Method and system for commissioning a device

Abstract

A method and system for automatic commissioning of devices within a system. The automatic commissioning process utilizes a commissioning algorithm that assigns a weighted value to each device based on its position relative to a selected master device. Any device that is arranged at an acute angle (e.g., at a right angle relative to the master device, at an intermediate angle relative to the master device, or within a threshold of a right or intermediate angle relative to the master device) relative to the master device is assigned a weighted value. In the commissioning process described herein, the devices assigned a weighted value are commissioned into the system. Once commissioned into the system, and since the devices are assumed to be arranged in a pattern that approximates a grid pattern, each device is migrated to a visual grid that is displayed to a user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to Internet of Things (IoT) systems, and more specifically, to systems and methods for network access initialization of IoT devices within an environment. Background Technology

[0002] Modern Internet of Things (IoT) control systems can include multiple devices and components arranged in various patterns within an environment or location. For example, devices such as lighting fixtures or lamps, sensors, switches, and other components for operating the lighting fixtures are typically installed in different physical locations, such as in a grid-like pattern, according to a floor plan, and are communicatively connected to a control system or building server via wired or wireless network connections.

[0003] These control systems typically utilize a network initialization process to associate the physical location of each device with a unique digital identifier within the control system to perform advanced lighting control operations. DE1 02016121977 discloses automatic network initialization of lighting equipment. Currently, the network initialization process is the most time-consuming and expensive part of installing an IoT control system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure relates to a method and system for automatically initializing devices within a system. The automatic network initialization process discussed herein utilizes a network initialization algorithm that assigns a weighted value to each device based on its position relative to a selected master device. This algorithm can assign an increased weighted value to any device positioned at an angle (e.g., right angle or mid-angle) relative to the master device, or to any device within a threshold of a right angle or mid-angle relative to the master device. In the network initialization process described herein, devices assigned increased weighted values ​​are initialized to the system before all other devices. Once initialized to the system, and since the devices are assumed to be arranged in an approximate grid pattern, each device is "snap-migrated" to the visual grid displayed to the user.

[0005] In one example, a method for network access initialization of devices is provided, the method comprising: selecting a master device from a plurality of devices arranged in a grid pattern within an environment; receiving at the master device a plurality of output signals from a plurality of auxiliary devices located within the environment; determining the position of each auxiliary device relative to the master device based on the angle of arrival and time of flight of the respective output signals; assigning weights via an algorithm to any device arranged at right angles relative to the master device, at an intermediate angle relative to the master device, or within a threshold of right angles or intermediate angles relative to the master device; wherein right angles and intermediate angles are defined relative to a two-dimensional polar coordinate grid with the master device as the origin; and performing a first network access initialization operation, wherein the first network access initialization operation includes network access initialization of at least one auxiliary device having a weighted value indicating a position at right angles relative to the master device, a position at an intermediate angle relative to the master device, or a position within a threshold of right angles or intermediate angles relative to the master device.

[0006] In one respect, the threshold is independently selectable.

[0007] In one respect, the environment is the interior of a room or building.

[0008] In one aspect, the method further includes: identifying a subset of auxiliary devices that were not initialized during the first network access initialization operation.

[0009] In one aspect, the method further includes: selecting a new master device from one of the network-initialized devices, which was network-initialized in a first network-initialization operation; and assigning weighted values ​​via an algorithm to any auxiliary device that was not network-initialized in the first network-initialization operation, the arbitrary auxiliary device being arranged at a right angle relative to the new master device, at a mid-angle relative to the new master device, or within a threshold of a right angle or mid-angle relative to the new master device.

[0010] In one aspect, the method further includes: performing a second network access initialization operation, wherein the second network access initialization operation includes network access initialization of at least one auxiliary device that was not network access initialized during the first network access initialization operation, the at least one auxiliary device being assigned a weighted value of a position within a threshold indicating a position perpendicular to the new master device, a position at an intermediate angle relative to the new master device, or a position perpendicular to or at an intermediate angle relative to the new master device.

[0011] In one respect, the main device is selected based on its location in a corner of the surrounding environment or in the center of the surrounding environment.

[0012] In another example, a system for network access initialization of devices is provided, comprising: a plurality of devices arranged in an environment, wherein the plurality of devices includes a master device and a plurality of auxiliary devices, wherein each of the plurality of devices includes a communication module configured to transmit and / or receive communications, the communication module including a radio and / or an antenna; the master device including a processor configured to: receive a plurality of output signals from the plurality of auxiliary devices positioned in a grid pattern within the environment; determine the position of each auxiliary device relative to the master device based on the angle of arrival and time of flight of the respective output signals; assign weights via an algorithm to any device arranged at right angles relative to the master device, at an intermediate angle relative to the master device, or within a threshold of right angles or intermediate angles relative to the master device; wherein right angles and intermediate angles are defined relative to a two-dimensional polar coordinate grid with the master device as the origin; and perform a first network access initialization operation, wherein the first network access initialization operation includes network access initialization of at least one auxiliary device having a weighted value indicating a position at right angles relative to the master device, at an intermediate angle relative to the master device, or within a threshold of a position at right angles or intermediate angles relative to the master device.

[0013] In one respect, the threshold is independently selectable.

[0014] In one respect, the environment is the interior of a room or building.

[0015] In one aspect, the system includes a new master device that includes a new processor, wherein the new processor is configured to identify a subset of auxiliary devices that were not initialized during the first network access initialization operation.

[0016] In one aspect, the processor is further configured to: assign weighted values ​​via an algorithm to any auxiliary device that was not initialized during the first network access initialization operation, the auxiliary device being arranged at a right angle relative to the new master device, at an intermediate angle relative to the new master device, or within a threshold of a right angle or an intermediate angle relative to the new master device.

[0017] In one aspect, the new processor is further configured to perform a second network access initialization operation, wherein the second network access initialization operation includes network access initialization of at least one auxiliary device that was not network access initialized during the first network access initialization operation, the at least one auxiliary device being assigned a weighted value indicating a position within a threshold range that is perpendicular to the new master device, at an intermediate angle relative to the new master device, or at a position that is perpendicular to or at an intermediate angle relative to the new master device.

[0018] In one respect, the main device is selected based on its location in a corner of the surrounding environment or in the center of the surrounding environment.

[0019] In one aspect, the system also includes a display and a user interface, the display being configured to provide a visual representation of the network-initialized secondary and primary devices within an environment model, and the user interface being configured to receive user input to manually manipulate the visual representation of the positions of the network-initialized secondary and primary devices.

