Tracking objects using light signals

Abstract

A method for tracking an object in a spatial volume may include iteratively transmitting, by a communication device, an optical signal to an object located in the spatial volume during a plurality of time periods in a cycle, where the optical signal is transmitted in a position movement path within the spatial volume during the time periods. The method may also include receiving, by the communication apparatus, a reflected signal of the optical signal, wherein the reflected signal is a reflection of the optical signal originating from a reflective device of the object. The method may also include determining, using the communication device, a location and path of the object in the volume of space based on information obtained from the reflected signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to tracking objects, and more particularly, to systems, methods, and devices for tracking objects using light signals. Background Art

[0002] Light Fidelity (LiFi) and other optical communication technologies can be used to locate one or more objects in a volume of space. However, these optical communication technologies may have difficulty tracking objects in terms of their movement in the volume of space. In addition, when there are multiple objects to track simultaneously, the available bandwidth of the optical communication technology may become limited. Summary of the invention

[0003] In general, in one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for tracking an object in a spatial volume. The method may include transmitting a first light signal by a communication device to an object located in the spatial volume during a first time period, wherein the first light signal is transmitted in a position movement path within the spatial volume during the first time period. The method may also include receiving a first reflection signal by the communication device during the first time period, wherein the first reflection signal is a reflection of a first light signal of a reflection device originating from the object. The method may also include transmitting a second light signal by the communication device to an object located in the spatial volume during a second time period, wherein the second light signal is transmitted in a position movement path within the spatial volume during the second time period, wherein the second time period is before the first time period, and wherein the first time period and the second time period are separated from each other by a non-zero time interval. The method may also include receiving a second reflection signal by the communication device during the second time period, wherein the second reflection signal is a reflection of a second light signal of a reflection device originating from the object. The method may also include using the communication device to determine the position and path of the object in the spatial volume based on first information obtained from the first reflection signal and second information obtained from the second reflection signal.

[0004] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a communication device for tracking an object in a spatial volume. The communication device may include a transmitter configured to send a plurality of optical signals into the spatial volume. The communication device may also include a receiver configured to receive a plurality of reflection signals, wherein each of the plurality of reflection signals is a reflection of one of a plurality of optical signals of a reflection device originating from the object. The communication device may also include a controller communicatively coupled to the transmitter and the receiver. The controller may be configured to control the transmitter to send each of the plurality of optical signals to a target position moving path within the spatial volume within one of a plurality of time periods in a cycle, wherein adjacent time periods for sending the plurality of optical signals to the object are separated from each other by a non-zero time interval. The controller may also be configured to use information obtained from each of the plurality of reflection signals to determine the position and path of the object in the spatial volume during the cycle.

[0005] These and other aspects, objects, features and embodiments will be apparent from the following description and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The accompanying drawings illustrate only example embodiments and therefore should not be considered to limit the scope, as the example embodiments may allow other equally effective embodiments. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, instead emphasis is placed on clearly illustrating the principles of the example embodiments. Additionally, some dimensions or positions may be exaggerated to help convey these principles visually. In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals represent similar or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements.

[0007] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a system according to certain example embodiments;

[0008] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Detector;

[0009] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A block diagram of a communication device;

[0010] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 A block diagram of a controller of a communication device;

[0011] Figure 5 A computing device according to certain example embodiments is shown;

[0012] Figure 6 A flow chart illustrating a method for tracking multiple objects in a volume of space according to certain example embodiments;

[0013] Figure 7shows a block diagram of a system for use as part of an example for tracking multiple objects in a volume of space, according to certain example embodiments;

[0014] Figures 8 to 10 each showing movement of an optical signal relative to a detector during a partial period according to certain example embodiments;

[0015] Figures 11 to 13 A method for tracking multiple objects in a volume of space is shown in accordance with certain example embodiments. Figure 7 A block diagram of a system of a portion of an example;

[0016] Figures 14 to 16 are different examples of movement paths of an optical signal relative to a detector during one cycle according to certain example embodiments;

[0017] Fig.17 A graph illustrating light signals emitted toward two objects during one cycle, in accordance with certain example embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In general, example embodiments provide systems, methods, and apparatus for tracking one or more objects using optical signals. Example embodiments may provide several benefits. Such benefits may include, but are not limited to, more accurate collection, interpretation, and use of data tracking one or more objects in a volume of space, use of existing lighting systems and / or other systems (e.g., security systems, fire protection systems), user control, and increased energy and storage efficiency. Example embodiments may be used with new communication devices having optical communication capabilities, or with existing communication devices that are modified to accommodate example embodiments.

[0019] The example communication device (including its components) can be made of one or more of several suitable materials to allow the electrical device to meet certain standards and / or regulations while also maintaining operational proficiency. Examples of such materials may include, but are not limited to, aluminum, stainless steel, fiberglass, glass, plastic, polymer, ceramic, and rubber. The National Electrical Code (NEC), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) are examples of entities that set standards and / or regulations that can be applied to the example communication device. The use of the example embodiments described herein satisfies (and / or allows the communication device to meet) such standards and / or regulations when applicable.

[0020] In the foregoing figures showing example embodiments of tracking objects using light signals, one or more components shown may be omitted, repeated, and / or replaced. Therefore, the example embodiments of tracking objects using light signals should not be considered to be limited to the specific arrangements of components shown in any of the figures. For example, features shown in one or more figures or described with respect to one embodiment may be applied to another embodiment associated with a different figure or description.

[0021] If a component in a figure is described but not explicitly shown or labeled in the figure, the label used for the corresponding component in another figure can be inferred for that component. Conversely, if a component in a figure is labeled but not described with respect to the figure, the description of such component can be substantially the same as the description of the corresponding component in another figure. The numbering scheme used for various components in the figures herein is such that each component is a three-digit or four-digit number, and the corresponding components in the other figures have the same last two digits.

[0022] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated, a statement that a particular embodiment (e.g., as shown in the figures herein) does not have a particular feature or component does not mean that such embodiment cannot have such feature or component. For example, for the purposes of current or future claims herein, a feature or component described as not included in the example embodiments shown in one or more specific figures can be included in one or more claims corresponding to the one or more specific figures herein.

[0023] Example embodiments for tracking objects using light signals will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments for tracking objects using light signals are shown. However, tracking objects using light signals can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Instead, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of tracking objects using light signals to those of ordinary skill in the art. For consistency, similar but not necessarily identical elements (sometimes also referred to as components) are represented by similar reference numerals in the various figures.

[0024] Terms such as "first," "second," "above," "below," "inside," "outside," "distal," "proximal," "end," "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "side," "left," "right," "front," "rear," and "inside," when present, are used only to distinguish one component (or a portion of a component or a state of a component) from another component. Such terms are not meant to express a preference or a particular orientation. Such terms are not meant to limit embodiments in which an object is tracked using light signals. In the following detailed description of example embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0025] Figure 1 A block diagram of a system 100 is shown, in accordance with certain example embodiments. Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Detector 185-1. Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 170 - 1 is a block diagram of a communication device 170 - 1 . Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 1 is a block diagram of the controller 304 of the communication device 170-1. Figures 1 to 4 , system 100 includes an optional network manager 180, one or more users 150 (which may include one or more user systems 155), one or more objects 175 (e.g., object 175-1, object 175-N), and multiple communication devices 170 (e.g., communication device 170-1, communication device 170-N).

[0026] One or more objects 175 and at least a portion of the communication device 170 are located in the spatial volume 109 . Figures 1 to 4 The components shown in are not exhaustive, and in some embodiments, Figures 1 to 4 One or more components shown in FIG. 1 may not be included in system 100. Any component of system 100 may be discrete or combined with one or more other components of system 100. For example, sensor device 360 ​​may be a separate component of system 100 that is communicatively coupled to communication device 170.

[0027] Object 175 may be a person, item, entity, and / or other thing located in spatial volume 109. Examples of object 175 may include, but are not limited to, a consumer, an employee, an inventory item, a piece of furniture, a vehicle (e.g., a forklift), a production tool / machine (e.g., an electronic screwdriver), medical equipment (e.g., surgical equipment, monitoring equipment), a pallet, a robot, and a piece of office equipment (e.g., a laptop, a phone). Object 175 may be stationary or moving in spatial volume 109. If object 175 is moving, the movement of object 175 may be at any rate (e.g., random, constant), in any direction (e.g., constant, random), and for any amount of time. System 100 has any number of objects 175. In this case, there are N objects 175.

[0028] In the case where there is only one object 175 in the volume of space 109 during a period, the communication device 170 (e.g., the communication device 170-1) can send multiple light signals 158 to track the object 175 during the period, wherein each light signal 158 has a duration of a time period within the period. In this case, there can be a non-zero time interval (e.g., 10 microseconds, 45 milliseconds, 1 second) between adjacent time periods during which the light signal 158 is not directed at the object 175.

