Management system, expansion base devices, and servers controlling the mesh network

Abstract

This invention discloses a management system comprising access points, a plurality of expansion base devices, and a backend server. Each expansion base device includes an interface, a sensor, a wireless sensor network transceiver circuit, a wireless network transceiver circuit, and control circuitry. The interface is used to couple electronic devices. The sensor is used to measure values. The wireless sensor network transceiver circuit is used to receive and transmit data to other expansion base devices. The wireless network transceiver circuit is used to receive and transmit data to the access point. The backend server is communicatively connected to one or more of the access points and expansion base devices. The expansion base devices are interconnected to form a mesh network. The expansion base devices achieve efficient data transmission through the mesh network and wireless network.

Description

[0001] Case Analysis This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 202111457610.0, application date December 2, 2021, entitled "Management System, Expansion Base Device, and Server for Controlling Mesh Network". Technical Field

[0002] This case relates to a management system and method, and more particularly to a management system and method comprising an access point, a plurality of expansion base devices, and a back-end server. Background Technology

[0003] Modern business owners have various needs regarding workplace management, such as networking all company computers for efficient data transmission, recording employee attendance, and preventing employees from taking company secrets out of the company via electronic devices. These needs usually require different devices to achieve, rather than relying on a single device to help business owners manage the company. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One embodiment of the present invention discloses a management system comprising an access point and a plurality of expansion base devices. The access point is used to receive and transmit data according to a wireless network protocol. Each of the plurality of expansion base devices includes an interface, a wireless sensor network transceiver circuit, a wireless network transceiver circuit, and control circuitry. The interface is used to couple one or more electronic devices. The wireless sensor network transceiver circuit is used to receive and transmit data to other members of the plurality of expansion base devices according to a short-range or low-power wireless network protocol. The wireless network transceiver circuit is used to receive and transmit data to the access point according to the wireless network protocol. The control circuitry is coupled to the interface, the wireless sensor network transceiver circuit, and the wireless network transceiver circuit. The plurality of expansion base devices are interconnected via the wireless sensor network transceiver circuit to form a mesh network. A first member of the plurality of expansion base devices receives data from the interface, the wireless sensor network transceiver circuit, and / or the wireless network transceiver circuit through the mesh network and transmits the received data to a second member of the plurality of expansion base devices.

[0005] In one embodiment, the management system further includes a backend server for transmitting a selection signal via a mesh network to at least one of a plurality of extended base devices to select at least one of the plurality of extended base devices as at least one aggregation node, wherein when the control circuit of the at least one aggregation node transmits a start signal to the wireless network transceiver circuit, the at least one aggregation node is used to communicatively connect to the access point.

[0006] In one embodiment, the management system further includes a backend server for transmitting packet signals to a plurality of extended base devices via a mesh network to group the plurality of extended base devices into a plurality of groups, each of which has a plurality of extended base devices with a value of less than N to form a mesh network.

[0007] In one embodiment, the management system includes a backend server for generating grouping signals based on a spatial database containing distance and angle data for a plurality of extended base devices.

[0008] In one embodiment, the management system includes a backend server configured to transmit a selection signal via a mesh network to at least one of a plurality of extended base devices, selecting at least one of the plurality of extended base devices as at least one aggregation node, wherein when the control circuit of the at least one aggregation node transmits a start signal to the wireless network transceiver circuit, the at least one aggregation node is configured to communicatively connect to the access point.

[0009] In one embodiment, the system manages a first of a plurality of extended base devices for transmitting received data via an access point to another device located outside the mesh network.

[0010] In one embodiment, the system manages at least one aggregation node, which is automatically selected by an algorithm based on the wireless signal strength and number of relays received by each of the plurality of extended base devices.

[0011] In one embodiment, the management system, if the number of at least one aggregation node is less than a specified minimum number, uses a backend server to select one or more of a plurality of expansion base devices as new aggregation nodes.

[0012] In one embodiment, the management system allows a backend server to select one or more of a plurality of expansion base devices as new aggregation nodes if any of the aggregation nodes has a transmission load greater than a transmission threshold.

[0013] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses an expansion base device for forming a mesh network. The expansion base device includes an interface, a wireless sensor network transceiver circuit, a wireless network transceiver circuit, and control circuitry. The interface is used to couple one or more electronic devices. The wireless sensor network transceiver circuit is used to receive and transmit data to at least one or more other expansion base devices according to a short-range or low-power wireless network protocol. The wireless network transceiver circuit is used to receive and transmit data to an access point according to a wireless network protocol. The control circuitry is coupled to the interface, the wireless sensor network transceiver circuit, and the wireless network transceiver circuit. The expansion base device is used to communicatively connect to at least one additional expansion base device via the wireless sensor network transceiver circuit to form a mesh network. The expansion base device receives data from the interface, the wireless sensor network transceiver circuit, and / or the wireless network transceiver circuit through the mesh network and transmits the received data to at least one additional expansion base device.

[0014] In one embodiment, the extended base device is further configured to receive a selection signal from a backend server via a mesh network to be selected as a collection node. The control circuit of the collection node is configured to transmit a start signal to the wireless network transceiver circuit to enable the collection node to communicate with the access point. The access point is configured to receive and transmit data according to the wireless network protocol.

[0015] In one embodiment, the extended base device is further configured to be grouped into a plurality of groups when the extended base device receives packet signals from a backend server via a mesh network, each of the plurality of groups having a plurality of extended base devices with a value of less than N to form a mesh network.

[0016] In one embodiment, the extended base device includes a packet signal generated by a backend server based on a spatial database containing distance and angle data of the extended base device and at least one additional extended base device.

[0017] In one embodiment, the extended base device is further configured to receive a selection signal from a backend server via a mesh network to be selected as a collection node. The control circuit of the collection node is configured to transmit a start signal to the wireless network transceiver circuit so that the collection node can communicate with the access point, and the access point is configured to receive and transmit data according to the wireless network protocol.

[0018] In one embodiment, the extended base device is further used to transmit received data via an access point to another device located outside the mesh network.

[0019] In one embodiment, the aggregation node of the extended base device is automatically selected by a backend server using an algorithm based on the wireless signal strength and number of relays of each extended base device.

[0020] In one embodiment, the expansion base device is further configured to receive a selection signal from the backend server via a mesh network to be selected as a cluster node when the backend server determines that the number of cluster nodes is less than a specified minimum number. The control circuit of the cluster node is configured to transmit a start signal to the wireless network transceiver circuit so that the cluster node can communicate with the access point.

[0021] In one embodiment, the extended base device is further configured to receive a selection signal from the backend server via a mesh network to be selected as a cluster node when the backend server determines that any of the cluster nodes has a transmission load greater than the transmission threshold. The control circuit of the cluster node is configured to transmit a start signal to the wireless network transceiver circuit so that the cluster node can communicate with the access point.

[0022] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a server for controlling a mesh network. The mesh network is formed by expansion base devices. The server is used to transmit a selection signal through the mesh network to at least one of a plurality of expansion base devices, selecting at least one of the plurality of expansion base devices as at least one aggregation node. When the control circuit of the at least one aggregation node transmits a start signal to the wireless network transceiver circuit, the at least one aggregation node is used to communicatively connect to an access point.

[0023] In one embodiment, the server is further configured to automatically select at least one aggregation node based on the received wireless signal strength and number of relays of each of the plurality of extended base devices by an algorithm.

[0024] In one embodiment, the server is further configured to select one or more of the plurality of expansion base devices as new aggregation nodes if the number of at least one aggregation node is less than a specified minimum number.

[0025] In one embodiment, the server is further configured to select one or more of the plurality of expansion base devices as a new aggregation node if any of the aggregation nodes has a transmission load greater than a transmission threshold.