[0020] These and other aspects of the various embodiments will become apparent and will be illustrated with reference to the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0021] In the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Furthermore, the drawings are not necessarily to scale; instead, the focus is usually on illustrating the principles of the various embodiments.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view of the system according to this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the components of the device according to the system disclosed herein.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic view depicting a peripheral device according to the network access initialization diagram of this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic view of the network access initialization diagram according to this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic view of the network access initialization diagram according to this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic view of the network access initialization diagram according to this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic view of the network access initialization diagram according to this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the method according to this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0030] This disclosure relates to a method and system for automatically initializing devices within a system. The automatic network initialization process discussed herein utilizes a network initialization algorithm that assigns a weighted value to each device based on its position relative to a selected master device. The algorithm also assigns an increased weighted value to any device positioned at an angle (e.g., right angle or mid-angle) relative to the master device, or to any device within a right angle or half-angle threshold relative to the master device. In the network initialization process described herein, devices assigned an increased weighted value are initialized to the system before all other devices. Once initialized to the system, and since the devices are assumed to be arranged in an approximate grid pattern, each device is migrated to the visual grid displayed to the user. This should be based on… Figure 1-7 Please read the following description. Figure 1 The illustration shows a schematic plan view of system 100 within environment E according to this disclosure. As illustrated, system 100 includes multiple devices 102A-102Q (collectively referred to herein as “device 102” or “multiple devices 102”). Each device 102 is intended to be an Internet of Things (IoT) device, such as a lighting fixture, or any device capable of establishing a wired or wireless connection with one or more other devices 102 or additional devices, such as peripheral devices like mobile phones, smartphones, laptops, tablets, personal computers (PCs), wireless routers or internet access points, switches, etc. These devices 102 may also include one or more sensors 116 (discussed below). In some examples, device 102 may be a tile-type sensor, a wireless internet router, a wireless repeater or access point, a wireless extender, an alarm, a smoke detector, an occupancy sensor, a thermal sensor, or any device that, when installed in a room or building, is typically installed in a near-grid pattern. In some examples, such as Figure 1 As illustrated, each device 102 may be a wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted lighting fixture, configured to illuminate at least a portion of the environment E when powered on. As described above, during installation, each device 102 of system 100 is installed in an approximate grid pattern (i.e., each device is installed along an imaginary horizontal or vertical line, where the horizontal and vertical lines are equidistant from each other). As will be discussed below, by installing the devices 102 in an approximate grid pattern, the network initialization algorithm 130 (discussed below) can provide increased weights to the devices 102, which provide signals indicating positions relative to the master device or anchor device (also discussed below) at sharp angles (i.e., right angles or intermediate angles (discussed below)).

[0031] As discussed above, system 100 can be provided or installed within environment E. Figure 1As shown, environment E refers to an indoor space, such as a floor in an office building or a room within an enclosed structure. Within indoor spaces and smaller areas (e.g., individual rooms), there is a greater need to determine the location of device 102 with higher accuracy. Outdoor network initialization systems often rely on the civilian Global Positioning System (GPS), which is typically accurate to within a few meters. However, in indoor spaces (e.g., environment E), for certain tasks or advanced lighting control, inaccuracies exceeding a few centimeters can affect the accuracy of the network-initialized device location to an unacceptable level.

[0032] like Figure 2 As illustrated, each device 102 may include circuitry 104, which includes a corresponding processor 106 and memory 108. Processor 106 and memory 108 are configured to execute and store sets of non-transitory computer-readable instructions 110, respectively, to perform the functions of each device 102 and circuitry 104 disclosed herein. Circuitry 104 may also include a communication module 112, configured to transmit and / or receive wired or wireless communications between devices (e.g., between each device 102 or between peripheral devices as discussed above). For this purpose, communication module 112 may include at least one radio or antenna (e.g., antenna 114A) capable of transmitting and receiving wireless data. In some examples, in addition to at least one antenna (e.g., antenna 114A), communication module 112 may also include some form of automatic gain control (AGC), a modulator and / or demodulator, and potentially a discrete processor for bit processing, electrically connected to processor 106 and memory 108 to aid in transmitting and / or receiving wireless data. As will be discussed below, each antenna of each communication module 112 may be configured to transmit and / or receive one or more output signals from a plurality of output signals 128 transmitted from a plurality of devices 102. In a further example, the circuitry of each device 102 (i.e., circuitry 104) may include more than one antenna (e.g., antennas 114A and 114B) such that the angle of arrival and / or angle of departure (discussed below) of each received signal can be calculated.

[0033] Each device 102 may further include one or more sensors 116 electrically connected to circuit 104. For example, the sensor 116 may be selected from: optical sensors, proximity sensors, thermal sensors, occupancy sensors, eye gaze sensors, pressure sensors, humidity sensors, weather sensors, smoke or gas sensors, passive infrared sensors, microphones, cameras, or any other sensors used for advanced lighting control.

[0034] like Figure 3As illustrated, system 100 may also include one or more peripheral devices (e.g., peripheral device 118). Although peripheral device 118 is illustrated as a tablet computer, it should be understood that peripheral device 118 may be selected from smartphones, laptops, personal computers (PCs), or any other device capable of receiving wired or wireless signals (e.g., multiple output signals 128 (discussed below)) from device 102. Similar to each device 102 of system 100, peripheral device 118 may also include peripheral circuitry including a corresponding peripheral processor and peripheral memory configured to execute and store sets of peripheral non-transitory computer-readable instructions, respectively, to perform the functions of peripheral device 118 as will be discussed herein. Accordingly, the circuitry of peripheral device 118 may include a peripheral communication module configured to transmit and / or receive wireless data (e.g., multiple output signals 128 (discussed below)). For this purpose, the peripheral communication module may include at least one peripheral antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless data.

[0035] In some examples, peripheral device 118 includes a display 120 and a user interface 122 capable of displaying the network access initialization diagram 124 and receiving user input 126, respectively. Display 120 is intended to be a visual indicator or screen capable of providing a visual depiction of the devices 102 before and after the network access initialization operation (discussed below) and their respective positions relative to each other within the environment E. In one example, such as Figure 3 As illustrated and discussed below, display 120 may include a screen capable of displaying multiple images, symbols, and / or text (in relation to the current position of device 102 within environment E). In one example, display 120 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) and may also include touchscreen functionality, for example, capable of determining the contact and position of a user's finger on the screen surface using resistive or capacitive sensing. It should also be understood that display 120 may be selected from at least one of the following: a light-emitting diode (LED) screen, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screen, a plasma screen, or any other display technology capable of presenting a visual depiction of the current position of device 102 within environment E. On the body of peripheral device 118 or within the screen of display 120, peripheral device may include multiple buttons, capacitive touch areas, or switches capable of receiving user input 126 (e.g., affirmative user actions). The set of buttons, capacitive touch areas, and / or switches serves as a user interface 122, for example, a set of input options for user interaction with peripheral device 118 and / or display 120. Figure 3-7 A schematic illustration of network access initialization diagram 124 is provided. As illustrated, network access initialization diagram 124 includes a spatial rendering and representation of the environment E and the estimated and / or initial network access initialized location of device 102. Reference will be made below. Figure 4-7 As described, during one or more automatic network access initialization operations, each device will send and receive output signals, and the master device (discussed below) will perform network access initialization and migration to the mesh device 102 based on an increasing weighted value (based on the determined location of device 102).

