Communicating with a sensor device

Abstract

This invention provides a mechanism for controlling the operation of a communication system (121) for an electronic device (120). Timing information is received from sensor devices (111, 112) that transmit sensor data to the electronic device (120). The timing information is used to predict the timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data. The predicted timing is used to control the operation of the communication system (121).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electronic devices. Background Technology

[0002] For electronic devices that perform one or more physical functions, there is an increasing need for them to be able to respond to sensor data generated by sensor devices.

[0003] US Patent 7,924,774 B2 discloses a control system comprising multiple field devices, wherein a host sends control messages to the field devices and receives response messages from the field devices. The field devices operate in a cyclic on / off power-on manner. A gateway connects the host to the field devices. In response to a message addressing one of the field devices, the gateway provides the host with a predicted time value of when the host can expect a response from the field device, thereby making the field device appear to the host as available on demand.

[0004] In addition, there is an increasing use of luminaires or lamps configured to emit light in response to the detection of motion within the environment.

[0005] In this scenario, a typical electronic device would include a communication system (for receiving sensor data from (multiple) sensor devices) and a physical interaction system for performing (multiple) physical functions. The physical interaction system is configured to modify or adjust the nature of the physical functions in response to sensor data generated by the sensor devices and transmitted to the communication system.

[0006] There has always been a desire to improve the efficiency of systems that include one or more such electronic devices and one or more sensor devices. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention is defined by the claims.

[0008] According to an example of one aspect of the invention, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a communication system configured to monitor at least one wireless communication channel in response to sensor data transmitted by one or more sensor devices; a physical interaction system configured to perform one or more physical functions in response to sensor data transmitted by the one or more sensor devices and detected by the communication system; and a processing system.

[0009] The processing system is configured to perform the following operations for each of the one or more sensor devices: receive timing information from the sensor device using a communication system, wherein the timing information varies in response to a change in the frequency of transmission of sensor data by the sensor device; predict the timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data by the sensor device based on the timing information; and control the operation of the communication system in response to the predicted timing of the one or more future transmissions of sensor data.

[0010] This disclosure provides a mechanism that adjusts the operation of the communication system of an electronic device in response to the predicted timing of future transmissions of sensor data (to the electronic device). This can allow, for example, the communication system to prioritize certain sensor data transmissions over others and / or perform power-saving functions when no sensor data transmission is expected.

[0011] Therefore, the proposed method provides significantly improved flexibility in the operation of systems including electronic devices (and (multiple) sensor devices), and / or provides more power-efficient operation of electronic devices.

[0012] In the context of this disclosure, a physical function is any action or activity that tangibly (i.e., perceptibly) affects or influences the environment near an electronic device. As examples, a physical function may be emitting light, controlling temperature (e.g., in a refrigerator or air conditioning system), or performing household tasks (such as washing clothes or making coffee).

[0013] The physical interaction system itself is configured to perform (multiple) physical functions that tangibly (i.e., perceptible to humans) affect or act on the environment.

[0014] In some examples, the physical interaction system is configured as an illuminating arrangement. The processing system may be configured to selectively activate / deactivate the illuminating arrangement (or change the intensity and / or color of the light emitted by the illuminating arrangement) in response to sensor data transmitted by the one or more sensor devices.

[0015] Receiving timing information using a communication system may involve one or more transmissions via a wireless channel through a sensor device.

[0016] Therefore, electronic devices are enabled to perform the following operation for each sensor device: using timing information received from the corresponding sensor device via communication through a wireless communication channel to predict one or more future transmissions by the corresponding sensor device.

[0017] Optionally, timing information may be received directly or indirectly from communications, and may utilize sensor data transmission and / or other transmissions from sensor devices.

[0018] When timing information is received directly, this timing information is conveyed in the communication. In one scenario, this may involve adding timing information to the communication of sensor data, where the timing information may take the form, for example, a first identifier added to the sensor data indicating the timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data. Therefore, timing information can be received from one or more sensor data communications. In an alternative scenario, one or more communications may be used to receive timing information directly, separately from the sensor data, where the communication carrying the timing information is a communication of sensor data without a second identifier indicating the timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data. In either case, the received identifier can be used to predict the timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data.

[0019] When timing information is communicated indirectly, the processing system can use two or more sensor data transmissions from the sensor device to predict the timing of one or more future sensor data transmissions in response to the time difference between the two or more sensor data transmissions. This scenario is particularly effective for substantially periodic transmissions, while simultaneously limiting communication overhead due to the absence of identifiers.

[0020] In some examples, the processing system is configured to, for each sensor device, control the monitoring of sensor data transmitted by the communication system in response to the predicted timing of one or more future transmissions for that sensor device. In this way, the processing system can dynamically and / or adaptively change its monitoring method for sensor data from each sensor device in response to the predicted timing of the (multiple) future transmissions of sensor data. This can, for example, facilitate power-saving operations during periods when no transmissions are expected.

[0021] Therefore, for example, the processing system may be configured to perform the following operation for each sensor device: during a period when no sensor data transmission from the sensor device is expected, as indicated by the predicted timing of one or more future transmissions for that sensor device, the communication system may prevent the monitoring of sensor data transmitted by that sensor device.

[0022] In some examples, the processing system is configured to operate for each sensor device by allowing the communication system to periodically monitor sensor data transmitted by that sensor device only at periodic intervals, wherein the periodicity of the periodic intervals is in response to the predicted timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data for that sensor device. This advantageously provides a mechanism by which monitoring of sensor data transmission is prevented during periods when no sensor data transmission is expected.

