A method of and an apparatus for resetting a device
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-27
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for resetting connected lighting fixtures, such as pressing a reset button or flicking a wall switch, are cumbersome, costly, and often reset multiple fixtures simultaneously, lacking convenience and precision.
A method using a ranging sensor, like a Time of Flight (ToF) sensor, to detect distances and determine when a user intentionally covers the sensor's field of view, sending a reset instruction to the device only when the sensor detects consistent and intentional coverage.
This approach simplifies the reset process, providing a contactless and intuitive method for users, while reducing the need for additional hardware and avoiding unintended resets of multiple devices.
Smart Images
Figure EP2024068862_30012025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] A method of and an apparatus for resetting a device
[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of sensing technology, more particularly, to a method and an apparatus of resetting a device by using distances measured by a ranging sensor.
[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A connected lighting fixture uses its integrated connectivity module such as ZigBee, BLE and Wi-Fi module to interconnect with other connected lighting fixtures and smart devices such as smart phone and sensors.
[0006] Before the connectivity function can work properly, the lighting fixture has to be commissioned, which is to configure necessary network settings such as SSID and password of a Wi-Fi network. At certain situations, such as the password of the Wi-Fi network has been changed, or the lighting fixture is relocated and need to use a different WiFi network, the fixture must be re-commissioned and before that it has to be reset. For lighting fixtures such as desk lamps, the reset can be done by pressing a dedicated reset button for e.g., 10 seconds. For lighting fixtures which contains no button such as ceiling lights or bulbs, the reset can be done by quickly flicking the wall switch between ON and OFF for e.g., 5 rounds. This method has two disadvantages. First, certain circuits need to be added to the driver of the lighting fixtures, this increases cost and complexity. Second, in some situations one wall switch controls multiple lighting fixtures. Then all the fixtures will be reset while the user may want to reset just one of them. In some scenarios, there may not be a wall switch available.
[0007] US2022272823 Al relates to implementing a factory reset to a lighting device. The lighting device comprises a directional wireless receiver, e.g. antenna, configured to receive a message within a time period, wherein the message comprises at least one signal comprising a factory reset command from a user device; a controller configured to implement a factory reset of the lighting device if a respective signal of said at least one signal is received within a respective predefined angular range relative to the lighting device and within a distance to the lighting device. US2016345407Alrelates to gesture control. An input from one or more sensors, e.g., a ToF sensor, is processed to detect motions of a user in the space, to detect that the motions correspond to predetermined gestures performed by the user, and to detect a position from which each gesture was performed. For gestures performed from each of a plurality of different positions, a different control policy, e.g. resetting a lighting system is selected based on being associated with the detected gesture and detected position.
[0008] Time of Flight, ToF, sensor, such as infrared (IR) ToF sensor, can be integrated into lighting devices / sy stems to realize different functions. A very simple function could be, automatically turn on light when a ToF sensor detects a person enters the room (i.e., light on demand). Another function for ToF sensor based ceiling lamp is fall detection of persons.
[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In consideration of the above, it is desirable that a method of resetting a device by using distances measured by a ranging sensor is available, so as to improve the convenience and easiness of resetting a device.
[0011] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is presented a method of resetting a device via distances detected by a ranging sensor, the method performed by a processor and comprising the steps of: determining distances measured by more than a defined number of multiple continuous zones of the ranging sensor are lower than a distance threshold; sending a reset instruction to the device.
[0012] The present disclosure is based on the insight that by using a ranging sensor, which can be deemed as a human-machine interface, the processor can receive instruction of resetting a device from users in contactless and simple way. E.g., the user can use his / her hand or a piece of paper, or something else to cover partially, e.g., half or two thirds of the field of view of the ranging sensor. The defined number could be half or two thirds of the total zones of the ranging sensor.
[0013] In one example of the invention, if it is determined that distances measured by all zones of the ranging sensor are lower than the distance threshold, then it is deemed as an instruction of resetting the device is received.
[0014] The distance threshold could be tens of centimeters, or several centimeters. In case of the sensor is hanging on the ceiling of a room, the distance threshold could be a distance from the ranging sensor to possible highest height of object to be detected. To make sure the reset instruction from user is on purpose, it may further require that the homogeneity of distances measured by part of the defined number of continuous zones of the ranging sensor. This is implemented by determining differences between distances measured by part of the defined number of the multiple continuous zones of the ranging sensor are lower than a first threshold. The first threshold could be several centimeters. Preferably, it may require that the homogeneity of distances measured by all of the defined number of continuous zones of the ranging sensor. Further, it may require that the homogeneity of distances measured by all zones of the ranging sensor.
