Method and system for identifying which network devices are attached to an attachment location

Abstract

To provide a system and a method of identifying which networked device in a set of networked devices is mounted at a first one of mounting locations of the set of networked devices known in a management server.SOLUTION: In a system, each networked device in the set of networked devices has a unique identifier. A predetermined sound is emitted using a loudspeaker of a portable device. Information specifying a first mounting location is further sent from the portable device to a management server. Upon detecting a predetermined sound using a microphone in a first networked device in the set of networked devices, the unique identifier of the first networked device is sent from the first networked device to the management server. At the management server, the unique identifier of the first networked device is then linked to the first mounting location.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to identifying which network devices of a set of network devices are attached to an attachment location of an attachment location of the set of network devices. [Background technology]

[0002] In a system in which a set of network devices are installed at respective installation locations, it may be advantageous to know which devices are installed where. Such network devices may be, for example, network speakers, network door stations, or network cameras. For example, if a set of network speakers is installed in a building such as a department store, it is typically desirable to know which speakers are installed where so that targeted sound messages can be emitted from the speakers at specific locations. For example, a specific message may be intended to be transmitted from one or more speakers installed in a specific department of the department store. In a typical scenario, each network device has a unique identifier, i.e., each network device has a unique identifier for that device. The unique identifier may be, for example, a serial number or a MAC address. Furthermore, the installation locations are predetermined and known to the management server. After installation, each network device can communicate with the management server, for example, through a network to which the installed network device can connect. The management server can then receive the unique identifiers from the network devices and thus know which network devices are connected to the network, but cannot know which network devices are located at which installation locations unless such links are created. In the prior art, this is typically done by identifying which network devices should be installed in which locations. However, such a procedure makes installing the network devices more cumbersome because the person installing the network devices must ensure that the correct network devices are installed in the correct locations, even if the network devices are identical except for a unique identifier. Furthermore, there is always a risk that some network devices will not be installed in their intended installation locations. This becomes particularly noticeable when there are a large number of network devices.Additionally, in some scenarios, the installer may not have knowledge of the network device other than how it should be physically installed. The unique identifier may also not be accessible by visual inspection, but may require a connection to the network device. Finally, when network devices are installed and it is noted that at least some of the network devices are not installed in their intended installation locations, the installation locations may be such that retrieving the unique identifiers of the network devices is difficult.

[0003] Therefore, improvements in this area are desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above, it is an object of the inventive concept to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies and drawbacks in the art singly or in any combination.

[0005] According to a first aspect, a method is provided for identifying which network device of a set of network devices is attached to a first attachment location of the set of network devices. Each network device of the set of network devices has a unique identifier, and the first attachment location is known to a management server. A predetermined sound is emitted using a speaker of a portable device, and the portable device transmits information identifying the first attachment location to the management server. Upon detecting the predetermined sound using a microphone in the first network device, the first network device transmits its unique identifier to the management server. In the management server, the unique identifier of the first network device is linked to the first attachment location.

[0006] A network device may be any type of device connected to a network so as to be able to communicate information within the network. Such a network device may be, for example, a speaker, a surveillance camera, a door station, etc.

[0007] The unique identifier can be any identifier that is unique to the network device.

[0008] "The installation location is known to the management system" means that the installation location itself is known to the management system, for example, as a location on a map, but the management system does not know which network device is installed at which installation location.

[0009] The portable device need not be in a particular location when the predetermined sound is emitted from its speaker. However, it is implicit from the fact that the predetermined sound is detected using a microphone in the first network device that the portable device should be positioned such that the emitted predetermined sound can be detected using the microphone in the first network device. Thus, it is implicit that the portable device be located within a certain distance from the first mounting location to enable detection of the emitted predetermined sound by a microphone in a network device mounted at the first mounting location.

[0010] By transmitting information identifying the first mounting location to the management server and transmitting the unique identifier of the first network device that detects the predetermined sound, it can be determined that the first network device is mounted at the first mounting location. Therefore, after the network device is mounted at the first mounting location, it becomes possible to determine which network device is mounted at the first mounting location in the system. This is even possible without requiring a physical or electronic connection to the network device. It is even possible for the network device to be mounted such that all or part of any visual indication on the network device of its unique identifier is obscured.

[0011] The first network device may further emit a predetermined response sound using a speaker within the first network device when the first network device detects the predetermined sound.

[0012] By emitting the predetermined response sound, the user of the portable device can authenticate that the predetermined response sound is emitted from the network device attached to the first attachment location.

[0013] In a scenario where a set of network devices are mounted at mounting locations such that a predetermined sound can be detected using microphones on both the first network device and the second network device, the portable device should be located at a location closer to the first mounting location than all other mounting locations of the set of network devices when the predetermined sound is emitted.

