Partially connected device

Abstract

Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods that provide improved ways of providing operating instructions to devices, such as IoT devices. The present disclosure allows for controlling a substantially unlimited number of devices via a wireless network. The present disclosure does not require pre-planning of network architecture nor does it require manual management or maintenance of the number of control devices and end devices.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to managing devices using a combination of wireless networks and direct device-to-device communication. BACKGROUND

[0002] Smart devices are devices that can be remotely controlled via a device such as a smartphone, such as light bulbs, smart plugs, switches, etc. Such devices can be referred to as Internet of Things (IoT) devices. An IoT device is a device that contains at least one component that can be remotely operated via operating instructions (e.g. such as a light bulb or actuator). The operating instructions can be wirelessly communicated, for example over a wireless network.

[0003] US patent application US2013 / 0083722 A1 discloses a method of extending the coverage area of a cellular network for enabling a user of a wireless device to control an electrical appliance such as a lamp. To this end, it is proposed to let the wireless device (e.g. a cellular phone) communicate over a non-cellular interface with a base station in a cell of the cellular network via another wireless device in the cell by using multi-hop.

[0004] European patent application EP 3955642 A1 discloses another method of extending the coverage area of a cellular network, wherein a first user equipment has a relay role and relays communication between a base station and a second user equipment in a relay cell, and the roles of the user equipments are reversed when the signal conditions change. Also a combined role reversal of the user equipments in conjunction with a handover is disclosed.

[0005] US patent application US2019 / 0364510 A1 discloses a method for managing mobile computing devices in an emergency situation, the method comprising receiving an emergency message indicative of an emergency situation, the emergency message being distributed from a management computing system to any mobile computing device in an emergency area corresponding to the emergency situation, whereby critical smartphones disable remote communication functionality and enable local communication functionality to communicate with a management server via one or more other smartphones having a relay role.

[0006] A very wide range of IoT devices are available for different functions. Many of such devices need to be connected to the Internet in order to be remotely controlled. For example, in use, a smart device can be connected to a Wi-Fi network in order to access the Internet and thereby receive operating instructions.

[0007] Problems can arise when a user wishes to install a large number of IoT devices in a location, such as for example, a home or office. Each of these devices typically requires an internet connection to operate. As discussed above, this is typically in the form of a wireless connection to a Wi-Fi access point (AP). Consumer grade APs can only maintain connections to a relatively small number of devices at a time; a typical maximum number can be 30-50 devices simultaneously. For example, in a small office environment, if 10 employees each have a computer and a smart device each connected to the AP, then the AP will be close to its maximum number of connections that it can maintain. This can result in a maximum of 5-10 IoT devices being able to connect to the AP without the risk of an employee being unable to connect their device again.

[0008] In larger office environments where a large number of lighting devices, switches and plugs need to be connected to the network, it is clear that even enterprise grade APs can not be able to maintain a sufficient number of connections to allow all IoT devices to maintain an active connection. Therefore, a technical problem arises as to how to manage a large number of IoT devices. There is therefore a need to provide an alternative method for managing IoT devices.

[0009] There are existing solutions, such as the use of Zigbee networks. Zigbee networks use Zigbee coordinators, which maintain an internet connection (typically via a wireless connection to a Wi-Fi AP) and broadcast a Zigbee network. End devices are authenticated and connected to the Zigbee network and receive instructions via the network. Zigbee networks are similar to Wi-Fi networks, but use the IEEE 802.15.4 technology standard to define the operation of a low-rate wireless personal area network (LR-WPAN). SUMMARY

[0010] While existing solutions, such as the Zigbee system discussed above, reduce the number of devices that are directly connected to a Wi-Fi AP, Zigbee network controllers themselves are limited in the number of end devices that they can connect to simultaneously. Therefore, the structure of such a system must be planned in advance to ensure that a sufficient number of network controllers are used in order to manage the end devices. Furthermore, when new devices are added to the system, care must be taken to ensure that existing controllers can maintain connections.

[0011] Disclosed herein are devices, systems and methods that provide an improved way of providing operating instructions to devices, such as IoT devices. The present disclosure allows for the control of a substantially unlimited number of devices via a wireless network. The present disclosure does not require the network architecture to be planned in advance, nor does it require manual management or maintenance of the number of control devices and end devices.

[0012] According to a first aspect disclosed herein, there is provided a lighting device for use as one of a group of devices, the lighting device comprising: an application component configured to be operable by a remote operator via one or more operation instructions; a controller; and a wireless interface for connecting to a wireless network using a first wireless communication protocol and for receiving and transmitting broadcast messages using a second wireless communication protocol.

[0013] According to the first aspect, the lighting device is configured such that, in use, it is interchangeably operable in a proxy mode or a client mode in order to receive operation instructions; wherein in the proxy mode, the lighting device is configured to connect to the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol such that, in use, operation instructions are received via the connected wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol; and wherein when switching to the client mode, the lighting device is configured to disassociate from the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol; wherein in the proxy mode or the client mode, the lighting device is configured such that, in use, operation instructions are received via one or more input broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol.

[0014] According to the first aspect, the lighting device is further configured such that, in use, in response to receiving operation instructions using the first wireless communication protocol or the second wireless communication protocol, the operation instructions are forwarded by the lighting device in one or more output broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol; and when the lighting device is operating in the proxy mode, the controller switches the lighting device to operate in the client mode in response to at least one of: determining that a threshold number of other devices are connected to the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol; and the lighting device having received an operation instruction addressed to the lighting device to switch to the client mode using the first wireless communication protocol.

[0015] According to a second aspect disclosed herein, there is provided a corresponding method of operating a lighting device according to the first aspect.