[0029] Each object 175 has a detector 185 coupled to, integrated with, or otherwise affixed to the object 175. For example, in this case, detector 185-1 is coupled to object 175-1, and detector 185-N is coupled to object 175-N. As in this example, each object 175 may have a single detector 185. In alternative embodiments, an object 175 may have multiple detectors 185. Detectors 185 may have any of several forms, including, but not limited to, an integrated device that is part of the surface of an object 175, a label affixed to an object 175, and a badge worn by an object 175.

[0030] The detector 185 of the object 175 can have any of several configurations. For example, the detector 185 can be configured to receive the optical signal 158 for communication. As another example, the detector 185 can be configured to receive and manipulate the optical signal 158 for alignment or positioning. Figure 2An example of a detector 185-1 is shown in FIG. 1. In this case, the detector 185-1 has a detector body 287 (e.g., configured to receive optical signals 158 for communication, instructions, etc.) having a substantially circular top surface. Surrounding the detector body 287 of the detector 185-1 is a retroreflector 286 (e.g., configured to receive and manipulate optical signals 158 for alignment or positioning) also having a substantially circular top surface.

[0031] The reflector 286 may be configured to reflect the optical signal 158 (e.g., an optical signal emitted by the communication device 170) back in substantially the same direction as the received optical signal as the reflected signal 157. In addition to or as an alternative to the reflector 286, the detector 185-1 may be or include some other component having a reflective property that is configured to reflect the optical signal 158 as the reflected signal 157. In an alternative embodiment, the detector 185-1 may include multiple reflectors 286 that are located in different positions relative to the detector body 287.

[0032] The network manager 180 is a device or component that controls all or a portion of the system 100, which includes a communication device 170 that is communicatively coupled to the network manager 180 via one or more communication links 105. The network manager 180 may include a controller (e.g., similar to the controller 304 of the communication device 170) and an optional user interface. In this case, the controller of the network manager 180 may include some or all of the same components and / or perform some or all of the same functions as the controller 304 of the communication device 170. The network manager 180 (or its components) may be located in or near the spatial volume 109. In addition, or as an alternative, the network manager 180 (or its components) may be located remotely (e.g., in the cloud) from the spatial volume 109. The network manager 180 may be referred to as any of a number of other names, including, but not limited to, a master controller, an enterprise manager, and a network controller.

[0033] The user 150 may be anyone who interacts directly or indirectly with the network manager 180, the communication device 170, and / or any other component of the system 100. Examples of the user 150 may include, but are not limited to, business owners, engineers, company representatives, consultants, contractors, security entities, and manufacturers' representatives. The user 150 may use one or more user systems 155 that may include a display (e.g., a GUI). Examples of the user system 155 may include, but are not limited to, a smart phone, a smart watch, an electronic tablet, a laptop computer, and a desktop computer. The user system 155 of the user 150 may interact with (e.g., send data to, obtain data from) the network manager 180, the communication device 170, and / or any other component of the system 100 via an application interface and using the communication link 105. The user 150 may also interact directly with the network manager 180, the communication device 170, and / or any other component of the system 100 through a user interface (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen).

[0034] Interactions between each communication device 170 (including its components), the user 150 (including any associated user system 155), the network manager 180, and other components of the system 100 can be performed using communication links 105. Each communication link 105 can include wired (e.g., Category 1 cable, Category 2 cable, electrical connector, power line carrier, RS485) and / or wireless (e.g., line of sight, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, visible light communication, cellular network, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Ultra-Wideband (UWB), WirelessHART, ISA100) technology. The communication link 105 can transmit signals (e.g., optical signals 158, reflected signals 157, radio frequency signals) including any type of data (e.g., communication, control, location, update) between each communication device 170 (including its components, such as the controller 304 and sensor device 360), the user 150 (including any associated user system 155), the network manager 180, and any other component of the system 100.

[0035] Each example communication device 170 is configured to transmit an optical signal 158 and receive a reflected signal 157 within an optical signal range 107. The optical signal range 107 can be defined by an angle 103, the starting point of which is at the communication device 170 (or a portion thereof). The optical signal range 107 (and therefore the angle 103) can be fixed or adjustable (e.g., by a controller 304 of the communication device 170, as described below). Each optical signal range 107 is at least partially located within a spatial volume 109. The optical signal range 107 can correspond to a portion (e.g., a partial portion, an entire portion) of the spatial volume 109. In some cases, the communication device 170 is stationary within the spatial volume 109. In an alternative case, the communication device 170 is mobile or movable within the spatial volume 109.

[0036] If the detector 185 of the object 175 (e.g., the detector 185-1 of the object 175-1, the detector 185-N of the object 175-N) is within the optical signal range 107 (e.g., the optical signal range 107-1) of the communication device 170 (e.g., the communication device 170-1), and if the detector 185 of the object 175 is within the line of sight of the communication device 170, then the detector 185 of the object 175 and the communication device 170 may transmit the optical signal 158 and the reflected signal 157 between each other. In this case, in Figure 1 At the time point captured in , detector 185-N of object 175-N begins sending reflected signal 157 to communication device 170-1, and communication device 170-1 begins sending optical signal 158 to detector 185-1 of object 175-1. Optical signal 158 sent by communication device 170 may have any range of diameters. In some cases, the diameter of optical signal 158 may be based at least in part on the size of detector 185 (or a portion thereof, such as retroreflector 286) to which optical signal 158 is directed.

[0037] In this example, the communication device 170-1 has an optical signal range 107-1 defined by an angle 103-1, and the communication device 170-N has an optical signal range 107-N defined by an angle 103-N. In some cases, when there are multiple communication devices 170 in the system 100, the optical signal range 107 of one communication device 170 may overlap with the optical signal range 107 of at least one adjacent communication device 170. Alternatively, when the system 100 has multiple communication devices 170, there may be no overlap between any adjacent optical signal ranges 107. The angle 103 of one optical signal range 107 may be the same as or different from the angle 103 of one or more other optical signal ranges 107 in the system 100.

[0038] The communication device 170 may include one or more of several components. For example, Figure 3 As shown in , the communication device 170 may include a housing 389, in which or on which a power supply 312, one or more receivers 373, one or more transmitters 324, a controller 304, an optical device 374, and one or more sensor devices 360 are already disposed. In certain example embodiments, each communication device 170 may also send and / or receive signals that are not optical signals. Examples of such other types of signals may include, but are not limited to, radio frequency signals (e.g., using WiFi). When the system 100 includes multiple communication devices 170, the configuration of one communication device 170 may be the same or different from that of one or more other communication devices 170.

[0039] The communication device 170 may be an independent device (eg Figure 1 ). Alternatively, the communication device 170 can be integrated with another electrical device (e.g., a luminaire, a control switch, a security camera, a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector, a wall switch). When the communication device 170 is integrated with a luminaire, the luminaire can include a lamp, a lighting device and / or a lighting system. The primary purpose of the luminaire is to provide overall illumination for the spatial volume 109. The luminaire can be of any type, including but not limited to recessed luminaires (e.g., down-mounted luminaires), chandeliers, table lamps, troffers, emergency luminaires, illuminated exit signs, parking lot luminaires, street lamps, sidewalk luminaires, and ceiling fan lamps. The luminaire can use any type of lighting technology, including but not limited to light emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent lamps, halogen lamps, fluorescent lamps, and sodium vapor lamps.

[0040] When the communication device 170 is a stand-alone device, the communication device 170 may include a housing 389. The housing 389 may include at least one wall forming a cavity. In some cases, the housing 389 may be designed to comply with any applicable standards so that the communication device 170 can be located in a specific environment of the spatial volume 109. The housing 389 of the communication device 170 may be used to house one or more components of the communication device 170. In alternative embodiments, any one or more of these or other components of the communication device 170 may be disposed on the housing 389 and / or away from the housing 389. For example, the transmitter 324 (or a portion thereof) may be disposed on the housing 389 of the communication device 170 or integrated with the housing 389 of the communication device 170.

[0041] The power supply 312 of the communication device 170 receives power from a power source (e.g., an AC mains) and manipulates (e.g., transforms, rectifies, inverts) the power to provide manipulated power to one or more other components of the communication device 170 (e.g., receiver 373, controller 304), wherein the manipulated power is of a type (e.g., AC, DC) and level (e.g., 12V, 24V, 120V) that can be used by the other components of the communication device. The power supply 312 may include one or more of a number of single or multiple discrete components (e.g., transistors, diodes, resistors, transformers), and / or a microprocessor. The power supply 312 may include a printed circuit board on which the microprocessor and / or one or more discrete components are located. In some cases, the power supply 312 itself may be or include a power source to provide signals to other components of the communication device 170. For example, the power supply 312 may be or include an energy storage device (e.g., a battery). As another example, the power supply 312 may be or include a local photovoltaic power system.

