Methods, systems and devices to optimize communication by radio frequency in aquatic environments

Abstract

Disclosed are methods, systems and devices to optimize communication between two electronic devices, which use the LoRa communication technique, when at least one of the devices is immersed in water such as a swimming pool or spa. The disclosed methods and systems allow the devices involved to automatically select (without making any external consultation) the configuration parameters that best adapt to the specific conditions of the pool (construction materials, wiring, etc.), environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.) and the water (salinity, temperature, chemical composition, etc.).

Description

105462-1446719 METHODS, SYSTEMS AND DEVICES TO OPTIMIZE COMMUNICATION BY RADIO FREQUENCY IN AQUATIC ENVIRONMENTS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Spanish Patent Application No. P202330496, filed on June 13, 2023, and entitled METHOD, SYSTEM, AND DEVICE TO OPTIMIZE COMMUNICATIONS BY RADIO FREQUENCY IN AQUATIC ENVIRONMENTS, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to communications in aquatic environments, such as swimming pools, and, more particularly, to communication between electronic devices, optionally when at least one of them is in a swimming pool. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Swimming pools, spas, and other aquatic environments commonly include various electronic devices in or around water of the pools or spas. In some cases, it may be desirable to communicate with such electronic devices, particularly when one or more devices are submerged within the water of the pool. Traditional approaches have relied on wired communication utilizing cabling or cords extending from the submerged devices to a location outside of the pool or spa. However, cabling or cords may be unsightly, provide safety hazards, and / or may limit movement of such electronic devices when the electronic devices are capable of movement, among other disadvantages. While wired communication has certain challenges, wireless communication with underwater devices is difficult to achieve due to physical and environmental conditions. As examples, wireless signals (e.g., radio frequency (RF) signals) may be rapidly absorbed, reflected, dispersed, etc. by water of the pool or spa and / or otherwise disrupt transmission of wireless signals (thereby making them unreliable) due to physical and / or environmental conditions such as but not limited to water salinity, water temperature, humidity, conductivity, a water-air interface, water penetration, reflections, dispersion and / or construction materials surrounding the pool or spa. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Embodiments covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various embodiments and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This105462-1446719 summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings, and each claim.

[0005] Described herein are systems and methods for wireless communication between electronic devices of a pool system using radio frequency communication, and specifically Long Range (LoRA) technology. LoRa is a radio frequency physical (physical layer) communication technology or technique, with low power consumption over long distances. The range of operating frequencies of LoRa varies depending on the region of the world. In one non-limiting example, such as in Europe, the LoRa frequency ranges may be at 433 MHz or 868 MHz (UHF).

[0006] LoRa communication and the technology described herein may be provided for wireless communications between various types of electronic devices or pool equipment in a pool system. As non-limiting examples, LoRa communication may be utilized for wireless communication with electronic devices of a pool system such as but not limited to one or more sensors, one or more actuators, one or more pool cleaners, one or more skimmers, one or more pool lights, one or more circulation systems, one or more chemical dosing systems, one or more pumps, one or more heaters, one or more pool covers, one or more filtering systems, a remote user device, a remote control, one or more processors, one or more control systems or devices, a human machine interface, a control pad, an automation system, one or more pool robots, a docking station for a pool cleaner, a camera, combinations or sub-combinations thereof, and / or other electronic devices of a pool system as desired capable of communicating using LoRa technology. In one example, the disclosed systems and methods will be used in communication of IoT electronic devices, although they need not be in other embodiments. In certain embodiments, at least some of the electronic devices with LoRa communication and / or technology may be submerged and / or submergible within water of the pool or spa. In certain embodiments, LoRa communication between electronic devices of the pool system may allow for wireless communication and / or arrangements of submerged or underwater electronic devices which were previously unfeasible and / or required wired communication.

[0007] In addition to providing LoRa communication between electronic devices of the pool system, described herein are systems and methods for optimizing LoRa communication between electronic devices of the pool system.105462-1446719

[0008] In certain embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may self-configure the LoRa communication and automatically adjust configuration parameters of the LoRa communication to provide improved wireless communication, particularly in an aquatic environment. As non-limiting examples, the systems and methods described herein may self- configure the LoRa communication configuration parameters such as but not limited to a spreading factor (SF), on which the data rate depends, and / or the bandwidth (BW), which is related to sensitivity.

[0009] In various embodiments, the systems and methods and methods described here may allow for improved (and / or automatic) selection and / or configuration of an optimal radio frequency link for the particular pool system.

[0010] In some embodiments, disclosed are systems and methods to optimally self-configure a radio frequency communication, particularly LoRA communication) between a first and a second electronic device of a pool system, and optionally where at least one electronic device is submerged or within water of the pool or spa. In certain embodiments, self-configuring the LoRa communication may include (but is not limited to): (a) receiving from the second electronic device, a plurality messages sent by the first electronic device using LoRa communication, each message of the plurality of messages having configuration parameters different from the other plurality of messages; (b) obtaining or determining, on the second electronic device, one or more quality parameters about the quality of reception of received messages; (c) determining, based on the obtained or determined quality parameters, one of the plurality of messages whose reception quality is considered optimal; and (d) configuring, by the second electronic device, LoRa communication to have the configuration parameters of the message identified as optimal in step (c), optionally sending, by the second electronic device to the first electronic device, a message using LoRa communication and with the configuration parameters of the message identified as optimal in step (c).

[0011] In some embodiments, the configuration parameters include one or more of a dispersion factor (SF) and / or bandwidth value (BW). Optionally, sending the plurality of messages in step (a) includes sending one or more groups of N messages, with N being a default design parameter, and where each group of N messages uses LoRa communication with a105462-1446719 certain combination of dispersion factor (SF) and bandwidth (BW) values that is different from that of the other groups (i.e., each group of N messages uses a different parameter setting for LoRa transmission). Optionally, step (d) includes identifying the configuration parameters of the message identified as optimal in step (c) as the configuration parameters for subsequent LoRa communication between the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

[0012] The reception quality parameters obtained or determined in step (b) can be of any type as desired. As non-limiting examples, the quality parameter may include, but is not limited to, a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), and / or a percentage of valid messages received in each group. Optionally, step (b) may include one or more of measuring the SNR for each message received, measuring the RSSI for each message received, and / or calculating the percentage of valid messages received for each message group. In some embodiments, various criteria and / or analysis may be utilized to determine whether a received message is valid or not. As non-limiting examples, the received message may be considered valid if a number of errors in the message is less than a predefined first threshold and / or if the message is checked for corruption (for example, using a cyclic redundancy check (CRC)).