[0023] The processing system can be further configured to use a communication system to send a corresponding desired frequency indicator to each sensor device via at least one wireless communication channel, wherein the desired frequency indicator indicates the desired transmission frequency of sensor data. This method allows electronic equipment to influence or control the frequency at which sensor data is transmitted by the sensor devices(s). This method allows electronic equipment to coordinate the transmission of sensor data among multiple sensor devices, for example, to promote improved efficiency and / or reduce noise throughout the system.

[0024] The processing system may be further configured to use a communication system to send a corresponding desired phase indicator to each sensor device via at least one wireless communication channel, wherein each desired phase indicator indicates a desired time offset between the frequency at which the corresponding sensor device transmits sensor data and the baseline frequency.

[0025] In some examples, the one or more sensor devices include multiple sensor devices; and a corresponding desired phase indicator for each sensor device indicates a different time offset between the frequency at which the respective sensor device transmits sensor data and the baseline frequency. This method reduces the risk of overlap between sensor data transmissions from different sensor devices, thereby reducing congestion and / or interference during transmission, and thus improving transmission reliability.

[0026] In some examples, for each sensor device: timing information includes two or more sensor data transmissions performed by the sensor device; and the processing system is configured to predict the timing of one or more future sensor data transmissions in response to the time difference between the two or more sensor data transmissions. This method recognizes that the timing of one or more future sensor data transmissions can be predicted using the timing of two different sensor data transmissions occurring. This can be readily performed, for example, by averaging the times between temporally adjacent transmissions to predict the average time between transmissions and / or estimating (predicting) the transmission frequency.

[0027] In some examples, for each sensor device, at least one sensor data transmission from the sensor device includes a first identifier as timing information for one or more future transmissions of sensor data; and the processing system is configured to use the first identifier for the timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data to predict the timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data. This identifier may indicate an indication of the absolute time at which such transmission is predicted to occur, an indication of time relative to a reference (such as the reception of a previous sensor transmission), or an indication of the interval between sensor transmissions (“every second,” “every 5 seconds,” “every minute,” “every hour,” “twice a day,” etc.).

[0028] In some examples, the processing system is configured to receive at least one additional communication from the sensor device using a communication system, wherein the additional communication is independent of any sensor data transmission and carries a second identifier of the timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data; and the processing system is configured to use the second identifier of the timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data to predict the timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data.

[0029] Each of at least one wireless communication channel may use a physical layer according to the IEEE 802.11-2012 standard or one of the subsequent IEEE 802.11 series standards.

[0030] In a preferred example, each of at least one wireless communication channel is a peer-to-peer communication channel. Therefore, each sensor device can communicate directly with the electronic device. An example of a suitable peer-to-peer communication channel is a Wi-Fi® Direct communication channel, such as those certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance and built upon the IEEE 802.11 family of standards. Alternative peer-to-peer communication channels are known, such as Zigbee or Bluetooth, or any vendor-specific peer-to-peer communication protocol (such as those built upon the IEEE 802.11 family of standards). Specifically, the communication channel may utilize the physical layer and / or MAC layer defined according to the IEEE 802.11-2012 standard or one of the subsequent IEEE 802.11 family of standards, for example, but with additional proprietary requirements or standards to facilitate communication. For example, the communication channel may utilize vendor-specific information in the action frame to provide peer-to-peer direct communication capability, thereby allowing compliant IEEE 802.11 devices to operate in a standard 802.11 BSS and / or alternatively communicate directly with other compliant devices in a peer-to-peer manner.

[0031] An electronic system is also proposed, comprising: any electronic device disclosed herein; and a sensor device configured to: monitor one or more environmental properties; and periodically transmit sensor data via at least one wireless communication channel, wherein each periodic transmission of sensor data is in response to the monitored one or more environmental properties.

[0032] A computer-implemented method for controlling the operation of a physical interactive system configured to perform one or more physical functions is also proposed.

[0033] The computer-implemented method includes: using a communication system of an electronic device to monitor at least one wireless communication channel for any sensor data transmission by a sensor device, wherein one or more physical functions of a physical interaction system respond to sensor data transmitted by the sensor device and detected by the communication system; using the communication system to receive timing information from the sensor device, wherein the timing information varies in response to frequency variations in the transmission of sensor data by the sensor device; predicting the timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data by the sensor device based on the timing information; and controlling the operation of the communication system in response to the predicted timing of the one or more future transmissions of sensor data.

[0034] Receiving timing information using a communication system may involve one or more transmissions via a wireless channel through a sensor device.

[0035] Therefore, electronic devices are enabled to perform the following operation for each sensor device: using timing information received by means of communication made by the respective sensor device through a wireless communication channel, predicting one or more future transmissions made by the respective sensor device.

[0036] A computer program product is also proposed, comprising computer program code devices that, when executed on a computing device having a processing system, cause the processing system to perform all steps of any computer-implemented method disclosed herein.

[0037] A computer-implemented method for controlling the operation of a physical interaction system configured to perform one or more physical functions is also proposed. This computer-implemented method includes: monitoring one or more environmental properties using sensors of a sensor device; periodically transmitting sensor data from the sensor device via at least one wireless communication channel, wherein each periodic transmission of sensor data is in response to the monitored one or more environmental properties; and performing the previously disclosed computer-implemented method.

