Systems and methods for auto-provisioning within a washroom facility

Abstract

A method for auto-provisioning within a washroom facility is provided. The method includes determining a signal strength between at least one end node and each gateway of a plurality of gateways, the at least one end node located within the washroom facility and configured to interact with the washroom facility. The method also includes determining a signal strength between each gateway of the plurality of gateways and a network. The method further includes calculating a score using the signal strength between the at least one end node and each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the signal strength between each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the network. The method also includes selecting a gateway of the plurality of gateways based on the score. The method further includes provisioning the at least one end node using the selected gateway.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTO-PROVISIONING WITHIN A WASHROOM FACILITYFIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for provisioning or pairing devices within a washroom facility, and more particularly, systems and methods for auto-provisioning or auto-pairing devices or end nodes within a washroom facility.BACKGROUND

[0002] With respect to t pical washroom facilities, such as those facilities in an airport, a restaurant, a health care facility, an office building, a manufacturing plant, and the like, remote monitoring of these facilities enables staff to more effectively manage the washroom facilities. Particularly, remote monitoring can give staff information about the status of the washroom facility as well as the sanitizing dispensers and fixtures contained within the washroom facility. By providing this information remotely, staff can more effectively manage their time with respect to managing the washroom and reduce the need for staff to enter the washroom to gather such information. Further, providing such information can reduce the need for staff to disrupt the regular use of the washroom and disturb patrons of the washroom.

[0003] To provide remote monitoring of the washroom facilities, a gateway or gateways are typically required to be installed within or proximate to the washroom facility. These gateways provide functionality that enables the provisioning or pairing of devices within the washroom to the gateway, each other, or a network for the washroom facility. However, depending on which gateway is utilized for the provisioning or pairing, the transmission of data may be less than optimal. This may lead to the staff of the washroom facility having slow or no access to information related to the washroom facility.

[0004] Thus, a need exists to address the aforementioned concerns. In particular, a need exists to provide a means of provisioning or pairing devices within a washroom facility that improves the speed of transmission of information from or to the devices of the washroom facility.SUMMARY

[0005] Systems and methods utilized within a washroom facility are presented incorporating aspects of the disclosure. The term “washroom facility ” is used genericallyherein to encompass any manner of public, semi-public, or private facility visited by patrons to use sink or toilet facilities, bathing facilities, changing facilities, and so forth. Such facilities are also known as restrooms, toilet closets, public bathrooms, men’s rooms, ladies’ rooms, and the like. A typical public or semi-private washroom has a number of toilet facilities or urinals and sinks.

[0006] Although the present systems and methods are particularly useful in an "away-from-home" public or semi-private environment, the systems and methods are not limited by the scope of use. As used herein, the term '‘away-from-home” means a place or location where people congregate for various reasons or purposes that are outside the typical home. Examples of away-from-home locations include places of business, such as office buildings, office suites, retail stores, and warehouses, manufacturing facilities; schools; hospitals and other types of medical facilities: places of worship; hotels and motels; conference centers; and the like. The systems and methods are particularly well-suited for structures where multiple washroom facilities are provided for use by the building tenants or an industrial or manufacturing site where multiple site facilities are provided for a controlled populace. It should be appreciated though that the present systems and methods may prove useful in a washroom facility in a residential or private environment, and such uses are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

[0007] In one aspect, a method for auto-provisioning within a washroom facility is provided. The method includes determining a signal strength between at least one end node and each gateway of a plurality of gateways, the at least one end node located within the washroom facility and configured to interact with the washroom facility. The method also includes determining a signal strength between each gatew ay of the plurality of gatew ays and a network. The method further includes calculating a score using the signal strength between the at least one end node and each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the signal strength between each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the network, the score including a value of the signal strength between the at least one end node and each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the signal strength betw een each gatew ay of the plurality of gateways and the network. The method also includes selecting a gateway of the plurality of gateways based on the score. The method further includes provisioning the at least one end node using the selected gateway.

[0008] In an embodiment of the method, at least one gatew ay of the plurality of gateways includes a mobile device.

[0009] In another embodiment of the method, each gateway of the plurality of gateways includes a mobile device.

[0010] In another embodiment of the method, the signal strength between the at least one end node and the plurality of gateways includes a Bluetooth signal strength.

[0011] In another embodiment of the method, the signal strength between the plurality of gateways and the network includes at least one of cellular, Wi-Fi, or ethemet signal strength.

[0012] In another embodiment of the method, calculating the score using the signal strength between the at least one end node and each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the signal strength between each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the netw ork includes generating a first score based on the signal strength betw een the at least one end node and each gateway' of the plurality of gatew ays, generating a second score based on the signal strength between each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the network, and generating a third score based on the first score and the second score.

[0013] In another embodiment of the method, w herein the first score is calculated using a first plurality of threshold signal strengths, and the second score is calculated using a second plurality of threshold signal strengths.

