Debugging a device using short-range signals

Abstract

A commissioning device can include a commissioning device controller configured to: broadcast, using a first wireless communication technology, a query signal from a location in a spatial volume that covers a portion of an area of interest within the spatial volume; receive, using a second wireless communication technology, an acknowledgement signal from a local controller, wherein the acknowledgement signal includes an identification of each of a plurality of electrical devices located within a broadcast range of the query signal, wherein the plurality of electrical devices is a subset of all electrical devices in the system; determine that one of the plurality of electrical devices is located in the area of interest; and send a validation signal to the local controller, wherein the validation signal includes identifying information about the one electrical device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to commissioning equipment in a room or other space volume, and more specifically to systems, methods and apparatus for commissioning equipment that uses short-range signals to complete the commissioning process. Background Technology

[0002] Commissioning electrical equipment (such as lighting fixtures) within a spatial volume (e.g., rooms, office building complexes) is a time-consuming but necessary process that must be completed before the equipment is put into use. Part of the commissioning process involves actuating the electrical equipment, associating the equipment with a controller, and associating the logical representation of each device with its physical identity in the controller's database. In large systems with multiple controllers, a common problem during commissioning is that electrical equipment is assigned to the wrong controller. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Typically, in one aspect, this disclosure relates to a debugging apparatus. The debugging apparatus may include a debugging apparatus controller having a transmitter and a receiver. The debugging apparatus controller may be configured to broadcast a query signal from a location in a spatial volume using a first wireless communication technology via the transmitter, within a broadcast range covering a portion of an area of ​​interest within the spatial volume. The debugging apparatus controller may also be configured to receive an acknowledgment signal from a local controller using a second wireless communication technology via the receiver, wherein the acknowledgment signal includes an identifier of each of a plurality of electrical devices located within the broadcast range of the received query signal, and wherein the plurality of electrical devices is a subset of all electrical devices in the system. The debugging apparatus controller may also be configured to determine that one of the plurality of electrical devices is located within the area of ​​interest in the spatial volume. The debugging apparatus controller may also be configured to send a verification signal to the local controller using the transmitter, wherein the verification signal includes identification information about that one of the plurality of electrical devices.

[0004] In another aspect, this disclosure may generally relate to a method for commissioning multiple electrical devices. The method may include broadcasting a query signal within a first broadcast range from a location in a spatial volume using a first wireless communication technology, wherein the first broadcast range covers a portion of a region of interest within the spatial volume. The method may also include receiving an acknowledgment signal from a local controller using a second wireless communication technology, wherein the acknowledgment signal includes an identifier of each of the multiple electrical devices located within the broadcast range of the received query signal, and wherein the multiple electrical devices are a subset of all electrical devices in a system. The method may further include determining that one of the multiple electrical devices is located within the region of interest in the spatial volume. The method may also include sending a verification signal to the local controller using a transmitter, wherein the verification signal includes identification information about that one of the multiple electrical devices.

[0005] These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0006] The accompanying drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments and should therefore not be considered as limiting the scope, as the exemplary embodiments may imply other equally effective embodiments. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, but rather the focus is on clearly illustrating the principles of the exemplary embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or positions may be exaggerated to aid in visual communication of these principles. In the drawings, reference numerals denote similar or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements.

[0007] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a system comprising multiple electrical devices and commissioning devices according to certain example embodiments is shown.

[0008] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the debugging equipment.

[0009] Figure 3 A computing system according to certain example embodiments is shown.

[0010] Figure 4 A system including a debugging device located in a spatial volume is shown according to certain example embodiments.

[0011] Figure 5 A flowchart is shown for a method of commissioning electrical equipment using short-range signals, according to some example embodiments.

[0012] Figures 6 to 11 It shows according to Figure 5 Examples of methods for debugging electrical equipment using short-range signals are given at various stages. Detailed Implementation

[0013] The exemplary embodiments discussed herein pertain to systems, methods, and apparatuses for debugging devices using short-range signals. As defined herein, short-range signals have a limited broadcast range. Short-range signals can be transmitted using wireless technologies such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). In some cases, the broadcast range of these technologies may be adjustable, but the maximum broadcast range will still enable communication within a few areas of interest within a spatial volume.

[0014] In the foregoing figures illustrating exemplary embodiments of the debugging apparatus, one or more of the components shown may be omitted, repeated, and / or substituted. Therefore, exemplary embodiments of the debugging apparatus should not be considered limited to the specific arrangement of components shown in any of the figures. For example, features shown in one or more figures or described with respect to one embodiment may be applied to another embodiment associated with a different figure or description.

[0015] In some example embodiments, the commissioning and operation of electrical equipment within a spatial volume are subject to meeting certain standards and / or requirements. For example, the National Electrical Code (NEC), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Institute of Illumination Engineering (IES), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) have established standards concerning electrical equipment, electrical enclosures, wiring, and electrical connections. The use of the example embodiments described herein satisfies (and / or allows the corresponding equipment to satisfy) such standards when required.

[0016] If a component in an accompanying figure is described but not explicitly shown or labeled in that figure, the labeling used for the corresponding component in another figure can be inferred to be that component. Conversely, if a component in an accompanying figure is labeled but not described, the description of such a component can be substantially the same as the description of the corresponding component in another figure. The numbering scheme for the various components in the accompanying figures is such that each component is a three- or four-digit number, and the corresponding components in other figures have the same last two digits.

[0017] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, a statement that a particular embodiment (e.g., as shown in the accompanying drawings) does not have a particular feature or component does not imply that such an embodiment cannot have such a feature or component. For example, for the purposes of the present or future claims herein, features or components described as not included in the exemplary embodiments shown in one or more particular drawings may be included in one or more claims corresponding to such particular drawings herein.

[0018] Example embodiments of the use of short-range signal debugging equipment will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the use of short-range signal debugging equipment are illustrated. However, the use of short-range signal debugging equipment can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the use of short-range signal debugging equipment to those skilled in the art. For consistency, similar but not necessarily identical elements (sometimes referred to as components) in the various drawings are indicated by similar reference numerals.

[0019] Terms such as “first,” “second,” “primary,” “secondary,” “above,” “below,” “internal,” “external,” “far-end,” “proximal,” “end,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” and “within” are used, when present, only to distinguish one component (or part of a component or state of a component) from another component. Such terms do not imply preference or particular orientation, nor do they imply limitation on embodiments using short-range signal debugging devices. In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a system 100 including a plurality of electrical devices 102 and a commissioning device 190 according to some example embodiments is shown. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the debugging equipment 190. (Reference) Figure 1 and Figure 2 In addition to electrical equipment 102 and commissioning equipment 190, Figure 1 System 100 may include one or more users 150 (each user 150 may include one or more user systems 155), debuggers 160 associated with debug devices 190, network managers 180, and one or more local controllers 185. In some cases, there may be multiple debuggers 160, with each debugger having at least one debug device 190.

[0021] At least some of the electrical equipment 102 and the commissioning equipment 190 are located in the space volume 199. The space volume 199 can be any indoor and / or outdoor area in which multiple electrical equipment 102 are located. Examples of space volumes 199 may include, but are not limited to, office buildings, shops, conference centers, parking lots, parks, entertainment venues, and medical facilities. When the system 100 includes multiple local controllers 185, multiple areas of interest can exist within the space volume 199, where electrical equipment 102 in a particular area of ​​interest is controlled by one of the local controllers 185. For example, if the space volume 199 is a multi-story office building, each floor can be an area of ​​interest.

[0022] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The components shown are not exhaustive, and in some embodiments, Figure 1 and 2One or more of the components shown may not be included in system 100 or its components (e.g., electrical device 102). For example, any component of electrical device 102 (e.g., electrical device 102-1) may be discrete or combined with one or more other components in electrical device 102. For example, each electrical device 102 in system 100 may have its own device controller 104. Alternatively, a device controller 104 may be used to control multiple electrical devices 102 in system 100. As another example, commissioning device 190 may include components now in... Figure 2 One or more additional components (e.g., antenna, switch) are shown in the diagram.

[0023] Electrical device 102 is any device that operates at least partially by electricity. System 100 includes multiple electrical devices 102. In this case, there are N electrical devices 102 (electrical device 102-1 to electrical device 102-N). Each electrical device 102 in system 100 is commissioned before being put into use. Examples of electrical devices 102 may include, but are not limited to, luminaires (also referred to by other names such as lamps and lighting fixtures), light switches, automatic ventilation dampers, automatic curtains, ceiling fans, projectors, computers, telephones, control panels, thermostats, wall outlets, sensor devices (e.g., smoke detectors, CO2 monitors, motion detectors, broken glass sensors), and cameras.

[0024] Each electrical device 102 may include multiple components. For example, in this case, each electrical device 102 includes a device controller 104 (also referred to herein as electrical device controller 104), a power supply 140, one or more sensor devices 165, and one or more electrical device components 142. For example, electrical device 102-1 includes a device controller 104-1, a power supply 140-1, one or more sensor devices 165-1, and one or more electrical device components 142-1. As another example, electrical device 102-N includes a device controller 104-N, a power supply 140-N, one or more sensor devices 165-N, and one or more electrical device components 142-N. The device controller 104, power supply 140, and sensor device 165 of electrical device 102 may be substantially the same as the device controller 204, power supply 240, and sensor device 265 of commissioning device 190, all of which will be described in more detail below.

[0025] Electrical equipment components 142 of electrical equipment 102 are devices and / or components typically found in electrical equipment 102 to allow operation of electrical equipment 102. Electrical equipment components 142 can be electrical, electronic, mechanical, or any combination thereof. Electrical equipment 102 can have one or more of any number and / or type of electrical equipment components 142. For example, when electrical equipment 102 is a luminaire, examples of such electrical equipment components 142 may include, but are not limited to, light sources, light engines, heat sinks, electrical conductors or cables, junction boxes, lenses, diffusers, reflectors, pneumatic devices, baffles, dimmers, antennas, switches, and circuit boards.

[0026] Each electrical device 102 is configured to be commissioned after installation and before operation. As part of the commissioning process, each electrical device 102 is configured to send and receive various communication signals. For example, each electrical device 102 located within the communication range of the commissioning device 190 can be configured to receive and interpret the contents of a query signal (a type of communication signal indicating that the electrical device 102 has notified the local controller 185 that the electrical device 102 has received the query signal) broadcast by the commissioning device 190. In response to receiving the query signal, the electrical device 102 can also be configured to generate and send an identification signal (another type of communication signal notifying the local controller 185 that the electrical device 102 has received the query signal) to the local controller 185 within the communication range of the electrical device 102.

[0027] User 150 can be anyone who interacts with electrical equipment 102, local controller 185, and / or another component of system 100. Specifically, user 150 can program, operate, and / or interface with one or more components associated with system 100 (e.g., electrical equipment 102-1, network manager 180) or portions thereof (e.g., device controller 104-1). Examples of users 150 may include, but are not limited to, employees, engineers, electricians, technicians, operators, consultants, contractors, assets, and manufacturer representatives. In some cases, commissioning engineer 160 can be considered a type of user 150. In this case, commissioning equipment 190 associated with commissioning engineer 160 can be considered a type of user system.