[0042] The transmitter 324 of the communication device 170 can transmit the optical signal 158 (e.g., for tracking, for communication). In some cases, the transmitter 324 can also be used to transmit other types of signals (e.g., radio frequency signals). The transmitter 324 can use wired and / or wireless technology. In certain example embodiments, the communication device 170 can have one transmitter 324 for optical communication (e.g., using the optical signal 158) and another transmitter 324 for wired / wireless communication (e.g., using radio frequency signals). The transmitter 324 can be configured in such a way that the optical signal 158 (and / or other types of signals) are transmitted to sources (e.g., detectors 185) located within the optical signal range 107 and within the line of sight of those sources. The transmitter 324 can be controlled in such a way (e.g., by the controller 304) that one or more parameters of the optical signal 158 (e.g., direction, diameter, emission time, movement, duration) can be set or adjusted, whether before or during a specific emission of the optical signal 158.

[0043] The transmitter 324 may include any number of components for transmitting the optical signal 158, including, but not limited to, a light source (e.g., an LED, a laser), a modulator, a pivot device, a switch, a filter, and a reflector. When the transmitter 324 also transmits other types of signals, the transmitter 324 may include other components, such as an antenna. The transmitter 324 may use one or more of any number of suitable communication protocols when transmitting the optical signal 158.

[0044] The receiver 373 of the communication device receives the reflected signal 157 (e.g., for tracking), which is a reflection of the optical signal 158. In some cases, the receiver 373 can also be used to receive other types of signals (e.g., radio frequency signals). The receiver 373 can use wired and / or wireless technology. The receiver 373 can be configured in such a way that the reflected signal 157 (and / or other types of signals) are received from sources (e.g., detectors 185) within the optical signal range 107 and within the line of sight of those sources. The receiver 373 can be controlled in such a way (e.g., by the controller 304) that the reflected signal 157 can be received in such a way that the characteristics of the reflected signal 157 are optimized.

[0045] Receiver 373 may include any number of components for receiving reflection signal 157, including but not limited to photodetectors, light collectors, pivot devices, switches, and filters. Receiver 373 may include other components, such as an antenna. Receiver 373 may use one or more of any number of suitable communication protocols when receiving reflection signal 157.

[0046] The optical device 374 of the communication device 170 can be or include one or more of several components configured to manipulate the optical signal 158 sent by the transmitter 324 and / or the reflected signal 157 received by the receiver 373. Examples of components of the optical device 374 can include, but are not limited to, lenses, light guides, mirrors, and prisms. One or more components of the optical device 374 can be fixed (e.g., in terms of position, in terms of function). Alternatively, one or more components (or portions thereof) of the optical device 374 can be adjusted (e.g., adjusted by the controller 304).

[0047] Each sensor device 360 ​​of the communication device 170 includes one or more sensors that measure one or more parameters (e.g., signal strength, signal amplitude, angle of arrival, angle of departure, temperature, humidity, voltage, current, etc.). The parameters can be associated with the light signal 158 and / or the reflected signal 157. Examples of sensors of the sensor device 360 ​​can include, but are not limited to, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, capacitive sensors, magnetic sensors, microphones, voltmeters, ammeters, and cameras. The sensor device 360 ​​can be a stand-alone device, or can be integrated with another component of the system 100 (e.g., the communication device 170).

[0048] The controller 304 of the communication device 170 may coordinate and / or control other components of the communication device 170 (e.g., power supply 312, receiver 373, sensor device 360, transmitter 324, optical device 374). The controller 304 of the communication device 170 may include one or more of several components. For example, Figure 4As shown in FIG. 1 , the components of the controller 304 may include, but are not limited to, a control engine 406, a communication module 408, a timer 410, a power module 412, a storage library 430, a hardware processor 420, a memory 422, a transceiver 424, an application interface 426, and an optional security module 428. The controller 304 of the communication device 170 may correspond to the following reference Figure 5 Describe the computer system.

[0049] As a specific example, the controller 304 may instruct the transmitter 324 to send one or more light signals 158 into a portion of the spatial volume 109. The instructions provided by the controller 304 may include one or more of several parameters associated with the light signal 158, including but not limited to intensity, diameter, time amount, direction, and movement over time. As another example, the controller 304 may instruct the receiver 373 to capture the reflected signal 157 directed from the detector 185. In addition, the controller 304 can extract information from the reflected signal 157 received by the receiver 373 to determine the location and path of each object 157 in the portion of the spatial volume 109 (i.e., in the light signal range 107). These determinations allow the controller 304 to track each object 175 in the portion of the spatial volume 109.

[0050] In an embodiment, each communication device 170 may be located in a predetermined position and / or a fixed position within the spatial volume 109. The network manager 180 may be aware of the predetermined position and / or the fixed position of each communication device 170. The network manager 180 may use the position of the communication device 170 in the spatial volume 109, and information obtained from the reflected signals 157 received from the detector 185 at various points in time, to identify the position of objects 175 within the portion of the spatial volume 109 at a point in time and track the movement (e.g., speed, direction, pauses, inactivity) of these objects 175 over a period of time.

[0051] Alternatively, as in the case of free space optics (FSO), the communication device 170 (or a portion thereof) may be in motion when the optical signal 158 is transmitted by the communication device 170 and / or when the reflected signal 157 is received by the communication device 170. In this case, the position of the communication device 170 at a certain point in time may be ascertained (e.g., calculated position, measured position) in real time, so that the position and path of each object 175 in the spatial volume 109 may be determined in real time.

[0052] The repository 430 of the controller 304 may be a permanent storage device (or collection of devices) that stores software and data used to help the controller 304 communicate with the users 150 (including associated user systems 155), the network manager 180, and the controller 304 of other communication devices 170 (if any) within the system 100. In one or more example embodiments, the repository 430 stores one or more protocols 432, one or more algorithms 433, and stored data 434. The protocol 432 of the repository 430 may be any procedure (e.g., a series of method steps) and / or other similar operating procedures that the control engine 406 of the controller 304 follows based on certain conditions at a point in time.

[0053] The protocols 432 may include any of a number of communication protocols for sending and / or receiving data between the controller 304 of the network manager 180, the user 150 (including the associated user system 155), and the communication device 170. Such a protocol 432 for communication may be a time synchronization protocol. Examples of such time synchronization protocols may include, but are not limited to, the Highway Addressable Remote Transducer (HART) protocol, the Wireless HART protocol, and the International Society of Automation (ISA) 100 protocol. In this way, one or more protocols 432 may provide a security layer for data transmitted within the system 100. Other protocols 432 for communication may be associated with the use of optical communications, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, VLC, cellular networks, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Ultra-Wideband (UWB), and Bluetooth.

[0054] The algorithm 433 may be any formula, mathematical model, prediction, simulation, and / or other similar tool used by the control engine 406 of the controller 304 to derive a computational conclusion. For example, one or more algorithms 433 may be used to determine where the object 175 is to be projected at a future point in time (e.g., in the next cycle) within the spatial volume 109. As another example, one or more algorithms 433 may be used to determine the speed at which the object 175 is moving within the spatial volume 109 based on data received by the receiver 373 of the communication device 170.

[0055] The stored data 434 may be any data associated with the communication device 170, the object 175, the volume of space 109, the user 150 (including any associated user system 155), data received and / or derived from the reflected signal 157 (and / or other types of signals received by the receiver 373), thresholds, tables, results of previously run or calculated algorithms 433, updates to the protocol 432, user preferences, and / or any other suitable data. Such data may be any type of data, including, but not limited to, historical data, current data, and future data (e.g., predictions). The stored data 434 may be associated with some time measurement derived, for example, from the timer 410.

[0056] Examples of repository 430 may include, but are not limited to, a database (or databases), a file system, cloud-based storage, a hard drive, flash memory, some other form of solid-state data storage, or any suitable combination thereof. According to some example embodiments, repository 430 may be located on multiple physical machines, each storing all or a portion of protocol 432, algorithm 433, and / or stored data 434. Each storage unit or device may be physically located in the same or different geographic locations.

[0057] The repository 430 may be operably connected to the control engine 406. In one or more example embodiments, the control engine 406 includes functionality to communicate with the users 150 (including associated user systems 155), other communication devices 170, objects 175 (including detectors 185 of those objects 175), and a network manager 180 in the system 100. More specifically, the control engine 406 sends information to and / or receives information from the repository 430 in order to communicate with the users 150 (including associated user systems 155), other communication devices 170, objects 175 (including detectors 185 of those objects 175), and the network manager 180. As described below, in certain example embodiments, the repository 430 may also be operably connected to the communication module 408.

[0058] In certain example embodiments, the control engine 406 of the controller 304 controls the operation of one or more components (e.g., the communication module 408, the timer 410, the transceiver 424) of the controller 304. For example, the control engine 406 can activate the communication module 408 when the communication module 408 is in a "sleep" mode and when the communication module 408 needs to send data received from another component in the system 100 (e.g., the detector 185 of the object 175). The control engine 406 of the controller 304 can obtain information (e.g., the strength of the reflected signal 157 received from the detector 185, the angle of arrival of the reflected signal 157 received by the receiver 373), which can be used to locate and / or track multiple objects 175 in the volume of space 109 over a period of time (e.g., one cycle, multiple cycles).

