Track for suspending electronic devices and system comprising such track and one or more electronic devices

Abstract

The invention relates to a track for suspending an electronic device. The track includes a magnetic attachment device configured to suspend an electronic device; and a plurality of coils positioned along the length of the track, wherein each coil is configured to provide one or more of: inductive power transfer to an electronic device suspended by the track, and wireless communication with an electronic device suspended by the track. Also presented are systems comprising such tracks and one or more suspended electronic devices, as well as methods for mounting such tracks to a structure, such as a wall or ceiling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of power rails. More specifically, it relates to rails configured to suspend one or more electronic devices, such as lighting devices, speakers, temperature sensors, CO2 sensors, humidity sensors, light sensors, camera devices and / or mesh network nodes. The present invention also relates to systems comprising such rails and methods of installing such rails. Background Art

[0002] Tracks for hanging electronic devices are commonly used in both residential buildings and commercial buildings such as offices and shops. Existing tracks often provide fixation that is cumbersome to use. For example, two hands are often required in order to attach or move the device to be hung by the track. Therefore, a more user-friendly track is needed. In addition, today's tracks are space-consuming and may even give an unsightly impression. Therefore, a more compact and aesthetically pleasing solution for hanging electronic devices is sought. Summary of the invention

[0003] An object of the present invention is to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above mentioned drawbacks and disadvantages of the prior art (either singly or in combination) and to provide a possibility of solving one or more of the above mentioned problems.

[0004] According to a first aspect, a track for hanging electronic devices is provided. The track includes a magnetic attachment device configured to hang the electronic device; and a plurality of coils positioned along the length of the track. Each coil is configured to provide: inductive power transfer to the electronic device hung on the track, and wireless communication with the electronic device hung by the track.

[0005] Therefore, a track for hanging electronic devices is provided. The electronic devices can obtain power from the track and be controlled from the track. Due to the magnetic attachment device, flexibility in the position of the device on the track is achieved, while providing alignment between the suspended electronic device and the coil. The magnetic attachment device further simplifies the fixing of the electronic device to be suspended by the track, and the use of the magnetic attachment device provides a simple installation of the electronic device, and even makes one-handed operation possible. Therefore, the user can add or remove the electronic device from the track at any time as needed. An inductive energy transmission from the track to the electronic device suspended thereby is provided. Therefore, the transmission of energy is carried out wirelessly, giving the possibility of hiding the track behind a thin non-conductive screen (such as wallpaper or any other thin foil screen). In addition, for electronic devices with high power consumption, multiple coils can be used, that is, one electronic device can be powered via multiple coils, wherein the electronic device has multiple pickup coils. Different electronic devices can be suspended by the track without any specific order or numbering, and freely mixed on the track. Depending on the characteristics of the device, different uses of power and communication can be made independently of other electronic devices suspended by the track. In addition, the track provides the possibility of hiding behind a thin layer (such as wallpaper or any other thin foil screen). Such a layer can thus hide unused parts of the track. Such a track blends better into the surrounding design.

[0006] The magnetic attachment means may include a plurality of magnetic attachment points. A subset of the plurality of magnetic attachment points may be configured to suspend a single electronic device from the one or more electronic devices.

[0007] The track may also include a plurality of light indicators. Each light indicator may be arranged in conjunction with a respective one of the plurality of coils. Such light indicators simplify positioning of the track when installing the electronic device, especially when the track is hidden behind a thin layer.

[0008] The track may further include a light controller configured to set the plurality of light indicators to an on or off mode. The light controller may be configured to individually set the plurality of light indicators to an on or off mode.

[0009] The track may comprise a flat outer surface to which the electronic device may be suspended by means of a magnetic connection. By forming the track to have a flat outer surface, the track may be arranged in a recess in a structure such as a ceiling or a wall and hidden by a layer such as wallpaper or any other thin foil screen. This layer is preferably a non-conductive thin layer.

[0010] The track may also include a track controller configured to individually control the electronic devices suspended by the track. The track controller may also be configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more devices not suspended by the track. Thus, the track may act as a single device facing a client or server. The track controller may be configured to present an interface to devices external to the track (e.g., a client or server). The track controller may be configured to relay communications to the electronic devices suspended by the track. For example, if the track suspends multiple light-emitting devices, each light-emitting device may be individually controlled by the track controller.

[0011] The track may also include a coil controller configured to individually control the plurality of coils.

[0012] The track may further comprise a connection interface configured to connect the track to mains and / or another track.

[0013] According to a second aspect, there is provided a system comprising a track according to the first aspect and one or more electronic devices suspended from the track.

[0014] The electronic device may be selected from the group consisting of a light emitting device, a speaker, a temperature sensor, a CO2 sensor, a humidity sensor, a light sensor, a camera, and a mesh network node.