[0016] According to a third aspect disclosed herein, there is provided a system comprising: a device according to the first aspect operating in the proxy mode; and a device according to the first aspect operating in the client mode; wherein, in use: the device operating in the proxy mode receives operation instructions via the connected wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol and, in response to the received operation instructions, forwards the operation instructions in one or more output broadcast messages via the second wireless communication protocol; the device operating in the client mode receives one or more input broadcast messages via the second wireless communication protocol, the one or more input broadcast messages corresponding to one or more output broadcast messages comprising operation instructions broadcast by the lighting device via the second wireless communication protocol; and the device operating in the client mode forwards operation instructions in one or more output broadcast messages via the second wireless communication protocol in response to the received operation instructions.

[0017] According to some embodiments disclosed herein, the device can initially operate in a "legacy mode" either as a regular Wi-Fi STA or alternatively as a Wi-Fi soft AP. When operating in legacy mode as a STA, the device will need to be provisioned, i.e. network credentials will need to be provided to allow the device to connect to a Wi-Fi AP. The device can operate in legacy mode as a default upon startup. For example, a user using a wired access or other customary provisioning process can provide the device with login credentials required to connect to a Wi-Fi AP, such as the Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) of the AP and a password. Alternatively, the device can initially start up in "legacy mode" as a soft AP, facilitating a provisioning device such as a mobile phone or tablet to connect to the soft AP and communicate. The provisioning device can then provide the device with network credentials of a Wi-Fi (infrastructure) AP. Thus, the provisioning process can take place using a Wi-Fi protocol, a Wi-Fi Direct protocol, or more alternatively a Bluetooth protocol.

[0018] A device operating in legacy mode can switch to operating in proxy / client mode in response to instructions provided from a remote server (e.g. in the cloud), after being triggered by a user, in response to determining that a threshold number of other devices connected to the Wi-Fi AP are also operating in legacy mode and / or by detecting that one or more other devices within a threshold range are capable of operating in proxy / client mode. In the case of a Wi-Fi system, by having devices (STAs) switch to client mode and disassociate from the Wi-Fi AP, the number of devices associated with the Wi-Fi AP can be reduced, and a second wireless communication protocol can be used to forward operational instructions from a remote operator to the client devices.

[0019] According to some embodiments disclosed herein, a device operating in client mode can intermittently connect to a wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol in order to download firmware updates. The connection can be triggered after a preset period of time has passed since the last connection, or can be triggered in response to instructions received from a remote server or from a user. Optionally, the proxy devices and the client devices, or alternatively the client devices, can coordinate the times at which they join / associate to the first wireless network in order to avoid associating too many devices at once, a simple solution can involve a round robin scheme or a time slot allocation.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the first wireless communication protocol is IEEE 802.11 operating in infrastructure mode, in which one or more access points use a basic service set (BSS) or an extended service set (ESS).

[0021] According to some embodiments, the second wireless communication protocol is based on Wi-Fi Direct, in which the IEE 802.11 protocol is used together with the peer-to-peer extensions from Wi-Fi Direct. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] To assist in the understanding of this disclosure and to show how the embodiments can be implemented, reference is made to the appended drawings, which are by way of example only and in which:

[0023] Figure 1 A device according to the present application is schematically illustrated.

[0024] Figure 2 A system according to the present application is schematically illustrated, comprising a device operating in proxy mode and a device operating in client mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Devices configured to operate in either proxy mode or client mode are described below. Methods of operating such devices and systems comprising two or more such devices are also described. By being able to operate interchangeably in either proxy mode or client mode, the present disclosure provides a solution in which the number of devices connected to a wireless network, such as a Wi-Fi network provided by a Wi-Fi AP, can be dynamically changed without requiring a change in the number or type of devices in the system. The devices can switch between operating in proxy mode and operating in client mode either automatically or in response to instructions transmitted by a remote operator. This solution is advantageous as it allows for an almost unlimited number of devices according to the present disclosure to be part of a system of devices without imposing any requirements on the wireless network or the type of devices required within the system.

[0026] Figure 1 An example of a device 100 according to embodiments disclosed herein is schematically illustrated. The device 100 comprises an application component 102, a controller 104 and a wireless interface 106. In some examples, the device 100 can also comprise a memory 108 configured to store information.

[0027] The application component 102 according to the present disclosure is a component configured to be operable by a remote operator via one or more operation instructions. In some examples, a device can comprise more than one application component 102. The remote operator can for example be a cloud-based control system managing a network of on-site application devices installed in a home or office environment. The application component can be for a single application such as a lighting application, including controllers (wireless switches) associated with wireless light bulbs or wirelessly connected luminaires, sensors (wireless presence sensors, daylight sensors), and actuators.

[0028] The controller 104 can be one or more computer chips. In some examples, the controller 104 can be a computer processor. As discussed in more detail below, in some examples, the controller 104 is configured to control the device 100 so as to perform various functions.

[0029] The wireless interface 106 is configured to communicate using at least two wireless communication protocols: a first wireless communication protocol and a second wireless communication protocol. The first wireless communication protocol is used to connect to a wireless network, thereby receiving operational instructions from a remote operator. The second wireless communication protocol is used to transmit and receive broadcast messages, thereby receiving and / or relaying operational instructions to / from other devices.

[0030] In some examples, the device 100 also includes a memory 108. The memory 108 can be any suitable memory for storing information. The memory 108 can be a non-volatile memory, such that information can be retained in the memory 108 even if the device 100 is powered off.

[0031] The device 100 is configured to be able to operate in either a proxy mode or a client mode. When operating in the proxy mode, the device 100 is configured to connect to a wireless network using the wireless interface 106, thereby receiving operational instructions from a remote operator. When switched to operate in the client mode, the device 100 is configured to disassociate from the wireless network, such that the device 100 does not connect to the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol. In some examples, the device 100 can not connect to the wireless network, e.g. once it is instructed to operate in the client mode and it has disassociated. In such examples, the device 100 is not “connected” or associated to the wireless network, in other words, the device is not attempting to transmit packets / messages within the network, and thus cannot disassociate from the wireless network. In such examples, the device 100 instead does not attempt to connect to the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol.