[0059] As another example, the control engine 406 may have (as data 434 stored in the repository 430) a three-dimensional layout of the entire spatial volume 109 (or a portion thereof) that includes the precise location of each object detector 185 (and therefore each object 175). The control engine 406 may use this information, along with one or more protocols 432 and / or one or more algorithms 433, to analyze the location, trajectory, pace, and / or other characteristics of each detector 185 (and therefore each object 175) within the spatial volume 109 at a particular point in time. In some cases, the control engine 406 may use one or more protocols 432 and / or one or more algorithms 433 to determine whether the failure to receive the reflected signal 157 from the reflector 286 of the detector 185 during a portion of a cycle was due to the light signal 158 falling entirely on the detector body 287 of the detector 185, rather than missing the detector 185 entirely.

[0060] The control engine 406 of the controller 304 of the communication device 170 can generate and process data associated with the reflected signals 157, control signals, communication signals, and / or other types of signals sent to and received from: the user 150 (including the associated user system 155), other communication devices 170, the network manager 180, and the detector 185. The control engine 406 can control one or more receivers 373, one or more transmitters 324, and / or one or more optical devices of the communication device 170. In some embodiments, the control engine 406 of the controller 304 can communicate with one or more components of a system external to the system 100. For example, the control engine 406 can interact with an inventory management system by ordering a replacement for a receiver 373 that is no longer functioning properly. In this way, the controller 304 is able to perform several functions beyond what can reasonably be considered routine tasks.

[0061] In certain example embodiments, the control engine 406 may include an interface that enables the control engine 406 to communicate with other communication devices 170, detectors 185, network managers 180, and users 150 (including associated user systems 155). For example, if the user system 155 operates under IEC standard 62386, the user system 155 may have a serial communication interface that transmits data to the controller 304 via the communication link 105. In this case, the control engine 406 may also include a serial interface to enable communication with the user system 155. Such an interface may operate in conjunction with or independently of the protocol 432 used to communicate between the controller 304 and the users 150 (including corresponding user systems 155), other communication devices 170, network managers 180, and detectors 185.

[0062] The control engine 406 (or other components of the controller 304) may also include one or more hardware components and / or software elements to perform its functions. Such components may include, but are not limited to, a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), a direct-connect capacitor (DAC) storage device, an analog-to-digital converter, an inter-integrated circuit (I2C), and a pulse width modulator (PWM).

[0063] When the control engine 406 communicates with the user system 155, other communication devices 170, network manager 180, and detector 185 (e.g., sends signals to or receives signals from the user system 155, other communication devices 170, network manager 180, and detector 185), the communication module 408 of the controller 304 determines and implements the communication protocol used (e.g., protocol 432 from the repository 430). In some cases, the communication module 408 accesses the stored data 434 to determine which communication protocol to use to communicate with another component of the system 100. In addition, the communication module 408 can identify and / or interpret the communication protocol of the communication received by the controller 304 so that the control engine 406 can interpret the communication. The communication module 408 can also provide one or more of a number of other services related to data sent from and received by the controller 304. Such services can include, but are not limited to, data packet routing information and procedures to follow in the event of data interruption.

[0064] The timer 410 of the controller 304 can track clock time, time intervals, time amounts, and / or any other time measurement. The timer 410 can also count the number of times an event occurs, whether or not time-related. Alternatively, the control engine 406 can perform the counting function. The timer 410 is capable of tracking multiple time measurements simultaneously. The timer 410 can track time periods based on instructions received from the control engine 406, based on instructions received from the user 150, based on instructions programmed in software for the controller 304, based on some other condition, or according to some other component, or according to any combination thereof. In certain example embodiments, the timer 410 can provide a timestamp for each reflection signal 157 that reflects off the detector 185.

[0065] The power module 412 of the controller 304 receives power from the power supply of the communication device 170 and manipulates (e.g., transforms, rectifies, inverts) the power to provide manipulated power to one or more other components of the controller 304 (e.g., timer 410, control engine 406), wherein the manipulated power is of a type (e.g., AC, DC) and level (e.g., 12V, 24V, 120V) that can be used by the other components of the controller 304. The power module 412 may include one or more of a number of single or multiple discrete components (e.g., transistors, diodes, resistors, transformers), and / or a microprocessor. The power module 412 may include a printed circuit board on which the microprocessor and / or one or more discrete components are located. In some cases, the power module 412 may include one or more components that allow the power module 412 to measure one or more power elements (e.g., voltage, current) delivered to and / or sent from the power module 412. In addition, or as an alternative, the power module 412 itself may be or include a power source to provide signals to other components of the controller 304. For example, power module 412 may be or include an energy storage device (eg, a battery). As another example, power module 412 may be or include a local photovoltaic power system.

[0066] According to one or more example embodiments, the hardware processor 420 of the controller 304 executes software, algorithms, and firmware. Specifically, the hardware processor 420 can execute software on the control engine 406 or any other part of the controller 304, as well as software used by the user 150 (including the associated user system 155), the network manager 180, other communication devices 170, and / or the object 175 (including the associated detector 185). In one or more example embodiments, the hardware processor 420 can be an integrated circuit, a central processing unit, a multi-core processing chip, a SoC, a multi-chip module including multiple multi-core processing chips, or other hardware processors. The hardware processor 420 can be referred to by other names, including but not limited to a computer processor, a microprocessor, and a multi-core processor.

[0067] In one or more example embodiments, the hardware processor 420 executes software instructions stored in the memory 422. The memory 422 includes one or more cache memories, main memory, and / or any other suitable type of memory. The memory 422 may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory. According to some example embodiments, the memory 422 is located within the controller 304 separately from the hardware processor 420. In some configurations, the memory 422 may be integrated with the hardware processor 420.

[0068] In some cases, the hardware processor 420 (or a portion thereof) may be dedicated or designed for a particular application. For example, the hardware processor 420 may be or include an artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) vector processor. As another example, in the case where the communication device 170 (or a portion thereof) moves when the communication device 170 transmits the optical signal 158 and / or when the communication device 170 receives the reflected signal 157, the hardware processor 420 may be or include a floating point unit (FPU).

[0069] In certain example embodiments, the controller 304 does not include a hardware processor 420. In this case, the controller 304 may include, for example, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), one or more integrated circuits (ICs). The use of FPGAs, IGBTs, ICs, and / or other similar devices known in the art allows the controller 304 (or portions thereof) to be programmable and to function according to certain logic rules and thresholds without the use of a hardware processor. Alternatively, FPGAs, IGBTs, ICs, and / or similar devices may be used in conjunction with one or more hardware processors 420.

[0070] The transceiver 424 of the controller 304 can send and / or receive control and / or communication signals. Specifically, the transceiver 424 can be used to transmit data between the controller 304 and the user 150 (including the associated user system 155), other communication devices 170, the network manager 180, and the object 175 (including the associated detector 185). The transceiver 424 can use wired and / or wireless technology. The transceiver 424 can be configured in such a way that the control and / or communication signals sent and / or received by the transceiver 424 can be received and / or sent by another transceiver that is part of the user system 155, another communication device 170, the network manager 180, and / or the object 175 (including the associated detector 185).

[0071] The transceiver 424 can send and / or receive any of a number of signal types, including but not limited to radio frequency signals. When the transceiver 424 uses wireless technology, the transceiver 424 can use any type of wireless technology to send and receive signals. Such wireless technology can include but is not limited to Wi-Fi, Zigbee, VLC, cellular networks, BLE, UWB, and Bluetooth. The transceiver 424 can use one or more of any number of suitable communication protocols (e.g., ISA100, HART) when sending and / or receiving signals.

[0072] Optionally, in one or more example embodiments, the security module 428 protects the interactions between the controller 304, the user 150 (including the associated user system 155), the other communication devices 170, the network manager 180, and the object 175 (including the associated detector 185). More specifically, the security module 428 authenticates communications from software based on a security key that verifies the identity of the source of the communication. For example, user software can be associated with a security key so that software of the user system 155 can interact with the controller 304. In addition, the security module 428 can limit the receipt of information, the request for information, and / or the access to information.

[0073] According to one or more example embodiments, the user 150 (including the associated user system 155), other communication devices 170, network manager 180, and object 175 (including any associated detectors 185) may interact with the controller 304 of the communication device 170 using an application interface 426. Specifically, the application interface 426 of the controller 304 receives data (e.g., information, communications, instructions, firmware updates) from and sends data (e.g., information, communications, instructions) to the user system 155 of the user 150, other communication devices 170, network manager 180, and / or object 175 (including any associated detectors 185). Examples of the application interface 426 may be or include, but are not limited to, an application programming interface, a keyboard, a network service, a data protocol adapter, some other hardware and / or software, or any suitable combination thereof. Similarly, in certain example embodiments, the user system 155 of the user 150, the other communication device 170, the network manager 180 and / or the object 175 (including any associated detectors 185) may include an interface (similar to the application interface 426 of the controller 304 of the communication device 170) to receive data from the controller 304 and send data to the controller 304.