[0014] Thus, in an embodiment, the predetermined sound includes a first frequency and a second frequency, and the portable device is located closer to the first mounting location than all other mounting locations of the set of network devices when the predetermined sound is emitted. A first ratio between the amplitude at the first frequency and the amplitude at the second frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the first network device can then be obtained. Upon detecting the predetermined sound using a microphone in the second network device, a unique identifier of the second network device is transmitted from the second network device to the management server. A second ratio between the amplitude at the first frequency and the amplitude at the second frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the second network device can then be obtained. Next, in the management server, it is determined which network device among the first network device and the second network device is closest to the portable device. The determining is based on the first ratio and the second ratio. In the management server, the unique identifier of the network device determined to be closest to the portable device is then linked to the first mounting location.

[0015] By emitting two frequencies, the relative distances to the portable device can be determined for the first network device and the second network device based on the first ratio and the second ratio, respectively. This is possible because the amplitude of the higher of the first and second frequencies is attenuated over distance more than the amplitude of the lower of the first and second frequencies. Therefore, since the portable device is located closest to the first mounting location when the predetermined sound is emitted, the network device closest to the portable device will also be closest to the first mounting location. Therefore, even if a set of network devices are mounted at mounting locations such that a predetermined sound emitted when the portable device is located at one location can be detected by two or more network devices mounted at different mounting locations, it is possible to derive which network device is mounted at the first mounting location in the system after mounting the network device at the first mounting location.

[0016] The first ratio and the second ratio may be determined at the first network device. The first ratio and the second ratio may then be transmitted from the first network device and the second network device, respectively, to a management server. Then, obtaining the first ratio and the second ratio at the management server includes receiving the first ratio and the second ratio from the first network device and the second network device, respectively, to the management server.

[0017] Alternatively, the first ratio and the second ratio may be determined at a management server, which further requires transmitting a representation of the detected predetermined sound from the first network device to the management server and transmitting a representation of the detected predetermined sound from the second network device to the management server. Obtaining the first ratio and the second ratio at the management server then includes determining the first ratio and the second ratio.

[0018] According to a second aspect, a system for identifying which network devices of a set of network devices are attached to each of the attachment locations of the set of network devices is provided. The system includes a portable device having a speaker, a management server having a memory that stores the attachment locations of the set of network devices, and a set of network devices attached to the attachment locations, each having a microphone. The portable device further includes circuitry configured to perform a sound emission function configured to emit a predetermined sound using the speaker of the portable device and a transmission function configured to transmit information identifying one of the attachment locations of the set of network devices to the management server. Each network device of the set of network devices further includes circuitry configured to perform an identifier transmission function configured to transmit its unique identifier to the management server upon detecting the predetermined sound using the microphone. The management server further includes circuitry configured to perform a linking function configured to link the unique identifier to the attachment location.

[0019] The above-mentioned optional additional features of the method according to the first aspect also apply to the system according to the third aspect, where applicable. In order to avoid excessive repetition, reference is made to the above.

[0020] According to a third aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions for performing a method according to the first aspect when executed by a system according to the second aspect.

[0021] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

[0022] Thus, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular components of the described devices or operation of the described methods, and that such devices and methods may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more elements, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may include several devices, etc. Furthermore, the words "comprising," "including," "containing," and similar phrases do not exclude other elements or steps. These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures, which should not be considered limiting but are used for purposes of explanation and understanding. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a system for identifying which network devices of a set of network devices are attached to each mounting location of the set of network devices. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a portable device of the system of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating network devices in the system of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a management server of the system of FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for identifying which network devices of a set of network devices are attached to each mounting location of the mounting locations of the set of network devices. [Figure 6a]10 is a flowchart of a further embodiment of a method for identifying which network devices of a set of network devices are attached to each mounting location of the mounting locations of the set of network devices. [Figure 6b] 10 is a flowchart of a further embodiment of a method for identifying which network devices of a set of network devices are attached to each mounting location of the mounting locations of the set of network devices. [Figure 6c] 10 is a flowchart of a further embodiment of a method for identifying which network devices of a set of network devices are attached to each mounting location of the mounting locations of the set of network devices. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which presently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0025] The present invention is applicable to any scenario in which it is to be determined which of a set of network devices, each with a unique identifier, is attached to a first attachment location of attachment locations known to a management server.

[0026] For example, the present invention is applicable to a scenario in which a set of network devices are to be installed at respective installation locations, and each network device has a unique identifier, i.e., each network device has a unique identifier for that device. The network devices may be, for example, network speakers or network cameras, or any other network devices with unique identifiers. The unique identifier may be, for example, a serial number or a MAC address. The installation locations are predetermined and known in the management server, for example, on a map of the area or facility where the network devices are to be installed. After installation, each network device can communicate with the management server, for example, through a network to which the installed network devices can connect and to which the management server is also connected. The management server can then receive the unique identifiers from the network devices and thus know which network devices are connected to the network. However, without such a link, the management server would not know which network devices are located at which installation locations.

