Smart fabric for electronic device storage, identification and configuration

Abstract

A system is provided for identifying and configuring one or more electronic devices disposed on a support structure. The support structure may be a tray, a point-of-sale showcase, or a storage module. The system includes a support structure controller and one or more support structure transceivers associated with the support structure. The support structure controller includes a memory storing device identification data and device configuration data. The support structure transceiver is communicatively coupled to the support structure controller. Each of the one or more support structure transceivers is configured to (1) transmit an RFID activation signal to the one or more electronic devices, (2) receive device identification data transmitted by the one or more electronic devices in response to receiving the RFID activation signal, and (3) transmit device configuration data to the one or more electronic devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to storing, identifying, and configuring electronic devices on a support structure. Background Art

[0002] Configurable electronic devices (such as illuminators and light sources) are typically programmed with default settings during manufacturing. These default settings are used to simplify the variations of the electronic devices produced. However, these electronic devices often require specific programming in a retail environment before reaching the end customer. Furthermore, whether these electronic devices are stored in a warehouse or displayed in a retail environment, they should be monitored for inventory control purposes. Therefore, there is a need in the art for improved systems for storing, configuring, and monitoring electronic devices before reaching the end customer. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to storing, configuring, and monitoring electronic devices on a support structure. In particular, the present disclosure focuses on a support structure, such as a tray, container, or point-of-sale display device, associated with a support structure controller and one or more support structure transceivers. The support structure can be plastic, metal, or any other suitable material or combination of materials, and is shaped and sized to receive, support, and display the electronic device thereon. The support structure transceiver communicates with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag on the electronic device to retrieve device identification data for storage in a memory of the support structure controller. The support structure controller then provides the support structure transceiver with device configuration data to be transmitted to the electronic device. In this way, the electronic device can be monitored and configured during storage or in-store display.

[0004] The support structure controller can be integrated into the support structure. For example, the support structure controller can be built into a tray, container, or point-of-sale display. The integrated support structure controller can be powered by a battery built into the support structure. In other examples, the support structure is retrofitted with a support structure controller disposed on or within the support structure.

[0005] The system can utilize a single support structure transceiver coupled to a loop antenna. The loop antenna is arranged around the perimeter of the support structure, enabling the support structure transceiver to communicate with any electronic device placed within the perimeter. In other configurations, the system can utilize multiple support structure transceivers, each with its own discrete antenna configured to communicate with electronic devices located within a portion of the support structure. By using multiple support structure transceivers to cover different portions of the support structure, coverage of the entire support structure can be achieved.

[0006] The support structure controller can communicate with the central controller, such as via a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. For example, if the support structure is located in a warehouse, the central controller can be located in an office, equipment room, or server room within the warehouse. A user can use the central controller (via an interface of the central controller or a connected computing device) to provide device configuration data to the support structure controller to program the electronic device. For example, if the electronic device is a luminaire, the user can provide the central controller with settings for correlated color temperature (CCT) or lumen output. Furthermore, the central controller can be used to collect device identification data retrieved from the electronic device. Device identification data can include device type, device weight, manufacturing location, date code, batch number, and / or lot number. Based on the collected device identification data, the central controller can provide device configuration data or other device identification data corresponding to the device type to the support structure controller. Furthermore, the central controller can use the device identification data to identify the pallet or container to be picked up to fulfill the order. In this example, the central controller can provide inventory control data to the support structure controller to trigger the activation of audio and / or visual notification devices associated with the support structure. These audio and / or visual notification devices can also be activated for theft prevention purposes. The central controller may also use the device identification data to generate inventory reports or other types of data required by the user.

[0007] The support structure may also include one or more sensors. The sensors may be configured to capture a wide range of data, such as temperature data, humidity data, weight data, or any other data relevant to the storage, retrieval, monitoring, and configuration of electrical equipment on the support structure.

[0008] In general, in one aspect, a system for identifying and configuring one or more electronic devices disposed on a support structure is provided. The system includes a support structure controller. The support structure controller is associated with the support structure. The support structure controller includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores device identification data and device configuration data. In one example, the one or more electronic devices are luminaires, and the device configuration data includes CCT and / or lumen output. The support structure can be a tray, a point-of-sale display, or a storage module. The device identification data can include device type, device weight, manufacturing location, date code, batch number, and / or lot number.

[0009] The system also includes one or more support structure transceivers. The one or more support structure transceivers are associated with the support structure. The one or more support structure transceivers are communicatively coupled to a support structure controller. Each of the one or more support structure transceivers is configured to transmit an RFID activation signal to one or more electronic devices. Each of the one or more support structure transceivers is further configured to receive device identification data transmitted by the one or more electronic devices. The device identification data is transmitted by the one or more electronic devices in response to receiving the RFID activation signal. Each of the one or more support structure transceivers is further configured to transmit device configuration data to the one or more electronic devices.

[0010] According to an example, a support structure transceiver of the one or more support structure transceivers can be electrically coupled to a loop antenna. The loop antenna is arranged around a perimeter of the support structure. One or more electronic devices are arranged within the perimeter.

[0011] According to an example, the one or more support structure transceivers are arranged at one or more locations on or within the support structure. Each of the one or more support structure transceivers is electrically coupled to an antenna.