[0015] To eliminate the impact of fog, vapor, spraying or steam, which might be close to the ranging sensor, and cause wrong reset decision by the processor, it is further preferred that at most one target is detected in each zone.
[0016] To make sure that the reset is to be done on purpose, it is determined that distances measured by more than a defined number of multiple continuous zones of the ranging sensor being lower than a distance threshold lasts for a predefined time period.
[0017] To further enhance the reliability, once it is detected that the distances measured by more than a defined number of multiple continuous zones of the ranging sensor being lower than a distance threshold lasts for a predefined time period, then an indication is provided to indicate that the reset will be done. Then the reset could be directly done (i.e. the reset instruction is sent to the device immediately), or can be delayed to receive further confirmation from user. E.g., after the step of providing the indication and before the step of sending a reset instruction to the device, it is further determined that distances measured by more than a defined number of multiple continuous zones of the ranging sensor being lower than a distance threshold lasts for another predefined time period.
[0018] Typically, the ranging sensor is a light-based sensor, in particularly, a multi- pixel / multi-zone Time of Flight, ToF, sensor. A Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor is an optical sensor that measures the distance to an object by analyzing the time it takes for light to travel from the sensor to the object and back. It utilizes the principle of measuring the time it takes for a light signal to propagate a certain distance. In other word, the ToF sensor measures a distance between the sensor and an object within its field of view by emitting a burst of light, usually in the form of infrared light, and measuring a time it takes for the light to bounce back off the object and return to the sensor. The distance between the ToF sensor and a specific part of the object is decided based on the measured time. The principle described in the present disclosure is advantageously applicable to all kinds of light-based ranging sensor, including for example infrared, visible light, or ultra-violet ranging sensors. The basic principle of light-based ranging sensors is very similar and the method described herein is therefore applicable to light-based sensors.
[0019] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides an apparatus comprising a device, a ranging sensor and a processor. The processor is configured to perform the method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure to reset the device. Further, it could include resetting the apparatus itself.
[0020] In an example of the present disclosure, the device comprises a connectivity device or a communication device. The present disclosure is especially useful for resetting a connectivity device or a communication device when it is out of work and needs a reset. Because in such case, it is impossible for the connectivity device or communication device to get instructions by itself via its communication interface.
[0021] In an example of the present disclosure, the apparatus is an loT apparatus, in particularly, a lamp or a luminaire. This is advantageous for the processor to give the indication by using light of the lamp or the luminaire. The indication can be given in a way of dimming down, blinking, or any desired light pattern, even turning off the light in case the light is on, or turning on the light in case the light is off.
[0022] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a computer program product, comprising a computer readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed on at least one processor, cause said at least one processor to carry out the method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.
[0023] The above mentioned and other features and advantages of the disclosure will be best understood from the following description referring to the attached drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals denote identical parts or parts performing an identical or comparable function or operation.
[0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbol indicate corresponding parts, in which:
[0026] Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an apparatus of a LED lamp 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a user using his / her hand to give indication of reset a device in accordance with the solution as proposed by the present disclosure;
[0028] Fig. 3 shows a workflow of resetting a device performed by a processor; Fig. 4 (a) and (b) shows two examples of relationship of the distance threshold and area of a covering object;
[0029] Fig. 5 shows an example of values measured by each zone of a ToF sensor;
[0030] Fig. 6 shows another a workflow of resetting a device performed by a processor.
[0031] The figures are intended for illustrative purposes only, and do not serve as restriction of the scope of the protection as laid down by the claims.
[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] Embodiments contemplated by the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The disclosed subject matter should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the illustrated embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.
[0034] The principle described in the present disclosure is advantageously applicable to all kinds of light-based ranging sensor, including for example infrared, visible light, or ultra-violet ranging sensors.
[0035] Without limitation, Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of an apparatus of a lamp 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0036] The lamp 100 comprises LEDs 101 as light sources, LED driver 102 as power supply, a ToF sensor 103 as a ranging sensor, a processor 104 and wireless module 105 as the device to be reset.
[0037] It is to be noted that the system of LED lamp 100 in Figure 1 is only an example. As it can be seen that the apparatus could only include a ranging sensor, a processor and a device to be reset to achieve the purpose of the present disclosure. In example of the lamp 100, light sources are not limited to LEDs, other type of light sources could also be applicable, like fluorescent tubes, electric bulb, sodium lamps etc. In addition, the connectivity module is not limited to wireless module, it could be a wired module.
