A method for operating a sensor node

Abstract

A method (500) for operating a sensor node (100), the method (500) comprising: receiving (S501) by the sensor node (100) a control message according to a wireless communication protocol; and forwarding (S502) the control message by the sensor node (100) via a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface, DALI, network (300) to a further sensor node (200) in the DALI network (300).

Description

[0001] A method for operating a sensor node

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to the field of control and commissioning. More particularly, various methods, apparatus, and systems are disclosed herein related to providing a control message to one or more sensor nodes remotely.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) is a standard communication protocol and a network-based system for lighting control. DALI controls the communication flow between Lighting Drivers / Gears (DALL Control Gears) and Lighting Controllers (DALL Control Devices) that forms a DALI network. The DALI network shall be supplied by a power source. A DALI system is specified by the technical standards IEC 62386 and IEC 60929, as incorporated by reference.

[0006] To cater for the application needs of the Internet of Things (loT), the new DALI standard D4i offers more features and functionalities by taking care of control and power requirements, which makes it much easier to mount sensors and communication devices on luminaires. Smart D4i luminaires are ideal platforms for the loT, capable of gathering information from on-board D4i sensors, and providing data for performance monitoring, asset management, predictive maintenance and many other tasks. Communication and data exchange with an external network can take place via a D4i control device with wireless communication capabilities. D4i is an extension of the DALI-2 certification program. D4i LED drivers have a mandatory set of features related to powersupply requirements and smart-data capabilities. Therefore, the D4i protocol enriches a new generation of lighting applications by employing diversified sensing data in the lighting control system.

[0007] Wireless controllers are widely used for indoor and outdoor lighting control. For outdoor lighting, smart streetlights often use wireless controllers with a secured network. Commissioning of a wireless controller is often done via a tablet or smartphone using a short range wireless communication link, such as Bluetooth. A secured network can only be accessed upon authorization. If authorization is lost, it is necessary to reset the device to put it in use again.

[0008] For some wireless controllers or other sensors in a DALI network that do not have an easily accessible reset option, it may be quite inconvenient for outdoor lighting applications.

[0009] US2016286628A1 relates to a modular wireless lighting control device comprising a wireless interface and a lighting control device, and the lighting control device may have a DALI interface.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is recognized by the inventors that it is beneficial to implement a method for providing a control message to a sensor node or a wireless controller in a convenient manner, especially when the sensor node or the wireless controller is not directly accessible. More particularly, the goal of this invention is achieved by a method as claimed in claim 1, by a sensor node as claimed in claim 9, and by a DALI network as claimed in claim 13.

[0012] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention a method for sending a control message using a wireless communication protocol is provided. A method for sending a control message using a wireless communication protocol, the method comprising: connecting a sensor node that supports the wireless communication protocol to a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface, DALI, network; sending the control message to the sensor node according to the wireless communication protocol; and broadcasting the control message by the sensor node via the DALI network, such that a further sensor node in the DALI network that does not support the wireless communication protocol or cannot receive the control message directly via the wireless communication protocol is enabled to receive the control message via the DALI network.

[0013] The newly added sensor node has both interfaces to the wireless communication protocol and to the DALI network, while the existing further sensor node has the interface to the DALI network but not to the wireless communication protocol needed for receiving the control message. The control message may be provided by a commissioning device, a remote controller, a smartphone or a Tablet. Since the sensor node and the further sensor node are connected to the same DALI network, it is beneficial that the control message is forwarded by the sensor node to the further sensor node. By sending the control message via broadcasting, the sensor node is capable to forward the control message to any further sensor node connected to the same DALI network without caring about addressing in the DALI network.

[0014] The newly added sensor node may be a factory new sensor node. The newly added sensor node is used to assist the procedure of sending the control message using the wireless communication protocol to the existing one or more further nodes in the DALI network that cannot receive the control message directly via the wireless communication protocol.

[0015] It may also be possible that the further sensor node also has the interface to the wireless communication protocol. However, in one scenario is that due to a malfunction, the further sensor node is not able to receive the control message via the wireless communication protocol. In a further scenario is that the further sensor node is only capable to receive certain types of commands via the wireless communication protocol, but not the rest.