[0038] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the embodiments described below and will be illustrated with reference to the embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0039] To better understand the invention and to more clearly illustrate how it can be implemented, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings by way of example only, in which: Figure 1 The illustration shows an electronic system from which one of the embodiments may be employed; Figure 2 The proposed method is illustrated in the diagram; Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a control strategy for a communication system; and Figure 4 Another proposed method is illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] It should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples illustrate exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method, they are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, system, and method of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are illustrative only and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0042] This invention provides a mechanism for controlling the operation of a communication system for electronic devices. Timing information is received from a sensor device that sends sensor data to the electronic device. This timing information is used to predict the timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data. These predicted timings are used to control the operation of the communication system.

[0043] To improve contextual understanding, Figure 1 An electronic system 100, one of the possible embodiments of which is illustrated, is shown. The system includes multiple sensor devices 111, 112 and electronic device 120.

[0044] Each sensor device 111, 112 and electronic device 120 is capable of communicating with each other via one or more wireless communication channels 151, 152 using any known wireless communication protocol.

[0045] There exists a particular type of electronic system 100 in which each sensor device 111, 112 and electronic device 120 is capable of communicating directly with each other, i.e., no communication is routed via one or more other devices or routes. Therefore, each sensor device 111, 112 and electronic device can communicate via one or more direct wireless communication channels (also known as peer-to-peer communication channels) using any known direct wireless communication protocol.

[0046] Suitable direct wireless communication protocols include infrared links, Zigbee, Bluetooth, and direct communication protocols as described in the IEEE 802.11 standard. For example, a direct wireless communication protocol could be a Wi-Fi® Direct protocol (such as those certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance) or another form of proprietary direct wireless communication protocol (such as those built on the IEEE 802.11 standard). In particular, there are a wide variety of wireless communication protocols or standards built on the physical layer and / or media access control (MAC) layer construction of the IEEE 802.11 series of standards (especially those from 2012 onwards). Any such wireless communication protocol / standard can be used in this disclosure.

[0047] For example, a direct wireless communication protocol that can be adopted can be built on the physical and MAC layer construction of the IEEE 802.11 series of standards by using vendor-specific information in the action frame to provide peer-to-peer direct communication capabilities, thereby allowing compliant IEEE 802.11 devices to operate in a conventional 802.11 BSS and / or alternatively communicate directly with other compliant devices in a peer-to-peer manner.

[0048] Therefore, direct wireless communication protocols can be peer-to-peer vendor-specific protocols. This allows stations (STAs) in the Basic Service Set (BSS) to use vendor-specific action frames to broadcast messages and / or even address messages to other devices, whether inside or outside the BSS, provided that such devices support the vendor-specific communication protocol. Devices outside the BSS but supporting peer-to-peer vendor-specific communication protocols can thus gain access to external infrastructure via proxy devices and access points within the BSS.

[0049] Other formats used for peer-to-peer communication will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0050] In this way, each wireless communication channel can operate according to any known wireless communication protocol (such as one of the IEEE 802.11 series standards) and / or can be a peer-to-peer communication channel.

[0051] Each sensor device 111, 112 is configured to monitor external stimuli, such as user interaction, motion, temperature, water pressure, ambient light levels, etc. Examples of suitable sensor devices include remote controls, PIR motion sensors, thermal sensors, or even personal electronic devices (e.g., smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc.).

[0052] Each sensor device is configured to transmit sensor data (e.g., broadcast) to an electronic device. The transmission of sensor data can be, for example, periodic (e.g., periodic temperature measurements) or in response to a trigger (e.g., user interaction with the sensor device, or the monitored property (such as temperature) exceeding a predetermined threshold). It will be apparent that the transmissions performed by the sensor devices are conducted via at least one wireless communication channel, i.e., wireless communication.

[0053] A wide variety of communication protocols (some of which have been identified above) facilitate the transmission or broadcasting of sensor data from sensor devices to electronic devices. Known protocols include, for example, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and other communication protocols such as those certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance or yet another form of proprietary direct wireless communication protocol (such as those built on the IEEE 802.11 standard).

[0054] In particular, wireless communication protocols built upon the physical layer and / or media access control (MAC) layer of the IEEE 802.11 series of standards (especially those from 2012 onwards) may be used. Any such wireless communication protocol / standard may be used in this disclosure.

[0055] Electronic device 120 includes a communication system 121, a physical interaction system 122, and a processing system 125.

[0056] As is widely known in the art, processing system 125 controls the functions and / or operation of electronic devices. In particular, processing system 125 can coordinate the execution of any function by any other component of the electronic device.

[0057] Communication system 121 is configured to monitor at least one wireless communication channel for sensor data / any sensor data transmitted by the sensor devices(s) 111, 112 in electronic system 100. Communication system 121 may include any suitable communication circuitry or components, such as antennas(s), receivers, amplifiers(s), etc., to facilitate the monitoring of sensor data.

[0058] The physical interaction system 122 is configured to perform one or more physical functions in response to sensor data transmitted by the one or more sensor devices and detected by a communication system. In the context of this disclosure, a physical function is a function that has a perceptible effect in the vicinity of an electronic device or in the environment. Therefore, a physical function has a tangible impact on the environment.

[0059] For example, a physical interaction system may include a lamp or lighting arrangement configured to emit light. One or more properties of the emitted light may be responsive to sensor data (e.g., intensity, color, direction, etc.).

[0060] As another example, a physical interaction system may include a cooling system (e.g., for a refrigerator or AC system) configured to perform cooling. One or more properties of the cooling performed by the cooling system (e.g., temperature, rate of temperature change, etc.) may be responsive to sensor data.

