WO2016166547A1

WO2016166547A1 - Configurable node devices

Info

Publication number: WO2016166547A1
Application number: PCT/GB2016/051054
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew George Holland
Original assignee: Rf Module And Optical Design Limited
Priority date: 2015-04-16
Filing date: 2016-04-15
Publication date: 2016-10-20
Also published as: GB201506499D0

Abstract

A node device arranged to monitor, measure and/or control an environment in which it is situated, and methods therewith are provided. The node device is arranged to function as a node in a network, and is configurable for a plurality of purposes via a user interface device connected to the node device via the network, such that stimuli to be recognised by the node device can be specified. The device has a receiver arranged to receive signals from one or more other devices in the network; a plurality of sensors arranged to generate output signals, so that a user specifies which one or more sensors of the plurality of sensors are to be used for the one or more purposes for which the node device has been configured; processing circuitry arranged to receive the output signals from the plurality of sensors and signals received by the receiver and to generate a control signal; and an emitter connected to the processing circuitry for receiving the control signal and emitting a signal for reception by one or more receivers in one or more of the other devices in the network or to generate a user perceptible output from the control signal.

Description

CONFIGURABLE NODE DEVICES

This invention relates to devices, systems and methods for providing users with configurable, adaptable, tailored functionality typically providing a node for the Internet of Things. Some embodiments involve node devices which can be used as part of a network and which may be programmed remotely. In particular, but not exclusively, embodiments may involve light weight, handheld node devices which can be quickly and easily reconfigured by a user to fulfil a plurality of purposes, and which may be controlled by user gestures.

The advent of computer networks, such as the Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW) has meant that computing devices are now massively interconnected. Increased interconnectivity, coupled with the reduction in price, increase in computing power and decrease in size of computational equipment, has led to users owning multiple devices which can communicate. An example is smart watches, or wrist bands which can record user activity and feed data to a fitness application on a smartphone and/or desktop or laptop computer.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical objects or "things" with embedded electronics, software, sensors, receivers and transmitters to allow a user to achieve greater value and functionality from his or her devices.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a node device arranged to monitor, measure and/or control an environment in which it is, in use, situated. Conveniently, the node device is arranged to function as a node in a network, and is configurable for a plurality of purposes via a user interface device connected to the node device via the network, such that stimuli to be recognised by the node device can be specified, the device comprising at least one of the following: i) a receiver arranged to receive signals from one or more other devices in the network; ii) a plurality of sensors arranged to generate output signals, wherein a user specifies which one or more sensors of the plurality of sensors are to be used for the one or more purposes for which the node device has been configured; iii) processing circuitry arranged to receive the output signals from the plurality of sensors and signals received by the receiver and to generate therefrom a control signal; and an emitter typically connected to the processing circuitry for receiving the control signal and emitting a signal for reception by one or more receivers in one or more of the other devices in the network or to generate a user perceptible output from the control signal.

An advantage of embodiments providing at least some of the above features is that they provide a hardware device that can be readily reconfigured to perform a number of functions. Conveniently, the device may therefore provide a node for the Internet of Things (IoT). As networking of physical objects is becoming more widely used, and the number of networkable devices per user is increasing, users want the ability to tailor their networks for different purposes, and the ability to reconfigure devices when priorities change. As such, it is a problem to find devices that are flexible enough to be adapted by a user to suit different purposes without prohibitive cost.

The node device may have a curved outer surface. In some embodiments, the outer surface comprises a screen.

Any screen that is provided may cover substantially all of the outer surface of the node device.

The node device may be arranged to analyse movement data gathered by at least one sensor of the node device. Further the node device may be arrange to process the movement data and if a predetermined gesture is indicated by the movement data, to perform a predetermined function. Such embodiments are convenient as they provide a simple way to instruct the node device without the need to include physical buttons and switches on the node device. In some embodiments, the node device weighs less than substantially 25 grams.

Some embodiments may arrange the node device to be substantially ovoid in shape and measure less than substantially 75mm in length along its longest axis. Conveniently, the node device comprises a flat area, the flat area being arranged to prevent the node device from rolling and/or to facilitate attachment of the node device to an object.

Typically the node device can be reconfigured via the user interface device. In some embodiments, the node device comprises at least one light.

In some embodiments, the node device may further comprise a memory in which data generated by the node device may be stored. The processing circuitry of the node device may be arranged to assess any data to be stored and may be further arranged such that: if an amount of data to be stored would exceed a capacity of the memory, or leave insufficient memory capacity for other operations, the node device transmits the data to be stored to another networked device for storage; or if the amount of data to be stored would not exceed the capacity of the memory, or would leave sufficient memory capacity for other operations, the node device stores the data at the node device. Conveniently, the processing circuitry of the node device is arranged to assess computations to be performed, and may be further arranged such that: if the computations to be performed would exceed a processing capacity of the processing circuitry, or take a period of time exceeding a threshold, the node device utilises processing ability of another networked device to perform the computations; or if the computations to be performed would not exceed a processing capacity of the processing circuitry, or would not take a period of time exceeding a threshold, the node device performs the computations at the node device.

Advantageously, the data to be stored and/or analysed by another networked device may be transmitted to the other networked device using Bluetooth Low Energy, RFID (Radio Frequency ID), NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, or another short-range communications technology, or the like.

