Alternative IDs for objects in constrained networks

Abstract

A system for assigning a substitute identifier to an object may include a first communication device of a first object, wherein the first communication device broadcasts a first communication signal including a first identifier of the first object. The system may also include a first electrical device having a first receiver and a first transmitter, wherein the first receiver receives the first communication signal. The system may also include a controller communicatively coupled to the first electrical device, wherein the controller retrieves the first identifier of the first communication device from the first communication signal, assigns a first substitute identifier to the first communication device based on the first identifier, saves the first identifier of the first object and the first substitute identifier in a first table, and transmits a second communication signal including the first substitute identifier and the first identifier of the first object.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments described herein relate generally to locating objects in space, and more particularly, to systems, methods, and apparatus for alternative identification of objects in a constrained network. Background Art

[0002] Different methods are used to locate objects within a volume of space. For example, when signals (e.g., radio frequency (RF) signals) are involved, the strength of each signal can be measured to help determine the location of the object within the volume of space. When the location is completed in real time, the system that implements this process is often referred to as a real-time location system (RLTS). Each object can be associated with an identification number.

[0003] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0167141 discloses address assignment in a coded lighting positioning system, wherein a coded light provides its initial identifier to a remote controller via the coded light, and the remote controller generates a modified identifier for assigning to the coded light source. U.S. Patent No. 5,352,957 discloses a control system for electrical appliances (such as lighting fixtures) in a distributed arrangement, wherein receivers can be assigned operating addresses rather than using their longer product numbers to improve the operation of the system. Summary of the invention

[0004] In general, in one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system for assigning alternative identifiers to objects in a spatial volume. The system may include a first communication device of a first object disposed in the spatial volume, wherein the first communication device broadcasts a first communication signal into the spatial volume, wherein the first communication signal includes a first identifier of the first object. The system may also include a first electrical device disposed in the spatial volume, wherein the first electrical device includes a first receiver and a first transmitter, wherein the first receiver receives the first communication signal broadcast by the first communication device of the first object. The system may also include a controller communicatively coupled to the first electrical device. The controller may retrieve the first identifier of the first communication device from the first communication signal. The controller may also assign a first alternative identifier to the first communication device based on the first identifier. The controller may also save the first identifier and the first alternative identifier of the first object in a first table. The controller may also send a second communication signal, the second communication signal including the first alternative identifier and the first identifier of the first object.

[0005] In another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a controller for assigning an alternative identifier to an object in a spatial volume. The controller may be configured to receive a first identifier of a first communication device associated with a first object in a first communication signal. The controller may also be configured to assign a first alternative identifier to the first communication device based on the first identifier. The controller may also be configured to store the first identifier and the first alternative identifier of the first object in a table. The controller may also be configured to send a second communication signal including the first alternative identifier and the first identifier of the first object.

[0006] These and other aspects, objects, features and embodiments will be apparent from the following description and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The accompanying drawings illustrate only example embodiments of real-time positioning of objects using multiple electrical devices, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope thereof, as real-time positioning of objects using multiple electrical devices may allow for other equivalent embodiments. The elements and features shown in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale, and emphasis is instead placed on clearly illustrating the principles of the example embodiments. In addition, certain dimensions or positions may be exaggerated to help convey these principles visually. In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals represent similar or corresponding but not necessarily identical elements.

[0008] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a system is shown in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0009] Figure 2 A computing device is shown in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0010] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another system is shown, in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0011] Figure 4 A system in a healthcare environment is shown, according to certain example embodiments.

[0012] Figure 5 Another system in a manufacturing environment is shown in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0013] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B A side view and a top view, respectively, of a system in which an object is located in a volume of space, according to certain example embodiments.

[0014] Figure 7 shows when a signal is sent by one of the light fixtures according to certain example embodiments Fig. 6A and Figure 6B system.

[0015] Figure 8shows an example of a signal transmitted by an object according to some example embodiments. FIG. 6A to FIG. 7 system.

[0016] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of an integrated sensor module is shown, according to certain example embodiments.

[0017] Figure 10-Figure 15 Examples according to certain example embodiments are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The example embodiments discussed herein are directed to systems, methods, and apparatus for alternative identification of objects in a constrained network. Although the example embodiments are described herein as using multiple light fixtures to locate and identify objects in a spatial volume, the example embodiments may use one or more of several other electrical devices in addition to or in lieu of the light fixtures. Such other electrical devices may include, but are not limited to, light switches, control panels, thermostats, wall outlets, integrated sensor devices (defined below) (e.g., smoke detectors, CO2 monitors, motion detectors, broken glass sensors), and cameras.

[0019] In addition, any of several positioning methods can be used with the example embodiments to locate one or more objects in real time (using RLTS). Examples of such positioning methods may include, but are not limited to, time of flight (ToF), angle of arrival (AoA), and angle of departure (AoD). In addition to signal strength, any of these methods may involve measurements of one or more other parameters about the signal. Examples of such other parameters may include, but are not limited to, travel distance, angle, and travel time. Regardless of the positioning method used, these signals include an identification of the object, and the example embodiments provide alternative identifications of the object.

[0020] Example embodiments may be used with volumes of space having any size and / or located in any environment (e.g., indoor, outdoor, hazardous, non-hazardous, high humidity, low temperature, corrosive, sterile, high vibration). In addition, while the signals described herein are radio frequency (RF) signals, example embodiments may be used with any of several other types of signals and / or platforms, including, but not limited to, visible light signals, LiFi, WiFi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), RFID, ultraviolet waves, microwaves, and infrared signals. For example, RF signals transmitted using BLE are sent and received at approximately 2.4 GHz.

[0021] When the electrical device in the example system is a lamp (also called a luminaire), the lamp can be any of several types of lamps, including but not limited to troffers, pendant lamp stands, floodlights, spotlights, emergency exit lamps, exit signs, downlights, and overhead lamps. Regardless of the type of lamp, such a lamp can use one or more of several different types of light sources, including but not limited to light emitting diode (LED) light sources, fluorescent light sources, organic LED light sources, incandescent light sources, and halogen light sources. Therefore, the lamps described herein, even in hazardous locations, should not be considered limited to a particular type of light source.

[0022] Example embodiments provide various methods to provide alternative identification for objects in an efficient manner using relatively little bandwidth. Example embodiments can be used to provide alternative identification for objects in real time using RTLS structures. In addition, example embodiments provide a high level of data security if the user desires such security. Example embodiments are also more reliable than positioning methods used in the prior art, using small amounts of power on demand. Example embodiments can be installed with new electrical (e.g., lighting, security, entertainment, HVAC) systems, including their electrical equipment. Alternatively, example embodiments can be programmed into existing electrical systems and related equipment with little or no need to add or modify existing hardware.

[0023] In certain example embodiments, electrical devices used to locate objects in real time and subsequently provide alternative identification of the objects need to meet certain standards and / or requirements. For example, the National Electrical Code (NEC), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) have established standards for electrical enclosures (e.g., lamps), wiring, and electrical connections. The use of the example embodiments described herein meets (and / or allows corresponding devices to meet) such standards when necessary. In some (e.g., PV solar) applications, the electrical enclosures described herein can meet additional standards specific to the application.

[0024] If a component in a figure is described but not explicitly shown or labeled in the figure, the label used for the corresponding component in another figure can be inferred to be the component. Conversely, if a component in a figure is labeled but not described, the description of such a component can be substantially the same as the description of the corresponding component in another figure. The numbering scheme for the various components in the figures herein is such that each component is a three-digit or four-digit number, and the corresponding components in the other figures have the same last two digits. For any figure shown and described herein, one or more components may be omitted, added, repeated, and / or replaced. Therefore, the embodiments shown in a particular figure should not be considered to be limited to the specific arrangement of the components shown in such figure.

[0025] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated, a statement that a particular embodiment (e.g., as shown in the figures herein) does not have a particular feature or component does not mean that such embodiment cannot have such feature or component. For example, for the purposes of current or future claims herein, a feature or component described as not included in the example embodiments shown in one or more specific figures can be included in one or more claims corresponding to the one or more specific figures herein.

[0026] The following will more fully describe example embodiments of alternative identifications for objects in a constrained network with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of alternative identifications for objects in a constrained network are shown. However, alternative identifications for objects in a constrained network can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of alternative identifications for objects in a constrained network to those of ordinary skill in the art. For consistency, similar but not necessarily identical elements (sometimes also referred to as parts) in each figure are represented by similar reference numerals.

[0027] Terms such as "first," "second," and "within" are used only to distinguish one component (or portion of a component or state of a component) from another component (or portion of a component or state of a component). These terms are not meant to express a preference or a particular orientation, and these terms are not meant to limit embodiments of alternative identification of objects in a constrained network. In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be implemented without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0028] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a system 100 is shown that includes a plurality of electrical devices 102 and one or more objects 160 in a spatial volume 199, in accordance with certain example embodiments. Specifically, the system 100 may include an electrical device 102-1, one or more other electrical devices 102-N, one or more users 150, a network manager 180, and one or more wireless access controllers 185 (WACs 185). The electrical device 102-1 and the other electrical devices 102-N may be collectively referred to as electrical devices 102. Each electrical device 102 (e.g., electrical device 102-1) may include a controller 104, one or more sensor devices 165, one or more optional antennas 175, an optional switch 145, a power source 140, and a number of electrical device components 142. The controller 104 may include one or more of a number of components. These components may include, but are not limited to, a control engine 106 , a communication module 108 , a timer 110 , a power module 112 , a storage repository 130 , a hardware processor 120 , a memory 122 , a transceiver 124 , an application interface 126 , and an optional security module 128 .

[0029] Figure 1 The components shown in are not exhaustive, and in some embodiments, Figure 1 One or more components shown in the example electrical device 102 may not be included in the example electrical device 102. Any component of the example electrical device 102 may be discrete or combined with one or more other components of the electrical device 102. For example, each electrical device 102 in the system 100 may have its own controller 104. Alternatively, one controller 104 may be used to control multiple electrical devices 102 in the system. An electrical device 102 is any device that operates at least in part using electricity. A list of some potential electrical devices 102 is described above.

[0030] The user 150 may be any person who interacts with the electrical devices 102 and / or objects 160 in the spatial volume 199. Specifically, the user 150 may use example embodiments to program, operate, and / or interact with one or more components associated with the system 100 (e.g., the controller 104, the WAC 185, the network manager 180). Examples of the user 150 may include, but are not limited to, employees, engineers, electricians, technicians, operators, visitors, supervisors, consultants, contractors, key personnel, network administrators, and manufacturers' representatives.

[0031] The user 150 may include and use a user system 155 (sometimes also referred to as a user device 155), which may include a display (e.g., a GUI). The user 150 (including the associated user system 155) interacts with (e.g., sends data to, receives data from) the controller 104 of the electrical device 102 via the application interface 126 (discussed below). The user 150 (including the associated user system 155) may also interact with the network manager 180, one or more WACs 185, sensor devices 165, and / or one or more objects 160. The communication link 105 may be used to facilitate the interaction (including the transmission of communication signals 195) between the user 150 (including the associated user system 155) and the electrical device 102, the network manager 180, the WAC 185, the sensor device 165, and the object 160.