[0032] The device 100, when operating in the proxy mode or the client mode, is configured to be able to receive operation instructions. When operating in the proxy mode, the operation instructions can be received via the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol, or received via one or more broadcast messages received using the second wireless communication protocol. When operating in the client mode, the device 100 can only receive operation instructions by way of one or more broadcast messages received via the second wireless communication protocol. When operating in either mode, when the device 100 receives operation instructions, the device 100 is configured to relay the received operation instructions by transmitting the received operation instructions via one or more broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol. The broadcast messages thus represent a form of communication which allows for a reduction in the impact of the application components on the first wireless network resources, such as the number of devices that need to be associated to the AP. A further reduction in the impact can be achieved when the broadcast communication is additionally to be made out-of-band, for example using a different frequency band and / or channel, or even using a different radio.

[0033] The device 100 is configured such that, when operating in the proxy mode, the controller 104 switches the device from operating in the proxy mode to operating in the client mode. In some examples, the controller 104 is configured to switch the device in this way in response to a determination that a threshold number of devices are connected to the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 104 is configured to switch the device in this way in response to the device 100 having received an operation instruction addressed to the device 100 using the first wireless communication protocol to switch to the client mode.

[0034] In some examples, the determination that a threshold number of devices are connected to the wireless network can be made by the controller 104 of the device. For example, the controller 104 can detect that a plurality of other devices according to the present disclosure are also connected to the wireless network, and that therefore one or more devices should switch to the client mode so that fewer devices are connected to the wireless network.

[0035] In some examples, the determination that a threshold number of devices are connected to the wireless network can be made by a remote operator, such as a server located in the cloud. In some examples, the determination can be made by a user.

[0036] Figure 2An example of a system according to embodiments disclosed herein is schematically illustrated. The system comprises a first device 100 operating in a proxy mode and a second device 200 operating in a client mode. In the illustrated example, the first device 100 can be referred to as a proxy device and the second device 200 can be referred to as a client device. The first device 100 is connected to a wireless network using a first wireless communication protocol. In this example, the wireless network is formed and managed by a wireless network controller 300. The wireless network controller 300 can for example be a Wi-Fi wireless access point (WAP). The system according to the present disclosure requires at least one device operating in a proxy mode and at least one device operating in a client mode, however it should be appreciated that the system can comprise any number of additional devices operating in a proxy mode and any number of additional devices operating in a client mode; for simplicity, Figure 2 Only one example of each is illustrated.

[0037] As Figure 2 illustrated in the middle, the first device 100 maintains a connection 302 with the wireless network controller 300 using the first wireless communication protocol. The second device 200 does not maintain a connection with the wireless network controller 300. However, as discussed in more detail below, the second device 200 can periodically connect 304 to the wireless network managed by the wireless network controller 300, for example in order to download a firmware update. When connected to the wireless network controller 300, the second device 200 can remain in a client mode (and thus not receive operating instructions via the network controller 300), or can switch to operating in a proxy mode.

[0038] In some examples, the connection 302 between the first device 100 and the wireless network controller 300 using the first wireless communication protocol is a wireless local area network formed and managed by the wireless network controller 300. In some examples, to connect to the wireless network, the first device must request to join the wireless network and then must provide authentication information (e.g. a password) in order to be authorised to access the network. In some examples, when the connection is authenticated, the wireless network controller 300 stores identification information for the first device 100 so that the wireless network controller 300 knows that the first device 100 has been authorised to access the network. Similarly, after being authorised to access, the first device 100 can store in memory 108 so that the device 100 knows that it is connected to the wireless network. When connected to the wireless network, the device 100 and the wireless network controller 300 can be able to share information in the bidirectional communication link 302 without further authentication. In some examples, after establishing the connection 302 to the wireless network controller 300, the device 100 can establish a secure connection to the remote server 400. In some examples, the remote server 400 can be connected to the wireless network controller 300 via a local area network connection, in other examples, the remote server 400 can be connected to the wireless network controller via an internet connection. This will be discussed in detail below.

[0039] In some examples, when disconnecting from the wireless network (e.g. if the first device 100 switches from the proxy mode to the client mode), the first device informs the wireless network controller 300 that the first device is disconnecting from the wireless network. In some examples, the disconnection can be referred to as disassociating from the network. In response, the wireless network controller 300 can de-authorise the device 100, for example by removing stored information indicating that the device 100 is authorised. If in the future, the device 100 attempts to reconnect to the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol, the device 100 can need to provide authentication information using the same association procedure as a device joining the network for the first time in order to be allowed to reconnect to the wireless network.

[0040] In use, the first device 100 receives operational instructions (not shown) transmitted via the wireless network 302 using the first wireless communication protocol. In some examples, the operational instructions can be transmitted from the server 400 connected to the wireless network controller via a network connection and / or via an internet connection. As discussed above in relation to Figure 1 When the first device 100 receives the operational instructions, the first device 100 is configured to relay the received operational instructions by transmitting the received operational instructions via the one or more broadcast messages 110 using the second wireless communication protocol. Furthermore, when the second device 200 receives the operational instructions, the second device 200 is configured to relay the received operational instructions by transmitting the received operational instructions via the one or more broadcast messages 210 using the second wireless communication protocol.

[0041] Other examples of the functionality of the device according to the present disclosure will now be discussed in more detail.

[0042] In some examples, the operational instructions can comprise or consist of an application layer command comprising two or more of on, off and / or power save.