At least some embodiments may be arranged to have low power consumption. Such embodiments may be arranged such that they do not include sensor or radio technology having high power consumption. Examples of technology which might be considered to have a high power consumption may be global positioning satellite capability, a WiFi transceiver, receiver, and/or transmitter, a cellular radio network transceiver, receiver, and/or transmitter, or the like.

At least some embodiments may be arranged not to include sensors that might be thought of as creating a risk of lack of privacy (and which also might be considered to use more power than might be desired). Such sensors include a camera, a microphone, or the like. The node device may comprise one or more apertures, which apertures may be substantially circular. Conveniently the apertures may have a diameter of between substantially 0.1mm and lmm. The apertures may be arranged to perform one or more of the following functions: expose one or more of the plurality of sensors to the environment; allow a linkage to be attached to the node device; and allow a light of the node device to be visible to a user.

The node device may comprise one or more of the following sensor types: motion sensor; accelerometer; rotation sensor; shock sensor; pressure sensor; temperature sensor; humidity sensor; chemical sensor (e.g. carbon monoxide sensor; carbon dioxide sensor; methane sensor, oxygen sensor); and/or radio environment sensor. Embodiments having a plurality of sensors are convenient in that they provide a hardware device that that can be reconfigured to perform a variety of different functions with different sensors being useable by some functions and not other functions.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a system arranged to monitor, measure and/or control an environment in which it is situated, the system comprising at least one of the following: i) at least one node device comprising one or more of: a) a plurality of sensors each of which may be arranged to monitor the environment and/or position of the at least one node device within the environment; and b) processing circuitry adapted to receive outputs from the plurality of and to generate therefrom one or more signals; and ii) an emitter arranged to emit the signals, iii) at least one control device arranged to receive one or more of the signals and perform an action in response to the one or more signals; and iv) at least one user interface device arranged to allow a user to configure the at least one node device for a variety of purposes such that stimuli to be recognised by the at least one node device and which sensors the at least one node device should use for the one or more purposes selected by a user are specified, the user interface device comprising a user interface, node device control instructions, and one or more emitters arranged to emit signals generated from user input.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of monitoring and controlling an environment, comprising one or more of the following: i) creating a network using a user interface device, a plurality of node devices and at least one control device, at least some of which are located within the environment; ii) configuring the node devices for one or more purposes via the user interface device, such that sensors to use and stimuli to be recognised by the node devices are specified; iii) collecting data concerning the environment and/or concerning node device position using one or more of the node devices; and iv) based on the collected data, instructing one or more of the at least one control devices and/or of the plurality of node devices to effect a change in the environment.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of monitoring and controlling an environment, comprising at least one or more of the following: i) creating a network using node devices and control devices, at least some of which are located within the environment; ii) collecting data concerning the environment and node device position using one or more of the node devices; and iii) based on the collected data, instructing one or more of the control devices to effect a change in the environment; and wherein additionally the method comprises analysing movement data of the node devices if movement is detected and performing a predetermined function if a predetermined gesture is indicated by the movement data of any of the node devices.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of providing a reconfigurable leaf node in a network, comprising providing a node device arranged to be connected to a network, the node device comprising a plurality of sensors each controllable and readable by a processing circuitry of the node device, wherein the node device is arranged to receive, over a connection to the network, a configuration file, wherein the configuration file determines at least one of the following: i) which sensors are to be read by the processing circuitry; ii) the frequency with which the or each sensor is to be read; iii) parameters to be used in association with the sensors; and iii) further actions that should be taken based upon the sensor readings, which might be based upon the parameters.

The skilled person will appreciate that a feature of any one aspect of the invention may be applied, mutatis mutandis, to any other aspect of the invention.

Further the skilled person will appreciate that elements of the aspects may be provided in software. However, the skilled also appreciate that any software element may be provided in firmware and/or within hardware, or vice versa.

The machine readable medium referred to in any of the above aspects of the invention may be any of the following: a CDROM; a DVD ROM / RAM (including -R/-RW or +R/+RW); a hard drive; a memory (including a USB drive; an SD card; a compact flash card or the like); a transmitted signal (including an Internet download, ftp file transfer or the like); a wire; etc.

The unique combination of small, pocketable, wearable, deployable and configurable sensors with ad hoc networking and coupled with the ability to monitor chemical, physical, positional and/or environmental state in combination with a plurality of other devices/other nodes is a very powerful proposition.

The skilled person would understand that the advantages of networks including node devices as described herein may include reduction in waste of energy and/or other resources, better medical insight, improved travel planning, or the like. There now follows, by way of example only, a detailed description of embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:

Figure 1A schematically shows a node device according to one embodiment; Figure IB shows a different perspective view of the node device of Figure 1A;

Figure 2 shows a third perspective view of the node device of Figures 1A and IB, wherein the axes are marked;

Figure 3 shows the two halves of the outer shell of the node device of the preceding figures when opened;

Figure 4 shows a household environment with several deployed node devices;

Figure 5 is a schematic view of zones which are implemented in accordance with another embodiment;

Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a network using multiple node devices; and

Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method of another embodiment.

The following description describes various embodiments and the skilled person will readily appreciate that a feature described in relation to a given embodiment may be applied, mutatis mutandis, to any of the other embodiments.

