Determining the cause of a lost rf message

Abstract

The invention relates to operating an RF system (100) comprising a plurality of nodes (26, 28, 30) for transmitting and / or receiving RF messages (34). An RF message transmitted by a transmitting node (26) is received at a receiving node (28, 30). It is determined whether the RF message is received completely. When at least a part of the RF message is missing at the receiving node, it is determined, based on one or more RF system criteria, whether the missing of at least the part of the RF message is caused by an active event of a tangible entity (32) in a transmission path (40) between the transmitting node and the receiving node. The RF messages (34) can comprise RF-based sensing messages (36) and RF data messages (38). A difference between a missing part of the RF-based sensing messages and a missing part of the RF data messages can be determined and included in the RF system criteria.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a radio frequency (RF) system, a method for operating an RF system, and a computer program product for operating an RF system. Background Technology

[0002] WO 2020 / 43592A1 illustrates a device in a wireless network for transmitting, receiving, and / or processing RF signals for presence and / or location detection. In one embodiment, RF-based sensing is shown that requires high bandwidth for detecting minute motions, allowing the sensing algorithm to reliably determine whether changes in wireless communication parameters relative to a previous threshold / baseline are due to wireless channel noise or to a person typing on a laptop computer and moving almost no other way. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of this invention can be seen as providing an RF system that allows determining the cause of lost RF messages, a method for operating the RF system, a computer program product for operating the RF system, and a computer-readable medium.

[0004] In a first aspect of the invention, an RF system is proposed comprising a plurality of nodes configured to transmit and / or receive RF messages. The RF system is configured to determine whether an RF message transmitted by a transmitting node of the RF system is fully received by one or more receiving nodes of the RF system. The RF system is further configured to, when at least a portion of an RF message is lost at one or more receiving nodes, determine, based on one or more RF system criteria, whether the loss of at least a portion of the RF message is caused by an activity event of a tangible entity in at least one transmission path between the transmitting node and one or more receiving nodes.

[0005] Because the RF system is configured to determine, based on one or more RF system standards, whether the loss of at least a portion of an RF message is caused by an activity event of a tangible entity in at least one transmission path between the transmitting node and one or more receiving nodes, the RF system can consider various RF system standards to determine the cause of the loss of at least a portion of the RF message. This allows determining whether at least a portion and / or the entire RF message is lost, for example, due to an activity event or due to radio interference, such as high radio traffic or noise in the area where the nodes are deployed. This can allow for improved further processing. For example, RF-based sensing performance can be improved because the detection of activity events of tangible entities such as people, animals, or objects can be enhanced.

[0006] Losing at least a portion of an RF message includes losing at least a portion of a single RF message, losing one or more complete RF messages, or any combination thereof. A single RF message may include different parts that may be lost, such as a header, payload, or trailer. One or more RF messages may be lost, for example, several subsequent RF messages may be lost. Different parts of different RF messages may also be lost.

[0007] A node being configured to send and / or receive RF messages means that each of the multiple nodes can be configured to send RF messages, receive RF messages, or both send and receive RF messages.

[0008] RF systems can be configured to perform RF-based sensing in order to detect sensing events.

[0009] An RF system can be configured to determine whether an RF message has been fully transmitted by the system's transmitting nodes, or whether at least a portion of an RF message has not been transmitted. An RF system can also be configured to determine whether any part of an RF message has been transmitted. An RF system can be configured to determine, for example, whether each individual RF message has been fully transmitted. For example, in the case of an RF message burst, each individual RF message within the burst needs to be fully transmitted in order to transmit the burst of RF messages completely. If RF messages are transmitted continuously, an RF system can be configured to determine, for example, whether a single RF message within a specific time period or conveying specific information has been fully transmitted.

[0010] For example, a transmitting node can be configured to determine whether it has transmitted an RF message completely or at least a portion of it. Transmitting at least a portion of an RF message includes any combination of RF messages in which at least one individual RF message has not been transmitted completely; for example, in a burst of three RF messages, two RF messages may be transmitted completely and one RF message may not be transmitted at all or only partially. The transmitting node can be configured to provide one or more receiving nodes with information about whether it has transmitted an RF message completely or at least a portion of it. This allows determination of whether at least a portion of an RF message was lost because the transmitting node did not transmit it completely. For example, if the transmitting node is occupied or not allowed to transmit at a specific moment when one or more receiving nodes expect the transmission of a single RF message, the single RF message may not have been transmitted. Failure to transmit a single RF message in transmit mode can occur, for example, due to the idle channel assessment (CCA) backoff time. Alternatively, a receiving node can be configured to determine whether received RF messages have been transmitted completely; for example, if an RF message is received completely, then the RF message must have been transmitted completely.

[0011] RF systems can be configured to obtain data such as sensing metrics from RF messages, for example, signal quality metrics like Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) or Channel State Information (CSI), or any other sensing metrics. RSSI and CSI can be analyzed over time to identify patterns and extract features indicating active events. Signal quality metrics can also be analyzed over time to create a sensing baseline.

[0012] Losing at least a portion of an RF message means that at least a portion of the single RF message, containing the information intended to be transmitted by the RF message, is undecodeable; that is, at least a portion of the information to be transmitted by the RF message is lost. If the entire RF message, containing the information intended to be transmitted by the RF message, is lost, then at least a portion of the RF message is also lost. The loss of at least a portion of an RF message may be caused by strong attenuation of the RF message. Alternatively, the RF message may be incorrect due to distortion, which can lead to changes in the data within the RF message. For example, changes in data can be detected based on checksums such as Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC).

[0013] If an RF system is configured to perform RF-based sensing, losing at least part of the RF message may result in a blind period where the RF system may be unable to determine what has happened. Furthermore, data may be misinterpreted and false positives may occur. For example, RF-based sensing might miss a person getting up from a sofa in the living room and therefore incorrectly detect that the person is still on the sofa. False negatives may also occur; for example, fall detection might lose at least part of the RF message the instant a person decelerates at -5g on the ground.

[0014] A single RF message is considered completely lost, for example, if it cannot be demodulated by one or more receiving nodes. RF messages may be affected by environmental factors (such as interference) during transmission, making them undemodulable by one or more receiving nodes. In this case, one or more nodes cannot determine whether the RF signal received as input by one or more nodes is an RF message or noise. For example, if one or more nodes are operating on Zigbee communication technology, they cannot determine whether the RF signal received as input by one or more nodes is a corrupted Zigbee RF message that one or more nodes could demodulate under ideal conditions, or whether the RF signal is a WiFi RF message that one or more nodes will never be able to demodulate. This is the most severe form of lost RF message, and there are no sensing indicators to extract from the RF signal. In this case, one or more nodes will not even detect that one or more nodes received an RF message.

[0015] If an RF message is affected in a less severe way, a portion of the RF message is considered lost, making at least some of the data transmitted by the RF message undecodeable. For example, a portion of the RF message may still be decodeable, allowing a node to detect that it has received an RF message for the communication technology it is operating with (such as Zigbee or WiFi). However, the data to be transmitted from one node to another or over a period of time cannot be obtained from the RF message.

[0016] If the data to be transmitted by an RF message is decodable, the RF message is not considered lost, even if another part of the RF message may be undecodable. For example, if the data to be transmitted by an RF message is a sensing indicator, such as RSSI or CSI, obtainable from the first part of the RF message (i.e., the RF message header), and only the payload in the data container, which does not contain information to be transmitted in the central part of the RF message, is undecodable, then the RF message is not considered lost. On the other hand, if, for example, the information to be transmitted by the RF message is also included in the payload and that payload is lost, then the RF message is considered lost.

[0017] An activity event can be, for example, the movement of a tangible entity, the breathing of a tangible entity, the falling of a tangible entity, or any other event involving the activity of a tangible entity such as an object, animal, or person.

[0018] The sending node can be configured to repeatedly send RF messages. RF messages can be repeatedly received by the receiving node of the RF system. The sending node can be configured to send RF messages, for example, according to a predetermined sequence (e.g., a schedule). A schedule for a specific time period can be sent in one or more RF messages.

[0019] A sending node can be one of multiple nodes in an RF system. A receiving node can also receive RF messages from two or more of the multiple nodes in an RF system.

[0020] RF-based sensing allows for the detection of various activity events occurring in a space or specific volume. Sensing algorithms or sensing analysis algorithms can detect and analyze how tangible entities within the space (i.e., the sensing space or sensing area) affect RF signals. RF signals are used to transmit RF messages. RF-based sensing can be used as a means of detecting and classifying user activities in homes, offices, etc. For example, based on Zigbee, RF-based sensing messages are sent and received by nodes in the form of smart lights; RF-based sensing can determine movement in a room and automatically turn lights on or off; nodes in the form of WiFi routers can estimate a person's breathing rate, and so on.