[0061] As another example, a physical interaction system may include a coffee-making apparatus. One or more properties of the coffee-making apparatus (e.g., the temperature of the coffee, activation for coffee making, etc.) may respond to sensor data.

[0062] As another example, a physical interaction system may include a washing machine. One or more properties of the washing machine's functions (e.g., program settings, temperature settings, activation of functions, etc.) may respond to sensor data.

[0063] To avoid ambiguity, it should be noted that, although possible, sensor data does not need to directly execute a physical function in response to sensor data (i.e., the physical function does not necessarily need to be triggered by sensor data); rather, the nature of the physical function responds to the sensor data. For example, sensor data (for a washing machine) can define or set the temperature for future washing cycles. As another example, sensor data (for a lamp) can define the future color of the light emitted by the lamp. Other examples will be clear to those skilled in the art.

[0064] Although the example system described above includes two sensor devices, it will be apparent that in practice, a system may include any number of sensor devices (e.g., one or more sensor devices), such as a single sensor device, more than two sensor devices, etc.

[0065] This disclosure recognizes that in existing systems, the communication system 121 of the electronic device 120 needs to continuously monitor sensor data from each sensor device. It is believed that failure to do so could potentially result in missed communications from (multiple) sensor devices, and thus a failure to respond to any changes or triggers in the physical function (for the physical interaction system) in response to sensor data.

[0066] For each sensor device with which a communication system communicates, this paper proposes a timing prediction for one or more future transmissions of sensor data. This predicted timing is then used to control the operation of the communication system, such as controlling the timing of the sensor device(s).

[0067] This could, for example, allow a communication system to activate only when a future transmission is anticipated. Alternatively, this could allow a communication system to monitor a specific channel (through which a particular sensor device communicates) only when a future transmission is anticipated. As another example, the proposed method could allow a communication system to prioritize or schedule the monitoring of different sensor devices in response to predicted timing (e.g., if there are conflicts or overlaps in the predicted future transmissions of sensor data).

[0068] The predicted timing of (multiple) future transmissions is derived or predicted in response to timing information from sensor devices. Various examples of timing information and methods for predicting (multiple) timing are provided later in this disclosure.

[0069] Another embodiment configures the sensor device(s) to transmit data only periodically to improve the accuracy of the timing prediction of future transmissions by the electronic device(s) and reduce the risk of transmitted sensor data being ignored.

[0070] Therefore, this disclosure provides modifications to electronic devices and / or systems based on the understanding identified above.

[0071] Figure 2 An embodiment of method 200 to be executed by the processing system of an electronic device is illustrated. Method 200 is executed for each sensor device from which the electronic device can receive transmissions.

[0072] Method 200 includes step 210 of receiving timing information from a sensor device using a communication system.

[0073] Timing information changes in response to variations in the frequency of sensor data transmission from the sensor device. Therefore, an increase or decrease in the transmission frequency of sensor data will cause changes in timing information. Thus, timing information is information that depends on or changes in response to one or more corresponding transmissions from the sensor device to the electronic device at one or more times.

[0074] As an example, timing information may include two or more sensor data transmissions performed by a sensor device. The timing of the sensor data transmissions being sent / received can be used to determine or predict the timing of future transmissions. In particular, the two or more sensor data transmissions may be temporally sequential sensor data transmissions.

[0075] As another example, timing information can be a first identifier included in at least one sensor data transmission from a sensor device (i.e., forming part of sensor data communication). This first identifier can, for example, identify the timing of one or more future sensor data transmissions (e.g., an indication of the time and / or frequency of the next transmission).

[0076] As another example, timing information can be a second identifier included in communications from the sensor device, separate from any sensor data communication. This second identifier can similarly identify the timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data (e.g., an indication of the time and / or frequency of the next transmission).

[0077] Method 200 further includes step 220 of predicting the timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data by the sensor device based on timing information.

[0078] Timing can be predicted, for example, by predicting the periodicity of the transmission of sensor data by the sensor device, the frequency of the transmission of sensor data by the sensor device, and / or the timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data by the sensor device. It will be understood that the predicted periodicity / frequency of the (future) transmission represents the predicted timing of the future transmission.

[0079] Examples of timing information and more specific examples of how to derive the timing of (multiple) future transmissions of sensor data are provided later.

[0080] Method 200 further includes step 230 of controlling the operation of the communication system in response to the predicted timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data.

[0081] For example, step 230 may include controlling (by the communication system) the monitoring of sensor data transmitted by the sensor device in response to the predicted timing of one or more future transmissions for the sensor device. More specifically, step 230 may include determining a control strategy for the communication system that defines when the communication system is permitted to monitor communications.

[0082] In a first example method, step 230 may include determining a predicted time for the next sensor data transmission by the sensor device; determining a start time for monitoring by the communication system in response to the predicted time; and preventing the communication system from monitoring the sensor data transmission from the sensor device at least until the start time. This embodiment of step 230 may be repeated iteratively (e.g., based on the most recently available timing information).

[0083] In the second example method, step 230 may include allowing the communication system to periodically monitor sensor data transmitted by the sensor device at periodic intervals, wherein the periodic intervals are periodic in response to the predicted timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data for the sensor device.

[0084] For example, step 220 may include predicting the transmission frequency of sensor data from the sensor device, and step 230 may include setting the frequency of a monitoring window (during which the communication system is permitted to monitor sensor data) to match the predicted frequency. Step 230 may also include preventing the communication system from monitoring sensor data outside these monitoring windows. Of course, step 230 may also include synchronizing the monitoring window with the expected timing of sensor data transmissions (e.g., based on the time of receiving the most recently received sensor data transmission).