[0012] According to an example, the support structure controller is communicatively coupled to the central controller. For another example of this example, the support structure controller is configured to (1) transmit device identification data to the central controller, and (2) receive device configuration data from the central controller. The device configuration data corresponds to the device identification data. In another example, the support structure controller can be configured to actuate one or more audio notification devices and / or visual notification devices associated with the support structure. The actuation can be based on inventory control data received from the central controller. In a further example, the support structure controller is further configured to receive sensor data from one or more sensors associated with the support structure. The support structure controller is configured to transmit the sensor data to the central controller. The sensor data can include temperature data, humidity data and / or weight data.

[0013] According to an example, the support structure controller and / or the one or more support structure transceivers are arranged on or within the support structure. Alternatively, the support structure controller and / or the one or more support structure transceivers may be integrated within the support structure.

[0014] In general, in another aspect, a method for identifying and configuring one or more electronic devices disposed on a support structure is disclosed. The method includes associating a support structure controller with the support structure. The support structure controller includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores device identification data and device configuration data.

[0015] The method also includes associating one or more support structure transceivers with the support structure.The one or more support structure transceivers are communicatively coupled to a support structure controller.

[0016] The method also includes transmitting an RFID activation signal to the one or more electronic devices via the one or more support structure transceivers.

[0017] The method also includes receiving, via the support structure controller, device identification data. The device identification data is transmitted by one or more electronic devices in response to receiving the RFID activation signal.

[0018] The method also includes transmitting the device configuration data to the one or more electronic devices via the one or more support structure transceivers.

[0019] According to an example, the method further comprises transmitting the device identification data to the central controller via the support structure controller. The method may further comprise receiving device configuration data from the central controller via the support structure controller. The device configuration data corresponds to the device identification data.

[0020] According to an example, the method further includes receiving sensor data from one or more sensors associated with the support structure via the support structure controller. The sensor data may include temperature data, humidity data, and / or weight data. The method may further include transmitting the sensor data to the central controller via the support structure controller. The method may further include receiving inventory control data transmitted from the central controller via the support structure controller. The method may further include actuating one or more audio notification devices and / or visual notification devices associated with the support structure based on the inventory control data.

[0021] In various implementations, a processor or controller may be associated with one or more storage media (collectively referred to herein as "memory," e.g., volatile and non-volatile computer memory, such as ROM, RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM, floppy disks, compact disks, optical disks, magnetic tape, flash memory, OTP-ROM, SSD, HDD, etc.). In some implementations, the storage media may be encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more processors and / or controllers, perform at least some of the functions discussed herein. The various storage media may be fixed within the processor or controller, or may be transportable such that one or more programs stored thereon may be loaded into the processor or controller to implement various aspects discussed herein. The term "program" or "computer program" is used herein in a general sense to refer to any type of computer code (e.g., software, firmware, or microcode) that can be deployed to program one or more processors or controllers.

[0022] It should be understood that all combinations of the above-described concepts and the additional concepts discussed in more detail below (to the extent such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are considered part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are considered part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. It should also be understood that terminology explicitly used herein, which may also appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference, should be given the meaning most consistent with the specific concepts disclosed herein.

[0023] These and other aspects of the various embodiments will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] In the drawings, like reference numerals generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the various embodiments.

[0025] Figure 1 is a top view of a support structure controller according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of components of a support structure controller according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a system for identifying and configuring electronic devices in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 4 is an illustration of a top view of a support structure having a support structure controller communicatively coupled to a loop antenna in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 5 is an illustration of a top view of a support structure having a support structure controller communicatively coupled to four discrete antennas in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 6 is an isometric view of a system for identifying and configuring electronic devices integrated into a support structure according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 7 is an isometric view of a system for identifying and configuring retrofit electronic devices on a support structure in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 8 is an exploded view of a loop antenna retrofitted on a support structure according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 9 is a flow chart of a method for identifying and configuring one or more electronic devices according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 10 is an additional flow chart of a method for identifying and configuring one or more electronic devices according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The present disclosure generally relates to storing, configuring, and monitoring electronic devices on a support structure. In particular, the present disclosure focuses on a support structure, such as a tray, container, or point-of-sale display device, associated with a support structure controller and one or more support structure transceivers. The support structure can be plastic, metal, or any other suitable material or combination of materials. The support structure transceiver communicates with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag on the electronic device to retrieve device identification data for storage in a memory of the support structure controller. The support structure controller then provides the support structure transceiver with device configuration data to be transmitted to the electronic device. In this way, electronic devices can be monitored and configured during storage or in-store display.

[0036] Figure 1 1 illustrates a top view of a support structure controller 102 of a system 100 for identifying and configuring an electronic device 200 according to various embodiments and implementations of the present disclosure. Figure 2 The internal components of the support structure controller 102 are schematically illustrated. As will be shown, the support structure controller 102 is associated with the support structure 300 (see FIG. Figure 6 and Figure 7 ), such as a tray, container, point-of-sale display, or any other structure capable of storing and physically supporting one or more electronic devices 200 (see Figure 6 and Figure 7 In preferred examples, the electronic device 200 is a configurable light source and luminaire, such as a light module and luminaire configured to provide illumination via a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). In these examples, the support structure controller 102 can capture information about the luminaire in the form of device identification data 106 via RFID communication (see Figure 2 ). In addition, the support structure controller 102 can configure various settings of the luminaire by transmitting device configuration data 108 (see Figure 2 ).

