Firmware update method for RTLS systems

Abstract

Our invention relates in particular to a firmware update method for RTLS systems, said method having the ability to prevent the halts in the workflow and said method enabling the firmware of the mobile devices (10.1), which are in motion or are motionless, to be updated as a result of the communication between the electronic devices subsequent to the performance of mapping in an area (30).

Description

[0001] FIRMWARE UPDATE METHOD FOR RTLS SYSTEMS

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a firmware update method for the RTLS systems.

[0004] More specifically, the present invention relates to a method that enables the firmware for desired hardware to be updated as a result of communication between the electronic devices.

[0005] State of the Art

[0006] Today, the real-time location tracking systems are frequently used in medical institutions, workplaces, or vehicles. The real-time location systems are provided with various hardware.

[0007] The security vulnerability in the firmware may cause the malevolent persons to gain access to the system to use the same for bad intentions. Likewise, it is possible to observe a decline in the performance of the devices as a result of the technological advances. It is necessary to update the firmware in order to avoid the same. The firmware update is needed for adding new features to a system and performing the system improvements. The user feedback on the bugs may also be eliminated owing to the update of the firmware. In short, it is necessary to update the firmware at certain intervals in order to ensure that the system is able to operate properly and stay up-to-date.

[0008] In order to update the firmware, it is possible to access each of the devices (in a wired or wireless manner) to upload the update files. However, this causes the time loss, workload, and system failure.

[0009] The patent document no. US2016019050A1 discloses a method that is developed to prevent a user with a certain level of authorization from changing the firmware and the other configuration information to perform a hardware update. Said document does not mention any hardware update method.

[0010] Consequently, a firmware update method is needed, which has settable parameters (time, etc.) and which operates automatically by establishing communication with a server or without establishing such communication.

[0011] Object and Brief Description of the Invention An object of the invention is to update the firmware of the mobile device / s within an area.

[0012] A firmware update method for RTLS systems, said method enabling the firmware updates by means of the components of at least one mobile device, which is connected with a moving member having the ability to move within an area and which is able to send and receive the RF messages, and at least one fixed anchor device, which is positioned in a fixed manner within said area and which is able to send and receive the RF messages, said method comprises, in order to update the firmware of the mobile device / s in the case where said moving member is moving or in the case where said moving member is standing still, the process steps of transmitting to the fixed anchor devices the information about the device / s that are to be updated, the update packages, and the waiting messages, the mobile device periodically sending an RF message to the ambience within the area, the fixed anchor device, which detects said RF message sent to the ambience, sending a response message by adding also the waiting message if the mobile device needs an update package, the mobile device, which receives the waiting message, starting to send the update request messages that specify the requested update package, and switching into the receiving mode until the next update message period, the mobile device, while waiting in the receiving mode,

[0013] • receiving an update message containing the needed update package when said mobile device detects said update message in the ambience,

[0014] • sending an update request message in the next update period when said mobile device is unable to detect any update message containing the needed update package in the ambience, the fixed anchor device sending to the ambience a response message, which contains the requested update package, and the mobile device receiving the response message and the action being taken according to the contents of said message.

[0015] The method also comprises, in order to enable the mobile device to be updated in the case where the message waiting information, the information about the device / s that is / are to be updated, and the update package / s are defined in a group formed by more than one (at least three) fixed anchor device, the process steps of - the mobile device periodically sending an RF message to the ambience within the area, a group of fixed anchor devices, which consists of the fixed anchor devices that are within the coverage of said RF message sent to the ambience, detecting said RF message, each fixed anchor device in said group of fixed anchor devices composing an information message and sending the composed message to the other fixed anchor devices in the group, sorting the fixed anchor devices according to the message receipt signal levels, determining the fixed anchor device with the highest message receipt signal level as the reference, the fixed anchor device determined as the reference sending a response message by adding also the waiting message if the mobile device needs an update package, the mobile device, which receives the waiting message, starting to send the update request messages that specify the requested update package, and switching into the receiving mode until the next update message period, the mobile device, while waiting in the receiving mode,

[0016] • receiving an update message containing the needed update package when said mobile device detects said update message in the ambience,

[0017] • sending an update request message in the next update period when said mobile device is unable to detect any update message containing the needed update package in the ambience, the reference fixed anchor device sending to the ambience a response message, which contains the requested update package, and the mobile device receiving the response message and the action being taken according to the contents of said message.