[0016] Since devices on the DALI network are hot swappable, the newly added or connected sensor node may be connected to the DALI network just temporarily and just for forwarding the control message. Thus, the sensor node may also be removed or dis-connected from the DALI network after delivering the control message to one or more further sensor nodes in the DALI network, or after finishing some further tasks, such as assisting a user, a commissioning engineer or field engineer to send one or more commands to at least one further sensor node.

[0017] The DALI network may be according to a D4i standard.

[0018] In one option, the method further comprising: executing a command comprised in the control message by the sensor node.

[0019] The command comprised in the control message may be addressed to both the sensor node and the further sensor node.

[0020] Alternatively, the command may be only addressed to the further sensor node, such as the command being placed in a payload part of the control message with address information. In that case, the sensor node does not execute the command by itself, but simply forwards it to the further sensor node.

[0021] In one example, the sensor node is attached to or integrated in a luminaire. The sensor node may be a wireless controller for controlling the luminaire.

[0022] In another example, the luminaire is a dual socket luminaire, and the further sensor node is attached to the same luminaire. A dual socket luminaire is a type of lighting fixture that has two sockets or lamp holders, allowing for the installation of two light bulbs in the same fixture. These fixtures are typically used in applications where a higher light output is required, such as in commercial or industrial settings. The dual socket luminaire can accommodate different types of bulbs, including incandescent, fluorescent, LED, or HID bulbs. Some dual socket luminaires also offer the ability to control each socket independently, allowing for greater flexibility in lighting design and control.

[0023] Dual socket luminaires are used in a variety of applications, including warehouse lighting, retail display lighting, and outdoor lighting, as they provide a cost- effective way to achieve the desired lighting levels without having to install multiple fixtures.

[0024] For outdoor luminaires, the dual socket luminaire may be according to a Zhaga standard, such as Zhaga book 18 specification. Here a dual socket luminaire is described as a luminaire with two receptacles that can be used for a sensory input and / or communication between the Luminaire and a network. The mechanical and electrical connections of the luminaire may be according to Zhaga book 18 specification and the communication between the sensor node and controller devices may be according to the DALI standard D4i.

[0025] In one example, the sensor node and the further sensor node are used to control the two sockets independently.

[0026] Beneficially, the luminaire is a streetlight.

[0027] Different short range wireless communication techniques may be used to provide the control message to the sensor node.

[0028] Advantageously, the wireless communication protocol is according to one of the following standards: Zigbee, Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi, NFC, LTE, 5G cellular.

[0029] In one example, the command is a reset command.

[0030] A reset command is a command that resets the sensor node to its default settings. When a reset command is issued, all user-configured settings, such as network configurations, security settings, and user preferences, are erased, and the sensor node is restored to its factory default settings.

[0031] The reset command is often used to troubleshoot issues with the sensor node, such as when it is not responding or is behaving unexpectedly. To take wireless controller as an example, by resetting the controller to its default settings, any misconfigured settings or corrupted data that may be causing the issue can be cleared, and the controller can be restored to a known, stable state. The further sensor node is not capable to receive a reset command via the wireless communication protocol, but only through a DALI interface, while the sensor node is capable of both.

[0032] In one example, the further sensor node, after reset, may be capable to receive another configuration command via the wireless communication protocol or an RF channel.

[0033] In one option, the DALI network is a wired network, or DALI bus.

[0034] A DALI network may comprise a central controller and a plurality of devices. The DALI controller is a central device that manages and controls the DALI network, which sends commands and receives feedback from the DALI devices in the network. The DALI devices may be the individual light fixtures or groups of fixtures that are connected to the DALI network. These devices are individually addressable and can be controlled independently or in groups.

[0035] Wired DALI uses physical cables to connect the DALI devices to the central controller.

[0036] In another option, the DALI network is a wireless network, or wireless DALI.

[0037] Wireless DALI (also known as DALI Over Wireless) implements the DALI lighting-control application on top of an underlying wireless network. The devices in a DALI Over Wireless mesh network are DALLbased devices with wireless communication capabilities. There is no translation between DALI and the wireless protocol. Thus, wireless DALI uses wireless signals to communicate between the DALI devices and the central controller. Basically, wireless DALI provides a way to control lighting fixtures without the need for wires, which can be useful in situations where it is difficult or impossible to run wires.

