How to detect air conditions in an area via multiple devices

Abstract

1. A method for detecting atmospheric conditions in an area via a plurality of devices, each of the plurality of devices transmitting, receiving, and / or processing radio frequency signals in a predetermined frequency band, the radio frequency signals being affected by atmospheric conditions, the method comprising: transmitting, by a first device of the plurality of devices, a first radio frequency signal intended for reception by a second device of the plurality of devices for performing a network communication function between the first device and a second device of the plurality of devices over a period of time; receiving, by the second device, the transmitted first radio frequency signal; and processing, by the second device, the received first radio frequency signal for performing the network communication function, the method further comprising: selecting a third device of the plurality of devices based on the third device's physical location relative to an area in which atmospheric conditions are to be detected; receiving, at the third device, the transmitted first radio frequency signal; and processing, by the third device, the received first radio frequency signal to determine the extent to which atmospheric conditions in the area are affecting the first RF signal.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for detecting atmospheric conditions in an area via a plurality of devices The present invention further relates to a system and a computer program product for detecting atmospheric conditions in an area via a plurality of devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Connected lighting refers to a system of one or more lighting devices that are not (or are not only) controlled by traditional wired, electrical on-off or dimming circuits, but are controlled using wired or more often wireless connections, e.g., data communication protocols over wired or wireless networks. These connected lighting networks form what is generally known as the Internet of Things (IoT), and more specifically the Internet of Lighting (IoL). Typically, lighting devices, and even individual lamps within a lighting device, may each include a wireless receiver or transceiver for receiving lighting control commands from a lighting control device according to a wireless network protocol such as Zigbee, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

[0003] Recent advances in wireless networking technology have led to the development of reliable, low-cost, high-performance radios that operate in what was previously an exotic domain: the millimeter wave (mm wave) frequency band, which includes the radio frequency (RF) spectrum band between 30 GHz and 300 GHz. The name "millimeter wave" comes from the fact that the wavelengths in this band range from approximately 10 mm to less than 1 mm. While much of the mm wave spectrum is licensed, the portion of the spectrum around 60 GHz is freely available for communication and is currently being addressed by the standards task force IEEE 802.11ay.

[0004] Many areas of communication are moving to mmWave to escape the crowded 2.4GHz and 5GHz spectrum and enable broadband communications. mmWave has many interesting properties, for example, it is possible to not only communicate at this frequency, but also to measure air quality. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The inventors have recognised that both RF-based air quality measurements and RF-based network communications can be beneficially provided via multiple devices in a wireless network that are spatially distributed within an area. It is an object of the present invention to provide improved air quality detection within an area using multiple (spatially distributed) devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect, the object is achieved by a method of detecting atmospheric conditions in an area via a plurality of devices, each of the plurality of devices transmitting, receiving and / or processing radio frequency signals in a predetermined frequency band, the radio frequency signals being affected by the atmospheric conditions, the method comprising the steps of transmitting, by a first device of the plurality of devices, a first radio frequency signal intended for reception by a second device for performing a network communication function between the first device and a second device of the plurality of devices during a period of time, receiving, by the second device, the transmitted first radio frequency signal, and processing, by the second device, the received first radio frequency signal for performing the network communication function, the method further comprising the steps of selecting a third device of the plurality of devices based on a physical location of the third device relative to the area in which the atmospheric conditions are to be detected, receiving at the third device the transmitted first radio frequency signal, and processing, by the third device, the received first radio frequency signal to determine the extent to which the atmospheric conditions in the area are affecting the first radio frequency signal.

[0007] The method includes transmitting a first radio frequency signal by a first device and receiving the first radio frequency signal by a second device. The first radio frequency signal is intended for the second device to perform a network communication function for a period of time. In one example, the first radio frequency signal may include a 60 GHz signal, and the predetermined frequency band may include a millimeter (mm) wave band, e.g., 30 GHz to 300 GHz. The radio frequency signal has a characteristic that is susceptible to atmospheric conditions in an area through which the signal travels from the first device transmitting the signal to the second / third device receiving the signal. The first device and the second device of the plurality of devices may be part of a communication network and may have a communication link therebetween at least during the period of time. The communication link may be a communication channel connecting two or more communication devices.