[0014] In another embodiment of the method, the first plurality of threshold signal strengths varies based on a signal type, or the second plurality of threshold signal strengths varies based on a signal type.

[0015] In another embodiment, the method further includes increasing or decreasing at least one threshold of the first plurality of threshold signal strengths or at least one threshold of the second plurality of threshold signal strengths.

[0016] In another embodiment of the method, the first score and the second score are unequally weighted when used to generate the third score.

[0017] In another embodiment of the method, the at least one end node includes a sensor or controller communicatively coupled with at least one dispenser or fixture within the washroom facility.

[0018] In another embodiment, the method further includes transmitting at least one signal from the at least one end node after the at least one end node has been provisioned using the selected gateway.

[0019] In another embodiment of the method, the at least one signal is transmitted to the selected gateway, wherein the method further includes detecting a failure of the at least one signal to be received by the selected gateway, and deprovisioning the at least one end node from the selected gateway due to the detected failure.

[0020] In another embodiment of the method, provisioning the at least one end node using the selected gateway includes transmitting a first plurality of signals from the at least one end node at a first rate for a predetermined time interval.

[0021] In another embodiment of the method, provisioning the at least one end node using the selected gateway includes detecting a failure of the at least one end node to be provisioned during the predetermined time interval, and transmitting a second plurality of signals from the at least one end node at a second rate after the predetermined time interval, wherein the first rate is faster than the second rate.

[0022] In another embodiment, the method further includes confirming the at least one end node provisioned during the predetermined time interval, and transmitting a second plurality of signals from the at least one end node at a second rate, wherein the first rate is faster than the second rate.

[0023] In another embodiment, the method further includes selecting a gateway of the plurality of gateways based on the score and a number of end nodes provisioned with each of the plurality of gateways.

[0024] In another embodiment of the method, each of the plurality of gateways is assigned a threshold number of end nodes, wherein another gateway is selected among the plurality of gateways upon determining a gateway of the plurality' of gateways exceeds the threshold number of end nodes.

[0025] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a system for autoprovisioning within a washroom facility where the system includes a network, a plurality of gateways including a transmitter and a receiver, and at least one end node located within the washroom facility configured to interact with the washroom facility, the at least one end node including a controller. In particular, the controller is configured to determine a signal strength between the at least one end node and each gateway of the plurality of gateways, the at least one end node located within the washroom facility and configured to interact with the washroom facility, determine a signal strength between each gateway of the plurality' of gateways and a network, calculate a score using the signal strength between the at least one end node and each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the signal strength between each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the network, the score including a value of the signal strength between the at least one end node and each gateway of the plurality' of gateways and the signal strength between each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the network, select a gateway of the plurality of gateways based on the score, and provision the at least one end node using the selected gateway.

[0026] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are discussed in greater detail below.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] A full and enabling disclosure of the present disclosure is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an example of a washroom facility;

[0029] FIG. 2 provides a right-side cutaway representation of an example dispenser;

[0030] FIG. 3 provides a perspective representation of the example dispenser of FIG. 2;

[0031] FIG. 4a provides a side cutaway representation of an example toilet with a valve closed;

[0032] FIG. 4b provides a side cutaway representation of the example toilet of FIG. 4a with the valve opened;

[0033] FIG. 5 provides a functional diagram for a system that is implementable for autoprovisioning within a washroom facility, such as the washroom facility depicted in FIG. 1; and

[0034] FIG. 6 provides a flow diagram of a method for auto-provisioning within a washroom facility, such as the washroom facility depicted in FIG. 1.

[0035] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only’ and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

[0037] Generally speaking, the present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for auto-provisioning within a washroom facility, and more specifically, auto-provisioning one or more devices (i.e., end nodes), a plurality of gateways, and one or more networks with each other. In particular, a method for auto-provisioning within a washroom facility may include determining a signal strength between an end node that is located within and configured to interact with the w ashroom facility’ and each gatew ay of a plurality’ of gateways. The method may also include determining a signal strength between each gateway of the plurality of gateways and a network. The method may also includecalculating a score using the signal strength between an end node and each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the signal strength between each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the network. Then, based on the score, the method may include selecting a gateway of the plurality of gateways to be used when provisioning the end node.

[0038] Thus, multiple benefits may be provided by the presently disclosed methods and systems. For example, by provisioning end nodes, gateway s, and networks as specified by the present disclosure, it is possible to ensure that the devices (i.e. , end nodes) form a network that is more reliable and able to provide improved connectivity uptime. More specifically, by incorporating both the signal strength between the end nodes or devices and the gateways as well as the signal strength between the gateways and networks, it is possible to ensure that a better quality connection is provided for each end node or device.

[0039] The present disclosure may be understood with greater detail with reference to the figures. In particular, FIGS. l-4b provide example embodiments of washroom facilities and end nodes, such as dispensers or fixtures within a w ashroom facility or components contained therein, that may be found within w ashroom facilities, while FIGS. 5-6 provide systems and methods for auto-provisioning the devices or end nodes, such as the dispensers, fixtures, or components discussed in FIGS. 1-4, within a washroom facility’.