[0027] In another example, the present invention is also applicable when a set of network devices are installed at mounting locations according to a map known to a management server, and the unique identifier of each network device is pre-linked to a respective mounting location of the mounting locations, but at least some of the network devices are identified after installation to be installed in an incorrect mounting location relative to the instructions on the map. Thus, in this scenario, a person installing the network devices should identify the unique identifier of each network device in the set of network devices and install them in their respective mounting locations according to the links on the map known to the management server, but in at least some cases failed to install the correct network devices in the correct mounting locations.

[0028] A system 100 for identifying which network devices 140 of a set of network devices 140 are attached to each of attachment positions A to E of the set of network devices 140 will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. As shown in Figure 1, the system 100 includes a portable device 110, a set of network devices 140, and a management server 170.

[0029] Figure 2 shows a portable device 110 of the system 100 of Figure 1. The portable device 110 may be, for example, a mobile phone, a tablet, or a laptop.

[0030] Portable device 110 includes a speaker 115 and circuitry 120. Circuitry 120 is configured to perform functions of portable device 110. Circuitry 120 may include a processor 122, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a microcontroller, or a microprocessor. Processor 122 is configured to execute program code. The program code may be configured to perform functions of portable device 110, for example.

[0031] The portable device 110 may further include memory 130. The memory 130 may be one or more of a buffer, flash memory, a hard drive, removable media, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, random access memory (RAM), or another suitable device. In a typical arrangement, the memory 130 may include non-volatile memory for long-term data storage and volatile memory that serves as device memory for the circuit 120. The memory 130 may exchange data with the circuit 120 via a data bus. Associated control lines and address buses may also exist between the memory 130 and the circuit 120.

[0032] The functionality of portable device 110 may be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (e.g., lines of code, software programs, etc.) stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 130) of portable device 110 and executed by circuitry 120 (e.g., using processor 132). Furthermore, the functionality of portable device 110 may be a standalone software application or may form part of a software application that performs additional tasks related to portable device 110. The described functions may be thought of as methods that a processing unit, e.g., processor 132 of circuitry 120, is configured to execute. Also, while the described functions may be implemented in software, such functionality may also be performed via dedicated hardware or firmware, or some combination of hardware, firmware, and / or software.

[0033] The speaker 115 is configured to emit a predetermined sound. In an embodiment, the speaker is configured to emit a sound that includes two frequencies. The two frequencies may be emitted in parallel or sequentially. Further description of the emitted predetermined sounds that the speaker 115 is configured to emit in different embodiments is provided below in connection with Figures 5 and 6a-6c.

[0034] The circuit 120 is configured to execute a sound emission function 132 configured to emit a predetermined sound using the speaker 115. The circuit 120 is further configured to execute an information transmission function 134 configured to transmit information identifying the mounting location to the management server 170. Specifically, the mounting location is indicated to determine which network devices 140 are attached.

[0035] Further description of operations performed by the functions of portable device 110 in different embodiments is provided below in the discussion in conjunction with Figures 5 and 6a-6c.

[0036] Figure 3 shows a network device 140 of the system 100 of Figure 1. The network device 140 has a unique identifier. The network device 140 may be, for example, a network speaker, a network camera, or a network door station.

[0037] Network device 140 includes microphone 145 and circuitry 150. Circuitry 150 is configured to perform the functions of network device 140. Circuitry 150 may include a processor 152, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a microcontroller, or a microprocessor. Processor 152 is configured to execute program code. The program code may be configured to perform the functions of network device 140, for example.

[0038] Network device 140 may further comprise memory 160. Memory 160 may be one or more of a buffer, flash memory, a hard drive, removable media, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, random access memory (RAM), or another suitable device. In a typical arrangement, memory 160 may include non-volatile memory for long-term data storage and volatile memory that serves as device memory for circuit 150. Memory 160 may exchange data with circuit 150 via a data bus. Associated control lines and address buses may also exist between memory 160 and circuit 150.

[0039] The functionality of network device 140 may be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (e.g., lines of code, software programs, etc.) stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 160) of network device 140 and executed by circuit 150 (e.g., using processor 152). Furthermore, the functionality of network device 140 may be a standalone software application or may form part of a software application that performs additional tasks related to network device 140. The described functions may be thought of as methods that a processing unit, e.g., processor 152 of circuit 150, is configured to execute. Also, while the described functions may be implemented in software, such functionality may also be performed via dedicated hardware or firmware, or some combination of hardware, firmware, and / or software.

[0040] The microphone 145 is configured to detect a predetermined sound.

