A method of associating a first type of node device and a second type of node device in a network

Abstract

A method of associating a first type of node device and a second type of node device in a network is disclosed. The network comprises a plurality of first type node devices and a plurality of second type node devices operatively interconnected to each other, each first type node device and each second type node device comprising a wireless communication module. The method is performed by a first type node device and comprises the steps of: receiving a first number of signals from a second type node device, each signal having a signal strength level; calculating a percentage of the received signals having a signal strength level above a predetermined signal strength threshold; and if the percentage is above a threshold percentage, associating the first type node device with the second type node device by configuring the first type node device to react to messages from the second type node device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of commissioning of node devices in a network, and more particularly, to a method of associating a first type of node device and a second type of node device in a network, and to lighting devices and sensing devices to be associated according to the method. BACKGROUND

[0002] Electrical or electronic devices, for example, such as lighting devices and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, as well as devices supporting enhanced Machine Type Communication (eMTC), which all comprise data communication capabilities, are often deployed in networks consisting of a plurality of interconnected devices.

[0003] These devices, often referred to as node devices or terminal devices, typically operate a long-range communication interface, such as a network adapter or transceiver module, for data exchange with remote devices, such as a backend server, and a short-range communication interface, such as a transceiver module, for communication between node devices only, also referred to as inter-node device communication.

[0004] The long-range communication interface can operate according to wireless mobile communication standards, for example, such as specified 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G cellular communication and other long-range wireless communication technologies like Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) and Narrow Band IoT (NB-IoT), or proprietary communication technologies, and / or wired data exchange communication technologies.

[0005] The short-range communication interface can operate according to network protocols for exchanging data by networked devices or nodes, for example, such as specified ZigBee TM , Bluetooth TM , and WiFi-based protocols for wireless networks, as well as wired bus networks, such as DALI TM (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface), DSI (Digital Serial Interface), DMX (Digital Multiplex), KNX (and KNX-based systems), as well as proprietary communication technologies and protocols.

[0006] A lighting system, for example, in particular, an outdoor lighting system, such as a parking lighting system, can comprise a large number of node devices arranged as luminaires or lighting devices. In addition, the system can comprise other types of node devices, such as sensing devices, which are necessary for implementing more advanced services, such as on-demand lighting services.

[0007] For the lighting system to function properly, after installation of the node devices, all node devices must be commissioned to allow different types of node devices to interact with each other according to the designed application. This interaction can for example include: appropriately triggering a lighting device based on a trigger message received from a sensing device within the defined lighting range of the lighting device which detects the presence of a pedestrian or vehicle.

[0008] Currently available commissioning procedures involve a specially trained field engineer to travel to the site where the lighting system is deployed and to configure the sensors and lighting devices in the same network. For a parking lighting system with hundreds of luminaires, the commissioning procedure will take a full day or even longer. This high cost in terms of human resources, time and travel expenses is an obstacle to the deployment of lighting systems.

[0009] US20130107909A1 discloses coordinating communications on a multi-path radio transport mesh network, including evaluating available path metrics to ensure the best available connection route through the network.

[0010] US20140132410A1 discloses a method that uses prior information of interference sources, such as channel structure, channel frequency and channel bandwidth, to identify interference sources in a radio communication frequency band. RSSI measured at multiple frequencies within the channel of the interference source can be used to detect and identify the interference source.

[0011] In view of the above, there is indeed a need for a method to associate a first type of node device, such as a luminaire, with a second type of node device, such as a motion sensor, in a network in a cost-efficient manner in terms of time, human resources and other expenses. SUMMARY

[0012] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method of associating a first type of node device and a second type of node device in a network is presented, the network comprising a plurality of first type of node devices and a plurality of second type of node devices operatively interconnected to each other, each first type of node device and each second type of node device comprising a wireless communication module, the method being performed by a first type of node device and comprising the steps of:

[0013] receiving a first number of signals from the second type of node devices, each signal having a signal strength level;

[0014] calculating a percentage of the received signals having a signal strength level above a predetermined signal strength threshold; and

[0015] if the percentage is above a threshold percentage, associating the first type of node device with the second type of node device by configuring the first type of node device to react to messages from the second type of node devices.