[0008] Among the plurality of devices, the third device may be selected based on the third device's physical location relative to the area in which the atmospheric conditions are to be detected. The third device may be located within or near the area. The atmospheric conditions may include atmospheric state, for example, the conditions may include atmospheric state in terms of one or more of detecting atmospheric pollutants, detecting gaseous substances in the air, measuring humidity, air moisture, rain, fog, snow, etc. Other examples of defining the atmospheric conditions known to those skilled in the art are not excluded. The selected third device receives the transmitted first radio frequency signal. In one example, the third device may sniff the first radio frequency signal. Further, the third device processes the received first radio frequency signal to determine the extent to which the atmospheric conditions in the area are affecting the first radio frequency signal, thus providing detection of the atmospheric conditions along the path of the first radio frequency signal transmission from the first device to the third device. Such atmospheric condition detection may be referred to as RF-based atmospheric conditions detection.

[0009] The extent to which the first radio frequency signal is affected by the atmospheric conditions is associated with detecting the atmospheric conditions. In a simple example, if the first radio frequency signal is affected, at least the atmospheric conditions, e.g., the presence (presence / absence) of an atmospheric pollutant, may be detected. In more advanced embodiments, the extent to which the first radio frequency signal is affected determines the amount of the atmospheric conditions (e.g., the amount of the atmospheric pollutant, measured in suitable units).

[0010] In one embodiment, the third device may not have a communication link connecting the third device with the first device and / or the second device, such that the first radio frequency signal is not targeted to the third device during said period.

[0011] In this example, the third device may not have a communication link with the first device and / or the second device during said time period. The third device may be part of a communication network including the first device and / or the second device, but does not have a communication link with the first device and / or the second device during said time period. The third device may have a communication link with the first device and / or the second device during a subsequent time period. Alternatively, the third device is not part of a communication network including the first device and / or the second device, but is capable of receiving and processing the first radio frequency signal.

[0012] In one embodiment, the third device may, during a subsequent period of time, transmit information regarding the detected atmospheric conditions to one or more devices of the plurality of devices and / or to an external device that is not part of the plurality of devices.

[0013] The third device may advantageously transmit information regarding the detected atmospheric conditions to one or more of the plurality of devices. The information may include the extent to which the first radio frequency signal is affected by the atmospheric conditions. Furthermore, one or more of the plurality of devices may transmit the detected atmospheric conditions to a central server. Additionally and / or alternatively, the third device may transmit the detected atmospheric conditions to an external device, for example a central server device located in the cloud.

[0014] In one embodiment, the selection of the third device from the plurality of devices may be further based on the physical location of the third device relative to the physical location of the first device and / or the second device.

[0015] To further improve air quality detection in an area, the selection of the third device may be further based on the physical location of the third device relative to the physical locations of the first device and / or the second device. For example, the selection may be based on the coverage range of the transmitted first radio frequency signal, and a third device having a physical location within the coverage range may be selected. This is advantageous because if the third device is placed outside the coverage range of the transmitted first radio frequency signal, the third device may not be able to receive the first radio frequency signal and thus may not be able to perform processing to detect the air condition. In another example, the physical location of the third device may be associated with the transmission direction of the first radio frequency signal such that the third device is located along the transmission direction.

[0016] In one embodiment, the third device may include an airborne device, and the at least one airborne device may be selected based on an altitude difference between the selected at least one airborne device and the first device and / or the second device.

[0017] If the altitude of the area where atmospheric conditions are to be monitored is high compared to the altitude of the first device and / or the second device, the airborne devices may be used for RF-based atmospheric condition detection. For example, the first device may transmit a first radio frequency signal and at least one airborne device may receive and / or process the first radio frequency signal for RF-based atmospheric condition detection.

[0018] In one embodiment, the selection of the third device from the plurality of devices may be further based on one or more of the hardware capabilities of the third device, wireless interference near the third device, an altitude of the third device, and an orientation of the third device.

[0019] In this embodiment, some further selection criteria are advantageously defined for the selection of the third device. For example, participation in RF-based atmospheric condition detection typically requires receiving wireless messages and / or processing received wireless messages. This requires additional processing and memory resources, and therefore it is beneficial to evaluate the available processing and memory resources as a selection criterion. Wireless interference in the vicinity of the third device may also be an important factor in selecting the third device. Evaluating criteria related to interference and reachability makes it possible to avoid devices that are likely to be subject to wireless interference that affects the device's ability to perform RF-based atmospheric condition detection, or that have been determined (e.g., based on historical data) to be subject to wireless interference. Additionally or alternatively, based on the area to be monitored, altitude may be an important factor for selecting the third device. For example, a third device installed at a high altitude, such as on a high ground in an urban area or on the roof of a high-rise building, may be suitable since it can cover a wider area.