For ease of reference, embodiments are described in relation to a network comprising one or more node devices 100, 404a-d, which in this embodiment communicate via a wireless network, controlled via a mobile application (the "App") installed on a user's mobile telephone. The skilled person would understand that many alternative or additional embodiments may be used. For example, instructions for controlling the node devices 100, 404a-d may be installed on any computer, server or the like 402, and/or read directly from any computer-readable medium, and may be provided as software, firmware and/or as hardware. Further, where a mobile telephone is used, the mobile telephone may be a smartphone.

However, the device on which the App is running may be thought of as providing a user interface device, which allows a user to interface with the node device 100 in a convenient manner. Advantageously, the network further comprises control devices that can be controlled by node devices, such as heating systems, lights, timers, electronic display devices, alarms, or the like. In the embodiment being described, the node device 100 is designed to be worn discreetly on the outside of a garment, or simply carried in a user's pocket. Equivalent node devices 100 may be deployed throughout a building to build a network 600 of nodes, some static (ie stationary) and some dynamic (ie moving, possibly worn by users, attached to luggage, animals, or the like). Here and as is described below, in one embodiment, the node device is provided as a reconfigurable device that a user can readily reprogram to perform any of the functions described herein. As such, the node device might provide a low cost node suitable for connecting as a leaf in the Internet of Things (IoT). The node device provides an improved hardware device that can be more easily configured than the prior art.

The node devices 100 have an array of sensors which, when combined with instructions/logic and trigger interpretation, work singularly or collectively with other devices in the network. All node devices 100 may have the same shape, but may be configured to fulfil different functions. Advantageously, all node devices 100 having the same shape may aid visual identification of objects as node devices 100, and/or serve as a reminder that any node devices 100 can be configured to fulfil any of the variety of available functions.

The skilled person would understand that a multi-sensor device 100 which is configurable to fulfil a variety of different functions using software, as described herein, provides various advantages. Ease of deployment is one such advantage - following the initial deployment of node devices 100, there is very little maintenance required or cost incurred (if any) in turning integrated sensors or metrics on and off. For example, a farmer may be interested in monitoring the temperature of a grain harvest (being dried in a barn) to keep it in optimum condition through fan-drying, ready for market. If he were interested in monitoring C0₂ (e.g. indicative of insect activity) or humidity (correlated by proxy to grain moisture) these features could be enabled over the air or via radio (i.e. without needing to collect and redeploy node devices 100). The option of purchasing and adding further sensors or monitoring points (which may or may not be additional node devices 100) to the system is also available.

In the embodiment being described, the node device 100 is controlled via gestures to, or using, the node device 100 and/or via the App connected to the node device 100.

In the embodiment being described, the node devices 100 are designed to be powered by rechargeable batteries. Advantageously, the rechargeable batteries may be charged wirelessly via induced electro-magnetic field, including technologies such as NFC and Qi technology. The skilled person would understand that the frequency of battery recharge required would depend on the use to which the node device is put. For example, there may be a sliding scale of recharge frequencies for static and dynamic assignments of nodes, with periods between required recharges ranging from 24 hours to 2 years.

In the embodiment being described, the or each node device 100 has a receiver arranged to receive signals from one or more other devices 602, 610, 612 in the network 600. In the embodiment being described, the node device 100 has an integrated low-power RF link (such as Bluetooth 4.0/4.1 and 4.2).

In additional or alternative embodiments, the receiver is adapted to receive one or more of the following signal types, or the like:

i) RFID (Radio Frequency ID);

ii) NFC (Near Field Communication);

iii) Wi-Fi (ie IEEE 802.11); and/or

iv) cellular network.

Wi-Fi, and cellular telephone networks (eg GSM, 3G including UMTS, 4G including LTE, IEEE 802.16m), GPS and other satellite communications may be included in some embodiments. However, it may be advantageous to exclude relatively expensive and/or power-hungry communication types to decrease cost and increase battery life.

In the embodiment being described, the or each node device 100 is "paired" to a smartphone 602 such as an iPhone™, Android™ based phone, Windows™ phone or BlackBerry™ or the like. In other embodiments, the or each node device may be arranged to connect to any other suitable processing device such as a tablet (iPad™, Android™, Kindle™, Windows™, Blackberry™ or the like), desktop computer, Smart watch, or the like.

Since the embodiment being described does not include telephone or WiFi network connectivity, it is arranged to derive geographical location (such as for a mesh network, or the like) from GPS and WiFi facilities on the smartphone to which it is connected, or the like. The location of the node device 100 may then be detected by the node device in relation to that mesh/displacement. Advantageously, use of geographical position information obtained from the smartphone allows the node device to determine its geographical position without its own GPS or similar thus giving this functionality without the need for providing the power to run these networks.

Additionally, the node device comprises a plurality of sensors. The sensors include one or more of the following sensor types, or the like:

i) motion sensor (displacement and/or geographic);

ii) accelerometer; iii) rotation sensor;

iv) shock sensor;

v) pressure sensor;

vi) physical/chemical environment sensors (eg air quality, temperature, humidity, moisture, light (daylight, white light, ultra violet (UV) light and/or any other selected colour or frequency range - the sensor may detect brightness/light level and/or colour/frequency), carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, natural gas);

vii) radio environment sensor;

viii) proximity sensor/locator; and/or

ix) noise level (e.g. decibel meter).

By way of example of sen sor usage, UV and l ight brightness level sensing could be used to monitor gradual or sudden submersion, burial or exposure of a node device 100, and/or the provision of an estimated time for a node device 1 00 located outside at a known latitude and longitude/in a known location. Exposure to sunlight is also an i mportant factor in skin care and plant cultivation,, and can be monitored with such sensors .