[0016] The present disclosure is based on the insight that an association between a first type of node device and a second type of node device deployed in the same network can be automatically determined by the first type of node device based on a percentage of signals received from the second type of node device having a signal strength level above a defined signal strength level threshold.

[0017] The method proposed by the present disclosure thus involves a first type of node device receiving a plurality of signals from a second type of node device. The signals can be received within a short period of time, or can be distributed over a relatively longer period of time. In the latter case, the first type of node device “accumulates” signals or messages from the second type of node device.

[0018] The skilled person will understand that each signal received from the second type of node device has a signal strength level which is influenced by various factors, including the distance between the first type of node device and the second type of node device and possible sources of interference in the surrounding environment.

[0019] When a required number of signals has been received from the second type of node device, the first type of node device then calculates a percentage of the received signals having a signal strength level above a predetermined signal strength threshold. This percentage can be an indirect indication of the distance between the first type of node device and the second type of node device, as the signal strength level is influenced by such distance.

[0020] To ensure that the association is properly made, the method further compares the calculated percentage to a threshold percentage. Only when the calculated percentage is higher than the threshold percentage, the first type of node device and the second type of node device are associated with each other.

[0021] Associating the first type of node device with the second type of node device means that the first type of node device is configured to react or respond to messages from the second type of node device, for example by performing some function such as turning on if the first type of node device is a lighting device.

[0022] The above method allows a first type of node device in a network, such as a lighting device, to automatically associate itself with a second type of node device deployed in the same network, such as a motion sensor, based on a calculation performed on signals received from the second type of node device. The association enables the first type of node device and the second type of node device to interact with each other, thereby enabling applications designed for the network.

[0023] This method enables the first node device to automatically associate with the second node device without the need for a dedicated commissioning procedure as described in the background section. It helps to reduce the overall investment needed for a network such as a lighting system, which facilitates simple applications of lighting systems and is beneficial for business promotion of more advanced applications such as on-demand lighting services.

[0024] By the above method, an excellent distance control is achieved by means of two thresholds, i.e. the signal strength level threshold and the percentage threshold. It ensures that the second type node device only associates with the first type node device when the signal strength level of the signal transmitted by the second type node device to the first type device is consistently above the signal strength level threshold.

[0025] In one example of the disclosure, the method further comprises the steps of:

[0026] comparing the signal strength level of the further signal received from the second type node device,

[0027] determining that the signal strength level of the received further signal differs from the signal strength level of the previously received signal by at least a determined amount;

[0028] repeating the steps of claim 1 for a second number of signals from the second type node device.

[0029] Due to various reasons, such as due to the deployment of further devices in the network, or adjusting the response or reaction distance configured for the first type node device and the second type node device, or a change in the location of the first type node device and / or the second type node device, it can be required to re-evaluate and re-associate / de-associate the present association between the first type node device and the second type node device. In this case, the re-evaluation can be triggered by receiving a further signal whose signal strength level differs from the signal strength level of the previously received signal by at least a determined amount.

[0030] The re-association (and possibly de-association) can be performed based on the same number, a greater number or even a smaller number of signals from the second type node device.

[0031] In order to verify the present association to ensure that the association is correct and stable, the re-evaluation and re-association can be based on a greater number of signals from the second type node device. Thereby the accuracy and reliability of the re-association can be improved. Such a re-association helps to ensure that the association between the first type node device and the second type node device remains stable and reliable.

[0032] In one example of the disclosure, the further signal is received from the second type node device due to a transmit power adjustment switch of the second type node device being operated.

[0033] The owner of the network can wish to adjust the response or reaction distance or range between the first type of node device and the second type of node device, which is typically achieved by adjusting the transmission power of the second type of node device. This adjustment can be achieved by operating a transmission power adjustment switch of the second type of node device. As an example, reducing the transmission power of the second type of node device allows the first type of node device to associate with and thus respond to the second type of node device located within a smaller range.

[0034] In one example of the disclosure, the first and second number of signals are received consecutively from the second type of node device as a result of a control button of the second type of node device being operated.

[0035] It will be appreciated by the skilled person that the method can be performed by the first type of node device “accumulating” the required number of signals from the second type of node device over a longer period of time. On the other hand, a more efficient way of performing the method is to operate the control button on the second type of node device so that the first or second number of signals are transmitted consecutively over a relatively short period of time, such as a few minutes. This is particularly advantageous for configuring the network immediately after the node devices are deployed.