[0018] Our invention relates to a firmware update method for the RTLS systems, said method enabling the firmware of the mobile devices to be easily updated as a result of the communication between the electronic devices subsequent to the performance of mapping in a respective area and thus preventing the halts in the workflow.

[0019] Brief Description of the Figures

[0020] Figure-I A view illustrating the general operation of an RTLS system according to the prior art Figure-2 A representative view of the communication between a mobile device and a fixed anchor device

[0021] Figure-3 A representative view of the communication of a moving member with the fixed anchor devices

[0022] Figure-4 A representative view showing the state after the mapping process

[0023] Figure-5 A representative view of the request message sent by the mobile device M1 for the package no. X

[0024] Figure-6 A representative view of the receipt / acknowledgment by the mobile devices M1 and M2 of the response message sent to the ambience

[0025] Figure-7 A representative view of the event of identification of different reference fixed anchor devices at different positions in the case where the mobile device is moving within the area

[0026] Figure-8 A representative graphical view of the signal levels for the fixed anchor devices’ receipt of the messages transmitted from the mobile device (for the point K)

[0027] Figure-9 A representative graphical view of the signal levels for the fixed anchor devices’ receipt of the messages transmitted from the mobile device (for the point L)

[0028] Figure-10 A representative view of the broadcast message sent by the fixed anchor device A1 in a manner that said device puts itself in the center

[0029] Figure-11 A representative view of the broadcast message sent by the fixed anchor device A2 in a manner that said device puts itself in the center

[0030] Figure-12 A representative view of the broadcast message sent by the fixed anchor device A3 in a manner that said device puts itself in the center

[0031] Figure-13 A representative view of the broadcast message sent by the fixed anchor device A4 in a manner that said device puts itself in the center

[0032] Figure-14 A view illustrating the references for the scenario with forklift and user

[0033] Reference Numerals

[0034] 10 Moving member

[0035] 10.1 Mobile device

[0036] 20 Fixed anchor device

[0037] 30 Area

[0038] S Fixed anchor

[0039] E Tag

[0040] F Forklift

[0041] FA Forklift anchor Detailed Description of the Invention

[0042] The present invention relates to a firmware update method for the RTLS systems. loT (Internet of Things) is defined as a network where the physical objects are connected with each other or with larger systems. Here, the physical objects may be the sensors, controllers, etc. Said objects are able to communicate via the Internet using various protocols. A communication infrastructure is required in order to form an loT structure. Here, the communication infrastructure may take the form of a cloud. Moreover, a gateway is needed in order to transmit the sensor data to a server. Today, loT is used in very diverse fields. There are various loT studies, especially on the topics of control systems and machine networks in the industry. In the energy industry, it is possible to perform the data collection and the supervision control by means of SCADA systems. In the logistics industry, the loT technology is often used in the management of the warehouses and the warning and alarm systems. Here, it is necessary to know the positions of the objects, employees, or heavy equipment on the basis of location in order for the alarm systems to be able to function. The locations of said components may be determined by means of the applications of RTLS, which is an loT solution.

[0043] RTLS (Real Time Location System) refers to a system capable of determining the real-time locations (Figure 1). Said system is able to detect the locations of the components whose locations are desired to be known, such as a human, machine, etc. In said system, it is also possible, besides the location process, to perform the real-time tracking of the components with determined locations. The basic components employed in the RTLS solutions appear as the mobile devices (10.1) and the fixed anchor devices (20). The mobile devices (10.1) are the devices that are capable of transmitting UWB radio frequency pulses, and which are disposed of on the objects, employees, or heavy equipment that are to be tracked. The fixed anchor devices (20) take the form of an RF (radio frequency) signal reader.

[0044] The TWR (two-way ranging) method employed in the RTLS systems is defined as a method enabling to determine the distance between the mobile device (10.1) and the fixed anchor devices (20) as a result of the communication between said mobile device (10.1) and fixed anchor devices (20) (Figures 2, 3). In the two-way ranging method, the mobile device (10.1) sends a first message (poll) to the ambience. Then, the fixed anchor devices (20) that are nearest to the mobile device (10.1) -the state where the message of the mobile device (10.1) is within the coverage of a fixed anchor device (20)- send a second response message to the mobile device (10.1). After that, the mobile device (10.1) sends a third message (final) to the fixed anchor device (20). In order to be able to determine the distance between the mobile device (10.1) and the fixed anchor device (20), it is needed to determine the times for the three messages sent. Here, all the sent messages are the RF messages in the UWB (ultra-wideband) range, wherein the time of flight that the RF signal - message- in the UWB range sent to the ambience spends in said ambience is determined. Subsequently, the information about the distance between the mobile device (10.1) and the fixed anchor device (20) is obtained by multiplying the obtained times by the speed of light according to a formula.

