Method of communicating with a WI-FI connectable sensor connected to a WI-FI connected lighting device

Abstract

A method (500) of communicating by a Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110) coupled to a Wi-Fi connected device (120), such as a lighting device (120), comprising: determining (S502) whether the device (120) is activated, when the device (120) is activated, the sensor (110) communicating (S504) via the Wi-Fi connection (122) of the device (120), and when the device (120) is deactivated, the sensor (110) communicating (S506) via the Wi- Fi connection (112) of the sensor (110).

Description

[0001] 2024PF80299

[0002] 1

[0003] Method of communicating with a WI-FI connectable sensor connected to a WI-FI connected lighting device

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention generally relates to a method of communicating by a Wi-Fi connectable sensor coupled to a Wi-Fi connected device. A system and a computer program product are also disclosed.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] With the continuous advancement and popularization of smart home technology, an increasing number of households are adopting automation systems to manage their lighting, entertainment, and other household devices. To this end, connected devices have attached an ever increasing interest in recent years.

[0008] Such connected devices are commonly employed with one or more wireless sensors. The sensors are for instance used to sense properties of the device itself or properties related to the room in which the device is installed.

[0009] Today, most such wireless sensors are using low power consumption protocols to maximize the battery life of the sensors. Examples of low power consumption protocols include BLE and Zigbee. A drawback with sensors using low power consumption protocols resides in that such sensors are dependent on some form of dedicated gateway in order to communicate with e.g. a cloud service through the internet.

[0010] Wi-Fi connected sensors on the other hand can communicate directly with the internet using a Wi-Fi connection. Thus, such sensors can communicate with a cloud service through the internet in virtually any environment having Wi-Fi coverage without the need for a dedicated gateway or similar. In this regard, Wi-Fi connectable sensors are superior compared to wireless sensors using low power consumption protocols. However, Wi-Fi connectable sensors suffer from significantly shorter battery life as compared to wireless sensors are using low power consumption protocols. Although Wi-Fi connectable sensors per se are preferable in connected devices, such as lighting devices, such sensors are oftentimes not used due to the short battery life.

[0011] US2020 / 092683A1 relates to a “sticker” location device includes a PCB with a processor and memory, a communicator for communicating with other location devices and a 2024PF80299

[0012] 2 server, one or more sensors for determining an environment of the location device, and a power module.

[0013] In one embodiment, the sticker location device includes smart power management using low power digital radio modes unless sufficient energy is available for high power modes.

[0014] CN106790611A relates to monitoring of Internet of Things equipment. The monitoring device responds to a monitoring request aiming at terminal equipment and starts communication connection with the terminal equipment; and after performing communication of monitoring data corresponding to the monitoring request through the communication connection, controlling the status of the communication connection according to the work mode of the terminal equipment.

[0015] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of communicating by a Wi-Fi connectable sensor coupled to a Wi-Fi connected device, such as a lighting device, which solves or at least alleviates the above drawbacks of the prior art.

[0017] These and other objects may be achieved by a method of communicating by a Wi-Fi connectable sensor coupled to a Wi-Fi connected device in accordance with claim 1, by a system in accordance with claim 11 and by a by a computer program product in accordance with claim 15. Embodiments of the present invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0018] According to a first aspect of the invention, the above object is achieved by a method of communicating by a Wi-Fi connectable sensor coupled to a Wi-Fi connected device, such as a lighting device, the method comprising: determining whether the device is activated, when the device is activated, the sensor communicating via the Wi-Fi connection of the device, and when the device is deactivated, the sensor communicating via the Wi-Fi connection of the sensor.

[0019] The invention is based on the realization that the power consumption of a WiFi connectable sensor may be significantly reduced by letting the sensor utilize a Wi-Fi connection of a device to which the sensor is coupled when the device is activated. This because the power consumption of the sensor utilizing the Wi-Fi-connection of the device is lower as compared to when the sensor utilizes the Wi-Fi connection thereof.

[0020] Hence, the present invention is based on the idea that the Wi-Fi connection of the sensor is only activated when the device is deactivated such that the Wi-Fi connection of 2024PF80299

[0021] 3 the device is not available. In this way, the overall power consumption of the Wi-Fi connectable sensor may be significantly reduced.

