Method for associating a first type node device and a second type node device in a network - Patents.com

Abstract

A method of associating a first type node device and a second type node device in a network is disclosed. The network includes a plurality of first type node devices and a plurality of second type node devices operatively interconnected with each other, each of the first type node devices and each of the second type node devices including a wireless communication module. The method is performed by the first type node device and includes the steps of receiving a first number of signals each having a signal strength level from a second type node device, calculating a percentage of the received signals having a signal strength level higher than a predetermined signal strength threshold, and associating the first type node device with the second type node device by configuring the first type node device to react to messages from the second type node device if the percentage is higher than the threshold percentage.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of commissioning of node devices in a network, and in particular to a method of associating a first type node device and a second type node device in a network, and lighting devices and sensing devices to be associated according to the method. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, electrical or electronic devices with data communication capabilities, such as lighting devices and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, as well as devices supporting enhanced Machine-Type Communication (eMTC), are increasingly being deployed into networks of multiple interconnected devices.

[0003] These devices, commonly referred to as node devices or end devices, typically operate a long range communication interface, such as a network adapter or transceiver module, for exchanging data with remote devices, such as back-end servers, and a short range communication interface, such as a transceiver module, for communication only between node devices, also referred to as inter-node device communication.

[0004] The long-range communication interface may operate according to wireless mobile communication standards, such as, for example, specified 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G cellular communications, as well as other long-range wireless communication technologies, such as Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN), and Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), or proprietary communication technologies, and / or wired data exchange communication technologies.

[0005] The short-range communications interface may operate according to network protocols for exchanging data by networked devices or nodes, such as, for example, ZigBee®, Bluetooth®, and WiFi® based protocols designated for wireless networks, as well as wired bus networks such as DALI® (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface), DSI (Digital Serial Interface), DMX (Digital Multiplex), KNX (and KNX-based systems), and proprietary communications technologies and protocols.

[0006] For example, a lighting system, especially an outdoor lighting system such as a parking lighting system, may include a number of node devices arranged as luminaires or lighting devices. In addition, the system may include other types of node devices, such as sensing devices necessary for the implementation of more advanced services, such as light on demand services.

[0007] For the lighting system to function properly, after installing the node devices, all the node devices need to be commissioned so that different types of node devices can interact with each other according to the designed application. Such interaction may include, for example, the lighting devices being appropriately triggered based on trigger messages received from sensing devices within the defined lighting range of the lighting devices that detect the presence of pedestrians or vehicles.

[0008] Currently available commissioning procedures involve specially trained field engineers to go to the site where the lighting system is deployed and configure the sensors and lighting devices into the same network. For parking lighting systems with hundreds of luminaires, the commissioning procedure can take a full day, or even longer. This high cost in terms of manpower, time and travel expenses poses an obstacle to the deployment of lighting systems.

[0009] US20130107909A1 discloses that coordinating communications in a multipath wireless transmission mesh network includes evaluating available path metrics to ensure the best available connection path through the network.

[0010] US20140132410A1 discloses a method for identifying interferers in a wireless communication band using prior information of the interferer, such as channel structure, channel frequency and channel bandwidth, etc. RSSI measured at multiple frequencies within the interferer's channel can be used to detect and identify the interferer. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] In view of the above, there is a real need for a method of associating a first type of node device, such as a lighting fixture, and a second type of node device, such as a motion sensor, in a network in a cost-effective manner in terms of both time, human resources and other expenses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of associating a first type node device and a second type node device in a network, the network including a plurality of first type node devices and a plurality of second type node devices operatively interconnected with each other, each of the first type node devices and each of the second type node devices including a wireless communication module, the method being performed by a first type node device; receiving a first number of signals from a second type of node device, each signal having a signal strength level; calculating a percentage of received signals having a signal strength level above a predetermined signal strength threshold; if the percentage is higher than a threshold percentage, associating the first type node device with the second type node device by configuring the first type node device to react to messages from the second type node device; A method is presented, including:

[0013] The present disclosure is based on the insight that an association between a first type node device and a second type node device deployed in the same network may be automatically determined by the first type node device based on a proportion of signals received from the second type node device that have a signal strength level higher than a defined signal strength level threshold.