[0074] In some cases, user system 155 of user 150, one or more other communication devices 170, network manager 180, and / or one or more objects 175 (including any associated detectors 185) may include a user interface. Examples of such user interfaces may include, but are not limited to, a graphical user interface, a touch screen, a keyboard, a monitor, a mouse, some other hardware, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0075] In certain example embodiments, the controller 304 of the communication device 170, the user 150 (including the associated user system 155), other communication devices 170, the network manager 180 and the objects 175 (including any associated detectors 185) may use their own systems or share a system. Such a system may be in the form of or include an Internet-based or intranet-based computer system capable of communicating with various software. The computer system includes any type of computing device and / or communication device, including but not limited to the controller 304. Examples of such a system may include but are not limited to a desktop computer with a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet or an intranet access, a laptop computer with a LAN, a WAN, the Internet or an intranet access, a smart phone, a server, a server farm, an Android device (or equivalent), a tablet computer, a smart phone, and a personal digital assistant (PDA). Such a system may correspond to the following reference Figure 5 Describe the computer system.

[0076] In addition, as described above, such a system can have corresponding software (e.g., user software, sensor software, controller software, network manager software). According to some example embodiments, the software can be executed on the same or separate devices (e.g., servers, mainframes, desktop personal computers (PCs), laptops, PDAs, televisions, cable boxes, satellite boxes, phone booths, phones, mobile phones, or other computing devices) and can be coupled to wired segments and / or wireless segments via communication networks (e.g., the Internet, intranets, extranets, LANs, WANs, or other network communication methods) and / or communication channels. The software of one system can be part of, or operate separately but in combination with, the software of another system within the system 100.

[0077] The example communication device 170 in the spatial volume 109 can be located in any one or more of a number of environments. Examples of such environments can include, but are not limited to, indoors, outdoors, convention centers, retail stores (e.g., grocery stores, furniture stores, convenience stores), office spaces, conference rooms, factory floors, parks, and farmers markets, any of which can be climate controlled or non-climate controlled. The example communication device can be integrated with or integrated into any of a number of different structures. Such structures can include, but are not limited to, ceilings, floors, poles, I-beams, drywall, wood columns, trees, walls, and building facades.

[0078] Figure 5 One embodiment of a computing device 518 is shown that implements one or more of the various techniques described herein and that represents, in whole or in part, elements described herein according to certain example embodiments. For example, the controller 304 of the communication device 170 (including its components, such as the control engine 406, the hardware processor 420, the storage repository 430, the power supply 440, and the transceiver 424) can be considered to be the computing device 518. The computing device 518 is an example of a computing device and is not intended to suggest any limitation on the scope of use or functionality of the computing device and / or its possible architecture. The computing device 518 should also not be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement on any one component or combination of components shown in the example computing device 518.

[0079] The computing device 518 includes one or more processors or processing units 514, one or more memory / storage components 515, one or more input / output (I / O) devices 516, and a bus 517 that allows the various components and devices to communicate with each other. The bus 517 represents any one or more of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The bus 517 includes wired and / or wireless buses.

[0080] The memory / storage component 515 represents one or more computer storage media. The memory / storage component 515 includes volatile media (such as random access memory (RAM)) and / or non-volatile media (such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, etc.). The memory / storage component 515 includes fixed media (e.g., RAM, ROM, fixed hard drive, etc.) and removable media (e.g., flash memory drive, removable hard drive, optical disk, etc.).

[0081] One or more I / O devices 516 allow user 150 to input commands and information to computing device 518, and also allow information to be presented to user 150 and / or other components or devices. Examples of input devices 516 include, but are not limited to, keyboards, cursor control devices (e.g., mice), microphones, touch screens, and scanners. Examples of output devices include, but are not limited to, display devices (e.g., monitors or projectors), speakers, output to a lighting network (e.g., DMX cards), printers, and network cards.

[0082] Various techniques are described herein in the general context of software or program modules. Generally, software includes routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Implementations of these modules and techniques are stored on or transmitted across some form of computer-readable media. A computer-readable medium is any available one or more non-transitory media that can be accessed by a computing device. By way of example and not limitation, a computer-readable medium includes a "computer storage medium."

[0083] "Computer storage media" and "computer-readable media" include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, computer-recordable media such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium for storing the desired information and accessible by a computer.

[0084] According to some example embodiments, the computer device 518 is connected to a network (not shown) (e.g., a LAN, a WAN such as the Internet, a cloud, or any other similar type of network) via a network interface connection (not shown). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many different types of computer systems (e.g., desktop computers, laptop computers, personal media devices, mobile devices (such as cellular phones or personal digital assistants), or any other computing system capable of executing computer-readable instructions), and in other example embodiments, the aforementioned input and output devices take other forms now known or later developed. In general, the computer device 518 includes at least the minimum processing, input, and / or output devices necessary to practice one or more embodiments.

[0085] In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in certain example embodiments, one or more elements of the aforementioned computer device 518 are located at a remote location and connected to other elements via a network. In addition, one or more embodiments are implemented on a distributed system having one or more nodes, wherein each part of the implementation (e.g., user system 155, communication device 170, network manager 180) is located on a different node within the distributed system. In one or more embodiments, a node corresponds to a computer system. Alternatively, in some example embodiments, a node corresponds to a processor with an associated physical memory. In some example embodiments, the node corresponds to a processor with a shared memory and / or resource instead.

[0086] Figure 6 A flowchart 698 of a method for tracking multiple objects in a volume of space according to certain example embodiments is shown. Although the various steps in the flowchart 698 are presented sequentially, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that some or all of these steps may be performed in a different order, may be combined or omitted, and some or all of these steps may be performed in parallel. In addition, in one or more example embodiments, one or more steps shown in the example method may be omitted, repeated, and / or performed in a different order.

[0087] In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the method may include Figure 6 Therefore, the specific arrangement of the steps should not be interpreted as limiting the scope. In addition, in some example embodiments, a specific computing device (such as the above reference Figure 5 The computing device discussed) can be used to perform Figure 6 Any of the functions performed below by controller 304 may involve the use of one or more protocols 432 , one or more algorithms 433 , and / or stored data 434 .

[0088] Figure 6 The methods shown in are merely examples of what can be performed using the example systems described herein. Figure 6 In addition to the methods shown in Figure 6 In addition to the methods shown in , the system for tracking multiple objects in a volume of space can use other methods to perform other functions. Figure 6 The method shown in Figures 7 to 16 . Figure 7 and Figures 11 to 13 The various steps of the method are shown during one cycle of tracking multiple objects in a volume of space. Figures 8 to 10 Each shows the movement of the light signal relative to the detector during a portion of a cycle. Figures 14 to 16 Each shows the interaction between the light signal and the detector during one complete cycle.

[0089] refer to Figures 1 to 16 ,exist Figure 6 The method shown in flowchart 698 of begins at a start step and proceeds to step 681 where a cycle is initiated. A controller (e.g., controller 304) of a communication device (e.g., communication device 170-1) may initiate a cycle using measurements from one or more sensor devices 360, one or more algorithms 433, and / or one or more protocols 432. A cycle refers to the completion of a single position movement path or a series of position movement paths that form a geometric entity (e.g., a circle, an ellipse, a line, a square, a hexagon, a spiral, an irregular closed shape, an irregular open shape) relative to the light signal 158 directed to each of the plurality of detectors 185 (and therefore the plurality of objects 175) in the portion of the spatial volume 109.

[0090] As defined herein, a position movement path describes the path of the light signal 158 that is directed (emitted toward) a series of positions that are close to each other within the light signal range 107 in the spatial volume 109. The controller 304 approximates the position movement path in the spatial volume 109 to coincide with the position of the detector 185 at a point in time. The controller 304 of the communication device 170 can establish, maintain, modify, cancel and / or change the position movement path of the light signal 158. More information about cycles and portions thereof is discussed below.

[0091] Initiating a cycle may include using a timer 410. Initiating a cycle may include defining one or more of several characteristics of the cycle and / or light signal 158. Examples of such characteristics may include, but are not limited to, the start time of the cycle, the number of objects 175 to be tracked within the light signal range 107 within the spatial volume 109 (also referred to as the portion 107 of the spatial volume 109), the total duration of the cycle, the position movement path of the light signal 158 of each object 175, the number of interruptions in the position movement path of the light signal 158 of each object 175, the duration of each interruption in the position movement path of the light signal 158 of each object 175, the number of light signals 158 sent to the object 175 in the cycle, and the distribution of light signals 158 sent to the object 175 in the cycle. The cycle may be any amount of time (e.g., 10 seconds, 10 milliseconds, 9 nanoseconds). The length of the cycle may be constant or adjusted (e.g., by the controller 304) from one cycle to the next.