[0038] Specifically, the ToF sensor 103 measures a distance between the sensor and an object within its field of view by emitting a burst of light, usually in the form of infrared light, and measuring a time it takes for the light to bounce back off the object and return to the sensor. The distance between the ToF sensor 103 and a specific part of the object is decided based on the measured time. As mentioned above, before the wireless module 105 can work properly, the LED lamp 100 has to be commissioned, which is to configure necessary network settings such as SSID and password of a Wi-Fi network. At certain situations, such as the password of the Wi-Fi network has been changed, or the lamp is relocated and need to use a different WiFi network, the lamp must be re-commissioned and before that it has to be reset. In this scenario, it is not possible for a user to connect to the wireless module of the lamp via a smart phone. Hence it would be good if the user could simply use his / her hand to cover the field of view of the ToF sensor. Figure 2 shows several such examples.
[0039] The process 300 of reset will be illustrated in detail in Figure 3.
[0040] When ToF sensor 103 is in work, it will keep measuring distance in its field of range and return the measured values of each zone to the processor 104. In step 301, if the processor 104 determines distances measured by more than a defined number of multiple continuous zones of the ToF sensor are lower than a distance threshold, then the processor will deem it as a signal of reset and in step 302, it sends a reset instruction to the wireless module 105.
[0041] In case of the scenario that the apparatus is the lamp 100 the reset could include the lamp 100 itself.
[0042] The defined number of multiple continuous zones of the ToF sensor could be half, two thirds of the total zones, or even all zones of ToF sensor.
[0043] As shown in Figure 2, the user could fully cover the field of view of the ToF sensor, or could partially cover the field of view of the ToF sensor.
[0044] The distance threshold could be tens of centimeters, or several centimeters. In case of the sensor is hanging on the ceiling of a room, the distance threshold could be a distance from the ranging sensor to possible highest height of object to be detected.
[0045] In one embodiment, the distance threshold could be calculated according to the field of view angle of the ToF senor and the area of a covering object that is used to occupy the field of view. On the contrary, once the distance threshold is determined, the minimum area of a covering object could thus be determined.
[0046] Figure 4 (a) shows relationship among the field of view angle, the area of a covering object and the distance of a ToF sensor having a field of view of a square shape. The diagonal view angle of the ToF sensor is 45 deg. When the distance to the ToF sensor is 5cm, 10cm, 15cm to the sensor, the area of the object to cover the full field of view is at least 8.6cm2, 34.3cm2, 77.2cm2respectively. Here, Significant digits are reserved to one digit after the decimal point for simplicity. Figure 4 (b) shows relationship among the field of view angle, the area of a covering object and the distance of a ToF sensor having a field of view of a circular shape. The view angle of the ToF sensor is 45 deg. When the distance to the ToF sensor is 5cm, 10cm, 15cm to the sensor, the area of the object to cover the full field of view is at least 13.5cm2, 53.9cm2, 121.2cm2respectively. Here, Significant digits are reserved to one digit after the decimal point for simplicity.
[0047] To make sure the reset instruction from user is on purpose, it may further require that the homogeneity of distances measured by each zone. This is implemented by determining differences between distances measured by the multiple continuous zones of the ToF sensor are lower than a first threshold. In one embodiment, the first threshold should be several centimeters, e.g., any value from 10 cm to 1 cm, like 5cm, or 2cm etc. to achieve high homogeneity of distances measured by different zone of the ToF sensor.
[0048] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ToF sensor 105 in the lamp 100 is an infrared multi -zone (64 zones) depth sensor. When there is a non-IR-transmissive object such as a hand in front of the ToF sensor, the distance measurements from all its 64 zones will suddenly become very small. Figure 5 shows one frame of distance measurements containing 64 distance values when a user puts the back of his / her hand at around 3cm to the sensor. It can be seen that the difference between different zones is at most 1.6cm.
[0049] To eliminate the impact of humidity like fog, vapor, spraying, mist or steam, which might be close to the ToF sensor, and cause wrong reset decision by the processor, it is further preferred that at most one target is detected in each zone. Normally, if there is fog, vapor, spraying or steam around the ToF sensor, ToF sensor will detect more than one target in each zone. This is because, in example of fog, part of the emitted IR light is reflected by the fog therefore the ToF sensor can measure the distances to the fog. Part of the emitted IR light penetrates through the fog and hits other objects below the fog. In other words, the fog acts as a semi-transparent layer for the ToF sensor. Hence there will be multiple targets detected by each zone. Similarity for other humidity situation like vapor, spraying, mist or steam etc.
[0050] It is to be noted that, in case a user uses a black paper to cover the field of view of the ToF sensor 103, due to absorption of IR light by the black paper, in some zones, there may be no target detected.
[0051] Fig. 6 shows another flow chart 300 of resetting the wireless module avoiding the scenario of wrong resetting. To make sure that reset is to be done on purpose, it is determined in step 601 that distances measured by more than a defined number of multiple continuous zones of the ToF sensor 103 being lower than a distance threshold lasts for a predefined time period, e.g., several seconds.