Advantageously, having a variety of sensors within a node device 100, and having node devices 100 with different combinations of sensors available allows the devices 100 to be configured for a wide variety of tasks. Additionally, in at least some embodiments, sensors within a node device may be replaced, and/or additional sensors may be added, to allow different or additional tasks to be performed. A node device 100 may therefore be provided with slots into which one or more sensors can be placed or clipped. A node device 100 may be provided with a set of interchangeable sensor cards or blocks, with connectors in appropriate places.

In some embodiments, a microphone and/or a camera may also be incorporated into the node device 100. User concerns regarding privacy and user interest in minimising device cost may however lead to embodiments excluding cameras and/or microphones being preferred.

The sensors are arranged to generate output signals.

In the embodiment being described, the node device 100 further comprises one or more sets of processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is adapted to receive the output signals from the plurality of sensors and any signals received by the receiver and to generate from the output and/or received signals a control signal. In at least some embodiments, the processing circuitry comprises one or more microcontrollers.

Additionally, the node device 100 comprises one or more emitters in communication with the processing circuitry. The emitters are adapted to emit the control signal for reception by one or more receivers in one or more of the other devices in the network, or by the smart-phone (or other device) to which the node device is connected.

Advantageously, a user can specify a particular purpose, or particular purposes, for a node device 100. A different sensor or combination of sensors may be used for a different purpose, and/or different stimuli to be recognised may be set. For example, a user may configure one node device to act as a thermostat. The node device may be left in a room 400 and programmed to take temperature readings at defined intervals and send an output signal to relay instructions to a heating system if the temperature is too low or too high. The same node device may also have motion sensors, and may be reconfigured by the user to act as a pedometer as the user carries the device.

As described hereinafter, in the embodiment being described this reconfiguration can be performed in a straight forward manner by a user via the app on his/her smart phone (or other device). As such, the node device 100 provides a device which is easy for a user to reconfigure with no technical ability being needed by the user. Thus, the technical challenges of the user requiring such technical skills are overcome.

In the embodiment being described, the node device 100 has a set of parameters comprising one or more of the following, or the like:

i) sensor type (eg humidity, light, motion);

ii) sensor activity (eg off, standby, active monitoring)

iii) ranges and/or thresholds for readings from one or more of the sensor types;

iv) frequency of sensor readings;

v) time range over which readings are to be taken;

vi) trigger event for readings to be started or stopped;

vii) conditions based on sensor readings which are programmed to trigger a response: stimuli (eg temperature rising above a set maximum);

viii) action to take in response to a stimulus (eg generate control signal, increase frequency of monitoring, activate or deactivate a sensor).

When the node device 100 is configured for a particular purpose, via the App, a set of sensors to use, and the ranges or threshold sensor readings to monitor for those sensors, are defined using the set of parameters. In the embodiment being described, ranges or thresholds may be set by a user via the App. For example, if a node device is to be used for controlling room conditions, the parameter set may be configured as shown in the example listed in Table 1.

Table 1 - Illustrative Parameter Set

The skilled person will appreciate the frequency of monitoring and/or use of the processing circuitry within the node device 100 will determine the duration of the battery power within the device 100. As such, longer use functions will typically make readings less often. However, some uses of a node device 100 (such as a sports monitoring device to be worn by a user) may utilise sensor(s) often, thereby giving short battery life (on the order of 1 or 2 hours). Other, what may be thought of as embedded, uses with periodic monitoring (such as hourly, daily or more) may give years of battery life.

The skilled person would understand that the App may be provided with standard values for comfortable ranges and standard monitoring intervals, and the like, which a user may modify.

The node devices 100 are designed to be made cheaply, and with a set of common sensors which can be configured to perform a variety of tasks. Advantageously, this permits economies of scale in production, so lower costs, whilst allowing a user to configure and reconfigure his or her network to fulfil a variety of functions. In the embodiment being described, the node device 100 does not have any buttons or other user interface elements. The node device can be configured remotely by a user, using a mobile application installed on the user' s smartphone. In the embodiment being described, gesture control using the node device is also possible. A user may make gestures with the node device which can be recognised by various motion sensors, and/or other sensors, present in the device. A signal is generated by the node device, or an action taken, in response to the gesture. Gestures may be defined and responses set using the mobile application in conjunction with a node device. The node device can therefore be taught new gestures and the appropriate responses. For example, a user may blow on the node device, as if blowing out a candle, to extinguish the lights in a networked room. Advantageously, the sensor readings corresponding to a set gesture recorded using one node device, and the corresponding programmed response, may be stored such that any node device on that user' s network can recognise the gesture and perform the appropriate action.

In some embodiments, the node device 100 may comprise a light 102. A pre-set gesture such as squeezing or shaking the node device may be configured to cause the light to be turned on or off. Advantageously, the light 102 may be sufficiently bright to be used as a torch or bicycle light. Alternatively or additionally, the light 102 may be used as a status indicator or alert.

In alternative or additional embodiments, the node device 100 may have a vibrate function. Advantageously, the vibrate function may be used to provide an alert to a user.

The skilled person would understand that the node device 100 of some or all embodiments may therefore offer haptics and the like to enhance a user' s experience. The provision of one or more lights (optionally of various colours), a vibrate function, a buzzer, other audible alert, and/or touch sensing may enhance the interactivity of the product.