[0026] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a server for controlling a mesh network. The mesh network is formed by expansion base devices. The server is used to transmit packet signals through the mesh network to a plurality of expansion base devices to group the plurality of expansion base devices into a plurality of groups. Each of the plurality of groups has a plurality of expansion base devices with a value of less than N.

[0027] In one embodiment, the server is further configured to generate grouped signals based on a spatial database containing distance and angle data for a plurality of extended base devices.

[0028] In one embodiment, the server is further configured to transmit a selection signal via a mesh network to at least one of a plurality of extended base devices to select at least one of the plurality of extended base devices as at least one aggregation node, wherein when the control circuit of the at least one aggregation node transmits a start signal to the wireless network transceiver circuit, the at least one aggregation node is configured to communicate with the access point.

[0029] The embodiments of the present invention utilize an extended base device and employ a mesh network or wireless network to transmit data according to the data transmission origin and destination, thereby achieving efficient transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To make the above and other objects, features, advantages and embodiments of this disclosure more apparent and understandable, the accompanying drawings are described below: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of multiple extended base devices according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6A This is a schematic diagram of a management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6B This is a schematic diagram of a management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a beacon tag device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of a management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of a management method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The following examples are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the provided examples are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, and the description of the structural operation is not intended to limit the order of execution. Any structure resulting from the recombination of elements and producing a device with equivalent functionality is within the scope of this invention. Furthermore, the illustrations are for illustrative purposes only and are not drawn to their original dimensions. For ease of understanding, the same or similar elements will be designated with the same symbols in the following description.

[0045] Unless otherwise specified, the terms used throughout the specification and claims generally have their ordinary meaning in the context of the art, the disclosure, and the specific content.

[0046] Furthermore, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “containing,” etc., used in this document are all open-ended terms, meaning “including but not limited to.” Additionally, the term “and / or” as used in this document includes any one or more of the related listed items and all combinations thereof.

[0047] In this document, when an element is described as "connected," "coupled," or "electrically connected" to another element, the element may be directly connected, directly coupled, or directly electrically connected to the other element, or the two elements may have an additional element between them, and the element may be indirectly connected, indirectly coupled, or indirectly electrically connected to the other element. However, when an element is described as "directly connected," "directly coupled," or "directly electrically connected" to another element, the two elements should be understood as having no additional element present. Furthermore, when an element is described as "connected" or "communicationally connected" to another element, the element may be indirectly connected to the other element via other elements for wired and / or wireless communication, or the element may be physically connected to the other element without the need for other elements. Additionally, although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used herein to describe different elements, these terms are only used to distinguish elements or operations described using the same technical terminology.

[0048] Some embodiments of the present invention can be used for workplace management, such as managing office staff attendance or information security settings. Please refer to... Figure 1 . Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a management system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A building BUD is a building used as a workplace, and the building BUD has multiple floors. Figure 1 The diagram only shows floors N (FLN) and N+1 (FLN+1) as examples. Each floor contains multiple desks for employees to work at. For instance, floor N (FLN) contains desks TAB4 to TAB6, and floor N+1 (FLN+1) contains desks TAB1 to TAB3. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The number of floors and tables is not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention, but is merely illustrative.

[0049] In some practical applications, employees may bring their personal laptops to the office. However, when working at their desks, employees may need to use multiple or larger screens, or need to connect to the company's internal LAN, connect to the Internet, project onto a large screen, connect to power, or need to clock in. A multi-functional docking station installed on an employee's desk can output the laptop's screen to another screen, and also meet the employee's needs for connecting to the company network, clocking in / out, and seat management. Therefore, in this embodiment of the invention, desks TAB1-TAB6 are equipped with docking station devices 110. To enable employee computers to network, the docking station devices 110 at each desk must be able to communicate with each other, and the docking station devices 110 must also be able to connect to the external Internet. The following embodiments will detail how to form a mesh network and external connections among multiple docking station devices 110.

[0050] This invention discloses a management system. Please refer to... Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a management system 200 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The management system 200 includes access points (APs), a plurality of expansion base devices 110, and a backend server 120. The access points (APs) are used to receive and transmit data according to wireless network protocols. The expansion base devices 110 include an interface 112, a sensor 114, a wireless sensor network transceiver circuit (WSN1), a wireless network transceiver circuit (WFT1), and a control circuit (CTC1).

[0051] Interface 112 is used to couple one or more electronic devices, such as a laptop, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device, a monitor, a mouse, headphones, a mobile phone, and / or a keyboard. In some embodiments, interface 112 is a Universal Serial Bus interface and / or a display interface (e.g., HDMI or DP). Interface 112 will be described in more detail in later embodiments. Sensor 114 is used to measure values, such as network traffic, current, and / or Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) strength, to measure network traffic or power consumption at a desk or to allow employees to sign in and out. In some embodiments, sensor 114 is a network traffic counter, a current sensor, and / or a radio frequency identification (RFID) card reader. Sensor 114 will be described in more detail in later embodiments.

[0052] The wireless sensor network (WSN) transceiver circuit WSN1 is used to receive and transmit data to other expansion base devices 110 according to wireless network protocols that are primarily short-range or low-power. For example, the WSN1 can be a Bluetooth communication circuit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication circuit, a Zigbee, or a Thread communication circuit. The wireless network transceiver circuit WFT1 is used to receive and transmit data to the access point (AP) according to a wireless network protocol. In some embodiments, the WFT1 can adopt the Wi-Fi wireless network protocol. In some embodiments, the WSN1 consumes less power during standby and communication than the WFT1, making it more suitable for maintaining long-term connections to transmit low-bandwidth packets over shorter distances. On the other hand, the WFT1 has a higher transmission distance and speed during communication than the WSN1, making it more suitable for transmitting higher-bandwidth packets over longer distances. Control circuit CTC1 is coupled to interface 112, sensor 114, wireless sensor network transceiver circuit WSN1, and wireless network transceiver circuit WFT1. Control circuit CTC1 receives and processes signals from other components in expansion base device 110 and issues commands to these components to perform specific operations. In one embodiment, control circuit CTC1 is a processor. In another embodiment, control circuit CTC1 and other components are implemented in a device different from the expansion base device, yet still perform the functions disclosed in this invention.

[0053] In one embodiment, the management system 200 is adapted to manage or control multiple expansion base devices 110. Please refer to...Figure 3 . Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of multiple expansion base devices 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 The embodiments include multiple expansion base devices 110, and each expansion base device 110 includes an interface 112, a sensor 114, a wireless sensing network transceiver circuit WSN1, a wireless network transceiver circuit WFT1, and a control circuit CTC1.

[0054] Regarding data transmission in Management System 200, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 In the management system 200, the expansion base devices 110 are interconnected via their respective wireless sensor network transceiver circuits (WSN1) to form a mesh network. A mesh network links the expansion base devices 110 or nodes together, creating multiple information transmission paths among the linked nodes, thereby enhancing network resilience in the event of node or connection failure. In a full mesh network, each node is directly connected to all other nodes. In a partial mesh network, a node is directly connected to only a few nodes. In some cases, a node must pass through another node before transmitting data to a specific node. The expansion base devices 110 can transmit data through this mesh network. The backend server 120 is communicatively connected to one or more of the access point (AP) and the expansion base devices 110. In detail, the backend server 120 is communicatively connected to the wireless sensing network transceiver circuit WSN1 of at least one expansion base device 110. The backend server 120 can first transmit data or signals to the expansion base device 110, and then transmit signals or data to the expansion base devices 110 connected to the mesh network formed between the expansion base device 110 and other expansion base devices 110.