[0045] In case the mobile device (10.1) is a battery-operated tag, some problems may occur in the firmware updates. The battery of the mobile device (10.1) running out / going dead during the firmware update, the respective user not desiring the performance of the update of the mobile device (10.1) during the work in cases where the mobile device (10.1) is with a user (human), and the tag being in the sleep mode in the periods when said tag does not send any message (i.e., does not participate in the communication), may be mentioned as examples of such problems. That the tags are in the sleep mode means that it will not be possible to access the tags at any desired “T” instant (time). Besides that, the moving member (10), which is fitted with the mobile device

[0046] (10.1), becoming too distant from the ambience where the system is installed (i.e., moving out of the message coverage) is another problem hindering the performance of the update. Our invention enables the mobile device / s (10.1) available in a moving member (10) to be updated in a singular or multiple manner so that the above-described drawbacks are not experienced. Here, it is possible to perform the update process for both cases where the moving member (10) is moving or is not moving.

[0047] Said mobile device (10.1) is an electronic device that is able to be positioned on a moving member -human, heavy equipment, etc.- (10) whose location is desired to be determined and which is able to perform UWB (ultra-wideband) communication. During said communication, the mobile device

[0048] (10.1) is able to send the RF (radio frequency) messages in the UWB range and is able to detect the RF messages sent by other electronic devices. Said mobile device (10.1) has a processor, in which the calculations (distance, location, etc.) are performed. The mobile device (10.1) is capable of operating both as an RF message-signal- receiver and an RF message- signal- transmitter. More specifically, said mobile device (10.1) is positioned on the moving member (10) whose location is desired to be determined and is able to periodically send to and receive from the ambience the RF messages.

[0049] Said fixed anchor device (20) is an electronic device with an RF transmitter and RF receiver feature wherein said fixed anchor device (20) detects the RF messages in the UWB range that come within its detection range and sends an RF response message in the UWB range when it is required to respond to said message. Said fixed anchor device (20) has a processor, in which the calculations (distance, location, etc.) are performed. The fixed anchor device (20) is fixed at the determined points in order to allow the performance of the mapping within the area (30) where the determination of location is to be performed. Each fixed anchor device (20) has its own unique ID (identification number). With the help of said IDs, it is possible to understand which fixed anchor device (20) is involved in the messaging during the communication. Moreover, the communication mode of all the fixed anchor devices (20) is in the on state at all times in order to be able to get involved in all kinds of RTLS communication. More specifically, said fixed anchor device (20) is fixed within an area (30) where the determination of location is to be performed, is able to periodically send to and receive from the ambience the RF messages, is able to calculate, via a distance calculation method, its distance from the mobile device (10.1) by communicating with said mobile device (10.1), and transmits the calculated distance values to said mobile device (10.1).

[0050] Since our invention is a system operating within the area (30), the mapping is performed. For the mapping process, the fixed anchor devices (20) are deployed at different positions of the area (30) according to the need. For said process of deployment, a reference point (the point Z in Figure 4) is determined, and the fixed anchor devices (20) are positioned according to this reference point (Figure 4). Here, another issue required to note is that said fixed anchor devices (20) are positioned according to a certain order (A1, A2, A3...). In this way, which fixed anchor device (20) is located at what position is determined (Figure 4). The fixed anchor devices (20) shown in Figure 4 are represented as A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, and A6. The axial (e.g., x,y) distances from the reference point are taken as the basis for determining the location of the fixed anchor device (20). More specifically, the locations of all the devices (mobile device (10.1) and fixed anchor device (20)) are named according to the described simulation of the coordinate system.

[0051] In the preferred embodiment of our invention, the area (30) refers to an indoor warehouse, and the invention is able to be used in any ambience. Said mapping process should not be considered limited to the form of the same disclosed herein. In another embodiment of the invention, it is possible to determine a particular zone within the area (30) and to perform a particular mapping by marking the fixed anchor devices (20) located in said zone.