[0032] Each communication link 105 may include wired (e.g., Category 1 cable, Category 2 cable, electrical connector) and / or wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi, visible light communication, cellular network, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, WirelessHART, ISA100, power line carrier, RS485, DALI) technology. For example, the communication link 105 may be (or include) one or more electrical conductors coupled to the housing 103 of the electrical device 102-1 and coupled to the sensor device 165. The communication link 105 may transmit signals (e.g., power signals, communication signals 195 (e.g., RF signals), control signals, data) between the electrical device 102, the user 150 (including the associated user system 155), the sensor device 165, the object 160 (including the associated communication device 190), the WAC 185 and / or the network manager 180. For example, the electrical device 102 of the system 100 can interact with one or more objects 160 by transmitting communication signals 195 (e.g., RF signals) over one or more communication links 105, as discussed below. The signals transmitted over the communication link 105 consist of several bits of data, which may include an identification of the object 160 (or its communication device 190).

[0033] The network manager 180 is a device or component that controls all or a portion of the system 100 including the controller 104 of at least one of the electrical devices 102 and the WAC 185. The features (e.g., modules) included in the network manager 180 and / or the functions performed by the network manager 180 can be substantially similar to the features included in the controller 104 and / or the WAC 185 and / or the functions performed by the controller 104 and / or the WAC 185. Alternatively, the network manager 180 can include one or more of several features and / or perform one or more of several functions in addition to or in addition to the features of the controller 104 and / or the WAC 185, both of which are described below. There can be more than one network manager 180 and / or one or more portions of the network manager 180.

[0034] In some cases, the network manager 180 may be referred to as an insight manager, a master controller, or an RTLS positioning engine. In this case, the network manager 180 receives data from the WAC 185 and processes the data (e.g., using the algorithm 133 and / or the protocol 132) to determine the location of one or more objects 160 in real time. The network manager 180 may be located in the spatial volume 199 or remote from the spatial volume 199. The network manager 180 may use various communications received from the WAC 185 to locate two-dimensional or three-dimensional objects 160 within the spatial volume 199. In certain example embodiments, the network manager 180 (e.g., using a controller similar to the controller 104) may establish and maintain alternative identification values ​​for one or more objects 160.

[0035] Each WAC 185 (sometimes more simply referred to as an access controller, as a general term and / or when referring to a wired communication link 105) performs several different functions. For example, a WAC 185 can help communicate with and control the controllers 104 of one or more electrical devices 102 to help operate those electrical devices 102. For RTLS applications, the WAC 185 can be responsible for pairing with Zigbee-enabled integrated sensor devices 165 and / or other electrical devices 102, providing configuration data to the integrated sensor devices 165 and / or other electrical devices 102, synchronizing the timing of those integrated sensor devices 165 and / or other electrical devices 102, supporting firmware of those integrated sensor devices 165 and / or other electrical devices 102, upgrading those integrated sensor devices 165 and / or other electrical devices 102, receiving location / telemetry data from the integrated sensor devices 165 and / or other electrical devices 102 (e.g., using a Zigbee-enabled communication link 105), and / or performing any other functions with respect to those integrated sensor devices 165 and / or other electrical devices 102 to support RTLS activities, which may include establishing and maintaining alternative identification values ​​for one or more objects 160.

[0036] When the WAC 185 receives data from the integrated sensor device 165 and / or other electrical device 102 (e.g., packetized egress data that arrived as ingress data), the WAC 185 may convert the data into a different format (e.g., ECAPI). The WAC 185 may then send the newly formatted data to the network manager 180. To help diagnose problems, the WAC 185 may maintain counters for each paired integrated sensor device 165 and / or other electrical device 102 and include, for example, the number of packetized data messages received from a particular integrated sensor device 165 and / or other electrical device 102, the number of formatted messages related to packetized data from a particular integrated sensor device 165 and / or other electrical device 102 that were successfully transmitted to the network manager 180, and the number of formatted messages related to packetized data from a particular integrated sensor device 165 and / or other electrical device 102 that failed to be transmitted to the network manager 180.

[0037] In some cases, the WAC 185 maintains the average and maximum delays introduced between receiving messages from the integrated sensor device 165 and / or other electrical devices 102 and transmitting the formatted messages to the network manager 180. The WAC 185 may also notify the network manager 180 when the average or maximum delay exceeds a threshold. In addition, the WAC 185 may communicate with the network manager 180 when there are significant differences (e.g., as determined by the WAC 185) between the ingress and egress packets regarding the integrated sensor device 165 and / or other electrical devices 102. When there are multiple WACs 185, they may be time synchronized with each other. In some cases, the features (e.g., modules) included in the WAC 185 and / or the functions performed by the WAC 185 may be substantially the same as the features included in the controller 104 of the electrical device 102-1 and / or the functions performed by the controller 104 of the electrical device 102-1. The WAC 185 may be located in the spatial volume 199 or away from the spatial volume 199.

[0038] As defined herein, object 160 can be any unit or unit group. Object 160 can move by itself, can be moved, or is stationary. Examples of object 160 can include, but are not limited to, a person (e.g., user 150, such as a visitor or employee), a part (e.g., a motor stator, a cover), an equipment (e.g., a fan, a container, a table, a chair), or a group of equipment parts (e.g., a pallet stacked with inventory). At a specific point in time, system 100 can have no object 160, one object 160, or multiple objects 160 in spatial volume 199.

[0039] Each object 160 may include a communication device 190 (sometimes also referred to as a tag, beacon, or other name known in the art, depending on the configuration of the communication device 190) that may receive communication signals 195 from and / or send communication signals 195 to one or more electrical devices 102, which may include integrated sensor devices 165. The communication device 190 of the object 160 may broadcast a communication signal 195 that may be received by any electrical device 102 within the broadcast range, or send a communication signal 195 addressed to an electrical device 102.

[0040] The communication device 190 may include one or more of several components (e.g., a transceiver, an antenna, a switch, a power module), and / or have the functionality described below with respect to the controller 104 and / or associated electrical devices 102. For example, the communication device 190 may include a control engine, a transceiver, and an antenna to allow the communication device 190 to send and / or receive communication signals 195 to and / or from one or more electrical devices 102 in the system 100.

[0041] Using an example embodiment, the communication device 190 of the object 160 can be in sleep mode for predefined intervals, when it remains awake for a period of time or until the communication device 190 receives a communication signal 195 (e.g., an RF signal) broadcast by one or more electrical devices 102. When this occurs, the communication device 190 can be turned on long enough to interpret the initial (received) communication signal 195, and then generate and send its own subsequent communication signal 195 (e.g., another RF signal) to one or more electrical devices 102 in response to the initial communication signal 195. The response communication signal 195 may include a UUID (or other form of identification) and a reference (e.g., a signal code) to the initial communication signal 195 and / or the electrical device 102 (if any) that sent the initial communication signal 195. The identification of the object 160 or its communication device 190 included in the RF signal 195 sent by the communication device 190 can be 24 or 48 bits. Once the communication device 190 sends the response communication signal 195, the communication device 190 can return to sleep mode, thereby saving a large amount of power.

[0042] The communication device 190 may use one or more of a number of communication protocols to send and / or receive communication signals 195 to and / or from the electrical device 102. In certain example embodiments, the object 160 (or a portion thereof, such as the communication device 190) may include a battery (a form of power source or power module) for at least partially providing power to some or all of the rest of the object 160 (including the communication device 190).

[0043] According to one or more example embodiments, the user 150 (including the associated user system 155), the network manager 180, one or more sensor devices 165, one or more WACs 185, and / or other electrical devices 102-N may interact with the controller 104 of the electrical device 102-1 using the application interface 126. Specifically, the application interface 126 of the controller 104 receives data (e.g., information, communications, instructions) from and sends data (e.g., information, communications, instructions) to the user 150 (including the associated user system 155), the network manager 180, the sensor device 165, one or more WACs 185, and / or one or more other electrical devices 102-N. In certain example embodiments, one or more of the user 150 (including the associated user system 155), the network manager 180, the sensor device 165, one or more WACs 185, and / or other electrical devices 102-N may include an interface to receive data from and send data to the controller 104. Examples of such an interface may include, but are not limited to, a graphical user interface, a touch screen, an application programming interface, a keyboard, a monitor, a mouse, a network service, a data protocol adapter, some other hardware and / or software, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0044] In certain example embodiments, the controller 104, the user 150 (including the associated user system 155), the network manager 180, the sensor device 165, one or more WACs 185 and / or one or more other electrical devices 102-N may use their own systems or share a system. Such a system may be in the form of or include an Internet-based or intranet-based computer system capable of communicating with various software. The computer system includes any type of computing device and / or communication device, including but not limited to the controller 104. Examples of such a system may include but are not limited to a desktop computer with a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet or an intranet access, a laptop computer with a LAN, a WAN, the Internet or an intranet access, a smart phone, a server, a server farm, an Android device (or equivalent), a tablet computer, a smart phone, and a personal digital assistant (PDA). Such a system may correspond to the following reference Figure 2 Describe the computer system.

[0045] In addition, as discussed above, such a system may have corresponding software (e.g., user software, controller software, network manager software). According to some example embodiments, the software may be executed on the same or separate devices (e.g., servers, mainframes, desktop personal computers (PCs), laptops, PDAs, televisions, cable boxes, satellite boxes, phone booths, telephones, mobile phones, or other computing devices) and may be coupled to wired and / or wireless segments via communication networks (e.g., the Internet, intranets, extranets, LANs, WANs, or other network communication methods) and / or communication channels. The software of one system may be part of the software of another system within or in communication with system 100, or operate independently but in conjunction with the software of another system within or in communication with system 100.

[0046] Electrical device 102-1 may include housing 103. Housing 103 may include at least one wall that forms cavity 101. In some cases, housing 103 may be designed to comply with any applicable standards so that electrical device 102-1 may be located in a particular environment (e.g., a hazardous environment, a wet environment). Housing 103 of electrical device 102-1 may be used to house one or more components of electrical device 102-1, including one or more components of controller 104. For example, Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , a controller 104 (in this case including a control engine 106, a communication module 108, a timer 110, a power module 112, a repository 130, a hardware processor 120, a memory 122, a transceiver 124, an application interface 126, and an optional security module 128), one or more sensor devices 165, an optional switch 145, one or more optional antennas 175, a power source 140, and electrical device components 142 are disposed in a cavity 101 formed by a housing 103. In alternative embodiments, any one or more of these or other components of the electrical device 102-1 may be disposed on and / or away from the housing 103.

[0047] The repository 130 may be a persistent storage device (or collection of devices) that stores software and data used to help the controller 104 communicate with a user 150 (including a user system 155), a network manager 180, one or more objects 160, a sensor device 165, one or more WACs 185, and one or more other electrical devices 102-N within the system 100. In one or more example embodiments, the repository 130 stores one or more protocols 132, one or more algorithms 133, and object data 134.