[0040] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 provides a block diagram of an example environment of a w ashroom facility. As will be described in greater detail hereinbelow the systems and methods of the present disclosure may be utilized to provide auto-provisioning for the devices or end nodes contained within the washroom facility 100. As shown, the washroom facility 100 can include washroom devices such as dispensers 104, sinks / faucets 134, toilets 130, and urinals 136. Each of the dispensers 104, sinks / faucets 134, toilets 130, and urinals 136 may include components such as a functional sensor 116 and a controller 118 as will be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow. Both the washroom devices and the components contained therein may be utilized as end nodes according to the present disclosure.

[0041] The w ashroom facility 100 may also include sensors or detectors for detecting conditions not necessarily related to an individual washroom device or component contained therein. For example, the washroom facility 100 may contain one or more occupancy sensors 138. Through means, such as audible, infrared, or visual, the occupancy sensor(s) 138 may detect whether a patron has entered within the washroom facility. The occupancy sensor(s) may also be able to detect how many patrons are currently within the w ashroom facility 100. The washroom facility 100 may also include one or more environmentalsensors 140. The environmental sensor(s) 140 may be capable of sensing the environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, odor, noise, or any other similar condition, within the washroom facility. Like the washroom devices and components contained therein, the occupancy sensor(s) 138 and the environmental sensor(s) 140 may also be utilized as end nodes according to the present disclosure.

[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 2-3, FIG. 2 provides a right-side cutaway representation of an example dispenser, and FIG. 3 is a perspective representation of the dispenser of FIG.2. A dispenser 104 or hygiene dispenser 104 dispenses consumable hygiene product 105 (e.g., bath tissue, hand towels, hand sanitizer, soap, lotion, deodorizer, air freshener, etc.), which is a product intended to promote good hygiene or sanitation such as by cleaning or sanitizing a user and / or a surface. In some implementations, a dispenser 104, more generally, is a device that holds consumable hygiene product 105 and dispenses the product 105 in response to a stimulus, e.g., an environmental stimulus (e.g., light / darkness), at predetermined (e.g., programmatically set) intervals or by manual user actuation such as pulling an exposed portion of the consumable product or via a pumping-type process (e.g., for some manual soap dispensers). Although FIG. 3 shows a rolled product dispenser 104 (e.g., a paper towel dispenser), other hygienic dispensers are also envisioned such as, for example, soap / sanitizer dispensers, bath tissue dispensers, air fresher dispensers (not pictured), hand or facial care dispensers (not pictured), seat cover dispensers (not pictured), surface cleaning, sanitizing, or disinfecting dispensers (not pictured) including for toilets 130 or urinals 136, and / or the like. Such dispensers 104 are generally refillable such that once the product 105 stored in the dispenser 104 is depleted a service attendant can refill the dispenser 104 with additional product 105.

[0043] The dispenser 104 may include a body 107 or outer cover 107, e.g., a composite or metal housing. The outer cover 107 may enclose, fully or partially, a product holding area 102 or interior 102 of the dispenser 104. The product holding area 102 may hold, for example, the product-to-be-dispensed 105 by the dispenser 104 and, in some implementations, one or more electrical or mechanical components used to enable the dispensing process such as a motor, batteries, rollers, sensors to determine when a user requests a dispense, etc.

[0044] The dispenser 104 may also include a dispensing mechanism 110. The dispensing mechanism 110 may operate to dispense a portion of the consumable product 105 in the product holding area 102 (e.g., dispense a length of roll 105 for use to dry hands or a shot of soap 105 or sanitizer to clean hands). In some implementations, for example, forrolled paper towels 105 or wipers 105 or bath tissue 105, the dispensing mechanism 110 may be an electromechanical feed mechanism that includes or operates in conjunction with a motor 119 that, in response to a stimulus such as a user waving a hand proximate the dispenser 104, feeds a length of the roll 105 through an opening 123 in the body 107 to present to the user. For example, the dispensing mechanism 110 can include a series of rollers 122 through which a portion of the roll 105 is fed such that when the dispensing mechanism 110 actuates it pulls and unwinds the roll 105 (or causes the roll 105 to be pulled and unwound) to feed a portion of the roll 105 to the user. In some implementations, the motor 119 can be integral to the roll holder 106 and causes a spindle 109 of the roll holder 106 (e.g., on which the rolled product 105 is mounted) to turn thereby causing the roll 105 to unwind and be dispensed. In the case, for example, of a liquid soap, sanitizer, or lotion dispenser 104. the motor 119 may be a pump 119 that draws the liquid product from a bottle, cassette, or other container holding the liquid product 105 and ejects the drawn product to the user for a dispense operation.

