Accelerometer-Based Device Commissioning in Zigbee Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for commissioning Zigbee networks in home or industrial settings are tedious and time-consuming, requiring manual button presses and encryption key authentication, which complicates the process of joining and binding devices, especially in large-scale installations.
Innovation Solution
A device with a communication link to an RF network, equipped with a processor and memory, uses accelerometer signals to detect physical contact between devices for automatic joining and binding, allowing for simultaneous commissioning and initialization, including the exchange of command tables and sensor data, thereby simplifying the network setup process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual button presses and encryption key authentication are used for device joining and binding, then network security is improved, but the commissioning process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
A mobile device acts as an intermediary between the control device and controlled device during commissioning. The mobile device generates and transmits encryption keys through a standardized interface (e.g., NFC tap), automating the security authentication process while maintaining network security. This eliminates manual button presses and reduces commissioning time significantly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate operations (joining, binding, personalizing) are performed manually, then device control functionality is ensured, but the initialization process becomes complex and lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines joining, binding, and personalizing operations into a single automated commissioning process. When a controlled device is added to the network, the system automatically performs all three operations in sequence through the mobile device intermediary, transferring control information and establishing associations without requiring separate manual steps for each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the mobile device with the ability to generate encryption keys and transfer control information. The control device is pre-programmed with the standardized interface protocol, allowing the entire commissioning process to execute automatically without real-time manual intervention for each step.
3Reliability
If construction workers perform detailed commissioning tasks, then network functionality is established, but installation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service commissioning where devices automatically join the network and establish control associations without requiring skilled construction workers to perform detailed configuration tasks. The automated process maintains network functionality through standardized protocols while significantly reducing the time and expertise required during installation.
4Reliability
If encryption keys are exchanged through physical actions, then network security is maintained, but the commissioning process requires multiple manual steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical actions (button presses, physical key exchanges) with an automated electronic system. The mobile device uses a standardized interface (such as NFC tap) to electronically generate and transmit encryption keys, maintaining network security while eliminating the need for multiple manual steps and making the commissioning process much easier to operate.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces the time required for construction workers to install networks and enables users to easily personalize their settings using a smartphone or tablet app, allowing for seamless control and monitoring of various smart devices.
Implementation Method 1
detection, from the signals of at least one accelerometer in at least one of the first device and the second device, of at least one shock between the first device and the second device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention discloses devices and methods to commission (i.e. perform joining and binding) and, as an option to personalize, a Home/Local Area Network installed in a building. Preferably, the network is a Zigbee network. The devices comprise a Smart Electric Controller (SEC) equipped with a Zigbee T/R unit and a control circuit, and a Remote Control, equipped with a Zigbee T/R unit and an input module. The joining is triggered by a first predefined event that may be a validation by a network node of a joining request initiated on power up of the SEC or on an electromagnetic signal transmitted in a pair-to-pair communication between the SEC and a network node. The binding is triggered by a second predefined event that may be a taptap or a proximity of a SEC detected by an accelerometer or a proximity sensor embedded in the RC. It may be alternatively triggered by the validation of reception an electromagnetic signal transmitted in a pair-to-pair communication between the RC and the SEC. On binding, a table of the commands fit for controlling the SEC may be made available to the RC, so that the RC is immediately configured to operate the adequate commands.