[0041] The circuitry 150 is configured to perform an identifier transmission function configured to transmit a unique identifier of the network device 140 to the management server 170 upon detecting a predetermined sound emitted by the speaker 115 of the portable device 162.

[0042] In embodiments in which speaker 115 of portable device 110 is configured to emit a predetermined sound including a first frequency and a second frequency, circuitry 150 may be further configured to execute ratio determination function 164 configured to, upon detecting the predetermined sound using microphone 145, determine a ratio between the amplitude at the first frequency and the amplitude at the second frequency of the predetermined sound detected by microphone 155. The circuitry is then further configured to execute ratio transmission function 166 configured to transmit the ratio to management server 170.

[0043] Alternatively, in an embodiment in which speaker 115 of portable device 110 is configured to emit a predetermined sound including a first frequency and a second frequency, circuitry 150 may be further configured to execute sound transmission function 168 configured to, upon detecting the predetermined sound using microphone 145, transmit a representation of the detected predetermined sound to management server 170.

[0044] Additionally, the circuitry 150 may be further configured to perform a sound emission function 169 configured to emit a predetermined response sound using the speaker 148 upon detecting a predetermined sound emitted by the speaker 115 of the portable device 110.

[0045] Further description of operations performed by the functions of network device 140 in different embodiments is provided below in the discussion in conjunction with Figures 5 and 6a-6c.

[0046] Figure 4 shows management server 170 of system 100 of Figure 1. Management server 170 may be implemented in a device separate from portable device 140, for example, as a separate computer or computer system connected to the network to which network devices are or will be connected. Alternatively, management server may be implemented in portable device 140.

[0047] When management server 170 is implemented as a device separate from portable device 14, management server 170 includes memory 175 and circuitry 180. Circuitry 180 is configured to perform the functions of management server 170. Circuitry 180 may include a processor 182, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a microcontroller, or a microprocessor. Processor 182 is configured to execute program code. The program code may be configured to perform the functions of management server 170, for example.

[0048] Management server 170 may further include memory 190. Memory 190 may be one or more of a buffer, flash memory, a hard drive, removable media, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, random access memory (RAM), or another suitable device. In a typical arrangement, memory 190 may include non-volatile memory for long-term data storage and volatile memory that serves as device memory for circuit 180. Memory 190 may exchange data with circuit 180 via a data bus. Associated control lines and address buses may also exist between memory 190 and circuit 180.

[0049] The functionality of management server 170 may be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (e.g., lines of code, software programs, etc.) stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 190) of management server 170 and executed by circuit 180 (e.g., using processor 182). Furthermore, the functionality of management server 170 may be a standalone software application or may form part of a software application that performs additional tasks related to management server 170. The described functions may be thought of as methods that a processing unit, e.g., processor 182 of circuit 180, is configured to execute. Also, while the described functions may be implemented in software, such functionality may also be performed via dedicated hardware or firmware, or some combination of hardware, firmware, and / or software.

[0050] The storage unit 175 is configured to store the mounting locations and links between the unique identifiers of the network devices and their respective mounting locations. The storage unit 175 can be further configured to store a map and an indication of the mounting locations on the map.

[0051] The circuitry 180 is configured to perform a linking function 192 configured to link the unique identifier received from the network device 140 to the attachment location.

[0052] In an embodiment, the speaker 115 of the portable device 110 is configured to emit a predetermined sound including a first frequency and a second frequency, and the portable device is positioned closer to one mounting location of the set of network devices than all other mounting locations of the set of network devices when the predetermined sound is emitted. For example, when determining which network devices 140 are mounted at the first mounting location A in FIG. 1 , the portable device is positioned at a location A′ that is closer to the first mounting location A than all other mounting locations B through E. In such an embodiment, the circuit 180 may be further configured to execute a ratio obtaining function 194 configured to obtain a respective ratio between the amplitude at the first frequency and the amplitude at the second frequency of the detected predetermined sound for each network device. The circuit 180 may then be further configured to execute a proximity determining function 196 configured to determine which of the network devices is closest to the portable device based on the determined respective ratios. If the respective ratios are received from two or more network devices 140, the ratio obtaining function 194 may be configured to receive the respective ratios. Alternatively, if representations of the detected sound are received from more than one network device 140, the ratio acquisition function 194 may be configured to determine respective ratios for the more than one network device 140. The linking function 192 is then configured to link the unique identifier of the network device determined to be closest to the portable device 170 to the first mounting location A.

[0053] When the management server 170 is implemented in the portable device 140, the portable device 140 further comprises a memory unit 175. Furthermore, the circuitry 150 of the portable device 140 is further configured to perform the functions of the management server 170, namely a linking function 192 and optionally a ratio obtaining function 194 and a proximity determining function 196.