[0021] The fundamental principle of RF-based sensing is that the distortion of RF signals in space is a function of both the tangible entities in space (e.g., moving objects) and the frequency of the RF signal. When RF-based sensing jumps through a series of very different frequency bands, for example, from 2.4 GHz WiFi to 5 GHz WiFi, and then to 60 GHz used by the upcoming WiFi 6 standard, this can produce significantly different passive sensing results. However, channels within the same frequency band, such as 2.4 GHz WiFi channel 1 at 2412 MHz and WiFi channel 13 at 2472 MHz, can also affect RF-based sensing results.

[0022] RF-based sensing can be performed in an RF system by sending RF signals from one node to another and analyzing the received RF signals. RF signals are interfered with, for example, by being scattered, absorbed, reflected, or any combination thereof, if they interact with one or more tangible entities along their transmission path between nodes. These interferences can be analyzed and used to perform RF-based sensing.

[0023] Interferenced and / or reflected RF signals can comprise RF-based sensing fingerprints based on signal parameters, such as the real and imaginary parts of permittivity and susceptibility. Different communication technologies have different absorption and reflection characteristics, resulting in different RF-based sensing fingerprints. Using different communication technologies allows for optimization of RF-based sensing performance.

[0024] RF messages can be transmitted between a transmitting node and a receiving node via multiple transmission paths. These multiple transmission paths include, for example, a direct path between the transmitting and receiving nodes, and transmission paths in which different beams of the RF message penetrate the space where the transmitting and receiving nodes are arranged, are reflected, and penetrate different materials. The receiving node receives the RF message from multiple transmission paths, such that the received RF message includes the combined interference effects of the different transmission paths. A tangible entity in at least one transmission path between the transmitting and receiving nodes can interfere with the RF message and cause at least a portion of the RF message to be lost.

[0025] A physical entity can alter the multipath behavior of the space in which an RF system and its nodes are arranged. Multipath behavior can affect the signal strength of transmitted RF messages. For example, if the signal strength of a transmitted RF message becomes lower than the background noise, the RF message is lost. Changes in multipath behavior can include alterations in the contribution of different transmission paths to the received RF message. For example, a first transmission path may provide a signal above the background noise, while a second transmission path may provide a signal below the background noise, such that the combination of transmission paths can depend on the contributions of the first and second transmission paths, resulting in the loss of at least a portion of the RF message.

[0026] A transmitting node can be configured to send RF messages at a predetermined transmission time, and one or more receiving nodes can be configured to expect to receive RF messages at a predetermined reception time. The predetermined transmission and / or reception times can be included, for example, in a schedule. This allows determination of whether an RF message sent by the transmitting node has been received. One or more receiving nodes can be configured to anticipate some noise in the received RF messages, such as wireless noise caused by a known noise source.

[0027] RF messages can include RF-based sensing messages and RF data messages. An RF system can be configured to determine whether at least a portion of an RF-based sensing message, at least a portion of an RF data message, or at least a portion of both RF-based sensing messages and RF data messages are lost. RF system standards can include whether only at least a portion of the RF-based sensing message, only at least a portion of the RF data message, or at least a portion of both the RF-based sensing message and the RF data message are lost. This allows for determining differences in message delivery reliability between RF-based sensing messages and RF data messages. RF-based sensing messages can be used to perform RF-based sensing. RF data messages can be used to exchange data between nodes, such as for data communication or for establishing or maintaining network infrastructure, such as a mesh network.

[0028] RF systems can also be configured to determine the difference between lost portions of RF-based sensing messages and lost portions of RF data messages. RF system standards may include this difference. This allows for improved determination of whether at least a portion of the lost RF message is caused by activity events of tangible entities in the transmission path between the transmitting node and one or more receiving nodes, since wireless interference sources are typically omnidirectional. If portions of the RF-based sensing message and the RF data message are lost at similar rates, it can be inferred that a wireless interference source caused at least a portion of the lost RF message. Wireless interference sources may include, for example, microwave ovens or other wireless transmitting devices that tend to have a uniform effect throughout the space in which they are arranged.

[0029] The number of RF-based sensing messages and the number of RF data messages scheduled for transmission and / or sent by the transmitting node can differ. For example, more RF-based sensing messages may be scheduled for transmission and / or sent within a predetermined time period compared to RF data messages. The RF system can be configured to consider the ratio of scheduled transmissions of RF-based sensing messages to RF data messages when determining the difference between the lost portions of RF-based sensing messages and the lost portions of RF data messages. The number of RF-based sensing messages may also be equal to the number of RF data messages scheduled for transmission and / or sent by the transmitting node. The difference between the lost portions of RF-based sensing messages and the lost portions of RF data messages can include, for example, the difference between the amount of lost portions of RF-based sensing messages and the amount of lost portions of RF data messages, or the ratio of the amount of lost portions of RF-based sensing messages to the amount of lost portions of RF data messages.

[0030] Sending nodes can be configured to broadcast RF messages. One or more receiving nodes can be configured to retransmit RF data messages and not retransmit RF-based sensing messages. This allows for improved determination of whether the loss of at least a portion of an RF message is caused by an activity event of a tangible entity in the transmission path between the sending node and one or more receiving nodes. RF messages can be sent to all nodes in the same manner. RF systems can be configured for single-hop broadcasting of RF-based sensing messages, i.e., a node does not retransmit an RF-based sensing message upon receiving it. One or more receiving nodes can be configured to retransmit RF data messages based on multi-hop broadcasting or by unicasting, i.e., sending RF data messages to specific other nodes. For example, in a mesh network, a node can act as an intermediate node between two other nodes. In this case, RF data messages can be unicast, for example, between a first node and an intermediate node, and between an intermediate node and a second node, to send RF data messages from the first node to the second node. Retransmitting RF data messages can significantly increase the likelihood that RF data messages are received by all nodes. This can allow for improved delivery reliability in RF systems. RF systems can be configured to perform RF-based sensing, for example, based on Zigbee communication technology using single-hop broadcasting.

[0031] At least two nodes in an RF system can have different transmit capabilities, different receive capabilities, different processing capabilities, or a combination thereof. RF system standards can include different transmit capabilities, different receive capabilities, different processing capabilities, or a combination thereof for nodes. Combinations can include any combination of different transmit capabilities, different receive capabilities, and different processing capabilities. Two nodes can have, for example, different transmit and receive capabilities and different receive capabilities. This allows for consideration of different node capabilities, resulting in different capabilities of the nodes in transmitting, receiving, and processing RF messages. Different transmit and receive capabilities can be based on different transceiver units and / or antenna arrays included in different nodes, allowing nodes to have, for example, different receiver sensitivities. For example, due to the low strength and / or signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of RF messages, older or simpler nodes may not be able to receive portions of RF messages, while newer or more technologically advanced nodes may be able to receive these portions. Different processing capabilities can be based on different processors included in the nodes. Due to slower processors (e.g., central processing unit (CPU)), some nodes may also not be able to process RF messages fast enough that, at high traffic density, nodes cannot process them before discarding all RF messages in order to receive new messages.

[0032] Different types of nodes can have different capabilities. RF system standards can include node types in an RF system. Alternatively or additionally, RF system standards can include the type of transmitting node and / or the type of one or more receiving nodes.

[0033] RF system standards can include node states, such as transmitting nodes and / or one or more receiving nodes. Node states can include, for example, transitioning from one operating mode to another or operating within an operating mode, such as in standby mode, transmit mode, receive mode, etc. For example, a particular receiving node operating in transmit mode might lose portions of an RF message because it is busy transmitting more frequently than other receiving nodes; that is, a receiving node operating in transmit mode cannot receive RF messages during transmission. In this case, the loss of a portion of the RF message may be related to the state of the receiving node and is unrelated to the activity events of tangible entities in the transmission path. This can allow for improved detection of whether the loss of at least a portion of an RF message is caused by the activity events of tangible entities in the transmission path. Node states can also include the condition of the node, such as damaged or obsolete components, or outdated software or firmware requiring updates.

[0034] An RF system can be configured to perform RF-based sensing based on portions of an RF message that are not lost at one or more receiving nodes and based on whether the loss of at least a portion of the RF message was caused by an activity event of a tangible entity in at least one transmission path between the transmitting node and one or more receiving nodes. This allows for improved RF-based sensing, obtaining as much information as possible from the RF message, compared to existing techniques where RF messages with incorrect portions are typically discarded and not further processed. Obtaining as much information as possible from an RF message with missing portions allows for the acquisition of additional information for detecting activity events, such as determining whether the RF message is of the correct type or originates from the desired transmitting node, enabling the RF system to perform RF-based sensing even if a significant portion of the RF message is corrupted. The RF system can be configured to perform RF-based sensing using as much data as possible from the unlost portions of the RF message. This allows for improved granularity.