[0036] In one example of the disclosure, the method further comprises the steps of:

[0037] ranking a plurality of signals received from a plurality of second type of node devices to be associated with the first type of node device in descending order of signal strength level of the plurality of signals, respectively;

[0038] associating the first type of node device with a limited number of second type of node devices of the plurality of second type of node devices ranked highest.

[0039] This helps to limit the maximum number of second type of node devices that the first type of node device can react to. This ensures that the first type of node device only reacts to second type of node devices within a reasonable range, which can prevent unnecessary and undesired long distance reactions.

[0040] It will be appreciated by the skilled person that the plurality of signals received from a plurality of second type of node devices to be associated with the first type of node device can also be ranked in ascending order. In this case, a limited number of second type of node devices ranked lowest are associated with the first type of node device.

[0041] In one example of the disclosure, each first type of node device is configured to communicate with each second type of node device by a preconfigured device credential.

[0042] While it is theoretically possible that the second type of node device and the first type of node device are manufactured by different parties, in practice, a more advantageous application scenario is that both types of node devices come from the same vendor, which allows the first type of node device and the second type of node device to be pre-configured with a common credential, such as a common device key. This device key makes it possible to completely eliminate any commissioning requirements involving human intervention for a network comprising the first type of node device and the second type of node device. This is particularly beneficial for saving the cost of configuring a network comprising a large number of node devices, such as a large parking lot with many lighting devices and motion sensors.

[0043] In one example of the present disclosure, the wireless communication module of the first type of node device and the second type of node device comprises a Zigbee module or a Bluetooth Low Energy, BLE, module.

[0044] The skilled person will appreciate that a wireless communication module operating according to a suitable short-range wireless communication protocol, such as the ones mentioned above, can be conveniently implemented in a node device at reasonable cost without the need for any specially designed communication module.

[0045] In one example of the present disclosure, the signal strength level comprises a Received Signal Strength Indicator, RSSI.

[0046] This is a parameter that is commonly used to express the signal strength level of a signal and can be conveniently used in the present disclosure.

[0047] In one example of the present disclosure, the first type of node device comprises a lighting device and the second type of node device comprises a sensing device, in particular, the second type of node device comprises a motion sensor.

[0048] One particularly interesting application scenario for the method of the present disclosure is a lighting network involving lighting devices and other types of devices that have to interact with the lighting devices. Such a lighting system can be operated according to the method of the present disclosure without the need for high commissioning costs.

[0049] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a lighting device arranged as a first type of node device in a network, the network comprising a plurality of first type of node devices and a plurality of second type of node devices operably interconnected with each other, and the lighting device being arranged to perform the method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0050] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a sensing device comprising a wireless communication module and being arranged to be associated with a lighting device by the method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the sensing device further comprises:

[0051] a transmit power adjustment switch arranged for adjusting the transmit power of the sensing device; and

[0052] A control button is arranged for successively transmitting a plurality of signals.

[0053] The transmit power adjustment switch of the sensing device allows to adjust the transmit power of the sensing device as needed, which allows for the association between the lighting device and the sensing device based on a desired reaction or interaction distance.

[0054] The control button allows the method of the association procedure to be completed in a short time period, which is particularly convenient for a newly installed lighting network comprising such sensing devices.

[0055] A fourth aspect of the disclosure provides a network system comprising a plurality of first type node devices and a plurality of second type node devices operably interconnected to each other, each first type node device and each second type node device comprising a wireless communication module, each first type node device being configured to communicate with each second type node device over a preconfigured device key, wherein the first type node devices are arranged to be associated with the second type node devices according to the method of the first aspect of the disclosure.

[0056] In one example of the disclosure, the network system comprises a lighting system, the first type node devices comprise lighting devices, and the second type node devices comprise sensing devices.

[0057] In one example of the disclosure, the sensing device comprises a motion sensor.

[0058] A fifth aspect of the disclosure provides a computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to implement the method according to the first aspect of the disclosure.

[0059] The above and other features and advantages of the disclosure will be best understood from the following description with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same components or components having the same or similar function or operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0060] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a network according to the disclosure, comprising a plurality of first type node devices and a plurality of second type node devices to be associated.