[0020] In one embodiment, the method further includes receiving an input during the period or a subsequent period, the input indicating tracking information of an atmospheric pollutants layer for the area, and the selection of a third device of the plurality of devices may be further based on the tracking information from the received input.

[0021] If an input (indicative of tracking information of the atmospheric pollutants cloud) is received in a subsequent time period, the spatial location of the atmospheric pollutants cloud may be different than the spatial location in the previous time period. Selection of the third device may be based on the received input, e.g., a third device may be selected from the plurality of devices, e.g., based on a physical location relative to the atmospheric pollutants cloud. If the selected third device is no longer in the vicinity of the atmospheric pollutants cloud in the subsequent time period, the selected third device may stop processing the first radio frequency signal.

[0022] In one embodiment, the radio frequency signal may be modulated using a broad-band signal modulation technique for network communication.

[0023] In this embodiment, the network communications may use a wideband modulation method, such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), to generate a unique mixture of radio frequency signals. For example, if the first radio frequency signal is generated using a broad spectrum, atmospheric conditions along the path from the first device to the third device will characteristically affect the frequency mixture, thus improving detection quality.

[0024] In one embodiment, only a first device of the plurality of devices may be permitted to transmit during the period.

[0025] In this embodiment, during said period, only one device of the plurality of devices, for example the first device, may be allowed to transmit radio frequency signals, which is advantageous to reduce interference and further improve the quality of detection.

[0026] In one embodiment, the method may include selecting a spectral magnitude of a predetermined frequency band that exceeds a threshold value.

[0027] In one example, the predetermined frequency band may include a dedicated test spectrum having high spectral intensity at frequencies absorbed by specific pollutants or air compositions, which advantageously allows for more detailed analysis for RF-based air condition detection.

[0028] In one embodiment, the predetermined frequency band may include a calibrated test spectrum, and the first device may transmit the calibrated test spectrum randomly, periodically, or on request.

[0029] In this embodiment, a calibrated test spectrum may be used, allowing easier and more stable measurements, since a typical communication spectrum changes over time. To avoid occupying too much airtime, such a calibration spectrum may be transmitted randomly or periodically, for example once a day. To improve the analysis for a particular atmospheric condition or air pollution, a dedicated spectrum (or a class of these) may be used. This may be triggered, for example, when a regular observation of the spectrum gives a raw indication, and verify this observation with a second measurement cycle optimized for what was suspect in the first pass.

[0030] In one embodiment, the plurality of devices may include at least one lighting device, and the first radio frequency signal may include a lighting control command for controlling the lighting device.

[0031] In this advantageous embodiment, the plurality of devices may include at least one lighting device, e.g., an outdoor lighting device such as a light pole, or an indoor lighting device. In an outdoor environment, an infrastructure of light poles may be advantageously leveraged to use RF-based air condition detection in conjunction with RF-based network communications, which may be used to control the light output of the light poles. For example, the RF-based network communications may be used to control the color, color temperature, intensity, beam width, beam direction, illuminance, and / or other parameters of one or more light sources of the at least one lighting device.

[0032] According to a second aspect, the object is achieved by a third device for detecting atmospheric conditions in an area, the third device comprising a communication unit for transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals in a predetermined frequency band and a processing unit for processing the radio frequency signals to detect the atmospheric conditions, the processing may comprise determining the extent to which the atmospheric conditions in the area are affecting the radio frequency signals.

[0033] According to a third aspect, the object is achieved by a system for detecting atmospheric conditions via a plurality of devices in an area, each of the plurality of devices transmitting, receiving and / or processing radio frequency signals in a predetermined frequency band, the radio frequency signals being affected by the atmospheric conditions, the system comprising a controller for performing the steps of the method according to the first aspect, a first device and a second device according to the first aspect, and a third device according to the second aspect.

[0034] According to a fourth aspect, the above object is achieved by a computer program comprising instructions which, when said computer program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the method according to the first aspect.