[0022] By “Wi-Fi connectable sensor” is here meant a sensor or sensor unit having capabilities of measuring a property and communicating said property via a Wi-Fi connection of the sensor. Thus, the sensor may be regarded as a sensor unit. The sensor or sensor unit is typically further employed with processing capabilities to e.g. filter or process data related to a measured property. Further, the Wi-Fi connectable sensor is coupled to the Wi-Fi connected device in the sense that the data may transferred between the Wi-Fi connectable sensor and the device. To this end, the sensor may be directly connected to the device. Further, the sensor may be coupled to the device in the sense that the sensor is paired or bonded to the device. Thus, the sensor may be physically connected to the device. Thus, the sensor may be separate from the device. In other words, the sensor may be a stand-alone sensor with regard to the device.

[0023] In some embodiments, communicating via the Wi-Fi connection of the sensor may comprise, determining an expected time to a next triggering event of the sensor, and when the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor is greater than a threshold activating the Wi-Fi connection of the sensor only upon occurrence of the next triggering event of the sensor.

[0024] In some embodiments, communicating via the Wi-Fi connection of the sensor may comprise, determining an expected time to a next triggering event of the sensor, and when the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor is smaller than a threshold keeping the Wi-Fi connection of the sensor continuously activated.

[0025] The same threshold may be used to advantage when activating the Wi-Fi connection of the sensor only upon occurrence of the next triggering event of the sensor and when keeping the Wi-Fi connection of the sensor continuously activated.

[0026] By operating the Wi-Fi connection of the sensor in a way where an expected time to a next triggering event of the sensor is accounted for when the device is deactivated the overall power consumption of the Wi-Fi connectable sensor may be further reduced.

[0027] In other words, the Wi-Fi connection of the sensor may only be activated in response to the next triggering event of the sensor when the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor is greater than a threshold when the device is deactivated. On the other hand, the Wi-Fi connection of the sensor may be kept continuously activated when the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor is smaller than a threshold when 2024PF80299

[0028] 4 the device is deactivated. In addition, when the device is activated, communication with the sensor is effectuated via the Wi-Fi connection of the device, as have been indicated above.

[0029] By “next triggering event of the sensor” is here meant a by the sensor determined event or state in response to which the sensor communicates or will communicate over the Wi-Fi connection thereof. The next triggering event may e.g. be related to a measured property or by a point in time.

[0030] In some embodiments, when the Wi-Fi connection of the sensor is continuously activated, the method may further comprise communicating sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection of the sensor at a predetermined periodicity. In this way, data such as sensor data related to a measured property may be sent at regular intervals to e.g. a cloud resource.

[0031] In some embodiments, keeping the Wi-Fi connection of the sensor continuously activated comprises operating the sensor in Wi-Fi6 TWT mode. In this way, the Wi-Fi connection of the sensor may be continuously activated while being operated in a low power way. More specifically, the sensor and a Wi-Fi access point may negotiate and schedule a connection scheme according to the Wi-Fi6 TWT mode.

[0032] In some embodiments, the sensor may be operated in a power saving mode during periods of not communicating sensor data. In this way, the power consumption of the sensor may be further reduced.

[0033] In some embodiments, when the Wi-Fi connection of the sensor is continuously activated, the method may further comprise, communicating sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection of the sensor in response to the next triggering event of the sensor. In this way, the power consumption of the sensor may be further reduced.

[0034] In some embodiments, communicating with the sensor via the Wi-Fi connection of the lighting device may comprise operating the Wi-Fi connection of the lighting device using an ESP-NOW mode. In this way, a flexible communication, including both unicast and broadcast may be utilized.

[0035] In some embodiments, when the device is activated, the method further comprises communicating sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection of the device at a predetermined periodicity. In this way, data such as sensor data related to a measured property may be sent at regular intervals to e.g. a cloud resource, while not affecting, or not significantly affecting, the power consumption of the sensor.

[0036] In some embodiments, when the device is activated, the method may further comprise communicating sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection of the device in response to 2024PF80299

[0037] 5 the sensor data meeting a predetermined criteria. In this way, the power consumption may be further reduced.

[0038] In some embodiments, determining the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor may comprise, receiving, at the sensor when the device is activated, via the Wi-Fi connection of the device, operating data indicative of the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor. In this way, the sensor may receive operating data indicative of the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor from e.g. a cloud recourse via the Wi-Fi connection of the device. Thus, a relevant expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor may be determined outside of the sensor and sent to the sensor. To this end, different principles, such as artificial intelligence or an operator, may be used to determine the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor.