[0014] Thus, the method proposed by the present disclosure involves a first type of node device receiving a number of signals from a second type of node device. The signals may be received in a short period of time or may be distributed over a relatively long period of time. In the latter case, the first type of node device "accumulates" the signals, in other words, messages, from the second type of node device.

[0015] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that each signal received from a second type node device will have a signal strength level that is affected by a variety of factors, including the distance between the first type node device and the second type node device, and possible sources of interference in the surrounding environment.

[0016] When a required number of signals are received from the second type node device, the first type node device calculates a proportion of the received signals having a signal strength level higher than a predetermined signal strength threshold, and the proportion can indirectly indicate the distance between the first type node device and the second type node device, because the signal strength level is affected by such distance.

[0017] To ensure that the association is performed properly, the method further compares the calculated percentage to a threshold percentage, and the first type node device and the second type node device are associated with each other only if the calculated percentage is higher than the threshold percentage.

[0018] Associating a first type node device with a second type node device means that the first type node device is configured to react (in other words, respond) to messages from the second type node device by performing a certain function, such as lighting up if the first type node device is a lighting device.

[0019] The above described method allows a first type of node device, such as a lighting device, in a network to automatically associate itself with a second type of node device, such as a motion sensor, deployed in the same network based on calculations performed on signals received from the second type of node device. The association allows the first type of node device and the second type of node device to interact with each other to realize applications designed for the network.

[0020] The method does not require a special commissioning process as described in the Background section, and enables a first node device to automatically associate with a second node device, which helps to reduce the overall investment required for a network such as a lighting system, which in turn promotes easy application of the lighting system and is beneficial for business promotion of more advanced applications such as light-on-demand services.

[0021] Excellent distance control is achieved by the above method through two thresholds, namely, a signal strength level threshold and a percentage threshold, which ensures that a second type node device is associated with a first type node device only if the signal strength level of the signal that the second type node device transmits to the first type node device is always higher than the signal strength level threshold.

[0022] In one example of the present disclosure, the method further comprises: comparing signal strength levels of further signals received from the second type node device; determining that a signal strength level of the received further signal differs from a signal strength level of the previously received signal by at least a determined amount; repeating the steps of claim 1 for a second number of signals from a second type of node device; Includes.

[0023] An existing association between a first type node device and a second type node device may need to be re-evaluated and re-associated / disassociated due to various reasons, such as deployment of additional devices in the network, adjustment of response (i.e., reactive) distances configured for the first and second type node devices, or a change in location of the first and / or second type node devices, etc. In this case, the re-evaluation may be triggered by receiving an additional signal having a signal strength level that differs from the signal strength level of a previously received signal by at least a certain determined amount.

[0024] Reassociation (and possibly de-association) may occur based on the same, a greater, or a lesser number of signals from the second type of node device.

[0025] To verify the existing association and ensure that the association is correct and stable, the re-evaluation and re-association may be based on a larger number of signals from the second type node device, which may increase the accuracy and reliability of the re-association. Such re-association helps ensure that the association between the first type node device and the second type node device remains stable and reliable.

[0026] In one example of the present disclosure, the additional signal is received from the second type node device as a result of a transmission power adjustment switch of the second type node device being operated.

[0027] It may occur that a network owner wants to adjust the response (in other words, reaction) distance or range between a first type node device and a second type node device, which is generally achieved by adjusting the transmission power of the second type node device. Such adjustment can be achieved by operating a transmission power adjustment switch of the second type node device. As an example, reducing the transmission power of the second type node device allows the first type node device to associate with, and therefore respond to, the second type node device within a smaller range.

[0028] In one example of the present disclosure, the first and second number of signals are received consecutively from the second type node device as a result of a control button of the second type node device being operated.

[0029] It can be envisioned by those skilled in the art that the method may be performed by the first type node device "accumulating" a required number of signals from the second type node device over time. However, a more efficient way of performing the method is to operate a control button of the second type node device such that the first or second number of signals are transmitted continuously for a relatively short period of time, such as a few minutes. This is particularly advantageous for the configuration of the network immediately after the deployment of the node devices.