[0055] In practice, the expansion base device 110 first receives data from another device through interface 112, sensor 114, wireless sensor network transceiver circuit WSN1, and / or wireless network transceiver circuit WFT1. Then, depending on the data transmission destination, it transmits data through a mesh network or a wireless network. If the data transmission destination is covered by the mesh network formed between the expansion base devices 110, the data can be transmitted directly to the destination. If the data transmission destination is not covered by the mesh network, the backend server 120 sends a selection signal SS0 to the wireless sensor network transceiver circuit WSN1 of one of the expansion base devices 110 to select that expansion base device 110 as a hub node. The wireless sensor network transceiver circuit WSN1 of the expansion base device 110 forwards the selection signal SS0 to the control circuit CTC1. The control circuit CTC1 sends a start signal AS0 to the wireless network transceiver circuit WFT1 to start the wireless network of the expansion base device 110, enabling the expansion base device 110 to communicate with the access point AP. In this way, data in the mesh network can first be transmitted to the aggregation node via the mesh network, and then the aggregation node transmits it to the access point (AP) via the wireless network, so as to transmit the data to a destination outside the mesh network. The data transmission method of the management system 200 will be described in detail below with examples.

[0056] The above is a brief explanation of data transmission in Management System 200. The following further explains how to combine mesh and wireless networks for data transmission. Please refer to... Figure 4 . Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a management system 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The management system 400 includes two groups G1 and G2, a backend server 120, and an access point AP. The functions and operations of the backend server 120 and the access point AP are similar to those of... Figure 1 The backend server 120 and access points (APs) in the embodiments are the same and can be referred to the foregoing description. In one embodiment, the management system 400 includes a plurality of access points (APs). Group G1 includes 28 expansion base devices 110, including expansion base devices 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, 110f, and 110g. Group G2 includes 20 expansion base devices 110, including expansion base devices 110h, 110i, 110j, and 110k. Figure 4 The function and operation of the expansion base device 110 Figure 2 The expansion base device 110 in the embodiment is the same and also has an interface 112, a sensor 114, a wireless sensing network transceiver circuit WSN1, a control circuit CTC1, and a wireless network transceiver circuit WFT1, as described above.

[0057] In one embodiment, the extended base station devices 110 in group G1 are communicatively connected to form a mesh network, and the extended base station devices 110 in group G2 are communicatively connected to form another mesh network. The backend server 120 is connected to both the mesh networks of group G1 and G2, and sends the packet signal GS0 through these two mesh networks to all the extended base station devices 110, thereby grouping the extended base station devices 110 into groups G1 and G2. In one embodiment, groups G1 and G2 each have fewer than N extended base station devices 110. In other words, the backend server 120 sends the packet signal GS0 according to a predetermined N value and groups the extended base station devices 110. When the total number of extended base station devices 110 exceeds N, the extended base station devices 110 are divided into different groups to facilitate subsequent data transmission. For example, in... Figure 4 In the embodiment, there are a total of 48 expansion base devices 110. If the N value is set to 29, the backend server sends a grouping signal GS0 according to the N value to divide the expansion base devices 110 into group G1 (containing 28 expansion base devices 110) and group G21 (containing 20 expansion base devices 110). The number of expansion base devices 110 in groups G1 and G2 is less than the N value, and they will not be further grouped.

[0058] In one embodiment, the backend server 120 generates a grouping signal GS0 based on a spatial database containing distance and angle data between all expansion base devices 110. In other words, the backend server 120 determines which expansion base devices 110 should be grouped into the same group based on their relative positions and angles. For example, in... Figure 4 In one embodiment, the expansion base devices 110 of group G1 are adjacent to each other, the expansion base devices 110 of group G2 are adjacent to each other, and the expansion base devices 110 of group G1 and the expansion base devices 110 of group G2 are far apart.

[0059] In one embodiment, after the management system 400 assigns the extended base device 110 to groups G1 and G2, the backend server 120 sends a selection signal SS0 to multiple extended base devices 110 through the mesh network of groups G1 and G2 to select the extended base device 110 as a collection node HBN to receive data from each group and connect to the access point AP, so as to transmit data outside the mesh network through the wireless network. In detail, the backend server 120 sends the selection signal SS0 to one expansion base device 110 in group G1 and one expansion base device 110 in group G2. The selection signal SS0 is sent to all expansion base devices 110 through the mesh network of groups G1 and G2. When the expansion base device 110 selected as the aggregation node HBN receives the selection signal SS0, its wireless sensing network transceiver circuit WSN1 forwards the selection signal SS0 to the control circuit CTC1. The control circuit CTC1 sends the start signal AS0 to the wireless network transceiver circuit WFT1 to turn on the wireless network of the expansion base device 110 selected as the aggregation node HBN, and then connects to the access point AP.

[0060] For example, in Figure 4 In one embodiment, extended base devices 110e and 110f in group G1 are selected as aggregation nodes (HBNs) and communicate with access points (APs), while extended base devices 110i and 110j in group G2 are selected as aggregation nodes (HBNs) and communicate with access points (APs). In one embodiment, the aggregation nodes (HBNs) are automatically selected by the backend server 120 using an algorithm based on the strength of the wireless signal received by each extended base device 110 and the number of retrievals. In other words, the backend server 120 determines which extended base devices 110 in each group should be used as aggregation nodes (HBNs) based on the signal strength received by each extended base device 110 during data transmission and the number of retrievals required to transmit data from one extended base device 110 to another, so that the data transmission has a sufficiently strong signal and / or reduces the number of retrievals during data transmission.

[0061] The following describes the data transmission mode of the management system 400. In one embodiment, in the management system 400, data needs to be sent from the expansion base device 110a in group G1 to the expansion base device 110 in group G2. For example... Figure 4As shown, extended base device 110a first sends data to extended base device 110d, which then forwards the data to extended base device 110f. Extended base device 110f then sends the data to access point AP. Access point AP transmits the data to aggregation node HBN (i.e., extended base device 110i or extended base device 110j) in group G2 via a wireless network, and uses the mesh network of group G2 to send the data to its destination. In this embodiment, extended base device 110d acts as a relay node to receive and forward data from extended base device 110a, enabling the data to be further transmitted to its destination. Extended base device 110f acts as aggregation node HBN of group G1 to aggregate data from group G1 and send it to access point AP.

[0062] In one embodiment, within the management system 400, data needs to be sent from the extended base device 110b in group G1 to the extended base device 110 in group G2, such as... Figure 4 As shown, extended base device 110b first sends data to extended base device 110c, which then forwards the data to extended base device 110e. Extended base device 110e then sends the data to access point AP, which transmits the data to the mesh network of group G2 via a wireless network. In this embodiment, extended base device 110c acts as a relay node to receive and relay data from extended base device 110b, and extended base device 110e acts as a collection node HBN to collect data from group G1 and send it to access point AP. Although both extended base device 110e and extended base device 110f are aggregation nodes HBN in group G1, since extended base device 110c is closer to extended base device 110e, extended base device 110c transmits data to access point AP through extended base device 110e, instead of transmitting data to access point AP through extended base device 110f as in the previous embodiment.

[0063] In one embodiment, within the management system 400, data needs to be sent from the extended base device 110g in group G1 to the extended base device 110 in group G2, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the extended base device 110g first sends data to the extended base device 110e, and the extended base device 110e then sends the data to the access point AP. The access point AP then transmits the data to the mesh network of group G2 via the wireless network. In this embodiment, the extended base device 110g directly sends the data to the extended base device 110e, which is the aggregation node HBN, unlike the previous two embodiments where the data must be sent to the aggregation node HBN in group G1 through a relay node.