[0039] In some embodiments, the operating data may comprise a set of expected times to the next triggering event, and wherein each expected time to the next triggering event is associated with a respective time period. In this way, the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor may be adapted to reflect different scenarios taking place at different time periods. For instance, the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor may be increased at periods with less expected activity in the space where the lighting device is installed. Correspondingly, the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor may be decreased at periods with more expected activity in the space where the lighting device is installed. Thus, in this way the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor may be adjusted to e.g. reflect day vs. night, evening vs. morning, winter vs. summer, workdays vs. holidays etcetera.

[0040] In some embodiments, receiving the operating data may comprise receiving the operating data from a cloud resource. Such cloud resource may be a lOT-cloud recourse.

[0041] In some embodiments, the threshold may substantially correspond to a time duration for which a power consumption of keeping the Wi-Fi connection of the sensor continuously activated is equal to a power consumption of activating the Wi-Fi connection of the sensor. In this way, the power consumption of the sensor may statistically be minimized. Hence, the long term power consumption of the sensor may be minimized or significantly reduced given that the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor is reasonably accurate.

[0042] According to a second aspect, there is provided a system, comprising: a Wi-Fi connectable sensor, a Wi-Fi connected device, such as a lighting device, wherein the Wi-Fi connectable sensor is coupled to the Wi-Fi connected device, and a control unit configured 2024PF80299

[0043] 6 to: determining whether the device is activated, when the device is activated, configuring the sensor to communicate via the Wi-Fi connection of the device, and when the device is deactivated, configuring the sensor to communicate via the Wi-Fi connection of the sensor.

[0044] The above-mentioned features of the first aspect, when applicable, apply to this second aspect as well. In order to avoid undue repetition, reference is made to the above.

[0045] In some embodiments, the sensor may comprise a battery powering the sensor. In some embodiments, the control unit may be comprised in the sensor.

[0046] In some embodiments, the sensor may comprise a sensing element configured to sense one or more of a temperature, a humidity, a light level, a sound, a vibration, a movement, an acceleration, a level of infrared radiation and a state of a door.

[0047] According to a third aspect, there is provided a computer program product, comprising computer program code portions which, when executed by a processor of a system comprising a Wi-Fi connectable sensor and a Wi-Fi connected device, causes the system to perform the method according to the first aspect.

[0048] The above-mentioned features of the first aspect and the second aspect, when applicable, apply to this third aspect as well. In order to avoid undue repetition, reference is made to the above.

[0049] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a system, in form of a lighting system, according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Fig. 2 shows a flow chart of a method of communicating by a Wi-Fi connectable sensor coupled to a Wi-Fi connected device in form of a lighting device according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The present inventive concept will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This inventive concept may, however, be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; 2024PF80299

[0055] 7 rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and to fully convey the scope of the present inventive concept to the skilled person.

[0056] Fig. 1 schematically shows a block diagram of a system 100 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. In connection with Fig. 2, there is shown a flowchart of a method 500 of communicating with a Wi-Fi connectable sensor coupled to a Wi-Fi connected device 120.

[0057] In the following, the system 100 of Fig. 1 will be described in greater detail. The system 100 of Fig. 1 is exemplified as a lighting system 100. Thus, in the following the system 100 will be described as a lighting system 100 including a Wi-Fi connected device 120 in form of a lighting device 120. It is however to be noted that other types of systems 100 including other types of devices 120 are equally valid for the present inventive concept. What is important is the combination of a Wi-Fi connectable sensor 110 coupled to a Wi-Fi connected device 120.

[0058] Now turning to Fig. 1. The lighting system 100 of Fig. 1 comprises a Wi-Fi connectable sensor 110 and a Wi-Fi-connected lighting device 120. The Wi-Fi connectable sensor 110 comprises a Wi-Fi connection 112 or Wi-Fi communication unit 112 such that the sensor 110 may communicate with e.g. an access point 200 outside of the lighting system 100. The Wi-Fi connection 112 may support any suitable Wi-Fi version such as WI-Fi6. The Wi-Fi connection 112 may according to an example communicate over TCP / IP with the access point 200. The access point 200 may in turn e.g. communicate with a cloud resource 300. The access point 200 may according to an example communicate over TCP / IP with the cloud resource. The cloud resource 300 may according to an example be connected to a MQTT broker. The cloud resource 300 may according to an example be an IOT cloud resource.

[0059] The sensor 110 further comprises one or more sensing elements 114 configured to sense one or more properties. Examples of such properties include but are not limited to a temperature, a humidity, a light level, a sound, a vibration, a movement, an acceleration, a level of infrared radiation and a state of a door.