[0030] In one example of the present disclosure, the method further comprises: ranking a plurality of signals respectively received from a plurality of second-type node devices to be associated with the first-type node device in descending order according to signal strength levels of the plurality of signals; associating the first type node device with a limited number of highest-ranked second type node devices among a plurality of second type node devices; Includes.

[0031] This helps to limit the maximum number of node devices of a second type that a node device of a first type may react to, thereby ensuring that a node device of a first type only reacts to node devices of a second type within a reasonable range, preventing overlong distance reactions that are neither necessary nor desirable.

[0032] Those skilled in the art will understand that the signals received from the second-type node devices to be associated with the first-type node device may be ranked in ascending order, in which case a limited number of the lowest-ranked second-type node devices are associated with the first-type node device.

[0033] In one example of the present disclosure, each first type node device is configured to communicate with each second type node device via a preconfigured device credential.

[0034] Theoretically, the second type node device and the first type node device may be manufactured by different parties, but in practice, a more preferred application scenario is that both types of node devices are from the same supplier, allowing the first type and the second type node devices to be pre-configured with common credentials, such as a common device key. Such a device key allows completely eliminating the commissioning requirement with human intervention for networks including the first and second types of node devices. This is especially beneficial in saving the cost of configuring a network including a large number of node devices, such as a large parking lot with many lighting devices and motion sensors.

[0035] In one example of the present disclosure, the wireless communication modules of the first and second type node devices include a Zigbee (registered trademark) module or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (BLE) module.

[0036] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a wireless communication module operating according to an appropriate short-range wireless communication protocol as described above can be conveniently implemented in a node device at a reasonable cost without the need for a specially designed communication module.

[0037] In one example of the present disclosure, the signal strength level includes a receive signal strength indicator (RSSI).

[0038] This is a parameter commonly used to represent the signal strength level of a signal and may be used conveniently in this disclosure.

[0039] In one example of the present disclosure, the first type of node device includes a lighting device and the second type of node device includes a sensing device, particularly a motion sensor.

[0040] A particularly interesting application scenario for the method of the present disclosure is a lighting network with both lighting devices and other types of devices that need to interact with the lighting devices. Such lighting systems can be operated according to the method of the present disclosure without the high costs associated with commissioning.

[0041] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a lighting device deployed as a first type node device in a network including a plurality of first type node devices and a plurality of second type node devices operatively interconnected with each other, and performing a method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0042] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a sensing device including a wireless communication module and associated with a lighting device by a method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the sensing device further comprising: a transmission power adjustment switch for adjusting the transmission power of the sensing device; a control button for sequentially transmitting a plurality of signals; The present invention provides a sensing device comprising:

[0043] The transmission power adjustment switch of the sensing device allows the transmission power of the sensing device to be adjusted as needed, which allows association between the lighting device and the sensing device to be made based on a desired reaction (in other words, interaction) distance.

[0044] The control button allows the association procedure method to be completed in a short time, which is particularly convenient for newly installed lighting networks that include such sensing devices.

[0045] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides a network system including a plurality of first type node devices and a plurality of second type node devices operatively interconnected with each other, each first type node device and each second type node device including a wireless communication module, each first type node device configured to communicate with each second type node device by a pre-configured device key, and the first type node devices are associated with the second type node devices according to a method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0046] In one example of the present disclosure, the network system includes a lighting system, the first type of node device includes a lighting device, and the second type of node device includes a sensing device.

[0047] In one example of the present disclosure, the sensing device includes a motion sensor.