[0036] As discussed above, peripheral device 118 is intended to automatically initialize devices 102 for network access, thereby adding them to system 100. During the automatic network access initialization process and / or operation discussed herein, each device 102 is configured to communicate with peripheral device 118 and / or master device (discussed below) via multiple output signals 128, and peripheral device 118 is configured to establish a permanent or semi-permanent wired or wireless connection with each network-initialized device. It should be understood that the wired or wireless signals transmitted and / or received as multiple output signals 128 may utilize a wired or wireless protocol selected from at least one of the following: Bluetooth protocol, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol, LE Audio protocol, ZigBee protocol, Near Field Magnetism Induction (NFMI), Near Field Electromagnetic Induction (NFEMI), Li-Fi, Infrared Light protocol, Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) protocol, or any other protocol used for transmitting wireless data between peripheral device 118 of the system and each device 102. Once network access is initialized, each device 102 is assigned a digital identity, which can be displayed to the user via display 120. Furthermore, as will be discussed below, each device 102 is displayed on network access initialization diagram 124 at an export position relative to the master device (discussed below).

[0037] Once installed within environment E, each device 102 can begin sending and receiving wireless data between other devices (e.g., via multiple output signals 128). System 100 can utilize these initial output signals to perform the initial setup of network access initialization diagram 124. For example, each output signal of the multiple output signals 128 may include sensor data, communication data, metadata, or any other form of data transmitted between IoT devices 102. When receiving wireless data from a given device 102, each device can evaluate the received signal strength indication (RSSI) value of the signal and the angle of arrival or departure of the given signal to estimate the approximate location of each device 102 within environment E, and these locations are visually presented to the user as discrete icons (at the approximate location of the devices) on network access initialization diagram 124. In some examples, the initial location of device 102, as shown by the icons on network access initialization diagram 124, may not be accurate to several meters.

[0038] To improve the accuracy of the initial setup of these devices within system 100, a user can select a master device or anchor node from the devices within system 100 and provide it with its absolute position, and perform one or more network entry initialization procedures or operations to improve the accuracy of the established position of each device (relative to the absolute position of the selected master device) displayed on network entry initialization diagram 124. Therefore, in some examples, a user can interact with the user interface 122 of peripheral device 118 (e.g., touch one of the device icons) to select a master device (e.g., device 102A) from the plurality of devices 102 displayed on network entry initialization diagram 124. Although the examples below illustrate and describe the master device as device 102A, it should be understood that the master device can be selected from any device 102 within environment E. Alternative master device selection will be discussed below. Once selected, the user can manually adjust the display position of the master device (e.g., device 102A) on the displayed network entry initialization diagram 124. In one example, the user can press and drag the selected device icon to place the icon in the displayed network entry initialization diagram 124 at a position that matches its exact physical location within environment E. In other examples, a user can interact with user interface 122 to input coordinates or distance metrics (e.g., length, width, height) to establish the absolute physical location of the master device within environment E and accurately display that location on network access initialization diagram 124. Once placed, the master device (e.g., device 102A) is configured to receive at least one output signal (i.e., multiple output signals 128) from each device 102 within system 100. Upon receiving each of these output signals, the master device (e.g., device 102A) can utilize network access initialization algorithm 130 to derive, determine, or otherwise calculate the location of device 102 (which generates each corresponding output signal).

[0039] For each output signal, the network initialization algorithm 130 can determine the position of each device 102 relative to the master device (e.g., device 102A) within environment E using RSSI values, time of flight, time difference of arrival, angle of arrival, angle of departure, or triangulation techniques with increasing confidence. Given that the devices 102 of system 100 are intended to be arranged in an approximate grid pattern for IoT devices, the network initialization algorithm 130 is configured to assign a weighted value 132 to the identity of each device 102 based on the relative RSSI value, angle of arrival, or angle of departure relative to a selected master device (e.g., device 102A), and to assign an increased weighted value 134 to devices with a perceived position (at an angle relative to the master device).

[0040] As discussed herein, a sharp angle is intended to include angles within a threshold 136 for right angles or within a threshold 136 for intermediate angles. In addition to its common meaning to those skilled in the art, the term "right angle" is intended to include multiples of 90 degrees, such as 90 degrees, 180 degrees, 270 degrees, and 0 / 360 degrees. The term "intermediate angle" as used herein is intended to mean an angle centered between two right angles, such as 45 degrees, 135 degrees, 225 degrees, and 315 degrees. Therefore, after selecting a master device (e.g., device 102A), the network access initialization algorithm 130, when assigning weights 132 to each device 102 based on the received output signals from each device 102, may assign an increased weight 134 to any device providing a signal with an arrival angle or departure angle indicating a device arranged at an angle within the sharp angle threshold 136 relative to a two-dimensional polar coordinate grid (with the master device as its origin). In other words, any output signal received at an azimuth angle within a threshold 136 of 0 / 360, 45, 90, 135, 180, 225, 270, or 315 degrees is assigned an enhanced weighting value 134. The threshold 136 is intended to be a user-configurable value, i.e., an independently selectable value. For example, a user can specify that the threshold 136 should be 5 degrees, for instance, by interacting with the user interface 122 of the peripheral device 118. By setting the threshold 136 to 5 degrees, this specifies to the system 100 that any signal received at or within 5 degrees (positive or negative) of a sharp angle should be assigned an enhanced weighting value 134. Since the user can manually set the threshold 136, it should be understood that the threshold 136 is not limited to 5 degrees and can be selected or set from any threshold between 0 and 45 degrees (e.g., 1 degree, 2 degrees, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, etc.). In one example, the threshold 136 is selected from the range between 0 and 15 degrees. As will be discussed below, when a new device is initialized into the system for network access, the device with the enhanced weighted value 134 is given priority. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "weighted value" is intended to mean an optional value that depends on meeting a certain condition. For example, a higher weighted value is assigned to a situation or device that is closer to meeting a certain condition, while a lower weighted value is assigned to a situation or device that is further away from meeting that condition. Thus, the term "enhanced weighted value" is intended to mean a weighted value assigned to a situation or device that is closer to meeting a particular condition; for example, the enhanced weighted value 134 is intended to be assigned to a device positioned within a threshold 136 at a sharp angle relative to the master device.