[0035] RF systems can be configured to receive radio noise from their respective surrounding environments at nodes over a period of time. Furthermore, RF systems can be configured to determine a corresponding noise baseline for each node based on the received radio noise. RF system standards may include a noise baseline for a transmitting node, corresponding noise baselines for one or more receiving nodes, or a noise baseline for both a transmitting node and one or more receiving nodes. Receiving radio noise (i.e., background noise) from their respective surrounding environments at nodes over a period of time allows for the establishment of a noise baseline by recording the radio noise, which can be fairly transparent to active events, as active events typically do not significantly increase the background noise level and therefore do not significantly increase the noise baseline. The noise baseline can be used to improve the detection of what caused at least a portion of the lost RF message. For example, if the corresponding noise baseline of the respective receiving node does not change and at least a portion of the RF message is lost, it can be inferred that the portion of the RF message was not lost due to radio noise. This allows for the inference that at least a portion of the RF message may have been lost due to an active event of a tangible entity (e.g., an object in the transmission path) that does not significantly increase the noise baseline, if other sources of the lost RF message can also be ruled out. For example, if the corresponding noise baseline changes significantly, it can be inferred that at least part of the RF message was lost due to wireless noise (e.g., due to WiFi traffic).

[0036] Noise baselines can be stored in nodes as historical records, such as for past time periods or a specific number of previous RF messages. Noise baselines can be exchanged between different nodes. For example, a pair of sending and receiving nodes can exchange their noise baselines to determine relative noise baselines when exchanging RF messages between them. Furthermore, for example, if a new node joins the RF system near other nodes, they can provide their noise baselines to the new node, for example, in the form of historical records. The new node can begin operation based on the noise baseline and can generate its own noise baseline over time.

[0037] At least one node may include two different communication technologies. The at least one node may be configured to send and / or receive RF messages based on one of the communication technologies. Furthermore, the at least one node may be configured to receive wireless noise from its surrounding environment based on another communication technology while sending or receiving RF messages. This allows the local noise environment of the sending node and / or one or more receiving nodes to be determined during the transmission and / or reception of RF messages. At least one node may include two, three, or any other number of nodes incorporating two different communication technologies. These nodes may be configured to send and / or receive RF messages based on one communication technology and to receive wireless noise from their respective surrounding environments based on another communication technology while sending or receiving RF messages.

[0038] The at least one node may include, for example, two or more different radios, each of which includes one or more different communication technologies. The radio noise received by the at least one node from its surrounding environment may include the amount of radio power at one or more frequencies used for exchanging RF messages between the at least one node and one or more other nodes during the exchange of RF messages. For example, a first communication technology used by the transmitting node may be used to transmit RF-based sensing messages for performing RF-based sensing. A second communication technology used by the transmitting node may be used to receive the amount of radio power at the transmission frequency used for transmitting the RF-based sensing messages during transmission. The transmission frequency includes one or more channels used by the transmitting node to transmit RF messages. The received amount of radio power is a combination of the radio power transmitted by the first communication technology and the radio power caused by background noise (i.e., radio noise). The amount of radio power at the transmission frequency used for transmitting the RF-based sensing messages during transmission may be stored as information about the transmitting node's local noise environment. The transmitting node may be configured to transmit information about its local noise environment to the receiving node. The receiving node may be configured to use the information about the transmitting node's local noise environment by applying a correction factor or different interpolation when performing RF-based sensing. For example, the receiving node can be configured to eliminate RF signal degradation caused by background noise in the transmitting node's local environment. This can allow for improved RF-based sensing and determination of what caused at least part of the lost RF message.

[0039] Communication technology is defined by the settings of communication technology parameters, including the communication protocol, one or more channels, the channel bandwidth of the corresponding channel, the number of streams, the stream data rate, and modulation. Changing one of the communication technology parameters typically changes the communication technology. Communication technology can include single-channel communication technology and multi-channel communication technology. Each channel has a center frequency and channel bandwidth. Channels may have partially overlapping frequencies. For example, in cases where multi-channel communication technology is used to perform RF-based sensing, such as Bluetooth communication protocols, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), hopping between different channels in a set of channels can be performed to minimize RF signal interference. If the communication technology is defined by that set of channels, changing one channel in that set of channels to another does not change the communication technology. If the communication technology is defined by only one channel, changing one channel to another changes the communication technology.

[0040] Communication technology parameters may additionally include one or more of demodulation and directivity. For example, a particular modulation may be demodulated in different ways by two or more different demodulation methods, such as balancing demodulation speed and demodulation error rate. Directivity may include, for example, omnidirectional and directional transmission. Omnidirectional transmission may, for example, allow a volumetric view of a sensed volume, while directional transmission may, for example, allow a narrow beam, such as for scanning like a laser scanner, or for having a fixed directionality.

[0041] The communication protocols included in the communication technology parameters for a specific communication technology may include cellular radio communication protocols, Zigbee, Bluetooth, BLE, Thread, WiFi communication protocols, or any other wireless communication protocols. In other words, the communication technology may include communication protocols such as cellular radio communication protocols, Zigbee, WiFi, BLE, Thread, or any other wireless communication protocols. Cellular radio communication protocols may include, for example, 5G, 4G, 3G, or any other cellular radio communication protocols. WiFi communication protocols may include protocols from the IEEE 802.11 family, such as IEEE 802.11ax and IEEE 802.11ay.

[0042] The channels included in the communication technology parameters can include frequency values ​​within a GHz range, such as the 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, and 60 GHz band, including different channels within the same band, such as 2412 MHz and 2472 MHz within the 2.4 GHz band. Channels can also include frequency values ​​in a band ranging from 450 MHz to 6 GHz, for example, for sub-6 GHz 5G, or for millimeter wave 5G, which may include frequency values ​​in a band ranging from 24.250 GHz to 52.600 GHz.

[0043] The number of streams included in the communication technology parameters may include, for example, one or more streams, such as 2, 3, or 4 streams. The maximum number of streams may depend, for example, on the number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channels.

[0044] The modulation included in the communication technology parameters may include, for example, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS), frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS), on-off keying (OOK), binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), or any other modulation.

[0045] The values ​​of communication technology parameters can also be included in or selected from standards, such as communication protocol standards published by IEEE, such as IEEE 802.15.4, IEEE 802.11ax, IEEE 802.11ay, or any other communication protocol.

[0046] Single-channel communication technology is a communication technology that uses a single channel to transmit RF messages. That is, single-channel communication technology uses a single channel with a specific center frequency and channel bandwidth to transmit RF messages. The single channel can include a frequency range defined by the center frequency and channel bandwidth; that is, the single channel is not limited to its center frequency but can also include, for example, adjacent frequencies depending on the channel bandwidth. Furthermore, sideband transmission (i.e., out-of-band transmission) may occur outside the standardized frequency band defined by the center frequency and channel bandwidth. Single-channel communication technology can use communication protocols that typically allow RF-based sensing to be performed using multiple channels; however, in this case, the communication protocol is limited to using only a single channel to transmit RF messages. Single-channel communication technology can include, for example, Zigbee or WiFi communication protocols. Single-channel communication technology can also include single-channel communication protocols, that is, communication protocols that allow RF-based sensing to be performed using only a single channel for transmitting RF messages. Using single-channel communication technology to perform RF-based sensing can allow for a reduction in the computational workload and complexity of RF-based sensing.

[0047] Multichannel communication technology is a communication technique that hops between multiple channels during the transmission of RF messages. Alternatively or additionally, multichannel communication technology can also use multiple channels in parallel. Multichannel communication technology can include multichannel communication protocols such as BLE. Each RF message can be segmented into multiple parts and transmitted using different channels of the multichannel communication technology. For example, BLE can transmit the header of the RF message in BLE channel 5, then the first half of the payload in channel 9, and the second half in channel 20. Using multichannel communication technology to perform RF-based sensing allows for RF-based sensing with higher accuracy because the effects of tangible entities and the environment on RF signals vary slightly depending on the frequency used.

[0048] The same communication protocol can be included in single-channel communication technology and multi-channel communication technology. In this case, for single-channel communication technology, the communication protocol is limited to using only a single channel to transmit RF messages, while for multi-channel communication technology, multiple channels are used to transmit RF messages.