[0035] It will be appreciated that the computer program products, systems and devices may have similar and / or identical embodiments and advantages as the methods described above. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036] The above and additional objects, features and advantages of the disclosed systems, devices and methods will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of embodiments of the systems, devices and methods, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1 illustrates, in a schematic and exemplary manner, one embodiment of a system for detecting atmospheric conditions in an area via multiple devices. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates, in a schematic and exemplary manner, one embodiment of a method for detecting atmospheric conditions in an area via multiple devices. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates, generally and exemplarily, a flow chart showing a method for detecting atmospheric conditions in an area via multiple devices. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates, diagrammatically and exemplarily, a device for detecting atmospheric conditions in an area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] All figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally show only those parts necessary to clarify the invention, other parts may be omitted or merely suggested.

[0038] Many areas of communication are moving to mmWave frequency bands to escape the crowded 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency band spectrum and enable broadband communication. For example, this could be last mile connectivity between locations with optical fiber access, such as the rooftop of a building, and a light pole using available data rates not only for lighting control, but also for public Wi-Fi installations, security camera image backhaul, or other data-intensive services.

[0039] Millimeter waves have many interesting properties, making it possible not only to communicate at these frequencies, but also, for example, to measure air quality. The millimeter wave (30-300 GHz) frequency band contains the fundamental rotational resonance frequencies of many molecular gases consisting of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. The high specificity of the rotational spectrum to organic molecules offers the possibility of using mm-wave spectroscopy for remote sensing of atmospheric conditions. Detection of chemicals in the atmosphere is becoming increasingly important in environmental monitoring, for example to monitor and / or measure air pollutants resulting from industrial waste, biodegradable waste, etc.

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates, in a schematic and exemplary manner, an embodiment of a system 100 for detecting atmospheric conditions in an area via a plurality of devices 110a-i in a wireless network. Each device 110a-i may transmit, receive, and / or process radio frequency signals in a predefined frequency band, for example, for RF-based network communication and for RF-based atmospheric condition detection. The predefined frequency band may include a millimeter wave frequency band. Millimeter wave (also referred to as millimeter band) is a band of spectrum between 30 gigahertz (GHz) and 300 GHz. The radio frequency signals may include 60 GHz signals. The RF-based network communication may include 60 GHz Wifi communication (WiGig), 5G technology, etc. Other wireless technologies using such mm waves known in the art are not excluded. The radio frequency signals may have characteristics that make them susceptible to being affected by atmospheric conditions in the area, such that when a first radio frequency signal travels from one device to another in the area, the characteristics are affected and can be observed at a receiving device. For example, the receiving device may process the received first radio frequency signal to determine an effect on a characteristic, where such determination may result in an atmospheric condition detection.

[0041] In FIG. 1, the devices 110a-i are exemplarily shown as light poles. The devices 110a-i may be sensor devices, gateways, or other types of devices with network communication capabilities. The devices 110a-i (light poles in this example) may be connected in a mesh network such that each of the devices 110a-i has a communication link 115 with a neighboring device 110a-i, as indicated by the dotted line 115 in FIG. 1. Other network topologies, such as star topologies, are also possible. In such a (lighting) system 100, the devices are not (or are not only) controlled by traditional wired, electrical on-off or dimming circuits, but are controlled using a data communication protocol, for example, via a wired or more wireless connection, e.g., a wired or wireless network, following a wireless networking protocol, such as Zigbee, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. Thus, the radio frequency signal may include a lighting control command for controlling (the light output of) the lighting devices 110a-i.

[0042] The atmospheric conditions 130 may include the state of the air. The atmospheric conditions may include air pollutants. Air pollutants 130 are substances that accumulate in the air to a degree that is harmful to living organisms or materials exposed to the air. Common air pollutants 130 include smoke, smog, and gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and hydrocarbon fumes. Gaseous pollutants are generally invisible, but solid or liquid pollutants in smoke and smog are easily seen. The atmospheric conditions may include rain (rainwater particles), fog, snow, and the like.

[0043] The first / second and / or third devices may be selected based on the physical location of the devices 110a-i relative to the area where the atmospheric conditions 130 are to be monitored. For example, the first devices may include device 110d included in the area where the atmospheric conditions 130 are to be monitored. The third device may include device 110b, and the selection may be based, for example, on the physical location of the third device 110b relative to the area where the atmospheric conditions 130 are to be detected. The selection of the third device may further be based on the relative physical location of the third device 110b relative to the physical location of the first and / or second device 110d. For example, the relative physical location may be related to the reachability of the first radio frequency signal.