[0052] Following the performance of the mapping via the simulation of the coordinate system, a data set containing the information (location, ID, etc.) necessary for the RTLS communication is manually or automatically transmitted / notified to the mobile device (10.1) and the fixed anchor devices (20). Here, besides the information necessary for the RTLS communication, the data set downloaded to the fixed anchor devices (20) also contains the information about the message waiting, the information about the device / s that is / are to be updated, and the update packages (data). Here, while the transmission process may be performed by means of the gateways, it is also possible to perform the same manually (cable, Bluetooth, UWB, etc.) separately for each device. Further, the data set containing the message waiting information may be downloaded to one or more than one fixed anchor device (20), depending on the need. The aim here is to download the information to the fixed anchor device / s (20) in the zones where the moving member (10) is moving or is motionless. The contents of said waiting message include the data such as the following:

[0053] • waiting time of the message,

[0054] • the information on the update messaging period, etc.

[0055] The update data -package- contains the instructions to be implemented by the mobile device (10.1) upon receipt of the update package. These instructions are the instructions for download only, for install only, for download and install, etc. and may be changed according to the need.

[0056] According to our invention, the mobile device (10.1) is connected with a moving member (10). In the case where the moving member (10) is moving or is motionless within the area (30), said mobile device (10.1) periodically sends an RF message to the ambience within said area (30), for the routine RTLS communication. The fixed anchor devices (20) that are able to receive said message send the response messages to the ambience for the mobile device (10.1). Here, in the case where the mobile device (10.1) needs an update package, the fixed anchor devices (20) add the message waiting information to the response message they send to the ambience; in the case where there is no need for an update package, the fixed anchor devices (20) send to the ambience the response message they compose for the normal RTLS communication. The mobile device

[0057] (10.1), if it receives a response message containing the message waiting information, sends a third message to the ambience in order to complete the RTLS communication and begins a different communication according to the update messaging period information available in the contents of the waiting message. Said communication operates based on the principle of the mobile device

[0058] (10.1) sending to the ambience an update request message according to the update messaging period and the fixed anchor device / s (20) sending to the ambience a response message, which contains the update package information, in response to the update request messages. More specifically, the mobile device (10.1), upon receiving the waiting message, begins to send the update request messages that indicate the update package said mobile device (10.1) needs. The information about which update package is requested by the mobile device (10.1) is also included in the update request message sent by said mobile device (10.1). In each update messaging period, the mobile device (10.1) sends to the ambience an update request message indicating the update package needed -requested- by said mobile device (10.1) and switches into the receiving mode until the next update message period. The fixed anchor device (20), upon receiving said update request message, composes and sends to the ambience an update response message containing the specified update package (data), according to the contents of said update request message. If the mobile device (10.1) needs the update package available in the contents of the update response message sent to the ambience by the fixed anchor devices (20), said mobile device (10.1) receives said update response message; on the other hand, if said mobile device

[0059] (10.1) does not need said update package, it waits in the receiving mode until the next update message period when it will send the update request message. While waiting in the receiving mode, the mobile device (10.1);

[0060] • receives an update message containing the update package it needs, when said mobile device (10.1) detects said message, and

[0061] • sends an update request message in the next update period, when said mobile device

[0062] (10.1) is unable to detect in the ambience an update message containing the update package it needs.

[0063] Then, the fixed anchor device (20), which receives the update request message, sends to the ambience the requested update package in the form of a response message. The mobile device

[0064] (10.1), which receives from the ambience the response message containing the update package, takes action according to the contents of the update package message.

[0065] Here, another point to note is that a mobile device (10.1) is able to receive the update response message sent to the ambience by the fixed anchor device (20) in response to the update request message sent by another mobile device (10.1). Referring to an example, the contents of the update request message, which is sent to the ambience by a mobile device (10.1) named as M1 when said mobile device (10.1) needs the update package no. X, contain the information about the update package no. X (Figure 5). A fixed anchor device (20) wishing to respond to the mobile device M1

[0066] (10.1) sends to the ambience an update response message containing the update package no. X (Figure 6). In case a different mobile device M2 (10.1) with the receiving mode currently in the on state also needs the update package no. X, it receives the update response message containing said update package no. X, without waiting until its own update message period (Figure 6). In this way, the simultaneous transmission of the update request messages by the mobile devices (10.1) and the resulting message traffic are prevented. This process continues until each of the mobile devices (10.1) completes its update package deficit and is completely updated. Here, it should be kept in mind that the mobile device (10.1) continues its periodic RTLS communication, i.e., the signal (message) exchange, with the other fixed anchor devices (20). Moreover, the mobile device

[0067] (10.1) that is to be updated communicates with the fixed anchor device / s (20) in a different period.