[0013] Various criteria and / or analysis may be utilized to determine whether a message is considered optimal in step (c). As a non-limiting example, the message may be considered optimal based on the quality parameters obtained (e.g., compared to a threshold, predefined value, etc.). As an example, a message may be considered based on the SNR value of the message, the RSSI value of the message, and / or the percentage of valid messages. Additionally, or alternatively, the quality may be determined based on a plurality of the quality parameters. As a non-limiting examples, a weighted combination of the SNR value, the RSSI value, and the percentage of valid messages received in each group may be utilized to determine whether the LoRa communication message is optimal.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the electronic devices of the pool system may include various devices, systems, and / or components suitable for establishing LoRa communication and / or self-configuring LoRa communication as described above. As non-limiting examples, one or more of the electronic devices may include an onboard control system (processor and / or memory) and / or an onboard communication system or module. As non-limiting examples, one or more of the electronic devices may include means for receiving LoRa communication (e.g., antennas and / or other suitable receivers), means of processing (e.g., a control system, processor and / or memory, etc.) at least for determining and / or obtaining the quality parameters and / or for determining, from the quality parameters, one or more messages whose reception quality is105462-1446719 considered optimal, and / or transmission media, devices, or systems configured to transmit a LoRa communication. In some embodiments, the electronic devices described herein may be configured for one-way communication with another electronic device. In other embodiments, the devices described herein may be configured for two-way communication with another electronic device.

[0015] In various embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium may store a computer program comprising instructions for running on a computing device the program to perform the methods described above. Also disclosed is a computer program comprising executable instructions for implementing the methods described, when executed on a computer, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or any other form of programmable hardware.

[0016] Various implementations described in the present disclosure can include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which cannot necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0017] The specification makes reference to the following appended figures, in which use of like reference numerals in different figures is intended to illustrate like or analogous components.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a pool system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a pool system according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the position of a sensor as the pool equipment according to embodiments of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Disclosed are methods, systems and devices to facilitate and / or improve communications between electronic devices of a pool system, particularly when (although not limited to) at least one electronic device is submerged and / or underwater in a pool or spa. In105462-1446719 certain embodiments, the systems and methods described herein are configured for radio frequency communication, specifically communication which operates with a Long Range modulation format (LoRa), i.e., that use the LoRa communication technique for their communications. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may provide and / or facilitate communication when such communication occurs at least partially through an aquatic medium such as water. In certain embodiments, the methods and systems described herein may establish communication with the submerged electronic device.

[0022] Also described herein is pool equipment configured for LoRa communication. Such pool equipment may include, but is not limited to, one or more sensors, one or more actuators, one or more pool cleaners, one or more skimmers, one or more pool lights, one or more circulation systems, one or more chemical dosing systems, one or more pumps, one or more heaters, one or more pool covers, one or more filtering systems, a remote user device, a remote control, one or more processors, one or more control systems or devices, a human machine interface, a control pad, an automation system, one or more pool robots, a docking station for a pool cleaner, a camera, combinations or sub-combinations thereof, and / or other electronic devices of a pool system as desired capable of communicating using LoRa technology. A pool system described herein may include various equipment configured for LoRa communication.

[0023] In various embodiments, also described herein are systems and methods for self- configuring LoRa communication between electronic devices of the pool system to provide optimal and / or improved LoRa communication, optionally tailored to the parameters and conditions of a specific pool system.

[0024] FIG.1 illustrates an example of a pool system 10 according to embodiments. The pool system 10 may be various aquatic environments as desired, and the particular pool system 10 illustrated should not be considered limiting.

[0025] In general, and as illustrated in FIG.1, the pool system 10 includes a pool 13 and one or more electronic devices 15, 17. The particular shape, size, features, and location of the pool 13 should not be considered limiting, and in other embodiments, a pool 13 may have various other shapes, sizes, features, and / or locations as desired.

[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 1, in certain embodiments, some electronic devices may be positioned or positionable outside of the pool 13 (i.e., electronic devices 15), and other electronic devices may be positioned or positionable within the pool 13 (i.e., electronic devices 17), submerged or submergible in water of the pool 13. It will be appreciated that the different105462-1446719 reference numerals used for electronic devices 15, 17 are merely to designate whether the electronic device is within the pool 13 or outside the pool 13, and in various embodiments, a same type of electronic device may be used both outside the pool (e.g., as electronic device 15) and / or within the pool (e.g., as electronic device 17). Moreover, in other embodiments, all electronic devices of the pool system 10 may be in a similar location. As a non-limiting example, the pool system 10 may include all submerged electronic devices (e.g., electronic devices 17).

[0027] The electronic devices 15, 17 may be various electronic devices and / or pool equipment of the pool system 10 as desired. As non-limiting examples, the electronic devices 15, 17 may include, but are not limited to, one or more sensors, one or more actuators, one or more pool cleaners, one or more skimmers, one or more pool lights, one or more circulation systems, one or more chemical dosing systems, one or more pumps, one or more heaters, one or more valves, one or more pool covers, one or more filtering systems, a remote user device, a remote control, one or more processors, one or more control systems or devices, a human machine interface, a control pad, an automation system, one or more pool robots, a docking station for a pool cleaner, a camera, combinations or sub-combinations thereof, and / or other electronic devices of a pool system as desired capable of communicating using LoRa technology. The electronic devices 15, 17 may be fixed within the pool system 10 and / or movable within the pool system 10 as desired. In embodiments with a plurality of electronic devices 15, 17, the electronic devices 15, 17 need not all be the same type of device, and a same number of electronic devices 15, 17 need not be provided both within the pool and outside the pool.