[0064] In one embodiment, in the management system 400, data needs to be sent from the extended base device 110 of group G1 to the extended base device 110h of group G2. After the access point AP receives data from the aggregation node HBN of group G1, the access point AP sends it to the extended base device 110i of group G2 via the wireless network, and the extended base device 110i then sends the data to the extended base device 110h. In this embodiment, the wireless network transceiver circuit WFT1 of the extended base device 110i is in the on state and acts as the aggregation node HBN. Therefore, it can receive data from the access point AP via the wireless network and send data to the extended base device 110h via the wireless sensing network transceiver circuit WSN1.

[0065] In one embodiment, in the management system 400, data needs to be sent from the extended base device 110 of group G1 to the extended base device 110k of group G2. After the access point AP receives data from the aggregation node HBN of group G1, the access point AP sends it to the extended base device 110j of group G2 via the wireless network, and the extended base device 110j then sends the data to the extended base device 110k. In this embodiment, the wireless network transceiver circuit WFT1 of the extended base device 110j is in the on state and acts as the aggregation node HBN. Therefore, it can receive data from the access point AP via the wireless network and send data to the extended base device 110k via the wireless sensing network transceiver circuit WSN1. Although both extended base device 110i and extended base device 110j are aggregation nodes HBN in group G2, since extended base device 110j is closer to extended base device 110k, access point AP transmits data to extended base device 110j instead of transmitting data to extended base device 110i as in the previous embodiment.

[0066] In one embodiment, if the number of aggregation nodes (HBNs) is less than the minimum number of aggregation nodes, the backend server 120 selects one or more expansion base devices 110 as new aggregation nodes (HBNs). For example, if the minimum number of aggregation nodes is set to 3, and the number of aggregation nodes (HBNs) in each of groups G1 and G2 is less than the minimum number of aggregation nodes, the backend server 120 connects to one expansion base device 110 in each of groups G1 and G2, and sends a selection signal SS0 to all expansion base devices 110 in the management system 400 through the mesh network of groups G1 and G2, so as to select one more expansion base device 110 in each of groups G1 and G2 as a new aggregation node (HBN).

[0067] In one embodiment, if any of the aggregation nodes HBN has a transmission load greater than a transmission threshold, the backend server 120 selects one or more expansion base devices 110 as new aggregation nodes HBN. For example, when the transmission load of any of the expansion base devices 110e, 110f, 110i, and 110j exceeds a preset transmission threshold, this situation is transmitted to the backend server 120 through the mesh network of groups G1 and G2. The backend server 120 sends a selection signal SS0 through the mesh network of groups G1 and G2 to select one or more expansion base devices 110 as new aggregation nodes HBN until the transmission load of the aggregation node HBN is no longer greater than the transmission threshold.

[0068] In summary, utilizing, as Figure 2 or Figure 3 The extended base device 110 in the embodiment, and through such Figure 4 The data transmission method shown in the embodiment can use a mesh network or a wireless network to transmit data, depending on the data transmission origin and destination, to achieve efficient transmission.

[0069] This invention also discloses a mesh network control method. Please refer to [further details omitted]. Figure 4 and Figure 5 . Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a mesh network control method 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the mesh network control method 500 includes steps S510 and S512. The mesh network control method 500 first determines whether an established spatial database exists (i.e., step S510). If not, it establishes a spatial database using distance and angle data between nodes (i.e., step S512), wherein the spatial database is used to group nodes into groups. Figure 4 As illustrated in the embodiment, the backend server 120 first determines whether a spatial database already exists. If not, the backend server 120 receives distance and angle data between the extended base devices 110 through the mesh network between the extended base devices 110 and establishes a spatial database to facilitate the grouping of the extended base devices 110 into a group.

[0070] In one embodiment, when an existing spatial database is used to group nodes into different groups, it is determined whether the number of nodes is less than a predetermined minimum number N (i.e., step S520). If not, these nodes are grouped into a plurality of groups (i.e., step S522), where each group has fewer than N nodes. In other words, the mesh network control method 500 groups nodes into different groups according to a predetermined N value in steps S520 and S522, ensuring that the number of nodes in each group does not exceed N. Figure 4The embodiment illustrates that before the expansion base devices 110 are divided into groups G1 and G2, the management system 400 has a total of forty-eight expansion base devices 110. When the N value is set to twenty-nine, since the number of expansion base devices 110 is not less than the N value, the backend server 120 will send a grouping signal GS0 through the mesh network to divide the expansion base devices 110 into two groups, and the number of expansion base devices 110 in both groups is less than the N value. In one embodiment, when the backend server 120 decides which expansion base devices 110 to be assigned to the same group, it will group them according to the spatial database in the previous embodiment, based on the distance and angle information between the expansion base devices 110, such as... Figure 4 In one embodiment, the expansion base devices 110 that are located close to each other are grouped into the same group, namely groups G1 and G2.

[0071] Following the previous embodiment, if the number of nodes is less than the minimum number N, or after the nodes are divided into different groups, one or more nodes in each group are selected as the aggregation node based on the wireless signal strength and the number of signal relays (i.e., step S530). The selection of the aggregation node can be referred to the foregoing. Figure 4 In this embodiment, the selection of the aggregation node HBN involves the backend server 120 sending a selection signal SS0 to select the aggregation node HBN from groups G1 and G2. In one embodiment, the selection of a node as the aggregation node HBN is achieved by activating the wireless network transceiver circuit WFT1 of each node, for example in... Figure 2 In this embodiment, when the background server 120 sends a selection signal SS0 to the wireless sensor network transceiver circuit WSN1, the wireless sensor network transceiver circuit WSN1 transmits the selection signal SS0 to the control circuit CTC1. The control circuit CTC1 sends a start signal AS0 to the wireless network transceiver circuit WFT1 to start the wireless network of the extended base device 110, making it act as the aggregation node HBN.

[0072] Following the previous embodiment, it is then determined whether the number of aggregation nodes HBN in each group is greater than the minimum number of aggregation nodes (i.e., step S540). When the number of aggregation nodes HBN is less than the minimum number of aggregation nodes, one or more of the nodes are selected as new aggregation nodes HBN (i.e., ...). Figure 5 If step S540 determines "yes", then return to step S530 to select a new aggregation node (HBN). The minimum number of aggregation nodes is the pre-determined number of aggregation nodes in the group. Figure 4 For example, if the minimum number of aggregation nodes is set to 3, since there are two aggregation nodes HBN in groups G1 and G2 respectively, the backend server 120 sends a selection signal SS0 through the mesh network to select a new aggregation node HBN from groups G1 and G2 respectively.

[0073] Following the previous embodiment, in one embodiment, when step S540 determines that the number of aggregation nodes (HBNs) in each group is greater than the minimum number of aggregation nodes, the mesh network control method 500 identifies the forwarding nodes in the group based on the forwarding count of each node (i.e., step S550). Figure 4 In the example embodiment, in the path of the extended base device 110a transmitting data to the access point AP, before the extended base device 110a transmits the data to the aggregation node HBN (i.e., extended base device 110f), the data must be forwarded through the extended base device 110d. The node between the data sending location of the extended base device 110a and the aggregation node HBN is called the forwarding node. However, not all data transmission paths have forwarding nodes. For example, when the extended base device 110g transmits data to the extended base device 110e, the data sending location is directly connected to the aggregation node HBN, or when the extended base device 110i transmits data to the extended base device 110h, the aggregation node HBN is directly connected to the data destination. In these cases, the assistance of the forwarding node is not required.