[0085] Both methods share a common function: preventing the communication system from monitoring sensor data from the sensor device during periods when no (multiple) transmissions are expected from the sensor device. This advantageously improves the efficiency of the communication system.

[0086] Different instances of method 200 are executed for each sensor device.

[0087] If the communication system is configured to monitor sensor data transmitted by only a single sensor device, step 230 may include controlling the communication system to operate in a sleep or low-power mode when preventing the communication system from monitoring sensor data transmission from the sensor device.

[0088] If the communication system is configured to monitor sensor data transmitted by multiple sensor devices, step 230 may include controlling the communication system to operate in a sleep or low-power mode only when the communication system is prevented from monitoring sensor data transmission from all multiple sensor devices.

[0089] To improve understanding, a more complete example of the methods executed by the processing system is described below.

[0090] In this scenario, each sensor device is configured to periodically transmit sensor data to an electronic device, i.e., at a specific frequency or periodically. In other words, the latency between transmissions is constant (or nearly constant) unless it varies due to noise or other factors, such as changes in the oscillation frequency of the oscillator due to power fluctuations and / or temperature.

[0091] In this example method, each instance of timing information effectively includes two or more sensor data transmissions performed by the sensor device. More specifically, the timing information may include the time when the sensor data transmissions are sent / received, which can be used to determine or predict the timing of future transmissions.

[0092] In this way, each instance of timing information may include (or be processed to identify) a set of two or more timestamps (from the same sensor device), each timestamp identifying the time of transmission (from the sensor device) or the time of receiving the corresponding transmission from the sensor device (at the electronic device). In this way, timing information is information that depends on one or more times of the corresponding one or more transmissions from the sensor device to the electronic device.

[0093] In step 220, each set of timestamps is processed to predict or determine the time from the previous transmission by the corresponding sensor device to the next sensor data transmission, referred to as the "waiting time". The prediction of the waiting time can be easily performed, for example, by determining the difference between adjacent timestamps in each pair of times and averaging that difference.

[0094] Then, while performing step 230 for each sensor device, the processing system may control the operation of the communication system to monitor transmissions from that sensor device until the expected time of the next transmission (e.g., close to that time). In other words, step 230 may include defining the start time of the next monitoring window (for sensor data from the relevant sensor device) as being at or near the expected time of the next transmission.

[0095] This could, for example, involve controlling the communication system to monitor transmissions from the sensor device only until a predetermined percentage or portion of the elapsed latency (for the sensor device) since the last transmission has occurred. Preferably, the predetermined percentage is not less than 75%, for example, not less than 80%, to further improve the power efficiency of the electronic device. In another preferred embodiment, to reduce the risk of missing transmissions from the sensor device (e.g., due to clock drift of the sensor device), the predetermined percentage is not greater than 95%, for example, not greater than 90%.

[0096] Method 200 can be executed iteratively or repeated by the processing system, for example, with a waiting time for each transmission update received from the sensor device.

[0097] In a preferred example, during the period when the processing system prevents the communication system from monitoring transmissions from any sensor devices (with which the electronic device communicates), the processing system can be configured to control the communication system to enter a sleep or low-power mode, in which the power consumption of the communication system is reduced. Methods for controlling the communication system to enter a sleep / low-power mode are well known in the art.

[0098] This method significantly improves the power efficiency of electronic devices.

[0099] Figure 3A conceptual illustration depicts the control strategy employed or adopted by the processing system after the aforementioned process. Specifically, this control strategy defines timeframes during which the communication system is permitted to monitor transmissions from sensor devices.

[0100] exist Figure 3 In the diagram, the first waveform 310 illustrates a monitoring window 315 of the communication system as a function of time t. Within this monitoring window, the communication system is permitted to monitor transmissions from the sensor device. Outside of any monitoring window, the communication system is not permitted to monitor transmissions from the sensor device.

[0101] To improve contextual understanding, the second waveform 320 illustrates sensor data transmission 325 from the sensor device to the electronic device.

[0102] Each monitoring window can be designed to have a duration longer than the expected duration of the transmission from the sensor device. In particular, each monitoring window can be designed or configured to begin before the expected transmission from the sensor device and end after the expected transmission (end) from the sensor device.

[0103] More specifically, if the transmission from the sensor device is expected to occur X seconds after the previous transmission, the monitoring window for communication can cover the period between YX and ZX seconds after the previous transmission, where the value of Y is between 0.7 and 0.95 (e.g., 0.89) and the value of Z is between 1.05 and 1.2 (e.g., 1.11).

[0104] The processing system of the electronic device is configured to receive and process timing information to determine or predict the timing of future transmissions. The processing system then determines a control strategy for the communication system, in which the communication system is configured to monitor communication only during periodic monitoring windows. The frequency and phase of these monitoring windows are selected or determined based on multiple predicted timings of future transmissions, as previously described.

[0105] In this way, the processing system of the electronic device effectively permits the communication system to periodically monitor the sensor data transmitted by the sensor device at periodic intervals. The periodic intervals are in response to the predicted timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data from the sensor device.

[0106] In this way, the communication system is controlled to monitor (multiple) transmissions during the time a transmission is received.

[0107] As previously explained, in the previously described embodiments, each instance of timing information effectively includes two or more sensor data transmissions performed by the sensor device. The processing system is accordingly configured to predict the timing of one or more future sensor data transmissions in response to the time difference between the two or more sensor data transmissions.