[0028] As a non-limiting example, in FIG.1, a single electronic device 15 is provided outside the pool 13, and the electronic device 15 is a remote control 11. In this non-limiting example, a plurality of electronic devices 17 are provided within the pool 13, and the plurality of electronic devices 17 includes two pool lights 12 and one pool cleaner 19. The number and locations of the pool lights 12 may be provided at various locations and / or with any number of pool lights 12 as desired, and the particular locations illustrated should not be considered limiting. In this example, the pool cleaner 19 may be various types of pool cleaners as desired, such as but not limited to a hydraulic pool cleaner, a robotic pool cleaner, combinations thereof, etc. As non-limiting examples, the pool cleaner 19 generally includes a body and optional motive elements for causing movement of the pool cleaner 19 within the pool. The motive elements may be various suitable devices or structures suitable for enabling movement of the pool cleaner 19 along a surface, including but not limited to wheels, rollers, feet, tracks,105462-1446719 propellers, combinations thereof, and / or other suitable motive elements as desired. The pool cleaner 19 may include various components on and / or within the body such as a motor block, a filter, a pump, a controller, etc. The pool cleaner 19 optionally may include one or more cleaning elements (e.g., a brush assembly with one or more brushes) suitable for cleaning a surface and / or directing debris into the pool cleaner 19 and / or towards a filter of the pool cleaner 19. However, as mentioned, the pool cleaner 19 illustrated should not be considered limiting and other types of pool cleaners may include fewer, additional, or various other combinations of features as desired. Other non-limiting examples of pool cleaners 10 may include those described in U.S. Patent No.10,316,534, U.S. Patent No.9,488,154, U.S. Patent No. 8,578,538, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014 / 0303810, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0029] As another non-limiting example, and as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, a single electronic device 15 is provided outside the pool 13, and the electronic device 15 is a processor 22. In this non-limiting example, a plurality of electronic devices 17 are provided within the pool 13, and the plurality of electronic devices 17 includes two sensors 21. The number and location of the sensors 17 should not be considered limiting, and the sensors 21 may be provided at various locations as desired. As a non-limiting example, as illustrated in FIG.3, at least one sensor 21 may be provided within a skimmer 24 of the pool system 10. Moreover, the type of sensor 21 should not be considered limiting, and various types or combinations of types of sensors 21 may be utilized. As non-limiting examples, the sensors 21 may detect various characteristics of the pool 13, water, environment, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired. Non-limiting examples of sensors include, but are not limited to, water temperature sensors, water chemical sensors, optical sensors, light sensors, luminosity sensors, magnetic field sensors, pH sensors, flow sensors, water level sensors, cameras, salinity sensors, ORP sensors, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired.

[0030] In certain embodiments, one or more of the electronic devices 15, 17 may include one or more processing units and / or one or more memory devices on and / or associated with the electronic devices 15, 17. The processing unit may be various suitable processing devices or combinations of devices including but not limited to one or more application specific integrated circuits, digital signal processors, digital signal processing devices, programmable logic devices, field programmable gate arrays, processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units, and / or a combination thereof. The one or more memory devices may be any machine-readable medium that can be accessed by the processor, including105462-1446719 but not limited to any type of long term, short term, volatile, nonvolatile, or other storage medium, and is not to be limited to any particular type of memory or number of memories, or type of media upon which memory is stored. Moreover, as disclosed herein, the term “storage medium,” “storage” or “memory” can represent one or more memories for storing data, including read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage mediums, flash memory devices and / or other machine readable mediums for storing information. The term “machine-readable medium” includes, but is not limited to, portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, wireless channels, and / or various other storage mediums capable of storing that contain or carry instruction(s) and / or data.

[0031] As discussed in detail below, the pool system 14 includes a LoRa communication system 14 for LoRa communication with between two or more devices 15, 17 (specific, non- limiting examples of LoRa communication between devices is represented by arrows 31, 32, and 33 in FIGS.1 and 2). As non-limiting examples, LoRa communication may be between at least two submerged devices 17, at least two electronic devices 15 outside the pool 13, and / or between at least one electronic device 17 within the pool 13 and at least one electronic device 15 outside the pool 13.

[0032] Generally, the LoRa communication system 14 may facilitate one or more types of LoRa communication.

[0033] In some embodiments, the LoRa communication system 14 may facilitate direct LoRa communication, which may not require servers or gateways. In some embodiments, direct LoRa communication optionally may not use a defined transmission protocol (beyond what LoRa technology stipulates at the physical layer level). In certain embodiments, direct LoRa communication may have low power consumption and high efficiency, and may be suitable for pool systems 10 with small-scale long-distance application scenarios.

[0034] Additionally, or alternatively, the LoRa communication system may be a LoRaWAN protocol (specified by the LoRa alliance), which is a defined network protocol that uses LoRa technology at the layer level but defines (such as, but not limited to, at the media access control (MAC) level layer) a particular network protocol. In LoRaWAN networks, one or more nodes (devices) may communicate through a gateway and messages may be managed by a network server. In addition, the LoRa WAN protocol may provide detailed specifications for the architecture and operation of communications, such as for node access authentication, a105462-1446719 communication framework structure, a receiving window, data encryption, and the like. In certain embodiments, LoRaWAN may provide a stable and / or reliable node (device) transmission, but may affect the node’s processing capacity and power consumption, and optionally a special server to deploy LoRaWAN-related services.

[0035] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the LoRA communication system 14 is a direct LoRa communication system. However, in other embodiments, it need not be.

[0036] LoRa communication may operate at many different data rates, and in certain embodiments, may have one or more configuration parameters such as but not limited to the spreading factor (SF) and / or the bandwidth (BW). In some embodiments, the data rate may be configured using at least two configuration parameters, such as bandwidth (BW) and spreading factor (SF). In other embodiments, the data rate additionally or alternatively may be configured based on a code rate (CR) as a configuration parameter. The code rate may be fixed or variable as desired.

[0037] Higher bandwidth allows for higher data speeds. Sensitivity is related to bandwidth. As examples, lower bandwidth signals experience less noise and can therefore be received at lower signal strengths. Conversely, higher bandwidth signals require a higher signal strength at a receiver to be properly decoded. Therefore, if the LoRa communication system 14 configures its sensitivity to operate at low bandwidth, it may meet the sensitivity requirements, but lose the signals received at higher bandwidths. On the other hand, if the LoRa communication system 14 sets its bandwidth too high, it may miss signals coming from longer distances (and therefore lower signal strength) than from lower bandwidths.