[0048] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure provides a computer program product including a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform a method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0049] The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be best understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate identical parts or parts performing the same or equivalent functions or operations, and in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0050] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a network including a plurality of first type node devices and a plurality of second type node devices to be associated in accordance with the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates generally one embodiment of a sensing device operating in a network of operatively interconnected node devices configured in accordance with the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 2 illustrates, in a flow chart type diagram, an embodiment of a method for associating a first type node device and a second type node device in the network shown in FIG. 1 according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a lighting device implementing the association method according to the present disclosure; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0051] 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 being limited to only the embodiments described herein. Rather, the illustrated embodiments are provided as examples to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

[0052] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a network 10 including a plurality of first type node devices 11 and a plurality of second type node devices 12. The network 10 may be, for example, a lighting system for a parking lot, such as an outdoor parking space, with a number of lighting devices 11. The lighting system 10 may further include a plurality of motion sensors 12 so that a light-on-demand application may be implemented, which helps to save not only power consumption but also the associated costs for the power required to light the parking space.

[0053] It can be envisioned by those skilled in the art that the second type of node device may include other sensors, such as acoustic sensors, ambient sensors such as temperature and humidity sensors, cameras, etc., depending on the services and applications the network is designed to provide.

[0054] In the case of a lighting system providing a light-on-demand service, a motion sensor, which may be deployed as a node device of a second type, triggers a certain number of lighting devices or luminaires, deployed as node devices of a first type, within a certain distance, such as within the communication range of the motion sensor. As an example, when the motion sensor detects the presence of a pedestrian or vehicle in its sensing range, the motion sensor sends a message to some lighting devices in its vicinity so that the lighting devices turn on, thereby allowing the pedestrian or the driver of the vehicle to clearly see the surroundings.

[0055] On the other hand, one lighting fixture or lighting device may react (i.e., respond) to several motion sensors that are placed at a certain distance from the lighting fixture or lighting device. Typically, a lighting fixture decides whether to turn on or not based on the received signal power of the message, i.e., signal, it receives from the motion sensor, which is typically inversely related to the distance between the lighting fixture and the motion sensor.

[0056] Both the lighting device and the sensor are configured with a communication module, such as a Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver module, that allows the lighting device and the sensor to communicate with each other.

[0057] If both the lighting device and the motion sensor are manufactured by the same manufacturer, the lighting device and the motion sensor may be pre-configured with a common device key so that they can communicate with each other once installed and powered up.

[0058] If the motion sensor is from a third party, the lighting device and the motion sensor may be configured to communicate with each other after installation, for example via a shared device key.

[0059] It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the communication module of a lighting device, such as an RF module integrated into a driver of a lighting fixture, usually has a sensitivity lower than, for example, -90 dBm. In the present disclosure, the signal strength level threshold of the signal received by the lighting device from the sensing device is designed to be much higher than the lower limit of the sensitivity of the RF module of the lighting device, such as -66 dBm. This means that the RF module of the lighting device receives most of the signals from the sensing device in the target distance range, but the lighting device only reacts (in other words, responds or is triggered) after determining or evaluating the received signal strength.

[0060] FIG. 2 illustrates generally one embodiment of a sensing device 20 operating in a network of operatively interconnected node devices configured in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0061] The sensing device 20 includes a primary sensing device 210 that includes a sensing element 241. Depending on the sensing technology used, the sensing element 241 may include, for example, a microwave transceiver or an ultrasonic transducer.

[0062] The main device 210 of the sensing device 20 operates a short-range communication interface 251, such as a network adapter or transceiver module, implemented for example as part of an MCU, and configured for short-range wireless (252) or wired (253) exchange of messages or data packets with other node devices in the network, such as lighting devices. Network protocols for exchanging data with the networked devices or nodes may include ZigBee, Bluetooth, and WiFi based protocols for wireless networks, as well as wired bus networks such as DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface), DSI (Digital Serial Interface), DMX (Digital Multiplex), and KNX (or a KNX-based system), as well as other proprietary protocols, etc.

[0063] The main device 210 of the sensing device 20 further includes at least one microprocessor (μP) or controller 245 and at least one data repository or storage or memory 246 for storing address information of other node devices and the sensing device itself, such as node device identifiers (IDs) 247, Media Access Control (MAC) addresses, and subscriber information, among others. The repository 246 also stores network credentials for the network that includes the sensing device 20. Instead of the repository 246, another memory or storage accessible to the at least one processor or controller 245 may be provided.