[0043] In some examples, the controller 104 can cause the device 100 to transmit a switch message to other devices connected to the wireless network. The switch message can allow the devices to coordinate the decision to switch from the proxy mode to the client mode in order to prevent all devices from switching from the proxy mode to the client mode (as at least one device must remain connected to the wireless network and operating in the proxy mode in order to relay the operational instructions to the other devices via the one or more broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol). In some examples, the switch message can cause the other devices to temporarily delay switching mode so that the device 100 can switch from the proxy mode to the client mode. In such examples, after the first device 100 has switched to operating in the client mode, the other devices can re-evaluate whether the threshold number of devices operating in the proxy mode is still reached. In some examples, when operating in the proxy mode, the device 100 can wait for a period of time upon receiving the switch message before determining whether the threshold number of devices is reached. In some examples, the period of time can be a randomly decided period of time between a pre-set upper and lower limit; this is advantageous as it can prevent multiple devices from simultaneously evaluating whether the threshold amount has been reached. In other examples, the switch message can inform the other devices that the first device 100 will remain in the proxy mode and that one of the other devices should switch instead.

[0044] In some examples, the threshold number of devices connected to the wireless network operating in the proxy mode can be a pre-set number of devices. In other examples, the threshold number of devices can be determined as a ratio between the number of devices operating in the proxy mode and the number of devices that have switched to operating in the client mode. In some examples, the ratio of proxy / client devices can be determined by a remote operator (e.g. a server operating in the cloud).

[0045] In some examples, the device can be configured so that when the device 100 is first switched on, the device must be provisioned. Provisioning involves providing the device 100 with authentication information in order to connect to a wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol. In some examples where the device 100 comprises a memory 108, the authentication information can be stored in the memory 108 so that after provisioning, the device is able to connect to any wireless network via the first wireless communication protocol using the access credentials stored in the memory 108.

[0046] For example, provisioning can be performed by a user using a device such as a smartphone. Provisioning can be performed using one or more broadcast messages received using the second wireless communication protocol. In some examples, the device 100 can transmit a broadcast message using the second wireless communication protocol in order to notify other devices that the device 100 requires provisioning information. In some examples, the device 100 can be configured to periodically transmit such a broadcast message until provisioning information is provided. In some examples, the device 100 can be configured such that upon receiving one or more broadcast messages requesting provisioning information from another device, the device 100 transmits the provisioning information stored in the memory 108 of the device 100 via one or more broadcast messages via the second wireless communication protocol.

[0047] In some examples, the device 100 can be configured such that after provisioning information is provided to the device 100, the device 100 connects to the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol. In some examples, the device 100 can be configured to operate in a "legacy mode" after first connecting to the wireless network. In legacy mode, the device receives operational instructions via the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol, but does not relay the operational instructions. When operating in legacy mode, the device functions in a similar manner to other known devices. The device 100 can then be switched to operate in a proxy mode or a client mode. The device 100 can be switched from legacy mode to proxy / client mode in response to instructions received by a remote operator, or in response to a determination that a threshold number of devices are connected to the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol. In some examples, the determination can be made by a remote operator or can be made by the controller 104.

[0048] The application component 102 according to the present disclosure can be any component configured to be operable by a remote operator via one or more operational instructions. In some cases, a device comprising such a component can be referred to as an IoT device.

[0049] In some examples, the operational instructions received by the device 100 via the first wireless communication protocol or the second wireless communication protocol each comprise a unique identifier. The unique identifier is a unique identifier for each operational instruction. The unique identifier allows the device to distinguish between operational instructions received by the device.

[0050] In some examples in which the device 100 further comprises a memory 108, the controller 104 of the device 100 can be configured to store the unique identifier of each operational instruction received by the device 100 in the memory 108 of the device 100.

[0051] In some examples in which the controller 104 of the device 100 is configured to store the unique identifier of the operation instruction, the controller 104 of the device is configured such that when an operation instruction is received by the device, the controller 104 compares the unique identifier of the operation instruction to the unique identifiers stored in the memory 108 of the device 100. This allows the controller 104 to determine whether the device 100 has previously received an operation instruction with the same unique identifier, and thus whether the operation instruction has already been received.

[0052] In some examples, if the controller 104 determines that the received operation instruction has the same unique identifier as a previously received operation instruction, the controller 104 is configured to prevent retransmission of the operation instruction via one or more broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol. In practice, this prevents the same operation instruction from being forwarded multiple times through a system comprising multiple devices. Alternatively or additionally, the broadcast messages can be equipped with a time-to-live counter, which is decreased at each hop, and no longer retransmitted when the number of hops reaches zero.

[0053] In some examples, the controller 104 of the device 100 can be configured to store only a limited number of unique identifiers in the memory 108. In such examples, the controller 104 stores the unique identifiers in the memory 108 in such a way that a chronological order of the operation instructions comprising the unique identifiers can be determined (e.g. by operating the memory as a FIFO). When the controller 104 determines that a preset number of unique identifiers has been stored in the memory 108, the oldest unique identifier stored in the memory 108 is removed, similar to a FIFO. The preset number of unique identifiers to be stored in the memory is determined such that repeated relaying of operation instructions with the same unique identifier is avoided, while also preventing the need for providing a large memory 108. Optionally, the entries in the memory can also be associated with a time stamp, thereby enabling pruning / deletion of FIFO memory entries that have expired and are no longer relevant. To this end, a predetermined maximum FIFO lifetime can be used as a threshold for deleting old FIFO memory entries.

[0054] In some examples, the operation instruction can comprise a device identifier. Such a device identifier can comprise, for example, a MAC address of the device. In such examples, the device identifier can allow the intended receiving device(s) of the operation instruction to be identified.