[0074] Following the previous embodiments, in one embodiment, the mesh network control method 500 includes determining whether any aggregation node HBN has a transmission load greater than a transmission threshold (i.e., S560). If so, one or more nodes are selected as new aggregation nodes HBNs (i.e., Figure 5 If step S560 determines that the condition is yes, then the process returns to step S530 to select the aggregation node HBN again. In other words, if the transmission load of the aggregation node HBN exceeds the transmission threshold, i.e., according to the previous... Figure 4 The embodiment describes the selection of new aggregation nodes (HBNs) to reduce the transmission load of the aggregation nodes (HBNs) until the transmission load of each aggregation node (HBN) is no greater than the transmission threshold value.

[0075] After the above steps, the mesh network control method 500 completes the configuration of the network between nodes and is suitable for data transmission. In one embodiment, the mesh network control method 500 can adjust the N value, the minimum number of aggregation nodes, and / or the transmission threshold value according to actual needs, and repeat the corresponding steps.

[0076] In summary, the mesh network control method 500 determines the grouping of nodes in the mesh network in steps S510 to S560, selects nodes as aggregation nodes HBN to facilitate data transmission, and adds new aggregation nodes HBN when the number of aggregation nodes HBN is less than the minimum number of aggregation nodes or the transmission load of aggregation nodes HBN is too large, thereby achieving efficient data transmission through mesh network and wireless network.

[0077] This invention also discloses a management system. Please refer to... Figure 6A . Figure 6AThis is a schematic diagram of a management system 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The management system 600 includes a beacon tag device 620, an expansion base device 110, and a backend server 120. The beacon tag device 620 includes a wireless communication chip 622 and a processor 624. The wireless communication chip 622 is used to transmit a beacon signal (BS0). The expansion base device 110 includes an interface 112, a sensor 114, a wireless sensor network transceiver circuit (WSN1), a wireless network transceiver circuit (WFT1), and a control circuit (CTC1). The interface 112 is used to couple one or more electronic devices. The sensor 114 is used to receive the beacon signal (BS0). The wireless sensor network transceiver circuit (WSN1) is used to receive and transmit data according to a short-range or low-power wireless network protocol. The wireless network transceiver circuit (WFT1) is used to receive and transmit data according to a wireless network protocol. The control circuit (CTC1) is coupled to the interface 112, the sensor 114, the wireless sensor network transceiver circuit (WSN1), and the wireless network transceiver circuit (WFT1). The backend server 120 is connected to the expansion base device 110. Figure 6A The expansion base device 110 and the backend server 120 in this embodiment are structurally similar to those described above. Figure 2 The expansion base device 110 and the backend server 120 in the embodiments are similar, and the similar parts can be referred to in the description of the preceding paragraphs. In one embodiment, the control circuit CTC1 and other components are implemented in a device different from the expansion base device, but can still perform the functions disclosed in this invention.

[0078] The expansion base device 110 can be directly communicatively connected to the backend server 120, or indirectly communicatively connected to the backend server via other expansion base devices 110 through a mesh network, as described in the foregoing embodiments of the mesh network control system and method of the present invention. In one embodiment, such as Figure 6A As shown, expansion base device 110 is indirectly linked to backend server 120 through another expansion base device 110.

[0079] Further explanation below Figure 6A The management system 600. Figure 6A In this configuration, the extension base device 110 is placed on table TAB1, and a user (e.g., a company employee, meeting room reservation holder, or table reservation holder) holds a beacon tag device 620 and approaches table TAB1 and the extension base device 110. Figure 6A The table TAB1 and the extension base device 110 in the middle represent Figure 1 The table TAB1 and the expansion base device 110 in the embodiment, in other words, the management system 600 is in such a way as Figure 1In the context of the embodiment, a user holds a beacon tag device 620 in a building used as a workplace and approaches the extended base device 110 on the desk TAB1 to perform a sign-in or sign-out action.

[0080] Please refer to again Figure 6A The wireless communication chip 622 on the beacon tag device 620 emits a beacon signal BS0. When the sensor 114 receives the beacon signal BS0, the sensor 114 transmits the beacon signal BS0 to the control circuit CTC1. The control circuit CTC1 determines whether the Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) of the beacon signal BS0 is greater than the beacon strength threshold, where the beacon strength threshold is a value preset by the system. In one embodiment, the company manager sets the beacon strength threshold by communicating with the expansion base device 110 through the backend server 120. If the control circuit CTC1 determines that the RSSI of the beacon signal BS0 is greater than the set beacon strength threshold, the control circuit CTC1 transmits a sign-in / sign-out signal CS0 to the wireless sensor network transceiver circuit WSN1, which then sends the sign-in / sign-out signal CS0 to the backend server 120. In one embodiment, as... Figure 6A As shown, expansion base device 110 is indirectly connected to the backend server 120 through another expansion base device 110 selected as a aggregation node. In this embodiment, after the control circuit CTC1 of expansion base device 110 transmits the check-in / check-out signal CS0 to its own wireless sensor network transceiver circuit WSN1, the wireless sensor network transceiver circuit WSN1 transmits the check-in / check-out signal CS0 to the wireless sensor network transceiver circuit WSN1 of the other expansion base device 110 through the mesh network formed between the two expansion base devices 110. Then, the other expansion base device 110 transmits the check-in / check-out signal CS0 to the backend server 120 through its wireless network transceiver circuit WFT1. The backend server 120 records the time of the user's check-in or check-out based on the check-in / check-out signal CS0. In this way, the user completes a check-in or check-out through the management system 600.

[0081] This invention also discloses a modular board. Please refer to... Figure 6B , Figure 6B This is a schematic diagram of a management system 600' according to an embodiment of the present invention. The management system 600' includes a beacon tag device 620, an electronic device 610, and a backend server 120. The electronic device 610 includes a module board 612 and an interface 112. The module board 612 includes a sensor 114, a wireless sensing network transceiver circuit WSN1, a wireless network transceiver circuit WFT1, and a control circuit CTC1. Figure 6BThe beacon tag device 620, backend server 120, interface 112, sensor 114, wireless sensor network transceiver circuit WSN1, wireless network transceiver circuit WFT1, and control circuit CTC1 shown in the embodiment are Figure 6A The counterparts in the illustrated embodiments are the same or similar in function and operation.

[0082] In one embodiment, the electronic device 610 is an Internet of Things (IoT) device, and the module board 612 is inserted into the electronic device 610. The beacon tag device 620 receives the beacon signal BS0 and directly or indirectly transmits the check-in / check-out signal CS0 to the backend server 120. In other words, when the module board 612 is inserted into the electronic device 610, it enables the electronic device 610 to function as... Figure 6A The expansion base device 110 in the illustrated embodiment generally performs a sign-in / sign-out function. In one embodiment, the module board 612 is in the form of a card and is designed to be inserted into and connected to the electronic device 610 via the interface 112. It should be noted that the interface 112 is located within the electronic device 610, not on the module board 612.

[0083] Please refer to again Figure 6A In one embodiment, the management system 600 includes a plurality of expansion base devices 110 (such as...). Figure 1 In one embodiment, different beacon strength thresholds are set for different extended base devices 110 to distinguish the beacon tag devices 620 that can be identified by different extended base devices 110. In another embodiment, the beacon signal BS0 contains the user's identification code, and the extended base device 110 contains the user's reserved seat data. The extended base device 110 first confirms that the seat is the user's reserved seat based on the identification code and the reserved seat data before proceeding with the subsequent check-in or check-out determination.