For example, a vibrate function or the like would add haptic feedback to the user' s palm or finger-tip if a node device 100 is being held in a hand of the user. Haptic feedback may be a particular benefit where the node device 100 is used as a game controller or "air- mouse'Vpointer or the like.

Further, combinations of light-flash pattern and/or colour with vibrations may be used to add haptic feedback as an indicator of the type of alert being provided by the node device 100 (e.g. "find me" flashing light and/or vibration to facilitate finding a misplaced node device 100/incoming message/suspected system-attack etc.)

In alternative or additional embodiments, the node devices 100 provide touch sensing capabilities (for example using a capacitive transducer). The skilled person would understand that such sensors can be used to detect whether the node device 100 is being held in a hand as opposed to being in a pocket or pinned to clothing (for example), or whether the node device 100 is in a dry or moist atmosphere (e.g for grain monitoring; see above). The identification of the environment of the node device 100 may lead to a different set of functions being activated - for example, node devices 100 may be configured such that a vibration alert is given for a stimulus if the device 100 is in a user's hand, but an audible alert given if the device 100 is in a user's pocket. The touch sensitivity of at least some node devices 100 may therefore be used in conjunction with haptic feedback to provide a variety of functions and/or alerts.

For illustrative purposes only, Table 2 below provides examples of possible configuration steps and options for node devices.

□ "Press" to pair, to pair to a smart phone (or the like), another node device, to join a mesh of node devices, or the like.

□ "Shock" to send on demand

□ "Shout" to Alert

□ "Blow" to Alert

□ "Breath" to Read, in some embodiments a blow may be a shorter and/or sharper breath when compared to breath. Breath may for example be of a longer duration arranged to elevate C0₂ levels.

□ "Numbers" in the air, recognition of numbers may provide use in interfacing for toys, learning, use by the disabled or elderly.

□ "Candle" to turn off, for example a user may change how the node device is held when compared to blow and/or breath such that one or more of the access holes is covered.

Advanced Direct Each node device may be configured to recognise one or more of a set Interaction of more complex stimuli, and/or to learn new stimuli, eg:

□ "Hand-Rub" & "Blow" - Cast to Clone.

□ Chameleon "Roll on sleeve" & "Blow" - Change skin / Camouflage

□ Self-Taught - Smart gesture - Repeated three times by user to learn new action.

Remote Control Each node device can be reassigned and configured for a different purpose using the App.

As will be understood from Table 2 and the description above, "gesture" control can include the use of user-initiated stimuli which do not relate to movement of the node device, as well as movements of the node device.

In the embodiment being described, each node device 100 is substantially ellipsoid, ovoid, or the like in shape, and elongated in one dimension. The length of the node device along its longest axis (A-B) is roughly 46 mm. In other embodiments, the length of the node device along its longest axis is between roughly 30mm and 75mm, and is preferably around 40mm, 50mm or 60mm. The width of the node device along either axis perpendicular to the longest axis (C-D) is roughly 17.5mm (diameter at widest point). In other embodiments, the width of the node device along either axis perpendicular to the longest axis is between roughly 5mm and 30mm, and is preferably around 10mm, 15mm or 20mm. The weight of the node device may be between roughly 10 grams (g) and 30g, and is preferably between roughly 12g and 20g. In the embodiment being described, the weight of the node device is around 15g. Advantageously, the node device 100 is sufficiently small and light-weight that it may be hand-held, worn or pocketed by a user. For example, a pin may be attached to a node device such that it may be worn as a brooch, tie pin, lapel pin or the like.

In some embodiments, including that being described, the node device has a flat area 106 such that the node device 100 may be placed on a table or other flat surface without rolling. Advantageously, the flat area 106 may facilitate placing or mounting the node device, for example affixing a tie-pin, magnet, clasp, adhesive, Velcro (RTM) or the like.

Advantageously, in embodiments comprising a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor may be located on the inside of the flat area 106. The node device may be mounted, for example, on a pipe of a heating or cooling system 404b, or on an object of which the temperature is to be monitored. Advantageously, the flat surface 106 and mounting allow temperatures to be recorded directly from the same contact point.

In the embodiment being described, the node device 100 has a smooth, shiny, monochromatic outer surface. Advantageously, node devices may be made available with outer surfaces of a variety of colours, patterns and textures, to appeal to a wide audience.

Advantageously, the material chosen for the outer surface has one or more of the following characteristics: waterproof, hard-wearing, visually attractive and sufficiently protective that processing circuitry, sensors and the like are not damaged by foreseeable impacts, such as the node device being dropped. In some embodiments, including the embodiment being described, the outer surface comprises a plastics material

The skilled person would understand that other materials or combinations of materials could be used, for example cloth, leather, wood or metal. If metal is used, receivers and emitters may be advantageously located on the outer surface to reduce signal blocking.

In embodiments wherein a hotel, school or other organisation provides a node device to each client/student/organisation member, the outer surface may be coloured and/or marked to match the organisation's branding. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the node device may comprise a screen, such as a flexible OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), OLED display, light emitting polymer (LEP) display, LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like. The screen may constitute substantially all of the outer surface of the node device. Advantageously, the screen display may be configured by a user. For example, the screen could be configured to display an output reading from a sensor (eg temperature, humidity, or the like) and/or to change the surface pattern or colour(s) of the device.