[0061] Figure 2 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a sensing device configured according to the disclosure, arranged for operation in a network of operably interconnected node devices.

[0062] Figure 3 schematically illustrates in the form of a flowchart type diagram the associating of a lighting device and a sensing device as Figure 1One embodiment of a method associated with the first type node devices and the second type node devices in the network illustrated in the figure.

[0063] Figure 4 One embodiment of a lighting device arranged for performing the association method according to the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Embodiments contemplated by the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. The disclosed subject matter is not to be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the shown embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

[0065] Figure 1 A network 10 is schematically illustrated, the network 10 comprising a plurality of first type node devices 11 and a plurality of second type node devices 12. The network 10 can be, for example, a lighting system for a parking lot, such as an outdoor parking lot with many lighting devices 11. The lighting system 10 can further comprise a plurality of motion sensors 12, such that an on-demand lighting application can be implemented, which will help to save power consumption and related costs of the power required to illuminate the parking lot.

[0066] It is contemplated by the skilled person that the second type node devices can comprise other sensors, such as acoustic sensors, environmental sensors (such as temperature and humidity sensors), cameras, etc., depending on the services and applications the network is designed to provide.

[0067] For a lighting system providing an on-demand lighting service, a motion sensor (which can be deployed as a second type node device) triggers a number of lighting devices or luminaires (deployed as first type node devices) within a certain distance, such as within the communication range of the motion sensor. As an example, when the motion sensor detects the presence of a pedestrian or a vehicle within its sensing range, the motion sensor transmits a message to a number of lighting devices in its vicinity to turn on, which allows the pedestrian or the driver of the vehicle to clearly see the surrounding environment.

[0068] At the same time, one luminaire or lighting device can react or respond to a number of motion sensors arranged at a certain distance from the luminaire or lighting device. Typically, the luminaire decides whether to turn on or not based on the received signal power of the message or signal it receives from the motion sensor, which is typically inversely proportional to the distance between the luminaire and the motion sensor.

[0069] Both the lighting devices and the sensors are configured with a communication module, for example, such as a radio frequency (RF) transceiver module, enabling the lighting devices and the sensors to communicate with each other.

[0070] When the lighting device and the motion sensor are both manufactured by the same manufacturer, the lighting device and the motion sensor can be pre-configured with a common device key, so that they can communicate with each other upon installation and power-up.

[0071] When the sensor is from a third party, the lighting device and the motion sensor can be configured after installation to allow them to communicate with each other by, for example, sharing a device key.

[0072] As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the communication module of the lighting device, such as an RF module integrated on the driver of the luminaire, typically has a sensitivity of, for example, below -90 dBm. In the present disclosure, the threshold of the signal strength level of the signal received by the lighting device from the sensing device is designed to be much higher than the lower limit of the sensitivity of the RF module of the lighting device, for example, such as -66 dBm. This means that although the RF module of the lighting device will receive most of the signals from the sensing device located within the target distance range, the lighting device only reacts or responds or is triggered after receiving the signal strength judgment or evaluation.

[0073] Figure 2 An embodiment of a sensing device 20 configured according to the present disclosure is schematically illustrated, the sensing device 20 being arranged for operation in a network of operatively interconnected node devices.

[0074] The sensing device 20 comprises a master sensing device 210, the master sensing device 210 comprising a sensing element 241. Depending on the sensing technology used, the sensing element 241 can comprise, for example, a microwave transceiver or an ultrasonic transducer.

[0075] The master device 210 of the sensing device 20 operates a short-range communication interface 251, such as a network adapter or transceiver module, for example implemented as part of a MCU and arranged for short-range wireless 252 or wired 253 exchange of messages or data packets with another node device in the network, such as a lighting device. The network protocol for exchange of data by the networked devices or nodes can include ZigBee TM , Bluetooth TM , and WiFi-based protocols for wireless networks, as well as wired bus networks, such as DALI TM (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface), DSI (Digital Serial Interface), DMX (Digital Multiplex), and KNX (or KNX-based systems), as well as other proprietary protocols.