[0084] In one embodiment, the wireless communication chip 622 of the beacon tag device 620 periodically transmits beacon signal BS0 at specific beacon intervals. In other words, the wireless communication chip 622 transmits beacon signal BS0 once every beacon interval. Each time the wireless communication chip 622 transmits beacon signal BS0, the sensor 114 of the expansion base device 110 receives the beacon signal BS0 and determines whether the beacon signal BS0 exceeds a beacon strength threshold. If so, it sends a check-in / check-out signal CS0 to the backend server 120. In one embodiment, the wireless communication chip 622 periodically transmits beacon signal BS0 at low power. In both embodiments above, since the wireless communication chip 622 periodically transmits beacon signal BS0, company managers can receive a series of check-in / check-out signals CS0 through the backend server 120 to further confirm whether users are present at a specific time or period, thus facilitating the monitoring of personnel status. In other words, in one embodiment, after a user checks in (i.e., after the expansion base device 110 determines that the beacon signal BS0 is greater than the beacon strength threshold), the beacon tag device 620 is bound to the expansion base device 110. The expansion base device 110 periodically determines whether the beacon signal BS0 is greater than the beacon strength threshold. If so, it determines that the seat on the corresponding expansion base device 110 is in an occupied state. In one embodiment, after the beacon tag device 620 is bound to the expansion base device 110, if the expansion base device 110 does not detect a beacon signal BS0 greater than the beacon strength threshold within a predetermined time, the expansion base device 110 determines that the seat is automatically checked out.

[0085] In one embodiment, the beacon tag device 620 further includes a proximity sensor. See also... Figure 6A and Figure 7 . Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a beacon tag device 620 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 The top of Figure 6A Part of the expansion base device 110, due to Figure 7 To show the relative positions of the extended base device 110 and the beacon tag device 620, only the extended base device 110 is shown in the figure. Figure 7 In this embodiment, the beacon tag device 620 includes a wireless communication chip 622 and a processor 624, as well as a proximity sensor 626. When the proximity sensor 626 is within the transmission distance SD0 (i.e., Figure 7When the extended base device 110 is detected in the circular grayscale area centered on the proximity sensor 626 and with a transmission distance SD0 as the radius, the proximity sensor 626 sends a drive signal DS0 to the processor 624. The processor 624 then drives the wireless communication chip 622 to send a beacon signal BS0. In other words, the wireless communication chip 622 does not continuously or periodically send the beacon signal BS0, but only sends the beacon signal BS0 when the extended base device 110 is detected at close range.

[0086] Please refer to again Figure 6A In one embodiment, the beacon tag device 620 further includes a transmit button, which, when pressed by a user, causes the wireless communication chip 622 to transmit a beacon signal BS0. In this embodiment, since the wireless communication chip 622 only transmits the beacon signal BS0 when the transmit button is pressed, the power consumption of the beacon tag device 620 can be reduced.

[0087] In one embodiment, the expansion base device 110 further includes a start button for activating the sensor 114. Specifically, when the start button is pressed, the sensor 114 is activated for a certain period of time, and the sensor 114 is able to sense the beacon signal BS0 for that specific time. In this embodiment, since the sensor 114 only receives the beacon signal BS0 when the start button is pressed, the power consumption of the sensor 114 can be reduced.

[0088] In one embodiment, the expansion dock device 110 further includes a display screen. The display screen is coupled to a wireless sensor network transceiver circuit (WSN1) and displays information about the table where the expansion dock device 110 is located. A backend server 120 directly or indirectly transmits this table information (hereinafter referred to as table information) to the WSN1, which in turn transmits it to the display screen. The table information includes the name of the person who checked in or reserved the table, the table number, and / or the availability of the table. In one embodiment, the display screen may indicate that the table is unavailable due to tidiness or other factors, such as social distancing. In one embodiment, the table information includes the table's location, current time, and / or the table's network connection status. In one embodiment, the table information is set by the backend server 120.

[0089] Following the previous embodiments, in one embodiment, the table information further includes a two-dimensional barcode, which is used to assist users in checking in or out. In one embodiment, the two-dimensional barcode is a quick response code (QR code). Specifically, when a user scans the two-dimensional barcode using a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone), the mobile device transmits data to the backend server 120, and the backend server 120 responds to the data to perform check-in or check-out.

[0090] The following further explains the actual operation of the above embodiments. Please also refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 8 . Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a management system 800 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 Tables TAB1 and TAB2 in the embodiment and Figure 1 In this embodiment, desks TAB1 and TAB2 are identical, representing two desks in a building used as a workspace, and each has an extension base device 110. If the beacon strength threshold of the extension base devices 110 on desks TAB1 and TAB2 is set to the same size, when the beacon tag device 620 closer to desk TAB1 emits a beacon signal BS0, the extension base device 110 of desk TAB1 receives a beacon signal BS0 greater than the beacon strength threshold and sends a check-in / check-out signal CS0 to the backend server 120. Conversely, the beacon tag device 620 is farther away from the extension base device 110 on desk TAB2, so the beacon signal BS0 received by the extension base device 110 on desk TAB2 does not have a strength greater than the beacon strength threshold, and therefore the extension base device 110 on desk TAB2 will not send a check-in / check-out signal CS0 to the backend server 120. In this situation, the user holding the beacon tag device 620 completes the check-in or check-out for table TAB1, but does not check in or check out for table TAB2.

[0091] In summary, in the above embodiments, the extended base device 110 can receive the beacon signal BS0 from the beacon tag device 620 through the sensor 114, and the control circuit CTC1 determines whether the received signal strength index of the beacon signal BS0 is greater than the beacon strength threshold, which can be used for personnel check-in or check-out.

[0092] This invention also discloses a management method. Please refer to... Figure 9 . Figure 9This is a flowchart of a management method 900 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The management method 900 includes: periodically sending beacon signals during beacon periods (i.e., step S902); receiving beacon signals (i.e., step S904); and determining whether the received signal strength index of the beacon signal is greater than a beacon strength threshold (i.e., step S906). If so, sending a check-in / check-out signal to a backend server (i.e., step S908). In one embodiment, the management method 900 includes setting or adjusting a beacon strength threshold.

[0093] This invention also discloses a management method. Please refer to... Figure 10 . Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a management method 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The management method 1000 includes: determining whether the distance between the beacon tag device and the expansion base device is less than the transmission distance (i.e., step S1002); if so, transmitting a beacon signal (i.e., step S1004); receiving the beacon signal (i.e., step S1006); and determining whether the received signal strength index of the beacon signal is greater than the beacon strength threshold (i.e., step S1008); if so, sending a check-in / check-out signal to the backend server (i.e., step S1010).

[0094] This invention also discloses a management method. Please refer to... Figure 11 . Figure 11 This is a flowchart of a management method 1100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The management method 1100 includes: determining whether a send key has been pressed (i.e., step S1102); if so, sending a beacon signal (i.e., step S1104); receiving the beacon signal (i.e., step S1106); and determining whether the received signal strength index of the beacon signal is greater than a beacon strength threshold (i.e., step S1108); if so, sending a check-in / check-out signal to the backend server (i.e., step S1110). In other words, in this embodiment, the beacon signal is only sent when the send key is pressed.

[0095] In one embodiment, the management method 1100 further includes determining whether a start button has been pressed; if so, receiving a beacon signal within a certain period of time. In other words, in this embodiment, the beacon signal is only received when the start button is pressed.

[0096] In summary, in the above embodiments, the sending and receiving of beacon signals are used to complete the sign-in or sign-out of personnel.

[0097] This invention also discloses a management system. Please refer to... Figure 12 . Figure 12This is a schematic diagram of a management system 1200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The management system 1200 includes an expansion base device 110 and a backend server 120. The expansion base device 110 includes an interface 112, a hub controller 116, a system-on-a-chip (SoC) control circuit 118, and an Internet of Things (IoT) transceiver circuit 119. The interface 112 is used to receive signals SG0 from the electronic device 1210. The hub controller 116 is coupled to the interface 112 and the host 1220, and is used to manage signal transmission between the electronic device 1210 and the host 1220. The SoC control circuit 118 is coupled to the hub controller 116, and is used to execute an operating system to determine the device type of the electronic device 1210. The IoT transceiver circuit 119 is coupled to the SoC control circuit 118. The backend server 120 is communicatively connected to the IoT transceiver circuit 119, and the backend server 120 contains permission data.

