forward control messages to one or more of the other sensor nodes 200, 200' via the DALI network 300.

[0076] Figure 6 A wired DALI network 300 is shown, and a first sensor node 100 and one or more additional sensor nodes 200, 200' are connected via a DALI bus.

[0077] Figure 7 A wireless DALI network 300 is shown, with a first sensor node 100 and one or more additional sensor nodes 200, 200' wirelessly connected. Wireless DALI (also known as wireless-based DALI) implements DALI lighting control applications on top of an underlying wireless network. Devices 100, 200, 200' in the DALI on the wireless mesh network are DALI-based devices with wireless communication capabilities. Note that the wireless DALI interface differs from the wireless communication protocol used by sensor node 100 to receive control messages.

[0078] In practice, a sensor node may have a first transceiver for accessing the RF link to communicate with the debugging equipment according to a wireless communication protocol. The same first transceiver can access the wireless DALI network using a time-division multiplexing method. Alternatively, the sensor node may include a separate transceiver for accessing the wireless DALI network.

[0079] The method according to the invention can be implemented on a computer as a computer-implemented method, or in dedicated hardware, or in a combination of both.

Claims

1. A method (500) for transmitting control messages using a wireless communication protocol, the method (500) comprising: - Connect the sensor node (100) that supports the wireless communication protocol to the Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) network (300). - Send a control message (S501) to the sensor node (100) according to the wireless communication protocol; and - The sensor node (100) broadcasts (S502) a control message via the DALI network (300), enabling other sensor nodes (200) in the DALI network (300) that do not support the wireless communication protocol or cannot directly receive control messages via the wireless communication protocol to receive control messages via the DALI network.

2. The method (500) according to claim 1, further comprising: - The command included in the control message is executed by the sensor node (100) (S503).

3. The method (500) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor node (100) is attached to or integrated into the illuminator.

4. The method (500) according to claim 3, wherein, The illuminator is a dual-socket illuminator, and the additional sensor node (200) is attached to the same illuminator.

5. The method (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The wireless communication protocol is based on one of the following standards: Zigbee, Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi, NFC, LTE, 5G cellular.

6. The method (500) according to any one of claims 2-5, wherein, The command mentioned is a reset command.

7. The method (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the DALI network (300) is a wired network or a DALI bus.

8. The method (500) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the DALI network (300) is a wireless network or wireless DALI.

9. A system comprising a sensor node (100) and a control device configured to transmit control messages to the sensor node using a wireless communication protocol; wherein the sensor node comprises: - Interface (102), which is configured to connect sensor node (100) to a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) network (300). - Transceiver (101), configured to receive control messages according to a wireless communication protocol; and - The controller (103) is configured to control the sensor node (100) to: ○By broadcasting control messages via the DALI network, other sensor nodes (200) in the DALI network (300) that do not support wireless communication protocols or cannot directly receive control messages via wireless communication protocols can receive control messages via the DALI network.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the controller of the sensor node (100) is further configured to control the sensor node (100) to: ○ Execute commands included in control messages.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the command is a reset command.

12. The system according to any one of claims 9-11 is attached to or integrated into a luminaire.

13. The system according to any one of claims 9-12, wherein, The control device is a remote controller, debugging equipment, smartphone, or tablet computer.

14. The system according to any one of claims 9-13, wherein the DALI network (300) is a wired network or a DALI bus.

15. The system according to any one of claims 9-13, wherein the DALI network (300) is a wireless network or wireless DALI.

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