[0041] During operation, system 100 is configured to initialize each device 102 to the system in one or more network initialization operations. As discussed below, each network initialization operation utilizes at least the data received at the master device (e.g., RSSI values, angle of arrival information, angle of departure information, and / or triangulation information from each device's signal) to establish more accurate location data for each device that has been or is currently being initialized to the system. During the first network initialization operation 138, system 100 performs network initialization on all devices 102 with an enhanced weighting value 134 (i.e., devices positioned within the threshold 136 of right angles or intermediate angles as discussed above). After the first network initialization operation 138, subsequent network initialization operations can utilize the data received at the master device and the data received at each network-initialized device to improve the accuracy of location determination for the remaining devices. In these subsequent network entry initialization operations, since each device or node in the device network can act as a receiver, triangulation techniques can be used, in addition to or as an alternative to angle of arrival or angle of departure techniques, to accurately perform network entry initialization on new devices (e.g., devices that are not initially located within the threshold 136 of the right angle or intermediate angle relative to the master device).

[0042] Furthermore, since it is assumed that each device 102 is installed in a position approximating the grid pattern, when each device is network-initialized by the network initialization algorithm 130, for example, when devices 102 are added to system 100 based on their position at an angle relative to the selected master device, each network-initialized device is visually migrated to the grid pattern displayed on the display 120 of the peripheral device 118. In other words, once a device is located and added to system 100 (e.g., based on angle of arrival information received at the master device), the identity icon corresponding to the added device displayed on the network initialization diagram 124 is migrated to the grid intersection closest to the device's approximate position within environment E (i.e., the intersection of the horizontal and vertical lines as discussed above). Once added to system 100, the added device maintains its own confidence level. For example, when added to the system, since its position on the grid can be derived from signal information obtained from only one device (e.g., the master device), the newly added device can maintain a low confidence level (i.e., a first confidence level C1) at its assigned position. During each subsequent network access initialization operation, and as more and more devices are added to the system to confirm their location, the confidence level of the device can rise to higher confidence levels, such as the second confidence level C2 or the third confidence level C3, which correspond to increasingly higher confidence levels of the device's location.

[0043] like Figure 3-7As illustrated, in an operational example, system 100 may include multiple devices 102A-102Q. In this example, devices 102A-102Q are lighting fixtures, each with one or more sensors 116 disposed thereon. Since these lighting fixtures are typically mounted on or in place of ceilings within a building or room, each device 102A-102Q (collectively referred to herein as “device 102” or “multiple devices 102”) may be installed in a near-grid pattern. Once installed, devices 102 can begin sending and receiving wired or wireless signals to each other. In this example, each device utilizes the Bluetooth wireless protocol, and each device can begin sending or broadcasting advertising packets within environment E. Upon receiving these output signals 128, peripheral devices 118 disposed within environment E are configured to perform initial setup and provide a coarse location of each device based on the advertising packets. These coarse locations can be... Figure 3 The icons shown on display 120 are presented as icons to technicians or users of peripheral devices 118. As illustrated, each device 102A-102Q is initially provided with a location within environment E that approximates a grid pattern rather than a complete grid pattern. Various sources (such as physical barriers affecting the transmission of broadcast advertising packets) can cause distortion of the exact location of devices 102A-102Q, thus not fully representing the grid pattern, even if the devices are actually installed in a grid configuration. Users can select the master device using user interface 122 or by interacting directly with display 120. In this example, the user selects device 102A as the master device (in... Figure 4 (Indicated by a darker icon). Once the primary device is selected, the user can initiate automatic network initialization for the remaining devices 102 (i.e., secondary devices) of the system. For example, in the first network initialization operation 138, the network initialization algorithm 130 (executable on the peripheral device 118 or the primary device) is configured to receive the output signal 128 from each secondary device 102 within the environment E, and to evaluate, determine, or otherwise calculate the angular position of each device based on the RSSI value and / or angle of arrival data of each signal 128, and weight the value 132 ( Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram) is assigned to each received signal. At the master device, from the threshold 136 (… Figure 2 (as shown in the image) within—that is, relative to the two-dimensional polar coordinate grid with the master device as the origin ( Figure 4-7 (As shown in the figure) Any signal received at an angle within a right-angle threshold 136 or within a mid-angle threshold 136 is given an increased weighting value 134. Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram) and is initialized to system 100 during network access. In this example, the threshold 136 is 5 degrees. Therefore, in the first network access initialization operation 138 ( Figure 5As shown in the diagram, the output signals 128 from devices 102B-102F and 102J are all given an increased weighting value 134. Specifically, devices 102B-102D are arranged within 5 degrees (threshold 136) of a right angle (i.e., 0 degrees relative to the main device 102A); device 102E is arranged within 5 degrees of a right angle (i.e., 270 degrees relative to the main device 102A); and devices 102F and 102J are arranged within 5 degrees of a mid-angle (i.e., 315 degrees relative to the main device 102A). Each of these network-initialized devices... Figure 5 The icons are shown in a darker tone. Since devices 102B-102F and 102J are initialized into system 100 upon network access, each of these devices maintains a confidence level, for example, when each of these devices is added to system 100 based on data received only at one device (i.e., master device 102A), each of these devices can maintain a low confidence level (i.e., the first confidence level C1). Figure 2 (as shown in the image). Furthermore, when each of these devices is initialized to the network in System 100, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the corresponding icon associated with each device is migrated to the grid intersection closest to the approximate location of each device.

[0044] Once devices 102B-102F and 102J have been network-initialized into system 100, each of these devices can now receive multiple additional output signals 140 (i.e., output signals from multiple output signals 128 of the remaining auxiliary devices that have not yet been network-initialized) to network-initialize the additional devices into the system. Furthermore, devices 102B-102F and 102J can each continue to receive output signals from each other, further increasing the corresponding confidence level of each device in its own position on the grid of network-initialization diagram 124. For example, as... Figure 6 As shown, in the second network access initialization operation 142, the network access initialization algorithm 130 assigns a weighted value 132 to auxiliary devices 102G-102H, 102I, and 102K-102Q based on additional output signals 140 received by network-initialized devices 102A-102F and 102J. Furthermore, the network access initialization algorithm 130 can assign an enhanced weighted value 134 to any uninitialized auxiliary device 102 located within a threshold 136 of a sharp angle (i.e., a right angle or a mid-angle) relative to any network-initialized device (i.e., 102A-102F and 102J). Therefore, in the second network access initialization operation 142, the additional output signals 140 from auxiliary devices 102G-102I and 102K-102P are all given an enhanced weighted value 134.