[0045] In some implementations, the dispenser 104 may be a user-driven dispensing unit, e.g., the dispensing process is not powered by a motor or other electromechanical generator. For example, for a rolled paper product dispenser 104 such as a paper towel or bath tissue dispenser 104, a user may grab an exposed tail of the roll 105 and pull to cause more of the product 105 to be dispensed. For a liquid soap or sanitizer dispenser 104, a user may depress or otherwise manually actuate a pump (e.g., dispensing mechanism 110) to draw the product 105 from its container and dispense the product 105.

[0046] In some implementations, the dispenser 104 may include a controller 118 such as a microprocessor or microcontroller. The controller 118 may execute instructions stored in memory or otherwise accessible to the controller 118. The controller 118 interfaces with and, in some implementations, controls the operation of other components in the dispenser 104 such as the motor 119 and transceiver 117, which can be used to communicate with external devices. The dispenser 104 may also include a functional sensor 116 that monitors the amount of product 105 dispensed. The functional sensor 116 may also monitor the state of the dispenser 104 to determine if maintenance is needed. For example, the functional sensor 116 may be able to report whether the dispenser 104 is jammed and incapable of dispensing the product 105. In another example, the functional sensor 116 may be able to report whether the amount of product 105 contained within the dispenser 104 is low when compared to the total product carrying capacity of the dispenser 104.

[0047] As described above, washroom devices can, among other things, include fixtures such as toilets 130 or urinals 136. For example, FIGS. 4a-4b provide cut-away views of an example toilet with a valve. Particularly, FIG. 4a is a side cutaway representation of a toilet 130 with a valve 132 closed, and FIG. 4b is a side cutaway representation of the toilet 130 of FIG. 4a with the valve 132 opened. When the valve 132 is in the open position (FIG. 4b) water can fill the tank for normal operation. When the valve 132 is closed (FIG. 4a) water is prevented from filling the tank. Functional sensors 116 may be provided with the toilet 130 as well. With the toilet 130, the functional sensor 116 may be able to report whether maintenance is needed. For example, the functional sensor 116 may be able to report whether the toilet 130 is clogged or overflowing.

[0048] Functional sensors 116 may also be provided with the sinks / faucets 134 or the urinals 136 as shown in FIG. 1. Like the functional sensor 116 provided with the toilet 130. the functional sensor 116 with the sinks / faucets 134 or the urinals 136 may be able to report whether maintenance is needed. For example, functional sensor 116 may be able to report whether the sinks / faucets 134 are incapable of outputting water or overflowing or that the urinal 136 is clogged or overflowing.

[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 5-6, flow diagrams and functional diagrams are presented that provide systems and methods of auto-provisioning within a washroom facility. As described above, the device(s) or end node(s), such as the dispenser(s) 104, the sink / faucet (s) 134, the urinal(s) 136, the occupancy sensor(s) 138, or the environmental sensor(s) 140 may be auto-provisioned according to the systems and methods of the present disclosure. In addition, any of the components contained within the devices, such as the functional sensor(s) 116 or the controller(s) 118 or any other component contained within the device(s) or end node(s) that can be communicatively coupled with the gateway 204 may be autoprovisioned according to the systems and methods of the present disclosure.

[0050] The methods of auto-provisioning within a washroom facility (FIG. 6) may be understood with greater detail with reference to the components of the systems for implementing these methods (FIG. 5). The methods and systems will be discussed in reference to the devices / end nodes and components of FIGS. l-4b, such as the washroom facility 100 and the dispenser 104. However, the present application should not be construed as limited to auto-provisioning only the dispenser 104 within the w ashroom facility 100. Instead, the systems and methods discussed hereinbelow may be employed with a variety of devices / end nodes and components within a variety of washroom facilities.

[0051] Referring now to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 provides a functional diagram for a system for auto-provisioning within a washroom facility. As shown, the system 200 includes one or more networks 202, a plurality of gateways 204, and one or more end nodes 206 located within the washroom facility 100. The network(s) 202 may include either cloud storage, physical storage, or a combination thereof. The network(s) 202 may be physically located within the washroom facility 100 or outside of the washroom facility 100. In addition, the network(s) 202 may include a transmitter 208 and a receiver 210. The transmitter 208 and the receiver 210 may be capable of communicating with the gateway(s) 204 via either cellular, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or any other ty pe of wide area network (WAN) interface. Thus, an example network 202 may be located outside of the washroom facility 100 and be capable of interacting with the gateways 204 via one of cellular, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet. Further, commands or algorithms may be stored within the network(s) 202 that when executed perform functions in relation to the washroom facility 100. For example, the network(s) 202 may include commands or algorithms concerning auto-provisioning as will be described in greater detail hereinbelow.