[0055] In one such example, the device identifier can identify a device to which the operation instruction is intended to be transmitted. In such an example, the device 100, upon receiving the operation instruction, can operate the application component 102 in response to the controller 104 determining that the operation instruction includes the device identifier corresponding to the device 100. In some examples, the controller 104 can prevent the device 100 from relaying the operation instruction if the controller 104 determines that the operation instruction includes the device identifier corresponding to the device 100.

[0056] In another example, the device identifier can identify a device (referred to as a transmitting device) that transmits the operation instruction via one or more broadcast messages. In such an example, other devices (referred to herein as receiving devices) can be configured such that upon receiving the operation instruction including the device identifier corresponding to the transmitting device, the receiving devices operate their respective application components. Such an example can allow devices to operate in groups of devices, rather than as individual devices.

[0057] In some examples, when operating in the client mode, the controller 104 can be configured to cause the device 100 to connect to the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol in order to check for availability of a firmware update. If the controller 104 determines that a firmware update is available, the controller 104 causes the device 100 to download and install the firmware update via the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol. In some examples, when connected to the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol, the device 100 can switch to operating in the proxy mode, or can continue to operate in the client mode. If the device 100 continues to operate in the client mode, the device 100 does not receive operation instructions via the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol.

[0058] In response to receiving the update instruction via the broadcast message received using the second wireless communication protocol, the controller 104 can cause the device 100 to connect to the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol to check for the firmware update. Alternatively, the controller 104 can cause the device 100 to connect to the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol to check for the firmware update after a preset time period has elapsed. The preset time period can be determined from when the controller 104 last checked for the firmware update.

[0059] In some examples, when the device 100 is operating in the client mode, an operating instruction received via one or more broadcast messages received using the second wireless communication protocol can request that the device 100 connect to the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol. This can be because, for example, an operating request of the application component 102 requests use of the wireless network. In such examples, the device 100 can continue to operate in the client mode, or can switch to operating in the proxy mode. In examples where the device switches to operating in the proxy mode, the controller 104 can transmit a message in order to notify other devices connected to the wireless network that the device 100 must connect to the wireless network in order to allow the application component 102 to use the wireless network. In such examples, the transmitted message can cause one or more other devices to switch from the proxy mode to the client mode if a determination is made that a threshold number of devices has been reached. Similarly, if the device 100 is operating in the proxy mode and receives a message indicating that another device that was previously operating in the client mode needs to switch to the proxy mode, the controller 104 can cause the device 100 to switch to operating in the client mode if a determination is made that a threshold number of devices operating in the proxy mode has been reached.

[0060] In some examples, the first wireless communication protocol can be any wireless network protocol suitable for connecting the device 100 to the internet via a wireless network protocol. In some examples, the first wireless communication protocol can be a wireless network using the IEEE 802.11 protocol. Such a wireless network can use the IEEE 802.11 protocol operating in infrastructure mode, where one or more access points use a basic service set (BSS) or an extended service set (ESS). In some examples, the wireless network to which the device 100 connects using the first wireless communication protocol can be a wireless network formed and managed by one or more wireless access points (WAPs). In such a network, one or more WAPs form and manage the wireless network and can provide internet access to devices connected to the wireless network. This type of wireless network is beneficial because it allows for high bandwidth connections between devices and the internet. In other examples, the first wireless communication protocol can be, for example, a Bluetooth network.

[0061] In some examples, the second wireless communication protocol can be any wireless peer-to-peer protocol suitable for transmitting broadcast messages. In some examples, the second wireless communication protocol is based on Wi-Fi Direct, where the IEE 802.11 protocol is used with peer-to-peer extensions from Wi-Fi Direct. In some examples, the broadcast message can be a P2P Public Action frame as defined in the Wi-Fi Direct standard. In other examples, the second wireless communication protocol can use, for example, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, or Zigbee inter-PAN broadcast messages.

[0062] In some examples, the broadcast messages and / or operational instructions can be encrypted. Encryption can be performed by the devices and / or by the remote server 400. The devices can be configured such that only encrypted operational instructions / broadcast messages are executed and / or relayed. Encryption can use, for example, a public-private key pair type of encryption. In such examples, encryption is performed by the trusted devices using the private key portion of the public-private key pair. Upon receiving the encrypted instructions / messages, the controller 104 of the device 100 can decrypt the encrypted messages using the public key portion of the public-private key pair. Using a public-private key pair method is beneficial as it allows any device (regardless of trustworthiness) to decrypt the broadcast messages, however only trusted devices can encrypt the instructions / messages.

[0063] In some examples using encryption, the encryption method can include a time-based unique value. Such a value would allow repeated messages to be identified, preventing an unauthorized user / device from re-transmitting the encrypted messages at a later time (replay attack).

[0064] In some examples, the controller 104 can be configured such that the device 100 transmits a heartbeat signal via one or more broadcast messages periodically using a second wireless communication protocol. The device 100 uses the second wireless communication protocol to transmit and receive broadcast messages. Unlike the first wireless communication protocol, the device does not connect to a network or maintain a connection with other devices using the second wireless communication protocol. Instead, the heartbeat signal can be used in order to allow the device to know of other devices operating within range of the broadcast messages.

[0065] In some examples, the device 100 can transmit the heartbeat signal at a pre-set interval. In some examples, the heartbeat signal can contain device identification information such that another device, upon receiving the heartbeat signal, is able to determine which device transmitted the heartbeat signal. In some examples, the device identification information can include the MAC address of the device transmitting the heartbeat signal.