[0045] Specifically, device 102G is arranged within 5 degrees (threshold 136) of a right angle (i.e., 0 degrees relative to devices 102E and 102F after network access initialization), within 5 degrees of a right angle (i.e., 270 degrees relative to device 102C after network access initialization), and within 5 degrees of an intermediate angle (i.e., 315 degrees relative to device 102B after network access initialization). Device 102H is arranged within 5 degrees of the two intermediate angles (i.e., 45 degrees relative to device 102D after network access initialization and 315 degrees relative to device 102B after network access initialization), and within 5 degrees of a right angle (i.e., 90 degrees relative to device 102J after network access initialization). Device 102I is arranged within 5 degrees of the two right angles (i.e., 0 degrees relative to device 102J after network access initialization and 270 degrees relative to devices 102B and 102F after network access initialization). Device 102K is arranged within 5 degrees of two right angles and one intermediate angle (i.e., 0 degrees relative to device 102J after network initialization, 270 degrees relative to device 102D after network initialization, and 315 degrees relative to device 102C after network initialization). Devices 102L and 102M are arranged within 5 degrees of a right angle (i.e., 0 degrees relative to device 102J after network initialization). Device 102N is arranged within 5 degrees of a right angle and an intermediate angle (i.e., 270 degrees relative to devices 102B and 102F after network initialization, and 225 degrees relative to device 102D after network initialization). Device 102O is arranged within 5 degrees of a right angle and an intermediate angle (i.e., 270 degrees relative to device 102D after network initialization and 315 degrees relative to device 102B after network initialization). Device 102P is positioned within 5 degrees of the midpoint (i.e., 315 degrees relative to device 102C, which is initialized for network access). When each of these devices is initialized for network access to system 100, as... Figure 6 As shown, the corresponding icon associated with each device is migrated to the grid intersection closest to the approximate location of each device, with devices initialized upon entering the network shown as darker icons.

[0046] In addition to deriving the location of uninitialized auxiliary equipment using angle-of-arrival (AOA) technology, network-initialized and / or uninitialized equipment within the system can also derive the departure angle of the signal output by each network-initialized equipment and use this information to initialize a new equipment for network access. It should be understood that, in addition to assigning an increased weighting value 134 to each equipment positioned at a sharp angle relative to other network-initialized equipment, or as an alternative, data from output signals received at multiple network-initialized equipment can be used to triangulate the location of uninitialized equipment. For example, in the second network access initialization operation 142, the output signal transmitted by equipment 102G will be received at network-initialized equipment 102A-102F and 102J, rather than relying on AOA or AOA calculations to initialize equipment 102G for network access. Since each of these network-initialized devices has been migrated to the nearest grid intersection, each device or peripheral device 118 can know the location of each network-initialized device and, before network-initializing device 102G into system 100, use these known locations and the signals received by each device 102A-102F and 102J to triangulate the location of device 102G.

[0047] Since devices 102G-102I and 102K-102P are network-initialized into system 100, each of these devices maintains a certain confidence level. However, since each of these devices is added to system 100 based on data received at multiple network-initialized devices (i.e., at devices 102A-102F and 102J), each of these devices can maintain a higher confidence level (i.e., a second confidence level C2). Figure 2 (as shown in the diagram). Furthermore, each device previously initialized during the first network access initialization operation 138 can receive output signals 128 from other network access initialized devices 102A-102F and 102J, and each device can use additional location information derived from angle of arrival, angle of departure, and / or triangulation techniques to increase its stored confidence level from, for example, a low confidence level C1 to a medium confidence level (i.e., a second confidence level C2).

[0048] Once devices 102A-102P have been network-initialized to system 100, each of these devices can now receive additional output signals 140 from any remaining devices that have not yet been network-initialized. In this example, only device 102Q remains uninitialized. Figure 7As shown, in the third network access initialization operation 144, the network access initialization algorithm 130 assigns a weighted value 132 to any remaining device (i.e., 102Q) based on additional output signals 140 received by the network-initialized devices 102A-102P. Furthermore, the network access initialization algorithm 130 can assign an increased weighted value 134 to any uninitialized auxiliary device 102 located within a threshold 136 of a sharp angle (i.e., a right angle or a mid-angle) relative to any network-initialized device (i.e., 102A-102P). Therefore, in the third network access initialization operation 144, the additional output signal 140 from the auxiliary device 102Q is given an increased weighted value 134. Specifically, device 102Q is positioned within 5 degrees (e.g., within threshold 136) of the two right angles and one intermediate angle (i.e., 0 degrees relative to network-initialized devices 102N-102P, 270 degrees relative to network-initialized device 102M, and 315 degrees relative to network-initialized device 102L) of the network-initialized devices. As described above, additional output signals 140 transmitted from device 102Q can be received at each network-initialized device 102A-102P, and triangulation techniques can be utilized to derive the position of device 102Q with high accuracy, rather than relying solely on angle-of-arrival and / or angle-of-departure techniques for network initialization of device 102Q. When device 102Q is network-initialized to system 100, as... Figure 7 As shown, the icon associated with device 102Q is moved to the grid intersection closest to the approximate location of device 102Q, where devices initialized upon network entry are shown as darker icons.

[0049] Because device 102Q is network-initialized into system 100, it maintains its own confidence level. When device 102Q is added to system 100 based on data received at multiple network-initialized devices (i.e., at least devices 102L-102P), device 102Q can maintain a high confidence level (i.e., a second confidence level C2). Figure 2 (as shown in the diagram). Furthermore, each device previously initialized during the first network access initialization operation 138 and / or the second network access initialization operation can receive output signals 128 from other network access initialized devices, and each device can utilize additional location information derived from angle of arrival, angle of departure, and / or triangulation techniques to increase its stored confidence level from, for example, a low confidence level C1 to a medium confidence level (i.e., a second confidence level C2), or from a second confidence level C2 to a high confidence level C3.

[0050] It should be understood that a third network entry initialization operation 144 is not required to initialize device 102Q for network entry (because device 102Q is not located within the threshold 136 that forms an angle with any network entry initialized device). The triangulation technique used by the device (initialized to system 100 during the first network entry initialization operation 138) can be used to initialize device 102Q for network entry during the second network entry initialization operation 142 without using angle of arrival or angle of departure techniques. Furthermore, although the automatic network entry initialization process discussed herein is illustrated and described using the network entry initialization algorithm 130 in three discrete operations or stages (i.e., the first network entry initialization operation 138, the second network entry initialization operation 142, and the third network entry initialization operation 144), it should be understood that the automatic network entry initialization process can be a continuous streaming process or operation, i.e., a process of sequentially adding or initializing each new device to system 100 based on available location data using available angle of arrival, angle of departure, and / or real-time available triangulation information.

[0051] Furthermore, as illustrated and described using device 102A as the master device, it should be understood that during initial setup, the user can select any device 102 within system 100 as the master device. In some examples, the user may be encouraged to select a device or node located near a corner C of environment E. For example, the user may select devices 102A, 102D, 102N, or 102Q as the master device because these devices are located approximately at corner C of environment E and at a corner of the pattern of device 102. It may be desirable to select a device near corner C of environment E because this limits the angle at which the master device can receive the input output signal 128 from devices in system 100 that have not yet undergone network initialization. For example, by selecting device 102A as the master device in corner C of environment E, master device 102A will only receive the output signal 128 within a 90-degree window, i.e., between 270 degrees and 0 degrees, i.e., the lower left quadrant of the illustrated two-dimensional polar coordinate grid. Reducing the available receiving angle can improve the accuracy of the first network initialization operation 138. Furthermore, after the initial setup, it may be difficult to determine the location of devices within the system. Therefore, selecting devices near a corner of the environment E may be easier. Alternatively, the user can be encouraged to select a device or node located near the center CE of the environment E. For example, the user can select device 102H as the master device because it is roughly located at the center CE of the environment E. Selecting the master device as the device closest to the center CE of the environment E will increase the angle at which the master device can receive the input output signal 128 from devices in system 100 that have not yet undergone network initialization. For example, with the selected device 102H, the master device 102H will receive the output signal 128 from all directions and angles. By selecting the central device as the master device, this can improve the network initialization speed of the system by reducing the number of network initialization operations required to perform network initialization on all devices.