[0052] As stated above, the end node(s) 206 may be any of the device(s) or component(s) contained therein within the washroom facility such as the dispenser(s) 104, the sink(s) / faucet(s) 134, the urinal(s) 136, the occupancy sensor(s) 138, the environmental sensor(s) 140, the functional sensor(s) 116, or the controller(s) 118. Thus, it can be understood that the end node(s) 206 are to be located within the washroom facility 100 and are configured to interact with the washroom facility 100. Like the network(s) 202, the end node(s) 206 are capable of interacting with the gateways 204. The end node(s) 206 may also include a transmitter 212 and a receiver 214. The transmitter 212 and the receiver 214 of the end node(s) 206 may be capable of communicating with the gateway(s) 204 via Bluetooth, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Wi-Fi Direct, or any other ty pe of short-range personal area network (PAN) interface. Further, like the network(s) 202, the end node(s) 206 may also include pre-programmed commands or algorithms that when implemented perform functions in relation to the washroom facility' 100 such as auto-provisioning or performing activities specific to the type of device being utilized (e.g., dispensing for a dispenser 104). Thus, an example end node 206 may include a dispenser 104 located within the washroom facility that includes a transmitter 212 and a receiver 214 that is capable of communicating with the gateways 204 via Bluetooth.

[0053] The plurality of gateways 204 may also include a transmitter 216 and a receiver 218. The transmitter 216 and the receiver 218 may facilitate interaction between thegateways 204 and the network(s) 202 and interaction between the gateways 204 and the end node(s) 206. Consequently, the transmitter 216 and the receiver 218 of the gateways 204 may also facilitate interaction between the network(s) 202 and the end node(s) 206. To this end, the transmitter 216 and the receiver 218 of the gateways 204 may either be capable of communicating across multiple different connection types such as across a network (e.g., Wi-Fi) or a personal area network (e.g., Bluetooth) or include multiple transmitters 216 and receivers 218 that individually communicate across a respective connection type. At least one or all of the gateways 204 may be a mobile device such as a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet, a laptop computer, or any other device that is capable of being mobile while wirelessly communicating with the network(s) 202 and the end node(s) 206. In addition, at least one of the gateways 204 may include a fixed device such as a router or other devices that require a wired connection to facilitate communication with and between the network(s) 202 and the end node(s) 206. Thus, an example gateway 204 may include a tablet having a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth transmitter / receiver that is capable of communicating with the end node(s) 206 via Bluetooth and the network(s) via Wi-Fi.

[0054] As presently described, the network(s) 202, the gateways 204, and the end node(s) 206 may be capable of communicating with each other and being utilized to autoprovision according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, referring now to FIG. 6, a flow diagram of a method of auto-provisioning within a washroom facility is disclosed. Like FIG. 5. FIG. 6 will make reference to the features described with reference to FIGS. 1-5. However, it should be understood that the methods of the present disclosure are not limited to only features depicted in FIGS. 1-5 and may be employed within any other similar washroom facility. Though FIG. 6 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that various steps of method 300 or any of the methods disclosed herein, may be adapted, modified, rearranged, performed simultaneously, or modified in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0055] As illustrated at step 302, the method 300 of auto-provisioning within a washroom facility 100 includes determining a signal strength between at least one end node 206 and each gateway 204 of a plurality of gateways 204. In particular, the at least one end node 206 is located within the washroom facility 100 and configured to interact with the washroom facility 100. As described above, the end node(s) 206 and the gateway 204 may be capable of communicating via any type of personal area network such as Bluetooth, BLE, or Wi-Fi Direct. Thus, an example determination of the signal strength between the endnode 206 and the plurality of gateways 204 may include determining a Bluetooth signal strength between the at least one end node 206 and the plurality of gateways 204.

[0056] As illustrated at step 304, the method 300 includes determining a signal strength between each gateway 204 of the plurality of gateways 204 and a network 202. As described above, the end node(s) 206 and the gateway 204 may be capable of communicating via any type of wide area network interface such as cellular, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet. Thus, an example determination of the signal between the plurality of gateways 204 and the network 202 may include determining a cellular, Wi-Fi, or ethemet signal strength between the plurality of gateways 204 and the network 202. In addition, as described above, multiple networks 202 may be utilized. Thus, step 304 may also include determining a signal strength between each gateway 204 of the plurality of gateways 204 and each network 202 of a plurality of networks 202.

[0057] As illustrated at step 306, the method 300 includes calculating a score using the signal strength betw een the at least one end node 206 and each gateway 204 of the plurality of gateways 204 and the signal strength between each gateway 204 of the plurality of gateways 204 and the network 202. As presently described, the score may generally include a value representative of the signal strength between the at least one end node 206 and each gateway 204 of the plurality of gateways 204 and the signal strength between each gateway 204 of the plurality' of gateways 204 and the network 202. In particular, calculating the score may include generating a first score based on the signal strength between the at least one end node 206 and each gateway 204 of the plurality of gateways 204 and generating a second score based on the signal strength between each gateway 204 of the plurality of gateways 204 and the network 202. For example, the first score may be calculated using a first plurality of threshold signal strengths and the second score may be calculated using a second plurality of threshold signal strengths. An embodiment of this calculation is provided in Table 1 provided hereinbelow ■:Table 1