[0064] At least one microprocessor or controller 245 communicatively interacts with and controls the sensing element 241, the short-range communications interface 251, and at least one repository or storage 246 via an internal data communications and control bus 248 of the main device 210 of the sensing device 20.

[0065] For example, the microprocessor or controller 245 receives a signal from the sensing element 241 and determines whether an object is present in the vicinity of the sensing device 20. If an object is detected, the microprocessor or controller 245 controls the short-range communication interface 251 so that a signal, in other words a message, is sent to another node device in the network, such as a lighting device, to turn on the lighting device.

[0066] The sensing device 20 further includes a transmission power adjustment switch 230 connected to the short-range communication interface 251 via an internal data communication and control bus 248. The transmission power adjustment switch 230 is designed to change the transmission power, i.e. the transmission signal strength, of the sensing device 20, which allows the interaction (in other words, reaction) distance between the sensing device 20 and the lighting devices in the network to be adjusted as needed.

[0067] In accordance with the present disclosure, a sensing device having a transmission power different from its previous transmission power will be recognized as a new device by the lighting device associated with the sensing device, causing the association to be evaluated and re-associated or disassociated accordingly, as described later in this specification.

[0068] The sensing device 20 further includes a control button 220, referred to herein as a learn button, which is connected to the microprocessor or controller 245 via an internal data communication and control bus 248. The learn button 220 is designed to be placed on the surface of the sensor device 20. When the learn button 220 is pressed, the sensing device 20 continuously transmits (in other words, sends out) thousands of signals in succession within a short period of time so that the association procedure according to the present disclosure described below gets accelerated.

[0069] According to an exemplary algorithm, when the control button 220 is pressed, the sensing device transmits 100 signals with three start signals and three end signals within a time period of 1 minute 46 seconds. This can be useful for quick association or commissioning. The association can be updated with signals collected over a longer period of actual operation.

[0070] FIG. 3 illustrates, in a flow chart type diagram, one embodiment of a method for associating a first type node device and a second type node device in the network shown in FIG. 1 according to the present disclosure.

[0071] A network including a first type node device and a second type node device is installed and powered up. The first type node device and the second type node device may be from the same supplier. In this case, each first type node device and each second type node device are pre-configured to automatically communicate with each other after being powered on. If the first type node device and the second type node device are from different suppliers, the first type node device and the second type node device are configured to communicate with each other using a shared security key after being powered up.

[0072] 3, in step 31, a first type of node device, such as a lighting device in a lighting system, receives a number of signals, such as broadcast messages, from a second type of node device, such as a sensing device, such as a motion sensor. It can be assumed by those skilled in the art that each signal from the second type of node device has a signal strength level, such as a receive signal strength indicator (RSSI).

[0073] The signal strength level of the received signal represents and is affected by the distance between the first type node device and the second type node device, and is used to determine whether the first type node device associates with the second type node device.

[0074] Associating a first type node device and a second type node device enables the first type node device to react to (in other words, respond to or be triggered by) messages received from the second type node device. For optimal operation of a network such as a lighting system, it is important that proper distance control between the first type node device and the second type node device is achieved so that the first type node device can react to the second type node device within a reasonable range.

[0075] Typically, a signal, in other words, a message, is configured to be sent from the second type node device to the first type node device when a certain condition is met, such as when a motion sensor detects the presence of a pedestrian or vehicle, in which case it takes a long time for the first type node device to receive / collect / accumulate enough signals, such as 500 signals, from the second type node device to determine whether association with the second type node device is required.

[0076] In the sensing device 20 described with reference to FIG. 2, the control button 220 may be used to control the sensing device 20 such that multiple signals are transmitted to a first type of node device within a short period of time.

[0077] In step 32, the first type node device calculates the percentage of received signals having a signal strength level above a predetermined signal strength threshold.

[0078] Typically, the signal strength threshold is set to be sufficiently higher than the lower limit of the sensitivity of the first type node device, which ensures that the first type node device is only triggered by a sufficiently strong signal from the second type node device. This can be used to control response actions so that the first type node device is not triggered by a second type node device that is too far away.