[0054] An embodiment of a method for identifying which network devices of a set of network devices are attached to a first attachment location will now be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6a-6c.

[0055] 5, a flow chart is shown of an embodiment of a method 500 for identifying which network devices of a set of network devices are attached to a first attachment location. Method 500 may be implemented in system 100, for example, as described in connection with FIGS. 1-4. Each network device of the set of network devices has a unique identifier and may be, for example, network device 140 described in connection with FIG. 3, or may be implemented using a portable device, such as the portable device described in connection with FIG. 2. The attachment locations of the set of network devices are known to a management server, such as management server 170 as described in connection with FIG. 4. As described in connection with FIG. 4, the management server may be implemented in a device separate from the portable devices, or the management server may be implemented in the portable device. Thus, any reference below to a management device encompasses both of these options.

[0056] Method 500 is performed in association with a first mounting location of the mounting locations of the set of network devices to determine which network devices of the set of network devices are mounted in the first mounting location. Method 500 may then be repeated for some or all of the remaining mounting locations of the remaining network devices of the set of network devices.

[0057] First, a predetermined sound is emitted using a speaker of the portable device (S510). The predetermined sound is emitted while the portable device is positioned such that a microphone of a network device attached to a first mounting location can detect the predetermined sound (S510). The portable device further transmits information identifying the first mounting location to the management server (S520). The information may be transmitted, for example, when a user of the portable device selects the first mounting location on a map within the portable device. Upon detecting the predetermined sound using the microphone within the first network device, the first network device transmits its unique identifier to the management server (S530). Then, in the management server, the unique identifier of the first network device is linked to the first mounting location (S580).

[0058] The method 500 may further include the first network device emitting a predetermined response sound S590 upon detecting the predetermined sound. In this manner, an operator can verify that the first network device detected the emitted predetermined sound and verify that the response sound emitted from the first network device comes from the first mounting location where the method 500 is being performed.

[0059] Method 500 is applicable to a scenario in which only a first network device detects the emitted predetermined sound, and not other network devices in the set of network devices, such as in a scenario in which the network devices are sparsely distributed such that only one network device at a time is within a distance from the portable device to detect the emitted predetermined sound.

[0060] In a scenario in which multiple network devices can detect the emitted predetermined sound, the method may further include verifying at the management server S570 that only the unique identifier of the first network device has been received before linking the unique identifier of the first network device to the first mounting location S580. If the management server receives unique identifiers by additional network devices, the management server may prompt the portable device to move closer to the first mounting location and / or reduce the amplitude of the predetermined sound before a reiteration of method 500 is performed in association with the first mounting location. Additionally or alternatively, a user of the portable device may detect when the predetermined response sound is emitted from multiple network devices. The portable device may then be moved closer to the first mounting location and / or the amplitude of the predetermined sound may be reduced before a reiteration of method 500 is performed in association with the first mounting location. Additionally or alternatively, the portable device may be placed in a position such that while the predetermined sound is being emitted S520, the emitted sound cannot be detected by a microphone of a network device mounted at a mounting location other than the first mounting location at which method 500 is being performed.

[0061] In addition to linking the unique identifier of the first network device to the first mounting location S580, the first network device may be provided with a name, such as a name indicating the location where it is mounted. For example, if the first network device is mounted in a building, the network device may be given a name indicating the part of the building in which the first network device is mounted.

[0062] 6a-6c, a flow chart of a further embodiment of a method 500 for identifying which network devices of a set of network devices are attached to a first attachment location is shown.

[0063] Method 600 may be implemented in system 100, for example, as described in connection with FIGS. 1-4. Each network device in the set of network devices has a unique identifier and may be, for example, network device 140 described in connection with FIG. 3, and is implemented using a portable device, such as the portable device described in connection with FIG. 2. The installation locations of the set of network devices are known to a management server, such as management server 170 as described in connection with FIG. 4. As described in connection with FIG. 4, the management server may be implemented in a device separate from the portable devices, or the management server may be implemented in the portable devices. Thus, references below to a management device encompass both of these options.

[0064] Method 600 is applicable to a scenario in which a set of network devices are attached to mounting locations such that the network devices typically detect a predetermined sound emitted from the portable device. To this end, when method 600 is performed in association with a first mounting location, the portable device is located closer to the first mounting location than all other mounting locations of the set of network devices (S605). Then, the predetermined sound is emitted (S610). The predetermined sound includes two different frequencies, namely, a first frequency and a second frequency. The two different frequencies are emitted because, over the same distance, the amplitude of a higher frequency sound is attenuated more than the amplitude of a lower frequency sound. The first frequency and the second frequency may be emitted simultaneously, sequentially, or a combination of both. Furthermore, the first and second frequency portions of the predetermined sound may be of any type, such as sinusoidal tones.

[0065] The portable device further transmits S620 information indicative of the first mounting location where the method 600 is being performed.