[0028] User 150 may use user system 155, which may include a display (e.g., a GUI). User 150 (including associated user system 155) interacts with device controller 104 of electrical device 102 (e.g., electrical device 102-1) via application interface 226 (described below) (e.g., sending data to it, receiving data from it). User 150 (including associated user system 155) may also interact with network manager 180, sensor device 165, debugger 160 (including associated debug device 190), and / or one or more local controllers 185. Communication link 105 may be used to facilitate interaction (including the transmission of radio frequency (RF) signals and / or other types of communication signals) between user 150 (including associated user system 155), electrical device 102, network manager 180, sensor device 165, and debugger 160 (including any associated debug device 190).

[0029] Each communication link 105 may include one or more wired (e.g., Category 1 cable, Category 2 cable, power line carrier, RS485, DALI, electrical connector) and / or wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi, visible light communication, cellular networking, Bluetooth, BLE, Zigbee, LoRa, ultra-wideband (UWB), wireless HART, ISA100) technologies. For example, communication link 105 may be (or include) one or more electrical conductors coupled to various components of system 100. Communication link 105 may transmit signals (e.g., power signals, communication signals (e.g., RF signals), control signals, data) between electrical equipment 102, user 150 (including associated user system 155), sensor device 165, sensor device 265, commissioning personnel 160 (including associated commissioning equipment 190), and / or network manager 180. For example, as discussed below, commissioning equipment 190 may broadcast communication signals via communication link 105 to some of the electrical equipment 102 in system 100 using BLE from a given location within spatial volume 199 at a given time.

[0030] Optional network manager 180 is a device or component of control system 100, including local controller 185 and, in some cases, device controller 104 of at least one of electrical devices 102 and / or device controller 204 of commissioning device 190. Network manager 180 may be substantially similar to device controller 204 of commissioning device 190, device controller 104 of electrical device 102, and / or local controller 185. Alternatively, network manager 180 may include one or more features other than those of device controller 204, device controller 104, and / or local controller 185, or variations thereof. More than one network manager 180 and / or one or more portions of network manager 180 may exist.

[0031] In some cases, Network Manager 180 may be referred to by other names, including but not limited to Insight Manager, Master Controller, Network Coordinator, and Network Controller. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, network manager 180 receives data from local controller 185 and processes the data (e.g., using an algorithm (e.g., algorithm 233) and / or a protocol (e.g., protocol 232)) to debug electrical device 102 in conjunction with debugging device 190. Network manager 180 may be located within or away from spatial volume 199.

[0032] Each local controller 185 (sometimes referred to by other names, including but not limited to wireless access controllers and access controllers as generic terms and / or when referring to wired communication link 105) performs several different functions. For example, local controller 185 may facilitate communication with and control of device controller 104 of one or more electrical devices 102 to facilitate control of the operation of these electrical devices 102. For commissioning, local controller 185 may be responsible for: pairing device controller 104 of electrical devices 102; providing configuration data to device controller 104 and / or other components of electrical devices 102; synchronizing the timing of device controller 104 and / or other components of electrical devices 102; supporting the firmware of device controller 104 and / or other components of electrical devices 102; upgrading the software used by device controller 104 and / or other components of electrical devices 102; and / or performing any other functions related to electrical devices 102 (including their components) to support commissioning activities.

[0033] Each local controller 185 can also be configured to communicate with the commissioning device 190. Such communication between the local controller 185 and the commissioning device 190 may include, for example, the local controller 185 (via an acknowledgment signal) reporting to the commissioning device 190 the identity of each electrical device 102 that received a query signal broadcast by the commissioning device 190. As another example, the local controller 185 may receive an acknowledgment signal from the commissioning device 190 to provide identification information about the electrical device 102 being commissioned.

[0034] Each local controller 185 may have at least some features and / or components similar to the device controller 204 of the commissioning device 190. The controller of the local controller 185 may create and maintain tables containing information about the electrical devices 102 controlled by the local controller 185 after the commissioning process has been completed. Communication between the local controller 185 and the commissioning device 102 can be used to help populate and update these tables. For example, the local controller 185 may receive a disconnect signal from the commissioning device 190 to instruct the controller of the local controller 185 to remove the electrical devices 102 from the tables maintained by the local controller 185.

[0035] When the local controller 185 receives data from electrical device 102 or commissioning device 190 (e.g., acknowledgment of receipt of RF signals and / or other types of communication signals from commissioning device 190, packaged exit data arriving as ingress data), the local controller 185 can convert the data into a different format (e.g., ECAPI). The local controller 185 can then send the newly formatted data to another component of system 100 (e.g., network manager 180, commissioning device 190). To aid in problem diagnosis, the local controller 185 can maintain a counter for each paired electrical device 102, including, for example, the number of packaged data messages received from a particular electrical device 102, the number of formatted messages related to packaged data from a particular electrical device 102 that were successfully transmitted to network manager 180, and the number of formatted messages related to packaged data from a particular electrical device 102 that failed to be transmitted to network manager 180.

[0036] In some cases, the local controller 185 maintains the average and maximum latency introduced between the reception of communication from one component of system 100 (e.g., electrical equipment 102, commissioning equipment 190) and the transmission of formatted messages to another component of system 100 (e.g., network manager 180). The local controller 185 may also notify the network manager 180 when the average or maximum latency exceeds a threshold. Furthermore, the local controller 185 may communicate with the network manager 180 when there are significant differences (e.g., as determined by the local controller 185) between ingress and egress packets concerning electrical equipment 102 and / or commissioning equipment 190.

[0037] When multiple local controllers 185 are present, they can all synchronize with each other in time. Furthermore, for multiple local controllers 185, one local controller 185 may be configured, or may not be configured, to communicate directly with at least one of the other local controllers 185 in system 100. In some cases, the functionality of the local controller 185 may be the same as, or at least partially combined with, the functionality of the device controller 104 of electrical equipment 102 and / or the device controller 204 of commissioning equipment 190. In other words, some or all of the following description of the local controller 204 of commissioning equipment 190 may also apply to the local controllers 185 and / or 104 of electrical equipment 102. The local controller 185 may be located within or away from spatial volume 199.

[0038] In some example embodiments, the local controller 185 may be configured to generate and send an acknowledgment signal (in the form of a communication signal) to the debugging device 190. As discussed below, the acknowledgment signal may inform the control engine 206 of the device controller 204 of the debugging device 190 about which electrical devices 102 (if any) have received the query signal broadcast by the device controller 204 of the debugging device 190. Alternatively or additionally, the acknowledgment signal may inform the control engine 206 of the device controller 204 of the debugging device 190 how many electrical devices 102 (if any) have received the query signal broadcast by the device controller 204 of the debugging device 190.

[0039] In this scenario, the local controller 185 can be configured to receive and interpret identification signals (in the form of communication signals) from the electrical equipment 102. The identification signals are configured to include information confirming that the electrical equipment has received the query signal. The local controller 185 can be configured to receive identification signals from multiple electrical equipment 102 substantially simultaneously. When this occurs, the local controller 185 can send a single acknowledgment signal or multiple acknowledgment signals to the commissioning equipment 190.

[0040] In some example embodiments, the local controller 185 may generate test signals (in the form of communication signals) and send them to one or more electrical devices 102. The test signals are configured to include instructions commanding the receiving electrical device 102 to operate in a test mode (e.g., flashing the switch three times, chirping five times). Specific test modes may be included in the test signals. Alternatively, specific test modes may be pre-programmed on the device controller 104 of the electrical device 102. When a test signal is sent from the local controller 185 to the electrical device 102, the commissioning device 190 may request a commissioning operator 160 to use the user interface 229 of the commissioning device 190 for visual confirmation regarding the operation of the electrical device 102 in the test mode. The response from the commissioning device 190 to the local controller 185 may be part of a verification signal (discussed below).

[0041] In some example embodiments, the local controller 185 establishes and maintains at least one table containing information about the electrical devices 102 controlled by the local controller 185. The information contained in the table may include, but is not limited to, an identification number for each electrical device 102, the type of each electrical device 102 (e.g., recessed lighting, control panel, sensor device, switch), the location of each electrical device 102 in the spatial volume 199, and whether each electrical device 102 is located within an area of ​​interest controlled by the local controller 185.

[0042] During the initial phase of the commissioning process, some of the information in the table may be provided to the local controller 185 (e.g., by each electrical device 102, by the commissioning device 190, by the user 150, and by the user system 155). Other information in the table may be provided to the local controller 185 by each electrical device 102 when the local controller 185 receives communication signals such as identification signals. Further information in the table may be provided to the local controller 185 by the commissioning device 190 when the local controller 185 receives communication signals such as verification signals and disconnection signals.

[0043] As defined herein, debugger 160 may be a person. Alternatively, debugger 160 may be an object that moves autonomously or under the direct control of a person (e.g., user 150) within spatial volume 199. Debugger 160 may be self-moving, capable of being moved, or stationary. When debugger 160 is a machine, debugging device 190 and debugger 160 may be combined into a single component. System 100 may have one or more debuggers 160 within spatial volume 199.

[0044] Debugging device 190 may include any of some components. For example, such as Figure 2As shown, the debug device 190 may include a device controller 204 (also referred to herein as debug device controller 204), one or more sensor devices 265, a user interface 229, and a power supply 240. The device controller 204 may include one or more of a number of components. Such components may include, but are not limited to, a control engine 206, a communication module 208, a timer 210, a power module 212, a storage module 230, a hardware processor 220, a memory 222, a transceiver 224, an application interface 226, and optionally a security module 228.

[0045] The debugging device 190 can send RF signals and / or other types of communication signals to, and / or receive RF signals and / or other types of communication signals from, one or more electrical devices 102, user systems 155, network managers 180, and / or local controllers 185 in system 100. The debugging device 190 can use one or more of a number of communication protocols to send and / or receive communication signals from the electrical devices 102, user systems 155, network managers 180, and / or local controllers 185.

[0046] According to one or more example embodiments, user 150 (including associated user system 155), network manager 180, one or more sensor devices 165, one or more local controllers 185, and / or device controller 104 of electrical device 102 can interact with device controller 204 of debugging device 190 using application interface 226. Specifically, application interface 226 of device controller 204 receives data (e.g., information, communications, instructions) from user 150 (including associated user system 155), network manager 180, sensor devices 165, one or more local controllers 185, and / or one or more electrical devices 102, and sends data (e.g., information, communications, and instructions) to them. In some example embodiments, device controller 104 of user 150 (including associated user system 155), network manager 180, sensor devices 165, one or more local controllers 185, and / or one or more electrical devices 102 may include an interface for receiving data from and sending data to device controller 204 of debugging device 190. Examples of such interfaces may include, but are not limited to, graphical user interfaces, touchscreens, application programming interfaces, keyboards, monitors, mice, web services, data protocol adapters, some other hardware and / or software, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0047] In some example embodiments, the device controller 204 of the debugging device 190, the user 150 (including the associated user system 155), the network manager 180, the sensor device 165 and / or one or more local controllers 185, and the device controller 104 of one or more electrical devices 102 may use their own systems or shared systems. Such a system may be an internet-based or intranet-based computer system capable of communicating with various software, or may be in the form of including such a computer system. The computer system includes any type of computing device and / or communication device, including but not limited to the device controller 204. Examples of such systems may include, but are not limited to, desktop computers with local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), internet, or intranet access; laptop computers with LAN, WAN, internet, or intranet access; smartphones; servers; server clusters; Android devices (or equivalent devices); tablets; smartphones; and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Such a system may correspond to the following regarding… Figure 3 The aforementioned computer system.