[0079] The first type node device compares the signal strength level of each signal received from the second type node device and counts the number of received signals having a signal strength level higher than a predetermined signal strength threshold. The first type node device then determines a percentage of the received signals having a signal strength level higher than the predetermined signal strength threshold.

[0080] In step 33, the first type node device determines whether the calculated percentage is higher than a defined percentage threshold. If the determination result is positive, the first type node device associates itself with the second type node device in step 34. The association includes configuring the first type node device to react to messages from the second type node device.

[0081] The percentage threshold may be selected based on a desired reaction, or in other words, a response distance, between the first type node device and the second type node device. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the higher the percentage threshold, the smaller the reaction distance (or in other words, the range) and vice versa. The percentage threshold may be set, for example, to 60%.

[0082] The above-mentioned method is called an environment learning procedure executed by a first type node device. As an example, the first type node device is a lighting device or a lighting fixture. When a lighting device is associated with a motion sensor or the like, it adds the address of the motion sensor to a "white list" maintained by the lighting device, which allows the lighting device to respond to (in other words, react to or be triggered by) messages from the motion sensor.

[0083] Each first type node device in the network is configured to execute the above method, so that associations between the first type node devices and the second type node devices in the network are efficiently and automatically established, without requiring commissioning performed by specially trained field engineers, which helps to greatly reduce the cost of the overall system.

[0084] It can be envisioned by those skilled in the art that a first type node device may be associated with multiple second type node devices. In order to ensure that more accurate and stable association is performed, the first type node device may rank the multiple signals respectively received from the multiple second type node devices in descending order according to the signal strength levels of the multiple signals, and associate with only a limited number of the highest ranked second type node devices among the multiple second type node devices. This is advantageous when long-distance responses, in other words, reactions, should be avoided.

[0085] When the physical environment of a network including the first and second type node devices is stable, the associations between the first type node devices and the second type node devices, such as sensor-luminaire mapping, are stable.

[0086] The association, in other words the mapping, may be updated and re-evaluated by using more signals received from node devices of the second type. In a realistic application, the lighting device would record all received signal strengths with more signals, e.g. 1000 signals, and calculate and adjust the sensor whitelist in a later separate association procedure.

[0087] For example, the number of signals used for the above-described association method may start from 100 and be increased step by step to 500 and then to 1000 in order to perform a more accurate and stable association.

[0088] When the second type node device is the sensing device 20 described above, the transmission power adjustment switch 230 of the sensing device may be used to adjust the transmission power of the sensing device, which allows the reaction between the lighting device and the sensing device, in other words, the response distance, to be controlled and adjusted as needed.

[0089] It should be noted that a sensing device with a different transmit power is treated as a new device and therefore association is performed again, possibly based on more signals being received from the sensing device.

[0090] FIG. 4 illustrates generally one embodiment of a first type node device 40 operating in a network of operatively interconnected node devices configured in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0091] The node device 40 includes a controller or control device 410 and a load, such as a lighting fixture or lighting device 420, including a lighting module 421, preferably a Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting module or a plurality of LED lighting modules. The operation of the load may be controlled by the control device 410 from or via a remote control device, such as a remote or back-end server (not shown).

[0092] The control device 410 operates a long-range communication interface 441, such as a first network adapter or transceiver (Tx / Rx 1) module, implemented for example as part of a cellular modem and configured for direct wireless message or data packet exchange 442 with a remote control device or a back-end server. The long-range communication interface 441 typically operates according to other long-range wireless communication technologies, such as, for example, mobile communication system technologies in licensed frequency bands, such as 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G cellular communications, as well as known as LoRaWAN communications, etc. However, the long-range communication interface 441 may also operate according to a proprietary wireless communication protocol or technology.

[0093] The long range communications interface 441 may be configured for wired message exchange 443, such as an Ethernet connection and data exchange over the Internet, etc.