[0068] According to our invention, in the case where the message waiting information, the information about the device / s that is / are to be updated, and the update packages (data) are downloaded to more than one fixed anchor device (20), a reference is selected from among said fixed anchor devices (20). The fixed anchor device (20) selected as the reference communicates with the mobile device / s (10.1) and sends to the ambience the message containing the update the package. Here, for the purpose of describing an exemplary scenario for the reference selection process;

[0069] ■ the fixed anchor devices (20) shown in Figure 7 are named as A1 , A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, and A8; and

[0070] ■ the fixed anchor devices (20) shown in Figures 10, 11 , 12, and 13 are named as A1 , A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, A10, A11, A12, A13, A14, A15, and A16.

[0071] On the other hand, the values a, 2a, 3a, 5a, and 6a shown in Figures 8 and 9 refer to the signal level for the message receipt.

[0072] Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary case where the mobile device (10.1) is in motion. The nearest fixed anchor devices (20) capable of receiving the respective message when the mobile device (10.1) sends a periodic RF message to the ambience at the moment it is at the position K(x1 , y1) are represented as A1, A2, A3, and A4, while the nearest fixed anchor devices (20) capable of receiving the respective message when the mobile device (10.1) sends another periodic message to the ambience after continuing its movement and reaching the point L(x2, y2) are represented as A5, A6, A7, and A8 (Figure 7). Each message sent by the mobile device (10.1) while it continues its movement is received by a different group of fixed anchor devices.

[0073] In order to select a reference device, the mobile device (10.1) periodically sends an RF message to the ambience within the area (30). A group of fixed anchor devices, consisting of the fixed anchor devices (20) that are located within the coverage of the RF message sent to said ambience, detect the RF message. Each fixed anchor device (20) in the group of fixed anchor devices that receive the message composes an information message containing

[0074] ■ ID information of the mobile device (10.1) sending the periodic message,

[0075] ■ information about what code is used to compose the periodic message, and

[0076] ■ information about the signal level at which the periodic message is received by the fixed anchor device (20) that receives said periodic message, and sends the composed message to the other fixed anchor devices (20) in the group. Said information message is in the form of a broadcast message and covers a certain zone. The fixed anchor device (20) sending the information message sends said information message in such a way that said fixed anchor device (20) will be located at the center of the zone covered by the sent information message (broadcast message). Figures 10, 11 , 12, and 13 illustrate the situations where the information message is sent in such a way that the fixed anchor devices (20) A1, A2, A3, and A4 (20), respectively, will be at the center. It can be seen in said figures that the information message is received also by the other fixed anchor devices (20) besides the group of fixed anchor devices that receive the message sent by the mobile device (10.1). In such a case, only the devices that are included in the group of fixed anchor devices receiving the message sent by the mobile device (10.1) respond to the information message, while the other fixed anchor devices (20) receiving the information message ignore said information message.

[0077] Figures 8 and 9 provide the graphs representing what fixed anchor device (20) receives and at what signal level the message sent by the mobile device (10.1) at the points K and L, respectively. Since the highest value belongs to the A3 fixed anchor device (20) among the fixed anchor devices (20) receiving, at the signal levels given in Figure 8, the message sent to the ambience by the mobile device (10.1) at the point K in the case where the group of fixed anchor devices consists of A1 , A2, A3, and A4, it is necessary to determine A3 as the reference; and, since the highest value belongs to the A6 fixed anchor device (20) among the fixed anchor devices (20) receiving, at the signal levels given in Figure 9, the message sent to the ambience by the mobile device (10.1) at the point L in the case where the group of fixed anchor devices consists of A5, A6, A7, and A8, it is necessary to determine A6 as the reference. The process of determination is performed by a sorting algorithm running in the processors of the fixed anchor devices (20), and in said algorithm, the fixed anchor device (20) having the highest signal level is determined as the reference.

[0078] Said algorithm performs a sorting by using the information about at what signal level the RF message sent to the ambience by the mobile device (10.1) is received by the respective fixed anchor devices (20) and determines as the reference the fixed anchor device (20) that receives the message at the highest signal level according to the sorting. Here, the RF message refers to the response messages sent by the mobile device (10.1) to the fixed anchor device / s (20) for a communication performed at a certain period at that respective moment. The contents and the period of the RF message vary according to the communication. The fixed anchor devices (20) perform the sorting according to the information about the signal level at which the response message, that is sent by the mobile device (10.1) and that is specific to the communication, is received. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the RF message is an update request message sent by the mobile device (10.1) to the ambience.