[0038] The dispersion or spreading factor defines the spacing between the transmitted data and therefore the time it takes to transmit a signal. As an example, a higher dispersion or spreading factor means that it takes longer to transmit a signal and therefore a lower data rate. In some embodiments, LoRa described herein may support bandwidths from 7.8 kHz to 500 kHz and dispersion factors from 7 to 12 (on the logarithmic scale). As a non-limiting example, a device transmitting at 7.8 kHz (kilohertz) and a dispersion factor of 12 will achieve a data rate approximately 1189 times lower than a device transmitting at 500 kHz and a dispersion factor of 7.

[0039] The working frequency of LoRa may be chosen within the frequency range allowed for this type of communication in the region of the world where this solution is applied. In the105462-1446719 European Union, for example, there are two options: EU433 (433.05 to 434.79 MHz) and EU863-870 (868.1 to 868.5 MHz); although the second is the most used.

[0040] As an example, and so that the relationship between the different configuration parameters can be clearly seen, Table 1 below indicates the sensitivity in reception and the time on air (ToA), which is the time from the time the signal is sent from the sender until it is received at the receiver. In the example in the table, the bandwidth would be 125 kHz. As seen in Table 1 below, the higher the SF, the higher the ToA and, therefore, the lower the data rate. SF Sensitivity (dBm) ToA (ms) SF7 -123.0 41 SF8 -126.0 72 SF9 -129.0 144 SF10 -132.0 288 SF11 -134.5 577 SF12 -137.0 991 Table 1

[0041] In some embodiments, the configuration parameters of the LoRa communication system 14 may be set and / or determined by a user.

[0042] Additionally, or alternatively, and as discussed in detail below, the LoRa communication system 14 may be dynamic and self-configuring to automatically adapt LoRa communication to optimal configuration parameters. In certain embodiments, the automatically configuring LoRa communication system 14 may allow the system 14 to be dynamic and adapt from initial settings, particularly as changes in the communication environment (especially in the pool system) may result in the original configuration parameters no longer working optimally. In some embodiments, the self-configuring LoRa communication system 14 may provide a more robust, optimal communications link with the best possible range at all times, achieving the best transmission and / or reception of data and, for example, also optimizing its time in the air.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the self-configurating LoRa communication system 14 may characterize LoRa communication using one or more quality parameters, such as but not limited to a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR, “Signal to Noise Ratio”) or a “Received Signal Strength Indicator” (RSSI), which may be directly obtained or determined and used to adjust the configuration parameters of the LoRa communication.

[0044] The data and / or information transmitted or conveyed via LoRa communication may be various data and / or information as desired. As non-limiting examples, the communication may furnish an operating instruction (automatically or from a user), provide status information,105462-1446719 provide sensed information, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired. As mentioned, the communication may be one-way or two-way as desired.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, in some embodiments, configuration parameters for LoRa communication optionally may be initially provided or set for the specific pool system 10 and / or based on the specific set of conditions. As non-limiting examples, initial configuration parameters optionally may be set based on conditions of the pool itself (construction material used, existing wiring in the walls of the pool, etc.) and / or the environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.). As non-limiting examples, the LoRa communication configuration parameters may be adjusted depending on the depth at which the device 17 is placed or according to the salinity of the water or the temperature at which the device 17 is located.

[0046] Various methods or techniques may be utilized by the LoRa communication system 14 to self-configure the configuration parameters of LoRa communication. An example is provided for reference purposes, but the methods or techniques can be applied to other scenarios (e.g., to communicate two devices within a swimming pool) and, in general, to any other type of scenario where there is communication between two electronic devices, at least one of them immersed in liquid.

[0047] In one non-limiting example, a self-configuration or calibration process includes one or more of the following steps. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a device sending a LoRa communication 31, 32, 33 may be called the sender (e.g., the remote control 11 and / or the sensor 21), and another device receiving the LoRa communication 31, 32, 33 may be called the receiver (e.g., the pool light 17 in FIG.1 or the processor 22 in FIG.2). In certain embodiments, the sending device may send, using LoRa communication 31, 32, 33, one or several messages, each with various combinations of values of the configuration parameters (e.g., SF and / or BW). Optionally, the one or more messages are sent sequentially, although they need not in other embodiments. Optionally, the one or several messages with a plurality of configuration parameters may be sent the first time the LoRa communication system 14 is configured, although it need not in other embodiments. Optionally, the plurality of messages may be sent with all possible combinations of configuration parameter values, although they need not in other embodiments.

[0048] In some embodiments, a single message will be sent with each combination of configuration parameters values. Additionally, or alternatively, a plurality or group of N105462-1446719 messages may be sent for each combination. As a non-limiting example, the N messages in the same group may all be transmitted using the same SF and BW values, and the SF and BW values may be changed from one group to another. In other words, groups of N messages may be sent, each group with different combinations of values (SF, BW) but the messages in each group may use the same combination of values (SF, BW). In certain embodiments, N is a positive integer (it can be 2, 5, 20, 50 or any other >=1) and may be a design parameter that can be chosen by the system user (and / or set as a default) and that can be varied at the request of the system user.

[0049] Continuing the non-limiting example, the receiver receives the messages. In some cases (although not required), the receiver will know in advance the number of messages in each group (N), the SF and BW values used in each group, and the start time of transmission, so that the receiver knows the SF and BW value of each message received. Additionally, or alternatively, the SF and BW of each received message can be indicated in the same message. Additionally, or alternatively, the receiver may determine the SF and BW values for each of the one or more messages.

[0050] In some embodiments, when receiving the messages, the receiver may measure and / or calculate one or more quality parameters for each message. Optionally, the receiver may sort (e.g., by generating an ordered matrix) the receiving information for each combination of parameter values (bandwidth and dispersion factor). Quality parameters may refer to any type of parameter whose value allows describing or characterizing how each message has been received, or more specifically, in a realization, they are parameters that allow evaluating or characterizing (directly or indirectly) the quality with which the message has been received.