[0060] The depicted sensor 110 comprises, as illustrated in Fig. 1 a battery 116. The battery 116 may be configured to power the sensor 110 and its elements like the one or more sensing elements 114 and the Wi-Fi connection 112. Thus, the sensor 110 may be regarded as a sensor unit 110.

[0061] The Wi-Fi connectable sensor 110 is coupled to the Wi-Fi connected lighting device 120. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the Wi-Fi connectable sensor 110 may be provided 2024PF80299

[0062] 8 outside of the Wi-Fi connected lighting device 120. However, the Wi-Fi connectable sensor 110 may be housed within the lighting device 120. Further, the Wi-Fi connectable sensor 110 may be located at a distance from the lighting device 120, while being coupled to the lighting device 120. The Wi-Fi connectable sensor 110 may be connected to the lighting device 120.

[0063] The Wi-Fi connected lighting device 120 comprises a Wi-Fi connection 122 or Wi-Fi communication unit 122 such that the lighting device 110 may communicate with e.g. the access point 200 outside of the lighting system 100. The Wi-Fi communication unit 122 may, like the Wi-Fi communication unit 112 support any suitable Wi-Fi version such as WI- Fi6. The Wi-Fi communication unit 122 may according to an example communicate over TCP / IP with the access point 200.

[0064] The lighting system 100 further comprises a control unit 130. The control unit 130 of the lighting system 100 is connected to the Wi-Fi connectable sensor 110 and the WiFi-connected lighting device 120. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the control unit 130 may be housed within the Wi-Fi connected lighting device 120. However, the control unit 130 may be provided outside of the lighting device 120. Further, the control unit 130 may be provided in the sensor 110, i.e. the control unit 130 may be comprised in the sensor 110.

[0065] The control unit 130 may be of any suitable type. The control unit may be implemented in software or hardware. The control unit 130 may be implemented as a combination of software and hardware. The control unit 130 generally includes a memory configured to store data and / or instructions causing the control unit 130 to execute and perform certain tasks or functions.

[0066] According to examples, the control unit 130 may include one or more of a CPU ("Central Processing Unit"), a DSP ("Digital Signal Processor"), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an ASIC ("Application-Specific Integrated Circuit"), a combination of discrete analog and / or digital components, or some other programmable logical device, such as an FPGA ("Field Programmable Gate Array"). A control program comprising computer instructions (program instructions) may be stored in a memory and executed by the control unit to perform methods and procedures as described in hereinbelow.

[0067] In the depicted lighting system 100, the control unit 130 may be configured to cause the lighting system 100 to perform the method 500 as depicted in Fig. 2. In other words, the control unit 130 may be configured to control or execute the steps of the method 500 of Fig. 2.

[0068] Now referring to Figs 1 and 2, and to Fig. 2 in particular. An exemplary method 500 of communicating by a Wi-Fi connectable sensor 100 coupled to a Wi-Fi 2024PF80299

[0069] 9 connected lighting 120 will be described. In the following, the method 500 of Fig. 2 will be described in greater detail. The method 500 of Fig. 2 is exemplified in a context where a WiFi connectable sensor 110 is coupled to a Wi-Fi connected lighting device 120. It is however to be noted that the method 500 is equally valid in other contexts including other types of devices 120. What is important is the context of a Wi-Fi connectable sensor 110 coupled to a Wi-Fi connected device 120.

[0070] The method 500 starts by determining S502 whether the device 120, i.e. the lighting device 120, is activated. In practice, the control unit 130 may be configured to determine whether the lighting device 120 is activated e.g. by polling whether the lighting device 120 receives power. Alternatively, or additionally, the control unit 130 may receive data indicative of that the lighting device 120 is activated. Such data may e.g. be communicated to the control unit 130 via the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 or via the Wi-Fi connection 122 of the lighting device 120. Further, the cloud resource 300 may post information pertaining to the activation of the lighting device 120 to the sensor 110.

[0071] The method 500 proceeds by when the lighting device 120 is activated, the sensor 110 communicating S504 via the Wi-Fi connection 122 of the lighting device 120. Thus, the Wi-Fi connection 122 of the lighting device 120 may be used to e.g. communicate sensor data to the access point 200. Correspondingly, the sensor 110 may receive data via the Wi-Fi connection 122 of the lighting device 120. In this way, the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor may be deactivated resulting in that the battery 116 not being used or substantially not being used.