[0049] A transmitting node can be configured to transmit RF messages based on one communication technology and to transmit configuration information for RF message transmission based on other communication technologies. The configuration information may include, for example, the amount of radio power observed in the spectrum used for transmitting the RF message when or during transmission.

[0050] RF system standards may include the received radio noise of a transmitting node while transmitting an RF message, the received radio noise of one or more receiving nodes while receiving an RF message, or the received radio noise of a transmitting node and one or more receiving nodes simultaneously while transmitting or receiving an RF message. This allows for improved determination of what causes at least part of the RF message to be lost. If the received radio noise is high, resulting in a low SNR, then interference caused by the activity of tangible entities in the transmission path is more likely to disrupt the RF message, leading to the loss of at least part of the RF message. For example, the human body has an average absorption rate of 3 dB.

[0051] An RF system can be configured to adapt the settings of the transmitting node's communication parameters based on radio noise received from its surroundings, radio noise received by one or more receiving nodes, or radio noise received from both its surroundings and one or more receiving nodes, so that a specific SNR of the RF message is maintained. Maintaining at least a specific SNR of the RF message allows for improved determination of what causes at least a portion of the RF message to be lost. The settings of the communication parameters can be adapted, for example, based on radio noise received from its surroundings and / or radio noise received by one or more receiving nodes, to the transmitting node's transmission power, the transmitting node's transmission frequency, or both, so that a specific SNR of the RF message is maintained. Adapting the transmission frequency may include, for example, slightly shifting the center frequency used to transmit the RF message, for example, to minimize radio interference, such as sideband emissions from an external wireless network system, that intrudes into the frequency band used by the transmitting node to transmit the RF message.

[0052] RF system standards can include which nodes have lost at least a portion of an RF message. This allows for improved determination of whether background noise caused the loss of at least a portion of the RF message. The RF system can be configured to determine the receive gap pattern based on which nodes have lost at least a portion of the RF message. For example, if the receive gap pattern shows synchronicity for neighboring nodes arranged close to each other (i.e., neighboring nodes that lost at least a portion of the RF message) within a specific time period, it can be inferred that the loss of at least a portion of the RF message was caused by background noise. In this case, it can be inferred that the loss of at least a portion of the RF message was caused by background noise because the effect of radio interference caused by background noise sources tends to be volumetrically uniform throughout the local space where neighboring nodes are arranged. In contrast, activity events caused by the activity of tangible entities in the transmission path are more localized, such that only a limited number of neighboring nodes lose at least a portion of the RF message.

[0053] An RF system can be configured to determine that the loss of at least a portion of an RF message is caused by radio noise if a number of neighboring nodes lose at least a portion of an RF message exceeding a certain message loss threshold. Alternatively or additionally, the RF system can be configured to determine that the loss of at least a portion of an RF message is caused by an activity event of a tangible entity in the transmission path between the sending node and the neighboring nodes if a number of neighboring nodes lose at least a portion of an RF message below the certain message loss threshold. This can allow for improved determination of what caused the loss of at least a portion of the RF message.

[0054] RF systems can be configured to detect recurrent wireless interference caused by local background noise sources activated within a specific time period. RF system standards may include recurrent wireless interference. For example, in a specific space, recurrent wireless interference can be caused by local background noise sources activated within a specific time period, such as a microwave oven or WiFi stream activated within that time period. Taking this information into account when determining what causes at least a portion of the lost RF message can improve the determination of what causes at least a portion of the lost RF message. For example, a microwave oven and WiFi stream on a tablet computer may cause wireless interference in the 2.4 GHz band, for example. Recurrent wireless interference can be activated over a time period extending over some intervals of RF message transmission, for example, 30 Hz to 1000 Hz for WiFi and 5 Hz for Zigbee. RF-based sensing messages can be transmitted, for example, over a time period of 0.5 to 10 seconds, to perform RF-based sensing. In this case, the local background noise source can be considered quasi-static, and the loss of at least a portion of the RF message of a node in the local space near the local background noise is due to the wireless interference. Any activity events of tangible entities in the local space have a more localized interference effect on the node. If, for example, different nodes lose different numbers of RF messages, this can allow determining whether an activity event of a tangible entity caused at least a portion of the RF messages to be lost.

[0055] RF systems can be configured to determine time-dependent reception gap patterns for RF messages (e.g., RF-based sensing messages). These time-dependent reception gap patterns can indicate recurring radio interference, such as interference caused by scheduling operations of external wireless network systems within the space where the RF system is located. The time-dependent reception gap patterns for RF messages can also allow the detection of recurring radio interference caused by local background noise sources that are active within a specific time period.

[0056] An RF system can be configured to determine the duration of the gap between received RF messages. RF system standards may include the duration of the gap between received RF messages. An RF system can be configured to determine, based on the duration of the gap between received RF messages, whether the loss of at least a portion of an RF message is caused by an activity event of a tangible entity in at least one transmission path between a sending node and one or more receiving nodes.

[0057] RF messages have short durations, making it unlikely that multiple subsequently transmitted RF messages will all conflict with each other. An RF system can be configured to determine that the loss of at least a portion of an RF message is not caused by an active event if the duration of the gap between received RF messages is less than a specific threshold duration. In this case, the loss of the RF message can be determined to be caused by radio interference. An RF system can also be configured to determine that the loss of at least a portion of an RF message is caused by an active event of a tangible entity in at least one transmission path between a transmitting node and one or more receiving nodes if the duration of the gap is greater than a specific threshold duration. The active event has a longer duration than the RF message, for example, several seconds. In this case, for example, dozens of RF messages can be transmitted and / or received. The specific threshold duration can be determined, for example, based on historical learning, average message delay as measured as the time between consecutive receptions detected when establishing a baseline for the RF system, etc.

[0058] RF systems can be configured to determine contextual information for transmitting RF messages, such as what happened before at least a portion of the RF message was lost. For example, a tangible entity near the sensing space can have a progressively deteriorating effect on the transmission of RF messages, even if the tangible entity is not within at least one transmission path but only nearby. For example, in RF-based sensing, RF-based sensing messages can be transmitted at a repetition frequency, for example, between 30 Hz and 1000 Hz, such that the proximity of the tangible entity to at least one transmission path can be determined as contextual information for the progressively deteriorating effect of the RF-based sensing. In cases where RF messages are transmitted via multiple transmission paths between a transmitting node and a receiving node, some of these transmission paths may be interfered with, while others remain unaffected, resulting in no loss of a portion of the RF message. When the tangible entity changes its position, other transmission paths may be interfered with, leading to the loss of at least a portion of the RF message. Tangible entities can also be arranged in space without moving, compared to the case of a space without tangible entities, resulting in variability in RF sensing. Using contextual information can improve the determination of what caused at least part of the loss of an RF message, for example, by increasing the confidence of the sensing algorithm in detecting active events. For instance, if the contextual information indicates that no expected active event exists, e.g., because no tangible entity is near at least one transmission path between the transmitting node and one or more receiving nodes, it can be determined that the loss of at least part of the RF message was not caused by an active event of a tangible entity. If other causes can be ruled out, then in this case, the RF system can be configured to determine that the loss of at least part of the RF message was caused by radio interference.

[0059] RF systems can be configured to determine whether the loss of at least a portion of an RF message is gradual or immediate. RF system standards may include whether the loss of at least a portion of an RF message is gradual or immediate. Gradual change indicates an activity event of a tangible entity, while an immediate change in the loss of at least a portion of an RF message indicates radio interference. This allows for improved determination of what caused the loss of at least a portion of the RF message. RF system standards may include context information. Considering context information allows for improved determination of what caused the loss of at least a portion of the RF message. RF systems can be configured to determine, based on context information, whether the loss of at least a portion of an RF message was caused by an activity event of a tangible entity in at least one transmission path between a transmitting node and one or more receiving nodes. For example, context information may include the location where the RF system is located, such as an apartment building, office building, etc. Context information may also include, for example, a date (e.g., a day of the week) and / or a time (e.g., a specific day of the week). For example, RF-based sensing is more likely to be affected by WiFi interference in an apartment building between 6 PM and 11 PM, when most households use electrical appliances (e.g., watching TV, playing video games, etc.) during the night, compared to 2 AM to 5 AM when most households are asleep. The usage patterns of appliances that may cause wireless interference can vary across different dates and even between different days (e.g., weekdays compared to weekends). Contextual information can also include, for example, information about the number of people typically present in a building, apartment, or room, such as geofencing, smartphone pinging, etc. If a single person lives in an apartment and is detected in the living room, then the loss of at least part of the RF message in another room is highly likely not caused by him (i.e., his activity), but by, for example, wireless interference. Furthermore, contextual information can include, for example, information about the type and / or condition of external devices. For example, if a WiFi security camera is positioned in the living room and is streaming at the time at least part of the RF message is lost, it is more likely that wireless interference caused the loss of at least part of the RF message than a passive infrared (PIR) sensor that rarely transmits and instead operates in place of the WiFi security camera.