[0044] The first device 110d may transmit a first radio frequency signal that may be affected by the atmospheric conditions 130 during a period of time. The first radio frequency signal is intended for reception by the second device 110e. The second device 110e may receive and process the first radio frequency signal for network communication. A third device 110b, which may not have a communication link with the first device 110d, may receive the first radio frequency signal transmitted by the first device 110d and process the received first radio frequency signal to determine the extent to which the atmospheric conditions in the area are affecting the first radio frequency signal. The extent to which the first radio frequency signal is affected may provide detection and monitoring of the atmospheric conditions 130 in the area. For example, the extent to which the first radio frequency signal is affected may relate to detecting the presence (presence / absence) of the air pollutant 130, detecting the amount of the air pollutant 130 in the air, etc. The atmospheric conditions may include gaseous substances in the air, humidity, air moisture, etc. Gaseous substances in the air may vary in concentration due to sunny day effects such as ozone, etc. Other examples of defining atmospheric conditions are not excluded. In one example, the first / second and / or third device may comprise a set of devices.

[0045] The selection of the first / second and / or third devices 110d, e, b may be further based on the hardware capabilities of the devices, for example, devices 110a-i having a transceiver supporting the mmWave frequency band and a processor processing the mmWave frequency band may be selected.

[0046] Wireless interference proximate to devices 110a-i may be an important factor in selecting the first / second and / or third devices 110d, e, b, because devices subject to high wireless interference may not be suitable for performing RF-based atmospheric condition 130 detection.

[0047] Furthermore, based on the area to be monitored, altitude may be considered in selecting the first / second and / or third devices 110d, e, b. For example, devices installed on the rooftop of a high-rise building may be candidates to perform RF-based atmospheric condition 130 detection and RF-based network communication at high altitudes to cover a wider area.

[0048] Further, the system 110 may include airborne devices 120, and at least one airborne device 120 may be selected as a third device based on an altitude difference between the selected at least one airborne device (third device) and the first and / or second device to detect the atmospheric condition 130. In this example, the airborne device 120 is a helicopter, but other types of airborne devices 120, such as drones, UAVs, air balloons, etc., may be used. In an alternative example, to perform RF-based atmospheric condition 130 detection, the airborne device 120 may operate as a first device that transmits a first radio frequency signal, and the other devices 110d, 110a, 110b, 110e, 110g, and 110h may operate as receivers that receive the first radio frequency signal and process the received first radio frequency signal to detect the atmospheric condition 130. Also, in one example, a satellite transmitter may be used. With such an example of a satellite transmitter, atmospheric conditions such as forest fires or volcanic eruptions can be detected with precision.

[0049] The system 100 may include a controller (not shown) that may be implemented in a unit separate from the devices 110a-i, such as a wall panel, a desktop computer terminal, or even a portable terminal such as a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Alternatively, the controller may be integrated in the same unit as the devices 110a-i. Furthermore, the controller may be implemented in an area or remotely from the area (e.g., on a server at different geographical sites), the controller may be implemented in a single unit, or in the form of a distributed function distributed among multiple separate units (e.g., a distributed server including multiple server units at one or more geographical sites, or a distributed control function distributed among the devices 110a-i). Furthermore, the controller may be implemented in the form of software stored in a memory (including one or more memory devices) and configured for execution on a processor (including one or more processing units), or the controller may be implemented in the form of a dedicated hardware circuit, or a configurable or reconfigurable circuit such as a PGA or FPGA, or any combination thereof.

[0050] In one example, the atmospheric condition 130 may be an air pollutant layer, e.g., a pollutant cloud such as airborne toxicity. An example of a pollutant cloud is an atmospheric brown cloud, which is created by various airborne particles and pollutants from combustion (e.g., wood stoves, automobiles, factories), biomass burning, and industrial processes involving incomplete combustion. During that period, the atmospheric detection is performed by a set of devices (e.g., the first / second and third devices).

[0051] In a subsequent time period, the spatial location of the air pollutant 130 may change relative to the area in a direction (not shown). The air pollutant cloud 130 may move, expand or shrink over time. An input including tracking information may be received in a subsequent time period. The input including tracking information may be generated by a (wireless) network including the multiple devices 110a-i or by an external network. The tracking information may include the spatial location of the (moving / expanding / shrinking) air pollutant 130 relative to the area. Based on the received input, the selected subset of devices (first / second and / or third devices) may be modified.