[0037] As will be described with reference to subsequent figures, the support structure controller 102 can be coupled (e.g., mechanically, wired, communicatively, wirelessly) to, connected to, disposed on, integrated into (e.g., constructed as a component of) the support structure 300, disposed on, or within the support structure 300. For example, an existing wooden or plastic pallet can be retrofitted with the system 100 for identifying and configuring electronic devices 200 by disposing, attaching, or attaching the support structure controller 102 to the interior or exterior of the pallet via screws, bolts, fasteners, and / or by any other attachment means.

[0038] exist Figure 1 In the non-limiting example of FIG, the support structure controller 102 includes a user interface 150 that includes a display 152 and three user inputs 154 (in this example, buttons). The display 152 can be used to display inventory data 162 (see FIG) related to electronic devices 200 stored on or in the support structure 300. Figure 2 ) in all aspects. Figure 1 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the display 152 indicates that the corresponding support structure 300 currently houses 13 electronic devices 200 weighing a total of 143 kg. The display 152 also indicates the current date and time (May 18, 2022, 14:23) and the employee number (228764) of the user currently operating the support structure controller. The employee number may be employee data 156 (see FIG. 1 ) wirelessly captured by the support structure controller 102 via, for example, RFID communication. Figure 2 ). In addition, the user can use the display 152 and the user input 154 to manually instruct the support structure controller 102 to configure the electronic device 200. Figure 1 In the example shown, the user has manually instructed the support structure controller 102 to configure the electronic device 200 to a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 3500K.

[0039] For further examples of this example, the support structure controller includes an antenna connector 165. In one example, the antenna connector 165 can be used to connect to a perimeter 302 (see FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) arranged loop antenna 116 (see Figure 4 ) forms a wired connection. In other examples, antenna connector 165 can be used to connect to one or more other types of antennas.

[0040] like Figure 2, the support structure controller 102 includes a memory 125 and a processor 175. In some examples, the support structure controller 102 also includes a support structure transceiver 104. The support structure transceiver 104 is configured to facilitate communication with an electronic device 200 disposed on or in the support structure. In a preferred example, the support structure transceiver 104 retrieves device identification data 106 from the electronic device 200 via RFID communication. The device identification data 106 can include a wide variety of data about a particular electronic device, such as device type 134, device weight 136, manufacturing location 138, date code 140 (corresponding to date of manufacture, inspection, shipment, etc.), batch code 142, and lot code 144. In addition, the support structure transceiver 104 then wirelessly transmits device configuration data 108 to the electronic device 200 via any suitable wireless protocol. The device configuration data 108 can include a wide variety of information related to programmable settings of the electronic device 200. According to a preferred example, if the electronic device 200 is a luminaire, the device configuration data 108 may include CCT 112 and / or lumen output 114. In some examples, the support structure transceiver 104 is configured to be communicatively coupled to an external component of the support structure controller 102. In these examples, the system 100 may include multiple support structure transceivers 104 to fully cover the storage area of the support structure 300. In another example, the processor 175 may use aspects of the captured device identification data 106 to update inventory data 162 stored in the memory 125 of the support structure controller 102. The inventory data 162 may collect and / or integrate any aspects of the device identification data 106 and may include information regarding total device count, device type, etc.

[0041] The support structure controller 102 may also include a secondary transceiver 195. The secondary transceiver 195 may be configured to facilitate wireless communications between the support structure controller 102 and any other components or systems. The secondary transceiver 195 may be used for any type of wireless communication protocol, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ultra-wideband (UWB), near field communication (NFC), RFID, or Zigbee. For example, the secondary transceiver 195 may facilitate the retrieval of sensor data 128 captured by one or more sensors 126 positioned near (e.g., within range of), coupled to, disposed on, or within the support structure 300. In another example, the secondary transceiver 195 may transmit a notification to one or more audio notification devices 120 (such as one or more speakers) associated with the support structure (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 3 ) and / or a visual notification device 122 (such as a display screen or one or more LEDs) (see Figure 3) issues an audio notification command 146 and / or a visual notification command 148. This actuation can be used to indicate the status of the electronic devices 200 disposed on or within the support structure 102, such as whether the electronic device 200 is ready for shipment or whether one of the electronic devices 200 has been misplaced. In a further example, the secondary transceiver 195 can facilitate communication between the support structure controller 102 and the central controller 400. The central controller 400 can be a local or remote computing device configured to collect, store, and process information about all electronic devices 200 on the support structure 300 (including device identification data 106 and / or sensor data 128), and then generate device configuration data 108 to program the electronic devices 200 and / or inventory control data 124 to control the audio notification devices 120 and / or visual notification devices 122 associated with the support structure 300.