[0092] In step 682, a light signal (e.g., light signal 158) is emitted toward an object 175 (e.g., object 175-1) in a position movement path within a portion (e.g., light signal range 107-1) of the spatial volume 109. The position movement path may be continuous and correspond to a series of light signal targets within the light signal range 107-1 in the spatial volume 109. The target position movement path may correspond to a series of targets for multiple light signals within the spatial volume. Figure 7 A time snapshot of this step in the method is shown. Specifically, Figure 7 Shows Figure 1 Portion 797 of system 100. Figure 7 The portion 797 of the system shown in FIG. 1 includes the communication device 170-1, the object 175-1, and the object 175-2 in the spatial volume 109. The object 175-1 includes the detector 185-1, and the object 175-2 includes the detector 185-2. The objects 175-1 and 175-2 fall within the optical signal range 107-1 within the spatial volume 109 (also referred to as the portion 107-1 of the spatial volume 109). Figure 7At the point in time shown in , the communication device 170 - 1 is transmitting a light signal 758 toward the detector 185 - 1 of the object 175 - 1 .

[0093] Figures 8 to 10 An example of a movement path within a first portion of the spatial volume 109 (eg, the light signal range 107-1) toward which the light signal 158 may be emitted is shown. Figure 8 Subsystem 896 is shown, which includes a detector 885 (which is substantially similar to detector 185-1), a light signal 858 (which is substantially similar to light signal 158), and a position movement path 859 of light signal 858. The position movement path 859 of light signal 858 is continuous along its length. In this example, the position movement path 859 of light signal 858 forms an arc of a portion of a circle. The position movement path 859 lasts for a period of time within a cycle.

[0094] In certain example embodiments, the rate at which the light signal 858 travels along the position movement path 859 is faster than the rate at which the object 175 (e.g., object 175-1) associated with the detector 885 moves. Along the entire position movement path 859, a portion of the light signal 858 contacts the reflector 886 of the detector 885, and the remaining portion of the light signal 858 contacts the detector body 887 of the detector 885. In this way, the portion of the light signal 858 that contacts the reflector 886 of the detector 885 can be returned to the communication device 170-1 as a reflected signal 1157, as described below. As described herein, any position movement path (e.g., position movement path 859) is continuous for the duration of the time period within the cycle. In other words, the light beam 158 moves for the entire time period during which the position movement path is effective. The movement of the light beam 158 along the position movement path can be constant or variable within the time period of the cycle.

[0095] Fig. 9 Subsystem 996 is shown, which includes a detector 985 (which is substantially similar to detector 185-1), a light signal 958 (which is substantially similar to light signal 158), and a position movement path 959 of light signal 958. Position movement path 959 of light signal 958 is continuous along its length. In this example, position movement path 959 of light signal 958 forms a line segment. Position movement path 959 lasts for a period of time within a cycle.

[0096] In certain example embodiments, the rate at which the light signal 958 travels along the positional movement path 959 is faster than the rate at which the object (e.g., object 175-1) associated with the detector 985 moves. Along the entire positional movement path 959, a portion of the light signal 958 contacts the retroreflector 986 of the detector 985, and the remaining portion of the light signal 958 contacts the detector body 987 of the detector 985. In this manner, the portion of the light signal 958 that contacts the retroreflector 986 of the detector 985 may be returned to the communication device 170-1 as a reflected signal 1157, as described below.

[0097] Fig.10 Subsystem 1096 is shown, which includes a detector 1085 (which is substantially similar to detector 185-1), a light signal 1058 (which is substantially similar to light signal 158), and a position movement path 1059 of light signal 1058. The position movement path 1059 of light signal 1058 is continuous along its length. In this example, the position movement path 1059 of light signal 1058 forms an "L" shape, like the corner of a square or rectangle. The position movement path 1059 lasts for a period of time in a cycle. In alternative embodiments, the position movement path of the light signal can form one or more angles different from (e.g., greater than, less than) 90°.

[0098] In certain example embodiments, the rate at which light signal 1058 travels along positional movement path 1059 is faster than the rate at which an object (e.g., object 175-1) associated with detector 1085 moves. Along the entire positional movement path 1059, a portion of light signal 1058 contacts a retroreflector 1086 of detector 1085, and the remainder of light signal 1058 contacts a detector body 1087 of detector 1085. In this manner, the portion of light signal 1058 that contacts retroreflector 1086 of detector 1085 may be returned to communication device 170-1 as a reflected signal 1157, as described below.

[0099] The light signal 758 may be transmitted using a transmitter (e.g., transmitter 324) of the communication device 170-1. The controller 304 of the communication device 170-1 may determine and implement characteristics of the light signal 758. These characteristics may include, but are not limited to, a diameter of the light signal 758, an intensity of the light signal 758, a shape of a position movement path (e.g., position movement path 859) of the light signal 758, a speed of travel of the light signal 758 along the position movement path, a distance of the position movement path, and a start and end point of the light signal 758 along the position movement path relative to the detector 185-1. The controller 304 may transmit the light signal 758 to the detector 185-1 using one or more algorithms 433 and / or one or more protocols 432.

[0100] In step 683, a reflected signal is received from a detector of the object. Fig.11 A time snapshot of this step in the method is shown. Specifically, Fig.11 Shows Figure 1 Portion 1197 of system 100. Fig.11 The portion of the system shown in 1197 with Figure 7 1 and 175-2 are identical (in terms of components) to portion 797 of the spatial volume 109, which includes a communication device 170-1, an object 175-1, and an object 175-2 in the spatial volume 109. Object 175-1 includes detector 185-1, and object 175-2 includes detector 185-2. Objects 175-1 and 175-2 fall within optical signal range 107-1 within the spatial volume 109 (also referred to as portion 107-1 of the spatial volume 109). Fig.11 At the time point shown in , the communication device 170 - 1 is receiving a reflection signal 1157 from the detector 185 - 1 of the object 175 - 1 , which is a reflection of the light signal 758 .

[0101] The optical signal 1158 may be received by one or more receivers (e.g., receiver 373) of the communication device 170-1. The controller 304 may control the one or more receivers 373 using one or more algorithms 433, one or more protocols 432, and / or measurements from one or more sensor devices 360 to ensure and / or optimize the reception of the reflected signal 1157. In certain example embodiments, the reflected signal 1157 does not contain any data or other information that allows the controller 304 to specifically identify the object 175-1. In other words, while the controller 304 may use a self-established identifier to track the object 175-1, the example embodiment for tracking the object 175-1 and other objects 175 in the spatial volume 109 does not receive or otherwise use the reflected signal 1157 to establish an identifier for the object 175-1. Such identification of the object 175 may occur independently, as a separate signal emitted by the object 175 after the detector body (e.g., detector body 287) receives a portion of the optical signal 1158 from the communication device 170-1.

[0102] In step 684, the current position and path of object 175-1 are determined. In other words, object 175-1 is tracked. The position and path of object 175-1 may be based on the reflected signal 1157 received from detector 185-1 of object 175-1. The current position and path of object 175-1 may be determined by controller 304 of communication device 170-1 using one or more algorithms 433, one or more protocols 432, and / or measurements from one or more sensor devices 360. In some cases, controller 304 may determine that object 175-1 is stationary.

[0103] In any case, tracking the object 175-1 (e.g., determining the current position and path of the object 175-1, predicting the position of the object 175-1 in the spatial volume 109 at a point in time) can cause the controller 304 to adjust one or more algorithms 433, one or more protocols 432, and / or one or more tables associated with the object 175-1 (part of the stored data 434), and apply these changes to the next part of the cycle directed to the tracked object 175-1. For example, the controller 304 can compare the predicted movement of the object 175-1 over time with the actual movement of the object 175-1. As a result, the controller 304 can adjust the one or more algorithms 433 used to predict the movement of the object 175-1. As another example, the controller 304 can use one or more algorithms 433 and measurements from one or more sensor devices 360 to determine optimal characteristics of the light signal 158 based on the relationship between the direction of the light signal 158 emitted by the transmitter 324 and the direction of the reflected signal 157 received by one or more receivers 373, while changing the direction of the light signal 158.

[0104] As yet another example, the controller 304 may use one or more algorithms 433 and measurements from one or more sensor devices 360 to determine the optimal time division of the light signal 158 directed to each object 175 in the portion 107-1 of the spatial volume 109. For example, such a determination may be made based on the predictability of the movement of the object 175 (where greater uncertainty requires more alignment information) and based on the required communication bandwidth (where low data rates result in short time slots for collecting information from the reflected signal 147). For objects 175 that the controller 304 has determined to be moving faster within the spatial volume 109, the controller 304 may make adjustments such that the number of position movement paths (e.g., position movement path 859) in a cycle is increased and the duration of each movement path in the cycle is shortened. As yet another example, the controller 304 may use one or more algorithms 433 and measurements from one or more sensor devices 360 to determine how to optimize the shape / size of the light signal 158 transmitted to a particular object 175, where the light signal 158 may have a larger diameter when the particular object 175 is stationary or moving very slowly.