[0048] Furthermore, as discussed above, such a system may have corresponding software (e.g., user software, controller software, network manager software). According to some example embodiments, this software may execute on the same or separate devices (e.g., servers, mainframes, desktop personal computers (PCs), laptops, PDAs, televisions, cable boxes, satellite boxes, kiosks, telephones, mobile phones, or other computing devices) and may be coupled to wired and / or wireless segments via communication networks (e.g., the Internet, intranets, extranets, LANs, WANs, or other network communication methods) and / or communication channels. The software of one system may be part of the software of another system within system 100, or may operate independently but be combined with the software of another system within system 100. The debugging device 190 may include a housing. The housing of the debugging device 190 may include at least one wall forming a cavity. In some cases, the housing may be designed to conform to any applicable standard, allowing the debugging device 190 to be located in a specific environment (e.g., a hazardous environment).

[0049] The housing of the debugging device 190 can be used to house one or more components of the debugging device 190, including one or more components of the device controller 204. For example, the device controller 204 (in this case including a control engine 206, a communication module 208, a timer 210, a power module 212, a storage unit 230, a hardware processor 220, a memory 222, a transceiver 224, an application interface 226, and an optional security module 228), one or more sensor devices 265, and a power supply 240 can be disposed within a cavity formed by the housing. In alternative embodiments, any one or more of these or other components of the debugging device 190 can be disposed on the housing, integrated with the housing (e.g., user interface 229), and / or disposed remotely from the housing.

[0050] The repository 230 of the device controller 204 may be a persistent storage device (or device group) that stores software and data that facilitates communication between the device controller 204 and users 150 (including associated user systems 155), network manager 180, sensor devices 165, sensor devices 265, one or more local controllers 185, and one or more electrical devices 102 within system 100. In one or more example embodiments, the repository 230 stores one or more protocols 232, one or more algorithms 233, and stored data 234.

[0051] Protocol 232 may be any procedure (e.g., a series of methodological steps) and / or other similar operating procedures followed by the control engine 206 of device controller 204 based on certain conditions at a point in time. Protocol 232 may also include procedures for commissioning electrical equipment 102 in system 100. Protocol 232 may also include any communication protocol among some communication protocols for sending and / or receiving data between device controller 204 and user 150 (including associated user system 155), network manager 180, one or more electrical devices 102, sensor devices 165 and / or one or more local controllers 185.

[0052] One or more of the protocols 232 used for communication may be time synchronization protocols. Examples of such time synchronization protocols may include, but are not limited to: High-Speed ​​Addressable Remote Sensor (HART) protocol, Wireless HART protocol, and International Association of Automation (ISA) 100 protocol. In this way, one or more of the protocols 232 used for communication can provide a security layer for data transmitted within system 100.

[0053] Algorithm 233 can be any formula, mathematical model, prediction, simulation, and / or other similar tool used by the control engine 206 of device controller 204 to arrive at the calculation conclusion. An example of one or more algorithms 233 is calculating the strength of an RF (or other type of communication) signal and comparing the RF signal strength to a threshold. Algorithm 233 can be used to analyze past data, analyze current data, and / or perform predictions. One or more specific algorithms 233 can be used in conjunction with one or more specific protocols 232. For example, one or more protocols 232 and one or more algorithms 233 can be combined to debug electrical device 102 using RF signals sent to and received from electrical device 102 and local controller 185.

[0054] The stored data 234 can be any data associated with electrical device 102 (including any of its components), any data associated with commissioning device 190, any data associated with local controller 185, any data associated with network manager 180, any measurement results obtained by sensor device 165 and / or sensor device 265, thresholds, user preferences, results of previously run or calculated algorithms, and / or any other suitable data. Thus, the stored data 234 can be any type of data, including historical data, current data, and predictions. The stored data 234 can be associated with a measurement result, such as time derived from timer 210.

[0055] Examples of repository 230 may include, but are not limited to, a database (or several databases), a file system, a hard disk drive, flash memory, a cloud-based storage device, some other form of solid-state data storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. According to some example embodiments, repository 230 may reside on multiple physical machines, each storing all or a portion of protocol 232, algorithm 233, and / or stored data 234. Each storage unit or device may be physically located in the same or different geographical locations.

[0056] Repository 230 may be operatively connected to control engine 206. In one or more example embodiments, control engine 206 includes the ability to communicate with user 150 (including associated user system 155), network manager 180, sensor devices 165, one or more local controllers 185, and electrical devices 102 in system 100. More specifically, control engine 206 sends and / or receives information from repository 230 to communicate with user 150 (including associated user system 155), network manager 180, sensor devices 165, one or more local controllers 185, and electrical devices 102. As discussed below, in some example embodiments, repository 230 may also be operatively connected to communication module 208.

[0057] In some example embodiments, the control engine 206 of the device controller 204 controls the operation of one or more other components of the device controller 204 (e.g., communication module 208, timer 210, transceiver 224). For example, when there is no communication between the device controller 204 and another component of system 100 (e.g., one of electrical device 102, sensor device 165, local controller 185, or user system 155), or when communication between the device controller 204 and another component of system 100 follows a regular pattern, the control engine 206 can put the communication module 208 into a "sleep" mode. In this case, power consumed by the device controller 204 is saved by enabling the communication module 208 only when needed.

[0058] As another example, control engine 206 can instruct timer 210 when to provide the current time, when to start tracking a time period, and / or to perform another function within the capabilities of timer 210. As yet another example, control engine 206 can instruct transceiver 224 to send RF signals (or other types of communication signals) and / or stop sending RF signals (or other types of communication signals) to one or more of the electrical devices 102 in system 100, network manager 180, one or more of the user systems 155, one or more sensor devices 165, and / or one or more local controllers 185. Control engine 206 can also instruct sensor device 265 to communicate with one or more of the electrical devices 102, network manager 180, one or more of the user systems 155, with local controllers 185, and / or with device controller 204. This example provides another example of how control engine 206 can save power used by device controller 204 and other components of system 100, such as electrical devices 102 and sensor devices 265.

[0059] Control engine 206 can determine when to broadcast one or more communication signals in an attempt to identify (typically locate) and group electrical devices 102. To conserve energy, control engine 206 does not always broadcast communication signals, but only at discrete times. Control engine 206 can broadcast communication signals based on one or more factors, including but not limited to the passage of time, the occurrence of events, instructions from user 150 (including associated user system 155), acknowledgment signals received from local controller 185, and commands received from network manager 180. Control engine 206 can coordinate with device controllers 104 and / or local controllers 185 of one or more electrical devices 102 to broadcast multiple communication signals. Control engine 206 can also determine the signal strength (e.g., RSSI value) of one or more communication signals received from one or more electrical devices 102 and / or one or more local controllers 185.

[0060] The control engine 206 of the device controller 204 may generate and broadcast one or more query signals (in the form of communication signals) using one or more protocols 232 and / or one or more algorithms 233. The query signals (short-range signals) may be configured to be broadcast over a broadcast range using a communication technology such as BLE. Each query signal is designed to be received by any electrical device 102 within the broadcast range of the query signal. The control engine 206 of the device controller 204 may also use one or more protocols 232 and / or one or more algorithms 233 to determine and / or adjust (e.g., set, increase, decrease, or direct) the broadcast range used when broadcasting query signals. Adjustment of the broadcast range of the communication device 190 may be performed by the control engine 206 in response to information received from the local controller 185 (e.g., the number of electrical devices 102 that have been acknowledged to receive query signals (the type of communication signal) from the commissioning device 190).

[0061] A query signal can instruct the receiving electrical device 102 to generate an identification signal (another form of communication signal) and send it to one or more local controllers 185. For example, when the device controller 104 of electrical device 102 receives a query signal broadcast by commissioning device 190, the device controller 104 of electrical device 102 can determine that the query signal instructs the device controller 104 to generate an identification signal and send it to the local controller 185 to which electrical device 102 is assigned. The identification signal may include such identification information of the electrical device (e.g., UUID) and acknowledgment that electrical device 102 has received the query signal broadcast by commissioning device 190.

[0062] The control engine 206 of the device controller 204 can also receive and interpret acknowledgment signals (in the form of communication signals) received from the local controller 185 using protocol 232 and / or algorithm 233. The acknowledgment signals can notify the control engine 206 of the device controller 204 of the commissioning device 190 about which electrical devices 102 (if any) have received the query signals broadcast by the device controller 204 of the commissioning device 190. Alternatively or additionally, the acknowledgment signals can notify the control engine 206 of the device controller 204 of the commissioning device 190 how many electrical devices 102 (if any) have received the query signals broadcast by the device controller 204 of the commissioning device 190.

[0063] Furthermore, the control engine 206 of the device controller 204 can also use protocol 232 and / or algorithm 233 to determine, based on the acknowledgment signal received from the local controller 185, when only one electrical device 102 has received the query signal broadcast by the device controller 204 of the commissioning device 190. Alternatively, the control engine 206 of the device controller 204 can also use protocol 232 and / or algorithm 233 to determine, based on the acknowledgment signal received from the local controller 185, that multiple electrical devices 102 have received the query signal broadcast by the device controller 204 of the commissioning device 190, but only one of these electrical devices 102 is located within the region of interest (hereinafter referred to as the region of interest) of the spatial volume 199. Figure 4 (As discussed)

[0064] Once the control engine 206 of the device controller 204 determines that only one electrical device 102 has received the query signal broadcast by the device controller 204 of the commissioning device 190, or determines that only one of the multiple electrical devices that have received the query signal is in the region of interest within the spatial volume 199, the control engine 206 of the device controller 204 may also use protocol 232 and / or algorithm 233, sometimes in conjunction with measurements made by one or more sensor devices 265, to obtain identification information about the electrical device 102.

[0065] Such identification information may include, but is not limited to: an image of electrical device 102, the location of electrical device 102 within a spatial volume, and the type of electrical device 102. Identification of electrical device 102 can be performed in one or more of the following ways, including but not limited to image processing (e.g., capture, identification), wireless communication (e.g., Zigbee, Bluetooth, BLE, LoRa), wireless beacons, asset communication, barcodes, QR codes, data matrices, IR, NFC, and spatial or volumetric analysis of electrical device 102. Control engine 206 can then send a verification signal (in the form of a communication signal) to local controller 185. The verification signal may include identification information of electrical device 102, and local controller 185 may use the identification information contained in the verification signal to update at least one item in its table.