[0051] In some cases, the quality parameters include the RSSI and / or SNR, which can be measured by the receiver for each message. In certain embodiments, a variation of RSSI and / or SNR from one group of messages to another may reflect the degradation (and in general, the propagation conditions) that each signal experiences when it passes through the described environment (typically, air and pool). In some embodiments, instead of using the RSSI and / or SNR of each message, a calculation or analysis of the values of these parameters for each group of messages is used as a value for comparison between the different groups (between the different combinations of SF and BW values). As non-limiting examples, the average of the RSSI and / or the average of SNR values for the messages received from each group may be calculated or determined.105462-1446719

[0052] Additionally, or alternatively, the receiver may evaluate / calculate the efficiency or accuracy of the communication in each case, which would be another of the quality parameters. In some embodiments, accuracy may be defined, for each group of N messages, as the ratio of valid packets received to the total packets transmitted. The efficiency or accuracy of the communication may serve as an indicator of link quality. Each message can consist of one or more data packets. In some embodiments, accuracy may be determined based on the content of the message. In one non-limiting example, a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) optionally may be used to determine this accuracy. The CRC is a field in the format of a LoRa message which may allow the system to determine if all bytes of the message were received correctly. If, according to the CRC, it is determined that not all bytes of the message were received correctly (i.e., that the message is corrupted), that message is considered invalid. In another embodiment, an invalid message is considered if the number of errors detected in the message is above a threshold. Another feature may be determining whether messages are received or not. That is, if for a combination of SF and BW values messages are not received (or a number of them above a certain threshold are not received), then this may provide an indication that this particular combination is not optimal. Other techniques or methods may be utilized to determine an accuracy or efficiency of the LoRa communication message as desired. The ones described above are just a few examples of quality parameters, and other parameters can be used in other embodiments of the invention.

[0053] In certain embodiments, the receiving device, based on the received quality parameters measured or calculated for the different message groups, may determine which combination of configuration parameters is optimal or desired. As a non-limiting example, the receiving device may determine which combination of SF, BW is optimal (e.g., based solely on the SF, based solely on the BW, based solely on the accuracy or efficiency, combinations thereof, etc.) and identify the LoRa configuration parameters resulting in the optimal quality parameters.

[0054] To identify or determine which group of LoRa communication messages (and therefore which combination SF, BW) has the best quality parameters (received with higher quality), various criteria can be used. As a non-limiting example, the criteria may include the group in which the rate of valid and / or received messages is higher, the one in which the RSSI and SNR have higher values, a combination of all or some of these parameters, each with a certain weighting, combinations thereof, and / or other criteria may be utilized.

[0055] In various embodiments, upon identifying the LoRa configuration parameters providing the optimal quality parameters, the LoRa communication system may set LoRa105462-1446719 communication with those configuration parameters. Optionally, the receiver may send a response message to the sender with that LoRa configuration parameter for use for the communication in that particular environment. Optionally (and / or until the next calibration occurs) the sender may only send the information configured with this LoRa parameter setting (SF; BW) determined to be optimal.

[0056] Additionally, or alternatively, if the optimal combination of parameters is not convenient to implement (because, for example, with these LoRa parameters the desired data rate is not achieved), then another combination will be chosen (SF; BW). As a non-limiting example, the combination of parameters for which reception was the second best, etc., or in general, a combination of parameters for which the quality of the messages received is sufficient. In a non-limiting example, the combination of reception parameters can be implemented to have the desired communication characteristics.

[0057] In certain embodiments, the process of selecting the optimal parameters for self- configuring communication (calibration) is performed the first time the communication system is configured (for example, at the user’s request when the devices are installed, or the first time the devices are detected). In other embodiments, it may be performed at other times as desired, including at regular or irregular time intervals. In one non-limiting example, the calibration will only be performed this first time, but in alternative embodiments this process of calibration of the LoRa communication of the devices can also be conducted at other times as desired. As non-limiting examples, calibration may be performed periodically (regularly or irregularly), from time to time, repeated when any of the configuration parameters fall below a predetermined threshold, at the request of a system user (through an appropriate interface), if any of the initial conditions have changed outside a certain threshold (e.g. environmental conditions, water salinity, the arrangement of the wiring in the pool, the location of any of the devices, etc.), combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired.

[0058] While the earlier non-limiting example referred to only one sender and only one receiver, in other embodiments, the pool system 10 may include more than one sender and / or more than one receiver. Moreover, in some embodiments, the pool system 10 may be several electronic devices of the same type, i.e., several receiver-type devices (e.g., several pool lights, several pool cleaners, several sensors, other equipment, etc.) or several sender-type devices (several sensors, processors, controllers, pool cleaners, other equipment, etc.). Moreover, in various embodiments, an electronic device may be both a sender and a receiver. In embodiments with more than one sender-type device and / or more than one receiver-type105462-1446719 device, the calibration to select the optimal configuration will be performed, in one example, between one of the sending devices and one of the receiving devices (following the steps explained above) and the selected optimal configuration (combination of SF and BW values) will be used for communications between all sending and receiving devices.

[0059] As indicated above, the propagation of a LoRa signal in an underwater environment, for example a swimming pool or spa, may influenced by many environmental factors, as well as by the installation itself or factors of the aquatic environment itself. In certain embodiments, the number of valid messages received and, in general, any other parameter that characterizes the received signal (such as but not limited to RSSI, SNR, etc.) may be varied depending on these factors (such as but not limited to installation conditions, depth of the device in the water, water treatment chemistry, salinity concentration of the water, construction materials of the pool, water and air temperature, etc.). Thus, in certain embodiments, the measured (or calculated) received parameters may be taken into account to classify the many different combinations of expansion factor and bandwidth and, consequently, to determine and fix the most optimal configuration. In other words, taking into account the reception parameters of the received signal, it is possible to choose the LoRa configuration (e.g., combination of SF, BW values) that best suits the specific conditions of the pool in which this calibration process occurs. And this is done without the system having to know or measure the specific conditions of the pool (salinity, temperature, wiring, combinations thereof, etc.).

[0060] In some embodiments, the selection of the best LoRa configuration optionally may be done very quickly. As a non-limiting example, several groups of N LoRa messages which, may have an N value such as but not limited to 50 value, may take seconds and / or several minutes (optionally up to 1 or 2 minutes). In other embodiments, the selection may be provided within any duration as desired. Other protocols, using other types of solutions (such as ADR in LoRaWAN), take hours or days to converge.