[0105] Determining the current location and path of object 175-1 may be important for one or more of several reasons. For example, in order to make the quality of light signal 158 (and therefore also reflected signal 157) as healthy as possible, thereby avoiding data and / or communication loss, light signal 158 should be emitted as much as possible at the detector 185 of each object 175. Because object 175, light signal 158 (such as during the moving path), and / or other components of system 100 (e.g., communication device 170) are moving, vibrating, shifting, etc., the algorithm 433 for tracking object 175 needs to be updated as quickly as possible before the light signal 158 misses the detector 185 of object 175, which will cause the signal-to-noise ratio to drop below an acceptable operating level.

[0106] In step 688, a determination is made as to whether the cycle is complete. The determination as to whether the cycle is complete may be made by the controller 304 of the communication device 170-1 using one or more algorithms 433, one or more protocols 432, and / or measurements from one or more sensor devices 360. One or more of several factors may help determine whether a cycle is complete. Examples of these factors may include, but are not limited to, the passage of time, whether reflected signals (e.g., reflected signals 1157) have been received from all known objects 175 in the portion 107-1 of the spatial volume 109, and the number of reflected signals received from each known object 175 in the portion 107-1 of the spatial volume 109. If the cycle is complete, the process proceeds to step 691. If the cycle is not complete, the process proceeds to step 689.

[0107] In step 689, preparations are made for tracking the next object 175 in the portion 107-1 of the volume of space 109. The process of tracking multiple objects 175 in one cycle using a light beam from a single transmitter 324 may be referred to as time division. These preparations may be performed by the controller 304 of the communication device 170-1 using one or more algorithms 433, one or more protocols 432, and / or measurements from one or more sensor devices 360. Such preparations may include, but are not limited to, adjusting the transmitter 324 (e.g., changing the position and / or other settings of the transmitter 324), adjusting the optical device 374, and accessing a new data table in the repository 330 corresponding to the next object 175 to be tracked. For purposes of this discussion, when the communication device 170-1 has multiple transmitters 324, the same transmitter 324 is used to direct the optical signal 157 to multiple objects 175 in the portion 107-1 of the volume of space 109 at different time intervals in one cycle. When step 689 is completed, the process returns to step 682.

[0108] Fig.121 shows a time snapshot in the method when tracking another object 175. Specifically, Fig.12 Shows Figure 1 Part 1297 of system 100. Fig.12 The portion 1297 of the system shown in FIG. 1 includes the communication device 170-1, the object 175-1, and the object 175-2 in the spatial volume 109. The object 175-1 includes the detector 185-1, and the object 175-2 includes the detector 185-2. The objects 175-1 and 175-2 fall within the portion 107-1 of the spatial volume 109. Fig.12 At the time point shown in , communication device 170-1 is sending light signal 1258 to detector 185-2 of object 175-2. This is another application of step 682 with respect to a different object 175 (in this case, object 175-2 as opposed to object 175-1) than the previous portion of the cycle.

[0109] Fig.13 Shows Figure 1 Part 1397 of system 100. Fig.13 The portion of the system shown in 1397 with Fig.12 1, and 175-2 are identical (in terms of components) to portion 1297 of spatial volume 109, which includes communication device 170-1, object 175-1, and object 175-2 in spatial volume 109. Object 175-1 includes detector 185-1, and object 175-2 includes detector 185-2. Object 175-1 and object 175-2 fall within optical signal range 107-1 within spatial volume 109 (also referred to as portion 107-1 of spatial volume 109). Fig.13 At the time point shown in , communication device 170-1 is receiving reflection signal 1357 from detector 185-2 of object 175-2, which is a reflection of light signal 1258. This is another application of step 683 with respect to a different object 175 (in this case, object 175-2 as opposed to object 175-1) than in the previous portion of the cycle.

[0110] Figures 14 to 16 An example of multiple position movement paths within the first portion of the spatial volume 109 (eg, the light signal range 107-1) toward which the light signal 158 may be emitted during a complete cycle is shown. Specifically, Fig.14A subsystem 1496 is shown that includes a detector 1485 (which is substantially similar to detector 185-1), a light signal 1458 (which is substantially similar to light signal 158), and six position movement paths 1459 of the light signal 1458 in a complete cycle. Each position movement path 1459 of the light signal 1458 is continuous along its length. In this example, each of the six position movement paths 1459 (position movement path 1459-1, position movement path 1459-2, position movement path 1459-3, position movement path 1459-4, position movement path 1459-5, and position movement path 1459-6) of the light signal 1458 forms an arc that is a portion of an ellipse. Each position movement path 1459 lasts for a period of time in a cycle.

[0111] In this case, the time period of each position movement path 1459 is substantially the same, but in alternative embodiments, the time period of one position movement path 1459 may be different from the time period of one or more other position movement paths 1459 within a cycle. Typically, the gap between adjacent position movement paths (e.g., position movement path 1459-1 and position movement path 1459-2) may be caused by a light signal directed from the communication device 170-1 to another object 175 in the portion 107 of the spatial volume 109. Alternatively, the gap between adjacent position movement paths may be caused by some other consideration (such as resource protection). In some cases, using one or more protocols 432 and / or one or more algorithms 433, the controller 304 of the communication device 170-1 may make one or more changes during the course of a cycle (e.g., changing the shape / pace / duration of one or more position movement paths, changing the size and / or position of the gap between adjacent position movement paths, changing the number of position movement paths in a cycle).

[0112] Along position movement path 1459-1, position movement path 1459-3, position movement path 1459-4, and position movement path 1459-6, a portion of light signal 1458 contacts the reflector 1486 of detector 1485, and the remaining portion of light signal 1458 along these position movement paths 1459 contacts the detector body 1487 of detector 1485. Along position movement path 1459-2 and position movement path 1459-5, no light signal 1458 contacts the reflector 1486 of detector 1485, and all of light signal 1458 along these position movement paths 1459 contacts the detector body 1487 of detector 1485. In this way, the portion of light signal 1458 that contacts the reflector 1486 of detector 1485 may be returned to communication device 170-1 as a reflected signal.

[0113] Fig.15A subsystem 1596 is shown that includes a detector 1585 (which is substantially similar to detector 185-1), a light signal 1558 (which is substantially similar to light signal 158), and four position movement paths 1559 of the light signal 1558 in a complete cycle. Each position movement path 1559 of the light signal 1558 is continuous along its length. In this example, each of the four position movement paths 1559 (position movement path 1559-1, position movement path 1559-2, position movement path 1559-3, and position movement path 1559-4) of the light signal 1558 forms an arc that is a portion of a circle.

[0114] In this case, the time period of each position movement path 1559 is substantially the same, but in alternative embodiments, the time period of one position movement path 1559 may be different from the time period of one or more other position movement paths 1559 within a cycle. Gaps between adjacent position movement paths 1559 may be caused by an optical signal directed from the communication device 170-1 to another object 175 in the portion 107 of the spatial volume 109. Alternatively, gaps between adjacent position movement paths 1559 may be caused by some other consideration, such as resource protection.

[0115] Along the position movement path 1559-1, the position movement path 1559-2, the position movement path 1559-3, and the position movement path 1559-4, a portion of the optical signal 1558 contacts the reflector 1586 of the detector 1585, and the remaining portion of the optical signal 1558 along these position movement paths 1559 contacts the detector body 1587 of the detector 1585. In this way, the portion of the optical signal 1558 that contacts the reflector 1586 of the detector 1585 can be returned to the communication device 170-1 as a reflected signal.

[0116] Fig.16 A subsystem 1696 is shown that includes a detector 1685 (which is substantially similar to detector 185-1), a light signal 1658 (which is substantially similar to light signal 168), and four position movement paths 1659 of the light signal 1658 in a complete cycle. Each position movement path 1659 of the light signal 1658 is continuous along its length. In this example, each of the four position movement paths 1659 (position movement path 1659-1, position movement path 1659-2, position movement path 1659-3, and position movement path 1659-4) of the light signal 1658 forms a segment of part of a line.

[0117] In this case, the time period of each position movement path 1659 is substantially the same, but in alternative embodiments, the time period of one position movement path 1659 may be different from the time period of one or more other position movement paths 1659 within a cycle. Gaps between adjacent position movement paths 1659 may be caused by an optical signal directed from the communication device 170-1 toward another object 175 in the portion 107 of the spatial volume 109. Alternatively, gaps between adjacent position movement paths 1659 may be caused by some other consideration, such as resource protection.

[0118] Along position movement path 1659-1 and position movement path 1659-4, a portion of light signal 1658 contacts the reflector 1686 of detector 1685, and the remaining portion of light signal 1658 along these position movement paths 1659 contacts the detector body 1687 of detector 1685. Along position movement path 1659-2 and position movement path 1659-3, no light signal 1658 contacts the reflector, and movement 1659 contacts the detector body 1687 of detector 1685. In this way, the portion of light signal 1658 that contacts the reflector 1686 of detector 1685 can be returned to communication device 170-1 as a reflected signal.