[0066] In some examples, the heartbeat signals transmitted by the device 100 can include information identifying whether the device 100 is operating in proxy mode or client mode. In some examples, when the device 100 is operating in client mode, the controller 104 can switch the device 100 from operating in client mode to operating in proxy mode if the device 100 does not receive a heartbeat signal from another device operating in proxy mode after a predetermined period of time. In the event that a first device operating in proxy mode ceases to operate (for example, the first device can suffer a power cut or mechanical failure), it will stop transmitting heartbeat signals; a second device operating in client mode which has previously received relayed operational instructions from the first device will determine that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since receiving a heartbeat signal from the first device. The second device will thereby determine that the first device is no longer operating, and so the controller of the second device can cause the second device to switch to operating in proxy mode.

[0067] In some examples, the second device can not switch to operating in proxy mode if it receives one or more heartbeat signals from a further device operating in proxy mode during the predetermined period of time. In some examples, the second device will only switch to operating in proxy mode if no heartbeat signals are received from any other devices operating in proxy mode for the predetermined period of time. In some examples, after determining that one or more devices operating in proxy mode have ceased to transmit heartbeat signals, the second device can wait for a randomly determined period of time before switching to operating in proxy mode. This can be beneficial as it can prevent multiple devices operating in client mode from simultaneously switching to proxy mode, which can potentially interfere with the operation of the wireless network.

[0068] In some examples, the device 100 operating in client mode can periodically transmit a heartbeat signal via one or more broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol. In some examples, the heartbeat signal can be transmitted in response to receiving a heartbeat signal transmitted by a device operating in proxy mode.

[0069] In some examples in which a device operating in client mode transmits a heartbeat signal, a device 100 operating in proxy mode can transmit information about the received heartbeat signal to a remote operator via the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol in response to receiving a heartbeat signal from another device operating in client mode. In some examples, the remote operator can be a server 400 connected to the wireless network controller 300 via a network connection and / or via the internet. In some examples, the transmitted information about the received heartbeat signal can allow the remote operator to determine which devices are able to receive operational instructions.

[0070] In some examples, when the device 100 is operating in the proxy mode, the controller 104 can cause the device 100 to switch to operating in the client mode if the controller 104 determines that the received heartbeat signals indicate that the number of other devices operating in the proxy mode meets a threshold. In some examples, after determining that the number of devices operating in the proxy mode meets the threshold, the controller 104 can wait for a randomly determined period of time before switching the device to operate in the proxy client mode. This can be beneficial because it can prevent multiple devices operating in the proxy mode from simultaneously switching to the client mode, which can potentially interfere with receiving operational instructions using the first wireless communication protocol via the wireless network.

[0071] In some examples, after the device 100 connects to the wireless network using the first connection, the device 100 can establish a connection to the remote server 400. In some examples, the server can be connected to the wireless network via a further network and / or via the internet. In some examples, the device 100 establishes a secure connection with the server 400 using server authorization credentials. In some examples, the server authorization credentials are hard-coded into the device 100 when the device is manufactured. In other examples, the server authorization credentials can be configured in the device 100 at a later time, such as during or after provisioning.

[0072] In some examples, the remote server 400 can be connected to the wireless network controller via a local area network or via the internet. In some examples, the remote server 400 can be one or more cloud-based servers. In some examples, the remote server 400 can run a publish-subscribe network protocol, such as Message Queue Telemetry Transport (MQTT). After establishing a connection to the remote server 400, a device can subscribe to one or more mailboxes hosted on the remote server. After subscribing to one or more mailboxes, the device can thereby receive control messages including operational instructions transmitted to the one or more mailboxes. The received operational instructions are then relayed to other devices in the system, as described in the examples above.

[0073] In such an example, a user can use, for example, a smartphone to indicate that he wishes to operate the application component 102 of the device 100. The operation instruction to operate the application component 102 is transmitted to the remote server 400, where it is transmitted in a control message to the relevant mailbox. The device 100 operating in the proxy mode, which is subscribed to the mailbox, receives the control message including the operation instruction from the server 400 via a wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol. The operation instruction can then be relayed via one or more broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol. Using a subscription-based model such as this is advantageous because it means that even if the access credentials of the device are compromised by a third party, the third party will only be able to receive the transmitted control messages; the third party will not be able to issue unauthorised instructions.

[0074] MQTT is the preferred message protocol used by the remote server 400 to transmit operation instructions to one or more devices 100 of the present disclosure, however other protocols can also be used. Some further examples of protocols that can be used are: Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP), Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP), Advanced Message Queuing Protocol (AMQP) and Data Distribution Service (DDS).

[0075] It will be appreciated that the above embodiments have been described by way of example only.

[0076] More generally, according to one aspect disclosed herein, there is provided a first device for use as one of a group of devices, the first device comprising: an application component configured to be operable by a remote operator via one or more operation instructions; a controller; and a wireless interface for connecting to a wireless network using a first wireless communication protocol and for receiving and transmitting broadcast messages using a second wireless communication protocol; the first device being configured such that, in use, it is interchangeably operable in a proxy mode or a client mode in order to receive operation instructions; wherein in the proxy mode, the first device is configured to connect to the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol such that, in use, operation instructions are received via the connected wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol; wherein when switching to the client mode, the first device is configured to disassociate from the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol; wherein, in the proxy mode or the client mode, the first device is configured such that, in use, operation instructions are received via one or more input broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol; wherein the first device is configured such that, in use, in response to receiving an operation instruction using the first wireless communication protocol or the second wireless communication protocol, the operation instruction is forwarded on by the first device in one or more output broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol; and wherein when the first device is operating in the proxy mode, the controller is configured to switch the first device to operating in the client mode in response to at least one of: determining that a threshold number of other devices are connected to the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol; and the first device having received an operation instruction addressed to the first device to switch to the client mode using the first wireless communication protocol.

[0077] According to a second aspect disclosed herein, there is provided the first device according to the first aspect, wherein each operation instruction comprises a unique identifier, wherein the unique identifier is unique to the operation instruction.