[0066] The emitted predetermined sound is then detected using a microphone in the first network device. This means that the first network device is attached to a mounting position within a certain distance from the portable device so that the emitted predetermined sound can be detected by the microphone of the first network device. Upon detecting the emitted predetermined sound, the first network device transmits its unique identifier to the management server S630.

[0067] Similarly, the emitted predetermined sound is detected using a microphone in the second network device. This means that the second network device is also attached to a mounting position within a certain distance from the portable device so that the emitted predetermined sound can be detected by the microphone of the second network device. Upon detecting the emitted predetermined sound, the first network device transmits its unique identifier to the management server S635.

[0068] At this stage, it cannot be determined whether the first network device or the second network device is attached to the first attachment location where method 600 is performed. However, if the microphone of any of the further network devices in the set of network devices does not detect the emitted predetermined sound, then one of the first network device and the second network device is attached to the first attachment location where method 600 is performed.

[0069] To determine whether the first network device or the second network device is attached to the first attachment location where method 600 is performed, a first ratio between the amplitude of the first frequency of the detected predetermined sound in the first network device and the amplitude of the second frequency of the detected predetermined sound in the first network device is obtained by the management server S660. Similarly, a second ratio between the amplitude of the first frequency of the detected predetermined sound in the second network device and the amplitude of the second frequency of the detected predetermined sound in the second network device is obtained by the management server S662. By comparing these ratios, it can be determined which of the first network device or the second network device is closer to the location where the portable device was located when the predetermined sound was emitted. Specifically, if the first frequency is higher and the second frequency is lower, the network device closest to the location where the portable device was located when the predetermined sound was emitted has the highest ratio. If the first frequency is lower and the second frequency is higher, the network device closest to the location where the portable device was located when the predetermined sound was emitted has the lowest ratio.

[0070] After obtaining the first ratio and the second ratio, the management server determines which of the first network device and the second network device is closest to the portable device, or rather, closest to the location of the portable device when the predetermined sound was emitted S664. Finally, because the portable device was located closer to the first mounting location than all other mounting locations of the set of network devices when the predetermined sound was emitted, the network device determined to be closest to the portable device is also the network device closest to the first mounting location. Therefore, the unique identifiers of the first network device and the second network device determined to be closest to the portable device are linked to the first mounting location in the management server S680.

[0071] The network device closest to the first mounting location and whose unique identifier is linked to the first mounting location may then be prompted, for example by the management server, to emit a predetermined response sound. In this way, an operator can authenticate that the predetermined response sound comes from the first mounting location where method 600 is being performed.

[0072] The first and second ratios may be determined by the first and second network devices, respectively, or may be determined by a management server. In the following description, two alternative embodiments are described with reference to Figures 6b and 6c, respectively.

[0073] Referring to Figure 6b, Figure 6b discloses steps to be performed after a predetermined sound emitted is detected at a first network device and a second network device, when a first ratio and a second ratio are determined at a first network device and a second network device, respectively.

[0074] A first ratio between an amplitude of a first frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the first network device and an amplitude of a second frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the first network device is determined at the first network device S640. The first ratio is then transmitted from the first network device to the management server S642.

[0075] Similarly, a second ratio between the amplitude of the first frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the second network device and the amplitude of the second frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the second network device is determined at the second network device S644. The first ratio is then transmitted from the first network device to the management server S646.

[0076] Next, obtaining the first ratio at the management server S660 includes receiving the first ratio at the management server S660.

[0077] Similarly, obtaining the second ratio at the management server S662 includes receiving the second ratio at the management server S662.

[0078] Referring to Figure 6c, Figure 6c discloses steps that are performed after a predetermined sound emitted is detected at a first network device and a second network device when the first ratio and the second ratio are determined at a management server.

[0079] A representation of the detected predetermined sound at the first network device is transmitted S650 from the first network device to the management server.

[0080] Next, obtaining a first ratio at the management server S660 includes determining a first ratio between the amplitude of a first frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the first network device and the amplitude of a second frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the management server S660.

[0081] Similarly, a representation of the detected predetermined sound at the second network device is transmitted S652 from the second network device to the management server.

[0082] Next, obtaining a second ratio at the management server S662 includes determining a second ratio between the amplitude of a first frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the first network device and the amplitude of a second frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the management server S662.

[0083] The method steps described above with respect to Figures 5 and 6a-6c, respectively, may be performed in different variations and with varying degrees of automation in different parts of system 100. Examples of such variations are described below.

[0084] For example, when a network device detects a predetermined sound, it can automatically send its unique identifier to a server, or the network device can notify the server that it has detected a predetermined sound, and the server can link this information to an already registered unique identifier for the network device, or the server can request a unique identifier after signaling that the network device has detected a predetermined sound.