[0072] On the other hand, when the lighting device 120 is deactivated, the method 500 instead proceeds by, the sensor 110 communicating S506 via the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110. In this way, the overall power consumption of the sensor 100 may be significantly reduced.

[0073] Further, the act of the sensor 110 communicating S506 via the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 may be conducted in different ways depending on an expected time to a next triggering event of the sensor 110.

[0074] When the lighting device 120 is deactivated, the method 500 may proceed by determining S508 an expected time to a next triggering event of the sensor 110. In other words, an expected time to an event or state in response to which the sensor communicates over the Wi-Fi connection 112 or will communicate over the Wi-Fi connection 112 thereof is determined. The expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor 110 may be determined using any suitable techniques. 2024PF80299

[0075] 10

[0076] The method 500 may proceed by when the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor 110 is greater than a threshold activating S510 the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 only upon occurrence of the next triggering event of the sensor 110.

[0077] Correspondingly, when the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor 110 is smaller than a threshold the method 500 may proceed by keeping S512 the WiFi connection 112 of the sensor 110 continuously activated.

[0078] Thus, the type of operation and hence the type of communication of the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 when the lighting device 120 is deactivated may be controlled based on whether the expected time to a next triggering event of the sensor 110 is greater or smaller than a threshold.

[0079] As indicated above, the expected time to a next triggering event of the sensor 110, or an expected time to an event or state in response to which the sensor communicates over the Wi-Fi connection 112 or will communicate over the Wi-Fi connection 112 thereof may be determined in any suitable manner. For instance, the control unit 130 may run one or more algorithms for determining the expected time to a next triggering event of the sensor 110. Such algorithms may take properties sensed by the sensor 110 into account. Such algorithms may take the actual time into account. Such algorithms may take the location (like building type) of the sensor 110 into account.

[0080] To this end, the determining S508 the expected time to a next triggering event of the sensor 110 may for instance take the temperature in the space where the lighting system 100 is installed into account. According to an example, the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor 110 may be determined to a value greater than the threshold when the temperature is relatively speaking low. This because a low temperature may be indicative of that no one is resident in the space where the lighting system 100 is installed.

[0081] Correspondingly, according to an example, the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor 110 may be determined to a value smaller than the threshold when the temperature is relatively speaking high. This because a high temperature may be indicative of that someone is resident in the space where the lighting system 100 is installed.

[0082] Similarly, the determining S508 the expected time to a next triggering event of the sensor 110 may for instance take the light level in the space where the lighting system 100 is installed into account. According to an example, the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor 110 may be determined to a value greater than the threshold when the light level is relatively speaking low. This because a low light level may be indicative of that no one is resident in the space where the lighting system 100 is installed. 2024PF80299

[0083] 11

[0084] Correspondingly, according to an example, the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor 110 may be determined to a value smaller than the threshold when the light level is relatively speaking high. This because a high light level may be indicative of that someone is resident in the space where the lighting system 100 is installed.

[0085] Similarly, the determining S508 the expected time to a next triggering event of the sensor 110 may for instance take the actual time where the lighting system 100 is installed into account. According to an example, the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor 110 may be determined to a value greater than the threshold when the actual time corresponds to nighttime or non-working hours.

[0086] Correspondingly, according to an example, the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor 110 may be determined to a value smaller than the threshold when the actual time corresponds to daytime or working hours.

[0087] Further, determining S508 the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor 110 may comprise, receiving, at the sensor 110 when the lighting device 120 is activated, via the Wi-Fi connection 122 of the lighting device 120, operating data indicative of the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor 110. In this regard, the operating data may be any type of data comprising information related to the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor 110. Thus, the sensor may, e.g. receive operating data indicative of the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor 110 from the cloud resource 300 via the access point 200. Thus, the sensor may, e.g. receive operating data indicative of the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor 110 from an operator via the access point 200. In this regard, the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor 110 may to advantage be dynamically adapted while taking external factors into account.

[0088] Further, the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor 110 may be determined by means of artificial intelligence and communicated to the sensor 110. To this end, the cloud resource 300 may record historical data pertaining to the lighting system 100 and use artificial intelligence to predict how to communicate with the sensor 110 when the lighting device 120 is deactivated to minimize the power consumption of the sensor 110 and its Wi-Fi connection 112, while using the method 500.