[0078] According to a third aspect disclosed herein, there is provided the first device according to the second aspect, further comprising a memory configured to store the unique identifier of each operation instruction received by the device.

[0079] According to a fourth aspect disclosed herein, there is provided the first device according to the third aspect, wherein the controller is configured such that: when an operation instruction received in one or more broadcast messages is received via the second wireless communication protocol, the controller compares the unique identifier of the operation instruction to any unique identifiers previously stored in the memory; and only in the event that the unique identifier of the operation instruction does not match another unique identifier previously stored in the memory, the operation instruction is transmitted in the one or more broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol.

[0080] According to a fifth aspect disclosed herein, there is provided a first device according to any preceding aspect, wherein the controller is configured to cause the first device to connect to the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol in order to retrieve the firmware update when the first device is operating in the client mode in response to at least one of: receiving an update instruction via one or more input broadcast messages received using the second wireless communication protocol; and a pre-set time period having elapsed since the first device disassociated from the wireless network.

[0081] According to a sixth aspect disclosed herein, there is provided a first device according to any preceding aspect, wherein the component configured to be operable by a remote operator is selected from the group consisting of: a light illumination device and a light sensor.

[0082] According to a seventh aspect disclosed herein, there is provided a first device according to any preceding aspect, wherein the first wireless communication protocol comprises an IEEE 802.11 protocol and / or a Bluetooth protocol.

[0083] According to an eighth aspect disclosed herein, there is provided a first device according to any preceding aspect, wherein the second wireless communication protocol comprises a wireless peer-to-peer protocol and / or a Bluetooth protocol.

[0084] According to a ninth aspect disclosed herein, there is provided a first device according to the eighth aspect, wherein the second wireless communication protocol comprises a Wi-Fi Direct P2P Action Frame.

[0085] According to a tenth aspect disclosed herein, there is provided a first device according to any preceding aspect, wherein the controller is configured to cause the first device to transmit a first heartbeat signal via one or more broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol at a first interval when the first device is operating in the proxy mode.

[0086] According to an eleventh aspect disclosed herein, there is provided a first device according to any preceding aspect, wherein the controller is configured to cause the first device to switch to operating in the proxy mode if the first heartbeat signal is not received via one or more broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol during a first time period when the first device is operating in the client mode.

[0087] According to a twelfth aspect disclosed herein, there is provided a first device according to any preceding aspect, wherein the controller is configured to cause the first device to transmit a second heartbeat signal via one or more broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol when operating in the client mode if the first heartbeat signal is received via one or more broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol, wherein the second heartbeat signal comprises a first device identifier associated with the first device.

[0088] According to a thirteenth aspect disclosed herein, there is provided a first device according to any preceding aspect, wherein the controller is configured such that, when the first device is operating in the proxy mode, if a second heartbeat signal comprising a second device identifier is received via one or more broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol, the controller of the first device stores the second device identifier.

[0089] According to a fourteenth aspect disclosed herein, there is provided a method of operating a first device according to any preceding aspect, wherein: when operating in the proxy mode, the first device connects to the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol and receives operational instructions via the connected wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol; when switching to the client mode, the first device disassociates from the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol; when operating in the proxy mode or the client mode, operational instructions are received via one or more input broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol; in response to receiving operational instructions using the first wireless communication protocol or the second wireless communication protocol, the operational instructions are forwarded by the first device in one or more output broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol; and when the first device is operating in the proxy mode, the first device switches to operating in the client mode in response to at least one of: determining that a threshold number of other devices are connected to the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol; and the first device having received an operational instruction addressed to the first device to switch to the client mode using the first wireless communication protocol.

[0090] According to a fifteenth aspect disclosed herein, there is provided a system comprising: a device according to any of claims 1 to 13 operating in the proxy mode; and a device according to any of claims 1 to 13 operating in the client mode;

[0091] wherein, in use: the device operating in the proxy mode receives operational instructions via the connected wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol and, in response to receiving the operational instructions, forwards the operational instructions in one or more output broadcast messages via the second wireless communication protocol; the device operating in the client mode receives one or more input broadcast messages via the second wireless communication protocol, the one or more input broadcast messages corresponding to one or more output broadcast messages comprising operational instructions broadcast by the first device via the second wireless communication protocol; and the device operating in the client mode forwards the operational instructions in one or more output broadcast messages via the second wireless communication protocol in response to receiving the operational instructions.

[0092] Further modifications of the disclosed embodiments can come to mind to one skilled in the art having the benefit of the disclosure and the description of the embodiments. The disclosure of the embodiments is meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. A computer program can be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state storage medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A lighting device (100) used as one of a set of devices, said lighting device comprising: Application component (102) configured to be operated by a remote operator via one or more operating commands, the application component being used in a field application for lighting applications; Controller (104); and A wireless interface (106) is used to connect to a wireless network using a first wireless communication protocol and to receive and transmit broadcast messages using a second wireless communication protocol, the first wireless communication protocol including the IEEE 802.11 protocol; The lighting device is configured to operate interchangeably in agent mode or client mode during use in order to receive operation commands; In the proxy mode, the lighting device is configured to connect to a wireless network using a first wireless communication protocol, so that in use, it receives operation instructions via the connected wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol. When switching to client mode, the lighting device is configured to disconnect from the wireless network using a first wireless communication protocol; When operating in agent mode and when operating in client mode, the lighting device is configured to receive operation instructions via one or more input broadcast messages using a second wireless communication protocol during use. The lighting device is configured such that, in use, in response to receiving an operation command using the first wireless communication protocol, the operation command is transmitted by the lighting device in one or more output broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol; as well as The lighting device is configured such that, in use, in response to receiving an operation command using the second wireless communication protocol, the operation command is transmitted by the lighting device in one or more output broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol; as well as When the lighting device operates in proxy mode, the controller is configured to switch the lighting device to client mode in response to the determination of a threshold number of other devices connecting to the wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol.