[0048] The protocol 132 may be any program (e.g., a series of method steps) and / or other similar operating procedures followed by the control engine 106 of the controller 104 based on certain conditions at a point in time. The protocol 132 may also include any of several communication protocols for sending and / or receiving data between the controller 104 and the user 150 (including the associated user system 155), the network manager 180, one or more other electrical devices 102-N, the sensor device 165, one or more WACs 185, and one or more objects 160 (including the associated communication device 190). The one or more protocols 132 for communication may be a time synchronization protocol. Examples of such time synchronization protocols may include, but are not limited to, the Highway Addressable Remote Sensor (HART) protocol, the Wireless HART protocol, and the International Society of Automation (ISA) 100 protocol. In this way, the one or more protocols 132 for communication may provide a security layer for data transmitted within the system 100.

[0049] The algorithm 133 may be any formula, mathematical model, prediction, simulation, and / or other similar tool used by the control engine 106 of the controller 104 to derive a calculation conclusion. An example of one or more algorithms 133 is calculating the strength of the communication signal 195 and comparing the strength of the communication signal 195 to a threshold value. The algorithm 133 may be used to analyze past data, analyze current data, and / or make predictions.

[0050] One or more specific algorithms 133 may be used in conjunction with one or more specific protocols 132. For example, one or more protocols 132 and one or more algorithms 133 may be used in conjunction with each other to track objects 160 (including associated communication devices 190) using occupancy information measured by one or more sensor devices 165. As another example, one or more protocols 132 and one or more algorithms 133 may be used in conjunction with each other to track objects 160 (including associated communication devices 190) using coded IR signaling, which may involve one or more sensor devices 165. As yet another example, one or more protocols 132 and one or more algorithms 133 may be used in conjunction with each other to track objects 160 (including associated communication devices 190) based on temporal separation of objects 160 based on received signal strength indicators (RSSIs), which may be measured by one or more sensor devices 165.

[0051] As yet another example, one or more protocols 132 and one or more algorithms 133 may be used in conjunction with one another to retrieve an identifier of an object 160 (potentially including an associated communication device 190) from a communication signal 195 received from a communication device 190, generate a replacement identifier for the object 160 (potentially including an associated communication device 190), populate an identifier table for the object 160 (potentially including an associated communication device 190) with the original identifier and the replacement identifier of the object 160 (potentially including an associated communication device 190), and send subsequent communication signals 195 using the replacement identifier.

[0052] The object data 134 may be any data associated with each object 160 (including an associated communication device 190) that is communicatively coupled to the controller 104. Such data may include, but is not limited to, the manufacturer of the object 160, the model of the object 160 (including the associated communication device 190), the communication capabilities of the communication device 190 of the object 160, the last known location of the object 160, and the age of the object 160. The repository 130 may also store one or more other types of data, including, but not limited to, preferences of the user 150, thresholds, tables (e.g., identification tables), results from the algorithm 133, historical data (e.g., measurements of the sensor device 165), and nameplate information of equipment (e.g., sensor device 165, electrical device component 142).

[0053] Examples of repository 130 may include, but are not limited to, a database (or databases), a file system, a hard drive, flash memory, cloud-based storage, some other form of solid-state data storage, or any suitable combination thereof. According to some example embodiments, repository 130 may be located on multiple physical machines, each storing all or a portion of protocol 132, algorithm 133, and / or object data 134. Each storage unit or device may be physically located in the same or different geographic locations.

[0054] The repository 130 may be operatively connected to the control engine 106. In one or more example embodiments, the control engine 106 includes functionality to communicate with the user 150 (including associated user systems 155), the network manager 180, the object 160 (including associated communication devices 190), the sensor device 165, one or more WACs 185, and other electrical devices 102-N in the system 100. More specifically, the control engine 106 sends information to and / or receives information from the repository 130 in order to communicate with the user 150 (including associated user systems 155), the network manager 180, the object 160 (including associated communication devices 190), the sensor device 165, one or more WACs 185, and other electrical devices 102-N. As discussed below, in certain example embodiments, the repository 130 may also be operatively connected to the communication module 108.

[0055] In certain example embodiments, the control engine 106 of the controller 104 controls the operation of one or more components (e.g., the communication module 108, the timer 110, the transceiver 124) of the controller 104. For example, when there is no communication between the controller 104 and another component in the system 100 (e.g., the object 160 (including the associated communication device 190), the sensor device 165, the WAC 185, the user system 155), or when the communication between the controller 104 and another component in the system 100 follows a regular pattern, the control engine 106 can put the communication module 108 into a "sleep" mode. In this case, power consumed by the controller 104 is conserved by enabling the communication module 108 only when it is needed.

[0056] As another example, the control engine 106 can direct the timer 110 when to provide the current time, begin tracking a time period, and / or perform another function within the capabilities of the timer 110. As yet another example, the control engine 106 can direct the transceiver 124 to send a communication signal 195 (e.g., an RF signal) and / or stop sending a communication signal 195 to one or more sensor devices 165 and / or one or more WACs 185 in the system 100. The control engine 106 can also instruct the sensor device 165 to communicate with the object 160 (including the associated communication device 190), the WAC 185, the network manager 180, and / or the controller 104. This example provides another instance in which the control engine 106 can conserve power used by the controller 104 and other components of the system 100 (e.g., the communication device 190 of the object 160, the sensor device 165).

[0057] The control engine 106 may determine when to broadcast one or more communication signals 195 in an attempt to locate an object 160 (including an associated communication device 190). To save energy, the control engine 106 does not broadcast the communication signal 195 continuously, but only at discrete times. The control engine 106 may broadcast the communication signal 195 based on one or more of several factors, including but not limited to the passage of time, the occurrence of an event, instructions from a user 150 (including an associated user system 155), and commands received from a network manager 180. The control engine 106 may coordinate with the controller 104 of one or more other electrical devices 102-N and / or directly control one or more other electrical devices 102-N to broadcast multiple communication signals 195. The control engine 106 may also determine the signal strength (e.g., RSSI) of one or more communication signals 195 broadcast by the communication device 190 of the object 160, in some cases in response to the communication signal 195 broadcast by the electrical device 102-1.

[0058] In some cases, the control engine 106 of the electrical device 102-1 (or, in some cases, the network manager 180 in communication with the controller 104) can locate the object 160 (including the associated communication device 190) based on the plurality of communication signals 195 transmitted by the communication device 190 of the object 160, in some cases in response to the plurality of communication signals 195 broadcast by the electrical device 102. To accomplish this, the control engine 106 obtains the plurality of communication signals 195 broadcast by the communication device 190 of the object 160 (directly and / or from another control engine 106 from one or more other electrical devices 102-N) and determines the location of the object 160 (including the associated communication device 190) using one or more protocols 132 and / or algorithms 133.

[0059] For example, the protocol 132 and / or algorithm 133 used by the control engine 106 may use occupancy information to track the object 160 (including the associated communication device 190), as detailed in the following examples. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As another example, the protocol 132 and / or algorithm 133 used by the control engine 106 may use coded IR signaling to track the object 160 (including the associated communication device 190). As yet another example, the protocol 132 and / or algorithm 133 used by the control engine 106 may use time separation of the object 160 based on RSSI to track the object 160.

[0060] As yet another example, the control engine 106 of the controller 104 may use one or more protocols 132 and one or more algorithms 133 to retrieve an identification of an object 160 (potentially including an associated communication device 190) from a communication signal 195 received from a communication device 190, generate a replacement identification of the object 160 (potentially including an associated communication device 190), populate an identification table of the object 160 with the original identification and the replacement identification of the object 160 (potentially including an associated communication device 190), and send (e.g., to a WAC 185, a network manager 180) a subsequent communication signal 195 using the replacement identification. These example embodiments have the advantages of using less data bandwidth and improving accuracy relative to currently used techniques and / or methods. When used for RTLS, the system 100 can locate one or more objects 160 in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional spatial volume 199.

[0061] The control engine 106 of the controller 104 may also use the protocol 132 and / or the algorithm 133 to extract the identity (e.g., original identity, substitute identity) of the object 160 from the communication signal 195 (e.g., RF signal) received directly from the communication device 190 of the object 160 by the transceiver 124 or by another electrical device 102-N (e.g., integrated sensor device 165). The control engine 106 of the controller 104 may also use the repository 130, the protocol 132, and / or the algorithm 133 to determine whether the ID of the object 160 (including the associated communication device 190) is part of a list (e.g., table) of identities associated with the object 160 (including the associated communication device 190). Such a table may be used, for example, to determine whether subsequent communications generated by the control engine 106 are sent to the WAC 185 and / or the network manager 180.

[0062] The control engine 106 of the controller 104 can further use the protocol 132 and / or the algorithm 133 to interpret the measurements made by one or more sensors of the sensor module 165. For example, if the sensor device 165 includes a PIR sensor, the PIR sensor can detect motion within the sensing range and / or occupancy within the RTLS occupancy zone. In this case, the control engine 106 can interpret these detections by the PIR sensor.

[0063] The control engine 106 of the controller 104 may also use the protocol 132 and / or the algorithm 133 to generate a subsequent communication signal 195 (e.g., an RF signal) to the WAC 185 based on the receipt of the first communication signal. For example, the subsequent communication signal may include a number of bits that point to information such as, for example, the identification of the object 160 (including the associated communication device 190), the identification of the sensor device 165, and the RSSI of the communication signal 195 (e.g., an RF signal) received by the sensor device 165.

[0064] In some cases, the control engine 106 of the controller 104 may further use the protocol 132 and / or the algorithm 133 to determine whether a certain amount of time (e.g., a time threshold) has passed since a communication signal 195 involving the object 160 (including the associated communication device 190) has been received. In this case, the control engine 106 may clear the record of the original identification and / or the replacement identification of the object 160 (including the associated communication device 190).

[0065] In some cases, the controller of the WAC 185 and / or the network manager 180 (e.g., as opposed to the controller 104 of the electrical device 102-1) can generate and / or maintain one or more tables that contain the original identification and a shorter replacement identification for each object 160 in the spatial volume 199. In this case, the controller of the WAC 185 and / or the network manager 180 can generate the replacement identification for the object 160, specify the hierarchy or priority of the object 160, track the amount of time since the last communication received by the particular object 160 (e.g., using the timer 110), and / or any other information associated with the object 160. All of this information can be inserted into a table, and the controller of the WAC 185 and / or the network manager 180 can push the table (or relevant portions thereof) to the controller 104 of the electrical device 102-1. As the table is updated, these updates can also be pushed from the WAC 185 and / or the network manager 180 to the controller 104 of the electrical device 102-1.

[0066] The original identifier of object 160 can be a certain size (e.g., 6 bytes (48 bits), 3 bytes (24 bits)). This identifier may sometimes be referred to as a media access control (MAC) address or MAC identifier. In certain example embodiments, the size of the substitute identifier generated by the control engine 106 of the controller 104 (e.g., network manager 180, WAC 185, electrical device 102-1) may be smaller than the size of the original identifier (e.g., 8 bits, 9 bits, 10 bits, 11 bits). Such a substitute identifier may sometimes be referred to as a system MAC (SMAC) address or SMAC identifier.

[0067] When maintaining the table, the control engine 106 of the controller 104 (e.g., of the network manager 180, of the WAC 185, of the electrical device 102-1) may clear row items (e.g., identification information associated with the object 160) due to inactivity, a new location of the object 160, a reorganization of the object 160 by the user 150, a new protocol for establishing an alternative identification (e.g., using fewer bits, using more bits), and / or some other reason.