[0079] Said algorithm, by using the data about at what signal level the message contained in the information message coming from the other fixed anchor devices (20) is received, performs a sorting according to the signal level among the fixed anchor devices (20) receiving the message. The signal level data indicated as a, 2a, 3a, and 5a in Figure 8 are evaluated in the sorting algorithm and the fixed anchor devices (20) are sorted as A3>A1>A4>A1. The algorithm determines as the reference the A3 fixed anchor device (20), which has the highest message receipt signal according to the sorting. Similarly, after continuing its movement within the area (30) and arriving at the point L(x2, y2), the mobile device (10.1) sends another periodic RF message. Since the mobile device (10.1) whose position has changed starts to communicate with another group of fixed anchor devices, it is necessary to determine a new reference. The group of fixed anchor devices capable of receiving the message sent at the point L(x2, y2) consists of the A5, A6, A7, and A8 fixed anchor devices (20). The reference selection process is performed among said devices A5, A6, A7, and A8. The signal level data indicated as a, 2a, 3a, and 6a in Figure 9 are evaluated in the sorting algorithm and the fixed anchor devices (20) are sorted as A6>A5>A8>A7. The algorithm determines as the reference the A6 fixed anchor device (20), which has the highest message receipt signal according to the sorting. More specifically, said algorithm enables the fixed anchor devices (20) to be sorted according to their message receipt signal levels and determines the fixed anchor device (20) with the highest message receipt signal level as the reference. If the signal level of any fixed anchor device (20) in which the algorithm runs is not the highest signal level in the sorting process, said fixed anchor device gives priority to the other fixed anchor devices (20). Said algorithm is available in all the fixed anchor devices (20) and runs in every step of determining a new reference. In this way, it becomes possible to determine the reference at the desired time, irrespective of whether or not the mobile device (10.1) is in motion.

[0080] Said sorting and reference determination process is performed separately by each device in the group of fixed anchor devices. After performing the sorting according to the signal level for the message receipt, each device in the group of fixed anchor devices determines the A3 fixed anchor device (20) as the reference for the point K and the A6 fixed anchor device (20) as the reference for the point L and the fixed anchor devices notify the same to one another via a broadcast message. In this way, the A3 and A6 fixed anchor devices (20) determined as the reference jointly by the devices in the group of fixed anchor devices are set as the reference. The fixed anchor device (20) determined as the reference starts to communicate with the mobile device / s (10.1) in the manner described in detail in the previous paragraphs. The reference fixed anchor device (20) sends to the ambience the messages containing the update package and the mobile devices (10.1) receive the update packages they need. The mobile device (10.1) receiving the update package takes action according to the contents of said update package.

[0081] In the preferred embodiment of our invention, said reference determination process, the data transfer communications, etc. are performed via a channel in a different frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz), while the distance measurement processes is performed via a channel in a different frequency band (e.g., UWB). The mobile device (10.1) in the preferred embodiment of the invention has only the UWB radio. In this case, the performance of the determination of a reference fixed anchor device (20), which will respond to the update request message sent by the mobile device (10.1) and will continue its communication with the mobile device (10.1) to transmit the update packages to the mobile device (10.1), via the UWB radio will result in a message traffic specific to the UWB radio. According to our invention, the message traffic is prevented by realizing the message traffic via different radios and channels.

[0082] The messaging types used in all the communication processes described above may differ depending on the preference. Here the messaging types such as single cast, multicast, and broadcast, etc. are used according to the need. The messaging depictions shown in the figures are used for the sole purpose of visualization and they do not indicate the message type. Further, it should be understood that the described specific arrangements are used only for describing the present invention and that they may not be used for limiting the present invention.

[0083] Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a scenario with a forklift (F) and a user. In this scenario, the moving member (10) represents the forklift (F) or the human (operator, employee, worker, etc.) the mobile device (10.1) represents the tag (E) and / or the forklift anchor (FA); and the fixed anchor device (20) represents the fixed anchor (S).