[0052] Additionally, as described above, each device 102 initialized to the system 100 maintains its own confidence level. In some examples, as illustrated above, these levels can be discrete, namely low, medium, or high (corresponding to a first confidence level C1, a second confidence level C2, and a third confidence level C3, respectively). However, it should be understood that the confidence level maintained by each device initialized to the system 100 can be, for example, a numerical or percentage value between 0 and 100. For example, a low confidence level (e.g., the first confidence level C1) could correspond to a numerical or percentage value including all values ​​greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 33; a medium confidence level (e.g., the second confidence level C2) could correspond to a numerical or percentage value including all values ​​greater than or equal to 34 and less than or equal to 66; and a high confidence level (e.g., the third confidence level C3) could correspond to a numerical or percentage value including all values ​​greater than or equal to 67 and less than or equal to 100.

[0053] Furthermore, using, for example, the user interface 122 of peripheral device 118, a user can set a globally acceptable confidence level for each network-initialized device within system 100. For example, user interface 122 can present the user with a sliding scale input between 0 and 100 (provided along the touch capacitive area of ​​display 120), or the user can manually input a value by typing it into the input area, thereby setting a globally acceptable confidence level for the network-initialized devices in the system. Thus, the user can set or specify a globally acceptable confidence level as, for example, 80%, meaning that devices will only be network-initialized to the system (or they can be network-initialized to the system but not shown as network-initialized to the user on network-initialization diagram 124) until they can maintain a high confidence level of 80%. To compensate for the increased globally acceptable confidence level, the system can automatically adjust threshold 136 so that more devices can be network-initialized and the system can gradually increase the confidence of the added devices.

[0054] Although the foregoing example assumes that the initial setup and installation of devices 102 are performed in a grid pattern to position each device 102, it should be understood that devices 102 can be set up in other patterns, such as a concentric circle pattern, or other geometries, such as squares, rectangles, hexagons, octagons, etc. In these alternative patterns, it should be understood that the sharp angles assigned to the increased weighting value 134 by the network entry initialization algorithm 130 can be different angles. For example, the network entry initialization algorithm 130 can determine that other angles, rather than right angles and intermediate angles, are more indicative of the device pattern. For instance, an angle of arrival indicating a device located at 110 degrees can indicate a device within an alternative pattern. Therefore, the algorithm 130 can preferentially consider other angles (e.g., angles between intermediate angles and right angles, such as 110, 115, 120, 125, etc.) as sharp angles.

[0055] Figure 8This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of method 200 according to the present disclosure. As illustrated, method 200 may include, for example: selecting a master device 102A from a plurality of devices 102A-102Q arranged within an environment E (step 202); receiving at the master device 102A a plurality of output signals 128 from a plurality of auxiliary devices 102B-102Q located within the environment E (step 204); determining the position of each of the auxiliary devices 102B-102Q relative to the master device 102A based at least in part on the angle of arrival and time of flight of the respective output signals 128 (step 206); and assigning a weighted value 1 to each of the auxiliary devices 102B-102Q based on the plurality of output signals 128 via algorithm 130. 32, wherein any device arranged at a right angle to the main device, at a mid-angle relative to the main device, or within a threshold 136 of a right angle or mid-angle relative to the main device is given an increased weighting value 134 (step 208); and a first network access initialization operation 138 is performed, wherein the first network access initialization operation 138 includes network access initialization of at least one auxiliary device 102B-102Q having an increased weighting value 134, the increased weighting value 134 indicating a position at a right angle to the main device, at a mid-angle relative to the main device, or within a threshold 136 of a position at a right angle or mid-angle relative to the main device (step 210). In some examples, method 200 further includes: identifying a subset of auxiliary devices (102G-102I and 102K-102Q) that were not network-initialized in the first network-initialization operation 138 (step 212); selecting a new master device 102B from one of the network-initialized devices that were network-initialized in the first network-initialization operation 138 (step 214); and assigning a weighted value 132 to each auxiliary device that was not network-initialized in the first network-initialization operation 138 via algorithm 130, wherein the auxiliary devices are arranged at right angles relative to the new master device 102B, at a mid-angle relative to the new master device 102B, or relative to... Any auxiliary device arranged within a threshold 136 of a right angle or intermediate angle relative to the new master device 102B is given an increased weighting value 134 (step 216); and a second network access initialization operation 142 is performed, wherein the second network access initialization operation 142 includes network access initialization of at least one auxiliary device that was not network access initialized during the first network access initialization operation 138, the at least one auxiliary device being assigned an increased weighting value indicating a position within a threshold of a right angle position relative to the new master device 102B, a position at an intermediate angle relative to the new master device, or a position at a right angle or an intermediate angle relative to the new master device 102B (step 218).