[0042] In some examples, support structure controller 102 includes a user interface 150. Figure 1 , the user interface 150 may include a display 152 configured to display information about the electronic devices 200 within the support structure 300, or even information about the support structure 300 itself. The displayed information may be derived from the device identification data 106, the device configuration data 108, the inventory control data 124, the sensor data 126, the inventory data 162, and / or any other data about the support structure 300 or the corresponding electronic devices 200. In addition, the user interface 150 may be configured to receive information from a user via one or more user inputs 154. Figure 1 , the user input 154 is depicted as three buttons, but any practical type of user input 154 may be used. The information entered via the user input 154 may be used by the support structure controller 102 to set the device configuration data 106 to be transmitted to the electronic device 200. Figure 1 , the user may use the user input 154 to set the CCT 112 of the electronic device 200 to 3500K.

[0043] Figure 3 An example functional block diagram of a system 100 for identifying and configuring one or more electronic devices 200 disposed on a support structure 300 is illustrated. Figure 3 The example system 100 includes a support structure controller 102, a support structure transceiver 104, one or more antennas 116, 118, a secondary transceiver 195, an audio notification device 120, a visual notification 122, and one or more sensors 128, positioned in the same environment or area as the support structure 300, disposed on or within the support structure 300. The system 100 also includes a central controller 400, which is disposed at a distance from the support structure 300.

[0044] The support structure controller 102 is configured to retrieve device identification data 106 from the electronic device 200 using RFID communication. To do so, the support structure controller 102 provides an RFID activation signal 110 to the support structure transceiver 104. Figure 3 In the example of FIG, the support structure transceiver 104 is depicted as being external to the support structure controller 102, but in other examples, the support structure transceiver 104 can be disposed internal to the support structure controller 102. The support structure transceiver 104 utilizes one or more antennas 116, 118 to wirelessly transmit the RFID activation signal 110 in a three-dimensional space corresponding to the location of the electronic device 200. In one example, the support structure transceiver 104 utilizes a perimeter 302 (see FIG) around the support structure 300. Figure 4 ) to transmit the RFID activation signal 110. In another example, the support structure transceiver 104 uses a plurality of discrete antennas 118 arranged around the support structure 300.

[0045] In response to receiving the RFID activation signal 110, the electronic device 200 responds by wirelessly transmitting device identification data 106 corresponding to the electronic device 200. In some examples, the device identification data 106 includes a device type 134, such as a brand, model, or part number. The antenna(s) 116, 118 receive the device identification data 106 and provide the device identification data 106 to the support structure controller 102 via the support structure transceiver 102.

[0046] In one example, after having captured the device identification data 108, the support structure controller 102 retrieves the device identification data from the memory 125 (see Figure 2 ) that corresponds to the electronic device 200. In some examples where the electronic device 200 is a luminaire, the device configuration data 108 includes settings for the CCT 112 and / or lumen output 114. The support structure controller 102 then wirelessly transmits the device configuration data 108 to the electronic device 200 via the support structure transceiver 104 and the antenna(s) 116, 118. Thus, the electronic device 200 is now configured to illuminate according to the CCT 112 and / or lumen output 114 received from the support structure controller 102. In some examples, the device configuration data 108 may be stored in the memory 125 when the support structure controller 102 is manufactured. In other examples, a user may select one or more user inputs 154 of the user interface 150 on the support structure controller 102 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) Manually enter specific values for aspects of the device configuration data 108.

[0047] In some examples, the support structure controller 102 communicates with the central controller 400 via the secondary transceiver 195 to retrieve the device configuration data 108. In some examples, the central controller 400 transmits the device configuration data 108 corresponding to the various electronic devices 200 to the support structure controller 102 via the secondary transceiver 195. The transmitted device configuration data 108 may be accompanied by additional data, such as a lookup table, that pairs the device configuration data 108 with the device identification data 106 to be retrieved from the electronic devices 200.

[0048] In some examples, the support structure controller 102 transmits the device identification data 106 retrieved from the electronic device 200 to the central controller 400 via the secondary transceiver 195. The central controller 400 then provides the support structure controller 102 with device configuration data 108 corresponding to the provided device identification data 106. The device configuration data 108 from the central controller 400 is then transmitted to the electronic device 200 via the support structure transceiver 104 and the antenna(s) 116, 118. In other examples, the support structure controller 102 may also transmit the inventory data 162 to the central controller 400 for storage, analysis, and / or further processing.

[0049] In some examples, the central controller 400 is configured to track inventory and other information about the electronic devices 200 stored in the support structure 300, as well as other electronic devices stored in other support structures. For example, the memory of the central controller 400 can be configured to store centralized inventory information (such as a database) based on the device identification data 106 received from the electronic devices 200 arranged on the support structure 300. The centralized inventory information can include a wide range of data about the electronic devices 200. For example, the centralized inventory information 402 can track the device type 134, device weight 136, manufacturing location 138, date code 140, batch number 142, and / or lot number 144 corresponding to the electronic device 200 (see Figure 2 For example, centralized inventory information 402 may track that a first support structure 300a stores two electronic devices 200a of model A and two electronic devices 200b of model B, and that a second support structure 300b stores three electronic devices 200a of model A and one electronic device 200c of model C. Further to this example, the centralized inventory information may respond to or function as an aspect of a systems application and product (SAP) system in an enterprise resource planning (ERP) and / or data processing system.