[0066] In some cases, when the device controller 204 of the commissioning device 190 determines, based on an acknowledgment signal received from the local controller 185, that multiple electrical devices 102 have received a query signal broadcast by the device controller 204 of the commissioning device 190, but only one of these electrical devices 102 is located in the region of interest within the spatial volume 199, the control engine 206 of the device controller 204 may also use protocol 232 and / or algorithm 233 to send a disarming signal (in the form of a communication signal) that instructs the local controller 185, which sent the acknowledgment signal, to remove one or more electrical devices 102 that are not in the region of interest from a table maintained by the local controller 185.

[0067] In some example embodiments, when an acknowledgment signal received from local controller 185 notifies device controller 204 that multiple electrical devices 102 within the area of ​​interest (ROI) within spatial volume 199 have received a previously broadcast query signal by device controller 204, control engine 206 of device controller 204 may use protocol 232 and / or algorithm 233 to reduce the communication range of subsequent query signals sent by device controller 204. Conversely, when an acknowledgment signal received from local controller 185 notifies device controller 204 that no electrical device 102 within the ROI within spatial volume 199 has received a previously broadcast query signal by device controller 204, control engine 206 of device controller 204 may use protocol 232 and / or algorithm 233 to increase the communication range of subsequent query signals sent by device controller 204.

[0068] In some example embodiments, the device controller 204 of the debugging device 190 may receive communication signals from one or more of the electrical devices 102. In this case, the control engine 206 of the device controller 204 may use protocol 232 and / or algorithm 233 to receive and interpret the content of such communication signals. In some cases, the control engine 206 of the device controller 204 may use protocol 232 and / or algorithm 233, as well as measurements from one or more sensor devices 265, to determine the characteristics of such communication signals (e.g., angle of arrival (AoA), RSSI value, frequency).

[0069] Control engine 206 can provide control, communication, and / or other similar signals to user 150 (including associated user system 155), network manager 180, electrical equipment 102, sensor device 165, and local controller 185. Similarly, control engine 206 can receive control, communication, and / or other similar signals from user 150 (including associated user system 155), network manager 180, electrical equipment 102, sensor device 165, and local controller 185.

[0070] Control engine 206 may communicate automatically (e.g., based on one or more algorithms 233 stored in repository 230) and / or based on control, communication, and / or other similar signals received from another device (e.g., user system 155, local controller 185) with each electrical device 102, network manager 180, and / or one or more local controllers 185. Control engine 206 may include a printed circuit board on which one or more discrete components of hardware processor 220 and / or device controller 204 are mounted.

[0071] In some embodiments, the control engine 206 of the device controller 204 can communicate with one or more components of a system external to system 100 to facilitate the commissioning of one or more electrical devices 102 within space volume 199 of system 100. For example, the control engine 206 can interact with an inventory management system by ordering replacement parts for commissioning devices 190 that the control engine 206 has determined to be faulty or about to fail. As another example, when the control engine 206 determines that commissioning device 190 or a portion thereof requires maintenance or replacement, the control engine 206 can interact with a labor dispatch system by scheduling a maintenance team to repair or replace commissioning device 190 (or a portion thereof). In this way, the device controller 204 is able to perform functions beyond what can reasonably be considered routine tasks.

[0072] In some example embodiments, control engine 206 may include an interface that enables control engine 206 to communicate with one or more components of commissioning device 190, such as power supply 240. For example, if power supply 240 of commissioning device 190 operates under IEC standard 62386, then power supply 240 may include a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI). In this case, control engine 206 may also include DALI to enable communication with power supply 240 within commissioning device 190. Such an interface may operate in conjunction with or independently of protocol 232 for communication between device controller 204 and user 150 (including associated user system 155), network manager 180, electrical equipment 102, sensor device 165, and local controller 185.

[0073] The control engine 206 (or other components of the device controller 204) may also include one or more hardware and / or software architecture components to perform its functions. Such components may include, but are not limited to: a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), a direct-attached capacity (DAC) storage device, an analog-to-digital converter, and an internal integrated circuit (I2C). 2 C) and pulse width modulator (PWM).

[0074] The communication network of system 100 (using communication link 105) can have any type of network architecture. For example, the communication network of system 100 can be a mesh network. As another example, the communication network of system 100 can be a star network. When device controller 204 includes energy storage devices (e.g., batteries as part of power module 212), even more power can be saved during the operation of system 100. Furthermore, using time synchronization communication protocol 232, data transmitted between device controller 204 and user 150 (including associated user system 155), network manager 180, sensor device 165, local controller 185, and electrical equipment 102 can be secure.

[0075] The communication module 208 of the device controller 204 determines and implements the communication protocol (e.g., protocol 232 from repository 230) used when the control engine 206 communicates (e.g., sends signals to or receives signals from) the user 150 (including associated user system 155), network manager 180, electrical device 102, sensor device 165, and / or local controller 185. In some cases, the communication module 208 accesses stored data 234 to determine which communication protocol is within the capabilities of the electrical device 102, user system 155, local controller 185, and / or network manager 180 for communication signals sent by the control engine 206. Furthermore, the communication module 208 can interpret the communication protocol of communication signals received by the device controller 204 (e.g., from local controller 185, from electrical device 102), enabling the control engine 206 to interpret the content of the communication signals.

[0076] Communication module 208 can send and receive data between network manager 180, sensor device 165, sensor device 265, electrical device 102, local controller 185 and / or user 150 (including associated user system 155) and device controller 204. Communication module 208 can send and / or receive data in a given format conforming to specific protocol 232. Control engine 206 can use protocol 232 stored in repository 230 to interpret data packets received from communication module 208. Control engine 206 can also facilitate data transfer between one or more sensor devices 265 and device controller 204, network manager 180, electrical device 102, local controller 185 and / or user 150 (including associated user system 155) by converting data into a format understood by communication module 208.

[0077] Communication module 208 can directly send data to repository 230 (e.g., protocol 232, stored data 234) and / or directly retrieve data from repository 230. Alternatively, control engine 206 can facilitate data transfer between communication module 208 and repository 230. Communication module 208 may also provide encryption of data sent by device controller 204 and decryption of data received by device controller 204. Communication module 208 may also provide one or more of some other services regarding data sent from and received by device controller 204. Such services may include, but are not limited to, data packet routing information and procedures followed in the event of data interruption.

[0078] The timer 210 of the device controller 204 can track clock time, time intervals, time quantities, and / or any other measurement of time. The timer 210 can also count the number of events that occur, whether or not they are time-related. Alternatively, the control engine 206 can perform the counting function. The timer 210 is capable of tracking multiple time measurements simultaneously. The timer 210 can be used to assist in measuring one or more characteristics, such as the time of flight (ToF) of one or more communication signals (e.g., RF signals), the signal strength of the communication signals (e.g., RSSI value), or the frequency of the communication signals, even simultaneously. The timer 210 can track time periods based on instructions received from the control engine 206, instructions received from another component (e.g., user 150 (including associated user system 155, network manager 180)), instructions programmed in the software used by the device controller 204, some other condition, or from some other component, or any combination thereof.

[0079] Timer 210 can be configured to track time using, for example, a supercapacitor or a backup battery, when no power is supplied to device controller 204 (e.g., power module 212 fails). In this case, when power supply to device controller 204 is restored, timer 210 can transmit any aspect of time to device controller 204. In this case, timer 210 may include one or more of some components (e.g., supercapacitor, integrated circuit) to perform these functions.

[0080] The power module 212 of the device controller 204 provides power to one or more other components of the device controller 204 (e.g., timer 210, control engine 206). Additionally, in some example embodiments, the power module 212 may provide power to the power supply 240 of the debugging device 190. The power module 212 may include one or more of a plurality of discrete components (e.g., transistors, diodes, resistors) and / or a microprocessor. The power module 212 may include a printed circuit board on which the microprocessor and / or one or more discrete components are mounted. In some cases, the power module 212 may include one or more components that allow the power module 212 to measure one or more elements (e.g., voltage, current) of the power supplied to and / or sent from the power module 212.

[0081] Power module 212 may include one or more components (e.g., transformer, diode bridge, inverter, converter) that receive power from a source (e.g., via cable) external to power source 240 and / or commissioning equipment 190. Power module 212 can then subsequently generate power of a type (e.g., AC, DC) and level (e.g., 12V, 24V, 120V) that can be used by other components of device controller 204. Furthermore, or alternatively, power module 212 itself may be or include a power source to provide signals to other components of device controller 204 and / or power source 240. For example, power module 212 may be or include an energy storage device (e.g., battery). As another example, power module 212 may be or include a localized photovoltaic power system.

[0082] Power module 212 can use a closed control loop to maintain a pre-configured voltage or current at the output with precise tolerances. Power module 212 can also protect other electronic equipment in commissioning equipment 190 (e.g., hardware processor 220, transceiver 224) from surges generated in the line. Power module 212 can also have sufficient isolation in its associated components (e.g., transformers, optocouplers, current and voltage limiting devices) to ensure that power module 212 is proven to provide power to intrinsically safe circuitry.

[0083] In some example embodiments, the power module 212 of the device controller 204 may also directly or indirectly provide power and / or control signals to one or more sensor devices 265. In this case, the control engine 206 can direct the power generated by the power module 212 to the sensor devices 265 and / or power supply 240 of the debugging device 190. In this way, when the sensor devices 265 and / or power supply 240 of the debugging device 190 require power, as determined by the control engine 206, power can be saved by sending power to these devices.

[0084] The hardware processor 220 of the device controller 204 executes software according to one or more example embodiments. Specifically, the hardware processor 220 may execute software on the control engine 206 or any other part of the device controller 204, as well as software used by the user 150 (including associated user system 155), network manager 180, sensor devices 165, 265, one or more local controllers 185, and / or one or more electrical devices 102. In one or more example embodiments, the hardware processor 220 may be or include an integrated circuit (IC), a central processing unit, a multi-core processing chip, a multi-chip module including multiple multi-core processing chips, or other hardware processors. The hardware processor 220 may be referred to by other names, including but not limited to computer processors, microprocessors, and multi-core processors.

[0085] In one or more example embodiments, hardware processor 220 executes software instructions stored in memory 222. Memory 222 includes one or more cache memories, main memory, and / or any other suitable type of memory. According to some example embodiments, memory 222 is discretely located within device controller 204 relative to hardware processor 220. In some configurations, memory 222 may be integrated with hardware processor 220.

[0086] In some example embodiments, device controller 204 does not include hardware processor 220. In this case, as an example, device controller 204 may include one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), and / or one or more integrated circuits (ICs). Using FPGAs, IGBTs, ICs, and / or other similar devices known in the art allows device controller 204 (or portions thereof) to be programmable and operate according to certain logical rules and thresholds without the need for hardware processor 220. Alternatively, FPGAs, IGBTs, ICs, and / or similar devices may be used in conjunction with one or more hardware processors 220.