[0085] In another variation, if the portable device has a network connection to a network device, the network device may transmit its unique identifier to the portable device rather than directly to the server. If two or more network devices detect a given sound, they may transmit their respective unique identifiers to the portable device. The portable device may also receive a representation of the detected sound, so that the portable device can perform a process to determine which network device is closest. Once it is determined which network device is closest, the portable device may instruct the server to link the unique identifier of that network device to a first mounting location.

[0086] If only one network device detects the predetermined sound and notifies the server, the server can automatically link the unique identifier of that network device to the first mounting location. Alternatively, the server may prompt the installer or user to confirm that the identified network device should be linked to the first mounting location. If two or more network devices detect the predetermined sound, it can determine which of these is closest to the portable device emitting the predetermined sound, as described above. The server can automatically link the network device determined to be closest to the first mounting location. Alternatively, it can present a list of network devices that detected the predetermined sound, sorting the network devices from closest to furthest. The installer or user can be prompted to indicate that the network device at the top of the list should be linked to the first mounting location. In line with the above, the network device at the top of the list can be instructed to emit a confirmation sound so that the person holding the portable device can hear that it is the identified, intended network device. The person holding the portable device can then indicate that this confirmation has been performed. After this, the server can link the unique identifier of the network device at the top of the list to the first mounting location.

[0087] If two or more network devices are ranked from closest to farthest, once the closest is linked to the first mounting location, the server may automatically, or through installer input, continue to link the next network device on the list to another mounting location known to be closer to the first location. To this end, the next network device may be instructed to emit a confirmation sound so that the person with the portable device can confirm that the next network device is indeed the second-closest one.

[0088] Even if only one network device detects the predetermined sound, that network device can be instructed to emit a confirmation sound, thereby allowing a person with the portable device to confirm that the intended network device has been identified. This can be useful, for example, to avoid linking the wrong network device to the first mounting location if the intended network device is faulty or blocked and does not detect the predetermined sound, but another network device slightly distant does detect the predetermined sound.

[0089] It may be advantageous for the network device to listen for the predetermined sound only when it is in installation mode or configuration mode, rather than always listening for the predetermined sound. The server can send an instruction to the network device to enter installation mode, thereby starting listening for the predetermined sound. The network device can then exit installation mode after a predetermined installation time has elapsed or upon receiving an exit instruction from the server. If the portable device has a network connection to the network devices, the portable device can send an instruction to one or more of the network devices over the network to start listening for the predetermined sound. If such an instruction is sent from the portable device to only one of the network devices, that network device can notify the server, and the server can instruct the other network devices to start listening. In other embodiments, the network device can continuously listen for the predetermined sound.

[0090] The information identifying the first mounting location can be transmitted in various ways. As an example, the portable device may be provided by a server with a map of where the network devices are mounted. When a person carrying the portable device walks up to one of the network devices, this location can be indicated on the map. These instructions can then be transmitted to the server. In other embodiments, the portable device may be less sophisticated, and the person carrying the portable device may be instructed where to go based on a map on the server. Such a map may be printed out, for example, or the person carrying the portable device may be instructed verbally by someone viewing the map on the server. When the portable device is brought to the desired location, the person carrying the portable device may sound a predetermined sound. When the server receives information from the network device that the network device has detected the predetermined sound, it may link the unique identifier of the network device to the mounting location to which the person was instructed. The person may continue to another network device after a predetermined time has elapsed, after instructions from someone at the server, or after the network device sounds a sound indicating that the link has been completed.

[0091] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. Such modifications and variations can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method (500; 600) for identifying which network device of a set of network devices is attached to a first mounting location of mounting locations of said set of network devices known to a management server, wherein each network device of said set of network devices has a unique identifier; emitting a predetermined sound using a speaker of a portable device, the portable device being located closer to the first mounting location than all other mounting locations of the set of network devices so as to enable detection of the emitted predetermined sound by a microphone in a network device mounted at the first mounting location (S510; S610); transmitting information identifying the first mounting location from the portable device to the management server (S520; S620); Upon detecting the predetermined sound using a microphone in a first network device, transmitting the unique identifier of the first network device from the first network device to the management server (S530; S630); linking, in the management server, the unique identifier of the first network device to the first mounting location (S580; S680); A method (500; 600) comprising:

2. When the predetermined sound is detected, the first network device (S590) emits a predetermined response sound using a speaker within the first network device. The method (500; 600) of claim 1, further comprising:

3. the predetermined sound includes a first frequency and a second frequency, the portable device is located at a position closer to the first mounting location than all other mounting locations of the set of network devices when the predetermined sound is emitted, and the method includes: In the management server, obtain a first ratio between an amplitude at the first frequency and an amplitude at the second frequency of the detected predetermined sound in the first network device (S660); Upon detecting the predetermined sound using a microphone in a second network device, transmitting the unique identifier of the second network device from the second network device to the management server (S520; S620); In the management server, obtain a second ratio between the amplitude at the first frequency and the amplitude at the second frequency of the detected predetermined sound in the second network device (S662); determining, in the management server, which of the first network device and the second network device is closest to the portable device based on the first ratio and the second ratio (S664); Further includes The linking (S580; S680) Linking the unique identifier of the network device determined to be closest to the portable device to the first mounting location (S580; S680). Including, The method (500; 600) according to claim 1.