[0058] With reference to Table 1, it should be understood that “RSRP” refers to Reference Signal Received Power and “RS ST’ refers to Received Signal Strength Indicator both of which generally refer to the signal strength of the signal received from the respective technology. Viewing Table 1. it can be seen that the detected RSRP or RSS1 is utilized to generate a score between Optimal or Minimum for the respective connection type. In addition, as seen in the example of Table 1, the calculation is based on a threshold, such as the first and second thresholds, which varies based on a signal type. For example, the minimum threshold for the cellular LTE signal is lower than the minimum threshold for 2G. Wi-Fi, or BLE. In addition, as will be seen in greater detail hereinbelow, a connection may be determined as unviable and not worth providing a score if the connection is below a minimum threshold such as the thresholds shown in Table 1 as Minimum.

[0059] Further, it should be understood that one or more of the thresholds for the signal types (as depicted in the example of Table 1) may be increased or decreased based on the need of the operator of the washroom facility 100. Thus, an example determination of the first score may be observing a connection having a dBm greater than -65 for a BLE connection and determining that the connection (and score) is Optimal. Further, an example determination of the second score may be observing a connection having a dBm greater than -85 for a cellular LTE connection and determining that the connection (and score) is Optimal. Both the first score and the second score may be utilized to generate a generating a third score based on the first score and the second score. For example, the third score may be calculated using a scoring matrix that incorporates the first score and the second score. An embodiment of a scoring matrix is provided in Table 2 provided hereinbelow:Table 2

[0060] With reference to Table 2. it can be seen that the third score includes the calculation of the first score and the second score. In particular, an example final score can be 1 which would be based on the first score indicating that the WAN interface quality was optimal (i.e., having a suitable high dBm for the corresponding WAN technology ) and the second score indicating that the PAN interface quality was optimal (i.e., having a suitable high dBm for the corresponding PAN technology). As can be seen in Table 2, a lower third score is indicative of a better quality' connection for the WAN and PAN technologies. However, a higher score may also be utilized to indicate a better quality connection.

[0061] In addition, as mentioned above, if either the respective WAN or PAN technology determines that the RSRP or RSSI for the technology is below a minimum threshold, the final score may determine that no score should be provided. Consequently, either the WAN or PAN technology' could be ignored when determining which gateway 204 or network 202 should be auto-provisioned with.

[0062] In addition, like the values set for the thresholds used to calculate the first and second scores, the third score may also similarly be configured based on the needs of the operator of the washroom facility 100. For example, the first score and the second score may be unequally weighted when used to generate the third score. An example of this unequal weighting may be observed with reference to Table 2. Specifically, the Good score received for the PAN technology has a reduced impact on the third score in comparison to a Good score received for the WAN technology'. More specifically, a Good score received for the WAN technology' and an Optimal score received for the PAN results in a third score of 3, while a Good score received for the PAN technology and an Optimal score received for the WAN results in a third score of 2. Thus, in the example of Table 2, it can be seen that the connection quality of the WAN technology has a greater impact on the third score w hen compared to the PAN technology. However, if desired, an operator of the washroom facility 100 may also configure the PAN technology to have a greater impact on the third score instead of the WAN technology.

[0063] As illustrated at step 308, the method 300 includes selecting a gateway 204 of the plurality of gateways 204 based on the score. For example, the selection of the gateway 204 may be determined based on the final score described hereinabove. The selection of the gateway 204 may also take into consideration other factors relevant to the connection with the gateway(s) 204. For example, the selection may be determined based on the score andthe number of end nodes 206 provisioned with each of the plurality of gateways 204. More specifically, each of the plurality of gateways 204 may be assigned a threshold number of end nodes 206. Thus, if the gateway 204 is already provisioned with a number of gateways 204 that exceeds a predetermined threshold of connected end nodes 206 (which may be configured by the operator of the washroom facility 100), then another gateway 204 may be selected among the plurality of gateways 204. For example, the other gateway 204 may be a gateway 204 which has the next best score and does not exceed the predetermined threshold of connected end nodes 206.

[0064] As illustrated at step 310, the method 300 includes provisioning the at least one end node 206 using the selected gateway 204. As described, provisioning may include sending an initial handshake signal between the end node 206 and the selected gateway 204 or a subsequent handshake signal between the end node 206 and the selected gateway if an initial handshake signal was previously transmitted. For example, provisioning may include transmitting a first plurality of signals from the end node 206 at a first rate for a predetermined time interval. Provisioning may also include detecting a failure of the end node 206 to be provisioned during the predetermined time interval transmitting a second plurality of signals from the end node 206 at a second rate after the predetermined time interval. In this example, the first rate may be faster than the second rate. Thus, provisioning may utilize a higher energy transmission for a predetermined time to optimize connection speeds between the end node 206 and the selected gateway 204 and a lower energy transmission after the predetermined time interval to still try to establish a connection between the end node 206 and the selected gateway 204 while reducing energy utilization.