[0015] At least a subset of the electronic devices may include an internal battery configured to at least intermittently power the electronic devices. By arranging the electronic devices to have their own internal battery, it is possible to handle peak currents that exceed the coil current transfer limit. In addition, it is possible to re-arrange the electronic devices on the track without loss of functionality or communication. The electronic devices may also use the track as a charger for their internal batteries so that they can operate without power applied from the track.

[0016] At least a subset of the electronic devices include a built-in short-range wireless communication module configured to communicate with a device external to the system.

[0017] The system may further comprise a plurality of rails according to the first aspect connected to each other.

[0018] The above features of the track also apply to this second aspect where applicable. In order to avoid excessive repetition, reference is made to the above.

[0019] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of installing a track according to the first aspect. The method comprises: arranging the track in a recess of a structure such as a wall or ceiling; and covering the track with a layer such as wallpaper or any other thin foil screen. The layer is preferably a non-conductive thin layer.

[0020] The above-mentioned features of the track and / or system also apply to this third aspect where applicable. In order to avoid excessive repetitions, reference is made to the above.

[0021] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter.It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples are given by way of illustration only.

[0022] It should be understood that the terms used herein are used only to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as used in the specification and the appended claims, unmodified terms, "the" and "said" are intended to indicate the presence of one or more elements. Thus, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may include multiple devices, etc. In addition, "comprising", "including", "containing" and similar expressions do not exclude other elements or steps. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The above and other aspects will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings should not be considered limiting; rather, they are for explanation and understanding.

[0024] As shown in the figures, the sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and are therefore provided to illustrate the general structure. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0025] Figure 1 A system including a track for hanging electronic devices and a plurality of electronic devices hung from the track is shown.

[0026] Figure 2 Shown in more detail Figure 1 track.

[0027] Figure 3 is used to combine Figure 1 A block diagram showing a method of mounting the track to a structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The present invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for exhaustiveness and completeness, and to fully convey the scope of the present invention to the skilled person.

[0029] Figure 1A system 100 is shown, which includes a track 110 for hanging electronic devices 120 and a plurality of electronic devices 120 hung by the track 110. The electronic devices 120 can be various electronic devices 120. Typically, the electronic devices 120 are selected from the group consisting of a light emitting device, a speaker, a temperature sensor, a CO2 sensor, a humidity sensor, a light sensor, a camera device, and a mesh network node. In addition to many functions, the track 110 is typically configured to provide power to one or more electronic devices 120 hung thereby.

[0030] At least one of the electronic devices 120 may include a built-in battery 122. The built-in battery 122 is configured to at least intermittently power the electronic device 120. By having such a built-in battery 122, peak current limits of inductive power transfer that exceed what the track 110 can provide can be handled. In addition, the device can be moved relative to the track 110 without loss of functionality and / or communication.

[0031] At least one of the electronic devices may include a built-in short-range wireless communication module 124. The short-range wireless communication module 124 is configured to communicate with devices external to the system 100. The short-range wireless communication module 124 can be configured to communicate using any suitable communication protocol. Some non-limiting examples of such communication protocols are Wi-Fi, BLE, and Zigbee. However, it should be appreciated that any short-range communication protocol within a range of 1 meter to 100 meters can be used.

[0032] The track 110 may include an external power supply 118. The external power supply 118 may be connected to a connection interface 119 of the track 110. More specifically, an input AC or DC power connection connected to the connection interface 119 of the track 110. The external power supply 118 is configured to supply power to the track 110. For example, the external power supply 118 may be a common electrical plug that may be connected to an electrical outlet. Thus, the connection interface 119 of the track 110 may be configured to connect the track 110 to mains electricity.

[0033] The connection interface 119 can also be used as a connection interface with another track 110. Using the connection interface 119 as a connection interface with another track 110, both power and communication between the tracks 110 can be provided through the connection interface 119. Communication between the tracks 110 can be performed, for example, using a single pair Ethernet. The connection interfaces 119 of two different tracks 110 can be connected to each other through an adapter or a cable. Multiple tracks 110 can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a star configuration.

[0034] Combination Figure 2 , the track 110 will be discussed in more detail. The track 110 includes a plurality of magnetic attachment devices 112 and a plurality of coils 114.

[0035] The track 110 preferably has a flat outer surface 113. By having the track 110 have a flat outer surface 113, the track 100 can be hidden behind a thin non-conductive layer, such as wallpaper or any other thin foil screen.

[0036] A plurality of magnetic attachment devices 112 are positioned along the length of the track 110. The magnetic attachment devices 112 are configured to suspend one or more electronic devices 120. The magnetic attachment devices 112 may include magnetic attachment points. A subset of the plurality of magnetic attachment points may be configured to suspend a single electronic device from the one or more electronic devices 120. By using defined connection points (e.g., connection points in the form of point magnets), the suspended electronic device may be aligned with the coil 114. Typically, two or more magnetic attachment points are used to suspend a single electronic device 120. For example, three magnetic attachment points may be used, two on one side of the track 110 and one on the opposite side of the track 110, indicating an asymmetric magnetic attachment device 112, and indicating a preferred orientation for suspending the electronic device 120.