[0068] The control engine 106 can provide control signals, communication signals 195, and / or other signals to the user 150 (including associated user systems 155), the network manager 180, other electrical devices 102-N, sensor devices 165, one or more WACs 185, and one or more objects 160 (including associated communication devices 190). Similarly, the control engine 106 can receive control signals, communication signals 195, and / or other signals from the user 150 (including associated user systems 155), the network manager 180, other electrical devices 102-N, sensor devices 165, one or more WACs 185, and one or more objects 160 (including associated communication devices 190). The control engine 106 can communicate with each object 160 (including associated communication devices 190) automatically (e.g., based on one or more algorithms 133 stored in the repository 130) and / or based on the control signals, communication signals 195, and / or other signals received from another device (e.g., the network manager 180, another electrical device 102). The control engine 106 may include a printed circuit board on which one or more discrete components of the controller 104 , and / or the hardware processor 120 are located.

[0069] In certain example embodiments, the control engine 106 may include an interface that enables the control engine 106 to communicate with one or more components of the electrical device 102-1 (e.g., the power supply 140). For example, if the power supply 140 of the electrical device 102-1 operates under IEC standard 62386, then the power supply 140 may include a digital addressable lighting interface (DALI). In this case, the control engine 106 may also include DALI to enable communication with the power supply 140 within the electrical device 102-1. Such an interface may operate in conjunction with or independently of the communication protocol 132 used to communicate between the controller 104 and the user 150 (including the associated user system 155), the network manager 180, other electrical devices 102-N, the sensor device 165, one or more WACs 185, and the object 160 (including the associated communication device 190).

[0070] The control engine 106 (or other components of the controller 104) may also include one or more hardware and / or software architecture components to perform its functions. These components may include, but are not limited to, universal asynchronous receiver / transmitters (UARTs), serial peripheral interfaces (SPIs), direct-attached capacitor (DAC) storage devices, analog-to-digital converters, internal integrated circuits (ICs), and other components. 2 C) and pulse width modulator (PWM).

[0071] By using the example embodiment, while at least a portion of the controller 104 (e.g., the control engine 106, the timer 110) is always on, the rest of the controller 104 and the communication device 190 of the object 160 can be in a sleep mode when they are not in use. In addition, the controller 104 can control certain aspects of one or more other electrical devices 102-N in the system 100 (e.g., sending and receiving communication signals 195 to and from the communication device 190 of the object 160).

[0072] The communication network of the system 100 (using the communication link 105) can have any type of network architecture. For example, the communication network of the system 100 can be a mesh network. As another example, the communication network of the system 100 can be a star network. When the controller 104 includes an energy storage device (e.g., a battery as part of the power module 112), even more power can be saved in the operation of the system 100. In addition, using the time synchronization communication protocol 132, data transmitted between the controller 104 and the user 150 (including the associated user system 155), the network manager 180, the sensor device 165, one or more WACs 185, the communication device 190 of the object 160, and other electrical devices 102-N can be secure.

[0073] When the control engine 106 communicates (e.g., sends signals to, receives signals from) a user 150 (including an associated user system 155), a network manager 180, other electrical devices 102-N, a sensor device 165, one or more WACs 185, and / or one or more objects 160 (including a communication device 190), the communication module 108 of the controller 104 determines and implements the communication protocol (e.g., the protocol 132 from the repository 130) used. In some cases, the communication module 108 accesses the object data 134 to determine which communication protocol 132 is within the capabilities of the communication device 190 of the object 160 for the communication signal 195 sent by the control engine 106. In addition, the communication module 108 can interpret the protocol 132 used for communication of the communication signal 195 (e.g., RF signal) received by the controller 104 so that the control engine 106 can interpret the communication.

[0074] The communication module 108 may send data (e.g., protocol 132, object data 134) directly to the repository 130 and / or retrieve data directly from the repository 130. Alternatively, the control engine 106 may facilitate the transfer of data between the communication module 108 and the repository 130. The communication module 108 may also provide encryption for data sent by the controller 104 and decryption for data received by the controller 104. The communication module 108 may also provide one or more of a number of other services related to data sent from and received by the controller 104. Such services may include, but are not limited to, data packet routing information and procedures to follow in the event of a data outage.

[0075] The timer 110 of the controller 104 can track clock time, time interval, amount of time, and / or any other time measurement. The timer 110 can also count the number of times an event occurs, whether or not it is time-related. Alternatively, the control engine 106 can perform the counting function. The timer 110 is capable of tracking multiple time measurements simultaneously. The timer 110 can measure the time of flight (ToF) of one or more RF signals 195, even simultaneously. The timer 110 can track a time period based on instructions received from the control engine 106, based on instructions received from the user 150 (including the user system 155), based on instructions programmed in the software for the controller 104, based on the last instance of receiving the communication signal 195 from a particular communication device 190 of the object 160, based on some other conditions or from some other components, or from any combination thereof.

[0076] The power module 112 of the controller 104 provides power to one or more other components of the controller 104 (e.g., the timer 110, the control engine 106). In addition, in certain example embodiments, the power module 112 can provide power to one or more other components of the electrical device 102-1 (e.g., the power supply 140, the sensor device 165, the electrical device component 142). The power module 112 can include one or more of a number of single or multiple discrete components (e.g., transistors, diodes, resistors) and / or a microprocessor. The power module 112 can include a printed circuit board on which the microprocessor and / or one or more discrete components are located.

[0077] The power module 112 may include one or more components (e.g., a transformer, a diode bridge, an inverter, a converter) that receives power from a source external to the electrical device 102-1 (e.g., via a cable) and generates power of a type (e.g., AC, DC) and level (e.g., 12V, 24V, 120V) that can be used by other components of the controller 104 and / or another component of the electrical device 102-1. In addition, or alternatively, the power module 112 itself may be a source of power to provide signals to other components of the controller 104 and / or another component of the electrical device 102-1. For example, the power module 112 may include an energy storage device (e.g., a battery). As another example, the power module 112 may include a local photovoltaic power system.

[0078] According to one or more example embodiments, the hardware processor 120 of the controller 104 executes software. Specifically, the hardware processor 120 may execute software on the control engine 106, or any other portion of the controller 104, as well as software used by the user 150 (including the associated user system 155), the network manager 180, the sensor device 165, one or more WACs 185, the communication device 190 of the object 160, and / or one or more other electrical devices 102-N. In one or more example embodiments, the hardware processor 120 may be an integrated circuit, a central processing unit, a multi-core processing chip, a multi-chip module including a plurality of multi-core processing chips, or other hardware processors. The hardware processor 120 is known by other names, including but not limited to a computer processor, a microprocessor, and a multi-core processor.

[0079] In one or more example embodiments, the hardware processor 120 executes software instructions stored in the memory 122. The memory 122 includes one or more cache memories, main memory, and / or any other suitable type of memory. According to some example embodiments, the memory 122 is located discretely within the controller 104 relative to the hardware processor 120. In some configurations, the memory 122 may be integrated with the hardware processor 120.

[0080] In certain example embodiments, the controller 104 does not include a hardware processor 120. In this case, the controller 104 may include one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), and / or one or more integrated circuits (ICs), as examples. The use of FPGAs, IGBTs, ICs, and / or other similar devices known in the art allows the controller 104 (or portions thereof) to be programmable and to function according to certain logic rules and thresholds without the use of a hardware processor. Alternatively, FPGAs, IGBTs, ICs, and / or similar devices may be used in conjunction with one or more hardware processors 120.

[0081] The transceiver 124 of the controller 104 can send (using a transmitter) and / or receive (using a receiver) control and / or communication signals 195 (e.g., RF signals). Specifically, the transceiver 124 can be used to communicate data between the controller 104 and the user 150 (including associated user systems 155), the network manager 180, other electrical devices 102-N, one or more sensor devices 165, one or more WACs 185, and / or objects 160 (including associated communication devices 190). The transceiver 124 can use wired and / or wireless technology. The transceiver 124 can be configured in such a manner that control and / or communication signals 195 sent and / or received by the transceiver 124 can be received and / or sent by another transceiver that is part of a user 150 (including an associated user system 155), a network manager 180, other electrical devices 102-N, one or more sensor devices 165, one or more WACs 185 and / or an object 160 (including an associated communication device 190).

[0082] When the transceiver 124 uses wireless technology, the transceiver 124 can use any type of wireless technology to send and receive signals (e.g., communication signals 195). Such wireless technologies may include, but are not limited to, Wi-Fi, visible light communication, infrared (IR), cellular networks, Zigbee, BLE, and Bluetooth. For example, the transceiver 124 may include a Zigbee transmitter, a Zigbee receiver, a BLE receiver, a BLE transmitter, an active IR transmitter, and / or an active IR receiver. When sending and / or receiving signals including the communication signal 195, the transceiver 124 may use one or more of any number of suitable communication protocols (e.g., ISA100, HART). Such communication protocols may be stored in the protocols 132 of the repository 130. In addition, any transceiver information of a user 150 (including associated user systems 155), a network manager 180, other electrical devices 102-N, a sensor device 165, one or more WACs 185, and / or an object 160 (including associated communication devices 190) may be part of the object data 134 (or similar area) of the repository 130.

[0083] Optionally, in one or more example embodiments, the security module 128 protects interactions between the controller 104, the user 150 (including the associated user system 155), the network manager 180, other electrical devices 102-N, the sensor device 165, one or more WACs 185, and / or the object 160 (including the associated communication device 190). More specifically, the security module 128 authenticates communications from software based on a security key that verifies the identity of the source of the communication. For example, user software can be associated with a security key so that software of the user system 155 of the user 150 can interact with the controller 104 of the electrical device 102-1. In addition, in some example embodiments, the security module 128 can limit the receipt of information, requests for information, and / or access to information.

[0084] As described above, in addition to the controller 104 and its components, the electrical device 102-1 may include a power source 140, one or more sensor devices 165, one or more optional antennas 175, an optional switch 145, and one or more electrical device components 142. The electrical device components 142 of the electrical device 102-1 are devices and / or components typically found in the electrical device 102-1 that allow the electrical device 102-1 to operate. The electrical device components 142 may be electrical, electronic, mechanical, or any combination thereof. The electrical device 102-1 may have one or more of any number and / or type of electrical device components 142. For example, when the electrical device 102-1 is a light fixture, examples of such electrical device components 142 may include, but are not limited to, light sources, light engines, heat sinks, electrical conductors or cables, wiring boards, lenses, diffusers, reflectors, air moving devices, baffles, dimmers, and circuit boards.

[0085] The power supply 140 of the electrical device 102-1 can provide power to one or more electrical device components 142, one or more sensor devices 165, an optional switch 145, and / or an optional antenna 175. The power supply 140 can be substantially the same as the power module 112 of the controller 104 (e.g., in terms of functionality, in terms of components), or different from the power module 112 of the controller 104. The power supply 140 can include one or more of a number of single or multiple discrete components (e.g., transistors, diodes, resistors) and / or a microprocessor. The power supply 140 can include a printed circuit board on which the microprocessor and / or one or more discrete components are located.