[0065] In addition, provisioning may also include confirming the end node 206 provisioned during the predetermined time interval. In such a scenario, the transmission of a second or more plurality of signals from the end node 206 may be at a second rate that is slower than the first rate utilized during the predetermined time interval. Thus, provisioning may utilize a higher energy transmission for a predetermined time to optimize connection speeds between the end node 206 and the selected gateway 204 and a low er energy' transmission may be utilized after the initial provisioning has occurred to maximize energy efficiency.

[0066] The present disclosure may also include verifying whether the end node 206 has a connection w ith the gateway 204 or the gateway 204 has a connection with the network 202. For example, after the auto-provisioning, at least one signal may be transmitted from the at end node 206 to the selected gateway 204 after end node 206 has been provisioned using theselected gateway 204. Then, if it is detected that there was a failure for the at least one signal to be received by the selected gateway, the selected gateway 204 may be deprovisioned from the end node 206 due to the detected failure. Thus, the present disclosure provides both methods for auto-provisioning and deprovisioning end nodes 206 and gateways 204.

[0067] Various aspects and embodiments of the present invention are defined by the following numbered clauses:Clause 1. A method for auto-provisioning within a washroom facility, the method comprising: determining a signal strength between at least one end node and each gateway of a plurality of gateways, the at least one end node located within the washroom facility and configured to interact with the washroom facility; determining a signal strength between each gateway of the plurality of gateways and a network; calculating a score using the signal strength between the at least one end node and each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the signal strength between each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the network, the score comprising a value of the signal strength between the at least one end node and each gateway of the pl urali ty of gateways and the signal strength between each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the network; selecting a gateway of the plurality of gateways based on the score; provisioning the at least one end node using the selected gateway.Clause 2. The method of any of clauses 1-2, wherein at least one gateway of the plurality of gateways comprises a mobile device.Clause 3. The method of clause 2, wherein each gateway of the plurality of gateways comprises a mobile device.Clause 4. The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the signal strength between the at least one end node and the plurality7of gateways comprises a Bluetooth signal strength.Clause 5. The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the signal strength between the plurality of gateways and the network comprises at least one of cellular, Wi-Fi, or ethemet signal strength.Clause 6. The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein calculating the score using the signal strength between the at least one end node and each gateway of theplurality of gateways and the signal strength between each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the network comprises: generating a first score based on the signal strength between the at least one end node and each gateway of the plurality of gateways; generating a second score based on the signal strength between each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the network; and generating a third score based on the first score and the second score.Clause 7. The method of clause 6, wherein the first score is calculated using a first plurality' of threshold signal strengths, and the second score is calculated using a second plurality of threshold signal strengths.Clause 8. The method of clause 7, wherein the first plurality of threshold signal strengths varies based on a signal type, or the second plurality of threshold signal strengths varies based on a signal ty pe.Clause 9. The method of any of clauses 7-8 further comprising: increasing or decreasing at least one threshold of the first plurality' of threshold signal strengths or at least one threshold of the second plurality of threshold signal strengths.Clause 10. The method of any of clauses 6-9, wherein the first score and the second score are unequally weighted when used to generate the third score.Clause 11. The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one end node comprises a sensor or controller communicatively coupled with at least one dispenser or fixture within the washroom facility.Clause 12. The method of any of the preceding clauses further comprising: transmitting at least one signal from the at least one end node after the at least one end node has been provisioned using the selected gateway.Clause 13. The method of clause 12. wherein the at least one signal is transmitted to the selected gateway, wherein the method further comprises: detecting a failure of the at least one signal to be received by the selected gateway; and deprovisioning the at least one end node from the selected gateway due to the detected failure.Clause 14. The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein provisioning the at least one end node using the selected gateway comprises transmitting a first plurality' of signals from the at least one end node at a first rate for a predetermined time interval.Clause 15. The method of clause 14, wherein provisioning the at least one end node using the selected gateway comprises: detecting a failure of the at least one end node to be provisioned during the predetermined time interval, and transmitting a second plurality of signals from the at least one end node at a second rate after the predetermined time interval, wherein the first rate is faster than the second rate.Clause 16. The method of any of clauses 14-15 further comprising: confirming the at least one end node provisioned during the predetermined time interval; and transmitting a second plurality of signals from the at least one end node at a second rate, wherein the first rate is faster than the second rate.Clause 17. The method of any of the preceding clauses further comprising: selecting a gateway of the plurality of gateways based on the score and a number of end nodes provisioned with each of the plurality of gateways.Clause 18. The method of clause 17. wherein each of the plurality of gateways is assigned a threshold number of end nodes, wherein another gateway is selected among the plurality of gateways upon determining a gateway of the plurality' of gateways exceeds the threshold number of end nodes.Clause 19. A system for auto-provisioning within a washroom facility, the system comprising: a network; a plurality of gateways comprising a transmitter and a receiver; and at least one end node located within the washroom facility configured to interact with the washroom facility, the at least one end node comprising a controller configured to: determine a signal strength between the at least one end node and each gateway of the plurality of gateways, the at least one end node located within the washroom facility and configured to interact with the washroom facility, determine a signal strength between each gateway of the plurality of gateways and a network, calculate a score using the signal strength between the at least one end node and each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the signal strength between each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the network, the score comprising a value of the signal strength between the at least one end node and each gateway of theplurality of gateways and the signal strength between each gateway of the plurality' of gateways and the network, select a gateway of the plurality of gateways based on the score, and provision the at least one end node using the selected gateway.Clause 20. The system of clause 19, wherein at least one gateway of the plurality of gateways comprises a mobile device.