[0061] In some embodiments, this selection may made without the need to consult with any type of device or external server since it is the communicating devices themselves (and in these examples, the receiver) who makes the calculations and makes the selection without consulting any other device. Optionally, the communication system 14 need not rely upon the internet, or consult any external node or server in the cloud, or any other type of external connection (as is the case in other solutions used, for example, in LoRaWAN).105462-1446719

[0062] Various other benefits and advantages may be realized with the systems, devices, and methods provided herein, and the aforementioned advantages should not be considered limiting.

[0063] Exemplary concepts or combinations of features of the invention may include: A. A method for self-configuring a radio frequency communication between a first electronic device and a second electronic device, wherein the communication uses LoRa technology and passes at least partially through a liquid medium, and wherein at least one of the first or second device is submerged inside a pool, wherein the method comprises: i. receiving from the second electronic device (17) several groups of N messages sent by the first electronic device (15), with N being a default design parameter, where each group of N messages has been transmitted using a certain combination of dispersion factor (SF) and bandwidth (BW) values that is different from that of the other groups; ii. obtaining, by the second electronic device (17), parameters on the quality of reception of incoming messages; iii. determining, on the basis of the parameters obtained in step (b), the second electronic device (17), a group of messages whose reception quality is considered optimal; iv. sending, from the second electronic device (17) to the first electronic device (15), a message including the combination of dispersion factor and bandwidth values corresponding to the group of messages determined in step (c), to be used thereafter in LoRa communication between the first and second electronic devices B. A method according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, where the reception quality parameters obtained in step (b) are one or more of the following: a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), and the percentage of valid messages received in each group; and wherein step (b) involves performing at least one of the following actions by the second electronic device (12,22): i. measuring, for each message received, the SNR and / or the RSSI; and ii. calculating a percentage of valid messages received for each message group.105462-1446719 C. A method according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein a message is considered valid if the number of errors in the message is less than a predefined first threshold or if the message is checked for non- corruption using the cyclic redundancy check (CRC). D. A method according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein, in step (c), to determine the group of messages whose reception quality is considered optimal, a weighted combination of the SNR value, the RSSI value, and the percentage of valid messages received in each group is used to evaluate the quality of each group of messages received. E. A method according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, where the first electronic device (15) is a remote control (11) and the second electronic device (17) is inside the pool and is controlled by the remote control. F. A method according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, where the second device (7) is a pool light, a sensor, a swimming pool robot, or a chemical dispenser. G. A method according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, where the first electronic device (15) is a sensor (21) located inside the pool and the second electronic device (17) is a processor (22) that stores and processes the data received from the sensor. H. An electronic system for the self-configuration of a radio frequency communication between a first and a second electronic device, where the communication uses LoRa technology and passes at least partially through a liquid medium and where at least one of the first or second device is submerged or submergible inside a swimming pool, where the system comprises: i. the first electronic device (15) comprising transmission media configured to transmit several groups of N messages to the second electronic device (17) with N being a design parameter, where each group of N messages is transmitted using a certain combination of dispersion factor (SF) and bandwidth (BW) values, different from that of the other groups; ii. the second electronic device (17) comprising: a) means of reception configured to receive the various groups of N messages sent by the first electronic device (15);105462-1446719 b) means of processing configured to obtain parameters on the quality of reception of received messages and to determine, from the parameters obtained, a group of messages whose reception quality is considered optimal; and c) transmission media configured to transmit to the first electronic device (15), a message that includes the combination of dispersion factor and bandwidth values corresponding to the given message group, iii. wherein the first electronic device (15) further comprises means of reception configured to receive from the second electronic device (17), the message that includes the combination of SF and BW values, and iv. wherein, from the receipt by the first electronic device (15) of the combination of SF and BW values, the LoRa communication between the first and second electronic devices is configured using this combination of SF and BW values. I. A system according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements where the reception quality parameters obtained are one or more of the following: signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), and the percentage of valid messages received in each group; and i. wherein the second electronic device (17) is configured to perform at least one of the following actions: a) measure, for each message received, the SNR and / or the RSSI; and b) calculate the percentage of valid messages received for each message group. J. A system according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements wherein a message is considered valid if the number of errors in the message is less than a predefined first threshold or if the message is checked for corruption using the cyclic redundancy check (CRC). K. A system according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, where determining the group of messages whose reception quality is considered optimal, is used to evaluate the quality of each group of messages received, a weighted combination of the SNR value, the RSSI value, and the percentage of valid messages received in each group.105462-1446719 L. A system according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, where the first electronic device is a remote control (11) and the second electronic device (17) is inside the pool and is controlled by the remote control. M. A system according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, where the first electronic device is a sensor (21) located inside the pool and the second electronic device is a processor (22) that stores and processes the data received from the sensor. N. An electronic device (12, 22) to optimally self-configure a radio frequency communication between this electronic device and another electronic device (11, 21), where the communication uses LoRa technology and passes at least partially through a liquid medium and where at least one of the electronic devices is inside a swimming pool, where the electronic device (12, 22) includes: i. receiving media configured to receive several groups of N messages sent by the other electronic device (11,21), where N is a design parameter, where each group of N messages has been transmitted using a certain combination of dispersion factor (SF) and bandwidth (BW) values that is different from that of the other groups; ii. means of processing configured to obtain parameters on the quality of reception of received messages and to determine, from the parameters obtained, a group of messages whose reception quality is considered optimal; iii. means of transmission to the other electronic device (11, 21), the combination of dispersion factor and bandwidth values corresponding to the given group of messages, to be used from that moment on in LoRa communication between electronic devices. O. A computer-readable storage medium that stores a computer program comprising instructions for causing a computing device running the program to perform the method defined according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements. P. A pool system comprising an automatic swimming pool cleaner and at least device remote from the automatic swimming pool cleaner, wherein the automatic swimming pool cleaner and the at least one device are configured to communicate using LoRa communication. Q. A pool system according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the automatic swimming pool cleaner is configured to105462-1446719 communicate using LoRa communication at least while the automatic swimming pool cleaner is submerged within water of the swimming pool or spa. R. A pool system according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the at least one device is outside of the swimming pool or spa. S. A pool system according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the at least one device is a remote or control device configured to control the automatic swimming pool cleaner. T. A pool system according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the at least one device is configured to provide at least an operating instruction to the automatic pool cleaner using LoRa communication. U. A pool system according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the automatic pool cleaner is configured to provide operational information, water information, navigation information, sensed information, and / or other information toe the at least one device using LoRa communication. V. A pool system comprising a first electronic device and a second electronic device, wherein the first and second electronic devices are submerged or submergible within water of a pool or spa, and wherein the first and second electronic devices are configured to communicate using LoRa communication. W. A pool system according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the first electronic device is an automatic pool cleaner and the second electronic device is a pool light. X. A pool system according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the first and second electronic devices are sensors. Y. A pool system according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the first and second electronic devices are pool lights. Z. A pool system according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the first electronic device is an automatic pool cleaner and the second electronic device is a sensor. AA. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising a plurality of instructions executable by one or more processors, the plurality of instructions comprising instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform actions including: configuring LoRa communication between at least two electronic devices of a pool system.105462-1446719 BB. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising a plurality of instructions executable by one or more processors, the plurality of instructions comprising instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform actions including the steps of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements. CC. A method for self-configuring communication in a pool system, the method comprising: i. receiving, by a first electronic device of the pool system, a plurality messages sent by a second electronic device of the pool system using LoRa communication, wherein each message or at least some of the messages of the plurality of messages comprises LoRa configuration parameters different from the other plurality of messages, wherein the plurality of messages pass at least partially through a liquid medium of the pool system; ii. obtaining or determining, by the first electronic device, one or more quality parameters about the quality of reception of each of the received messages; iii. determining, based on the obtained or determined quality parameters, one of the plurality of messages whose reception quality is considered optimal; and iv. configuring, by the first electronic device, LoRa communication to have the configuration parameters of the message identified as optimal. DD. The method of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, further comprising sending, by the first electronic device to the second electronic device, a message using LoRa communication and with the configuration parameters of the message identified as optimal. EE. The method of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the configuration parameters include one or more of a dispersion factor (SF) and / or bandwidth value (BW). FF. The method of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein receiving the plurality of messages comprises receiving one or more groups of N messages, wherein each group of N messages comprises a particular combination of dispersion factor (SF) and bandwidth (BW) values as configuration parameters that is different from that of the other groups. GG. The method of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the quality parameters comprises at least one of a signal-to-noise105462-1446719 ratio (SNR), a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), and / or a percentage of valid messages received in each group. HH. The method of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, further comprising at least one of measuring the SNR for each message received, measuring the RSSI for each message received, and / or calculating the percentage of valid messages received for each message group. II. The method of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the quality parameters comprises a percentage of valid messages received in each group, and wherein a message is considered valid if at least one of (i) a number of errors in the message is less than a predefined threshold or (ii) the message is checked for non-corruption using a cyclic redundancy check (CRC). JJ. The method of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein determining whether reception quality is optimal is based on at least one of a signal to noise ratio value, a received signal strength indicator value, and the percentage of valid messages received. KK. The method of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the first electronic device is at least one of a pool light, a sensor, an actuator, a swimming pool cleaner, a docking station, a valve, a chlorinator, a pump, a heater, a filter, a camera, or a chemical dispenser, and wherein the second electronic device is at least one of a remote control, a processor, or a control system. LL. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising a plurality of instructions executable by one or more processors, the plurality of instructions comprising instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform actions including: i. receiving, by the one or more processors, a plurality messages sent by an electronic device of the pool system using LoRa communication, wherein each message or at least some of the messages of the plurality of messages comprises LoRa configuration parameters different from the other plurality of messages, wherein the plurality of messages pass at least partially through a liquid medium of the pool system; ii. obtaining or determining, by the one or more processors, one or more quality parameters about the quality of reception of each of the received messages; iii. determining, based on the obtained or determined quality parameters, one of the plurality of messages whose reception quality is considered optimal; and105462-1446719 iv. configuring a first electronic device comprising the by the one or more processors for LoRa communication with the configuration parameters of the message identified as optimal. MM. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the instructions further comprise instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform actions comprising sending, by the first electronic device to the second electronic device, a message using LoRa communication and with the configuration parameters of the message identified as optimal. NN. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the instructions further comprise instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform actions comprising receiving the plurality of messages by receiving one or more groups of N messages, wherein each group of N messages comprises a particular combination of dispersion factor (SF) and bandwidth (BW) values as configuration parameters that is different from that of the other groups. OO. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the instructions further comprise instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform actions comprising measuring a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for each message received, measuring a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) for each message received, and / or calculating a percentage of valid messages received for each message group. PP. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 10, wherein the instructions further comprise instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform actions comprising determining whether the reception quality is optimal based on at least one of a signal to noise ratio value, a received signal strength indicator value, and the percentage of valid messages received. QQ. A pool system comprising: a first electronic device; and a second electronic device, wherein at least one of the first electronic device or the second electronic device is positioned in a pool or spa of the pool system, and wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device are configured for LoRa105462-1446719 communication configured to pass at least partially through a liquid medium of the pool system. RR. The pool system of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the first electronic device is positioned in the pool, and wherein the first electronic device comprises at least one of a sensor, an actuator, a pool cleaner, a skimmer, a pool light, a valve, a chlorinator, a chemical dispenser, a pump, a heater, a docking station, or a camera. SS. The pool system of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the second electronic device is positioned outside the pool and comprises at least one of a remote control, a user device, a processor, a light, a sensor, a camera, a pump, a heater, an automation system, or a docking station. TT. The pool system of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the first electronic device is configured to: receive a plurality messages from second electronic device of the pool system using LoRa communication, wherein each message of the plurality of messages comprises LoRa configuration parameters different from the other plurality of messages, wherein the plurality of messages pass at least partially through a liquid medium of the pool system; obtain or determine one or more quality parameters about the quality of reception of each of the received messages; determine, based on the obtained or determined quality parameters, one of the plurality of messages whose reception quality is considered optimal; and configure LoRa communication from the first electronic device to have the configuration parameters of the message identified as optimal. UU. The pool system of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the first electronic device is further configured to configured to send a message using LoRa communication with the configuration parameters of the message identified as optimal to the second electronic device. VV. The pool system of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the reception quality parameters obtained are one or more of: signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), and a percentage of valid messages received in each group, and wherein the first electronic device is configured to perform at least one of the following: measure the SNR; measure the RSSI; and / or105462-1446719 calculate the percentage of valid messages received for each message group.