[0037] A plurality of coils 114 are positioned along the length of the track 110. The coils 114 may be partially overlapped for a higher density of possible attachment points for the electronic devices 120 to be suspended. Each coil 114 is configured to provide one or more of the following: inductive power transmission to the electronic devices 120 suspended by the track 110, and wireless communication with the electronic devices 120 suspended by the track 110. The wireless communication via the coils 114 may be proprietary or standardized (e.g., QI) inductive communication. Through inductive communication via the coils 114, the suspended electronic devices 120 may be individually controlled. In addition, through inductive communication via the coils 114, the suspended electronic devices 120 may be identified using inductive communication. For example, the type of the suspended electronic device 120 may be identified. In addition, the position of the suspended electronic device 120 on the track 110 may be identified. The inductive communication via the coils 114 may be further used to configure and / or control each suspended electronic device 120.

[0038] Preferably, the track 110 includes a coil controller 115. The coil controller 115 is configured to control the coils 114. Preferably, the coil controller 115 is configured to control the coils 114 individually. The coil controller 115 may be configured to power the coils 114 for providing inductive power transfer to the electronic devices 120 suspended by the track 110. The coil controller 115 may be configured to ensure that coils 114 that are not currently set to power the suspended electronic devices 120 are not powered. The coil controller 115 may be configured to monitor / measure the power consumption of the electronic devices 120 suspended by the track 110. The coil controller 115 may be configured to control wireless communication with the electronic devices 120 suspended by the track 110.

[0039] Track 110 may also include a plurality of light indicators 116. Each light indicator 116 is arranged to be connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of coils 114. Light indicators 116 provide guidance for finding the magnetic attachment device 112 for the electronic device to be hung by track 110. This is particularly useful in situations where track 110 is hidden behind a non-conductive thin layer such as wallpaper or any other thin foil screen. Typically, track 110 also includes a light controller 117, which is configured to control light indicators 116. Light controller 117 may set light indicator 116 to an on mode or an off mode. Typically, light controller 117 is configured to control light indicators 116 individually. Therefore, guidance can be given as to where a specific electronic device in one or more electronic devices 120 is hung. Light indicator 116 may also be used for status indication.

[0040] The track 110 may also include a track controller 111. Each electronic device 120 may be configured to identify itself, and the track controller 111 may therefore identify the electronic device 120 and its location on the track 110. The track controller 111 may be configured to keep a record of each electronic device suspended by the track. That is, the track controller 111 may keep a record of which electronic devices 120 are suspended by the track 110 and what functions the different electronic devices 120 may provide. In addition, the track controller 111 may monitor the status of each electronic device 120 suspended by the track 110. The track controller 111 may also be configured to individually control the electronic devices 120 suspended by the track 110. Such control of the electronic devices 120 suspended by the track 110 is preferably performed via inductive communication. That is, via communication controlled by the coil controller 115. Therefore, each electronic device 120 can be identified and located on the track 110. The track controller 111 will keep track of each electronic device 120 suspended thereby. Additionally, track controller 111 may communicate to devices external to track 110 which electronic devices 120 are available and how they may be controlled.

[0041] The track controller 111 may also be configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more devices not suspended by the track 120. The one or more devices not suspended by the track 110 may be, for example, a client (e.g., a mobile device configured to control one or more electronic devices 120 suspended by the track 110), a server (e.g., a home automation server configured to control one or more electronic devices 120 suspended by the track 110), or another track 110 in the track system. Thus, the track 110 can then act as a "single" device connected to a control device (e.g., a client or server). This enables simplification of the communication / connection between the control device and the electronic device 120. In addition, communication congestion between the control device and the electronic device 120 can be avoided.

[0042] Track controller 111 may also be configured to monitor the energy consumption of each electronic device 120 suspended from track 110. Additionally, track controller 111 may monitor the total energy consumption of track 110 and all electronic devices 120 suspended thereby.

[0043] One or more of the track controller 111, the coil controller 115, and the light controller 117 may be implemented as a hardware module, a software module, or a combination thereof. The track controller 111, the coil controller 115, and / or the light controller 117 of the track 110 may be integrated into a common controller.

[0044] Therefore, the system 110 presented herein provides the following functionality: each electronic device 120 suspended by the track 110 can be operated in a separate mode or by communicating via the track 110. Depending on the type of electronic device 120 and its capabilities, the electronic device 120 can provide communication via Wi-Fi, BLE, Zigbee or other radio networks. In the case where the suspended electronic device 120 is a device that requires a large amount of network bandwidth (such as a camera or speaker), the primary communication is set to be performed via Wi-Fi, BLE, Zigbee or other radio networks. However, such an electronic device 120 can still utilize the communication performed via the track 110 for other purposes, such as controlling its volume, identifying neighboring electronic devices, etc.