[0076] The master device 210 of the sensing device 20 further comprises at least one microprocessor p or controller 245 and at least one data repository or storage or memory 246, e.g. for storing address information of the sensing device itself and other node devices, such as node device identifiers ID 247, media access control MAC, addresses and subscriber information. The repository 246 further stores network credentials of the network comprising the sensing device 20. Instead of the repository 246, a separate memory or storage accessible by the at least one processor or controller 245 can be provided.

[0077] Via an internal data communication and control bus 248 of the master device 210 of the sensing device 20, the at least one microprocessor or controller 245 is in communication interaction with the sensing element 241, the short communication interface 251 and the at least one repository or storage 246 and controls them.

[0078] For example, the microprocessor or controller 245 receives a signal from the sensing element 241 and determines whether an object is present in the vicinity of the sensing device 20. When detecting an object, the microprocessor or controller 245 controls the short communication interface 251 so that a signal or message is transmitted to another node device in the network, such as a lighting device, so that the lighting device will turn on.

[0079] The sensing device 20 further comprises a transmit power adjustment switch 230 connected to the short communication interface 251 via the internal data communication and control bus 248. The transmit power adjustment switch 230 is designed to change the transmit power, i.e. the transmit signal strength, of the sensing device 20, which allows to adjust the interaction or reaction distance between the sensing device 20 and the lighting device in the network when needed.

[0080] As will be described later herein, according to the present disclosure, a sensing device with a different transmit power than the previous transmit power will be recognized as a new device by the lighting device associated with the sensing device, which will cause the association to be evaluated and thus the association or disassociation to be performed again.

[0081] The sensing device 20 further comprises a control button 220, herein referred to as a learn button, connected to the microprocessor or controller 245 via the internal data communication and control bus 248. The learn button 220 is designed to be arranged on the surface of the sensor device 20. When the learn button 220 is pressed, the sensing device 20 will continuously transmit or emit several thousand signals within a short period of time, so that the association procedure according to the present disclosure as described below will be accelerated.

[0082] According to one exemplary algorithm, when the control button 220 is pressed, the sensing device will send 100 signals and 3 start signals and 3 end signals over a period of 1 minute and 46 seconds. It can thereby help with quick commissioning or debugging. Commissioning can be updated with signals collected over further long periods of actual operation.

[0083] Figure 3 An embodiment of a method of associating a first type of node device and a second type of node device in a network as illustrated in the flowchart type of diagram according to the present disclosure is illustrated in Figure 1

[0084] A network comprising first type node devices and second type node devices is installed and powered on. The first type node devices and the second type node devices can be from the same vendor. In that case, each first type node and each second type node device is pre-configured to automatically communicate with each other upon power on. If the first type node devices and the second type node devices are from different vendors, the first type node devices and the second type node devices will be configured to communicate with each other upon power on using a shared security key.

[0085] Referring to Figure 3 At step 31, a first type node device, such as a lighting device in a lighting system, receives a plurality of signals, such as broadcast messages, from a second type node device, such as a sensing device, like a motion sensor. The skilled person can expect that each signal from the second type node device has a signal strength level, such as a received signal strength indicator, RSSI.

[0086] The signal strength level of the received signals is indicative of and influenced by the distance between the first type node device and the second type node device. The first type node device will use this to determine whether to associate with the second type node device.

[0087] Associating the first type node device with the second type node device allows the first type node device to react or respond to messages received from the second type node device or be triggered. For optimal operation of the network, like a lighting system, it is important to achieve proper distance control between the first type node device and the second type node device so that the first type node device can react to the second type node device within a reasonable range.

[0088] ​Typically, the first type node device is configured to transmit a signal or message from the second type node device to the first type node device when a certain condition is met, such as when a motion sensor detects the presence of a pedestrian or a vehicle. In this case, it takes a longer time for the first type node device to receive or collect or accumulate enough signals (such as 500 signals) from the second type node device for it to determine whether it needs to be associated with the second type node device.

[0089] For the sensing device 20 as described with reference to Figure 2 The control button 220 can be used to control the sensing device 20 such that a large number of signals will be transmitted to the first type node device in a short period of time.

[0090] At step 32, the first type node device calculates the percentage of received signals that have a signal strength level above a predetermined signal strength threshold.

[0091] Typically, the signal strength threshold is set to be sufficiently above the lower limit of the sensitivity of the first type node device. This ensures that the first type node device will only be triggered by signals from the second type node device that are strong enough. It can be used to control the response action such that the first type node device will not be triggered by second type node devices that are too far away.