[0038] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention a system is provided. A system comprising a sensor node, and a control device configured to send a control message using a wireless communication protocol to the sensor node; wherein the sensor node comprises: an interface configured to connect the sensor node to a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface, DALI, network; a transceiver configured to receive the control message according to the wireless communication protocol; and a controller configured to control the sensor node to: o broadcast the control message via the DALI network such that a further sensor node in the DALI network that does not support the wireless communication protocol or cannot receive the control message directly via the wireless communication protocol is enabled to receive the control message via the DALI network.

[0039] Beneficially, the controller of the sensor node is further configured to control the sensor node to execute a command comprised in the control message.

[0040] In one example, the command is a reset command.

[0041] The command may also be another type of command other than reset. For example, the control message may also carry a query for status or diagnostic information. The control message may also carry another control or configuration command to control the sensor node, or a further device attached to or connected to the sensor node, such as a luminaire connected to the sensor node.

[0042] Beneficially, the sensor node is attached to or integrated in a luminaire.

[0043] In one example, the luminaire is a streetlight.

[0044] In one option, the DALI network is a wired network, or a DALI bus.

[0045] In another option, the DALI network is a wireless network, or wireless DALI.

[0046] The DALI network may be used as a control network. Preferably, the DALI network is used as a lighting control network.

[0047] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different figures. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

[0049] FIG. 1 shows a flow diagram of a method for operating a sensor node;

[0050] FIG. 2 illustrates a basic block diagram of the sensor node;

[0051] FIG. 3 illustrates a basic block diagram of the further sensor node;

[0052] FIG. 4 shows a prior art setup to provide the control message to the further sensor node;

[0053] FIG. 5 shows an example setup to provide the control message to the further sensor node according to the present invention;

[0054] FIG. 6 illustrates a wired DALI network; and

[0055] FIG. 7 illustrates a wireless DALI network. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0056] The embodiments set forth below represent information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the disclosure and will recognize applications of these concepts not particularly addressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the disclosure.

[0057] FIG. 1 shows a flow diagram of a method 500 for sending a control message using a wireless communication protocol. The method 500 comprises: connecting a sensor node 100 that supports the wireless communication protocol to a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface, DALI, network (300); sending, in step S501, the control message to the sensor node 100 according to the wireless communication protocol; and broadcasting, in step S502, the control message by the sensor node 100 via the DALI network 300 such that a further sensor node 200 in the DALI network 300 that does not support the wireless communication protocol or cannot receive the control message directly via the wireless communication protocol is enabled to receive the control message via the DALI network.

[0058] Optionally, the method 500 of claim 1 may further comprise: executing, in step S503, a command comprised in the control message by the sensor node 100.

[0059] The command comprised in the control message may be addressed to both the sensor node 100 and the further sensor node 200, or to the further sensor node 200 only.

[0060] The control message may carry a query for status or diagnostic information. The control message may also carry another control or configuration command to control the sensor node, or a further device attached to or connected to the sensor node, such as a luminaire connected to the sensor node.

[0061] Preferably, the command is a reset command. When a reset command is issued, all user-configured settings, such as network configurations, security settings, and user preferences, are erased, and the sensor node or the further sensor node is restored to its factory default settings. The reset command is often used to troubleshoot issues with the sensor node or the further sensor node, such as when it is not responding or is behaving unexpectedly. When the sensor node or the further sensor node is a wireless controller, by resetting the wireless controller to its default settings, any misconfigured settings or corrupted data that may be causing the issue can be cleared.

[0062] FIG. 2 illustrates a basic block diagram of the sensor node 100. As a basic setup, the sensor node 100 comprises a transceiver 101, an interface 102, and a controller 103. The transceiver 101 is configured to receive a control message according to a wireless communication protocol. The interface 102 is configured to connect the sensor node 100 to a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) network 300. The controller 103 is configured to control the sensor node 100 to broadcast the control message, via the interface 102, to the DALI network, such that a further sensor node 200 in the DALI network 300 that does not support the wireless communication protocol or cannot receive the control message directly via the wireless communication protocol is enabled to receive the control message via the DALI network.

[0063] The controller may be further configured to control the sensor node 100 to: execute a command comprised in the control message.