Advantageously, the screen allows "re-skinning" of the node device appearance to blend in with and/or complement the surroundings. For example, the node device may be re-skinned to match a user's garment when worn, or to match wallpaper when used as an in-room sensor.

For example, if the node device 100 is to be worn by a user, the user may configure the node device to have a colour or pattern appropriate to the garment, bag or similar to which the node device is attached.

The skilled person would understand that use of a single distinctive and recognisable shape for node devices 100 can be advantageous in product design and user experience. Further, in at least some embodiments, augmented reality may be used to largely replace any need for an expensive external screen on the node devices 100. Instead, a smartphone camera or head-set or similar, with shape recognition software, might be used to interrogate a single or multiple node devices 100 within close proximity to provide an augmented reality image of, for example key metrics from any of the metrics pertinent to the sensors/experience and status of the node. Examples could include graphical representation of remaining battery-life, recent history and interactions.

Further enhancements might include augmented custom-designed avatars. For example a node device 100 held by or worn by a user, although having a relatively plain and simple appearance to the human eye, may be transformed by digital processing into a bird-of- paradise, magic wand or other badge, item, plant or creature as an augmented reality "Wearable" in any graphical representation.

In the embodiment being described, one or more small apertures 104a, 104b are present in the outer surface of the node device. In the embodiment being described, the apertures 104a, 104b are substantially round. The skilled person would understand that many other shapes of aperture could be used.

In the embodiment being described, two apertures 104b are located near a narrower end of the node device 100. Advantageously, these apertures 104b may be arranged to allow a cord for a key fob and/or other attachment or securement for the node device 100 to be threaded. The skilled person would understand that linkages such as cords, threads, ribbons, chains or wires, or the like, could be threaded through the apertures. The apertures 104b have a diameter of roughly 1mm. In alternative embodiments, the aperture diameter may be roughly 0.5mm, 1.5mm, 2mm or the like, and a greater or smaller number of such apertures 104b may be present.

In the embodiment being described, four apertures 104a are provided in alignment with internal sensors. The apertures 104a have diameters in the range of roughly 0.2mm to 0.5mm. In alternative or additional embodiments, a greater or smaller number of such apertures 104a may be present. Additionally or alternatively, other aperture sizes may be used, depending on sensor requirements and/or aesthetic considerations. In embodiments wherein the node device comprises one or more lights 102, one or more apertures may be provided to allow the light to be seen. Alternatively or additionally, a transparent or translucent outer surface, or section of the outer surface, may be used.

In embodiments comprising one or more chemical or humidity sensors, or the like, wherein access to the external environment is required for the sensors to function, one or more apertures 104 are provided.

In at least some embodiments, the apertures 104 may be sealed such that sensors, lights or the like which require access to the outside environment are located in the aperture, whilst internal electronics of the device remain sealed away from the outside environment. Advantageously, the processing circuitry may therefore be protected, minimising damage and allowing the node device to be substantially waterproof.

Further, in at least some embodiments, security of the node device 100 is improved by tamper proofing. The node device 100 of the embodiments being described is constructed so as to enhance physical security, with features including a non-reversible "Click Shut", glue-shut and/or thermo-sonically bonded plastic seal or the like between two or more of the two or more portions 302, 304 from which the node device 100 is made. Optionally, one or more portions 302, 304 may be removable, whilst one or more portions are not. For example, a user may be able to open the node device 100 so as to access a battery compartment without being able to access the processing circuitry.

In additional or alternative embodiments, component conformal coating may be used. As would be understood by the skilled person, a component conformal coating is a film, generally a thin polymeric film, which conforms to the contours of a printed circuit board to protect the board's components. Conformal coatings are applied to circuitry to provide protection against moisture, dust, temperature extremes and chemicals that, if the circuitry were uncoated, could result in damage or failure of the electronics to function. Reliability of the node device 100 may thereby be enhanced. In at least some embodiments, if any unauthorised access is attempted, the node device 100 is rendered useless (e.g. security keys are lost) to a would-be hacker, and/or an alarm is sounded.

In at least some embodiments, internal electronics are sealed into the finished product and are not accessible. Following completion of the manufacture of the node device 100, the only way to access the electronics and other internal content of the device 100, e.g. sensors, would be through mechanical force, abrasion, chemical erosion, heat treatment or the like. Advantageously, the methods of accessing the inside of the device 100 may be irreversible, so making it difficult or impossible to hide tampering.

For example, deliberately delicate processing circuitry may be made (for example, comprising electronics, one or more chips and one or more antennae) and may then be "potted" within a strong mould or casing. The circuitry may be fully embedded in a plastic material, for example, or may be shielded by protective "armour". Any breakage of the solid mould or casing may be designed to cause partial or complete destruction of the circuitry.

Resistance to tampering can therefore be achieved through careful internal design and choice of materials with, for example, differing thermal or hardness / density properties which would trigger either mechanical breakage of the device 100, interconnections or links within the circuitry to be broken, or damage to an exposed silicon chip (chips are generally susceptible to mechanical damage or loss of sensitive data). For example, security keys stored on chip may be lost when there is a loss of a static power supply - in this way, deliberately breaking a device 100 in such a way that the battery is removed or destroyed so as to prevent an alarm signal being sent would still not allow the perpetrator to obtain sensitive information.