[0050] The inventory data 162 stored on the support structure controller 102 and / or the centralized inventory information stored on the central controller 400 may also reflect sensor data 126 (such as temperature data 128, humidity data 130, or weight data 132) captured by one or more sensors 128 associated with the support structure 300. The support structure controller 102 may wirelessly receive the sensor data 126 transmitted by the sensor(s) 128 (via the secondary transceiver 195). The secondary transceiver 195 may then wirelessly transmit the sensor data 126 to the central controller 400. The sensors 128 may be located in the same or common environment or area (e.g., a room, a portion of a room) as the support structure 300 to detect environmental conditions near or around the support structure 300. In some examples, one or more of the sensors 128 are located on or within the support structure 300 external to the support structure controller 102. In other examples, one or more of the sensors 128 are embedded within the support structure controller 102.

[0051] In some further examples, the support structure controller 102 is configured to generate notifications or alerts triggered by a wide range of contingencies and conditions, such as equipment selection for pickup, potential inventory loss, and / or inappropriate storage conditions. The support structure controller 102 can generate audio notification data 146 and / or visual notification data 148. In one example, the support structure controller 102 wirelessly transmits the audio notification data 146 to an audio notification device 120 (such as a speaker) embedded within the support structure 102 to generate audio to alert the user. In another example, the support structure controller 102 wirelessly transmits the visual notification data 148 to a visual notification device 122 (such as an indicator light emitting diode (LED) or a display screen) disposed on or embedded in the support structure 102 to flash, change color, display text, or otherwise alert the user to the triggering condition. Figure 3 The audio notification device 120 and the visual notification device 122 are depicted as being disposed within the support structure 300 but external to the support structure controller 102. However, in other examples, the audio notification device 120 and / or the visual notification device 122 may be embedded within the support structure controller 102. In yet other examples, the support structure controller 102 may trigger Figure 1 The controller embedded user interface 150 can be used to remind the user of various aspects of the controller embedded user interface 150.

[0052] In some examples, the support structure controller 102 generates audio notification data 146 and / or visual notification data 148 based on inventory control data 124 received from the central controller 400. For example, the inventory control data 124 may indicate that one or more electronic devices 200 have unexpectedly disappeared from the support structure 300. The audio notification data 120 may then trigger the audio notification device 120 to generate an alarm or siren sound. Similarly, the visual notification data 148 may then trigger the visual notification device 122 to generate a flashing or blinking sound. These types of notifications may also be generated if the sensor data 126 indicates inappropriate storage conditions (such as extreme temperatures or humidity levels that could damage the electronic devices 200) or an unexpectedly low weight measurement (corresponding to missing inventory).

[0053] In other examples, the central controller 400 can generate inventory control data 124 to indicate that the electronic devices 200 stored on the support structure 300 have been selected for a change of location. For example, if the support structure is a pallet 300, the inventory control data 124 can generate audio and / or visual notification data 146, 148, such as flashing lights via the visual notification device 122, to alert a warehouse worker or forklift operator to pick up the electronic devices 200 from the support structure 300. If the support structure 300 is a point-of-sale display, the inventory control data 124 can also trigger a flashing light of the visual notification 122 to alert a consumer to purchase the electronic device(s) 200. The inventory control data 124 can be generated based on an ERP and / or SAP system in communication with the central controller. The color and / or flashing pattern of the light of the visual notification 122 can correspond to information about an order number, order quantity, or any other relevant information.

[0054] In some examples, the support structure controller 102 can retrieve employee data 156 from a nearby employee badge 600. The secondary transceiver 195 can capture the employee data 156 using various technologies, such as RFID or NFC communication. In the example of RFID communication, the secondary transceiver 195 can transmit a secondary RFID activation signal 158 to the employee badge 600, thereby triggering the employee badge 600 to respond by transmitting the employee data 156. Various aspects of the employee data 156 can be stored in the memory 125 of the support structure controller 102 or transmitted to the central controller 400. Figure 1 , various aspects of employee data 156 (in this example, employee number) may be displayed on the display 152 of the user interface 150 of the support structure controller 102. The employee data 156 may include additional information such as employee name, employee title, employee location, and the like.

[0055] In some examples, the support structure controller 102 is powered by a battery 600. The battery 600 can be located on or embedded within the support structure 300. The external battery 600 can be rechargeable. If the battery 600 is embedded within the support structure 300, the support structure 300 can have an electrical outlet coupled to the battery 600 to facilitate charging. In other examples, the battery 600 can be located internal to the support structure controller 102.

[0056] Figure 4 An example of the present disclosure is illustrated wherein the support structure controller 102 includes an internal support structure transceiver 104 (see FIG. Figure 2 ), which is configured to wirelessly communicate with the electronic device 200 via the loop antenna 116. In this arrangement, the loop antenna 116 is arranged around the perimeter 302 of the support structure 300. The electronic device 200 is arranged both within the perimeter 302 of the support structure 300 and within the aperture 160 formed by the loop antenna 116. In this manner, the loop antenna 116 is configured to enable wireless communication between the support structure controller 102 and any electronic device 200 arranged within the aperture 160.