[0052] FIG. 2 shows, in a schematic and exemplary manner, an embodiment of a method for detecting atmospheric conditions in an area via a plurality of devices 210a-d. In a period t1, the first device 210a may transmit a first radio frequency signal intended for reception by the second device 210b to perform a network communication function between the first device 210a and the second device 210b. The network communication function may include a set of (communication) protocols that allow the plurality of devices 210a-d to communicate with each other and exchange data (e.g., information packets) regardless of hardware and operating system. The transmitted first radio frequency signal may be received by the second device 210b and processed by the second device 210b to perform the network communication function. In one example, the second device 210b may also transmit a radio frequency signal (indicated by a dotted line) intended for the first device 210. The transmission and reception may occur in a period t1. In this example diagram, the plurality of devices 210a-d may include light poles, and the first radio frequency signal may include a lighting control command for controlling (the light output of) the light poles.

[0053] The third device 210d may receive the transmitted first radio frequency signal. In one example, during time period t1, the third device 210d does not have a communication link with the first device 210a and / or the second device 210b. The third device 210d may not engage in communication with the first device 210a such that at least the first radio frequency signal is not intended for reception by the third device 210d. The third device 210d may, in one example, sniff the first radio frequency signal. The third device 210d may receive the first radio frequency signal along the path 220. The third device 210d may process the received first radio frequency signal to determine atmospheric conditions in the area during time period t1 and / or subsequent time periods.

[0054] In one example, depending on whether beamforming is used, a transmission from the second device 210b to the first device 210a may not be easily received by the third device 210d because the beamforming antenna focuses radio frequency energy in the direction of the first device 210a. However, if the first device 210a / second device 210b and the third device 210d are located, for example, in a straight line, the first radio frequency signal transmitted from the first device 210a to the second device 210b will be received with typical attenuation depending on atmospheric conditions and distance.

[0055] In one example, the (first) radio frequency signal may be modulated using a broad-band signal modulation technique for network communication. For example, if the network communication uses a broad spectrum method such as OFDM, a first radio frequency signal with a unique mixture of frequencies may be generated. The first radio frequency signal received by the second device 210b may not be affected as much by atmospheric conditions. Usually, these network communication techniques simply use a frequency composition that is not too low when transmitting to keep the SNR high.

[0056] However, because the first radio frequency signal must travel, e.g., a much longer distance 220, to the third device 210d, the transmission characteristics may characteristically affect the first radio frequency signal. If the third device 210d is aware of the original spectral composition of the first radio frequency signal and the composition monitored by the surrounding devices 210a-d, then a determination of atmospheric conditions, such as a particular resonating molecule density, can be inferred using the first radio frequency signal, much less actively generating a test radio frequency signal.

[0057] In one example, a first radio frequency signal received at the second device 210b (or another device 210c in the plurality of devices), e.g., a spectral composition of the first radio frequency signal, is compared to a first radio frequency signal received at the third device 210d to generate a frequency dependent attenuation. The third device 210d may process the received first radio frequency signal to determine the extent to which atmospheric conditions in the area are affecting the first radio frequency signal. Distance factors affecting the received first radio frequency signal may be obtained from an installation map at the time of installation to determine the effect of atmospheric conditions.

[0058] In one example, if the third device 210d includes a set of devices (not shown), the spectral composition may be collected from the set of devices at a central server (not shown), where correlated packet spectra may be processed. Differences in the spectral composition may be used to determine atmospheric conditions. Instead of using a central server, one of the devices from the selected set of third devices may be used to perform the processing.

[0059] The third device 210d may transmit information about the detected atmospheric conditions during a subsequent time period t2 to one or more of the plurality of devices 210a-d and / or to an external device (not shown) that is not part of the plurality of devices, which may be a central server.

[0060] FIG. 3 shows, in a schematic and exemplary manner, a flow chart illustrating a method 300 of detecting atmospheric conditions in an area via a plurality of devices 110a-i, each of which may transmit, receive, and / or process radio frequency signals in a predefined frequency band. The radio frequency signals may be affected by the atmospheric conditions. For example, the predefined frequency band may include a millimeter wave frequency band, and the radio frequency signals may include 60 GHz signals. Millimeter waves occupy a frequency spectrum between 30 GHz and 300 GHz. They are found in the spectrum between microwaves (1 GHz to 30 GHz) and infrared (IR) waves, and are sometimes referred to as extremely high frequency (EHF). The wavelength (λ) is in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm. The method 300 may include a step 310 of transmitting, by a first device 110d, 210a of the plurality of devices 110a-i, 210a-d, a first radio frequency signal intended for reception by a second device 110e, 210b for performing a network communication function between the first device 110d, 210a and a second device 110e, 210b of the plurality of devices 110a-i, 210a-d during a period of time t1. The method 300 may further include a step 320 of receiving, by the second device 110e, 210b, the first radio frequency signal transmitted, and a step 330 of processing, by the second device 110e, 210b, the received first radio frequency signal for performing a network communication function. To improve the accuracy of the detection of the atmospheric condition, only the first device 110d, 210a may be allowed to transmit during the period of time t1.