[0084] The forklift (F) is used for the process of handling the material to the shelves or to any zone within the area (30). A forklift anchor (FA) is deployed in the forklift (F) in order to enable said forklift (F) to perform the communication. A forklift control unit capable of communicating with the forklift anchor (FA) and of controlling the received information is available in the forklift (F). The forklift control unit refers to an electronic unit, which controls the information (electronic information, communication information, update information, etc.) coming from the sensors, electronic circuits, forklift anchor (FA), and electronic parts available in the forklift (F). The forklift control unit detects the electrical signals and the communication signals and is able to interpret the detected information. The forklift control unit performs the processes of detection and interpretation with the help of the electronic circuits and processors available in its structure. Here, the processor may be an industrial microcontroller. The forklift control unit is arranged in a manner where it is associated with the forklift (F). The forklift control unit is in contact with all kinds of electronic circuits and with every electronically controllable part available in the forklift (F) and is able to communicate with said parts. Here, the tag (E) represents a wristband worn by the user (human), a pendant worn by the user (human), a card carried by the user (human), etc. The wristband, the pendant, and the card are each a mobile tag used in the RTLS communications.

[0085] The fixed anchors (S) are deployed at various locations of the area (30), by means of the previously described mapping technique. The fixed anchors (S) are positioned at certain intervals on the ceiling. Here, while the fixed anchors (S) are positioned generally along the same direction, it is sometimes also possible for the same to be positioned with certain axis eccentricity due to the structure of the warehouse. In the mapping process, the parameters such as the places (locations) where the fixed anchors (S) are to be positioned within the area (30), etc. are measured by the site teams by means of various techniques and equipment (laser, 3D sensor, etc.). The system includes an interface (firmware), in which the parameters of the fixed anchors (S), the determined fixed anchor (S) locations, the data on the distances of the fixed anchors (S) from one another, the data to be used in the update process, etc. may be input and which enables the information to be transmitted with the help of a transfer device. This firmware is capable of operating in a computer environment or on a server. A message structure including the parameters that are input in said firmware and the data that are desired to be recorded in the memory units of the devices (fixed anchor, forklift anchor, tag, etc.) is generated. Said transfer device connects to said interface and transmits, in a wireless or wired manner, the message including the data that are desired to be recorded in the memory units of the fixed anchors (S), the tabs (E), and the forklift anchor (FA) to said devices. In this way, the data are recorded manually. Said transfer device is capable of performing the RF communication. This data recording process is repeated in such a way that the data for each forklift (F) will be recorded in the forklift anchor (FA) and the data for each user will be recorded in the tag (E).

[0086] According to this scenario, when it is desired to update the firmware of the tag (E) and / or the forklift anchor (FA) in the case where said user and / or forklift (F) is moving or standing still, first, the data that contain the information about the device / s to be updated, the information about the update packages, and the information about the waiting messages are recorded in the memory unit of the fixed anchor (S). In other words, the information (data) that is to be used in the calculation processes is manually recorded in the memory units of the fixed anchors (S). Said manual recording process is a process where an operator (from the site team) records the data in the memory units of the anchors participating in the communication. When recording the data in the devices, the operator may use the wired or wireless data transmission methods. It is possible to perform this recording process in different combinations. The data may be recorded in such a way that some of said data will be recorded in the forklift anchor (FA), some of said data will be recorded in the fixed anchors (S), and some of said data will be recorded in the tag (E), or by employing other different combinations. After the recording process, the tag (E), the forklift anchor (FA), and the fixed anchors (S) will have the data on which the approach of update is to be implemented. This data is recorded with the aid of an interface and are transmitted to the respective devices via a transfer device.

[0087] Subsequently, the tag (E) and / or the forklift anchor (FA) periodically send / s an RF message to the ambience within the area (30). The fixed anchor (S), which detects said RF message sent to the ambience, sends a response message to the ambience by adding also the message waiting data if the tag (E) and / or the forklift anchor (FA) need / s an update package. The tag (E) and / or the forklift anchor (FA) receiving the message waiting data start / s to send to the ambience the update request messages, which specify the requested update package, and switch / es into the receiving mode until the next update message period. When the tag (E) and / or the forklift anchor (FA) detect / s in the ambience an update message containing the update package said tag (E) and / or forklift anchor (FA) need / s while said tag (E) and / or forklift anchor (FA) is / are waiting in the receiving mode, said tag (E) and / or forklift anchor (FA) receive / s said message data. When the tag (E) and / or the forklift anchor (FA) is / are unable to detect in the ambience any update message containing the update package said tag (E) and / or forklift anchor (FA) need / s while said tag (E) and / or forklift anchor (FA) is / are waiting in the receiving mode, said tag (E) and / or forklift anchor (FA) send / s an update request message in the next update period. Then, the fixed anchor (S) sends to the ambience a response message that contains the requested update package. Finally, the tag (E) and / or the forklift anchor (FA) receive / s the response message and the action is taken according to the contents of said message.