[0086] The power supply 140 may include one or more components (e.g., a transformer, a diode bridge, an inverter, a converter) that receive power from the power module 112 of the controller 104 (e.g., via a cable) or send power to the power module 112 of the controller 104. The power supply 140 can generate power of a type (e.g., AC, DC) and level (e.g., 12V, 24V, 120V) that can be used by the recipient of such power (e.g., the electrical device component 142, the controller 104). In addition, or alternatively, the power supply 140 can receive power from a source external to the electrical device 102-1 (e.g., AC mains, an electrical outlet). In addition, or alternatively, the power supply 140 itself can be or include a power source. For example, the power supply 140 may include an energy storage device (e.g., a battery), a local photovoltaic power system, or some other independent power source.

[0087] Each of the one or more sensor devices 165 of the electrical device 102-1 may include any type of sensor that measures one or more parameters. Examples of sensor types of the sensor device 165 may include, but are not limited to, passive infrared sensors, photocells, pressure sensors, airflow monitors, gas detectors, and resistance temperature detectors. Examples of parameters measured by the sensors of the sensor device 165 may include, but are not limited to, occupancy in the spatial volume 199, motion in the spatial volume 199, temperature, gas levels, humidity levels, the amount of ambient light in the spatial volume 199, and pressure waves. The sensor device 165 may have one sensor or multiple sensors.

[0088] In some cases, one or more parameters measured by the sensors of the sensor device 165 may be used to operate one or more electrical device components 142 of the electrical device 102-1. Additionally, or alternatively, according to certain example embodiments, one or more parameters measured by the sensors of the sensor device 165 may be used to locate one or more objects 160. For example, if the sensor device 165 is configured to detect the presence of an object 160 (including an associated communication device 190), this information may be used to determine whether communications (e.g., communication signals 195) received from the communication device 190 of the object 160 should be forwarded to the network manager 180.

[0089] In some cases, the sensor device 165 may be an integrated sensor device 165, which may be considered a type of electrical device 102. The integrated sensor device 165 has both the ability to sense and measure at least one parameter and the ability to independently communicate with another component (e.g., the communication device 190 of the object 160, the WAC 185). The communication capabilities of the integrated sensor device 165 may include one or more communication devices configured to communicate with, for example, the controller 104 of the electrical device 102-1, the WAC 185, and / or a controller of another electrical device 102-N (substantially similar to the controller 104 described herein). For example, the integrated sensor device 165 may include a sensor that is a passive infrared (PIR) sensor, a transceiver that sends and receives signals (e.g., the communication signal 195) using BLE, a receiver that receives signals (e.g., the communication signal 195) using BLE, and a receiver that actively receives IR signals. In this case, the PIR sensor measures IR light radiated from the object 160 in its field of view, typically to detect motion.

[0090] Each integrated sensor device 165 can use one or more of several communication protocols. This allows the integrated sensor device 165 to communicate with one or more components of the system 100 (e.g., the communication device 190 of the object 160, the WAC 185, one or more other integrated sensor devices 165). The communication capabilities of the integrated sensor device 165 can be dedicated to the sensor device 165, shared with one or more other sensor devices 165 that are not integrated, and / or shared with the controller 104 of the electrical device 102-1. When the system 100 includes multiple integrated sensor devices 165, one integrated sensor device 165 can communicate directly or indirectly with one or more other integrated sensor devices 165 in the system 100.

[0091] If the communication capabilities of the integrated sensor device 165 are specific to the integrated sensor device 165, the integrated sensor device 165 may include one or more components (e.g., memory 122, repository 130, transceiver 124, communication module 108) or portions thereof that are substantially similar to the corresponding components described above with respect to the controller 104. The sensor device 165 (whether integrated or not) may be associated with the electrical device 102-1 and / or another electrical device 102 in the system 100. The sensor device 165 (whether integrated or not) may be located within the housing 103 of the electrical device 102-1, disposed on the housing 103 of the electrical device 102-1, or located outside the housing 103 of the electrical device 102-1.

[0092] In certain example embodiments, the sensor device 165 (whether integrated or not) may include an energy storage device (e.g., a battery) that is used to at least partially provide power to some or all of the sensor device 165. In this case, the energy storage device may be the same as, or independent of, the energy storage device or other power source 140 of the electrical device 102-1. The optional energy storage device of the sensor module 165 may operate at all times, or when power to the electrical device 102-1 is interrupted. The controller 104 may provide the functionality of these components used by the sensor device 165. Alternatively, the sensor device 165 may be integrated and include one or more components of the controller 104, either independently or in common with the controller 104. In this case, the integrated sensor device 165 may correspond to the following with respect to Figure 2 The computer system described above. Fig. 9 An example of an integrated sensor device is shown.

[0093] As discussed above, the electrical device 102 may include one or more optional antennas 175. The antenna 175 is an electrical device that converts electrical energy into a communication signal 195 (e.g., an RF signal) for transmission and converts the communication signal 195 into electrical energy for reception. In transmission, when multiple antennas 175 are involved, a radio transmitter (e.g., a transceiver 124) provides an electric current oscillating at a radio frequency (i.e., a high frequency alternating current (AC)) to the terminals of the antenna 175 through an optional switch 145, and the antenna 175 radiates energy from the electric current as a signal (e.g., a communication signal 195). In reception, when the antenna 175 is included in the electrical device 102, the antenna 175 intercepts some of the power of the communication signal 195 to generate a small voltage at its terminals, which is applied to the receiver (e.g., the transceiver 124) and amplified in some cases through the optional switch 145.

[0094] The antenna 175 may generally consist of an arrangement of electrical conductors electrically connected to one another (typically by a transmission line) to produce the body of the antenna 175. The body of the antenna 175 is electrically coupled to the transceiver 124. The oscillating current of electrons forced through the body of the antenna 175 by the transceiver 124 will generate an oscillating magnetic field around the body, while the charge of the electrons also generates an oscillating electric field along the body of the antenna 175. These time-varying fields are radiated from the antenna 175 into space as a moving transverse communication signal 195 (typically an electromagnetic field wave). Conversely, during reception, the oscillating electric and magnetic fields of the incoming communication signal 195 exert forces on the electrons in the body of the antenna 175, causing portions of the body of the antenna 175 to move back and forth, thereby generating oscillating currents in the antenna 175.

[0095] In certain example embodiments, the antenna 175 may be disposed at, within, or on any portion of the electrical device 102-1. For example, the antenna 175 may be disposed on the housing 103 of the electrical device 102-1 and extend away from the electrical device 102-1. As another example, the antenna 175 may be insert molded into the lens of the electrical device 102-1. As another example, the antenna 175 may be secondary injection molded into the housing 103 of the electrical device 102-1. As yet another example, the antenna 175 may be adhesively mounted to the housing 103 of the electrical device 102-1. As yet another example, the antenna 175 may be pad printed onto a circuit board within the cavity 101 formed by the housing 103 of the electrical device 102-1. As yet another example, the antenna 175 may be a surface mounted chip ceramic antenna. As yet another example, the antenna 175 may be a wired antenna.

[0096] When there are multiple antennas 175 (or other forms of multiple communication points) as part of the electrical device 102-1, there may also be an optional switch 145 that allows one communication point to be selected at a given point in time. In this case, each antenna 175 can be electrically coupled to a switch 145, which in turn is electrically coupled to the transceiver 124. The optional switch 145 can be a single switching device or several switching devices arranged in series and / or parallel with each other. The switch 145 determines which antenna 175 is coupled to the transceiver 124 at any particular point in time. The switch 145 can have one or more contacts, each of which has an open state (position) and a closed state (position).

[0097] In the open state, the contacts of the switch 145 create an open circuit, which prevents the transceiver 124 from transmitting or receiving communication signals 195 to or from the antenna 175 electrically coupled to the contacts of the switch 145. In the closed state, the contacts of the switch 145 create a closed circuit, which allows the transceiver 124 to transmit or receive communication signals 195 to or from the antenna 175 electrically coupled to the contacts of the switch 145. In certain example embodiments, the position of each contact of the switch 145 is controlled by the control engine 106 of the controller 104.

[0098] If switch 145 is a single device, switch 145 may have multiple contacts. In any case, in certain example embodiments, at any point in time, only one contact of switch 145 may be active (closed). Thus, in such example embodiments, when one contact of switch 145 is closed, all other contacts of switch 145 are open.

[0099] Figure 21 shows one embodiment of a computing device 218 that implements one or more of the various techniques described herein and that represents, in whole or in part, elements described herein according to certain exemplary embodiments. For example, computing device 218 may be in the form of—among other components—hardware processor 120, memory 122, and storage 130. Figure 1 The computing device 218 is an example of a computing device and is not intended to suggest any limitation on the scope of use or functionality of the computing device and / or its possible architecture. The computing device 218 should also not be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated in the example computing device 218.

[0100] The computing device 218 includes one or more processors or processing units 214, one or more memory / storage components 215, one or more input / output (I / O) devices 216, and a bus 217 that allows the various components and devices to communicate with each other. The bus 217 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The bus 217 includes wired and / or wireless buses.

[0101] The memory / storage component 215 represents one or more computer storage media. The memory / storage component 215 includes volatile media (such as random access memory (RAM)) and / or non-volatile media (such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, etc.). The memory / storage component 215 includes fixed media (e.g., RAM, ROM, fixed hard disk drives, etc.) and removable media (e.g., flash memory drives, removable hard disk drives, optical disks, etc.).

[0102] One or more I / O devices 216 allow a customer, power company, or other user to input commands and information to computing device 218, and also allow information to be presented to the customer, power company, or other user and / or other components or devices. Examples of input devices include, but are not limited to, keyboards, cursor control devices (e.g., mice), microphones, touch screens, and scanners. Examples of output devices include, but are not limited to, display devices (e.g., monitors or projectors), speakers, outputs to lighting networks (e.g., DMX cards), printers, and network cards.

[0103] Various techniques are described herein in the general context of software or program modules. Typically, software includes routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. The implementation of these modules and techniques is stored on or transmitted on some form of computer-readable media. A computer-readable medium is any available non-transitory medium or non-transitory medium that is accessible by a computing device. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable media includes "computer storage media."

[0104] "Computer storage media" and "computer-readable media" include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, computer-recordable media such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium for storing the desired information and accessible by a computer.

[0105] According to some exemplary embodiments, the computer device 218 is connected to a network (not shown) (e.g., a LAN, a WAN such as the Internet, or any other similar type of network) via a network interface connection (not shown). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many different types of computer systems (e.g., desktop computers, laptop computers, personal media devices, mobile devices such as cellular phones or personal digital assistants, or any other computing system capable of executing computer-readable instructions), and in other exemplary embodiments, the aforementioned input and output devices take other forms now known or later developed. In general, the computer system 218 includes at least the minimum processing, input and / or output devices necessary to practice one or more embodiments.

[0106] In addition, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in certain exemplary embodiments, one or more elements of the aforementioned computer device 218 are located at a remote location and are connected to other elements via a network. In addition, one or more embodiments are implemented on a distributed system with one or more nodes, wherein each part (e.g., control engine 106) implemented is located on different nodes within the distributed system. In one or more embodiments, the node corresponds to a computer system. Alternatively, in some exemplary embodiments, the node corresponds to a processor with an associated physical memory. In some exemplary embodiments, the node corresponds to a processor with a shared memory and / or resource instead.