[0060] In another aspect of the invention, a method for operating an RF system is provided, the RF system comprising a plurality of nodes configured to transmit and / or receive RF messages. The method includes the steps of:

[0061] - Receive RF messages sent by the sending node at one or more receiving nodes.

[0062] - Determine whether the RF message has been fully received by one or more receiving nodes, and

[0063] When at least a portion of an RF message is lost at one or more receiving nodes, determine, based on one or more RF system standards, whether the loss of at least a portion of the RF message was caused by an activity event of a tangible entity in at least one transmission path between the sending node and one or more receiving nodes.

[0064] The method may include the following steps:

[0065] Determine whether the RF message was fully sent by the sending node, or at least a portion of the RF message was sent by the sending node.

[0066] The method may include one or two of the following steps:

[0067] - If it is determined that the RF message was completely transmitted by the sending node, send information to one or more receiving nodes regarding the complete transmission of the RF message by the sending node, or

[0068] - If it is determined that at least part of the RF message was sent by the sending node, send information to one or more receiving nodes regarding the fact that at least part of the RF message was sent by the sending node.

[0069] Additionally or alternatively, the method may include one or more of the following steps:

[0070] - When the RF message includes an RF-based sensing message and an RF data message, determine whether at least a portion of the RF-based sensing message is lost, whether at least a portion of the RF data message is lost, or whether at least a portion of both the RF-based sensing message and the RF data message is lost.

[0071] - When the RF message includes RF-based sensing messages and RF data messages, determine the difference between the missing portions of the RF-based sensing messages and the missing portions of the RF data messages.

[0072] - The RF message is broadcast by the sending node.

[0073] - RF data messages are retransmitted by one or more receiving nodes, but RF-based sensing messages are not retransmitted.

[0074] - Perform RF-based sensing based on the portion of the RF message that was not lost at one or more receiving nodes, and based on whether the loss of at least a portion of the RF message was caused by an activity event of a tangible entity in at least one transmission path between the sending node and one or more receiving nodes.

[0075] - Receives wireless noise from their respective surroundings at the nodes over a period of time.

[0076] - Determine the appropriate noise baseline for the node based on the received wireless noise.

[0077] When at least one node incorporates two different communication technologies, the at least one node transmits RF messages based on one of the communication technologies, and simultaneously receives wireless noise from its surroundings based on the other communication technology.

[0078] When at least one node incorporates two different communication technologies, the at least one node receives RF messages based on one of the communication technologies, and simultaneously receives wireless noise from its surroundings based on the other communication technology.

[0079] When at least two nodes employ two different communication technologies, one of the at least two nodes transmits RF messages based on one of the communication technologies, and the other of the at least two nodes receives RF messages based on the same communication technology. Simultaneously with transmitting or receiving RF messages, the at least two nodes receive wireless noise from their respective surroundings based on the other communication technology.

[0080] - Based on the wireless noise received from its surrounding environment, the wireless noise received by one or more receiving nodes, or the wireless noise received from its surrounding environment and the wireless noise received by one or more receiving nodes, the communication technology parameters of the transmitting node are adapted to maintain a specific signal-to-noise ratio for RF messages, and

[0081] -Assume that the RF system standard includes one or more of the following:

[0082] -Is it that only at least part of the RF-based sensing messages are lost, only at least part of the RF data messages are lost, or at least part of both the RF-based sensing messages and the RF data messages are lost?

[0083] - The difference between the lost portion of RF-based sensing messages and the lost portion of RF data messages.

[0084] - Different transmitting capabilities of nodes, different receiving capabilities of nodes, different processing capabilities of nodes, or combinations thereof.

[0085] - The noise baseline of the transmitting node, the corresponding noise baseline of one or more receiving nodes, or the noise baseline of the transmitting node and the corresponding noise baseline of one or more receiving nodes.

[0086] - The received radio noise of the transmitting node while transmitting RF messages, the received radio noise of one or more receiving nodes while receiving RF messages, or the received radio noise of the transmitting node and the received radio noise of one or more receiving nodes while transmitting or receiving RF messages, and

[0087] - Which nodes lost at least part of the RF message?

[0088] In another aspect of the invention, a computer program product for operating an RF system comprising a plurality of nodes configured to transmit and / or receive RF messages is provided. The computer program product includes program code components that, when run on a processor, cause the processor to perform the method according to claim 12, claim 13, or any embodiment thereof.

[0089] In another aspect, a computer-readable medium is proposed storing the computer program product of claim 14. Alternatively or additionally, the computer-readable medium may store a computer program product according to any embodiment of the computer program product.

[0090] It should be understood that the RF system of claim 1, the method of claim 12, the computer program product of claim 14, and the computer-readable medium of claim 15 have similar and / or identical preferred embodiments, particularly the preferred embodiments as defined in the dependent claims.

[0091] It should be understood that the preferred embodiments of the present invention may also be any combination of the dependent claims or the above embodiments with the corresponding independent claims.

[0092] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the embodiments described below, and will be set forth with reference to these embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0093] In the following figures:

[0094] Figure 1 A node for an RF system is illustrated schematically and exemplary.

[0095] Figure 2 An embodiment of an RF system with three nodes is illustrated schematically and exemplary, wherein the user is outside the sensing space.

[0096] Figure 3 An embodiment of an RF system is illustrated schematically and exemplary, wherein a user within the sensing space causes interference with RF messages exchanged between nodes, and

[0097] Figure 4 An embodiment of a method for operating an RF system by determining whether the loss of at least a portion of an RF message is caused by an activity event of a tangible entity in at least one transmission path is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0098] Figure 1An embodiment of node 10 is illustrated schematically and exemplary. Node 10 may, for example, be included in an RF system, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the connected lighting (CL) system 100. In the following, before providing details about the functionality of the CL system 100, we describe the details of an exemplary node 10 that can be used in the CL system 100.

[0099] Node 10 includes a control unit 12, a transceiver unit 14, and an antenna array 16. Instead of an antenna array, a single antenna may also be included in the node. The control unit 12 includes a computer-readable medium in the form of a processor 18 and a memory 20.

[0100] In this embodiment, transceiver unit 14 includes two different communication technologies, such as a Zigbee-based communication protocol and a WiFi-based communication protocol. In other embodiments, the transceiver unit may also include communication technologies based on, for example, Thread, cellular radio, Bluetooth, or BLE communication protocols, or any other communication protocol. Transceiver unit 14 includes a Zigbee transceiver 22 and a WiFi transceiver 24. In this embodiment, Zigbee transceiver 22 uses a specific Zigbee communication technology. The Zigbee communication technology may, for example, use values ​​of communication technology parameters such as those defined by the IEEE 802.15.4 communication protocol and / or one of the alternatives defined by the Zigbee standard. WiFi transceiver 24 uses WiFi communication technology.

[0101] Transceiver unit 14 uses antenna array 16 to transmit RF signals to and receive RF signals from nodes of CL system 100 for wirelessly exchanging data, including RF messages 34, between nodes and for performing RF-based sensing (see [link]). Figure 2 and Figure 3 This allows node 10 to exchange data using RF data messages 38 and perform RF-based sensing using RF-based sensing messages 36. RF signals sent from one node to another may be affected by, for example... Figure 3 Interference from tangible entities such as user 32 within the transmission path 40 between nodes 26 and 28 is shown. The RF signals interfered with by user 32 in the transmission path 40 can be analyzed in the control unit 12 for RF-based sensing.

[0102] The memory 20 of the control unit 12 stores a computer program product for operating the CL system 100. This computer program product includes program code components that, when executed on the processor 18, cause the processor 18 to implement methods for operating the CL system 100, such as... Figure 4The method presented herein. Memory 20 further includes a computer program product for operating node 10 and optionally the entire CL system 100, for example for controlling the functions of the node and controlling the functions of the node in the CL system, such as to provide illumination and for performing RF-based sensing.

[0103] In addition, the memory 20 stores RF system standards and settings for communication technology parameters used to perform one or more communication technologies for RF-based sensing.

[0104] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The CL system 100 shown includes three nodes 26, 28, and 30, and is connected to an external server 200 via node 26. In other embodiments, the RF system may also include a different number of nodes, such as two, four, or more. In this embodiment, nodes 26, 28, and 30 belong to... Figure 1 The type of node 10 shown is different in other embodiments, for example, including only a single communication technology.