[0087] The transceiver 224 of the device controller 204 can transmit (using a transmitter) and / or receive (using a receiver) control and / or communication signals, including RF signals. Specifically, the transceiver 224 can be used to transfer data between the device controller 204 and user 150 (including associated user system 155), network manager 180, electrical device 102, one or more sensor devices 165, 265, and / or one or more local controllers 185. The transceiver 224 can use wired and / or wireless technologies. The transceiver 224 can be configured such that the control and / or communication signals transmitted and / or received by the transceiver 224 can be received and / or transmitted by another transceiver that is part of user 150 (including associated user system 155), network manager 180, electrical device 102, one or more sensor devices 165, 265, and / or local controller 185.

[0088] When transceiver 224 uses wireless technology, any type of wireless technology can be used by transceiver 224 to transmit and receive communication signals (e.g., RF signals). Such wireless technologies may include, but are not limited to, Wi-Fi, visible light communication, infrared, cellular networking, 802.15.4 wireless, 5G cellular wireless, Zigbee, BLE, UWB, and Bluetooth. For example, transceiver 224 may include a Zigbee transmitter, a Zigbee receiver, a BLE receiver, a BLE transmitter, an active IR transmitter, and / or an active IR receiver. When transmitting and / or receiving communication signals including RF signals, transceiver 224 may use one or more of any number of suitable communication protocols (e.g., ISA100, HART). Such communication protocols may be stored in protocol 232 of repository 230. Furthermore, any transceiver information used by user 150 (including associated user system 155), network manager 180, electrical equipment 102, sensor devices 165, 265 and / or local controller 185 may be part of the stored data 234 (or similar area) of repository 230.

[0089] Optionally, in one or more example embodiments, security module 228 protects interactions between device controller 204, user 150 (including associated user system 155), network manager 180, electrical equipment 102, sensor devices 165, 265, and / or local controller 185. More specifically, security module 228 authenticates communications from software based on a security key that verifies the identity of the communication source. For example, user software may be associated with a security key that enables software in user system 155 of user 150 to interact with device controller 204 of debugging device 190. Furthermore, in some example embodiments, security module 228 may restrict the receipt of information, requests for information, and / or access to information.

[0090] As described above, in addition to the device controller 204 and its components, the debug device 190 may include a power supply 240, one or more sensor devices 265, and a user interface 229. The power supply 240 of the debug device 190 provides power to one or more other components of the debug device 190 (e.g., the device controller 204). The power supply 240 may be substantially the same as or different from the power module 212 of the device controller 204. The power supply 240 may include one or more of a number of discrete components (e.g., transistors, diodes, resistors) and / or a microprocessor. The power supply 240 may include a printed circuit board on which the microprocessor and / or one or more discrete components are mounted.

[0091] Power source 240 may include one or more components (e.g., transformer, diode bridge, inverter, converter) that receive power (e.g., via cable) or send power to power module 212 of device controller 204. Power source 240 may generate power of a type (e.g., AC, DC) and level (e.g., 12V, 24V, 120V) that can be used by a power receiver (e.g., sensor device 265, device controller 204). Alternatively, power source 240 may receive power from an external source of commissioning device 190. Alternatively, power source 240 may be itself a power source or include a power source. For example, power source 240 may be or include an energy storage device (e.g., battery), a localized photovoltaic power system, or some other independent power source.

[0092] Each of the one or more sensor devices 265 in the debugging device 190 may include any type of sensing device that measures one or more parameters. Examples of the types of sensor devices 265 may include, but are not limited to: cameras, passive infrared sensors, phototubes, pressure sensors, airflow monitors, gas detectors, and resistance temperature detectors. Examples of parameters measured by the sensor devices 265 may include, but are not limited to: characteristics of communication signals (e.g., AoA, RSSI values), identification of electrical equipment 102, occupancy rate in space volume 199, motion in space volume 199, temperature, gas level, humidity level, ambient light level in space volume 199, and pressure waves.

[0093] In some cases, one or more parameters measured by sensor device 265 can be used to trigger a response when one or more communication signals are broadcast or otherwise transmitted by device controller 204. Additionally, or in alternative embodiments, according to certain example embodiments, one or more parameters measured by sensor device 265 can be used to locate one or more electrical devices 102. For example, if sensor device 265 is configured to detect the presence of a communication signal broadcast by electrical device 102, then sensor device 265 can forward the communication signal (or a portion thereof) to control engine 206 and / or directly to local controller 185.

[0094] Sensor device 265 may be an integrated sensor (sometimes also referred to as integrated sensor device 265). An integrated sensor has the ability to sense and measure at least one parameter and to communicate with another component (e.g., one or more electrical devices 102, local controller 185). The communication capabilities of sensor device 165 as an integrated sensor may include one or more communication devices configured to communicate with, for example, device controller 204 of debugging device 190, electrical device 102, local controller 185, user system 155, and / or network manager 180. For example, integrated sensor device 265 may include a camera, a transceiver (a combination of transmitter and receiver) that uses Zigbee to send and receive communication signals (e.g., regarding local controller 185), and a transmitter that uses BLE (e.g., to one or more electrical devices 102) to transmit communication signals.

[0095] Each sensor device 265 (whether integrated or not) can use one or more of a set of communication protocols. This allows sensor device 265 to communicate with one or more components of system 100, such as control engine 206 of device controller 204, electrical equipment 102, local controller 185, or one or more other integrated sensor devices 165. The communication capabilities of sensor device 265 as an integrated sensor can be dedicated to sensor device 265 and / or shared with device controller 204 of debugging device 190. When system 100 includes multiple integrated sensor devices 265 (e.g., through multiple debugging devices 190), one integrated sensor device 265 can communicate directly or indirectly with one or more other integrated sensor devices in system 100.

[0096] If the communication capabilities of sensor device 265, as an integrated sensor, are dedicated to sensor device 265, then sensor device 265 may include one or more components (e.g., transceiver 224, communication module 208) or portions thereof that are substantially similar to the corresponding components described above with respect to device controller 204. Sensor device 265 may be integrated with debugging device 190, may be a standalone device, and / or may be integrated with another component in system 100. Sensor device 265 may be located within the housing of debugging device 190, disposed on the housing of debugging device 190, or located outside the housing of debugging device 190.

[0097] In some example embodiments, sensor device 265 may include an energy storage device (e.g., a battery) for providing power at least partially to some or all of the sensor device 265. In this case, the energy storage device may be the same as or independent of the energy storage device or other power source 240 of the debugging device 190. Optional energy storage devices of sensor device 265 may operate at any time or when the power source 240 of the debugging device 190 is interrupted. Furthermore, sensor device 265 may utilize or include one or more components (e.g., memory 222, storage device 230, transceiver 224) found in device controller 204. In this case, device controller 204 may provide the functionality of these components used by sensor device 265. Alternatively, sensor device 265 may independently or responsibly include one or more components of device controller 204, either with or without the consent of device controller 204. In this case, sensor device 265 may correspond to the following regarding… Figure 3 The computer system described.

[0098] Figure 3 The illustration depicts one embodiment of a computing device 318 that implements one or more of the various techniques described herein and represents, in whole or in part, the elements described herein according to certain exemplary embodiments. For example, a device controller 204 of a debug device 190 (including its components such as a control engine 206, a hardware processor 220, a repository 230, and a transceiver 224) can be considered computing device 318. Computing device 318 is an example of a computing device and is not intended to imply any limitation on the use or functional scope and / or possible architecture of the computing device. Computing device 318 should also not be construed as having any dependency or requirement associated with any one or combination of the components illustrated in the example computing device 318.

[0099] The computing device 318 includes one or more processors or processing units 314, one or more memory / storage components 315, one or more input / output (I / O) devices 316, and a bus 317 that allows the various components and devices to communicate with each other. The bus 317 represents one or more of any of several types of bus architectures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a wide variety of bus architectures. The bus 317 includes wired and / or wireless buses.

[0100] Memory / storage component 315 represents one or more computer storage media. Memory / storage component 315 includes volatile media (such as random access memory (RAM)) and / or non-volatile media (such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, optical disk, magnetic disk, etc.). Memory / storage component 315 includes fixed media (such as RAM, ROM, fixed hard disk drive, etc.) and removable media (such as flash drives, removable hard disk drives, optical disks, etc.).

[0101] One or more I / O devices 316 allow clients, utilities, or other users to input commands and information into computing device 318, and also allow information to be presented to clients, utilities, or other users and / or other components or devices. Examples of input devices include, but are not limited to, keyboards, cursor control devices (e.g., mice), microphones, touchscreens, and scanners. Examples of output devices include, but are not limited to, display devices (e.g., monitors or projectors), speakers, outputs to lighting networks (e.g., DMX cards), printers, and network interface cards (NICs).

[0102] This document describes various techniques in the general context of software or program modules. Generally, software includes routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. The implementations of these modules and techniques are stored on or transmitted through some form of computer-readable medium. A computer-readable medium is any available non-transitory medium or media accessible to a computing device. By way of example and not limitation, a computer-readable medium includes "computer storage media."

[0103] "Computer storage media" and "computer-readable media" include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to: computer-recordable media, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical storage devices, magnetic tape cassettes, magnetic tape, disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other media used to store desired information that can be accessed by a computer.

[0104] According to some exemplary embodiments, computer device 318 is connected to a network (not shown) via a network interface (not shown) (e.g., a LAN, a WAN such as the Internet, a cloud, or any other similar type of network). Those skilled in the art will understand that many different types of computer systems exist (e.g., desktop computers, laptop computers, personal media devices, mobile devices such as mobile phones or personal digital assistants, or any other computing system capable of executing computer-readable instructions), and in other exemplary embodiments, the aforementioned input and output devices take other forms now known or developed later. Generally, computer device 318 includes at least the minimum processing, input, and / or output means necessary for practicing one or more embodiments.

[0105] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that in some exemplary embodiments, one or more elements of the computer device 318 described above are located in remote locations and connected to other elements via a network. Additionally, one or more embodiments are implemented on a distributed system with one or more nodes, wherein each part of the implementation (e.g., control engine 206) resides on a different node within the distributed system. In one or more embodiments, a node corresponds to a computer system. Alternatively, in some exemplary embodiments, a node corresponds to a processor with associated physical memory. In some exemplary embodiments, a node may alternatively correspond to a processor with shared memory and / or resources.

[0106] Figure 4 A system 400, including commissioning equipment 490 located in a spatial volume 499, is illustrated according to certain example embodiments. The spatial volume 499 can be any internal and / or external space in which multiple electrical devices 402 can be located and commissioned. In this case, the spatial volume 499 is part of an office space having three zones of interest (zone 203, zone 303, and zone 403). For example, zones of interest could be different floors in a multi-story office building (as spatial volume 499), different departments in a shop (as spatial volume 499), different office suites on a single floor of a commercial space (as spatial volume 499), or different areas of a theater (as spatial volume 499).