[0092] The first type node device compares the signal strength level of each signal received from the second type node device and counts the number of received signals that have a signal strength level above the predetermined signal strength threshold. The first type node device then determines the percentage of received signals that have a signal strength level above the predetermined signal strength threshold.

[0093] At step 33, the first type node device determines whether the calculated percentage is above a defined percentage threshold. If the result of the determination is positive, at step 34, the first type node device associates itself with the second type node device. The association includes configuring the first type node device to react to messages from the second type node device.

[0094] The percentage threshold can be selected based on the desired reaction or response distance between the first type node device and the second type node device. The skilled person will appreciate that a higher percentage threshold corresponds to a smaller reaction distance or range and vice versa. The percentage threshold can be set to be, for example, 60%.

[0095] The above-described method is referred to as an environment learning procedure performed by the first type node device. In one example, the first type node device is a lighting device or luminaire. The lighting device, when associated with a motion sensor, will add the address of the motion sensor to its maintained "white list" which allows the lighting device to respond or react to messages from the motion sensor or be triggered.

[0096] Each first type node device in the network is configured to perform the method as described above, such that the association between the first type node devices and the second type node devices in the network is automatically established in an efficient manner. There is no need for commissioning to be performed by a specially trained field engineer, which helps to significantly save costs for the overall system.

[0097] It is contemplated by the skilled person that a first type node device can be associated with a number of second type node devices. For the purpose of ensuring a more accurate and stable association, the first type node device can rank a plurality of signals respectively received from a plurality of second type node devices in descending order of signal strength level of the plurality of signals, and only associate with a limited number of second type node devices from the plurality of second type node devices that are ranked highest. This is advantageous in avoiding long distance responses or reactions.

[0098] When the physical environment of the network comprising the first type node devices and the second type node devices is stable, the association between the first type node devices and the second type node devices (e.g. sensor-luminaire mapping) will be stable.

[0099] The association or mapping can be updated and re-evaluated by using a larger number of signals received from the second type node devices. In practical applications, the lighting devices will record all received signal strengths and in a later separate association procedure, the whitelist of sensors will be calculated and adjusted, such as with more signals (e.g. 1000 signals).

[0100] For example, the number of signals used for the above association method can start from 100 and gradually increase to 500 and then gradually increase to 1000, to make the association more accurate and stable.

[0101] When the second type node device is the above-mentioned sensing device 20, the transmit power adjustment switch 230 of the sensing device can be used to adjust the transmit power of the sensing device, which allows the reaction or response distance between the lighting device and the sensing device to be controlled and adjusted when needed.

[0102] Note that a sensing device with a different transmit power will be considered as a new device, and thus the association will be performed again, possibly based on a larger number of signals received from the sensing device.

[0103] Figure 4 One embodiment of a first type node device 40 configured in accordance with the present disclosure is schematically illustrated, the first type node device 40 being arranged to operate in a network of operatively interconnected node devices.

[0104] The node device 40 comprises a control component or control device 410 and comprises a load such as a lighting luminaire or lighting device 420, the load comprising a lighting module 421 (preferably a light emitting diode (LED) lighting module or a plurality of LED lighting modules), the operation of which can be controlled by the control device 410 from a remote control device (e.g. such as a remote or backend server (not shown)) or by means of a remote control device.

[0105] The control device 410 operates a long-range communication interface 441 (such as a first network adapter or transceiver Tx / Rx 1 module), which is for example implemented as part of a cellular modem and which is arranged for direct wireless message exchange or data packets 442 with a remote control device or backend server. The long-range communication interface 441 typically operates according to mobile communication system technology in licensed frequency bands (such as 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G cellular communication) and other long-range wireless communication technology (for example such as the so-called LoRaWAN communication). However, the long-range communication interface 441 can also operate according to proprietary wireless communication protocols or technology.

[0106] The long-range communication interface 441 can also be arranged for wired message exchange 443, such as for data exchange over an Ethernet connection and the Internet, etc.