[0056] In another operational example, system 100 includes multiple devices 102A-102Q. In this example, devices 102A-102Q are lighting fixtures, each with one or more sensors 116 disposed thereon. Since these lighting fixtures are typically mounted on or in place of ceilings in buildings or rooms, each device 102A-102Q (collectively referred to herein as “device 102” or “multiple devices 102”) may be installed in a near-grid pattern. As discussed above, it should be understood that other installation patterns may be utilized. Once installed, devices 102 can begin sending and receiving wired or wireless signals to each other. In this example, each device 102 utilizes the Bluetooth wireless protocol, and each device can begin sending or broadcasting advertising packets within environment E. Upon receiving these output signals 128, peripheral devices 118 disposed within environment E are configured to perform initial setup and provide a coarse location for each device based on the advertising packets. These coarse locations can be... Figure 3 The icon shown on display 120 is displayed to technicians or users of peripheral equipment 118. For example... Figure 3 As illustrated, each device 102A-102Q is initially provided with a location within environment E that approximates a grid pattern rather than a complete grid pattern. Various sources (such as physical barriers affecting the transmission of broadcast advertising packets) can cause distortion in the exact location of devices 102A-102Q, thus not fully representing the grid pattern, even if the devices are actually installed in a grid configuration. A user can select a master device using user interface 122 or by interacting directly with display 120. In this example, the user initially selects device 102A as the master device (in...). Figure 4 (Indicated by a darker icon). Once the primary device is selected, the user can initiate automatic network initialization for the remaining devices 102 (i.e., secondary devices) of the system. For example, in the first network initialization operation 138, the network initialization algorithm 130 (executable on the peripheral device 118 or the primary device 102A) is configured to receive the output signal 128 from each secondary device 102 within the environment E, and to evaluate, determine, or otherwise calculate the angular position of each device based on the RSSI value and / or angle of arrival data of each signal 128, and weight the value 132 ( Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram) is assigned to each received signal. At the main device 102A, from the threshold 136 (… Figure 2 (as shown in the image) within—that is, relative to the two-dimensional polar coordinate grid with the main device 102A as the origin ( Figure 4-7 (As shown in the figure) Any signal received at an angle within a right-angle threshold 136 or within a mid-angle threshold 136 is given an increased weighting value 134. Figure 2(As shown in the diagram) and is initialized to system 100 during network access. In this example, the threshold 136 is 5 degrees. Therefore, in the first network access initialization operation 138 ( Figure 5 As shown in the diagram, the output signals 128 from devices 102B-102F and 102J are all given an increased weighting value 134. Specifically, devices 102B-102D are arranged within 5 degrees (threshold 136) of a right angle (i.e., 0 degrees relative to the main device 102A); device 102E is arranged within 5 degrees of a right angle (i.e., 270 degrees relative to the main device 102A); and devices 102F and 102J are arranged within 5 degrees of a mid-angle (i.e., 315 degrees relative to the main device 102A). Each of these network-initialized devices... Figure 5 The icons are shown in a darker tone. Since devices 102B-102F and 102J are initialized into system 100 upon network access, each of these devices maintains a confidence level, for example, when each of these devices is added to system 100 based on data received only at one device (i.e., master device 102A), each of these devices can maintain a low confidence level (i.e., the first confidence level C1). Figure 2 (as shown in the image). Furthermore, when each of these devices is initialized to the network in System 100, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the corresponding icon associated with each device is migrated to the grid intersection closest to the approximate location of each device.

[0057] Although not illustrated, after the first network access initialization operation 138, system 100 can be configured to identify a subset of auxiliary devices previously initialized in the first network access initialization operation 138, for example, system 100 is configured to identify devices 102B-102F and 102J previously initialized. Once identified, system 100 can automatically select one auxiliary device from the subset of network access initialized auxiliary devices as the new master device. For example, system 100 can select device 102B as the new master device. Therefore, once selected, the new master device 102B can now receive multiple additional output signals 140 (i.e., output signals from multiple output signals 128 from the remaining auxiliary devices that have not yet been initialized) to initialize the additional device to the system. Furthermore, devices 102A, 102C-102F, and 102J can each continue to send output signals to the new master device 102B, further increasing the corresponding confidence level of each device in its own position on the grid of network access initialization figure 124. For example, in the second network access initialization operation 142, the network access initialization algorithm 130 assigns a weighted value 132 to the auxiliary devices 102G-102H, 102I, and 102K-102Q based on additional output signals 140 received by the new master device 102B. Furthermore, the network access initialization algorithm 130 can assign an increased weighted value 134 to any auxiliary device 102 that has not been network access initialized and is located within a threshold 136 of a sharp angle (i.e., a right angle or a mid-angle) relative to the new master device 102B. Therefore, in the second network access initialization operation 142, the additional output signals 140 from the auxiliary devices 102G-102H, 102I, 102N, and 102O are all given an increased weighted value 134. Specifically, devices 102G-102H and 102O are arranged within 5 degrees (threshold 136) of the mid-angle, i.e., 315 degrees relative to the new master device 102B; devices 102I and 102N are arranged within 5 degrees (threshold 136) of the right angle (i.e., 270 degrees relative to the new master device 102B). When each of these devices is initialized to the network in system 100, the corresponding icon associated with each device is migrated to the grid intersection closest to the approximate location of each device.

[0058] Since devices 102G-102H, 102I, 102N, and 102O are network-initialized to system 100, each of these devices maintains a confidence level. Furthermore, since the new master device 102B can continue to receive output signals 128 from previously network-initialized devices (e.g., devices 102A-102C-102F and 102J), the data received at the new master device 102B from those previously network-initialized devices can be used to increase the confidence level of each of those devices. For example, each of these devices is now associated with data received at multiple network-initialized devices (i.e., at device 102A during the first network-initialization operation 138 and at device 102B during the second network-initialization operation 142). Thus, each network-initialized device has two data points associated with its corresponding sensing location within the grid, and each of these devices can maintain a high confidence level (i.e., a second confidence level C2). Figure 2 As shown in the image).

[0059] The aforementioned example network access initialization operation can be performed iteratively until all devices within system 100 have been network access initialized and maintain selectable confidence levels. For example, system 100 can iteratively select a new master device from any previously network access initialized devices (e.g., any device network access initialized in the first network access initialization operation 138 or the second network access initialization operation 142). Once selected, the new master device can receive output signals 128 from each un-network access initialized device and other previously network access initialized devices to initialize the new device to the system and increase the confidence level of each previously network access initialized device.

[0060] Furthermore, as illustrated above with respect to other operational examples, the confidence levels used in the aforementioned examples can be discrete levels, namely low, medium, or high (corresponding to the first confidence level C1, the second confidence level C2, and the third confidence level C3, respectively). However, it should be understood that the confidence level maintained by each device initialized to system 100 can be, for example, a numerical or percentage value between 0 and 100. For example, a low confidence level (e.g., the first confidence level C1) can correspond to a numerical or percentage value including all values ​​greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 33; a medium confidence level (e.g., the second confidence level C2) can correspond to a numerical or percentage value including all values ​​greater than or equal to 34 and less than or equal to 66; and a high confidence level (e.g., the third confidence level C3) can correspond to a numerical or percentage value including all values ​​greater than or equal to 67 and less than or equal to 100. Furthermore, using, for example, the user interface 122 of peripheral device 118, a user can set a globally acceptable confidence level for each device initialized to network within system 100. For example, user interface 122 can present the user with a sliding scale input between 0 and 100 (provided along the touch capacitive area of ​​display 120), or the user can manually input a value by typing it into the input area, thereby setting a globally acceptable confidence level for the network-initialized devices of the system. Thus, the user can set or specify a globally acceptable confidence level of, for example, 80%, meaning that devices will only be network-initialized to the system (or they can be network-initialized to the system but are not shown as network-initialized to the user on network-initialization diagram 124) until they can maintain a high confidence level of 80%. To compensate for the increased globally acceptable confidence level, the system can automatically adjust threshold 136 so that more devices can be network-initialized and the system can gradually increase the confidence of the added devices.

[0061] All definitions used in this document should be understood to supersede dictionary definitions, definitions in referenced literature, and / or the general meaning of the defined terms.

[0062] As used herein in the specification and claims, unless expressly indicated to the contrary, the indefinite articles “a” and “an” (“a” and “an”) should be understood to mean “at least one”.

