Automated Network Commissioning via Wireless Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual commissioning of electronic devices is tedious, time-consuming, and prone to human error due to the reliance on traditional measurement tools, leading to inaccuracies in determining device locations within a space.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automated commissioning of electronic devices using inter-node distance measurements, where nodes in a wireless network communicate to calculate relative positions and location coordinates, with a processor executing combinatorial optimization algorithms to assign node IDs to installation plan coordinates, and employing signal strength indicators and path loss models to estimate distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual commissioning methods are used with traditional measurement tools, then the process is simple to implement, but it is tedious, time-consuming, and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement tools (measuring tapes, rulers, compasses, laser levels) with an automated electronic system that uses wireless communication between devices and a processor to automatically calculate location coordinates. This substitution eliminates the need for physical measurement tools and manual operations, thereby increasing productivity and reducing commissioning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables devices to automatically determine their own location coordinates through wireless communication with other devices in the network. Each device participates in the measurement process by exchanging signal strength information, and the processor automatically computes the coordinates without requiring human intervention at each device, thus reducing time loss and increasing efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If manual commissioning methods are used, then the implementation is straightforward, but the accuracy of measurement results deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual measurement operations with an automated electronic computation system. The processor automatically calculates location coordinates based on wireless signal strength measurements exchanged between devices, eliminating human error in reading, recording, and computing measurements. This substitution significantly improves measurement precision and result consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses wireless signal strength feedback between devices to iteratively determine location coordinates. Devices exchange RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) information, and the processor uses this feedback to calculate and refine position estimates, improving measurement accuracy through automated feedback loops rather than single-pass manual measurements.
3Productivity
If automated commissioning with wireless communication is implemented, then productivity and accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing wireless communication capability of electronic devices to serve multiple functions: both their primary function (e.g., lighting, sensing) and the commissioning function (location determination). By making the wireless communication system multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated hardware for commissioning, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processor as an intermediary that handles the complex computation tasks. Instead of requiring each device to independently perform complex coordinate calculations, the processor acts as a central mediator that receives wireless signal data from devices and computes location coordinates, distributing the computational complexity away from individual devices.
4Measurement precision
If automated commissioning with combinatorial optimization algorithms is used, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the complex combinatorial optimization algorithms in a central processor rather than in each individual device. The processor acts as an intermediary that receives raw measurement data from devices and performs the computationally intensive tasks of comparing calculated coordinates with installation plan coordinates and assigning node IDs. This distribution strategy improves measurement precision through sophisticated algorithms while minimizing the complexity burden on individual devices.
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 enables rapid, accurate, and reliable determination of device locations, enhancing security, indoor positioning, space utilization, and network optimization by providing precise geolocation data and reducing manual errors.
Implementation Method 1
employing signal strength indicators and path loss models to estimate distances
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure include methods and systems for the automated commissioning of a network of electronic devices. The locations of large systems of installed electronic devices equipped with wireless communication modules, such as luminaires, light switches, and occupancy sensors, can be rapidly determined by using inter-device distance measurements to calculate the location coordinates of the devices. Increased confidence in the calculated location coordinates can be achieved by comparing the calculated values to an installation plan and assigning the IDs of the specific devices to the location coordinates in the installation plan.