[0105] Nodes can be, for example, routers, bridges, lights, illuminators, switches, plugs, or sensors. In this embodiment, node 26 is a bridge and the other nodes 28 and 30 are illuminators for providing light. Node 26 has greater capabilities than nodes 28 and 30, including greater transmit capacity, greater receive capacity, and greater processing capacity. In other embodiments, nodes may have the same capabilities, or different nodes in the RF system may have different transmit capabilities, different receive capabilities, different processing capabilities, or combinations thereof.

[0106] Server 200 is the server of the building management system (BMS) and is used to control the lighting functions of CL system 100. In addition to performing lighting functions, nodes 26, 28, and 30 are also configured to perform RF-based sensing. This allows the use of CL system 100's wireless infrastructure to perform RF-based sensing, thereby increasing the functionality of CL system 100. RF-based sensing can be used, for example, for motion detection, presence detection, people counting, respiratory rate measurement, heart rate measurement, shape detection, gesture detection, fall detection, or for other sensing applications.

[0107] Nodes 26, 28, and 30 send and receive RF signals including RF message 34. RF message 34 includes RF-based sensing message 36 and RF data message 38. RF-based sensing message 36 is used to perform RF-based sensing. RF data message 38 is used for data exchange, such as control commands or other data. In addition to exchanging data, RF data message 38 can also be used to perform RF-based sensing. Therefore, both RF-based sensing message 36 and RF data message 38 can be used to perform RF-based sensing because information about interference with RF-based sensing message 36 and RF data message 38 can be processed to perform RF-based sensing. In this embodiment, RF-based sensing message 36 and RF data message 38 are used to perform RF-based sensing because RSSI or CSI is obtained from each successfully received RF message.

[0108] The CL system 100 is used to determine whether the RF messages 34 sent by the transmitting node have been completely transmitted and whether they have been completely received by one or more receiving nodes. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the illustrated configuration, node 26 acts as the sending node for RF message 34, and nodes 28 and 30 act as receiving nodes. When at least a portion of RF message 34 is lost at one of the receiving nodes 28 and 30, the CL system 100 determines, based on one or more RF system standards, whether the loss of at least a portion of RF message 34 was caused by an activity event of a tangible entity in the form of user 32 in the transmission path 40 between sending node 26 and receiving node 28.

[0109] exist Figure 2 In this configuration, user 32 is outside the sensing space 50 without causing the loss of RF message 34. Figure 3 In this configuration, user 32 is within sensing space 32, causing at least a portion of RF message 34 to be lost, i.e., RF-based sensing message 36 in the transmission path 40 between transmitting node 26 and receiving node 28. In other embodiments, wireless interference may cause at least a portion of the RF message to be lost. Receiving an RF message is not an instantaneous event. Each byte of the RF message is transmitted sequentially by the transmitting node, making it possible for interference to affect and corrupt only a portion of the RF message. A CRC code can be added to the end of the payload of each RF message. This allows determination of whether the RF message was completely transmitted. An active event can cause the loss of the entire RF message or several subsequent RF messages, while wireless interference may also cause the loss of only a portion of the RF message, such as the header, center portion, or tail of the RF message. For example, if the tail of the RF message is corrupted, in the prior art, the RF message would be rejected. However, the leading portion of the RF message can be correct and include useful information for performing RF-based sensing.

[0110] The functions of CL system 100 are explained below.

[0111] Transmitting node 26 broadcasts RF message 34, meaning RF message 34 is sent equally to all nodes, without being specifically targeted at any particular node. In other embodiments, RF-based sensing messages can be broadcast and RF data messages can be unicast. In still other embodiments, RF-based sensing messages and RF data messages can be unicast or broadcast. Furthermore, in this embodiment, transmitting node 26 determines whether RF message 34 has been fully transmitted and broadcasts information indicating whether it has been fully transmitted. This information may be included, for example, in the payload of a separate RF data message and / or at the end of RF message 34. Transmitting node 26 may optionally send a schedule to receiving nodes, for example, also via broadcast. This schedule may be included in RF message 34, for example, as a payload. Furthermore, in this embodiment, transmitting node 26 broadcasts RF message 34 using Zigbee and simultaneously receives wireless noise 42 from its surrounding environment using WiFi while transmitting RF message 34 via broadcast.

[0112] In this embodiment, the CL system 100 adapts its transmission power based on the radio noise received from its surrounding environment, thereby maintaining a specific SNR for the RF message 34. In other embodiments, the RF system may be configured to adapt any other communication technique parameters (e.g., its transmission frequency) or any other communication technique parameters of the transmitting node based on the radio noise received from its surrounding environment, the radio noise received by one or more receiving nodes, or the radio noise received from its surrounding environment and the radio noise received by one or more receiving nodes, thereby maintaining a specific SNR for the RF message.

[0113] RF message 34 and information regarding whether RF message 34 has been fully transmitted are received by receiving nodes 28 and 30. Receiving nodes 28 and 30 retransmit RF data message 38, i.e., send them to each other. This corresponds to a multi-hop broadcast scheme for RF data message 38, which allows for ensuring high delivery reliability. Conversely, RF-based sensing message 36 is not retransmitted. This corresponds to a single-hop broadcast scheme. A node that does not receive RF-based sensing message 36 from the broadcast by sending node 26 will not receive it at all. This allows information to be derived from possible differences between missing portions of RF-based sensing message 36 and missing portions of RF data message 38. In other embodiments, RF messages may be unicast or broadcast, and may not be retransmitted or may be retransmitted without unicasting or broadcasting. Preferably, only RF data messages are retransmitted, while RF-based sensing messages are not retransmitted.

[0114] In this embodiment, receiving nodes 28 and 30 use Zigbee to receive RF messages 34, and additionally use WiFi to receive wireless noise 42 from their respective surroundings while receiving RF messages 34. The received wireless noise 42 is stored and can be used to improve the processing of the received RF messages 34.

[0115] Nodes 28 and 30 of CL system 100 determine whether at least a portion of the RF-based sensing message 36 is lost, whether at least a portion of the RF data message 38 is lost, or whether at least a portion of both the RF-based sensing message 36 and the RF data message 38 is lost, and which nodes lost them. Nodes 28 and 30 send this information to node 26, which stores the information in its memory for further processing. In other embodiments, this information may be stored on any other node or an external server.

[0116] Node 26 determines the difference between the lost portion of the RF-based sensing message 36 and the lost portion of the RF data message 38 based on information received from nodes 28 and 30. In this embodiment, the ratio between the lost portion of the RF-based sensing message 36 and the lost portion of the RF data message 38 is determined. Then, node 26 determines, based on one or more RF system standards, whether at least a portion of the lost RF message 34 was caused by an activity event of user 32 in the transmission path 40.

[0117] In this embodiment, the RF system standard includes which of nodes 28 or 30 has lost at least a portion of RF message 34, and specifically, which type of RF message 34 has been lost, i.e., RF-based sensing message 36 or RF data message 38. Therefore, the RF system standard includes whether only at least a portion of the RF-based sensing message 36 has been lost, whether only at least a portion of the RF data message 38 has been lost, or whether at least a portion of both the RF-based sensing message 36 and the RF data message 38 has been lost. Losing only a portion of the RF-based sensing message 36 could indicate that user 32 has blocked transmission path 40 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 3 Furthermore, the loss of a portion of the RF-based sensing message 36 is caused by an activity event of the user 32. Additionally, the RF system standard includes the ratio between the lost portion of the RF-based sensing message 36 and the lost portion of the RF data message 38. In other embodiments, the RF system standard may also include any other differences between the lost portion of the RF-based sensing message and the lost portion of the RF data message.

[0118] Furthermore, the RF system standard includes radio noise 42 received by transmitting node 26 while transmitting RF message 34, and radio noise 42 received by receiving nodes 28 and 30 while receiving RF message 34. In other embodiments, the RF system standard may also include only one of them, namely radio noise received by transmitting node while transmitting RF message or radio noise received by one or more receiving nodes while receiving RF message.

[0119] RF system standards can also include different transmitting capabilities of nodes, different receiving capabilities of nodes, different processing capabilities of nodes, or combinations thereof.

[0120] RF-based sensing is performed by the CL system 100 based on portions of RF messages 34 that were not lost at one or more receiving nodes 28 and 30, and based on whether the loss of at least a portion of the RF messages 34 was caused by an activity event of a tangible entity in at least one transmission path between the sending node 26 and the receiving nodes 28 and 30. Therefore, in this embodiment, the RF-based sensing analysis algorithm running on node 26 uses this information as input and outputs a detection result as output. This can allow for improvements in RF-based sensing. In other embodiments, the RF-based sensing analysis algorithm can run on any other node, on a server, or on an external server.