[0057] like Figure 4 As shown in the example of FIG, the support structure controller 102 transmits an RFID activation signal 110 within the aperture 160 using the support structure transceiver 104 and the loop antenna 116. The RFID activation signal 110 is received by the electronic device 200 disposed within the aperture 160, which responds by transmitting device identification data 106. The device identification data 106 is captured by the loop antenna 116, which provides the device identification data 106 to the support structure controller 102 via the support structure transceiver 104. Based on the received device identification data 106, the support structure controller 102 determines device configuration data 108 to program the electronic device 200. The support structure controller 102 transmits the device configuration data 108 within the aperture 160 using the support structure transceiver 104 and the loop antenna 116. The electronic device 200 then receives the device configuration data 108 and updates its internal settings accordingly.

[0058] In some examples, support structure controller 102 and / or loop antenna 116 are integrated into support structure 300. Such integration may occur during the manufacture of support structure 300. In other examples, support structure controller 102 and / or loop antenna 116 are retrofitted to support structure 300 after manufacture.

[0059] Figure 5 Pictured Figure 4In a variation of the configuration of FIG, the internal support structure transceiver 104 and loop antenna 116 are replaced with four external support structure transceivers 104a-d, each of which is coupled to a discrete antenna 118a-d. Each of the four external support structure transceivers 104a-d is communicatively coupled to the support structure controller 102 via a wired connection. By positioning the transceivers 104a-d and antennas 118a-d around the support structure 300, a similar system can be implemented. Figure 4 The loop antenna 116 is configured for wireless coverage. In this way, Figure 5 The discrete antenna 118a-d configuration may be a cheaper, more flexible retrofit alternative to the loop antenna 116. Additionally, while Figure 5 Four transceivers 104a-d and four antennas 118a-d are depicted, but any practical number of transceivers 104 and antennas 118 may be used.

[0060] like Figure 5 As shown in the example of FIG, support structure controller 102 uses support structure transceivers 104a-d and discrete antennas 118a-d to transmit RFID activation signals 110a-d. In this example, all four support structure transceivers 104a-d and discrete antennas 118a-d transmit RFID activation signals 110a-d. Because electronic device 200 is in proximity to first discrete antenna 118a, first RFID activation signal 110a (transmitted by first discrete antenna 118a) is received by electronic device 200. Electronic device 200 responds to first RFID activation signal 110a by transmitting device identification data 106. Because first discrete antenna 118a is in proximity to electronic device 200, device identification data 106 is received by discrete antenna 118a. First discrete antenna 118a then provides device identification data 106 to support structure controller 102 via first external support structure transceiver 104a. Based on the received device identification data 106, support structure controller 102 determines device configuration data 108a to program electronic device 200. The support structure controller 102 then transmits the device configuration data 108a-d using each of the support structure transceivers 104a-d and the discrete antennas 118a-d. The electronic device 200 then receives the device configuration data 108a transmitted by the first discrete antenna 118a and updates its internal settings accordingly.

[0061] Figure 6 is an isometric view of a system 100 for identifying and configuring one or more electronic devices 200 disposed on a support structure 300 implemented as a plastic tray. Figure 6 In the example, Figure 4The support structure controller 102 and the loop antenna 116 are integrated into the support structure 300 during manufacture. In addition, the battery 600 for powering the support structure controller 102 is also integrated into the support structure 300. A total of eight electronic devices 200 are arranged in a box on top of the support structure 300. As shown in FIG. Figure 4 As described, the support structure controller 102 may use the loop antenna 116 to transmit signals from a hole 160 (see FIG. Figure 2 ) captures the device configuration data 106 and transmits the device identification data 108 to the electronic device 200. In this example, the control panel 700 is also integrated into the support structure 300. The control panel 700 can be used as an additional interface to service the support structure controller 102 and / or program the support structure controller 102. Figure 6 As shown in FIG, the support structure controller 102, battery 600, and control panel 700 are recessed into the support structure 300 for additional protection.

[0062] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A variation of the system in which the support structure controller 102 and loop antenna 116 are retrofitted to a support structure 300 implemented as a wooden pallet. This retrofit configuration may enable an end user to utilize the identification and configuration aspects of the system 100 at a lower cost than a fully integrated unit. While Figure 7 A wooden pallet is disclosed, but the support structure 300 may comprise any material(s) (such as wood or plastic) capable of physically supporting the retrofit controller 102, the loop antenna 116, and the boxed electronic device 200 while introducing minimal RF interference to the wireless communication between the loop antenna 116 and the electronic device 200. Figure 7 As shown in , the support structure controller 102 includes a pair of concave walls arranged along the long sides of the rectangular controller 102. Figure 8 Pictured Figure 7 FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the support structure 300 and the loop antenna 116 , illustrating how the loop antenna 116 is secured to the support structure 300 via a series of fasteners.