[0064] The wireless communication protocol related to short range wireless communications, and it may be according to one of the following standards: Zigbee, Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi, NFC, LTE, 5G cellular. The wireless communication protocol is used to establish an RF communication between the sensor node and a commissioning device, a remote controller, a smartphone or a Tablet, such that the control message or control command is provided by the commissioning device, remote controller, smartphone or Tablet to the sensor node.

[0065] Preferably, the sensor node 100 is attached to or integrated in a luminaire. The luminaire may be deployed indoors or outdoors, such as a streetlight.

[0066] The luminaire may be a dual socket luminaire, and the further sensor node 200 is attached to a different socket of the same luminaire. With the sensor node 100 and the further sensor node 200 attached to different sockets of the same dual socket luminaire, the luminaire offers the ability to control each socket independently, allowing for greater flexibility in lighting design and control.

[0067] FIG. 3 illustrates a basic block diagram of the further sensor node 200. As a basic setup, the further sensor node 200 comprises, an interface 202 and a controller 203. The interface 202 is configured to connect the further sensor node 200 to a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) network 300.

[0068] The further sensor node 200 may not comprise a transceiver 201 for RF communications. Optionally, the further sensor node 200 may also comprise a transceiver 201. Different from the sensor node 100, the further sensor node 200 is not able to receive the control message via the transceiver 201 according to the wireless communication protocol. It may be because the transceiver 201 of the further sensor node 200 has a malfunction. It may also be the case that the transceiver 201 is only capable to receive certain types of commands via the wireless communication protocol, but not the rest.

[0069] FIG. 4 shows a prior art setup to provide the control message to the further sensor node 200. In this case, a reset needs to be provided to the further sensor node. Typically, a device can be reset in one of the following approaches:

[0070] • physically (e.g., via a RESET button)

[0071] • wirelessly (e.g., RF, IR, NFC)

[0072] • wired (e.g., via an input / output / control connection)

[0073] The selection among the different options may also be a trade-off between usability, security, and cost.

[0074] In case a device can be reset wirelessly, the connection needs to be secured, otherwise anyone else could reset the device. This may be a problem for streetlighting. If a device becomes unconnectable via the wireless communication, a second reset option should be available.

[0075] As one example, the LRI8135, outdoor multi-sensor, can be reset using a DALI control input. A manufacturer specific sequence of commands needs to be sent from a laptop via a DALI wired interface to reset the device. The reset method still requires physical access to the device. Thus, it is possible to reset the LRI8135 via a DALI interface in case a wireless connection is not possible, but it requires a PC and an expensive 24-bit DALI interface. Therefore, it is not convenient and not cost effective.

[0076] FIG. 5 shows an example setup to provide the control message to the further sensor node 200 according to the present invention. In this example, the further sensor node 200 is a multi-sensor node that is or becomes RF unconnectable, and it needs a reset. Instead of using the setup as shown in FIG. 4 according to the prior art, the reset command is delivered to the further sensor node via a first sensor node 100 or a healthy multi-sensor node as shown in FIG. 5. The healthy sensor node receives the RESET command or the control message via an RF link from a remote controller, commissioning device, smartphone or tablet. And then, the healthy sensor node forwards the RESET command via a DALI bus to the multi-sensor node that needs a RESET but is RF unconnectable. In an outdoor lighting scenario, to take a dual socket ZHAGA luminaire as an example, the procedure may be carried out as follows:

[0077] • Power up a dual socket ZHAGA luminaire with the non-RF connectable Multi sensor (OMS1);

[0078] • Observe and wait until the Multi sensors RED LED turns off;

[0079] • Mount the second, connectable (new) Multi sensor on the other socket of the luminaire;

[0080] • Use a mobile App to “Access” the connectable (new) Multi sensor (OMS 2), and to send the RESET command;

[0081] • Now both Multi sensors will reset (OMS 2 directly and OMS 1 via DALI).

[0082] To take the sensor node being LRI8135 as an example, according to D4i Part 351 (specifically Application controller arbitration), the following procedure may be carried out:

[0083] • Power up the RF connectable multi-sensor;

[0084] • Wait for >30s for the RF connectable multi-sensor to boot up (and RED LED turns off);

[0085] • Mount a second non-RF connectable multi-sensor;

[0086] • Wait for >30s for the second non-RF connectable multi-sensor to boot up (and RED LED turns off);

[0087] • Use a mobile App to “Access” the connectable (new) Multi sensor (OMS 2), and to send the RESET command;

[0088] • Now both Multi sensors will reset (OMS 2 directly and OMS 1 via DALI).