[0107] Figure 3FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another RTLS system 300 according to certain example embodiments. Figures 1 to 3 , the RTLS system 300 includes a user 350 having a user system 355, a plurality of objects 360 each having a communication device 390 (referred to as a tag in this case), a number of electrical devices 302 each having one or more sensor devices 365, a plurality of controllers 385 (referred to as wireless access controllers (WACs) in this case), and a network manager 380 (referred to as an insight manager (IM) having an RTLS engine in this case). Figure 3 Each of these components of system 300 may be associated with Figure 1 The corresponding components of the RTLS system 100 are substantially the same. For example, each sensor device 365 may include a Zigbee-enabled transceiver, a BLE-enabled receiver, a PIR sensor, and an active IR receiver.

[0108] In this particular case, the communication devices 390 of the objects 360 are physical entities tracked by the RTLS system 300. From the perspective of the user 350, each communication device 390 is associated with an object 360 (sometimes also referred to as an asset). In this example, the communication devices 390 use BLE (a form of communication link 305) to "beacon" RF signals 395 at a specific rate. A beacon is a broadcast message that at least identifies the object 360 associated with the sending communication device 390. The integrated sensor device 365 receives these RF signals 395 through the BLE-enabled communication link 305 and measures the RSSI and other data included in the RF signals 395.

[0109] This RSSI information is key data in the RF signal 395 that allows the controller 385 and / or network manager 380 to locate the communication device 390 (and corresponding object 360) within the spatial volume 399 (e.g., in XY coordinates, in XYZ coordinates) in real time. As used herein, "real time" refers to the user perspective of the system and means that an object can be located within the time that the signal is sent and processed, such as within a few milliseconds to a few seconds, which is effectively real time from the user's perspective. The integrated sensor device 365 communicates with one or more controllers 385 (in this example, WAC 385) using a Zigbee-enabled communication link 305. In this case, the integrated sensor device 365 is a Zigbee-enabled device as well as a BLE-enabled device, and therefore the sensor device 365 can be paired with a single WAC 385.

[0110] Communication between the sensor device 365 and the WAC 385 may be limited by one or more factors. For example, the bandwidth of the existing Zigbee (or other communication method) protocol of the (multiple) communication link 305 between the sensor device 365 and the WAC 385 may limit the communication capacity. As another example, the capacity (e.g., number of messages per second) of the WAC 385 may limit the communication capacity. As yet another example, at a given point in time, the total communication activity on the Zigbee-enabled communication link 305 - involving all sensor devices 365 and the WAC 385 - may limit the communication capacity. Due to all of these potential limitations, intelligent use of the Zigbee-enabled communication link 305 is critical to the success of the RTLS system 300 in accurately locating the object 360 in real time.

[0111] When the WAC 385 receives signals from the sensor devices 365 on the Zigbee-enabled communication link 305, it sends the information in those signals to the network manager 380, which processes all of that information (e.g., using one or more algorithms 133) to locate each object 360 within the spatial volume 399 in real time. The network manager 380 can store this information and use it for trend analysis, predictive analysis, and / or any other potentially useful analysis.

[0112] BLE proximity methods are widely used in the industry to estimate the distance between a BLE transmitter (in this case, the communication device 390 of the object 360) and a BLE receiver (in this case, the sensor device 3650). In a dense and evenly distributed infrastructure of electrical devices 302 (e.g., a lighting system), these methods can be optimized to achieve higher accuracy by comparing the RSSI at many BLE receivers and performing various calculations (by the WAC 385 or the network manager 380) to estimate the location of the object 360.

[0113] Reasonable accuracy can be expected using these methods, but there are two significant challenges with using a BLE communication system. First, a large number of electrical devices 302 (sensor devices 365 or nodes) generate a large amount of data, and the communication network of the system 300 has limited bandwidth. Not all of the data being transmitted is helpful in determining the location of an object 360, and care must be taken to provide the best data possible to the WAC 385 or network manager 380 while still maintaining a healthy (e.g., not data-limited) network. In other words, the primary purpose of the system 300 for which the electrical device 302 is designed (e.g., lighting) should not be affected by the system 300's efforts to also locate one or more objects 360 in real time.

[0114] Second, no matter how accurate the position estimate of object 360 is, achieving reliable room-level or even floor-level accuracy in locating object 360 in spatial volume 399 using RF signal 395 can be challenging because RF signal 395 (e.g., transmitted at 2.4 GHz in a BLE-enabled communication network) can penetrate obstacles such as walls and floors. As a result, these obstacles can cause the position of object 360 to be incorrectly identified. Other positioning methods using example embodiments are needed to accurately locate object 360 in real time in a spatial volume that has such obstacles and / or presents other challenges to existing positioning methods.

[0115] Figure 4 A system 400 is shown that can be used for real-time positioning of an object 460 according to certain example embodiments. Figures 1 to 4 , a lighting system 400 includes a plurality of electrical devices 402, primarily in the form of luminaires, located in a spatial volume 499 that includes a hospital room. The lighting system provides a unique advantage for implementing an example RTLS because the density of electrical devices (luminaires) supports a dense sensor network for locating and tracking objects.

[0116] Among the electrical devices 402 that are light fixtures, there are seven recessed light fixtures and five downlight fixtures disposed in the ceiling. There are also electrical devices 402 in the form of computer monitors. In this case, each electrical device 402 includes a sensor device 465, substantially similar to the sensor device 165 discussed above. Figure 4 Also shown in FIG. 4 are two objects 460 . One object 460 is a test cart and the other object 460 is a bed. In this case, each object 460 includes a communication device 490 capable of communicating with the electrical device 402 , including any integrated sensor devices 465 .

[0117] Figure 5 Another system 500 is shown that can be used for real-time positioning of an object 560 in accordance with certain example embodiments. Figures 1 to 5 , the lighting system 500 includes a number of electrical devices 502, primarily in the form of lamps, located in a spatial volume 599 that includes a manufacturing facility.

[0118] Among the electrical devices 502 that are lamps, there are at least 56 overhead lamps suspended from the ceiling and at least 30 workstations located on the floor. In this case, each electrical device 502 includes a sensor device 565, which is substantially similar to the sensor device 165 discussed above. Figure 5 Also shown in FIG. 5 is an object 560 in the form of a trolley. In this case, the object 560 includes a communication device 590 capable of communicating with the electrical device 502, including any integrated sensor devices 565.

[0119] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B 6 and 7, respectively, show a side view and a top view of a system 600, wherein an object 660 (including its corresponding communication device 690) is located in a spatial volume 699, according to certain example embodiments. Figures 1 to 6B , three electrical devices 602 (specifically, electrical device 602-1, electrical device 602-2, and electrical device 602-3) are also located Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The space volume 699, wherein the electrical equipment 602 is various types of lamps, and is substantially similar to the above Figure 1 As discussed above, the spatial volume 699 can have any size and / or can be in any location. For example, the spatial volume 699 can be one or more rooms in an office building.

[0120] like Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As shown, all electrical devices 602 may be located within spatial volume 699. Alternatively, one or more electrical devices 602 may be located outside of spatial volume 699, as long as RF signals (e.g., RF signals 195) transmitted by a transceiver (e.g., transceiver 124) of light fixture 602 are received by communication device 690 of object 660, and as long as RF signals (or other types of communication signals) transmitted by communication device 690 of object 660 are received by the transceiver of a corresponding electrical device 602, as appropriate.

[0121] Each electrical device 602 may include one or more sensor devices 665. In this example, electrical device 602-1 includes sensor device 665-1, electrical device 602-2 includes sensor device 665-2, and electrical device 602-3 includes sensor device 665-3. One or more of these sensor devices 665 may be integrated sensor devices 665. In this case, the BLE-enabled receiver of sensor device 665, either independently or in combination with a controller (e.g., controller 104) of luminaire 602, may determine the signal strength of an RF signal (e.g., communication signal 195) received from communication device 690 of object 660.

[0122] If the sensor device 665 of the electrical device 602 is used to communicate with the communication device 690 of the object 660, it is the sensor device 665 that has the broadcast range 782. In this case, the sensor device 665-1 of the electrical device 602-1 has the broadcast range 782-1, and the sensor device 665-1 broadcasts a signal (e.g., a communication signal) within the broadcast range 782-1. Similarly, the sensor device 665-2 of the electrical device 602-2 has the broadcast range 782-2, and the sensor device 665-2 broadcasts a signal within the broadcast range 782-2, and the sensor device 665-3 of the electrical device 602-3 has the broadcast range 782-3, and the sensor device 665-3 broadcasts a signal within the broadcast range 782-3.

[0123] Figure 7 1 shows an example of a communication signal 195 when one of the electrical devices 602 sends an RF signal 795 (a type of communication signal 195) according to certain example embodiments. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B System 700. Reference Figures 1 to 7 , electrical device 602-1 broadcasts RF signal 795. Each electrical device 602 has a broadcast range 782. In this case, electrical device 602-1 has a broadcast range 782-1, electrical device 602-2 has a broadcast range 782-2, and electrical device 602-3 has a broadcast range 782-3. Because the communication device 690 of the object 660 is located within the broadcast range 782-1 of the light fixture 602-1, the communication device 690 of the object 660 receives the RF signal 795.

[0124] In the event that the sensor device 665 is used to communicate with the communication device 690 of the object 660, the sensor device 665-1 can have a broadcast range 782-1. In this case, the sensor device 665-1 can transmit (e.g., broadcast) an RF signal 795 into the volume of space 699, and the communication device 690 of the object 660 receives the RF signal 795 because the communication device 690 of the object 660 is within the broadcast range 782-1. As an example, the RF signal 795 can be transmitted using BLE.

[0125] Figure 8 8 shows an example of a communication signal 895 when the communication device 690 of the object 660 transmits an RF signal 895 (another type of communication signal 895) according to certain example embodiments. FIG. 6A to FIG. 7 System 800. Reference Figures 1 to 8 ,like Figure 7, the RF signal 895 transmitted by the communication device 690 of the object 660 may be in response to the RF signal 795 transmitted by the electrical device 602-1. Alternatively, the communication device 690 of the object 660 may transmit the RF signal 895 independently of any other component (e.g., the electrical device 602) or factor. As discussed above, the RF signal 895 broadcasted by the communication device 690 of the object 660 may include the UUID of the object 660 (or a portion thereof) as well as other codes, such as, for example, identification information of the light fixture 602-1 that transmitted the RF signal 795.

[0126] The communication device 690 of the object 660 has a broadcast range 882, and all three electrical devices 602 are located within the broadcast range 882 of the communication device 690 of the object 660. As a result, Figure 8 As shown, all three electrical devices 602 receive the RF signal 895 broadcast by the communication device 690 of the object 660. When each electrical device 602 receives the RF signal 895 broadcast by the communication device 690 of the object 660, the electrical device 602 measures the signal strength of the RF signal 895 (eg, RSSI value).