[0107] There are multiple electrical devices in each region of interest. For example, electrical devices 202-1 to 202-X are located in region of interest 203. Electrical devices 302-1 to 302-Y are located in region of interest 303. Electrical devices 402-1 to 402-Z are located in region of interest 403. Figure 4 Electrical equipment 202, electrical equipment 302 and electrical equipment 402 are basically the same as those mentioned above. Figure 1 The electrical equipment 102 discussed is the same. Furthermore, Figure 4The debugging equipment 490 and the above Figure 1 and Figure 2 The debugging equipment 190 is basically the same. Electrical equipment 202-1 to electrical equipment 202-X, electrical equipment 302-1 to electrical equipment 302-Y and electrical equipment 402-1 to electrical equipment 402-Z represent all electrical equipment in system 400.

[0108] System 400 also includes three local controllers (local controller 285, local controller 385, and local controller 485). Local controller 285 controls electrical equipment 202 within area of ​​interest 203. Local controller 385 controls electrical equipment 302 within area of ​​interest 303. Local controller 485 controls electrical equipment 402 within area of ​​interest 403. Figure 4 The local controller is basically similar to the one mentioned above. Figure 1 The local controller 185 under discussion. When the commissioning process is complete, using the example embodiment, each of all electrical devices in system 400 will be assigned to and controlled by only one local controller (local controller 285, local controller 385, or local controller 485) in system 400. In this case, there is no network manager (such as...). Figure 1 The network manager 180), and therefore the local controllers in this example use communication link 405 to coordinate with each other.

[0109] Figure 4 The various components of the system 400 communicate with each other by transmitting communication signals 495 through the communication link 405. Figure 4 Communication link 405 and Figure 1 The communication link 105 is essentially the same. In this case, the commissioning device 490 can communicate directly with the electrical devices (electrical devices 202-1 to 202-X, electrical devices 302-1 to 302-Y, and electrical devices 402-1 to 402-Z) and the local controllers (local controllers 285, 385, and 485). The electrical devices in the regions of interest (regions of interest 203, 303, and 403) can communicate directly with the local controllers that control these electrical devices. Each local controller can communicate directly with each other. Figure 4 The communication signals 495 transmitted within the system 400 may include, but are not limited to, query signals, confirmation signals, identification signals, ungrouping signals, verification signals, and test signals.

[0110] As the commissioning process is performed, the example commissioning device 490 can be used to ensure that each electrical device is properly identified by the local controller and that each electrical device is within the appropriate region of interest, meaning that each electrical device is assigned to the appropriate local controller that controls that region of interest. The following is about... Figure 5 This section describes an example of how the debugging process can be performed using example implementations.

[0111] Figure 5 A flowchart of a method 598 for debugging electrical equipment using short-range signals, according to some example embodiments, is shown. Figures 6 to 11 It shows the following Figure 5 Method 598 illustrates various stages of using short-range signals to debug electrical equipment. Specifically, Figure 6 The time point consistent with step 581 of method 598 is shown. Figure 7 Another point in time between steps 581 and 582 of method 598 is shown. Figure 8 This shows another time point consistent with step 583 of method 598. Figure 9 This shows another time point consistent with step 587 of method 598. Figure 10 This shows another time point consistent with step 588 of method 598. Figure 11 This shows another time point that corresponds to step 589 or step 591 of method 598.

[0112] Although the various steps in method 598 are presented sequentially, those skilled in the art will understand that some or all of the steps may be performed in a different order, may be combined or omitted, and some or all of the steps may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, in one or more example embodiments, one or more steps shown in the example method may be omitted, repeated, and / or performed in a different order.

[0113] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the execution of this method may include... Figure 5 Additional steps are not shown. Therefore, the specific arrangement of the steps should not be interpreted as limiting the scope. Furthermore, in some example embodiments, such as those mentioned above... Figure 3 The specific computing devices discussed, such as computing devices, can be used to perform... Figure 5 One or more steps of the method shown. Any function performed by the device controller (e.g., device controller 204) of the debugging device (e.g., debugging device 190) may involve the use of one or more protocols (e.g., protocol 232), one or more algorithms (e.g., algorithm 233), and / or stored data (e.g., stored data 234) stored in a repository (e.g., repository 230).

[0114] Figure 5 The methods shown are merely examples that can be implemented using the example system described herein. In other words, besides... Figure 5 In addition to and / or besides those methods shown Figure 5The methods shown can be used by other methods to perform other functions in systems that use short-range signals for debugging electrical equipment. (See reference.) Figures 1 to 11 , Figure 5 The method 598 shown in the flowchart begins at the START step and proceeds in parallel to the step 581 of broadcasting a query signal. The query signal is broadcast by the device controller 204 of the debugging device 190 (e.g., debugging device 190-1, debugging device 190-2) using one or more protocols 232 and / or one or more algorithms 233. The query signal is broadcast using a wireless technology (e.g., BLE) with a broadcast range that covers only a portion of the area of ​​interest within the spatial volume 599. The query signal is a type of communication signal. The query signal is broadcast to the spatial volume 599, where multiple electrical devices 502 are located and undergoing debugging. Figures 5 to 11 The electrical equipment 502 is basically similar to that discussed above. Figure 1 Electrical equipment 102.

[0115] Before proceeding to step 581, the initial phase of the commissioning process can be completed. This initial phase of the commissioning process may involve the use of commissioning device 190 (e.g., commissioning device 190-1). Alternatively, the initial phase of the commissioning process can be performed without the use of commissioning device 190. This initial phase of the commissioning process involves the first power-on of electrical devices 502 (in this case, electrical devices 502-1, 502-2, 502-3, 502-4, 502-5, 502-6, and 502-7) after installation. In this example, the seven electrical devices 502 represent the total number of electrical devices to be commissioned in system 600. Once the commissioning process is completed using the example embodiment, each local controller 585 will control a subset of all electrical devices 502 without overlap, and each electrical device 502 is controlled by a local controller 585.

[0116] This initial phase of the commissioning process also involves numerous electrical devices 502 paired with the local controller 585 (e.g., local controller 585-1, local controller 585-2), in which case the local controller 585 generates and populates a table containing information about these paired electrical devices 502. For example, as Figure 6As shown, the local controller 585-1 has a broadcast range 594-3 surrounding all seven electrical devices 502 (electrical devices 502-1, 502-2, 502-3, 502-4, 502-5, 502-6, and 502-7). The entire area of ​​interest 503-1 is within the broadcast range 594-3 of the local controller 585-1. Because the local controller 585-1 typically communicates with the electrical devices 502 using communication signals in the form of RF signals (e.g., using Zigbee), communication between the local controller 585-1 and each electrical device 502 can penetrate ceilings, floors, walls, and other obstacles within the spatial volume 599.

[0117] As a result, when the initial phase of the commissioning process is completed, the table established by the local controller 585-1 includes all seven electrical devices 502, even though electrical devices 502-5, 502-6, and 502-7 are located in region of interest 603, which is controlled by the local controller 585-2, not the local controller 585-1. In some example embodiments, each electrical device 502 listed in the table for each local controller 585 during the commissioning process is marked as "incomplete," "incomplete," or some other similar designation, and remains so until pairing is confirmed using method 598. An example of a portion of such a table for the local controller 585-1 is shown below.

[0118] electrical equipment Confirmation status Electrical equipment type Electrical equipment attributes 502-1 Unconfirmed Lighting fixtures 502-2 Unconfirmed Lighting fixtures 502-3 Unconfirmed Lighting fixtures 502-4 Unconfirmed Lighting fixtures 502-5 Unconfirmed Lighting fixtures 502-6 Unconfirmed Lighting fixtures 502-7 Unconfirmed Lighting fixtures

[0119] Because all seven electrical devices 502 are within the communication range 594-3 of the local controller 585-1, they are all listed in a table established and maintained by the local controller 585-1 from the initial phase of the commissioning process. All seven electrical devices 502 are currently in an "Unconfirmed" state in the table. Furthermore, the "Electrical Device Attributes" field of this table currently contains no data (e.g., location data, descriptive data, ID information).

[0120] Figure 6 An example of system 600 at a time point consistent with step 581 of method 598 is shown. Figure 6 The system 600 includes a spatial volume 599 with two floors, each floor having its own area of ​​interest. Specifically, Figure 6The upper floor shown has a zone of interest 503-1, and the lower floor has a zone of interest 503-2. In this example, the only electrical equipment 502 is a ceiling-mounted light fixture. The upper floor within zone of interest 503-1, controlled by local controller 585-1, includes electrical equipment 502-1, electrical equipment 502-2, electrical equipment 502-3, and electrical equipment 502-4. The lower floor within zone of interest 503-2, controlled by local controller 585-2, includes electrical equipment 502-5, electrical equipment 502-6, and electrical equipment 502-7. While system 600 does not include a network manager (e.g., network manager 180) or any user (e.g., user 150) that includes any associated user system (e.g., user system 155), in alternative embodiments, system 600 may include one or more of these components.

[0121] Although this example focuses on local controller 585-1, a similar process can be followed for local controller 585-2, and the method 598 used for local controller 585-1 can be performed simultaneously or at different times. Figure 6 As shown, there is a debugger 160-1 with debugging equipment 190-1 on the upper floor of the space volume 599, and a debugger 160-2 with debugging equipment 190-2 on the lower floor of the space volume 599. Figure 6 Each commissioner 160, using their respective commissioning equipment 190, participates in a method 598 for the electrical equipment 502 within their respective floor's area of ​​interest 503 using their respective local controller 585.

[0122] Debugging device 190-1 has a communication range 594-1, and debugging device 190-2 has a communication range 594-2. Communication range 594-1 covers only a relatively small portion of region of interest 503-1, and communication range 594-2 covers only a relatively small portion of region of interest 503-2. Focusing on debugging device 190-1, the debugger 160-1 stands in a stationary position within region of interest 503-1 in spatial volume 599 and engages debugging device 190-1, causing debugging device 190-1 to broadcast a communication signal 595 using communication link 505. For example, communication signal 595 could be a query signal transmitted as an RF signal using BLE or other short-range signaling technologies. All electrical devices 502 can be equipped with a BLE receiver (e.g., part of the controller of electrical device 502).

[0123] As a result, electrical devices 502-1, 502-2, 502-5, and 502-6 receive communication signal 595 because they are within the communication range 594-1 of the commissioning device 190-1, while electrical devices 502-3, 502-4, and 502-7 do not receive communication signal 595 because they are outside the communication range 594-1 of the commissioning device 190-1. For example, as Figure 6 As shown, electrical equipment 502-1 receives communication signal 595-1, electrical equipment 502-2 receives communication signal 595-2, electrical equipment 502-5 receives communication signal 595-3, and electrical equipment 502-6 receives communication signal 595-4.