[0094] Furthermore, the control device 410 operates a short-range communication interface 451, such as a second network adapter or transceiver (Tx / Rx 2) module, implemented for example as part of the MCU and configured for short-range wireless (452) or wired (453) exchange of messages or data packets with other node devices in the network, i.e. so-called inter-node device communication. Network protocols for exchanging data with the networked devices or nodes may include ZigBee, Bluetooth, and WiFi based protocols for wireless networks, as well as wired bus networks such as DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface), DSI (Digital Serial Interface), DMX (Digital Multiplex), and KNX (or KNX-based systems), as well as other proprietary protocols, etc.

[0095] Furthermore, the control device 410 includes at least one microprocessor (μP) or controller 445 and at least one data repository or storage or memory 446 for storing address information of other node devices and the node device itself, such as node device identifiers (IDs) 447, Media Access Control (MAC) addresses, and subscriber information, among others. The repository 446 also stores network credentials for the network including the node device 40. Instead of the repository 446, another memory or storage accessible to the at least one processor or controller 445 may be provided.

[0096] At least one microprocessor or controller 445 communicatively interacts with and controls the long-range communications interface 441, the short-range communications interface 451, and at least one repository or storage 446 via an internal data communications and control bus 448 of the control device 410.

[0097] When the node device 40 is deployed in a network as described with reference to the present disclosure, at least one microprocessor or controller 445 may operate to perform the methods described above.

[0098] The lighting fixtures or lighting devices 420 connect 444 to a data communication and control bus 448 and are controlled from the data communication and control bus 448 by at least one microprocessor or controller 410 .

[0099] The above described method is applicable to various application scenarios involving a first type node device connected to a second type node device, such as a parking lighting system with motion sensors implementing a lighting on demand service.

[0100] In the following text, a lighting system for such a parking application is described, which includes a group of luminaires controlled by motion sensors.

[0101] The advantages of such lighting system are plug and play, no debugging, no network, no software, no trouble after maintenance, easy to realize energy saving and emission reduction. At the same time, according to the customer's requirements, the broadcast range of the sensor detection signal, the safe working illuminance of the lighting fixture and the holding time of the background level can be set by the combination key of the sensor dial-up switch on the site. It is easy to achieve intelligent control and dimming, energy saving.

[0102] It is described in two aspects: the main elements of the lighting system and the realization of the lighting system.

[0103] Key elements of the lighting system Key system feature In parking applications, no commissioning is required for grouping, and luminaires respond to sensor signals within a certain distance range by default. A luminaire can be controlled by multiple sensors in close proximity. In a typical environment, the default control distance of a sensor is about 12-15m. Since wireless signals are greatly affected by the environment, including materials, blocking, and signal interference, the control distance may have tolerance in different application cases and different directions.

[0104] System parameters setting 1. Hold time: Set the hold time via the DIP switch 2. Background level: Set the background level via the DIP switch 3.Typical control distance: Configure the control distance via DIP switches: Max Height: 12~15 meters High: 8~12 meters Middle: 5~8 meters Low: 3~5 meters Typical control distances are based on an indoor parking environment with no influences on the sensor wireless signal (e.g., wireless interference, metal shielding, etc.) Field environment influences may shorten or lengthen the control distance.

[0105] Automatic grouping of sensors and lighting fixtures ( Sensor-luminaire Auto Grouping ) After the luminaires and sensors are installed and the system starts working, the sensors will auto group the luminaires around them. It takes about 1-3 days by default to complete the auto grouping. Before auto grouping, some luminaires may get random response when motion is detected. After grouping is done, the sensors and luminaires have a solid wireless connection.

[0106] Sensor-Luminaire Manual Grouping Press and hold the sensor button for 5-10 seconds to group / regroup the sensor with a fixture. The grouping process takes approximately 2 minutes. In one embodiment, only one sensor at a time is allowed in the manual grouping process.

[0107] Realization of the lighting system System Activation Ecoset wireless luminaires activation: By default, the luminaire operates at 100% light level until it receives a motion signal from a nearby Ecoset wireless sensor, the luminaire starts counting the hold time and dims to 20% if no further motion signal is received. Ecoset wireless sensor activation: When the sensor battery is installed, it takes about 40 seconds for sensor startup, then short press the sensor button, the sensor will activate the system feature after 1 minute. If the sensor button is not pressed, the sensor will auto activate the system feature after 24 hours of battery installation. The sensor should be activated by short pressing the sensor button after installation, which will start the automatic grouping of the luminaires.