[0121] In other embodiments, the RF system may also be configured to receive wireless noise from their respective surrounding environments at nodes over a period of time, and to determine a corresponding noise baseline for each node based on the received wireless noise. In this case, the RF system standard may include a noise baseline for the transmitting node, a corresponding noise baseline for one or more receiving nodes, or a noise baseline for the transmitting node and a corresponding noise baseline for one or more receiving nodes.

[0122] In other embodiments, the receiving node receives information from the transmitting node stating that all RF-based sensing messages are transmitted by the transmitting node at, for example, +10 dBm. The receiving node receives the RF messages at, for example, -40 dBm. In this embodiment, instead of using the received signal strength as input to its RF-based sensing analysis algorithm, the transmitting node uses its second communication technology to locally measure background noise precisely before, during, and / or after transmission. The transmitting node determines the background noise level to be, for example, -80 dBm. The receiver sensitivity of the radio used to measure the background noise can be, for example, -100 dBm, such that the transmitting node determines a 20 dB (100 dBm - 80 dBm) contribution of the background noise. This information can then be provided to the receiving node to improve the processing of the RF messages. The RF-based sensing analysis algorithm running on the receiving node can apply a correction factor or interpolate differently based on the background noise level information. For example, it can impose a -3 dB penalty on each RSSI whenever the concurrent noise value exceeds 15 dBm. Since the background noise in this example is 20 dBm, the actual RSSI used by the RF-based sensing analysis algorithm is -43 dBm, not -40 dBm as measured by the receiving RF node. If the background noise is, for example, -8 dBm, no penalty is imposed in this case, and the raw RSSI measurement of -40 dBm can be used.

[0123] In other embodiments, the RF system can be configured to determine whether the number of RF-based sensing messages lost per minute exhibits a repeatable pattern. For example, the following shows the ratio of RF-based sensing messages lost between a specific transmitting node and a specific receiving node (e.g., node 26 and node 28) to all transmitted RF messages.

[0124] Table 1

[0125] Time window Lost RF message ratio 1 10％ 2 20％ 3 50％ 4 20％ 5 10％ 6 20％ 7 50％ 8 20％ 9 10％

[0126] The ratio of lost RF-based sensing messages can be determined, for example, by identifying which RF messages were fully transmitted and determining the amount of RF messages lost by a particular receiving node, divided by the latter. Alternatively, the ratio or difference between RF-based sensing messages and RF data messages can be determined. Table 1 shows recurring time patterns, indicating the regular reoccurring recurrence of interference. This interference is most likely caused by some scheduled wireless interference, such as microwave ovens or WiFi streams activated during specific time periods, i.e., recurring wireless interference. It is unlikely that people repeatedly cross the sensing space in the same location, as human activity tends to become less repetitive over time. Therefore, in addition to considering the difference between RF-based sensing messages and RF data messages, RF systems can additionally or alternatively consider patterns associated with wireless interference, such as recurring wireless interference, for example, the congested spectrum of an apartment building in a dense urban area at night. Recurring wireless interference can be included in, for example, RF system standards.

[0127] Figure 4 An embodiment of a method for operating an RF system including multiple nodes configured for sending and receiving RF messages is shown, for example... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The CL system 100 disclosed herein. In other embodiments, nodes may also be configured to be used only for sending RF messages or only for receiving RF messages.

[0128] In step 402, an RF message is sent from the transmitting node. The RF message includes RF-based sensing messages and RF data messages. The RF-based sensing messages are used to perform RF-based sensing to detect activity events of tangible entities in the sensing space. The RF data messages are used for data exchange, such as maintaining network infrastructure and exchanging control signals. Step 402 is optional.

[0129] In step 404, the sending node determines whether the RF message has been completely transmitted. Step 404 is optional. In other embodiments, another component of the RF system may be configured to determine whether the RF message has been completely transmitted. Optionally, the sending node may additionally transmit information indicating that the RF message has been completely transmitted.

[0130] In step 406, the RF message sent by the transmitting node is received at both receiving nodes. In other embodiments, the RF message may also be received by more receiving nodes, such as three, ten, or any other number of receiving nodes arranged in the sensing space.

[0131] In step 408, the two receiving nodes determine whether the RF message has been fully received by them. In other embodiments, another component of the RF system may be configured to determine whether the RF message has been fully received. To determine whether the RF message has been fully received, in this embodiment, the checksum of the RF message is checked. In other embodiments, other methods may be used to determine whether the RF message has been fully received. If it is determined that at least a portion of the RF message is lost at one or both receiving nodes, step 410 is performed. Otherwise, step 406 is repeated.

[0132] Steps 406 and 408 can also be executed in parallel. For example, when the transceiver of the receiving node receives a new RF message, the previous RF message can be processed in the processor of the receiving unit.

[0133] In step 410, when at least a portion of the RF message is lost at one or both receiving nodes, it is determined, based on one or more RF system standards, whether the loss of at least a portion of the RF message was caused by an activity event of a tangible entity in at least one transmission path between the sending node and the two receiving nodes. If it is determined that the loss of at least a portion of the RF message was caused by an activity event of a tangible entity in at least one transmission path between the sending node and the two receiving nodes, then step 416 is performed. Otherwise, steps 406 and 408 are repeated.

[0134] Step 410 includes optional sub-steps 412 and 414.

[0135] In sub-step 412, it is determined whether at least a portion of the RF-based sensing message is lost, whether at least a portion of the RF data message is lost, or whether at least a portion of both the RF-based sensing message and the RF data message is lost.

[0136] In sub-step 414, the difference between the missing portion of the RF-based sensing message and the missing portion of the RF data message is determined. In this embodiment, this difference corresponds to a ratio. In other embodiments, it can be any other kind of difference, such as a variation.

[0137] The RF system standard in this embodiment includes one or more of the following:

[0138] - Whether only at least a portion of the RF-based sensing messages are lost, whether only at least a portion of the RF data messages are lost, or whether at least a portion of both the RF-based sensing messages and the RF data messages are lost.

[0139] - The ratio between the lost portion of RF-based sensing messages and the lost portion of RF data messages.

[0140] - Different transmitting capabilities of nodes, different receiving capabilities of nodes, different processing capabilities of nodes, or combinations thereof, and

[0141] - Which nodes lost at least part of the RF message?

[0142] In step 416, the CL system determines which activity event (e.g., a user walking in the sensing space) caused the loss of the RF message, and responds accordingly, for example by activating the CL system's illuminators to provide illumination, by providing information about the detected activity event, by triggering another system such as an alarm system, etc.

[0143] In other embodiments, RF messages may be broadcast by the transmitting node. RF data messages may be retransmitted by one or more receiving nodes, while RF-based sensing messages are not retransmitted.

[0144] In other embodiments, RF-based sensing may be performed based on portions of RF messages that are not lost at one or more receiving nodes and on whether the loss of at least a portion of the RF messages is caused by an activity event of a tangible entity in at least one transmission path between the sending node and one or more receiving nodes.

[0145] For a period of time, nodes can receive wireless noise from their respective surrounding environments. Based on the wireless noise, a corresponding noise baseline can be determined for each node. In this case, the RF system standard may include the noise baseline of the transmitting node, the corresponding noise baseline of one or more receiving nodes, or the noise baseline of the transmitting node and the corresponding noise baseline of one or more receiving nodes.

[0146] When a transmitting node incorporates two different communication technologies, it can send RF messages based on one of the technologies while simultaneously receiving wireless noise from its surroundings using the other. A noise baseline can be determined and transmitted to another node.

[0147] When a receiving node incorporates two different communication technologies, it can receive RF messages based on one of the technologies, and simultaneously receive wireless noise from its surroundings. This can improve the ability to determine what caused at least part of the RF message loss.

[0148] When at least two nodes employ two different communication technologies, the transmitting node can transmit RF messages based on one of the communication technologies, and the receiving node can receive RF messages based on the same communication technology. Simultaneously with transmitting or receiving RF messages, the transmitting and receiving nodes can receive wireless noise from their respective surrounding environments based on another communication technology. In this case, the RF system standard can include wireless noise received by the transmitting node while transmitting RF messages, wireless noise received by the receiving node while receiving RF messages, or wireless noise received by both the transmitting and receiving nodes while transmitting or receiving RF messages.