[0045] All electronic devices 120 on the track 110 can utilize communication via the track 110 through the induction coil 114. Typical communication via the track 110 is used to identify the location of the electronic device 120, transmit small amounts of data (e.g., exposed functions and controls), control data to turn on / off the lights of the electronic device 120, set the volume, etc.

[0046] The track controller 111 is configured to convert the inductive communication to an internal multi-drop bus, such as a single pair Ethernet, referred to herein as the track bus. On the track bus, one or more nodes can convert the communication to any standard communication, such as Wifi, Ethernet, BLE, etc. In this way, the track 110 can act as a single node on the communication network, enabling access to all electronic devices 120 suspended by the track 110. This simplifies setup and communication with external control devices, for example, in the form of a control client (such as a smart phone, etc.) or a control server (such as a smart home hub, etc.).

[0047] With the information (eg, device id, location, etc.) retained on record by the track controller 111, the configuration of the track 110 may be exposed outside the track 110 to, for example, simplify control, configuration, and maintenance.

[0048] Combination Figure 3 , a method for installing a track 110 as described above in a structure such as a wall or ceiling will be discussed. The method comprises: arranging S302 the track 110 in a recess in the structure; and covering S304 the track 110 with a layer such as wallpaper or any other thin foil screen. The layer is preferably a non-conductive thin layer.

[0049] Those skilled in the art realize that the present invention is by no means limited to what has been explicitly described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0050] For example, the system 100 may include a plurality of tracks 110. The tracks 110 may be connected to each other in various layouts. The tracks 110 may be interconnected via the connection interface 119 of the corresponding tracks 110. Thus, a particular track 110 may be connected to another track 110. According to a non-limiting example, the tracks 110 may be connected in series, in parallel, or in a star topology. When the system includes a plurality of tracks 110, at least one of the tracks 110 includes an external power supply 118, which connects the system 100 of the tracks 110 to an external power source, for example, via an ordinary electric plug that can be connected to a power outlet. In addition, in the case where the system 100 includes a plurality of tracks 110, a track controller 111 of a single track in the track 110 may be used as a master controller for communicating with devices outside the system 100. In this case, the track bus may be seamlessly extended.

[0051] Additionally, if the electronic devices 120 have their own communication means with low bandwidth requirements, the devices may choose to turn them off if connected via the track 110 in order to make setup and communications easier and not clutter the radio airspace.

[0052] Additionally, variations can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A track for hanging electronic equipment (120), the track comprising: a magnetic attachment device (112) configured to suspend an electronic device (120); as well as a plurality of coils (114) positioned along the length of the track, wherein each coil (114) is configured to provide: inductive power transfer to electronic equipment (120) suspended from the track, and Wireless communication with electronic equipment (120) suspended from the track.

2. The track according to claim 1, wherein: The magnetic attachment device (112) includes a plurality of magnetic attachment points, wherein a subset of the plurality of magnetic attachment points is configured to suspend a single electronic device of the one or more electronic devices (120).

3. The track according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a plurality of light indicators (116), wherein: Each light indicator (116) is arranged in conjunction with a corresponding one of the plurality of coils (114).

4. The track according to claim 3, further comprising a light controller (117), the light controller (117) being configured to set the plurality of light indicators (116) to an on or off mode.

5. The track according to any one of claims 1 to 4, having a flat outer surface (113), to which the electronic device (120) can be suspended via the magnetic attachment means (112).

6. The track according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a track controller (111) configured to individually control the electronic devices suspended by the track.

7. The track according to claim 6, wherein: The track controller (111) is also configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more devices not suspended from the track.

8. The track according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a coil controller (115) configured to individually control the plurality of coils.

9. The track according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a connection interface (119) configured to connect the track to mains electricity and / or another track.

10. A system comprising a track (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and one or more electronic devices (120) suspended from the track.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein: The electronic device (120) is selected from the group consisting of a light emitting device, a speaker, a temperature sensor, a CO2 sensor, a humidity sensor, a light sensor, a camera device and a mesh network node.

12. The system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: At least a subset of the electronic devices (120) include a built-in battery (122) configured to at least intermittently power the electronic devices (120).

13. A system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: At least a subset of the electronic devices (120) include a built-in short-range wireless communication module (124) configured to communicate with a device external to the system.

14. System according to any one of claims 10 to 13, comprising a plurality of rails (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 connected to each other.

15. A method for installing a track (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprising: placing the track (110) in a recess in a structure such as a wall or ceiling; The track is covered (110) using a layer such as wallpaper or a screen.

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