[0127] For example, since the communication device 690 of the object 660 appears to be equidistant between the electrical device 602-1 and the electrical device 602-2, the signal strengths of the RF signal 895 measured by the electrical device 602-1 and the electrical device 602-2 should be substantially the same. In addition, since the electrical device 602-3 is farther from the communication device 690 of the object 660 than the electrical device 602-1 and the electrical device 602-2, the signal strength of the RF signal 895 measured by the electrical device 602-3 should be less than the signal strengths measured by the electrical device 602-1 and the electrical device 602-2.

[0128] As discussed above, in the event that the sensor device 665 is used to communicate with the communication device 690 of the object 660, the sensor device 665-1, the sensor device 665-2, and the sensor device 665-3 can each receive the RF signal 895 broadcast by the communication device 690 of the object 660 because the sensor device 665-1, the sensor device 665-2, and the sensor device 665-3 are all within the broadcast range 882 of the communication device 690 of the object 660. As an example, the RF signal 895 can be transmitted using BLE.

[0129] Fig. 9 Schematic diagram of an integrated sensor module 965 is shown in accordance with certain example embodiments. Figures 1 to 9 , Fig. 9The integrated sensor module 965 may include one or more of several components. These components may include, but are not limited to, a controller 904 (which may include, for example, a control engine 906, a communication module 908, a timer 910, a power module 912, a storage library 930, a hardware processor 920, a memory 922, one or more transceivers 924, an application interface 926, and an optional security module 928) and one or more sensors 939. Fig. 9 The components shown in are not exhaustive, and in some embodiments, Fig. 9 One or more components shown in the example integrated sensor device 965 may not be included in the example integrated sensor device 965. Any component of the example integrated sensor device 965 may be discrete, combined with one or more other components of the integrated sensor device 965, and / or shared with the controller 104 of the electrical device 102-1 associated with the integrated sensor device 965.

[0130] Controller 904, control engine 906, communication module 908, timer 910, power module 912, repository 930 (which may include protocol 931, algorithm 932, and object data 934), hardware processor 920, memory 922, one or more transceivers 924, application interface 926, and security module 928 may be the same as those described above. Figure 1 The corresponding components of the controller 104 discussed are substantially the same. In the case of the power module 912 of the integrated sensor device 965, the power module 912 can be at least partially substantially the same as the power module 112 and / or the power supply 140 of the electrical device 102-1. Each of the one or more sensors 939 of the integrated sensor device 965 is a component that actually measures one or more parameters. An example of a sensor 939 is a PIR sensor. Each component of the integrated sensor device 965 can be arranged in the housing 938 of the integrated sensor device 965, on the housing 938 of the integrated sensor device 965, or outside the housing 938 of the integrated sensor device 965.

[0131] Figure 10-Figure 15 Examples according to certain example embodiments are shown. Specifically, Fig.10 System 1098 is shown at a first point in time, in accordance with certain example embodiments. Fig.11 shows that at the second time point, Fig.10 The components of system 1098 are the same as those of system 1198. Fig.12 shows that at the third time point Fig.10 System 1098 has the same components as system 1298. Fig.13 shows that at the fourth time point, Fig.10 System 1098 has the same components as system 1398. Fig.14 shows that at the fifth time point, Fig.10 System 1098 has the same components as system 1498. Fig.15 shows that at the sixth time point, Fig.10 The components of system 1098 are the same as those of system 1598.

[0132] refer to Figure 1-15 , Fig.10 The system 1098 includes an object 1060 having a communication device 1090, an object 1160 having a communication device 1190, an electrical device 1002, an electrical device 1102, and a network manager 1080. The object 1060, the object 1160, the electrical device 1002, and the electrical device 1102 are located in a spatial volume 1099. The network manager 1080 may or may not be located in the spatial volume 1099. Figure 10-Figure 15 The network manager 1080, the electrical device 1002, the electrical device 1102, the object 1060, the communication device 1090 and the communication signal can be the same as those mentioned above. Figure 1-9 The network managers, electrical devices, objects and communication devices discussed are basically the same.

[0133] Figure 10-Figure 15 The examples captured in do not include a WAC (e.g., WAC 185). In one or more alternative embodiments, the WAC may replace the network manager 1080. In yet one or more alternative embodiments, the WAC may be disposed between the network manager 1080 on one side and the electrical devices 1002 and 1102 on the other side, and communicatively coupled to them. In this case, the WAC may generate and maintain the table discussed below. As a result, communications between the WAC and the network manager 1080 involving objects 1060 (or associated communication devices 1090) and / or objects 1160 (or associated communication devices 1190) may use the original ID or the replacement ID, depending in part on whether the portion of the communication network between the WAC and the network manager 1080 is constrained and whether the network manager 1080 stores a copy of the table with such identification information. Alternatively, the WAC may be a medium or channel between the network manager 1080 on one side and the electrical devices 1002 and 1102 on the other side.

[0134] exist Fig.10 In the system 1098 of the present invention, the communication device 1090 of the object 1060 broadcasts the communication signal 1095 into the spatial volume 1099. The broadcast ranges of the electrical devices 1002 and 1102 are within (overlapping) the broadcast range of the communication device 1090 of the object 1060, and thus the communication signal 1095 is received by the electrical devices 1002 and 1102. In this case, the communication signal 1095 includes a 48-bit identification of the object 1060 or the communication device 1090.

[0135] exist Fig.11 In the system 1198, Fig.10 After the amount of time shown (e.g., 1 second, 1 minute, 0.1 second), the electrical device 1002 sends a communication signal 1195-1 to the network manager 1080, and the electrical device 1102 sends a communication signal 1195-2 to the network manager 1080. If the electrical device 1002 does not already have a table with an alternate ID (e.g., SMAC address) for the object 1060 (or associated communication device 1090), then the communication signal 1195-1 includes the original 48-bit identification of the object 1060 (or associated communication device 1090) and the identification of the electrical device 1002. Otherwise, if the electrical device 1002 does already have a table with an alternate ID (e.g., SMAC address) for the object 1060 (or associated communication device 1090), then the communication signal 1195-1 includes the alternate ID for the object 1060 (or associated communication device 1090) (which is the reverse of the original 48-bit identification).

[0136] Similarly, if the electrical device 1102 does not already have a table with a replacement ID (e.g., SMAC address) for the object 1060 (or the associated communication device 1090), the communication signal 1195-2 includes the original 48-bit identification of the object 1060 (or the associated communication device 1090) and the identification of the electrical device 1102. Otherwise, if the electrical device 1102 does already have a table with a replacement ID (e.g., SMAC address) for the object 1060 (or the associated communication device 1090), the communication signal 1195-2 includes the replacement ID for the object 1060 (or the associated communication device 1090) (which is the opposite of the original 48-bit identification).

[0137] The two communication signals 1195 can be sent simultaneously or within a time range (e.g., 1 second, 1 minute, 0.1 second) relative to each other. In some cases, if the replacement ID of the object 1060 (or the associated communication device 1090) is not yet stored in the electrical device 1002 or the electrical device 1102, the electrical device 1002 and / or the electrical device 1102 can send a shorter (e.g., 3 bytes) identification as part of the communication signal 1195 instead of sending a complete 6-byte identification. In this case, for example, if the 3-byte identification is sent as part of the communication signal 1195, the network manager 1080 can assume that the first (top) 3 bytes of the identification of the object 1060 or the associated communication device 1090 (or the remainder of the normal 6-byte capacity that is not part of the shorter identification) is a fixed source unique identifier (OUI). This shorter identification will not be as short as the replacement identification generated and maintained by the network manager 1080.

[0138] When the network manager 1080 receives the communication signal 1195-1 and the communication signal 1195-2, the network manager 1080 determines the content of these communication signals 1195. For example, the network manager 1080 can determine the 48-bit identification (e.g., MAC address) of the object 1060 (or the associated communication device 1090), the time associated with the communication involving the object 1060 or the associated communication device 1090 (e.g., the time when the communication signal 1095 was sent, the time when the communication signal 1095 was received, the time when the communication signal 1195 was sent, and the time when the communication signal 1195 was received), and the identification of the electrical device (electrical device 1002 or electrical device 1102) that sent the communication signal 1195.

[0139] In certain example embodiments, a controller of the network manager 1080 (e.g., controller 104) may generate / update one or more tables that include original identification information associated with an object 1060 (or an associated communication device 1090). As part of generating and maintaining such a table, the controller of the network manager 1080 may generate an alternative (shorter) identification of the object 1060 (or an associated communication device 1090). The following portion of such a table is an example of what the controller of the network manager 1080 may generate based on information included in a communication signal 1195 received from an electrical device 1002 and / or an electrical device 1102.

[0140]

[0141] In this case, the substitute identifier (e.g., SMAC address) of the object 1060 (or associated communication device 1090) is 8 bits instead of 48 bits of the original identifier (e.g., MAC address). For example, when there are fewer than 256 objects / communication devices in the system, an 8-bit substitute identifier can be used. If there are more than 256 objects / communication devices in the system, but fewer than 512 objects / communication devices in the system, then the substitute identifier (e.g., SMAC address) can be 9 bits. If there are more than 512 objects / communication devices in the system, but fewer than 1024 objects / communication devices in the system, then the substitute identifier (e.g., SMAC address) can be 10 bits. If there are more than 1024 objects / communication devices in the system, but fewer than 2048 objects / communication devices in the system, then the substitute identifier (e.g., SMAC address) can be 11 bits.

[0142] The size of the substitute identifier, or even whether to create a substitute identifier, may be determined by a controller (e.g., a controller) of the network manager 1080. For example, if the network manager 1080 determines that the portion of the communication network between the network manager 1080 and the electrical device 1002 and / or the electrical device 1102 on one side is not constrained, then the network manager may choose not to generate a substitute identifier for the object 1060 or the associated communication device 1090. As another example, if the network manager 1080 determines that there are a greater number of objects (e.g., objects 1060) or associated communication devices (e.g., communication devices 1090) in the system 1198 than previously existed, then the network manager may convert the existing substitute identifier from a 7-bit size to an 8-bit size, and the network manager may also generate an 8-bit substitute identifier for the new object or associated communication device.

[0143] If the network manager 1080 has further communications involving the identification of the object 1060 (or the associated communication device 1090) (e.g., with the WAC 185, with the network manager 180 of another system 100), then when the recipient does not have a copy of the table that includes the substitute ID of the object 1060 (or the associated communication device 1090), the network manager 1080 can generate and transmit a communication signal (e.g., communication signal 195) that uses the original ID of the object 1060 (or the associated communication device 1090). If the recipient does have a copy of the table that includes the substitute ID of the object 1060 (or the associated communication device 1090), then the communication signal generated by the network manager 1080 and transmitted to the recipient can include the substitute ID of the object 1060 (or the associated communication device 1090).

[0144] exist Fig.12 In system 1298, it occurs Fig.11 After the amount of time shown in , the network manager 1080 broadcasts a communication signal 1295 (or a series of communication signals 1295) which is received by the electrical device 1002 and the electrical device 1102. The communication signal 1295 may include at least a portion of the table shown above regarding the original identification of the object 1060 (or associated communication device 1090), the alternative identification of the object 1060 (or associated communication device 1090), the last recorded communication from the object 1060 (or associated communication device 1090), and the priority of the object 1060 (or associated communication device 1090) relative to other objects (or communication devices) in the entire system.