[0089] To enable the scheme disclosed in the present invention, development will be added to the multi-sensor firmware, such that if it receives a Network Reset from the App, not only the connected Multi sensor resets but it also sends out the 24-bit commands to reset any other Multi sensor which is connected to the same DALI bus / lines.

[0090] The invention may also be embodied in a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface, DALI, network 300, which comprises: a first sensor node 100 according to the present invention; and one or more further sensor nodes 200, 200’; wherein the one or more further sensor nodes 200, 200’ are not able to receive the control message according to the wireless communication protocol; and the first sensor node 100 is configured to forward the control message to the one or more further sensor nodes 200, 200’ via the DALI network 300.

[0091] FIG. 6 illustrates a wired DALI network 300, and the first sensor node 100 and the one or more further sensor nodes 200, 200’ are connected via a DALI bus. FIG. 7 illustrates a wireless DALI network 300, and the first sensor node 100 and the one or more further sensor nodes 200, 200’ are connected wirelessly. Wireless DALI (also known as DALI Over Wireless) implements the DALI lighting-control application on top of an underlying wireless network. The devices 100, 200, 200’ in a DALI Over Wireless mesh network are DALI-based devices with wireless communication capabilities. Note that the wireless DALI interface is different from the wireless communication protocol used by the sensor node 100 to receive the control message.

[0092] In practice, the sensor node may have a first transceivers used to access the RF link according to the wireless communication protocol for communicating with a commissioning device. The same first transceiver may be used in a time sharing manner for accessing the wireless DALI network. It may also be the case that the sensor node comprises a further transceiver for accessing the wireless DALI network.

[0093] The method according to the present invention may be implemented on a computer as a computer implemented method, or in dedicated hardware, or in a combination of both.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method (500) for sending a control message using a wireless communication protocol, the method (500) comprising: connecting a sensor node (100) that supports the wireless communication protocol to a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface, DALI, network (300); sending (S501) the control message to the sensor node (100) according to the wireless communication protocol; and broadcasting (S502) the control message by the sensor node (100) via the DALI network (300) such that a further sensor node (200) in the DALI network (300) that does not support the wireless communication protocol or cannot receive the control message directly via the wireless communication protocol is enabled to receive the control message via the DALI network.

2. The method (500) of claim 1 further comprising: executing (S503) a command comprised in the control message by the sensor node (100).

3. The method (500) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor node (100) is attached to or integrated in a luminaire.

4. The method (500) of claim 3, wherein the luminaire is a dual socket luminaire, and the further sensor node (200) is attached to the same luminaire.

5. The method (500) of any one of the previous claims, wherein the wireless communication protocol is according to one of the following standards: Zigbee, Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi, NFC, LTE, 5G cellular.

6. The method (500) of any one of the previous claims 2-5, wherein the command is a reset command.

7. The method (500) of any one of the previous claims, wherein the DALI network (300) is a wired network, or DALI bus.

8. The method (500) of any one of the previous claims 1-6, wherein the DALI network (300) is a wireless network, or wireless DALI.

9. A system comprising a sensor node (100), and a control device configured to send a control message using a wireless communication protocol to the sensor node; wherein the sensor node comprises: an interface (102) configured to connect the sensor node (100) to a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface, DALI, network (300); a transceiver (101) configured to receive the control message according to the wireless communication protocol; and a controller (103) configured to control the sensor node (100) to: o broadcast the control message via the DALI network such that a further sensor node (200) in the DALI network (300) that does not support the wireless communication protocol or cannot receive the control message directly via the wireless communication protocol is enabled to receive the control message via the DALI network.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the controller of the sensor node (100) is further configured to control the sensor node (100) to: o execute a command comprised in the control message.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the command is a reset command.

12. The system of any one of the previous claims 9 - 11 being attached to or integrated in a luminaire.

13. The system of any one of the previous claims 9 - 12, wherein the control device is a remote controller, a commissioning device, a smartphone, or a tablet.

14. The system of any one of the previous claims 9 - 13, wherein the DALI network (300) is a wired network, or a DALI bus.

15. The system of any one of the previous claims 9 - 13, wherein the DALI network (300) is a wireless network, or wireless DALI.

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