[0108] Power saving can be improved by having intervals in which the medium is monitored for transmission (e.g., by turning off / powering down the communication system). However, the proposed mechanism saves power even when the communication system is not powered down because it reduces the likelihood of sensor data loss due to interference with transmission—thereby reducing the need for retransmissions (when acknowledged) and / or additional polling (which may be impossible when the sensor aggressively powers down its transmitter).

[0109] Alternative approaches are possible.

[0110] In the first alternative method, the timing information may be a first identifier included in at least one sensor data transmission from the sensor device (i.e., forming part of the sensor data transmission). Therefore, at least one sensor data transmission from the sensor device includes a first identifier as timing information for the timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data.

[0111] In this example, the processing system can be configured to predict the timing of one or more future sensor data transmissions using a first identifier of the timing of those transmissions. For example, if the first identifier includes an indicated frequency of sensor data transmission, then predicting the timing of future sensor data transmissions based on the time of the most recently received sensor data transmission is insignificant.

[0112] In a second alternative method, the timing information may be a second identifier included in (additional) communications from the sensor device, separate from any sensor data transmission. In this way, the processing system can be configured to receive at least one additional communication from the sensor device using a communication system, wherein this additional communication is independent of any sensor data transmission and carries a second identifier indicating the timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data.

[0113] In this example, the processing system is configured to predict the timing of one or more future sensor data transmissions using a second identifier of the timing of those transmissions. For example, if the second identifier includes an indicated frequency of sensor data transmission, then predicting the timing of future sensor data transmissions based on the time of the most recently received sensor data transmission is insignificant.

[0114] In the preceding examples, the sensor devices (multiple) can operate effectively independently of the electronic devices. However, in some other embodiments, the electronic devices may be able to communicate with the sensor devices, for example, to control or modify the operation of the sensor devices.

[0115] Specifically, the processing system may be further configured to use a communication system to send a corresponding desired frequency indicator to each sensor device via at least one wireless communication channel. This desired frequency indicator can indicate the desired transmission frequency of the sensor data.

[0116] In this way, the processing system may be able to indicate the desired transmission frequency of the sensor data. In some examples, the processing system may be configured to indicate the same desired frequency (or a multiple of the same baseline frequency) to each of multiple sensor devices.

[0117] In some variations of this method, each sensor device and processing system may be able to negotiate the frequency at which sensor data will be transmitted. This negotiation may be based, for example, on the capabilities of the sensor device (e.g., maximum and / or minimum frequencies defined at the sensor device) and / or the power level of the sensor device (e.g., where a low power level indicates that a lower frequency would be preferred).

[0118] In some examples, the processing system is further configured to use a communication system to send a corresponding desired phase indicator to each sensor device via at least one wireless communication channel. Each desired phase indicator may indicate the desired time offset between the frequency at which the corresponding sensor device transmits sensor data and the baseline frequency.

[0119] An example of a phase indicator is an indication of the amount of time a sensor device will wait before resuming communication. This could include, for example, an indication of the number of clock cycles the sensor device should wait / sleep before resuming its operation.

[0120] The expected phase indicator can be a single communication that indicates how long a sensor device should wait before resuming operation.

[0121] In this way, electronic devices are effectively able to give each sensor device a handshake signal to indicate when they should resume transmission. This handshake signal can, for example, indicate the number of clock cycles the sensor device should sleep before resuming operation.

[0122] This method also allows the processing system to coordinate the transmission (and reception) of sensor data from different sensor devices. In particular, this can allow electronic devices to configure each sensor device to have the same transmission window (e.g., to allow longer sleep or low-power modes) and / or allow each sensor device to have a different transmission window (e.g., to reduce noise and improve transmission integrity).

[0123] As an example, the processing system can intentionally aggregate sensor data from different sensor devices, allowing the system to operate a single monitoring window to save power. This is particularly advantageous when the processing system controls each sensor device to transmit sensor data at the same frequency but with a slightly different phase.

[0124] Therefore, in some examples, the one or more sensor devices include multiple sensor devices. A corresponding desired phase indicator for each sensor device can indicate the different time offset between the frequency at which the respective sensor device transmits sensor data and the baseline frequency.

[0125] The previously disclosed embodiments provide methods and techniques to be performed by the processing system of an electronic device.

[0126] Therefore, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a communication system configured to monitor at least one wireless communication channel in response to sensor data transmitted by one or more sensor devices; a physical interaction system configured to perform one or more physical functions in response to sensor data transmitted by the one or more sensor devices and detected by the communication system; and a processing system configured to perform any methods or techniques disclosed herein and previously described.

[0127] Therefore, the processing system is configured to perform the following operations for each of the one or more sensor devices: receive timing information from the sensor device using a communication system, wherein the timing information varies in response to changes in the frequency of transmission of sensor data by the sensor device; predict the timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data by the sensor device based on the timing information; and control the operation of the communication system in response to the predicted timing of the one or more future transmissions of sensor data.

[0128] Further modifications and variations to the processing system will be apparent from the preceding description.

[0129] For the sake of completeness, it is also noted that the electronic device proposed in this paper can form part of the electronic system proposed in this paper.

[0130] In particular, this document also discloses an electronic system comprising any electronic device disclosed herein; and one or more sensor devices, each sensor device being configured to: monitor one or more environmental properties; and periodically transmit sensor data via at least one wireless communication channel, wherein each periodic transmission of sensor data is in response to the monitored one or more environmental properties.

[0131] Figure 4The figure illustrates a computer-implemented method 400 for controlling the operation of a physical interactive system configured to perform one or more physical functions.