[0145] Alternatively, rather than broadcasting communication signal 1295, network manager 1080 may send separate communication signals 1295 addressed to electrical device 1002 and electrical device 1102, respectively. Communication signal 1295 may include the entire table maintained by network manager 1080. Alternatively, communication signal 1295 may contain only portions of the table that have been modified, deleted, or added since network manager 1080 sent a previous such communication signal to electrical device 1002 and electrical device 1102.

[0146] exist Fig.13 In the system 1398 of the present invention, the communication device 1190 of the object 1160 broadcasts the communication signal 1395 into the spatial volume 1099. The broadcast ranges of the electrical device 1002 and the electrical device 1102 are within (overlapping) the broadcast range of the communication device 1190 of the object 1160, and thus the communication signal 1395 is received by both the electrical device 1002 and the electrical device 1102. In this case, the communication signal 1395 includes a 48-bit identification of the object 1160 or the communication device 1190.

[0147] exist Fig.14 In system 1498, it occurs Fig.13 After the amount of time shown (e.g., 1 second, 1 minute, 0.1 second), the electrical device 1002 sends a communication signal 1495-1 to the network manager 1080, and the electrical device 1102 sends a communication signal 1495-2 to the network manager 1080. If the electrical device 1002 does not already have a table with an alternate ID (e.g., SMAC address) for the object 1160 (or associated communication device 1190), then the communication signal 1495-1 includes the original 48-bit identification of the object 1160 (or associated communication device 1190) and the identification of the electrical device 1002. Otherwise, if the electrical device 1002 does already have a table with an alternate ID (e.g., SMAC address) for the object 1160 (or associated communication device 1190), then the communication signal 1495-1 includes the alternate ID for the object 1160 (or associated communication device 1190) (as opposed to the original 48-bit identification).

[0148] Similarly, if the electrical device 1102 does not already have a table with a replacement ID (e.g., SMAC address) for the object 1160 (or the associated communication device 1190), the communication signal 1495-2 includes the original 48-bit identification of the object 1160 (or the associated communication device 1190) and the identification of the electrical device 1102. Otherwise, if the electrical device 1102 does already have a table with a replacement ID (e.g., SMAC address) for the object 1160 (or the associated communication device 1190), the communication signal 1495-2 includes the replacement ID for the object 1160 (or the associated communication device 1190) (as opposed to the original 48-bit identification).

[0149] The two communication signals 1495 can be sent simultaneously or within a time range (e.g., 1 second, 1 minute, 0.1 second) relative to each other. In some cases, if the replacement ID of the object 1060 (or the associated communication device 1090) is not yet stored in the electrical device 1002 or the electrical device 1102, the electrical device 1002 and / or the electrical device 1102 can send a shorter (e.g., 3 bytes) identification as part of the communication signal 1495 instead of sending a complete 6-byte identification. In this case, for example, if the 3-byte identification is sent as part of the communication signal 1195, the network manager 1080 can assume that the first (top) 3 bytes of the identification of the object 1060 or the associated communication device 1090 (or the remainder of the normal 6-byte capacity that is not part of the shorter identification) are fixed OUIs. This shorter identification will not be as short as the replacement identification generated and maintained by the network manager 1080.

[0150] When the network manager 1080 receives the communication signal 1495-1 and the communication signal 1495-2, the network manager 1080 determines the content of these communication signals 1495. For example, the network manager 1080 can determine the 48-bit identification (e.g., MAC address) of the object 1160 (or the associated communication device 1190), the time associated with the communication involving the object 1160 or the associated communication device 1190 (e.g., the time when the communication signal 1395 was sent, the time when the communication signal 1395 was received, the time when the communication signal 1495 was sent, and the time when the communication signal 1495 was received), and the identification of the electrical device (electrical device 1002 or electrical device 1102) that sent the communication signal 1495.

[0151] In certain example embodiments, a controller of the network manager 1080 (e.g., controller 104) may update one or more tables (e.g., the tables shown above) that include original identification information associated with an object 1160 (or an associated communication device 1190). As part of maintaining such a table, the controller of the network manager 1080 may generate an alternative (shorter) identification of the object 1160 (or an associated communication device 1190). The following portion of such a table - which is an update of the portion of the table shown above - is an example of what the controller of the network manager 1080 may generate based on information included in a communication signal 1495 received from an electrical device 1002 and / or an electrical device 1102.

[0152]

[0153]

[0154] In this case, as mentioned above Fig.11 As described, the replacement identification (e.g., SMAC address) of object 1160 (or associated communication device 1190) is 8 bits instead of 48 bits of the original identification (e.g., MAC address). The updated table shows that object 1160 (or associated communication device 1190) has a lower priority relative to object 1060 (or associated communication device 1090). The updated table also shows that almost one month has passed since the last communication signal (e.g., communication signal 1095) sent by communication device 1090 of object 1060.

[0155] If the network manager 1080 has further communications (e.g., with the WAC 185, with the network manager 180 of another system 100) involving the identification of the object 1160 (or the associated communication device 1190), then when the recipient does not have a copy of the table that includes the substitute ID of the object 1160 (or the associated communication device 1190), the network manager 1080 can generate and transmit a communication signal (e.g., communication signal 195) that uses the original ID of the object 1160 (or the associated communication device 1190). If the recipient does have a copy of the table that includes the substitute ID of the object 1160 (or the associated communication device 1190), then the communication signal generated by the network manager 1080 and transmitted to the recipient can include the substitute ID of the object 1160 (or the associated communication device 1190).

[0156] exist Fig.15 In system 1598, it occurs Fig.14After the amount of time shown, the network manager 1080 broadcasts a communication signal 1595 (or a series of communication signals 1595) that is received by the electrical device 1002 and the electrical device 1102. The communication signal 1595 may include at least a portion of the table shown above regarding the original identification of the object 1160 (or associated communication device 1190), the alternate identification of the object 1160 (or associated communication device 1190), the last recorded communication from the object 1160 (or associated communication device 1190), and the priority of the object 1160 (or associated communication device 1190) relative to other objects (or communication devices) in the entire system.

[0157] Alternatively, rather than broadcasting communication signal 1595, network manager 1080 may send separate communication signals 1595 addressed to electrical device 1002 and electrical device 1102, respectively. Communication signal 1595 may include the entire table maintained by network manager 1080. Alternatively, communication signal 1595 may contain only portions of the table that have been modified, deleted, or added since network manager 1080 sent a previous such communication signal to electrical device 1002 and electrical device 1102.

[0158] In some cases, unlike the portion of the previous table shown above, the network manager 1080 may clear the entry for the object 1060 (or the associated communication device 1090) from the table if a time threshold (e.g., 20 days) has passed since the last communication signal was received from the communication device 1090 of the object 1060. Alternatively, the network manager 1080 may retain a record in the table about the object 1060, but subsequently send a version of the table with the entry for the object 1060 removed.

[0159] In one or more example embodiments, alternative identifiers are provided to low-end devices in a large interconnected network. Alternative identifiers can be assigned to the low end of an interconnected network hierarchy or the high end of an interconnected network hierarchy. Alternative identifiers assigned in example embodiments can be placed into a table for all or a subset of the network. In other words, there can be multiple tables, each of which captures alternative identifiers for a subset of devices in the network (e.g., a specific volume of space, a specific tag). In certain example embodiments, the table containing alternative identifiers is periodically updated, including clearing inactive tags.

[0160] Example embodiments may be used with systems for real-time location (RTLS) of objects. In this case, by reducing the size of the transmitted communication signals, example embodiments may be used to more efficiently locate objects in a volume of space relative to current systems and methods. Example embodiments may be used with a variety of communication protocols and / or methods. Example embodiments may be used for new systems or retrofits of existing systems. Example embodiments include new or updated software so that the network can work more efficiently. Using the example embodiments described herein may improve communications, security, maintenance, costs, and operational efficiency.

[0161] Therefore, having benefited from the teachings given in the foregoing description and the associated drawings, those skilled in the art to which the example embodiments pertain will recognize many modifications and other embodiments set forth herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the example embodiments are not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the present application. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a general and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

1. A system for assigning and transmitting a substitute identifier to an object in a volume of space, comprising: a first communication device of a first object disposed in the spatial volume, wherein the first communication device broadcasts a first communication signal into the spatial volume, wherein the first communication signal includes a first identifier of the first object having a first bit length; a first electrical device disposed in the volume of space, wherein the first electrical device comprises a first receiver and a first transmitter, wherein the first receiver receives a first communication signal broadcasted by a first communication device of the first object; and a controller communicatively coupled to the first electrical device, wherein the controller: Retrieving a first identification of the first communication device from the first communication signal; Allocating a first replacement identifier to the first communication device based on the first identifier, wherein the first replacement identifier has a second bit length, wherein the second bit length is less than the first bit length; storing an association between the first identifier and the first replacement identifier of the first object in a first table; as well as A second communication signal including the first table is sent to a plurality of communication devices including the first communication device, wherein the first table includes associations between the first identifier and the first substitute identifier of the first object.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is part of a first electrical device.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is part of a wireless access controller.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is part of a network manager.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first bit length is 48 bits, and wherein the second bit length is between 8 bits and 11 bits.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the electrical device comprises a light fixture.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the electrical device comprises an integrated sensor device. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first communication signal is a radio frequency signal.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first table further includes a first time at which the first communication signal is received.

10. A system according to claim 9, wherein the controller also removes the first identifier and the first alternative identifier of the first object from the first table at the second time when the difference between the second time and the first time exceeds a time threshold and when no subsequent communication signal has been received from the first communication device since the first time.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the first table further comprises a priority indicator of the first object relative to other objects in the volume of space.

12. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a second communication device of a second object disposed in the spatial volume, wherein the second communication device broadcasts a third communication signal into the spatial volume, wherein the third communication signal includes a second identifier of the second object; and a second electrical device disposed in the spatial volume, wherein the second electrical device comprises a second receiver and a second transmitter, wherein the second receiver receives a third communication signal broadcasted by a second communication device of the second object, wherein the controller is further communicatively coupled to the second electrical device, wherein the controller further: Retrieving the second identification of the second communication device from the third communication signal; assigning a second replacement identifier to the second communication device based on the second identifier; storing a second identifier and a second alternative identifier of the second object in the first table; as well as A fourth communication signal including the second replacement identifier and the second identifier of the second object is sent.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the controller further transmits the first substitute identification and the first identification of the first object in a fourth communication signal.

14. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a second communication device of a second object disposed in the spatial volume, wherein the second communication device broadcasts a third communication signal into the spatial volume, wherein the third communication signal includes a second identifier of the second object, wherein a first receiver of the first electrical device receives the third communication signal broadcasted by a second communication device of the second object, wherein the controller is further communicatively coupled to the first electrical device, wherein the controller further: Retrieving a second identification of the second communication device from the third communication signal; assigning a second replacement identifier to the second communication device based on the second identifier; storing a second identifier and a second alternative identifier of the second object in the first table; as well as A fourth communication signal including the second replacement identifier and the second identifier of the second object is sent.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller further locates a first object within the volume of space in real time.

Images