[0098] In the management system 1200, the expansion base device 110 is coupled to electronic devices 1210 via interface 112. In one embodiment, the electronic device is a keyboard, mouse, headset, mobile phone, laptop, monitor, or Universal Serial Bus (USB) device. In one embodiment, interface 112 has multiple input / output interfaces and can couple to a plurality of electronic devices 1210.

[0099] After receiving signal SG0 from electronic device 1210 at interface 112, hub controller 116 in expansion base device 110 determines whether electronic device 1210 has a high transmission speed based on signal SG0. If not, hub controller 116 directly allows signal transmission between electronic device 1210 and host 1220. In other words, if hub controller 116 identifies electronic device 1210 as a low-speed or full-speed device (e.g., a mouse or keyboard typically has a low transmission speed), it determines that electronic device 1210 has a low transmission speed, and in this case, hub controller 116 allows electronic device 1210 to access host 1220. Conversely, if hub controller 116 identifies electronic device 1210 as a high-speed or super-speed device (e.g., a storage device or an electromagnetic device used for storing data typically has a high transmission speed), it determines that electronic device 1210 has a high transmission speed, and in this case, subsequent determination steps are performed. Storage devices or electromagnetic devices may be used to steal company data. Storage devices or electromagnetic devices usually have high transmission speeds, while devices such as mice or keyboards usually have low transmission speeds. Therefore, by using the above method, devices such as mice or keyboards can be directly allowed to access host 1220 based on their transmission speed, without further judgment.

[0100] In one embodiment, if electronic device 1210 is connected to interface 112 via a specific input / output interface, hub controller 116 directly allows signal transmission between electronic device 1210 and host 1220 without determining the transmission speed of electronic device 1210. For example, when electronic device 1210 is connected to interface 112 via a display port or high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI port), since electronic device 1210 is a display device, the possibility of it being used to steal company data or secrets or compromise company computers is low. Therefore, hub controller 116 directly allows electronic device 1210 connected to interface 112 via these interfaces and allows it to access host 1220. In one embodiment, a whitelist is pre-set to assist hub controller 116 in identifying electronic devices 1210 that can be directly allowed without further judgment.

[0101] Next, if the hub controller 116 determines that the electronic device 1210 has a high transmission speed, such as Figure 12 As shown, the hub controller 116 further transmits the signal SG0 to the single-chip system control circuit 118. The single-chip system control circuit 118 determines the device type of the electronic device 1210 based on the signal SG0 and generates type data TD0. Specifically, the single-chip system control circuit 118 includes an embedded operating system for determining the device type of the electronic device 1210. The type data TD0 contains information about the device type of the electronic device 1210, used for subsequent determination steps. In one embodiment, the single-chip system control circuit 118 is... Figure 2 The control circuit CTC1 in the embodiment. In one embodiment, the single-chip system control circuit 118 and other components are embedded in or implemented in a device different from the expansion base device, yet still perform the functions disclosed in this invention.

[0102] After the single-chip system control circuit 118 determines the device type of the electronic device 1210 and generates type data TD0, the single-chip system control circuit 118 transmits the type data TD0 to the IoT transceiver circuit 119, and the IoT transceiver circuit 119 sends the type data TD0 to the backend server 120. In one embodiment, the IoT transceiver circuit 119 is... Figure 2 The wireless sensing network transceiver circuit WSN1 in the embodiment utilizes, as shown in the example... Figure 4 The mesh network communication in this embodiment is connected to the backend server 120.

[0103] The backend server 120 determines whether the electronic device 1210 has permission to access the host 1220 based on the type data TD0 and permission data, and sends the result data RD0 back to the expansion base device 110. Specifically, the company administrator pre-sets in the backend server 120 which electronic devices 1210 can access the host 1220 and perform data transmission; that is, the company administrator pre-determines the permissions of specific employees for the types of electronic devices 1210 inserted into the host 1220.

[0104] When the IoT transceiver circuit 119 of the self-expansion base device 110 receives type data TD0, the backend server 120 compares the type data TD0 with the permission data and determines whether the electronic device 1210 should be allowed to connect to the host 1220 based on its device type. After the backend server 120 completes the determination, it sends the determination result back to the IoT transceiver circuit 119 in the form of result data RD0. The expansion base device 110 then performs subsequent steps based on the result data RD0 through the coupling relationship of its internal components (i.e., the IoT transceiver circuit 119 is coupled to the single-chip system control circuit 118, and the single-chip system control circuit 118 is coupled to the hub controller 116). In one embodiment, the company administrator can modify the permission data in the backend server 120 to change the types of devices that the host 1220 can connect to.

[0105] If, according to the result data RD0, electronic device 1210 has permission to access host 1220, hub controller 116 allows signal transmission between electronic device 1210 and host 1220; conversely, if, according to the result data RD0, electronic device 1210 does not have permission to access host 1220, hub controller 116 does not allow signal transmission between electronic device 1210 and host 1220. In other words, after receiving the result data RD0, hub controller 116 decides whether to allow electronic device 1210 to access host 1220. If the result data RD0 shows that electronic device 1210 does not have permission to access host 1220, hub controller 116 will not connect the line between hub controller 116 and host 1220 (i.e.,...). Figure 12 (The direct line connecting the hub controller 116 and the host 1220) prevents the electronic device 1210 from accessing data in the host 1220. Conversely, if the result data RD0 shows that the electronic device 1210 has permission to access the host 1220, the hub controller 116 connects the line between the hub controller 116 and the host 1220, allowing the user to access data in the host 1220 using the electronic device 1210.

[0106] In one embodiment, such as Figure 12As shown, interface 112 simultaneously receives multiple signals SG0 from multiple electronic devices 1210. The expansion dock 110 and the backend server 120 determine, according to the aforementioned embodiment, whether signal transmission between each of the electronic devices 1210 and the host 1220 is permitted. In other words, when a user frequently wishes to connect multiple electronic devices 1210 to the host 1220 via the expansion dock 110, the expansion dock 110 can simultaneously and individually determine whether access to the host 1220 is permitted for each of these electronic devices 1210.

[0107] In summary, the management system 1200 first allows devices with slower transmission speeds to access the host 1220 based on their transmission speed. Then, it determines the type of the device with higher transmission speed and decides whether the host 1220 should connect to this type of device based on the default permission data. This reduces the risk of company personnel stealing company data or damaging company computers through external devices.

[0108] This invention also discloses a management method. Please refer to... Figure 13 . Figure 13 This is a flowchart of a management method 1300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The management method 1300 includes receiving a signal from an electronic device; executing an operating system to determine the device type of the electronic device based on the signal and generating type data; and determining whether the electronic device has permission to access the host based on the type data and permission data. If yes, signal transmission between the electronic device and the host is allowed; otherwise, signal transmission between the electronic device and the host is not allowed.

[0109] In step S1302, signals from electronic devices are received. In one embodiment, step S1302 simultaneously receives multiple signals from multiple electronic devices.

[0110] In one embodiment, after receiving a signal from an electronic device, it is determined whether the electronic device has a high transmission speed (i.e., step S1304). If it is determined that the electronic device has a low transmission speed, signal transmission between the electronic device and the host is allowed (i.e., step S1305). Figure 13 If step S1304 determines otherwise, proceed to step S1305 to directly allow the electronic device to access the host. Conversely, if step S1304 determines yes, proceed to step S1306.