In the embodiment being described, the node device comprises a single light-emitting diode (LED) 102, arranged to protrude through an aperture at one of the two narrower ends (A, B) of the node device. The outer surface is sealed such that the LED 102 blocks the aperture, so preventing the ingress of water, steam or the like into the interior of the node device. The LED 102 is arranged to act as an indicator and/or as a torch - brightness can be controlled depending on function. In additional or alternative embodiments, each node device 100 is provided with a plurality of lights 102. One or more of the lights may be LEDs. The lights may be of the same colour or of different colours, and may change colour. The lights 102 may be used as indicators. For example red light may show for temperature readings taken showing that the environment is too hot, blue for too cold, and green for within the desired temperature range. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the lights 102 may light up or flash when the node device battery is running low, to alert a user to the need for recharging, or the like.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the one or more lights 102 may be used as torches (eg mobile node devices), or as emergency lighting and/or escape route indicators (eg stationary devices, for example mounted on walls of a building, 404a).

In some embodiments, the one or more lights 102 are directly controlled by a user via the App. For example, a group of business contacts may set their node devices to display the same colour or colours of light as an aid to recognition.

In the embodiment being described, each node device 100 can be opened. Advantageously, the ability to open the node device facilitates the exchange of batteries, replacement of sensors, and/or introduction of new sensors, or the like.

In the embodiment being described, the node device 100 is formed from two portions 302, 304 of substantially the same size and shape. In some embodiments, the node device 100 may split into two portions 302, 304; in alternative embodiments, the node device 100 may be designed not to be openable once the two portions 302, 304 have been put together.

The skilled person will appreciate that, in other embodiments, the node device 100 may be composed of, and/or separable into, a larger number of portions. Further, the portions may be of differing sizes and shapes. For example, it may be convenient that the node device 100 splits into a larger and a smaller portion (such as roughly an 80%, 20% split). Such an embodiment may be convenient to contain the processing circuitry and/or battery into the larger portion. The smaller portion may be thought of as being a cap and may have a clip (such as on a pen lid) or the like. One or other of the portions, typically the smaller portion, may be clear plastic, translucent, rubber, a different colour or the like. In the embodiment being described, the or each node device forms part of a network. In the currently described embodiment, which uses the Bluetooth Low Energy protocol, the network may comprise between 2 and 64000 networked devices, which may include one or more smartphones 602, routers 402, 608, control devices 610, 614 or the like in addition to the one or more node devices 100 described herein.

The networked node devices create an "intelligence" or collective insight which can be used to monitor, measure and react to an extensive rage of stimuli to enhance the user's experience. The node device may be configured to periodically monitor, measure and, depending upon the results, react. For example, turning on heating, sounding an intruder alarm, or alerting authorities to the presence and location of a fire, gas leak or similar. Thus, node devices 100 within a network may be configured to perform different functions, although some node devices may have the same configuration as another node device 100 within the network. Figure 4 provides an example embodiment, for a kitchen 400. Four node devices 404a-d are located around the kitchen 400. The skilled person will understand that the exemplary node device uses shown and described below are not to be interpreted as limiting, and are provided for illustrative purposes only. In the embodiment being described node device 404a operates as a light, temperature and humidity sensor. The sensors of the node device gather data at regular intervals and may store data (locally or remotely) and/or send control signals to a heating and/or ventilation system dependent on the data obtained. Node device 404b is mounted on a water pipe of radiator 406. Temperature readings from the radiator pipe may be fed back to a heating system control unit 610. The node device 404b may also have a moisture sensor to detect leaks from a radiator valve and alert a user via the App if required. Node device 404c is mounted on a high surface in the kitchen 400 and operates as a smoke detector/fire alarm. The node device 404c may be arranged to trigger an alarm 614 located in the property and/or to send an alert to a user' s smartphone 602 and/or by other contact means if smoke is detected, and/or if the temperature exceeds a set threshold. The node device 404c may also comprise a carbon monoxide detecting sensor.

All node devices 404a-d may be arranged to display a red warning light 102, or the like, in response to detection of fire, smoke or carbon monoxide by node device 404c. Advantageously, the lights 102 may provide a secondary purpose of enabling a user to orient him or herself more easily in a dark and/or smoke-filled room.

Node device 404d is mounted near the electric oven and hob 408 (smart oven). The node device 404d comprises a gas sensor, and alerts a user to any potential gas leak. Further, the node device is arranged to communicate with the smart oven 408 such that a user may adjust the oven temperature remotely via that App, and/or remotely check if the oven has been switched off, and switch it off if not.

The node devices 404a-d may communicate 606 with a user's smartphone 602 via a router 402 and/or other communications hub. Similarly, the node devices 404a-d may communicate 616 with control devices 610, 614 via a router 402 and/or other communications hub, which may or may not be the same as that used for communications 606. Advantageously, the use of a hub 402, 608 permits longer distance communication from the node devices whilst allowing the node devices themselves to comprise only short distance/near-field communications abilities. The skilled person would understand that, when a user's smartphone 602 is nearby, the node devices may communicate with the smartphone directly.

Advantageously, the network 600 can utilise IoT infrastructure, partner IT infrastructure and cloud-based storage for retention and processing of the vast amounts of data. In the embodiment being described, decisions can be made as to where data should be stored and/or processed.

Decisions can be made by a user via the App or via gesture control of the node device 100, 604a-n. For example, a user may specify that room temperature data is to be sent from a node device to a specified computer and/or to cloud storage 612 and saved there through control settings in the App.