[0124] The location within the spatial volume 599 of the broadcast query signals (as communication signals 595) of the commissioning equipment 190-1 can be determined by the equipment controller 204 of the commissioning equipment 190-1. For example, the equipment controller 204 may communicate with the local controller 585-1 and / or has accessed a table maintained by the local controller 585-1 to determine which electrical devices 502 in the table are not currently acknowledged. Based on this information, when the next query signal is broadcast, the equipment controller 204 can suggest where the commissioning equipment 190-1 should be located.

[0125] In step 582, at least one acknowledgment signal is received from the local controller 585. The device controller 204 of the debugging device 190 (e.g., debugging device 190-1, debugging device 190-2) receives the acknowledgment signal from the local controller 585 using one or more protocols 232 and / or one or more algorithms 233. The acknowledgment signal is broadcast to the area of ​​interest 503-1 within the spatial volume 599 using wireless technology (e.g., Wi-Fi). In some example embodiments, the wireless technology used to broadcast the acknowledgment signal differs from the wireless technology used to broadcast the query signal in step 581. The acknowledgment signal may be in the form of a communication signal. The acknowledgment signal may be generated and transmitted by the local controller 585 in response to the local controller 585 receiving one or more identification signals (another form of communication signal) from one or more electrical devices 502.

[0126] In some example embodiments, the acknowledgment signal only includes electrical devices 502 that have sent an identification signal and are listed in a table maintained by the local controller 585 as having an unacknowledged status. In other words, identification signals received by the local controller 585 from electrical devices 502 whose status in the table maintained by the local controller 585 has been acknowledged are ignored. Similarly, identification signals received by the local controller 585 from electrical devices 502 that are not listed in the table maintained by the local controller 585 are ignored. Each identification signal that may be generated and sent by electrical device 502 serves as an acknowledgment that electrical device 502 has received a query signal broadcast by the commissioning device 190.

[0127] For example, proceed to the time point corresponding to step 582 of method 598. Figure 7 Received Figure 6 Communication signal 595 in (e.g., relative to) Figure 7 In the past few microseconds (as shown), electrical device 502 uses communication link 505 to generate and send a communication signal 695 in the form of an identification signal to local controller 585-1. Communication signal 695 may be an RF signal transmitted using, for example, Zigbee. As an identification signal, communication signal 695 may include information such as the identification of electrical device 502 (e.g., UUID) and acknowledgment that electrical device 502 has received communication signal 595 broadcast by debugging device 190-1.

[0128] Specifically, electrical device 502-1 generates communication signal 695-1 and sends it to local controller 585-1. Electrical device 502-2 generates communication signal 695-2 and sends it to local controller 585-1. Electrical device 502-5 generates communication signal 695-5 and sends it to local controller 585-1. Electrical device 502-6 generates communication signal 695-6 and sends it to local controller 585-1. Once local controller 585-1 receives all communication signals 695, it can use a table maintained by local controller 585-1 to check the information contained in the communication signals 695. If any information is missing from the table (e.g., electrical device 502 is not currently listed in the table), local controller 585-1 can appropriately update the table based on its own protocol (e.g., similar to protocol 232).

[0129] like Figure 8 As shown, the local controller 585-1 can also use the information contained in the communication signal 695 to generate and send a communication signal 895 in the form of an acknowledgment signal to the debugging device 190-1. Step 582 of method 598 is... Figure 8 They were captured in the middle. Figure 7The time point captured in the middle is then captured (e.g., a few microseconds) in Figure 8 The communication signal 895 is transmitted using communication link 505. Communication signal 895 can be an RF signal transmitted using, for example, Wi-Fi. As an acknowledgment signal, communication signal 895 can include information about how many electrical devices 502 (four in this example) have received the query signal (communication signal 595 in this example). Communication signal 895 can also include identification information about those receiving electrical devices 502 (in this example, electrical devices 502-1, 502-2, 502-5, and 502-6). Communication signal 895 can also include identification information about the local controller 585-1 as the transmitter of communication signal 895.

[0130] In some cases, the local controller 585-1 may send separate communication signals to electrical equipment 502 (e.g., electrical equipment 502-1). Figure 10 The communication signal 1095-1 shown is used to visually identify itself (e.g., causing the light source of electrical device 502 to flash for 10 seconds). When using one or more sensor devices 265, the commissioning operator 160-1 or commissioning device 190-1 can confirm which electrical device 502 is flashing by sending a communication signal from the commissioning device 190-1 to the local controller 585-1. For example, such a communication signal can instruct the local controller 585-1 to assign the label “corridor fixture 3” from a table maintained by the local controller 585-1 to the selected electrical device 502 (e.g., electrical device 502-1). Such a communication signal may include other information for the local controller 585-1, such as configuration information for electrical device 502-1 (e.g., configuring the output of electrical device 502-1 to be controlled using an occupancy sensor or daylight sensor, setting the color temperature of electrical device 502-1, and setting the maximum light level of electrical device 502-1).

[0131] return Figure 5 In method 598, in step 583, a determination is made regarding whether an acknowledgment signal (communication signal 895 in this example) identifies at least one electrical device 502. In other words, a determination is made regarding whether any electrical device 502 has received the query signal broadcast by the debugging device 190-1 in step 581. This determination can be made by the device controller 204 of the debugging device 190-1 using one or more protocols 232 and / or one or more algorithms 233. If the acknowledgment signal identifies at least one electrical device 502, the process proceeds to step 586. If the acknowledgment signal does not identify at least one electrical device 502, the process proceeds to step 584.

[0132] In step 584, the broadcast range 594-1 is increased. The broadcast range 594-1 can be increased by the device controller 204 of the debugging device 190-1. Alternatively, the user 150 can manually increase the broadcast range 594-1 using the user interface 229 of the debugging device 190-1. As yet another alternative, the broadcast range 594-1 of the debugging device 190-1 can be increased by another component of the system 600 (e.g., network manager 180, local controller 585-1). The extent of the increase in the broadcast range 594-1 can be based on the guess of the debugger 160-1, on estimates from the device controller 204, local controller 585-1, or some other component of the system 600, on algorithm 233 and / or protocol 232, or on some other method. Increasing the broadcast range 594-1 of the debugging device 190-1 increases the likelihood that at least one electrical device 502 will receive subsequent communication signals (in the form of query signals) broadcast by the debugging device 190-1.

[0133] As an alternative to increasing the broadcast range 594-1 of the debugging device 190-1, the debugging device 190-1 can be moved to different locations within the area of ​​interest 503-1 in the spatial volume 599 while maintaining the broadcast range 594-1. This repositioning of the debugging device 190-1 within the area of ​​interest 503-1 can be prompted, for example, by instructions included in communication signals 895-1 sent to the debugging device 190-1 by the local controller 585-1. Alternatively, the device controller 204 of the debugging device 190-1 can generate instructions (e.g., using user interface 229) to the debugging operator 160-1 to move to different locations within the area of ​​interest 503-1. In any case, such instructions to the debugging operator 160-1 can include specific information about where to move (e.g., two steps east, three feet toward the front door). When step 584 is completed, the process returns to step 581.

[0134] In step 586, a determination is made regarding whether the acknowledgment signal (communication signal 895 in this example) identifies only one electrical device 502. In other words, a determination is made regarding whether multiple electrical devices 502 have received the query signal broadcast by the commissioning device 190-1 in step 581. In some cases, the number of electrical devices 502 included in the acknowledgment signal is compared to an acceptable or threshold range. If there are too many electrical devices, then the device controller 204 may make a determination to reduce the broadcast range 594-1 and broadcast another query signal to make the number of electrical devices 502 more manageable. Conversely, step 583 covers the other extreme, where the number of electrical devices 502 is too few (zero in this case), and therefore the broadcast range 594-1 is increased by the device controller 204. This determination may be made by the device controller 204 of the commissioning device 190-1 using one or more protocols 232 and / or one or more algorithms 233. If the acknowledgment signal identifies only one electrical device 502, the process proceeds to step 588. If the confirmation signal does not identify only one electrical device 502, the process proceeds to step 587.

[0135] In step 587, the broadcast range 594-1 is reduced. The broadcast range 594-1 can be reduced by the device controller 204 of the debugging device 190-1. Alternatively, the user 150 can manually reduce the broadcast range 594-1 using the user interface 229 of the debugging device 190-1. As yet another alternative, the broadcast range 594-1 of the debugging device 190-1 can be reduced by another component of the system 600 (e.g., network manager 180, local controller 585-1). The extent of the reduction in the broadcast range 594-1 can be based on the guess of the debugger 160-1, on estimates from the device controller 204, local controller 585-1, or some other component of the system 600, on algorithm 233 and / or protocol 232, or on some other method. Reducing the broadcast range 694-1 of the debugging device 190-1 is designed to reduce the number of electrical devices 502 that will receive subsequent communication signals (in the form of query signals) broadcast by the debugging device 190-1.

[0136] As an alternative to reducing the broadcast range 594-1 of the debugging device 190-1, the debugging device 190-1 can be moved to a different location within the area of ​​interest 503-1 in the spatial volume 599 while maintaining the broadcast range 594-1. This repositioning of the debugging device 190-1 within the area of ​​interest 503-1 can be prompted, for example, by instructions included in communication signals 895-1 sent to the debugging device 190-1 by the local controller 585-1. Alternatively, the device controller 204 of the debugging device 190-1 can generate instructions (e.g., using user interface 229) to the debugging operator 160-1 to move to a different location within the area of ​​interest 503-1. In any case, such instructions to the debugging operator 160-1 can include specific information about where to move (e.g., three steps north, four feet toward the stairwell door). When step 587 is completed, the process returns to step 581.

[0137] As an example, such as Figure 9 As shown, the communication range of the debugging device 190-1 is 994 times that of the standard device. Figure 6 The communication range 594-1 shown is smaller. In this case, the communication range 994 is only large enough to surround electrical devices 502-1 and 502-5, meaning that electrical devices 502-2 and 502-6 are outside the communication range 994. When the debugging device 190-1 sends a subsequent communication signal 995 in the form of a query signal (which occurs under the repetition of step 581), electrical device 502-1 receives communication signal 995-1, and electrical device 502-5 receives communication signal 995-2.

[0138] In step 588, a determination is made regarding whether electrical device 502 is located within region of interest 503-1. This determination may be made by the device controller 204 of commissioning device 190-1 using one or more sensor devices 265 (e.g., camera, phototube), electrical device identification software, one or more protocols 232, and / or one or more algorithms 233. Alternatively, the determination may be made by the commissioning operator 160-1 interacting with the user interface 229 of commissioning device 190-1. The determination may be based on specific or limited operations of electrical device 502. For example, when electrical device 502 is a luminaire, specific or limited operations may include blinking the light source for five seconds. As another example, when electrical device 502 is a luminaire, specific or limited operations may include gradually dimming the light source from full illumination to no illumination over ten seconds.