2. A lighting device (100) used as one of a set of devices, said lighting device comprising: Application component (102) configured to be operated by a remote operator via one or more operating commands, the application component being used in a field application for lighting applications; Controller (104); and A wireless interface (106) is used to connect to a wireless network using a first wireless communication protocol and to receive and transmit broadcast messages using a second wireless communication protocol, the first wireless communication protocol including the IEEE 802.11 protocol; The lighting device is configured to operate interchangeably in agent mode or client mode during use in order to receive operation commands; In the proxy mode, the lighting device is configured to connect to a wireless network using a first wireless communication protocol, so that in use, it receives operation instructions via the connected wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol. When switching to client mode, the lighting device is configured to disconnect from the wireless network using a first wireless communication protocol; When operating in agent mode and when operating in client mode, the lighting device is configured to receive operation instructions via one or more input broadcast messages using a second wireless communication protocol during use. The lighting device is configured such that, in use, in response to receiving an operation command using the first wireless communication protocol, the operation command is transmitted by the lighting device in one or more output broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol; The lighting device is configured such that, in use, in response to receiving an operation command using the second wireless communication protocol, the operation command is transmitted by the lighting device in one or more output broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol; as well as When the lighting device operates in proxy mode, the controller is configured to switch the lighting device to operate in client mode in response to the lighting device having received an operation instruction addressed to the lighting device to switch to client mode using the first wireless communication protocol.

3. The lighting device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each operation instruction includes a unique identifier, wherein the unique identifier is unique for each operation instruction.

4. The lighting device (100) according to claim 3 further includes a memory (108) configured to store a unique identifier for each operation instruction received by the device or a unique identifier for up to the last N received operation instructions, where N is a predetermined integer.

5. The lighting device (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The controller (104) is configured such that: upon receiving an operation instruction received in one or more broadcast messages via a second wireless communication protocol, the controller compares the unique identifier of the operation instruction with any unique identifier previously stored in the memory (108); and The operation instruction is transmitted in one or more broadcast messages using a second wireless communication protocol only if the unique identifier of the operation instruction does not match another unique identifier previously stored in the memory (108).

6. The lighting device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The controller is configured to respond to at least one of the following when the lighting device is operating in client mode: Receive update instructions via one or more input broadcast messages received using a second wireless communication protocol; and A preset time period has elapsed since the lighting equipment was disconnected from the wireless network; The controller causes the lighting device to connect to the wireless network using a first wireless communication protocol in order to retrieve firmware updates.

7. The lighting device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The application component (102) configured to be operable by a remote operator is selected from the group consisting of: lighting devices, light sensors.

8. The lighting device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second wireless communication protocol includes wireless peer-to-peer protocols and / or Bluetooth protocols.

9. The lighting device (100) according to claim 8, wherein, The second wireless communication protocol includes the Wi-FiDirect P2P common action frame.

10. The lighting device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The controller (104) is configured such that when the lighting device operates in proxy mode, the lighting device uses the second wireless communication protocol to transmit a first heartbeat signal via one or more broadcast messages at a first interval.

11. The lighting device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The controller (104) is configured such that when the lighting device is operating in client mode, if no first heartbeat signal is received via one or more broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol during a first time period, the controller switches the lighting device to operate in proxy mode.

12. The lighting device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The controller (104) is configured such that when operating in client mode, if a first heartbeat signal is received via one or more broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol, the lighting device transmits a second heartbeat signal via one or more broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol, wherein the second heartbeat signal includes a lighting device identifier associated with the lighting device.

13. The lighting device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The controller (104) is configured such that when the lighting device is operating in proxy mode, if a second heartbeat signal including a second device identifier is received via one or more broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol, the controller of the lighting device stores the second device identifier.

14. A method of operating the lighting device (100) according to claim 1, wherein: When operating in agent mode, the lighting device connects to the wireless network using a first wireless communication protocol and receives operation instructions via the connected wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol. When switching to client mode, the lighting device uses the first wireless communication protocol to disconnect from the wireless network; When operating in agent mode and when operating in client mode, operation instructions are received via one or more input broadcast messages using a second wireless communication protocol; In response to receiving an operation command using a first wireless communication protocol, the operation command is transmitted forward by the lighting device in one or more output broadcast messages using a second wireless communication protocol; In response to receiving an operation command using a second wireless communication protocol, the operation command is transmitted forward by the lighting device in one or more output broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol; and When the lighting equipment is operating in agent mode, in response to the determination of a threshold number of other devices connecting to the wireless network using a first wireless communication protocol, the lighting equipment is switched to operating in client mode.

15. A method of operating the lighting device (100) according to claim 2, wherein: When operating in agent mode, the lighting device connects to the wireless network using a first wireless communication protocol and receives operation instructions via the connected wireless network using the first wireless communication protocol. When switching to client mode, the lighting device uses the first wireless communication protocol to disconnect from the wireless network; When operating in agent mode and when operating in client mode, operation instructions are received via one or more input broadcast messages using a second wireless communication protocol; In response to receiving an operation command using a first wireless communication protocol, the operation command is transmitted forward by the lighting device in one or more output broadcast messages using a second wireless communication protocol; In response to receiving an operation command using a second wireless communication protocol, the operation command is transmitted forward by the lighting device in one or more output broadcast messages using the second wireless communication protocol; and When the lighting device is operating in agent mode, in response to the lighting device having received an operation instruction addressed to the first device to switch to client mode using the first wireless communication protocol, the lighting device is switched to operate in client mode.

Images