[0119] In step 691, a determination is made as to whether the method should continue with a new cycle. The determination as to whether the method should continue with a new cycle may be made by the controller 304 of the communication device 170-1 using one or more algorithms 433, one or more protocols 432, and / or measurements from one or more sensor devices 360. The determination may be based on one or more of several factors, including the factors listed above with respect to step 681, and whether any object 175 remains in the portion 107 of the volume of space 109.

[0120] In some cases, if it is determined that the method should continue with a new cycle, the controller 304 can adjust (e.g., increase, decrease) the amount of time that the cycle lasts. For example, if the controller 304 determines that multiple objects 175 in the spatial volume 109 are moving at a faster pace than previously measured and / or predicted, the controller 304 can increase the amount of time in a cycle so that light signals in the movement path of a larger number of positions of shorter duration can be directed to the detector 185 of the object 175. If the method of tracking objects 175 in the spatial volume 109 should continue with a new cycle, the process can return to step 681. If the method of tracking objects 175 in the spatial volume 109 should not continue with a new cycle, the process proceeds to the end step.

[0121] Fig.17Graph 1792 shows a light signal (eg, light signal 158) emitted toward two objects (object 175-1 and object 175-2) during one cycle, in accordance with certain example embodiments. Figures 1 to 17 , Fig.17 Graph 1792 shows how optical signals emitted by a transmitter (e.g., transmitter 324) of a communication device (e.g., communication device 170-1) are distributed over the course of a cycle (time 1749). In the cycle, seven optical signals are directed to detector 185-1 of object 175-1, and another seven optical signals are directed to detector 185-2 of object 175-2. When optical signals are directed to one detector 185 (e.g., detector 185-1) but not to another detector 185 (e.g., detector 185-2), there is no overlap between the two. In addition, there is a negligible time gap when optical signals transition from one detector 185 to another detector 185.

[0122] For each amount of time 1749 within the cycle, the amount of time 1749 that the light signal is transmitted toward the detector 185-1 is approximately 50% less than the amount of time 1749 that each light signal is transmitted toward the detector 185-2. Each instance when the light signal is transmitted toward the detector 185-1 corresponds to the position movement path 1759. As a result, the seven instances when the light signal is transmitted toward the detector 185-1 during the cycle correspond to the position movement path 1759-1, the position movement path 1759-2, the position movement path 1759-3, the position movement path 1759-4, the position movement path 1759-5, the position movement path 1759-6, and the position movement path 1759-7. Similarly, each instance when the light signal is transmitted toward the detector 185-2 corresponds to the position movement path 1859. As a result, the seven instances when the light signal is transmitted toward detector 185-2 during the cycle correspond to position movement path 1859-1, position movement path 1859-2, position movement path 1859-3, position movement path 1859-4, position movement path 1859-5, position movement path 1859-6, and position movement path 1859-7.

[0123] Example embodiments may be used to track one or more objects in a spatial volume in real time. Example embodiments may be implemented on existing systems (e.g., lighting systems) within a spatial volume with little to no modification to the electrical equipment of such existing systems. Example embodiments may be implemented with new installations of electrical equipment and with easy installation, modification, or replacement of electrical equipment. Example embodiments also provide several other benefits. Such other benefits may include, but are not limited to, ease of use, improved accuracy and efficiency, lower power and bandwidth requirements, and compliance with industry standards and regulations.

[0124] Although the embodiments described herein are made with reference to the example embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications are within the scope of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the example embodiments described herein are not limited to any specific discussed applications, and that the embodiments described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Based on the description of the example embodiments, those skilled in the art will remind themselves of the equivalents of the elements shown therein, and those skilled in the art will remind themselves of the ways in which other embodiments are constructed using the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the example embodiments is not limited herein.

Claims

1. A method (698) for tracking an object (175-1) in a volume of space (109), the method comprising: transmitting, by a communication device (170), a first light signal (158, 758) to an object (175-1) located in the spatial volume during a first time period, wherein the first light signal is transmitted in a position movement path (859, 959, 1059) within the spatial volume during the first time period, wherein the position movement path corresponds to a series of targets of the first light signal within the spatial volume; receiving, by the communication device during the first time period, a first reflection signal (157, 1157), wherein the first reflection signal is a reflection of the first light signal originating from a reflection device (185-1) of the object; transmitting, by the communication device, a second light signal during a second time period to an object located in the spatial volume (1258), wherein the second light signal is transmitted in a position movement path within the spatial volume during the second time period, wherein the position movement path corresponds to a series of targets of the first light signal within the spatial volume, wherein the second time period is before the first time period, and wherein the first time period and the second time period are separated from each other by a non-zero time interval; receiving, by the communication device during the second time period, a second reflection signal (1357), wherein the second reflection signal is a reflection of the second light signal originating from a reflection device of the object; and Using the communication device, a position and a path of the object in the spatial volume are determined based on first information obtained from the first reflected signal and second information obtained from the second reflected signal. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the first information comprises a strength of the first reflected signal. The method of claim 1 , wherein the position movement path forms an arc. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the first optical signal is continuously transmitted along the position movement path.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: transmitting, by the communication device, a third optical signal (158) to a second object (175-2) located in the spatial volume during a third time period, wherein the third optical signal is transmitted in a second position movement path (859, 959, 1059) within the spatial volume during the third time period, and wherein the third time period occurs during the non-zero time interval; receiving, by the communication device, a third reflection signal during the third time period, wherein the third reflection signal is a reflection of the third optical signal originating from a second reflection device of the second object; and Using the communication device, a second position and a second path of the second object in the spatial volume are determined based on third information obtained from the second reflected signal.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: transmitting, by the communication device, a third optical signal (158) to a first object located in the spatial volume during a third time period, wherein the third optical signal is transmitted in a first position movement path within the spatial volume during the third time period, and wherein the third time period is before the second time period, and wherein the second time period and the third time period are separated from each other by a second non-zero time interval; A third reflection signal (157) originating from a first reflection device of the first object is not received by the communication device during the third time period; and Using the communication device, the position and path of the first object in the spatial volume are further determined based on failure to receive the third reflected signal.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: transmitting, by the communication device, a third optical signal (158) to an object located in the spatial volume during a third time period, wherein the third optical signal is transmitted in a first position movement path (1459-3, 1559-2, 1659-4) within the spatial volume during the third time period, and wherein the third time period is before the second time period, and wherein the second time period and the third time period are separated from each other by a second non-zero time interval; receiving, by the communication device during the third time period, a third reflection signal (157), wherein the third reflection signal is a reflection of the third optical signal originating from a reflection device of the object; and Using the communication device, based on third information obtained from the third reflected signal, it is confirmed that the object remains fixedly located in the spatial volume.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: comparing the predicted movement of the object over time to the actual movement; and Based on the comparison of the predicted movement to the actual movement, an algorithm used to predict the movement of the object is adjusted.

9. A communication device (170-1) for tracking an object (175-1) in a volume of space (109), the communication device comprising: a transmitter (324) configured to transmit a plurality of optical signals (158) into the volume of space; a receiver (373) configured to receive a plurality of reflection signals (157), wherein each of the plurality of reflection signals is a reflection of one of the plurality of optical signals originating from a reflection device (185-1) of the object; and a controller (304) communicatively coupled to the transmitter and the receiver, wherein the controller is configured to: - controlling the transmitter to transmit each of the plurality of light signals to a target position moving path (859, 959, 1059) within the spatial volume within one of a plurality of time periods in a cycle, wherein the target position moving path corresponds to a series of targets of the plurality of light signals within the spatial volume, wherein adjacent time periods for transmitting the plurality of light signals to the object are separated from each other by a non-zero time interval, and - Using information obtained from each of the plurality of reflected signals (157, 1157, 1357), determining the position and path of the object in the volume of space during the period.

10. The communication device according to claim 9, wherein the controller is further configured to: During a time period in a subsequent cycle, continue to control the transmitter to transmit each of the plurality of optical signals to a target additional position movement path within the spatial volume; and The position and path of the object in the volume of space are continuously determined in the subsequent cycles using information obtained from each of the plurality of reflected signals.

11. A communication device according to claim 10, wherein continuing to control each of the multiple optical signals includes adjusting a characteristic of at least one of the multiple optical signals in the subsequent cycle, and wherein the characteristic includes at least one of the group consisting of an intensity of the optical signal, a duration of a time period, a path of an object that is a target of a position movement path, and a diameter of the optical signal.

12. The communication device according to claim 9, further comprising: An optical device (374) is communicatively coupled to the controller, wherein the optical device is configured to manipulate the plurality of optical signals transmitted by the transmitter into the volume of space.

13. The communication device according to claim 9, further comprising: A sensor device (360) is communicatively coupled to the controller, wherein the sensor device is configured to measure a parameter associated with the plurality of reflection signals, and wherein the information is derived from the parameter measured by the sensor device. The communication device according to claim 9 , wherein the position movement path is consistent with predicted positions of a plurality of objects.

15. The communication device according to claim 9, further comprising: A housing (389) is configured to house the transmitter and the receiver.

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