[0108] System behavior After the luminaire is shipped from the factory, installed, and powered on, the luminaire operates continuously at 100% light output. After the sensor is installed nearby and activated, the lighting fixture activates the dimming function upon first receiving a motion signal from the sensor. If no motion signal is received after a hold time, the lighting fixture dims. After the fixture is activated, each time the fixture is powered on, it will take 2 minutes for system warm-up and the fixture will maintain 100% light level and then initiate the dimming function if no motion is detected. In a low battery state, the sensor will lose motion detection functionality and the sensor indicator will flash twice every 30 seconds. If the lighting fixture continues to operate at background levels for 24 hours without receiving a signal from the motion sensor, the lighting fixture will revert to operating at 100% light level. System working behavior: The luminaire will turn on at 100% level if motion is detected, and the luminaire will continuously dim to background level after a hold time if no motion is detected.

[0109] The present disclosure is not limited to the examples disclosed above, but can be modified and extended by those skilled in the art beyond the scope of the present disclosure disclosed in the appended claims, without the need to apply inventive skills, for use in any data communication, data exchange and data processing environment, system or network.

Claims

1. A method for associating a first type node device and a second type node device in a network, wherein the network comprises a plurality of first type node devices and a plurality of second type node devices that are operably interconnected with each other, each first type node device and each second type node device comprises a wireless communication module, and the method is performed by the first type node device. The steps include receiving a first number of signals, each having a signal strength level, from a second type of node device, The steps include: calculating the percentage of received signals having a signal intensity level higher than a predetermined signal intensity threshold; If the aforementioned ratio is higher than a threshold ratio, the first type of node device is associated with the second type of node device by configuring the first type of node device to respond to messages from the second type of node device; A method including, This method is The steps include comparing the signal intensity levels of further signals received from the second type of node device, The steps include determining that the signal intensity level of the received further signal differs from the signal intensity level of the previously received signal by at least a determined amount, The steps of calculating and associating are repeated for a second number of signals from the second type of node device, Methods that include...

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the further signal is received from the second type of node device as a result of the operation of the transmit power adjustment switch of the second type of node device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second number of signals are received sequentially from the second type of node device as a result of the operation of a control button on the second type of node device.

4. The aforementioned association step is, The method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising associating the first type of node device with a number of second type node devices by configuring the first type of node device to respond to messages from each of a number of second type node devices.

5. This method is The steps of ranking a plurality of signals received from a plurality of second-type node devices to be associated with a first-type node device in descending or ascending order according to the signal intensity levels of the plurality of signals, The steps of associating the first type of node device with a limited number of the highest or lowest rank second type node devices among the plurality of second type node devices, The method according to claim 4, including the method described in claim 4.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each node device of the first type is configured to communicate with each node device of the second type by pre-configured device credentials.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wireless communication module of the first and second types of node devices includes a Zigbee® module or a Bluetooth® Low Energy module, and the signal strength level includes a received signal strength indicator.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first type of node device includes a lighting device, and the second type of node device includes a sensing device, in particular a motion sensor.

9. A lighting device that performs the method according to claim 1 or 2.

10. A sensing device comprising a wireless communication module and associated with a lighting device by the method described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensing device is A transmit power adjustment switch for adjusting the transmit power of the sensing device, A control button for continuously transmitting multiple signals, Sensing devices, including [specific components / features].

11. A network system comprising a plurality of first type node devices and a plurality of second type node devices that are operably interconnected with one another, wherein each first type node device and each second type node device includes a wireless communication module, and the first type node devices are associated with the second type node devices according to the method described in claim 1 or 2.

12. The network system according to claim 11, wherein the network system includes a lighting system, a first type of node device includes a lighting device, and a second type of node device includes a sensing device.

13. The network system according to claim 12, wherein the sensing device includes a motion sensor.

14. A computer program product comprising a computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions causing a first type of node device to perform the method according to claim 1 or 2, when executed on at least one processor included in a first type of node device.

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