[0089] Further, the operating data may comprise a set of expected times to the next triggering event, wherein each expected time to the next triggering event is associated with a respective time period. In other words, the operating data may comprise data indicative of 2024PF80299

[0090] 12 more than one expected time to the next triggering event where each expected time to the next triggering event is associated with a respective period in time.

[0091] According to an example, the operating data may comprise data indicative of an expected time to the next triggering event associated with daytime, and data indicative of an expected time to the next triggering event associated with nighttime.

[0092] According to an example, the operating data may comprise data indicative of an expected time to the next triggering event associated with working hours, and data indicative of an expected time to the next triggering event associated with non-working hours.

[0093] According to an example, the operating data may comprise data indicative of an expected time to the next triggering event associated with summertime, and data indicative of an expected time to the next triggering event associated with wintertime.

[0094] According to an example, the operating data may comprise data indicative of an expected times to the next triggering event associated with daytime and nighttime during summertime.

[0095] According to an example, the operating data may comprise data indicative of an expected times to the next triggering event associated with daytime and nighttime during wintertime.

[0096] The threshold may according to an example substantially correspond to a time duration for which the power consumption of keeping the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 continuously activated is equal to a power consumption of activating the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110. In this way, the likelihood of a minimized power consumption of the Wi-Fi connection of the sensor 110 may be accounted for.

[0097] According to an example, the Wi-Fi connection 112 of an exemplary sensor 110, when operated at a service period of 5 minutes, consumes an average current of 0,3826 mA when kept continuously activated. Further, the initial electric charge needed for activating the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 accounts to 0,54 C because the exemplary sensor 110 is in this case activated for 6,9 s while consuming an average current of 79 mA. If in this particular case it is determined the time duration for which the power consumption of keeping the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the exemplary sensor 110 continuously activated is equal to a power consumption of activating the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the exemplary sensor 110 the determined time period will correspond to 1417 s which is approximately 23 minutes. Hence in order to maximize the likelihood of a minimized power consumption of the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the exemplary sensor 110, the threshold is to 2024PF80299

[0098] 13 advantage set to 1417 s or roughly 23 minutes. Thus, according to the method 500 and the above example, the when the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor 110 is greater than 1417 s, the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 shall to advantage only be activated upon occurrence of the next triggering event of the sensor 110. On the other hand, when the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor 110 is smaller than 1417 s, the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 shall to advantage be continuously activated.

[0099] When the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 is continuously activated, the method 500 may further comprise communicating S514 sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 at a predetermined periodicity. In this way, sensor data may be communicated via the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 without increasing the power consumption of the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110. The sensor data may be any type of data related to the sensor 110. The senor data may include information about a property of the space in which the lighting system 100 is installed, such a temperature, a humidity or a light level to give a few non-limiting examples. The sensor data alternatively or additionally include information about the sensor 110, such as sensor type, sensor address or sensor location to give a few non-limiting examples.

[0100] The act of keeping S512 the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 continuously activated may to advantage comprise operating the sensor 110 and hence the Wi-Fi connection 112 thereof in Wi-Fi6 TWT mode, Target Wake Time mode. In this way, the sensor 110 and the access point 200 may negotiate when and how frequently they will wake up to communicate according to the Wi-Fi6 TWT mode. This results in that a sleep time or power saving mode of the sensor 110 and hence the Wi-Fi connection 112 thereof may be significantly increased resulting in a significantly lower power consumption. In this regard, the power consumption of the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 may be significantly reduced. Correspondingly, the power consumption of the sensor 110 as such may be significantly reduced. In other words, the sensor 110 may be operated in a power saving mode during periods of not communicating sensor data. In practice, the above example related to the threshold value of 1417 s of the exemplary sensor 110 is related to the exemplary sensor 110 being operated in Wi-Fi6 TWT mode while kept constantly activated.

[0101] When the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 is continuously activated, the method may further comprise, communicating S516 sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 in response to the next triggering event of the sensor 110. In this, way sensor data may be communicated upon occurrence of the next triggering event of the sensor 110. According to an example, the sensor 110 may communicate S516 sensor data via the 2024PF80299