[0068] These and other modifications and variations to the present disclosure may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the disclosure so further described in such appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. A method for auto-provisioning within a washroom facility, the method comprising: determining a signal strength between at least one end node and each gateway of a plurality of gateways, the at least one end node located within the washroom facility and configured to interact with the washroom facility; determining a signal strength between each gateway of the plurality of gateways and a network; calculating a score using the signal strength between the at least one end node and each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the signal strength between each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the network, the score comprising a value of the signal strength between the at least one end node and each gateway of the plurality' of gateways and the signal strength between each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the network; selecting a gateway of the plurality of gateways based on the score; provisioning the at least one end node using the selected gateway.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one gateway of the plurality of gateways comprises a mobile device.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein each gateway of the plurality of gateways comprises a mobile device.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the signal strength between the at least one end node and the plurality of gateways comprises a Bluetooth signal strength.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the signal strength between the plurality of gateways and the network comprises at least one of cellular, Wi-Fi, or ethemet signal strength.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein calculating the score using the signal strength between the at least one end node and each gateway of the plurality' of gateways and the signal strength between each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the network comprises:generating a first score based on the signal strength between the at least one end node and each gateway of the plurality of gateways; generating a second score based on the signal strength between each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the network; and generating a third score based on the first score and the second score.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the first score is calculated using a first plurality of threshold signal strengths, and the second score is calculated using a second plurality of threshold signal strengths.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first plurality of threshold signal strengths varies based on a signal type, or the second plurality of threshold signal strengths varies based on a signal type.

9. The method of claim 7 further comprising: increasing or decreasing at least one threshold of the first plurality of threshold signal strengths or at least one threshold of the second plurality of threshold signal strengths.

10. The method of claim 6, wherein the first score and the second score are unequally weighted when used to generate the third score.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one end node comprises a sensor or controller communicatively coupled with at least one dispenser or fixture within the washroom facility.

12. The method of claim 1 further comprising: transmitting at least one signal from the at least one end node after the at least one end node has been provisioned using the selected gateway.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one signal is transmitted to the selected gateway, wherein the method further comprises: detecting a failure of the at least one signal to be received by the selected gateway; anddeprovisioning the at least one end node from the selected gateway due to the detected failure.

14. The method of claim 1 , wherein provisioning the at least one end node using the selected gateway comprises transmitting a first plurality of signals from the at least one end node at a first rate for a predetermined time interval.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein provisioning the at least one end node using the selected gateway comprises: detecting a failure of the at least one end node to be provisioned during the predetermined time interval, and transmitting a second plurality of signals from the at least one end node at a second rate after the predetermined time interval, wherein the first rate is faster than the second rate.

16. The method of claim 14 further comprising: confirming the at least one end node provisioned during the predetermined time interval; and transmitting a second plurality of signals from the at least one end node at a second rate, wherein the first rate is faster than the second rate.

17. The method of claim 1 further comprising: selecting a gateway of the plurality of gateways based on the score and a number of end nodes provisioned with each of the plurality of gateways.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of gateways is assigned a threshold number of end nodes, wherein another gateway is selected among the plurality of gateways upon determining a gateway of the plurality’ of gateways exceeds the threshold number of end nodes.

19. A system for auto-provisioning within a washroom facility, the system comprising: a network; a plurality of gateways comprising a transmitter and a receiver; andat least one end node located within the washroom facility configured to interact with the washroom facility, the at least one end node comprising a controller configured to: determine a signal strength between the at least one end node and each gateway of the plurality of gateways, the at least one end node located within the washroom facility and configured to interact with the washroom facility, determine a signal strength between each gateway of the plurality of gateways and a network, calculate a score using the signal strength between the at least one end node and each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the signal strength between each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the network, the score comprising a value of the signal strength between the at least one end node and each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the signal strength between each gateway of the plurality of gateways and the network, select a gateway of the plurality of gateways based on the score, and provision the at least one end node using the selected gateway.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein at least one gateway of the plurality of gateways comprises a mobile device.

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