[0063] As used herein in the specification and claims, the phrase “and / or” should be understood to mean “any one or both” of the elements so combined, i.e., elements that exist together in some cases and separately in others. Multiple elements listed with “and / or” should be understood in the same way, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so combined. In addition to the elements specifically indicated by the “and / or” clause, other elements may optionally exist, whether related to or unrelated to those specifically indicated.

[0064] As used herein in the specification and claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” should be interpreted as inclusive, i.e., including at least one, but also more than one of a plurality or series of elements, and optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms that explicitly indicate the opposite, such as “only one” or “exactly one”, or “composed of” when used in the claims, will refer to exactly one of a plurality or series of elements. Generally, when preceded by an exclusive term (such as “any,” “one,” “only one,” or “exactly one”), the term “or” as used herein should only be interpreted as indicating an exclusive alternative (i.e., “one or another, but not two”).

[0065] As used herein in the specification and claims, for a list of one or more elements, the phrase "at least one" should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more elements in the list, but not necessarily at least one of every element specifically listed in the list, and does not exclude any combination of elements in the list. This definition also allows for the optional presence of elements (whether related to or unrelated to those specifically identified elements) in addition to those specifically identified in the list referred to by the phrase "at least one".

[0066] It should also be understood that, unless expressly indicated to the contrary, in any method claimed herein that includes more than one step or action, the order of the steps or actions of the method is not limited to the order in which the steps or actions of the method are described.

[0067] In the claims and in the description above, all transitional phrases (such as "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "constituting," etc.) should be understood as open-ended, that is, meaning including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases "constituting of," and "constituting substantially of," should be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0068] While several embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art will readily conceive of various other means and / or structures for performing functions and / or obtaining results and / or one or more advantages described herein, and each such variation and / or modification is considered to be within the scope of the embodiments of the invention described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily understand that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary, and actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on one or more specific applications using the teachings of this invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to determine many equivalents of the specific embodiments of the invention described herein using only conventional experimentation. Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only, and that the embodiments of the invention may be practiced in other ways than specifically described and claimed within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods (if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not contradictory) is included within the scope of the invention disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method for performing network access initialization on a device, the method comprising: Select the master device from multiple devices arranged in a grid pattern within the environment; The main device receives multiple output signals from multiple auxiliary devices located within the environment. Based on the angle of arrival and time of flight of the corresponding output signals, the position of each auxiliary device relative to the main device is determined; A weighted value is assigned to multiple auxiliary devices via an algorithm, and an increased weighted value is assigned to each of the auxiliary devices that is arranged at a right angle to the main device, at a mid-angle relative to the main device, or within a threshold of a right angle or mid-angle relative to the main device. Where right angles and median angles are defined relative to a two-dimensional polar coordinate grid with the main device as the origin; and Perform a first network access initialization operation, wherein the first network access initialization operation includes network access initialization of at least one auxiliary device, the at least one auxiliary device having the increased weighting value, the increased weighting value indicating a position within a threshold of a position perpendicular to the main device, a position at an intermediate angle relative to the main device, or a position at a right angle or an intermediate angle relative to the main device; The initial settings of the network access initialization diagram are performed using the output signal, and the absolute position is provided by the user to the master device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the threshold is independently selectable.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the environment is the interior of a room or building.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Select a new master device from one of the devices that have undergone network access initialization, wherein the device that has undergone network access initialization is initialized in the first network access initialization operation; Identify a subset of auxiliary devices that were not initialized by the first network access initialization operation; as well as The algorithm assigns weighted values ​​to any auxiliary device in a subset of the auxiliary devices that were not initialized during the first network access initialization operation. The arbitrary auxiliary device is arranged at a right angle to the new master device, at a mid-angle relative to the new master device, or within a threshold of a right angle or mid-angle relative to the new master device.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: Perform a second network access initialization operation, wherein the second network access initialization operation includes network access initialization of at least one auxiliary device that was not network access initialized during the first network access initialization operation, wherein the at least one auxiliary device is assigned a weighted value indicating a position within a threshold range that is perpendicular to the new master device, at an intermediate angle relative to the new master device, or at a right angle or an intermediate angle relative to the new master device.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the master device is selected based on its location in a corner of the environment or in the center of the environment.

7. A system for performing network access initialization on a device, the system comprising: Multiple devices arranged in a grid pattern within the environment. The multiple devices mentioned above include main devices and multiple auxiliary devices. Each of the plurality of devices includes a communication module configured to transmit and / or receive communications, the communication module including a radio and / or an antenna. The main device includes a processor, which is configured to: Receive multiple output signals from the plurality of auxiliary devices located within the environment; Based on the angle of arrival and time of flight of the corresponding output signals, the position of each auxiliary device relative to the main device is determined; Weighting values ​​are assigned to the plurality of auxiliary devices via an algorithm, and an increased weighting value is assigned to each of the auxiliary devices arranged at a right angle to the main device, at a mid-angle relative to the main device, or within a threshold of a right angle or mid-angle relative to the main device. Where the right angle and the median angle are defined relative to a two-dimensional polar coordinate grid with the main device as the origin; and Perform a first network access initialization operation, wherein the first network access initialization operation includes network access initialization of at least one auxiliary device, the at least one auxiliary device having a weighted value, the weighted value indicating a position within a threshold range of a position perpendicular to the main device, a position at an intermediate angle relative to the main device, or a position at a right angle or an intermediate angle relative to the main device. The initial settings of the network access initialization diagram are performed using the output signal, and the absolute position is provided by the user to the master device.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the threshold is independently selectable.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the environment is the interior of a room or building.

10. The system of claim 7, further comprising a new master device selected from the network-initialized device of the first network access initialization operation, the new master device comprising a new processor, wherein the new processor is further configured to: Identify at least one auxiliary device that was not initialized during the first network access initialization operation.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the new processor is further configured to: The algorithm assigns weighted values ​​to each arbitrary auxiliary device that was not initialized in the first network access initialization operation. Each arbitrary auxiliary device is arranged at a right angle to the new master device, at a mid-angle relative to the new master device, or within a threshold of a right angle or mid-angle relative to the new master device.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the new processor is further configured to: Perform a second network access initialization operation, wherein the second network access initialization operation includes network access initialization of at least one auxiliary device that was not network access initialized during the first network access initialization operation, wherein the at least one auxiliary device is assigned a weighted value indicating a position within a threshold range that is perpendicular to the new master device, at an intermediate angle relative to the new master device, or at a right angle or an intermediate angle relative to the new master device.

13. The system of claim 7, wherein the master device is selected based on its location in a corner of the environment or in the center of the environment.

14. The system of claim 7, further comprising a display and a user interface, the display being configured to provide a visual representation of the network-initialized auxiliary and primary devices, and the user interface being configured to receive user input for manually manipulating the visual representation of the positioning of the network-initialized auxiliary and primary devices.

Images