[0149] In one embodiment, the communication parameters of the transmitting node can be adapted based on wireless noise received from its surrounding environment, wireless noise received by one or more receiving nodes, or wireless noise received from its surrounding environment and wireless noise received by one or more receiving nodes, so that a specific signal-to-noise ratio for RF messages is maintained. The adapted communication parameters can be, for example, transmission power, transmission frequency, or repetition frequency.

[0150] Although the invention has been detailed and described in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, such description should be considered illustrative or exemplary, not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. For example, it is possible to apply the invention in smart home systems, BMS, or any other RF systems that may lose RF messages. This can allow for improved performance of the RF system, as the RF system can determine what caused the lost RF message and respond accordingly. RF systems can have preferred operating configurations, for example, depending on their application, such as sensing applications. For example, the RF system can be used to perform RF-based sensing, which includes five nodes sending RF messages every 200 ms. This allows for fast and reliable responses from RF-based sensing algorithms for detecting activity events, such as user motion. Due to CCA backoff time, node operating conditions, or other reasons, RF messages are not received exactly every 200 ms, but can be spread out by + / - 100 ms. An end-to-end delay of 500 ms is desirable for activating lighting based on the detection of activity events in the form of motion via RF-based sensing. Alternatively, home monitoring can be performed using a 10-second delay or vacant lighting control, which allows for a higher delay compared to motion control activation of the lighting.

[0151] By studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed invention.

[0152] In the claims, the words “comprising” and “including” do not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles “a” or “an” do not exclude a plurality.

[0153] A single unit, processor, or device can perform the functions of several items listed in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used for benefit.

[0154] The operation performed by one or more units or devices can be performed by any other number of units or devices. The operation includes, for example, receiving an RF message sent by a transmitting node at one or more receiving nodes, determining whether the RF message was fully received by one or more receiving nodes, and, when at least a portion of an RF message is lost at one or more receiving nodes, determining, based on one or more RF system standards, whether the loss of at least a portion of the RF message was caused by an activity event of a tangible entity in at least one transmission path between the transmitting node and one or more receiving nodes, etc. These operations and / or methods can be implemented as program code components of a computer program and / or as dedicated hardware.

[0155] Computer programs can be stored / distributed on suitable media, such as optical storage media or solid-state media provided with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems.

[0156] Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

[0157] This invention relates to an RF system comprising multiple nodes for sending and receiving RF messages. RF messages sent by a sending node are received at one or more receiving nodes. It is determined whether the RF message was completely received. If at least a portion of the RF message is lost at a receiving node, it is determined, based on one or more RF system standards, whether the loss of at least a portion of the RF message was caused by an activity event of a tangible entity in the transmission path between the sending and receiving nodes. The RF message may include RF-based sensing messages for performing RF-based sensing and RF data messages for data exchange. The difference between the lost portion of the RF-based sensing message and the lost portion of the RF data message can be determined and included in the RF system standards.

Claims

1. A radio frequency system (100) for performing RF-based sensing to detect sensing events, the system comprising a plurality of nodes (26, 28, 30) configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency messages (34), wherein the radio frequency messages (34) include radio frequency-based sensing messages (36) and radio frequency data messages (38), and the radio frequency system (100) is configured to: - Determining that at least a portion of the radio frequency sensing message (36) and / or at least a portion of the radio frequency data message (38) transmitted by the transmitting node (26) of the radio frequency system (100) is not received by one or more receiving nodes (28, 30) of the radio frequency system (100), and - Based on one or more radio frequency system standards, determine whether the loss of at least a portion of the radio frequency message (34) was caused by the movement of an object, animal, or person (32) in at least one transmission path (40) between the transmitting node (26) and the one or more receiving nodes (28, 30), wherein the one or more radio frequency system standards include at least one of the following: - Whether only at least a portion of the radio frequency-based sensing message (36) is lost, whether only at least a portion of the radio frequency data message (38) is lost, or whether both at least a portion of the radio frequency-based sensing message (36) and at least a portion of the radio frequency data message (38) are lost; and - The difference between the missing portion of the RF-based sensing message (36) and the missing portion of the RF data message (38), wherein the difference includes the difference between the amount of the missing portion of the RF-based sensing message and the amount of the missing portion of the RF data message, or the ratio of the amount of the missing portion of the RF-based sensing message to the amount of the missing portion of the RF data message.

2. The radio frequency system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting node (26) is configured to broadcast the radio frequency message (34), and The one or more receiving nodes (28, 30) are configured to retransmit the radio frequency data message (38) and not to retransmit the radio frequency-based sensing message (36).

3. The radio frequency system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least two nodes (26, 28, 30) of the radio frequency system (100) have different transmission capabilities, different reception capabilities, different processing capabilities, or combinations thereof, and The radio frequency system standard further includes different transmit capabilities of nodes (26, 28, 30), different receive capabilities of nodes (26, 28, 30), different processing capabilities of nodes (26, 28, 30), or combinations thereof.

4. The radio frequency system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the radio frequency system (100) is configured to perform radio frequency-based sensing based on a portion of a radio frequency message (34) that is not lost at the one or more receiving nodes (28, 30) and based on whether the loss of at least a portion of the radio frequency message (34) is caused by the movement of the object, animal or person (32) in at least one transmission path (40) between the transmitting node (26) and the one or more receiving nodes (28, 30).

5. The radio frequency system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the radio frequency system (100) is configured to: - Receives wireless noise (42) from their respective surroundings at nodes (26, 28, 30) over a period of time, and - Determine the corresponding noise baselines for nodes (26, 28, 30) based on the received wireless noise (42), and The radio frequency system standard mentioned therein includes the noise baseline of the transmitting node (26), the corresponding noise baseline of the one or more receiving nodes (28, 30), or the noise baseline of the transmitting node (26) and the corresponding noise baseline of the one or more receiving nodes (28, 30).

6. The radio frequency system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the nodes (26, 28, 30) comprises two different communication technologies, and wherein the at least one of the nodes (26, 28, 30) is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency messages (34) based on one of the communication technologies and to receive wireless noise (42) from its surrounding environment based on the other communication technology while transmitting or receiving the radio frequency messages (34).

7. The radio frequency system (100) according to claim 6, wherein the radio frequency system standard includes radio noise (42) received by the transmitting node (26) while transmitting the radio frequency message (34), radio noise (42) received by the one or more receiving nodes (28, 30) while receiving the radio frequency message (34), or radio noise (42) received by the transmitting node (26) and the one or more receiving nodes (28, 30) while transmitting or receiving the radio frequency message (34).

8. The radio frequency system (100) according to claim 6, wherein the radio frequency system (100) is configured to adapt the settings of the communication technology parameters of the transmitting node (26) based on the radio noise (42) received from its surrounding environment, the radio noise (42) received by the one or more receiving nodes (28, 30), or the radio noise (42) received from its surrounding environment and the radio noise (42) received by the one or more receiving nodes (28, 30), so that a specific signal-to-noise ratio for the radio frequency message (34) is maintained.

9. The radio frequency system (100) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 7, and 8, wherein the radio frequency system standard includes which of the one or more receiving nodes (28, 30) lost at least a portion of the radio frequency message (34).

10. A method for operating a radio frequency (RF) system for performing RF-based sensing to detect sensing events, the system comprising a plurality of nodes configured to transmit and / or receive RF messages, wherein the RF messages (34) include RF-based sensing messages (36) and RF data messages (38), the method comprising the steps of: - Receive radio frequency messages sent by the sending node at one or more receiving nodes. - Determine that at least a portion of the radio frequency sensing message and / or at least a portion of the radio frequency data message was not received by the one or more receiving nodes, and - Based on one or more radio frequency system standards, determine whether the loss of at least a portion of a radio frequency message was caused by the movement of an object, animal, or person in at least one transmission path between the transmitting node and the one or more receiving nodes, wherein the one or more radio frequency system standards include at least one of the following: - Whether only at least a portion of the radio frequency (RF)-based sensing message is lost, whether only at least a portion of the RF data message is lost, or whether both at least a portion of the RF-based sensing message and at least a portion of the RF data message are lost; and - The difference between the lost portion of the RF-based sensing message and the lost portion of the RF data message, wherein the difference includes the difference between the amount of the lost portion of the RF-based sensing message and the amount of the lost portion of the RF data message, or the ratio of the amount of the lost portion of the RF-based sensing message to the amount of the lost portion of the RF data message.

11. A computer program product for operating a radio frequency system (100), the radio frequency system (100) including a plurality of nodes (26, 28, 30) configured for transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency messages (34), wherein the computer program product includes program code components configured to cause the processor (18) to perform the method according to claim 10 when the computer program product is run on a processor (18).

12. A computer-readable medium (20) storing the computer program product of claim 11.

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