[0132] The computer-implemented method 400 includes step 410 of monitoring one or more environmental properties using sensors of a sensor device.

[0133] The computer-implemented method 400 further includes the step 420 of periodically transmitting sensor data from the sensor device via at least one wireless communication channel, wherein each periodic transmission of sensor data is in response to one or more environmental properties being monitored.

[0134] The computer-implemented method 400 also includes performing the previously disclosed method 200.

[0135] The proposed embodiments utilize a sensor device that generates sensor data and transmits it to an electronic device. Some embodiments advantageously utilize or rely on a sensor device that periodically transmits sensor data to an electronic device. To improve understanding, several example potential methods that can be employed by the sensor device to perform this task are described below.

[0136] In the first example, the sensor device is configured to periodically measure environmental data (e.g., ambient light level or temperature) and (e.g., immediately) transmit that information to an electronic device.

[0137] In the second example, the sensor device is configured to continuously monitor data and periodically transmit information about that data to an electronic device. Periodic transmissions may, for example, include data monitored since the previous time period, indicators of whether any value of the data monitored since the last transmission meets a certain threshold, and / or include any one or more statistical values ​​(e.g., mean, standard deviation, etc.) of the data monitored since the last transmission.

[0138] In a variant of this second example, the sensor device is configured to monitor data (e.g., temperature, motion, etc.) to determine whether a predetermined event has occurred since the previous time period. If the predetermined event has occurred, the sensor device waits until the next scheduled sensor data transmission to send that information to the electronic device.

[0139] In the third example, the sensor device is configured to periodically transmit data to the electronic device. This transmission could be a simple heartbeat communication that indicates a breach to the electronic device if the sensed data exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0140] It is not necessary for each sensor device to transmit sensor data at a fixed frequency. Instead, this frequency can be changed dynamically, for example, based on conditions or criteria defined at the sensor device. For instance, a sensor device may increase the frequency of transmitting transmitter data to an electronic device based on whether the data it monitors meets a predetermined criterion / some predetermined criteria. Similarly, a sensor device may decrease the frequency of transmitting transmitter data to an electronic device based on whether the data it monitors meets another predetermined criterion / some other predetermined criteria.

[0141] For example, consider a scenario where the sensor device is a PIR motion detector. If no motion is detected, the frequency at which sensor data is transmitted to the electronic device can be relatively low (i.e., a first frequency). If motion is detected, the frequency at which sensor data is transmitted to the electronic device can be increased (i.e., increased to a second higher frequency). If no motion is subsequently detected within a certain time period, the frequency at which sensor data is transmitted to the electronic device can be decreased again (e.g., decreased to a first lower frequency).

[0142] The communication system has previously been explained in terms of how it can monitor at least one wireless communication channel in response to sensor data transmitted by one or more sensor devices. In a preferred example, the one or more sensor devices include only one or more sensor devices that have been paired with an electronic device (or consist of one or more sensor devices that have been paired with an electronic device).

[0143] Therefore, in some examples, the communication system is configured to receive pairing information that identifies each sensor device with which the electronic device will be paired. The processing system can be configured to pair the electronic device with the sensor(s) identified in the pairing information.

[0144] The communication system can communicate with external devices to receive pairing information, such as mobile devices (e.g., communicating directly with electronic devices) or terminal servers (e.g., communicating with electronic devices via a network (e.g., the Internet)). Other methods for providing pairing information to electronic devices will be readily apparent to a technician.

[0145] The proposed embodiments utilize a processing system. A processing system can be implemented in numerous ways, using software and / or hardware, to perform a variety of desired functions. A processor is one example of a processing system employing one or more microprocessors, which can be programmed using software (e.g., microcode) to perform the desired functions. However, a processing system can be implemented with or without a processor, and can also be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware for performing some functions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry) for performing other functions.

[0146] Examples of processing system components that may be used in various embodiments of this disclosure include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0147] In various implementations, the processor or processing system may be associated with one or more storage media, such as volatile and non-volatile computer memories, such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM. The storage media may be encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more processors and / or processing systems, perform desired functions. Various storage media may be fixed within the processor or processing system, or may be removable, such that one or more programs stored thereon can be loaded into the processor or processing system.

[0148] It will be understood that the disclosed methods are preferably computer-implemented methods. Therefore, a concept of a computer program is also proposed, comprising code devices for implementing any described methods when the program is run on a processing system (such as a computer). Thus, different portions, lines of code, or blocks of code of the computer program according to embodiments can be executed by a processing system or computer to perform any of the methods described herein.

[0149] A non-transitory storage medium is also proposed, which stores or carries a computer program or computer code that, when executed by a processing system, causes the processing system to perform any of the methods described herein.

[0150] This invention envisions an electronic device that communicates with a sensor, wherein, in an embodiment, - Electronic devices operate with sensors using the same contention-based communication protocol in the same channel / band; wherein the electronic devices receive sensor transmissions from the sensors, and when triggered by the received sensor data, the electronic devices use the sensor data in the execution of one or more physical functions, and use predictions of (multiple) future sensor transmissions to prioritize (multiple) sensor transmissions relative to each other or to prioritize (multiple) sensor transmissions over their own transmissions, and / or to perform (multiple) power-saving functions at the electronic devices, or - Electronic devices communicate with sensors simultaneously or via time switching in the same channel / band using the same contention-based communication protocol, but where the sensors operate on different channels / bands. Electronic devices receive sensor transmissions from sensors and, when caused by the received sensor data, use the sensor data in the execution of one or more physical functions, and use predictions of (multiple) future sensor transmissions to prioritize (multiple) sensor transmissions relative to each other or to prioritize (multiple) sensor transmissions over their own transmissions, and / or perform (multiple) power-saving functions at the electronic device.