[0061] In one example, the spectral intensity of a given frequency band may be selected to exceed a threshold. Such high spectral intensity at frequencies absorbed by a particular pollutant or air composition may enable more detailed analysis. This may allow radio frequency energy to be intensified at interesting frequencies, which may be observed even at increased distances. In one example, such a spectral composition may be generated on demand only if initial results call for more detailed information. In another example, such a spectral composition burst may be a pre-computed data packet. In another example, the spectral composition at the first device 110d, 210a may be predetermined and known to multiple devices, for example to enable processing 360 at the third device 110b, 210d as well.

[0062] In one example, the predetermined frequency band may include a calibrated test spectrum, and the first device 110d, 210a may transmit the calibrated test spectrum randomly or periodically. Because a typical communication spectrum changes over time, a calibrated test spectrum may allow for easier and more stable measurements. To avoid occupying too much airtime, such a calibrated spectrum may be transmitted only infrequently, for example once a day.

[0063] The method 300 may further include a step 340 of selecting a third device 110b, 210d from the plurality of devices 110a-i, 210a-d based on a physical location of the third device 110b, 210d relative to an area in which the atmospheric conditions 130 are to be detected. The selection may further be based on radio frequency reachability of the first radio frequency signal, for example based on a physical location of the third device 110b, 210d relative to the first / second device. The method 300 may further include a step 350 of receiving the transmitted first radio frequency signal at the third device 110b, 210d, and a step 360 of processing the received first radio frequency signal by the third device 110b, 210d to determine the extent to which the atmospheric conditions 130 in the area are affecting the first radio frequency signal. The extent to which the first radio frequency signal is affected is, for example, proportional to the detection of the atmospheric conditions 130. In one example, two or more third devices 110b, 210d are selected 340. In another example, (all) devices having a physical location within or near an area in which atmospheric conditions are to be detected are selected 340. Alternatively and / or in addition to the selection 340 in the previous example, (all) devices capable of receiving the transmitted first wireless signal (e.g., with sufficient signal strength to process 360 the signal) are selected 340.

[0064] FIG. 4 shows, in a schematic and exemplary manner, a (third) device for detecting atmospheric conditions in an area. By way of example, the (third) device 410 is shown to be a lighting device or luminaire having a light source 411. The luminaire 410 is a device or structure configured to emit light suitable for illuminating an environment, providing or substantially contributing to a level of illumination suitable for that purpose. The luminaire 410 includes at least one light source 411 or lamp, such as an LED-based lamp, a gas discharge lamp or a filament bulb, and, optionally, any associated support, casing or other such housing. Each of the luminaires 410 may take any of a variety of forms, such as a ceiling-mounted luminaire, a wall-mounted luminaire, a wall washer, or a free-standing luminaire (the luminaires do not necessarily all have to be of the same type), an outdoor light pole, or the like.

[0065] The (third) device 410 may include a communication unit 413 for transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals in a predetermined frequency band. The communication unit 413 enables the device to communicate with other devices 110a-i, 210a-d and / or a central controller (not shown), such as a lighting controller and / or a Building Management System (BMS), via an input / output interface unit 414. The communication unit 413 may include a wireless transceiver and may provide communication at radio frequencies using protocols such as Wi-Fi (including 60 GHz WiGig), Bluetooth or Zigbee. The input / output interface 414 may be used to receive inputs at a later time, which may indicate air pollutant layer tracking information for a selected subset of devices.

[0066] The device 410 may include a memory unit 412, such as one or more Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Dynamic RAM (DRAM), Fast Cycle RAM (FCRAM), Static RAM (SRAM), Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM), Electrically EPROM (EEPROM), microcontroller, or microprocessor. The memory unit 412 may store the received first radio frequency signal for RF based atmospheric condition detection.

[0067] The device 410 may include a processing unit 415 for processing the first radio frequency signal. Some of the steps of the method 300 may be performed in the processing unit 415 of the (third) device 410.