[0052] To further enhance the reliability, once it is detected that the distances measured by more than a defined number of multiple continuous zones of the ranging sensor being lower than a distance threshold lasts for a predefined time period, then in step 602 an indication is provided by the processor 104 to indicate that the reset will be done. The indication can be given in a way of dimming down, blinking, or any desired light pattern, even turning off the light in case the light is on, or turning on the light in case the light is off.
[0053] In step 603, the processor 104 is further determined that distances measured by more than a defined number of multiple continuous zones of the ranging sensor 103 being lower than a distance threshold lasts for another predefined time period, e.g., several seconds. This is especially advantageous to give the user an opportunity to cancel the reset if resetting wireless module 105 is not his / her real intention.
[0054] At last, in step 604, the processor 104 sends a reset instruction to the wireless module 105. The wireless module 105 will perform reset after receiving the reset instruction. Reset action of the wireless module could include remove previous network setting. In some scenarios, the reset scope may include the lamp 100, also the processor 104 itself.
[0055] It is noted that not all the steps are necessary for increasing robustness of discovering purpose of the resetting. Flow chart 600 in Figure 6 could have several variations. For example, step 601 plus step 604 could be an embodiment to discover intention of the resetting from the user. Combination of step 601, step 602 and step 604 could be another embodiment of confirming purpose of resetting from the user. That is to say, the reset could be done directly after step 601, or after step 602, or can be delayed to receive further confirmation from user in step 603.
[0056] Go back to Figure 2, If the user keeps covering the sensor for 10 seconds, the lamp will turn OFF or dim down the light. This gives the user an indication that a reset will be executed if the user further keeps covering the sensor for 10 more seconds. This also gives the user an opportunity to interrupt the process if resetting the lamp is not his / her intention. If the user keeps covering the sensor, the light will be kept off or dimmed down and after 10 seconds, the lamps will be reset and the light will flash for several times to indicate that the reset has been completed. If the user stops covering the sensor within 10 seconds, no reset will be executed and the lamp will be turned ON or dimmed up immediately. The present disclosure is not limited to the examples as disclosed above, and can be modified and enhanced by those skilled in the art beyond the scope of the present disclosure as disclosed in the appended claims without having to apply inventive skills and for use in any data communication, data exchange and data processing environment, system or network.
Claims
CLAIMS:
1. A method (300) of resetting a device (105) via distances detected by a ranging sensor (103) which comprising a plurality of zones, the method performed by a processor (104) and comprising the steps of: obtaining distance values measured by each of the plurality of zones of the ranging sensor; determining (301) if distances measured by all zones of the ranging sensor (103) are lower than a distance threshold; sending (302) a reset instruction to the device (105) if distances measured by all zones of the ranging sensor (103) are lower than the distance threshold; wherein the threshold equals to or less than 15 cm.
2. The method (300) according to claim 1, further comprising the following step before the step of sending: determining differences between distances measured by all zones of the ranging sensor (103) are lower than a first threshold.
3. The method (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of determining distance measured by a zone of the ranging sensor (103) is lower than the distance threshold comprises: at most one target is detected in the zone.
4. The method according to any of the previous claims, further comprising the following steps: determining distances measured by all zones of the ranging sensor (103) being lower than the distance threshold lasts for a predefined time period.
5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising the following steps before the step of sending: providing an indication that the reset will be done.
6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising the following step after the step of providing the indication and before the step of sending: determining distances measured by all zones of the ranging sensor (103) being lower than the distance threshold lasts for another predefined time period.
7. The method (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the ranging sensor (103) is a light-based sensor, in particularly, a Time of Flight, ToF, sensor.
8. An apparatus (100) comprising a device (105), a ranging sensor (103) and a processor (104), wherein the processor (104) is configured to perform the method according to any of the previous claims 1 to 7 to reset the device (105).
9. The apparatus (100) according to claim 8, wherein the device (105) comprises a connectivity device or a communication device.
10. The apparatus (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the ranging sensor (103) is a light-based sensor, in particularly, a Time of Flight, ToF, sensor.
11. The apparatus (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the processor (104) is further configured to reset the apparatus (100) in response to distances measured by all zones of the ranging sensor (103) being lower than a distance threshold; wherein the distance threshold equals to or less than 15cm.
12. The apparatus (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the apparatus comprises an loT apparatus, in particularly, a lamp or a luminaire.
13. The apparatus (100) according to claim 12, wherein the processor (104) is configured to give an indication by using light of the lamp.
14. A computer program product, comprising a computer readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed on the processor of the apparatus of any of claims 8 to 13, cause said processor to carry out the method according to any of the previous claims 1 to 7.