[0151] In some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the block diagrams or flowcharts may occur in a different order than those marked in the diagrams. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or these blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved.

[0152] The mere fact that certain measures are described in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that combinations of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0153] A single processor or other unit may perform the functions of several claims. If a computer program has been discussed above, it may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or solid-state medium provided with or supplied as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems.

[0154] Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An electronic device (120) comprising: A communication system (121) is configured to monitor at least one wireless communication channel (151) for sensor data transmitted by one or more sensor devices (111, 112). A physical interaction system (122) is configured to perform one or more physical functions in response to sensor data transmitted by the one or more sensor devices and detected by the communication system (121); and The processing system (125) is configured to perform the following operations for each of the one or more sensor devices: The communication system (121) is used to receive timing information from the sensor device (111) using one or more transmissions via the wireless communication channel (121) of the sensor device (111), wherein the timing information changes in response to a change in the frequency of the sensor device transmitting the sensor data; Based on the timing information, predict the timing of one or more future transmissions of the sensor data by the sensor device; and The operation of the communication system (121) is controlled in response to the predicted timing of one or more future transmissions of the sensor data.

2. The electronic device (120) according to claim 1, wherein, The processing system (125) is configured to perform the following operation for each sensor device: control the monitoring of sensor data transmitted by the sensor device by the communication system (121) in response to the predicted timing of one or more future transmissions of the sensor device.

3. The electronic device (120) according to claim 2, wherein, The processing system (125) is configured to perform the following operation for each sensor device: only allow the communication system (121) to periodically monitor sensor data transmitted by the sensor device at periodic intervals, wherein the periodic intervals are in response to the predicted timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data for the sensor device.

4. The electronic device (120) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The processing system (125) is further configured to use the communication system (121) to send a corresponding desired frequency indicator to each sensor device through the at least one wireless communication channel (151), wherein the desired frequency indicator indicates the desired transmission frequency of sensor data.

5. The electronic device (120) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The processing system (125) is further configured to use the communication system (121) to send a corresponding desired phase indicator to each sensor device via the at least one wireless communication channel (151), wherein each desired phase indicator indicates a desired time offset between the frequency at which the corresponding sensor device transmits sensor data and the baseline frequency.

6. The electronic device (120) according to claim 5, wherein: The one or more sensor devices include multiple sensor devices; and The corresponding desired phase indicator for each sensor device indicates the different time offset between the frequency at which the corresponding sensor device transmits sensor data and the baseline frequency.

7. The electronic device (120) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, For each sensor device: The timing information includes two or more sensor data transmissions performed by the sensor device; and The processing system (125) is configured to predict the timing of one or more future sensor data transmissions in response to the time difference between the two or more sensor data transmissions.

8. The electronic device (120) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, For each sensor device: At least one sensor data transmission from the sensor device includes a first identifier serving as timing information for one or more future transmissions of sensor data; and The processing system (125) is configured to predict the timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data using a first identifier of the timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data.

9. The electronic device (120) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, For each sensor device: The processing system (125) is configured to receive at least one additional communication from the sensor device using the communication system (121), wherein the additional communication is independent of any sensor data transmission and carries a second identifier indicating the timing of one or more future sensor data transmissions; and The processing system (125) is configured to predict the timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data using a second identifier of the timing of one or more future transmissions of sensor data.

10. The electronic device (120) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, Each of at least one wireless communication channel (151) uses a physical layer according to the IEEE 802.11-2012 standard or one of the subsequent IEEE 802.11 series standards.

11. The electronic device (120) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, Each of at least one wireless communication channel is a peer-to-peer communication channel.

12. An electronic system (100) comprising: The electronic device (120) according to any one of claims 1 to 11; as well as The sensor devices (111, 112) are configured as follows: Monitoring one or more environmental properties; and Sensor data is periodically transmitted via the at least one wireless communication channel (151), wherein each periodic transmission of the sensor data is in response to one or more environmental properties being monitored.

13. A computer-implemented method (200) for controlling the operation of a physical interaction system (122) configured to perform one or more physical functions, the computer-implemented method comprising: A communication system (121) using an electronic device monitors at least one wireless communication channel (151) for any sensor data transmission transmitted by a sensor device, wherein one or more physical functions of the physical interaction system (122) respond to sensor data transmitted by the sensor device and detected by the communication system (121). The communication system (121) uses one or more transmissions via the wireless communication channel (151) of the sensor device (111) to receive (210) timing information from the sensor device, wherein the timing information changes in response to a change in the frequency of the sensor device transmitting the sensor data; Based on the timing information, predict (220) the timing of one or more future transmissions of the sensor data by the sensor device; and The operation of the communication system (121) is controlled (230) in response to the predicted timing of one or more future transmissions of the sensor data.

14. A computer program product comprising a computer program code device that, when executed on a computing device having a processing system (125), causes the processing system (125) to perform all the steps of the method (200) according to claim 13.

15. A computer-implemented method (400) for controlling the operation of a physical interaction system (122) configured to perform one or more physical functions, the computer-implemented method comprising: Sensor monitoring (410) using sensor device (111); as well as The sensor data is periodically transmitted (410) from the sensor device (111) via the at least one wireless communication channel (151), wherein each periodic transmission of the sensor data is in response to one or more environmental properties being monitored. as well as Perform the method (200) according to claim 13.

Images