[0088] The tag (E) and / or the forklift anchor (FA), which is / are to be updated, and the fixed anchor (S) communicate in a different period. The update process may be performed in a singular or multiple manner. For instance, it is possible to perform the update process in different combinations such as the following: a certain number of forklift anchors (FA) and a certain number of tags (E), a single forklift anchor (FA) or a single tag (E), a certain number of forklift anchors (FA) or a certain number of tags (E), etc.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A firmware update method for RTLS systems, said method enabling the firmware updates by means of the components of at least one mobile device (10.1), which is connected with a moving member (10) having the ability to move within an area (30) and which is able to send and receive the RF messages, and at least one fixed anchor device (20), which is positioned in a fixed manner within said area (30) and which is able to send and receive the RF messages, characterized in that said method comprises, in order to update the firmware of the mobile device / s (10.1) in the case where said moving member (10) is moving or in the case where said moving member (10) is standing still, the process steps of transmitting to the fixed anchor devices (20) the information about the device / s that are to be updated, the update packages, and the waiting messages, the mobile device (10.1) periodically sending an RF message to the ambience within the area (30), the fixed anchor device (20), which detects said RF message sent to the ambience, sending a response message by adding also the waiting message if the mobile device (10.1) needs an update package, the mobile device (10.1), which receives the waiting message, starting to send the update request messages that specify the requested update package, and switching into the receiving mode until the next update message period, the mobile device (10.1), while waiting in the receiving mode,• receiving an update message containing the needed update package when said mobile device (10.1) detects said update message in the ambience,• sending an update request message in the next update period when said mobile device (10.1) is unable to detect any update message containing the needed update package in the ambience, the fixed anchor device (20) sending to the ambience a response message, which contains the requested update package, and the mobile device (10.1) receiving the response message and the action being taken according to the contents of said message.

2. A firmware update method for RTLS systems according to Claim 1 characterized in that said waiting message contains the information about the message waiting time and the update messaging period.

3. A firmware update method for RTLS systems according to Claim 1 characterized in that said method comprises, in order to enable the mobile device (10.1) to be updated in the case where the message waiting information, the information about the device / s that is / are to be updated, and the update package / s are defined in a group formed by more than one (at least three) fixed anchor device (20), the process steps of- the mobile device (10.1) periodically sending an RF message to the ambience within the area (30), a group of fixed anchor devices, which consists of the fixed anchor devices (20) that are within the coverage of said RF message sent to the ambience, detecting said RF message, each fixed anchor device (20) in said group of fixed anchor devices composing an information message and sending the composed message to the other fixed anchor devices (20) in the group, sorting the fixed anchor devices (20) according to the message receipt signal levels, determining the fixed anchor device (20) with the highest message receipt signal level as the reference, the fixed anchor device (20) determined as the reference sending a response message by adding also the waiting message if the mobile device (10.1) needs an update package, the mobile device (10.1), which receives the waiting message, starting to send the update request messages that specify the requested update package, and switching into the receiving mode until the next update message period, the mobile device (10.1), while waiting in the receiving mode,• receiving an update message containing the needed update package when said mobile device (10.1) detects said update message in the ambience,• sending an update request message in the next update period when said mobile device (10.1) is unable to detect any update message containing the needed update package in the ambience, the reference fixed anchor device (20) sending to the ambience a response message, which contains the requested update package, and the mobile device (10.1) receiving the response message and the action being taken according to the contents of said message.

4. A firmware update method for RTLS systems according to Claim 3 characterized in that the information message composed by each fixed anchor device (20) in the group of fixed anchor devices (20) containsID information of the mobile device (10.1) sending the periodic message, information about what code is used to compose the periodic message, and information about the signal level at which the periodic message is received by the fixed anchor device (20) that receives said periodic message.

5. A firmware update method for RTLS systems according to Claim 1 characterized in that the mobile device (10.1), which is to be updated, and the fixed anchor device / s (20) communicate in a different period.

6. A firmware update method for RTLS systems according to Claim 1 characterized in that said mobile device (10.1), when it receives the update package, implements the instructions for• download only,• install only, or• download and install.

7. A firmware update method for RTLS systems according to Claim 1 characterized in that• said moving member (10) is defined as the forklift (F) and / or the user, said mobile device (10.1) is defined as the tag (E) and / or the forklift anchor (FA), and said fixed anchor device (20) is defined as the fixed anchor (S).

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