[0064] These examples are not intended to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive in any way, and the invention is not limited to these example embodiments but rather encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of any claims ultimately drafted and issued in connection with the invention (and their equivalents). For avoidance of doubt, any combination of features not physically impossible or expressly identified as non-combinable herein may be within the scope of the invention. Further, although applicant has described devices and techniques for use principally with pool cleaners, persons skilled in the relevant field will recognize that the present invention conceivably could be employed in connection with other objects and in other manners. Finally, references to “pools” and “swimming pools” herein may also refer to spas or other water containing vessels used for recreation, training, or therapy and for which cleaning of debris is needed or desired.

Claims

105462-1446719 CLAIMS That which is claimed:

1. A method for self-configuring communication in a pool system, the method comprising: receiving, by a first electronic device of the pool system, a plurality of messages sent by a second electronic device of the pool system using LoRa communication, wherein at least some of the messages of the plurality of messages comprise LoRa configuration parameters different from the other plurality of messages, wherein the plurality of messages pass at least partially through a liquid medium of the pool system; obtaining or determining, by the first electronic device, one or more quality parameters about a quality of reception of each of the received messages; determining, based on the obtained or determined quality parameters, one of the plurality of messages whose reception quality is considered optimal; and configuring, by the first electronic device, LoRa communication to have the configuration parameters of the message identified as optimal.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending, by the first electronic device to the second electronic device, a message using LoRa communication and with the configuration parameters of the message identified as optimal.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the configuration parameters include one or more of a dispersion factor (SF) and / or bandwidth value (BW).

4. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the plurality of messages comprises receiving one or more groups of N messages, wherein each group of N messages comprises a particular combination of dispersion factor (SF) and bandwidth (BW) values as configuration parameters that is different from that of the other groups.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more quality parameters comprises at least one of a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), and / or a percentage of valid messages received in each group.105462-1446719 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising at least one of measuring the SNR for each message received, measuring the RSSI for each message received, and / or calculating the percentage of valid messages received for each message group.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more quality parameters comprises a percentage of valid messages received in each group, and wherein a message is considered valid if at least one of (i) a number of errors in the message is less than a predefined threshold or (ii) the message is checked for non-corruption using a cyclic redundancy check (CRC).

8. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether reception quality is optimal is based on at least one of a signal to noise ratio value, a received signal strength indicator value, and a percentage of valid messages received.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first electronic device is at least one of a pool light, a sensor, an actuator, a swimming pool cleaner, a docking station, a valve, a chlorinator, a pump, a heater, a filter, a camera, or a chemical dispenser, and wherein the second electronic device is at least one of a remote control, a processor, or a control system.

10. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising a plurality of instructions executable by one or more processors, the plurality of instructions comprising instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform actions including: receiving, by the one or more processors, a plurality messages sent by an electronic device of a pool system using LoRa communication, wherein at least some of the messages of the plurality of messages comprise LoRa configuration parameters different from the other plurality of messages, wherein the plurality of messages pass at least partially through a liquid medium of the pool system; obtaining or determining, by the one or more processors, one or more quality parameters about a quality of reception of each of the received messages; determining, based on the obtained or determined quality parameters, one of the plurality of messages whose reception quality is considered optimal; and configuring a first electronic device comprising the one or more processors for LoRa communication with the configuration parameters of the message identified as optimal.105462-1446719 11. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 10, wherein the instructions further comprise instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform actions comprising: sending, by the first electronic device to the electronic device, a message using LoRa communication and with the configuration parameters of the message identified as optimal.

12. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 10, wherein the instructions further comprise instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform actions comprising: receiving the plurality of messages by receiving one or more groups of N messages, wherein each group of N messages comprises a particular combination of dispersion factor (SF) and bandwidth (BW) values as configuration parameters that is different from that of the other groups.

13. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 10, wherein the instructions further comprise instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform actions comprising: measuring a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for each message received, measuring a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) for each message received, and / or calculating a percentage of valid messages received for each message group.

14. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 10, wherein the instructions further comprise instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform actions comprising: determining whether the reception quality is optimal based on at least one of a signal to noise ratio value, a received signal strength indicator value, and a percentage of valid messages received.

15. A pool system comprising: a first electronic device; and a second electronic device,105462-1446719 wherein at least one of the first electronic device or the second electronic device is positioned in a pool or spa of the pool system, and wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device are configured for LoRa communication configured to pass at least partially through a liquid medium of the pool system.

16. The pool system of claim 15, wherein the first electronic device is positioned in the pool, and wherein the first electronic device comprises at least one of a sensor, an actuator, a pool cleaner, a skimmer, a pool light, a valve, a chlorinator, a chemical dispenser, a pump, a heater, a docking station, or a camera.

17. The pool system of claim 16, wherein the second electronic device is positioned outside the pool and comprises at least one of a remote control, a user device, a processor, a light, a sensor, a camera, a pump, a heater, an automation system, or a docking station.

18. The pool system of claim 15, wherein the first electronic device is configured to: receive a plurality messages from second electronic device of the pool system using LoRa communication, wherein each message of the plurality of messages comprises LoRa configuration parameters different from the other plurality of messages, wherein the plurality of messages pass at least partially through a liquid medium of the pool system; obtain or determine one or more quality parameters about a quality of reception of each of the received messages; determine, based on the obtained or determined quality parameters, one of the plurality of messages whose reception quality is considered optimal; and configure LoRa communication from the first electronic device to have the configuration parameters of the message identified as optimal.

19. The pool system of claim 18, wherein the first electronic device is further configured to configured to: send a message using LoRa communication with the configuration parameters of the message identified as optimal to the second electronic device.105462-1446719 20. The pool system of claim 18, wherein the reception quality parameters obtained are one or more of: signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), and a percentage of valid messages received in each group, and wherein the first electronic device is configured to perform at least one of the following: measure the SNR; measure the RSSI; and / or calculate the percentage of valid messages received for each message group.

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