[0107] The control device 410 further operates a short-range communication interface 451 (such as a second network adapter or transceiver Tx / Rx 2 module), which is for example implemented as part of an MCU and which is arranged for short-range wireless 452 or wired 453 message or data packet exchange with another node device in the network, i.e. so-called inter-node communication. Network protocols for exchanging data by networked devices or nodes can include ZigBee TM , Bluetooth TM , and WiFi-based protocols for wireless networks, as well as wired bus networks such as DALI TM (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface), DSI (Digital Serial Interface), DMX (Digital Multiplex) and KNX (or KNX-based systems) and other proprietary protocols.

[0108] The control device 410 further comprises at least one microprocessor μP or controller 445 and at least one data repository or storage or memory 446, e.g. for storing address information of the node device itself and other node devices, such as an identifier 447 (ID) of the node device, a media access control MAC, address and subscriber information. The repository 446 further stores network credentials of the network comprising the node device 40. Instead of the repository 446, a separate memory or storage accessible by the at least one processor or controller 445 can be provided.

[0109] The at least one microprocessor or controller 445 communicates with and controls the long-range communication interface 441, the short-range communication interface 451 and the at least one repository or storage 446 via an internal data communication and control bus 448 of the control device 410.

[0110] The at least one microprocessor or controller 445 can operate to perform the above described methods when the node device 40 is deployed in a network as described with reference to the present disclosure.

[0111] The lighting fixture or lighting device 420 is connected 444 to the data communication and control bus 448 and is controlled by the at least one microprocessor or controller 410 from the data communication and control bus 448.

[0112] The described methods are applicable to various application scenarios involving a first type of node device connecting to a second type of node device, such as a parking lighting system with motion sensors implementing a demand-based lighting service.

[0113] In the following, such a lighting system for a parking application will be described, which comprises a set of luminaires controlled by motion sensors.

[0114] Advantages of such a lighting system include plug-and-play, no need for commissioning, no need for a network, no need for software, no later maintenance hassle, and easier energy saving. At the same time, according to customer needs, in the field, the broadcast range of the sensor detection signal, the maintenance time of the luminaire safe working illuminance and the background level can be set by the combination key of the sensor dial switch. Easy to achieve intelligent control and dimming, energy saving.

[0115] The description will be given from two aspects, the key elements of the lighting system and the implementation of the lighting system.

[0116] Key elements of the lighting system

[0117] Key system features

[0118] In a parking application, no grouping commissioning is required, the luminaire reacts to sensor signals by default within a certain distance range. The luminaire can be controlled by multiple sensors in the vicinity. In a typical environment, the default control distance of a sensor is approximately 12m-15m, due to the fact that wireless signals are greatly affected by the environment (including materials, obstructions, signal interference), the control distance can have a tolerance in different application cases and different directions.

[0119] System parameter settings

[0120] 1. Hold time: Set via DIP switch

[0121] 2. Background level: Set via DIP switch

[0122] 3. Typical control distance: Configure control distance via DIP switch:

[0123] Max height: 12m-15m

[0124] High: 8m-12m

[0125] Medium: 5m-8m

[0126] Low: 3m-5m

[0127] The typical control distance is based on an indoor parking environment, which does not affect the sensor wireless signal (e.g. wireless interference, metal shielding, etc.). The field environment impact can reduce or increase the control distance.

[0128] Sensor-luminaire automatic grouping

[0129] After the luminaire and sensor are installed and the system starts to work, the sensor will automatically group its surrounding luminaires, which takes approximately 1 day-3 days to complete the automatic grouping by default. Before the automatic grouping is completed, some luminaires may have random responses when detecting motion. After the grouping is completed, the sensor and luminaire will have a stable wireless connection.

[0130] Sensor-luminaire manual grouping

[0131] Press and hold the sensor button for 5 seconds-10 seconds to group / re-group the sensor and luminaires, the grouping process takes approximately 2 minutes. In an embodiment, only one sensor is allowed to perform the manual grouping process at a time.

[0132] Implementation of the lighting system

[0133] System activation

[0134] Ecoset wireless luminaire activation: The luminaire works by default at 100% light level until it receives a motion signal from a nearby installed Ecoset wireless sensor, the luminaire starts counting the hold time and if no further motion signal is received, it dims to 20%.