[0102] 14

[0103] Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 when a property sensed by the one or more sensing elements 114 fulfills a certain criteria. For instance, the sensor 110 may communicate S516 sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 when a temperature sensed by the one or more sensing elements 114 exceeds or falls below a certain value. For instance, the sensor 110 may communicate S516 sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 when a humidity sensed by the one or more sensing elements 114 exceeds or falls below a certain value. For instance, the sensor 110 may communicate S516 sensor data via the WiFi connection 112 of the sensor 110 when a light level sensed by the one or more sensing elements 114 exceeds or falls below a certain value. For instance, the sensor 110 may communicate S516 sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 when a sound is sensed by the one or more sensing elements 114. For instance, the sensor 110 may communicate S516 sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 when a vibration is sensed by the one or more sensing elements 114. For instance, the sensor 110 may communicate S516 sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 when a movement is sensed by the one or more sensing elements 114. For instance, the sensor 110 may communicate S516 sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 when an acceleration is sensed by the one or more sensing elements 114. For instance, the sensor 110 may communicate S516 sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 when infrared radiation is sensed by the one or more sensing elements 114. For instance, the sensor 110 may communicate S516 sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 when a state of a door, such as open or closed, is sensed by the one or more sensing elements 114.

[0104] The act of communicating S504 with the sensor 110 via the Wi-Fi connection 122 of the lighting device 120 may comprise operating the Wi-Fi connection 122 of the lighting device 120 using an ESP-NOW mode.

[0105] When the lighting device 120 is activated, the method 500 may further comprise communicating S518 sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection 122 of the lighting device 120 at a predetermined periodicity. In this way, sensor data may be communicated via the Wi-Fi connection 122 of the lighting device 120 without using the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110. The sensor data may be any type of data related to the sensor 110. The senor data may include information about a property of the space in which the lighting system 100 is installed, such a temperature, a humidity or a light level to give a few nonlimiting examples. The sensor data alternatively or additionally include information about the 2024PF80299

[0106] 15 sensor 110, such as sensor type, sensor address or sensor location to give a few non-limiting examples.

[0107] Further, when the lighting device 120 is activated, the method 500 may further comprise communicating S520 sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection 122 of the lighting device 120 in response to the sensor data meeting a predetermined criteria. In this way sensor data may be communicated upon sensor data fulfilling a certain criteria, via the Wi-Fi connection 122 of the lighting device 120 without using the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110. For instance, the sensor 110 may communicate S520 sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection 122 of the lighting device 120 when a temperature sensed by the one or more sensing elements 114 exceeds or falls below a certain value. For instance, the sensor 110 may communicate S520 sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection 122 of the lighting device 120 when a humidity sensed by the one or more sensing elements 114 exceeds or falls below a certain value. For instance, the sensor 110 may communicate S520 sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection 122 of the lighting device 120 when a light level sensed by the one or more sensing elements 114 exceeds or falls below a certain value. For instance, the sensor 110 may communicate S520 sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection 122 of the lighting device 120 when a sound is sensed by the one or more sensing elements 114. For instance, the sensor 110 may communicate S520 sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection 122 of the lighting device 120 when a vibration is sensed by the one or more sensing elements 114. For instance, the sensor 110 may communicate S520 sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection 122 of the lighting device 120 when a movement is sensed by the one or more sensing elements 114. For instance, the sensor 110 may communicate S520 sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection 122 of the lighting device 120 when an acceleration is sensed by the one or more sensing elements 114. For instance, the sensor 110 may communicate S520 sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection 122 of the lighting device 120 when infrared radiation is sensed by the one or more sensing elements 114. For instance, the sensor 110 may communicate S520 sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection 122 of the lighting device 120 when a state of a door, e.g. opened or closed, is sensed by the one or more sensing elements 114.

[0108] According to an operation example, the lighting system 100 may operate according to the following in a Wi-Fi6 environment where the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 and the Wi-Fi connection 122 of the lighting device are of Wi-Fi6 type. The WiFi connection 112 of the sensor 110 is first operated in a Wi-Fi6 TWT mode. When the lighting device 120 is activated, the cloud resource 300 posts information pertaining to the activation to the sensor 110. Then the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 changes to an 2024PF80299

[0109] 16

[0110] ESP-NOW mode. If the sensor 110 fails to receive an ESP-NOW ACK message for three times, the connection type of the sensor is changed. According to the operation example when the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor 110 is greater than a threshold the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 is activated only upon occurrence of a triggering event of the sensor 110. Correspondingly, according to the operation example when the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor 110 is smaller than the threshold the Wi-Fi connection 112 of the sensor 110 is kept continuously activated by operating the Wi-Fi the sensor 110 and hence the Wi-Fi connection 112 thereof in Wi-Fi6 TWT mode. When the lighting device 120 is activated again, the above repeats. The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, while in the above, an example embodiment of the method 500 has been disclosed with reference to the lighting system 100, it is noted that the concept also is applicable to other types of Wi-Fi connected devices comprising a Wi-Fi connectable sensor. For instance, the concept is also applicable to other smart home or offices devices, such as household appliances, speakers, entertainment systems, heating systems, ventilation systems or similar.