[0063] Figure 9 and Figure 10900 is a flow chart of a method 900 for identifying and configuring one or more electronic devices. The method 900 includes associating or coupling 902 a support structure controller with a support structure. The support structure controller includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores and includes device identification data and device configuration data. The method 900 also includes associating 904 one or more support structure transceivers with the support structure. The one or more support structure transceivers are communicatively coupled to the support structure controller. In an embodiment, the method 900 may include coupling, connecting, or otherwise attaching the one or more support transceivers to the support structure. The method 900 also includes transmitting 906 an RFID activation signal to the one or more electronic devices via the one or more support structure transceivers. The method 900 also includes receiving 908 device identification data via the support structure controller. The device identification data is transmitted by the one or more electronic devices in response to receiving the RFID activation signal. The method 900 also includes transmitting 910 the device configuration data to the one or more electronic devices via the one or more support structure transceivers.

[0064] According to an example, the method 900 further comprises transmitting 912 the device identification data to the central controller via the support structure controller. The method 900 may further comprise receiving 914 the device configuration data from the central controller via the support structure controller. The device configuration data corresponds to the device identification data.

[0065] According to an example, method 900 further includes receiving 916, via the support structure controller, sensor data from one or more sensors associated with the support structure. The sensor data may include temperature data, humidity data, and / or weight data. Method 900 may further include transmitting 918, via the support structure controller, the sensor data to the central controller. Method 900 may further include receiving 920, via the support structure controller, inventory control data transmitted from the central controller. Method 900 may further include actuating 922, based on the inventory control data, one or more audio notification devices and / or visual notification devices associated with the support structure.

[0066] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0067] As used herein in the specification and claims, the indefinite articles "a" and "an" should be understood to mean "at least one" unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0068] As used herein in the specification and claims, the phrase "and / or" should be understood to mean "either or both" of the connected elements, i.e., the elements are in some cases conjunctive and in other cases disjunctive. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" should be interpreted in the same manner, i.e., "one or more" of the elements are in conjunctive. Other elements may optionally be present in addition to the elements explicitly identified in the "and / or" clause, whether related or unrelated to the elements explicitly identified.

[0069] As used herein in the specification and claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" should be interpreted as inclusive, i.e., including at least one of a plurality of elements or a list of elements, but also including more than one of a plurality of elements or a list of elements, and optionally other unlisted items. Only terms that expressly indicate the contrary, such as "only one of" or "exactly one", or "consisting of" as used in the claims, will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a plurality of elements or a list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used herein should only be interpreted to mean exclusive alternatives (i.e., "one or the other, but not both") when preceded by an exclusive clause, such as "either," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one."

[0070] As used herein in the specification and claims, the phrase "at least one" referring to a list of one or more elements should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more elements in the list of elements, but does not necessarily include at least one of each element specifically listed in the list of elements, nor does it exclude any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that other elements may optionally be present in addition to the elements specifically identified in the list of elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether or not related to those elements specifically identified.

[0071] It will also be understood that in any method described herein that comprises multiple steps or actions, the order of the steps or actions of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or actions of the method are recited unless explicitly indicated to the contrary.

[0072] In the claims and the foregoing description, all transitional phrases such as "include," "comprising," "carrying," "having," "containing," "involving," "having," "consisting of," etc., shall be understood as open-ended, i.e., meaning including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0073] The above examples of the described subject matter can be implemented in any of a variety of ways. For example, some aspects can be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. When any aspect is implemented at least partially in software, the software code can be executed on any suitable processor or collection of processors, whether provided in a single device or computer or distributed across multiple devices / computers.

[0074] The present disclosure may be implemented as a system, method, and / or computer program product at any possible level of technical detail integration. The computer program product may include a computer-readable storage medium (or multiple media) having computer-readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to execute various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0075] A computer-readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the above devices. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of computer-readable storage media includes the following: a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanical encoding device, such as a punched card or a raised structure in a groove on which instructions are recorded, and any suitable combination of the above. The computer-readable storage medium used herein should not itself be interpreted as a transient signal, such as a radio wave or other freely propagating electromagnetic wave, an electromagnetic wave propagated by a waveguide or other transmission medium (e.g., a light pulse by a fiber optic cable), or an electrical signal transmitted by a wire.

[0076] The computer-readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to a corresponding computing / processing device, or downloaded to an external computer or external storage device via a network, such as the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network. The network can include copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. The network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives the computer-readable program instructions from the network and forwards these computer-readable program instructions to be stored in a computer-readable storage medium within the corresponding computing / processing device.

[0077] The computer-readable program instructions for performing the operations of the present disclosure may be assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, configuration data for an integrated circuit, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages (including object-oriented programming languages, such as Smalltalk, C++, etc.) and procedural programming languages (such as "C" programming language or similar programming languages). The computer-readable program instructions may be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as an independent software package, partially on the user's computer, and partially on a remote computer or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or may be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider). In some examples, electronic circuits including, for example, programmable logic circuits, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or programmable logic arrays (PLAs) may be personalized electronic circuits using the state information of the computer-readable program instructions, thereby performing various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0078] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to examples of the present disclosure. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0079] Computer-readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a special-purpose computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, executed via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create a device for implementing the functions / actions specified in the flowchart and / or one or more block diagram blocks. These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, which may direct the computer, programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other device to operate in a particular manner, such that the computer-readable storage medium having the instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture, which comprises instructions for implementing various aspects of the functions / actions specified in the flowchart and / or one or more block diagram blocks.