[0135] Ecoset wireless sensor activation: When the sensor battery is installed, the sensor takes approximately 40 seconds to start, then press the sensor button briefly, the sensor will activate the system features after 1 minute. If the sensor button is not pressed, the sensor will automatically activate the system features after 24 hours of installing the battery. The sensor should be activated after installation by pressing the sensor button briefly, it will start the luminaire automatic grouping.

[0136] System behavior

[0137] Luminaire factory, after installation and power on, the luminaire continues to work at 100% light output.

[0138] After the sensor is installed and activated nearby, the luminaire will activate the dimming function when it first receives a motion signal from the sensor. If no motion signal is received after the hold time, the luminaire will dim.

[0139] After the luminaire is activated, every time the luminaire is powered on, the system needs 2 minutes to preheat, and the luminaire remains at 100% light level, then if no motion is detected, the dimming function is started.

[0140] In low battery state, the sensor will lose the motion detection function, the indicator on the sensor flashes twice every 30 seconds.

[0141] If the luminaire continues to work at the background level for 24 hours without receiving any signal from the motion sensor, the luminaire will resume working at 100% light level.

[0142] System working behavior: When motion is detected, the luminaire lights up at 100% level, and in the absence of motion, the luminaire continues to dim to the background level after the hold time.

[0143] The present disclosure is not limited to the examples disclosed above, and can be modified and enhanced by those skilled in the art outside the scope of the present disclosure disclosed in the appended claims without necessarily applying the techniques of the present invention, and for any data communication, data exchange and data processing environment, system or network.

Claims

1. A method (30) of associating a first type of node device (11) and a second type of node device (12, 20) in a network (10), the network (10) comprising a plurality of first type node devices (11) and a plurality of second type node devices (12, 20) operatively interconnected to each other, each first type node device (11) and each second type node device (12, 20) comprising a wireless communication module, the method being performed by a first type node device (11) and comprising the steps of: receiving (31) a first number of signals from a second type node device, each signal having a signal strength level; computing (32) a percentage of the received signals having a signal strength level above a predetermined signal strength threshold; and if the percentage is above a threshold percentage, associating (34) the first type node device with the second type node device by configuring the first type node device to react to messages from the second type node device, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: comparing signal strength levels of further signals received from the second type node device, determining that the signal strength levels of the further signals received differ from signal strength levels of previously received signals by at least a determined amount; repeating the computing and associating steps for a second number of signals from the second type node device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the further signals are received from the second type node device as a result of a transmit power adjustment switch (230) of the second type node device being operated.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, the first and second numbers of signals being continuously received from the second type node device as a result of a control button (220) of the second type node device being operated.

4. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the associating step further comprises: associating the first type node device with a number of second type node devices by configuring the first type node device to react to messages from each of the number of second type node devices.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the steps of: ranking a plurality of signals respectively received from a plurality of second type node devices to be associated with the first type node device in descending or ascending order according to signal strength levels of the plurality of signals; associating the first type node device with a limited number of second type node devices of the plurality of second type node devices that are ranked highest or lowest.

6. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein each first type node device is configured to communicate with each second type node device by a preconfigured device credential.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wireless communication module of the first type node device and the second type node device comprises a Zigbee module or a Bluetooth Low Energy, BLE, module, and the signal strength level comprises a Received Signal Strength Indication, RSSI.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first type node device comprises a lighting device, and the second type node device comprises a sensing device.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the sensing device comprises a motion sensor.

10. A lighting device comprising at least one processor arranged to perform the method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9.

11. A sensing device (20) comprising a wireless communication module (251) and arranged to be associated with a lighting device by the method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, wherein the sensing device further comprises: a transmit power adjustment switch (230) arranged for adjusting a transmit power of the sensing device, and a control button (220) arranged for continuously transmitting a plurality of signals.

12. A network system (10) comprising a plurality of first type node devices (11) and a plurality of second type node devices (12) operatively interconnectable with each other, each first type node device (11) and each second type node device (12) comprising a wireless communication module, wherein the first type node devices (11) are arranged to be associated with the second type node devices (12) according to the method of any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9.

13. The network system according to claim 12, comprising a lighting system, the first type node devices comprising lighting devices, and the second type node devices comprising sensing devices.

14. The network system according to claim 13, wherein the sensing devices comprise motion sensors.

15. A computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed on at least one processor comprised in a first type node device, cause the first type node device to implement the method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9. ​ ​

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