Claims

2024PF8029917CLAIMS:

1. A method (500) of communicating by a Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110) with a Wi-Fi access point (200), the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110) being communicatively coupled to a Wi-Fi connected device (120), (120), the method (500) comprising: determining (S502) whether the Wi-Fi connected device (120) is activated, if the Wi-Fi connected device (120) is activated, the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110) communicates (S504) via a Wi-Fi connection (122) of the Wi-Fi connected device (120), and if the device (120) is deactivated, the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110) communicates (S506) via a Wi-Fi connection (112) of the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110); wherein the Wi-Fi connections (112, 122) are provided such that the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110) may communicate with the Wi-Fi access point (200).

2. The method (500) according to claim 1, wherein communicating (S506) via the Wi-Fi connection (112) of the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110) comprises: determining (S508) an expected time to a next triggering event of the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110), and when the expected time to the next triggering event of the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110) is greater than a threshold activating (S510) the Wi-Fi connection (112) of the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110) only upon occurrence of the next triggering event of the WiFi connectable sensor (110).

3. The method (500) according to claim 1, wherein communicating (S506) via the Wi-Fi connection (112) of the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110) comprises: determining (S508) an expected time to a next triggering event of the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110), and when the expected time to the next triggering event of the sensor (110) is smaller than a threshold keeping (S512) the Wi-Fi connection (112) of the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110) continuously activated.2024PF80299184. The method (500) according to claim 3, wherein when the Wi-Fi connection (112) of the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110) is continuously activated, the method (500) further comprises, communicating (S514) sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection (112) of the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110) at a predetermined periodicity.

5. The method (500) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein keeping (S512) the WiFi connection (112) of the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110) continuously activated comprises operating the sensor (110) in Wi-Fi6 TWT mode.

6. The method (500) according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein when the Wi-Fi connection (112) of the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110) is continuously activated, the method further comprises, communicating (S516) sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection (112) of the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110) in response to the next triggering event of the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110).

7. The method (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the Wi-Fi connected device (120) is activated, the method (500) further comprises communicating (S518) sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection (122) of the Wi-Fi connected device (120) at a predetermined periodicity.

8. The method (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the Wi-Fi connected device (120) is activated, the method (500) further comprises communicating (S520) sensor data via the Wi-Fi connection (122) of the Wi-Fi connected device (120) in response to the sensor data meeting a predetermined criteria.

9. The method (500) according to any one of claims 2-8, wherein determining (S508) the expected time to the next triggering event of the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110) comprises, receiving, at the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110) when the device (120) is activated, via the Wi-Fi connection (122) of the Wi-Fi connectable device (120), operating data indicative of the expected time to the next triggering event of the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110).

10. The method (500) according to any one of claims 2-9, wherein the threshold substantially corresponds to a time duration for which a power consumption of keeping the2024PF8029919Wi-Fi connection (112) of the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110) continuously activated is equal to a power consumption of activating the Wi-Fi connection (112) of the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110).

11. A system (100) for communication by a Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110) with a Wi-Fi access point (200), comprising: a Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110), a Wi-Fi connected device (120) , wherein the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110) is communicatively coupled to the Wi-Fi connected device (120), and a control (130) unit configured to: determining (S502) whether the Wi-Fi connected device (120) is activated, if the Wi-Fi connected device (120) is activated, configuring the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110) to communicate (S504) via the Wi-Fi connection (122) of the device (120), and if the device (120) is deactivated, configuring the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110) to communicate via the Wi-Fi connection (112) of the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110).

12. The system (100) according to claim 11, wherein the sensor (110) comprises a battery (116) powering the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110).

13. The system (100) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the control unit (130) is comprised in the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110).

14. The (100) system according to any one of claims 11-13, wherein the Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110) comprises a sensing element (114) configured to sense one or more of: a temperature, a humidity, a light level, a sound, a vibration, a movement, an acceleration, a level of infrared radiation and a state of a door.

15. A computer program product, comprising computer program code portions which, when executed by a processor of a system (100) comprising a Wi-Fi connectable sensor (110) and a Wi-Fi connected device (120), causes the system (100) to perform the method (500) according to any one of claims 1-12.

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