[0068] The method 300 may be performed by computer program code in a computer program product when the computer program product is executed on a processing unit of a computing device, such as a controller of the system 100 .

[0069] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are illustrative rather than limiting of the invention, and that those skilled in the art can design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0070] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be interpreted as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer or processing unit. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain means are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these means cannot be used to advantage.

[0071] Aspects of the invention may be embodied in a computer program product, which may be a collection of computer program instructions stored on a computer-readable storage device that may be executed by a computer. The instructions of the invention may be any interpretable or executable code mechanism, including, but not limited to, a script, an interpretable program, a dynamic link library (DLL), or a Java class. The instructions may be provided as a complete executable program, a partial executable program, a modification (e.g., an update) to an existing program, or an extension (e.g., a plug-in) to an existing program. Additionally, parts of the processing of the invention may be distributed across multiple computers or processors, or a "cloud."

[0072] Suitable storage media for storing computer program instructions include all forms of non-volatile memory, including, but not limited to, EPROM, EEPROM and flash memory devices, magnetic disks such as internal and external hard disk drives, removable disks and CD-ROM disks. The computer program may be distributed on such storage media or may be made available for downloading via HTTP, FTP, email or a server connected to a network such as the Internet.

Claims

1. 1. A method of detecting atmospheric conditions in an area via a plurality of devices, each of the plurality of devices transmitting, receiving and / or processing radio frequency signals in a predetermined frequency band, the radio frequency signals being capable of being affected by atmospheric conditions; The method comprises: transmitting, by a first device of the plurality of devices, a first radio frequency signal intended for reception by a second device of the plurality of devices for performing a network communication function between the first device and the second device during a period of time; receiving, by the second device, the transmitted first radio frequency signal; processing, by the second device, the received first radio frequency signal to perform the network communication function; Including, The method further comprises: selecting a third device from the plurality of devices based on a physical location of the third device relative to an area in which atmospheric conditions are to be detected; receiving the transmitted first radio frequency signal at the third device; processing, by the third device, the received first radio frequency signal to determine the extent to which the atmospheric conditions in the area are affecting the first radio frequency signal; Including, wherein the third device does not have a communication link connecting the third device with the first device and / or the second device, such that the first radio frequency signal is not targeted to the third device during the period.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the third device transmits information about the detected atmospheric conditions at a subsequent period of time to one or more devices of the plurality of devices and / or to an external device that is not part of the plurality of devices.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the selection of the third device from the plurality of devices is further based on a physical location of the third device relative to a physical location of the first device and / or the second device.

4. 2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the third device includes an airborne device, and at least one airborne device is selected based on an altitude difference between the at least one selected airborne device and the first device and / or the second device.

5. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the selection of the third device from the plurality of devices is further based on one or more of the following: hardware capabilities of the third device, wireless interference near the third device, an altitude of the third device, an orientation of the third device, and currently available processing power.

6. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method includes receiving an input during the period or a subsequent period, the input indicating air pollutant layer tracking information for the area, and wherein selection of the third device from the plurality of devices is further based on the tracking information according to the received input.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the radio frequency signal is modulated using a wideband signal modulation technique for network communication.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein only the first device of the plurality of devices is permitted to transmit during the period of time.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method comprises selecting the spectral magnitudes of the predetermined frequency bands that exceed a threshold.

10. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined frequency band includes a calibrated test spectrum, and the first device transmits the calibrated test spectrum randomly, periodically, and / or on request.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of devices includes at least one lighting device, and the first radio frequency signal includes a lighting control command for controlling the lighting device.

12. 1. A system for detecting atmospheric conditions via a plurality of devices in an area, each of the plurality of devices transmitting, receiving and / or processing radio frequency signals in a predetermined frequency band, the radio frequency signals being capable of being affected by atmospheric conditions; The system is A controller for carrying out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11; a first device that transmits a first radio frequency signal intended for reception by a second device of the plurality of devices for performing a network communication function between the first device and the second device during a period of time; receiving the transmitted first radio frequency signal; and a second device that processes the received first radio frequency signal to perform the network communication function; and receiving the transmitted first radio frequency signal; and a third device that processes the received first radio frequency signal to determine the extent to which atmospheric conditions in the area are affecting the first radio frequency signal; and Including, The third device does not have a communication link connecting the third device with the first device and / or the second device, such that the first radio frequency signal is not targeted to the third device during the period.

13. A computer program comprising instructions which, when said computer program is executed by a computer, cause said computer to carry out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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