[0111] In step 1306, the operating system is executed to determine the device type of the electronic device based on the signal and generate type data. In other words, based on the received electronic device signal, the operating system determines the device type of the electronic device and outputs this determination result as type data, which displays the device type of the electronic device.

[0112] In step S1308, it is determined whether the electronic device has permission to access the host based on the type data and permission data. In other words, permission data is pre-set to represent the electronic devices that the host can connect to. After obtaining the type data, the type data is compared with the permission data. If the electronic device has permission to access the host according to the permission data, signal transmission between the electronic device and the host is allowed (i.e., step S1310). If the electronic device does not have permission to access the host according to the permission data, signal transmission between the electronic device and the host is not allowed (i.e., step S1312). This completes the determination of whether the electronic device should access the host.

[0113] In one embodiment, multiple signals from multiple electronic devices are received simultaneously, and it is determined whether signal transmission between each electronic device and the host is permitted. This allows for simultaneous determination of multiple different electronic devices, and these determinations are independent of each other. In one embodiment, the management method 1300 further includes modifying permission data to change the types of devices that the host can connect to.

[0114] In summary, management method 1300 uses the transmission speed of the electronic device and / or the device type of the electronic device to determine whether the electronic device has the right to access the host.

[0115] Based on the above embodiments, the back-end server of the management system proposed in this disclosure can collect information reported by multiple extended base devices, and manage the attendance status, network connection method and security permissions of the connected devices. The various embodiments of this disclosure can be used in combination to improve the efficiency of office automation management.

[0116] While the present invention has been disclosed above by way of embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

[0117] [Symbol Explanation] To make the above and other objects, features, advantages and embodiments of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the appended symbols are explained as follows: 100: Management System 110: Expanded base device 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, 110f, 110g, 110h, 110i, 110j, 110k: Expanded base device 112: Interface 114: Sensor 116: Hub Controller 118: Single-chip system control circuit 119: Internet of Things (IoT) transceiver circuit 120: Backend Server 1200: Management System 1210: Electronic devices 1220: Host 1300: Management Methods 200: Management System 400: Management System 600: Management System 600': Management System 610: Electronic devices 612: Module board 620: Beacon Tag Device 622: Wireless communication chip 624: Processor 626: Proximity sensor 800: Management System AP: Access Point AS0: Start signal WSN1: Wireless Sensor Network Transceiver Circuit WSNN: Wireless Sensor Network Transceiver Circuit BS0: Beacon signal BUD: Buildings CS0: Check-in / Check-out signal CTC1: Control Circuit CTCN: Control Circuit DS0: Drive signal FLN: Floor N FLN+1: Floor N+1 G1: Group G2: Group GS0: Packet signal HBN: Aggregation Node RD0: Result data S510, S512, S520, S522, S530, S540, S550, S560: Steps S902, S904, S906, S908: Steps S1002, S1004, S1006, S1008, S1010: Steps S1102, S1104, S1106, S1108, S1110: Steps S1302, S1304, S1305, S1306, S1308, S1310, S1312: Steps SD0: Transmission distance SG0: Signal SS0: Selected signal TAB1, TAB2, TAB3, TAB4, TAB5, TAB6: table positions TD0: Type Data WFT1: Wireless Network Transceiver Circuit WFTN: Wireless Network Transceiver Circuit.

Claims

1. A management system, characterized in that, Include: Access points are used to receive and transmit data according to wireless network protocols; and A plurality of extended base devices, each of the plurality of extended base devices comprising: An interface is used to couple one or more electronic devices; Wireless sensor network transceiver circuitry is used to receive and transmit data to the other of the plurality of extended base devices according to a wireless network protocol that is primarily short-range or low-power. Wireless network transceiver circuit, used to receive and transmit data to the access point according to the wireless network protocol; A control circuit is coupled to the interface, the wireless sensor network transceiver circuit, and the wireless network transceiver circuit. The plurality of expansion base devices are used to communicate with each other through the wireless sensor network transceiver circuits to form a mesh network. A first of the plurality of expansion base devices receives data from the interface, the wireless sensor network transceiver circuit, and / or the wireless network transceiver circuit through the mesh network, and transmits the received data to a second of the plurality of expansion base devices. as well as A backend server is configured to transmit a selection signal via the mesh network to at least one of the plurality of expansion base devices, thereby selecting at least one of the plurality of expansion base devices as at least one aggregation node. When the control circuit of the at least one aggregation node transmits a start signal to the wireless network transceiver circuit, the at least one aggregation node is configured to communicatively connect to the access point. The first of the plurality of extended base devices is used to transmit the received data through the access point to another device located outside the mesh network.

2. The management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a backend server for transmitting packet signals to the plurality of extended base devices through the mesh network, so as to divide the plurality of extended base devices into a plurality of groups, each of which has a plurality of extended base devices with a value of less than N to form the mesh network.

3. The management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The backend server is used to generate the group signal based on a spatial database containing distance and angle data of the plurality of extended base devices.

4. The management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one aggregation node is automatically selected by an algorithm based on the wireless signal strength and number of relays received by each of the plurality of extended base devices.

5. The management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the number of at least one aggregation node is less than a specified minimum number, the backend server selects one or more of the plurality of expansion base devices as the newly added aggregation nodes.

6. The management system according to claim 1 or claim 5, characterized in that, If any of the aggregation nodes has a transmission load greater than the transmission threshold, the backend server selects one or more of the plurality of expansion base devices as the newly added aggregation nodes.

7. An extended base device for forming a mesh network, characterized in that, Include: An interface is used to couple one or more electronic devices; A wireless sensor network transceiver circuit for receiving and transmitting data to at least one or more other extended base devices according to a short-range or low-power wireless network protocol. Wireless network transceiver circuit, used to receive and transmit data to an access point according to a wireless network protocol; as well as The control circuit is coupled to the interface, the wireless sensor network transceiver circuit, and the wireless network transceiver circuit. The expansion base device is used to communicate with at least one additional expansion base device via the wireless sensor network transceiver circuit to form a mesh network comprising a plurality of expansion base devices. The expansion base device receives data from the interface, the wireless sensor network transceiver circuit, and / or the wireless network transceiver circuit through the mesh network, and transmits the received data to the at least one additional expansion base device. The expansion base device is further configured to receive a selection signal from the backend server via the mesh network to be selected as a aggregation node. The control circuit of the aggregation node is configured to transmit a start signal to the wireless network transceiver circuit to enable the aggregation node to communicate with the access point. The access point is configured to receive and transmit data according to the wireless network protocol. The extended base device is further used to transmit the received data through the access point to another device located outside the mesh network.

8. The expanded base device according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the extended base device receives packet signals from the backend server through the mesh network, it is divided into multiple groups, each of which has fewer than N extended base devices to form the mesh network.

9. The expanded base device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The packet signal is generated by the backend server based on a spatial database, which contains distance and angle data of the extended base device and the at least one additional extended base device.

10. The expanded base device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The aggregation node is automatically selected by the backend server using an algorithm based on the wireless signal strength and number of relays of each of the extended base devices.

11. The expanded base device according to claim 7, characterized in that, Furthermore, when the backend server determines that the number of aggregation nodes is less than a specified minimum number, the aggregation node receives a selection signal from the backend server through the mesh network to be selected as an aggregation node. The control circuit of the aggregation node is used to transmit a start signal to the wireless network transceiver circuit so that the aggregation node can communicate with the access point.

12. The extended base device according to claim 7 or claim 11, characterized in that, Further, it is used to transmit a selection signal through the mesh network to at least one of the plurality of expansion base devices to select at least one of the plurality of expansion base devices as at least one aggregation node, wherein when the control circuit of the at least one aggregation node transmits a start signal to the wireless network transceiver circuit, the at least one aggregation node is used to communicate with the access point.

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