[0139] Specialized or limited operation of electrical equipment 502 can be collaboratively controlled by local controller 585-1 and commissioning equipment 190-1. In some example embodiments, electrical equipment 502 is within the region of interest 503-1 when the commissioning operator 160-1 and / or commissioning equipment 190-1 are within the line of sight of electrical equipment 502. For example, as Figure 10 As shown, electrical equipment 502-1 and electrical equipment 502-5 receive from Figure 9 The debugging equipment 190-1 broadcasts a query signal 995, and the local controller 585-1 can send a communication signal 1095 in the form of a command signal. Specifically, the local controller 585-1 sends a communication signal 1095-1 to the electrical equipment 502-1, instructing the electrical equipment 502-1 to flash for 10 seconds. In addition, the local controller 585-1 sends a communication signal 1095-2 to the electrical equipment 502-5, instructing the electrical equipment 502-5 to emit a red light for 5 seconds.

[0140] If the commissioning personnel 160-1 and / or commissioning equipment 190-1 can see the test, as is the case with electrical equipment 502-1 because they have a line of sight to each other, then electrical equipment 502-1 is in the area of ​​interest 503-1. On the other hand, if the commissioning personnel 160-1 and / or commissioning equipment 190-1 cannot see the test (as is the case with electrical equipment 502-5 because they are on different floors), then electrical equipment 502-5 is not in the area of ​​interest 503-1. If electrical equipment 502 is in the area of ​​interest 503-1, then the process proceeds to step 589. If electrical equipment 502 is not in the area of ​​interest 503-1, then the process proceeds to step 591.

[0141] In step 589, a verification signal is sent to the local controller 585-1. The verification signal can be in the form of a communication signal. For example, refer to... Figure 11 The verification signal can be in the form of a communication signal 1195 sent from the commissioning device 190-1 to the local controller 585-1. The verification signal can be sent by the device controller 204 of the commissioning device 190-1 using communication link 505. The verification signal may include information confirming to the local controller 585-1 that the electrical device 502-1 is within the area of ​​interest 503-1. The verification signal may also include other information about the electrical device 502-1, such as identification information (e.g., type of luminaire, location of luminaire). The identification information can be provided by the commissioning operator 160-1 to the device controller 204 of the commissioning device 190-1 via user interface 229 and / or via one or more sensor devices 265.

[0142] In some cases, the local controller 585-1 may send a response signal (another form of communication signal 1195) in an attempt to obtain more information from the commissioning operator 160-1 and / or the commissioning device 190-1. In this case, in response, the commissioning device 190-1 may send another communication signal 1195 to the local controller 585-1. Upon receiving the verification signal, the local controller 585-1 may update its table accordingly. Furthermore, in some cases, the local controller 585-1 may respond to the verification signal by notifying the network manager (e.g., network manager 180) and / or another local controller 585 (in this case, local controller 585-2) that electrical device 502 (in this case, electrical device 502-1) has been confirmed as controlled by the local controller 585-1. This allows the local controller 585-2 to update its table by removing electrical device 502-1 if the table includes electrical device 502-1 at that point in time. When step 589 is completed, the process may proceed to the end (END) step. Alternatively, the debugger 160-1 can move the debugger 190-1 to a new location within the area of ​​interest 503-1 and restart method 598.

[0143] In step 591, a disconnect signal is sent to the local controller 585-1. The disconnect signal can be in the form of a communication signal. For example, refer to... Figure 11 The ungrouping signal can be another form of communication signal 1195. The ungrouping signal can be sent by the device controller 204 of the commissioning device 190-1 using communication link 505. The ungrouping signal may include information confirming to the local controller 585-1 that the electrical device 502-5 is outside the area of ​​interest 503-1. Communication signal 1195 (e.g., verification signal, response signal, ungrouping signal) can be an RF signal. Upon receiving the ungrouping signal, the local controller 585-1 can update its tables accordingly.

[0144] Furthermore, in some cases, local controller 585-1 may respond to a degrouping signal by notifying the network manager (e.g., network manager 180), an ungrouped or unpaired electrical device 502, and / or another local controller 585 (in this case, local controller 585-2). Electrical device 502 (in this case, electrical device 502-5) is not controlled by local controller 585-1. When such a communication signal is sent by local controller 585-1 to electrical device 502-5, electrical device 502-5 can be instructed to unpair itself from local controller 585-1. When this occurs, electrical device 502-5 can find another local controller 585 (e.g., local controller 585-2) to which it is paired. When step 591 is completed, the process can proceed to the end (END) step. Alternatively, commissioning operator 160-1 can move commissioning equipment 190-1 to a new location within area of ​​interest 503-1 and restart method 598.

[0145] In some cases, step 586 is optional. In this case, step 588 can be determined for multiple electrical devices 502. When this occurs, one electrical device 502 can be tested at a time (e.g., electrical device 502-1). When the testing of one electrical device 502 is completed, the commissioning device 190-1 can appropriately perform step 589 or step 591 before testing the next electrical device under step 588. An example of an update table for the local controller 585-1 based on the information in the communication signal 1195 of steps 589 and 591 is shown below.

[0146]

[0147] In this case, based on Figures 6 to 11 In the illustrated example, the status of electrical device 502-1 is changed to "Confirmed," and the description of electrical device 502-1 provided using commissioning device 190-1 is added to the table. Furthermore, all information regarding electrical device 502-5 has been removed from the table. This example embodiment enables the commissioning of multiple electrical devices in a system with multiple regions of interest by accurately and efficiently assigning subsets of electrical devices to appropriate regions of interest, and thus also to appropriate local controllers for those electrical devices within the control subset. This example embodiment can be performed automatically and / or with the assistance of input from the commissioning engineer. This example embodiment can save time, resources, and manage new installations or changes to the system.

[0148] Although the embodiments described herein are made with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications are fully within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments described herein are not limited to any specific application discussed, and that the embodiments described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Equivalents of the elements shown in the description of the exemplary embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the manner in which other embodiments are constructed using this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the exemplary embodiments is not limited herein.

Claims

1. A commissioning apparatus (190) for commissioning multiple electrical devices (502), the commissioning apparatus (190) comprising: Debugging device controller (204), which includes a transmitter and a receiver (224), wherein the debugging device controller is configured to: The transmitter uses a first wireless communication technology to broadcast a first query signal (595) from a location in the spatial volume (599) within a first broadcast range (594) covering a portion of the region of interest (503-1) within the spatial volume (599). The receiver receives a first acknowledgment signal (895) from a local controller (185, 585-1) using a second wireless communication technology, wherein the first acknowledgment signal includes an identifier of each of a first plurality of electrical devices (502) located within the first broadcast range of the first query signal received, and wherein the first plurality of electrical devices is a first subset of all electrical devices in the system; It is determined that more than one of the first plurality of electrical devices (502-1) is located in the region of interest within the spatial volume; At the transmitter, the first broadcast range of the first query signal is reduced to a second broadcast range, and then a second query signal having the second broadcast range is broadcast; The receiver receives a second acknowledgment signal (895) from the local controller (185, 585-1) using a second wireless communication technology, wherein the second acknowledgment signal includes an identifier of one of the first plurality of electrical devices (502) located within the second broadcast range of which the second query signal was received, and The transmitter is used to send a verification signal (1195) to the local controller, wherein the verification signal includes identification information about one of the first plurality of electrical devices.

2. The debugging apparatus of claim 1 further includes a sensor device communicatively coupled to the controller, wherein the sensor device is configured to detect a test of the electrical device, and wherein the detection test confirms that the electrical device is located in the region of interest, as transmitted by the sensor device to the controller.

3. The debugging device according to claim 1, wherein the debugging device controller is further configured to: Before broadcasting the first query signal, the transmitter uses the first wireless communication technology to broadcast a previous query signal within a third broadcast range from the location in the spatial volume; The receiver receives a prior acknowledgment signal from the local controller using the second wireless communication technology, wherein the prior acknowledgment signal includes an identifier of each of a second plurality of electrical devices located within the third broadcast range of which the prior query signal was received, wherein the second plurality of electrical devices is a second subset of all electrical devices in the system, and wherein the first plurality of electrical devices is among the second plurality of electrical devices; It was determined that the number of the second plurality of electrical devices exceeded an acceptable range; and Reduce the third broadcast range to the broadcast range.

4. The debugging device according to claim 1, wherein the debugging device controller further includes electrical device identification software that allows the debugging device controller to identify one of the first plurality of electrical devices.

5. The debugging device according to claim 1, further comprising a user interface (229) configured to receive the identification information regarding one of the first plurality of electrical devices.

6. The debugging device according to claim 5, wherein the user interface includes a touch screen.

7. The debugging device according to claim 1, wherein the first wireless communication technology is Bluetooth Low Energy, and wherein the second wireless communication technology is Wi-Fi.

8. The debugging device according to claim 1, wherein one of the first plurality of electrical devices is within the line of sight of the location.

9. The debugging device according to claim 1, wherein the debugging device controller is further configured to: Determining that the second electrical device among the first plurality of electrical devices is located outside the region of interest; and A disarming signal is sent to the local controller, wherein the disarming signal instructs the local controller to remove the second electrical device from a table maintained by the local controller, wherein the table includes a list of the first plurality of electrical devices controlled by the local controller.

10. A method (598) for commissioning multiple electrical devices, the method comprising: A first query signal (595) within a first broadcast range (594) is broadcast (581) from a location in a spatial volume (599) using a first wireless communication technology by a transmitter (224), wherein the first broadcast range covers a portion of the region of interest (503-1) within the spatial volume; The receiver (224) receives (582) a first acknowledgment signal (895) from the local controller (585) using a second wireless communication technology, wherein the first acknowledgment signal includes an identifier of each of a first plurality of electrical devices (502) located within the first broadcast range of the first query signal received, and wherein the first plurality of electrical devices is a subset of all electrical devices in the system; It is determined that (588) more than one of the plurality of electrical devices is located in the region of interest within the spatial volume; as well as At the transmitter, the first broadcast range of the first query signal is reduced to a second broadcast range, and then a second query signal having the second broadcast range is broadcast; The receiver receives a second acknowledgment signal (895) from the local controller (185, 585-1) using a second wireless communication technology, wherein the second acknowledgment signal includes an identifier of one of the first plurality of electrical devices (502) located within the second broadcast range of which the second query signal was received. The transmitter is used to send a verification signal (589) to the local controller, wherein the verification signal includes identification information about one of the first plurality of electrical devices.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the local controller sends the first acknowledgment signal in response to receiving a plurality of identification signals (695) from the plurality of electrical devices, and wherein the plurality of identification signals acknowledge receipt of the first query signal by the plurality of electrical devices.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: Before broadcasting (581) the first query signal, the transmitter broadcasts the query signal from the location in the spatial volume within the third broadcast range using the first wireless communication technology. It was determined that no electrical equipment received the previously requested query signal; as well as The third broadcast range is adjusted to the broadcast range, wherein the third broadcast range is larger than the broadcast range.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising: After receiving the first confirmation signal, a disarming signal is sent to the local controller, wherein the disarming signal instructs the local controller to remove at least one of the remaining portions of the first plurality of electrical devices from the table maintained by the local controller.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the query signal includes an instruction for each of the first plurality of electrical devices to send an identification signal to the local controller.

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