4. determining, at the first network device, the first ratio between the amplitude at the first frequency and the amplitude at the second frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the first network device (S640); Sending the first ratio from the first network device to the management server (S642); determining, at the second network device, the second ratio between the amplitude at the first frequency and the amplitude at the second frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the second network device (S644); transmitting the second ratio from the second network device to the management server (S646); further comprising In the management server, acquiring the first ratio (S660) includes: Receiving the first ratio (S660). Including, In the management server, acquiring the second ratio (S662) receiving the second ratio (S662); Including, The method (500; 600) according to claim 3.

5. transmitting (S650) a representation of the detected predetermined sound from the first network device to the management server; transmitting a representation of the detected predetermined sound from the second network device to the management server (S650); further comprising In the management server, acquiring the first ratio (S660) includes: determining, in the management server, the first ratio between the amplitude at the first frequency and the amplitude at the second frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the first network device (S660); Including, In the management server, acquiring the second ratio (S662) determining, in the management server, the second ratio between the amplitude at the first frequency and the amplitude at the second frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the second network device (S662); Including, The method (500; 600) according to claim 3.

6. 1. A system (100) for identifying which network devices (140) of a set of network devices (140) are attached to respective mounting locations (A-E) of the set of network devices (140), comprising: a portable device (110) having a speaker (115); a management server (170) having a memory (175) for storing the mounting locations (A-E) of the set of network devices (140); a set of the network devices (140) mounted at the mounting locations (A-E), each network device (140) having a microphone (145); Equipped with The portable device (110) a sound emitting function (132) configured to emit a predetermined sound using the speaker (115) of the portable device, the portable device being located closer to the first mounting location than all other mounting locations of the set of network devices such that the emitted predetermined sound can be detected by a microphone in a network device mounted at the first mounting location; and an information transmitting function (134) configured to transmit information identifying the mounting location (A) to said management server (170); further comprising a circuit (120) configured to perform Each network device (140) in the set of network devices (140) an identifier transmitting function (162) configured to transmit its unique identifier to the management server (170) upon detecting the predetermined sound using the microphone (145); further comprising a circuit (150) configured to perform The management server (170) a linking function (192) configured to link said unique identifier to said attachment location (A); further comprising a circuit (180) configured to perform System (100).

7. The circuitry included in each network device of the set of network devices comprises: a sound emission function (169) configured to emit a predetermined response sound using a speaker (148) in the network device (140) upon detecting the predetermined sound; The system (100) of claim 6, further configured to perform:

8. the predetermined sound includes a first frequency and a second frequency, the portable device (110) is located at a position (A') closer to the mounting position (A) than all other mounting positions (A-E) of the set of the network devices (140) when the predetermined sound is emitted, and the circuit (180) provided in the management server (170) a ratio obtainer (194) configured to obtain a respective ratio between the amplitude at the first frequency and the amplitude at the second frequency of the detected predetermined sound at each network device (140); and a proximity determination function (196) configured to determine which of the network devices (140) is closest to the portable device (110) based on the determined respective ratios. further configured to perform The linking function (192) is configured to link the unique identifier of the network device (140) determined to be closest to the portable device (110) to the mounting location (A). The system (100) of claim 6.

9. The circuitry (150) provided in each network device (140) of the set of network devices (140) comprises: a ratio determination function (164) configured to, upon detecting the predetermined sound, determine the respective ratio between the amplitude at the first frequency and the amplitude at the second frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the network device (140); and a ratio sending function (166) configured to send said respective determined ratios to said management server (170); further configured to perform the ratio acquisition function (194) is configured to receive the respective ratios; The system (100) of claim 8.

10. The circuitry (150) provided in each network device (140) of the set of network devices (140) comprises: a sound transmitting function (168) configured, upon detecting the predetermined sound, to transmit a representation of the detected predetermined sound to the management server (170); further configured to perform the ratio obtainment function (194) is configured to determine the respective ratio between the amplitude at the first frequency and the amplitude at the second frequency of the detected predetermined sound at each network device (140); The system (100) of claim 8.

11. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions for implementing the method (500; 600) of any one of claims 1 to 5 when executed by the system (100) of any one of claims 6 to 10.

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