[0080] The computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to perform a series of operational steps on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions / actions specified in the flowchart and / or one or more block diagram blocks.

[0081] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality and operation of possible implementations of the systems, methods and computer program products according to various examples of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagram can represent a module, segment or portion of an instruction, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing a specific (multiple) logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may not appear in the order shown in the figures. For example, in fact, two blocks shown in succession can be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks can sometimes be executed in the opposite order, depending on the functions involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagram and / or flowchart illustration, as well as the combination of blocks in the block diagram and / or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs a specified function or action or executes a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0082] Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims and other claims to which the applicant may be entitled.

[0083] Although various examples have been described and illustrated herein, a person skilled in the art will readily conceive of various other devices and / or structures for performing the functions described herein and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more advantages described herein, and each such variation and / or modification is considered to be within the scope of the examples described herein. More generally, a person skilled in the art will readily understand that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are exemplary, and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on the specific application or applications in which these teachings are used. A person skilled in the art will recognize or be able to determine many equivalents to the specific examples described herein by mere routine experimentation. Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing examples are presented by way of example only, and that, within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, the examples may be practiced in a manner different from that specifically described and claimed. Examples of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods (if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent) is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A system (100) for identifying and configuring one or more electronic devices (200) disposed on a support structure (300), the system (100) comprising: a support structure controller (102) coupled to the support structure (300), the support structure controller (102) comprising a memory (125) and a processor (175), wherein the memory (125) comprises device identification data (106) and device configuration data (108); One or more support structure transceivers (104) communicatively coupled to the support structure controller (102), each of the one or more support structure transceivers (104) being configured to: transmitting a radio frequency identification (RFID) activation signal (110) to one or more electronic devices (200); receiving device identification data (106) transmitted by one or more electronic devices (200) in response to receiving an RFID activation signal (110); and Device configuration data (108) retrieved from memory (125) is transmitted to one or more electronic devices (200) using the device identification data (106).

2. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the one or more electronic devices (200) are luminaires, and wherein the device configuration data (108) includes correlated color temperature (CCT) (112) and / or lumen output (114).

3. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein a support structure transceiver (104a) of the one or more support structure transceivers (104) is electrically coupled to a loop antenna (116) arranged around a perimeter (302) of the support structure (300), and wherein the one or more electronic devices (200) are arranged within the perimeter (302).

4. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the one or more support structure transceivers (104) are arranged at one or more locations (304) on or within the support structure (300), and wherein each of the one or more support structure transceivers (104) is electrically coupled to an antenna (118).

5. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the support structure controller (102) is communicatively coupled to the central controller (400).

6. The system (100) of claim 5, wherein the support structure controller (102) is configured to: transmitting the device identification data (106) to a central controller (400); and Device configuration data (108) is received from a central controller (400), wherein the device configuration data (108) corresponds to the device identification data (106).

7. The system (100) of claim 5, wherein the support structure controller (102) is configured to actuate one or more audio notification devices (120) and / or visual notification devices (122) based on inventory control data (124) received from the central controller (400).

8. The system (100) of claim 5, wherein the support structure controller (102) is further configured to receive sensor data (126) from one or more sensors (128), wherein the support structure controller (102) is configured to transmit the sensor data (126) to the central controller (400), and wherein the sensor data (126) includes temperature data (128), humidity data (130), and / or weight data (132).

9. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the support structure (300) is a tray, a point of sale display, or a storage module.

10. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the support structure controller (102) and / or the one or more support structure transceivers (104) are disposed on or within the support structure (300).

11. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the support structure controller (102) and / or the one or more support structure transceivers (104) are integrated within the support structure (300).

12. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the device identification data (106) includes a device type (134), a device weight (136), a manufacturing location (138), a date code (140), a batch number (142), and / or a lot number (144).

13. A method (900) for identifying and configuring one or more electronic devices disposed on a support structure, the method comprising: coupling (902) a support structure controller to the support structure, the support structure controller comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory comprises device identification data and device configuration data; Communicatively coupling (904) one or more support structure transceivers to a support structure controller: transmitting (906) a radio frequency identification (RFID) activation signal to one or more electronic devices via the one or more support structure transceivers; receiving (908) device identification data via the support structure controller, wherein the device identification data is transmitted by one or more electronic devices in response to receiving an RFID activation signal; and The device configuration data retrieved from the memory using the device identification data is transmitted (910) to one or more electronic devices via one or more support structure transceivers.

14. The method (900) of claim 13, further comprising: transmitting (912) the equipment identification data to the central controller via the support structure controller; and Equipment configuration data is received (914) from the central controller via the support structure controller, wherein the equipment configuration data corresponds to the equipment identification data.

15. The method (900) of claim 13, further comprising: receiving (916) sensor data from one or more sensors via a support structure controller, wherein the sensor data includes temperature data, humidity data, and / or weight data; transmitting (918) the sensor data to a central controller via the support structure controller; receiving (920) inventory control data transmitted from a central controller via a support structure controller; and Based on the inventory control data, one or more audio notification devices and / or visual notification devices are actuated (922).

Images