Additionally or alternatively, decisions may be made by the node device 604a-n itself. For example, if the processing circuitry of the node device has insufficient memory to store all the requested data, and/or insufficient processing power for the requested operation, data and/or processing can be outsourced to other networked computational devices 610, 602, 612 which have the required capacity.

As shown in Figure 6, the network 600 may include one-way and two-way communications 606, 616 between the node devices 604a-n, the user smartphone 602 and control devices 610, 614 and/or data storage facilities 612. Each node device 604a-n may communicate with one or more devices 610, 614, 612 in addition to the smartphone 602 to which it is paired. In some embodiments a node device 604d may only communicate with a user's smartphone 602. In alternative or additional embodiments, one or more node devices may be paired to a computer.

Figure 7 illustrates a method 700 which can be implemented using one or more node devices 100 as described herein.

A user creates 702 a network of devices. The network comprises one or more user interface devices 602, such as the user's smartphone, a computer or the like and one or more node devices 100. The network may further comprise one or more control devices 610, 614 and/or cloud storage 612 or the like. For example, in the embodiment described with respect to Figure 6, the network comprises a smartphone 602, node devices 604a-n, a temperature control system 610, an alarm 614 and cloud storage 612. The skilled person would understand that many other combinations and devices may be used to form a network.

Once the network has been created, a user can configure 704 the one or more node devices 100 for one or more purposes. The skilled person would understand that the node devices may be configured before the network is created, however. Advantageously, creating the network first allows a user to consider the intended use, location and/or environment or the like of the or each node device before configuring that device for its purpose.

Each node device 100 may have a single purpose (e.g. temperature measurement and reporting) or multiple purposes (e.g. temperature measurement and reporting for climate control, and carbon monoxide monitoring and alert for safety).

The node devices 100 may all have the same purpose or purposes, or different purposes.

Advantageously, the user may reconfigure one or more node devices 100 at any time. The skilled person would understand that some node devices may be reconfigured regularly (e.g. a worn device), whereas some node devices may always be used for the same purpose (e.g. thermostat).

Once the node devices 100 have been configured, the node devices collect 706 data concerning node device position and/or the environment. The skilled person would understand that the type of data collected and frequency of data collection will depend on the sensors used and user settings. Advantageously, collected data may be transmitted away from the node device 100 to be stored, displayed and/or otherwise used elsewhere. Based on the collected data, the node devices 100 instruct 708 one or more control devices to effect a change in the environment.

Additionally or alternatively, the node device 100 may generate a user perceptible output itself, for example a vibrate function, light and/or audible alarm.

In some embodiments, behavioural models and pattern recognition are used to bring greater value and functionality to the user. Layering of Collected Data

In the embodiment being described, a user may set permissions to allow the App and/or node device 100 to connect to information available to the wider internet 612. Further, permissions may be set to allow data sharing between users with the same App. Advantageously, combining external data with sensor output can allow the network to offer increased functionality.

For example, detailed physical maps (Ordnance Survey/Google Maps/Google Earth or the like) available online can be combined with data gathered from node device sensors. Advantageously, a user may therefore build up a representation of the environment showing information and features of interest.

More detailed, non-limiting, examples are provided below for the purpose of illustration.

Example 1 : On a popular commuter route with a known speed limit of 40mph, vehicles are slowing to lOmph.

Vehicle progress is measured as a driver's smartphone 602 passes from one Wi-Fi zone to another. The App detects a change from expected or regular behaviour and alerts all users/ App subscribers driving in the area to the traffic jam/delay.

The user may have requested the App to flag slow traffic on this commuter route. Alternatively, the App could learn and recognise the user's regular behaviour. In such cases, the App may predict that, given current position and progress, the user will reach the area of the traffic jam in 10 minutes. The App may further determine that the user has time to take evasive action. An alarm on the smartphone 602 may alert the user to the potentially avoidable delay, allowing a new route to be calculated. Further examples of enhanced user experience could be:

• Is my bus on time?

o Or - Let me know when I need to leave the house to be at the bus-stop one minute before it arrives

Up-to-date timetable information can be obtained from online resources and combined with user location information (via a smartphone) and walking pace (via a node device) to provide tailored answers.

• Where are my couriered goods?

o Or - Given the state of traffic, how long will it take to get to my house 15 minutes before the courier arrives? Up-to-date traffic information can be obtained from online resources via a smartphone. A node device may be attached to the couriered goods to allow tracking and/or the recording of shock/impact sensor data. Network Zones

When a user acquires node devices 604a-n, assigns the node devices to tasks via the App (or otherwise) and deploys them (either at certain locations, or for example as wearables), a user- specified network 600 is created.

In the embodiment being described, the network is divided into three zones 502, 504, 506, as listed below. The skilled person would understand that more or fewer separate zones could be used without departing from the scope of the invention, for example a single zone, or five or ten separate zones. Similarly, the zones used may be defined in different ways, as suits the user.

• MyZone™ 502 - secure and not visible to any other person but the user;

• NearZone™ 504 - semi-secure region within which no information from user devices is transmitted outside of that user's network; and

· TotalZone™ 506 - Gives a geographical map, with moving dots around defined RF points and GPS.

MyZone™ (High Privacy/Security)

In the embodiment being described, MyZone™ 502 represents an immediate, geostationary, environment where the user wants maximum security, for example at a home, work place or the like.

In alternative embodiments, MyZone™ 502 may represent an immediate environment of a user, and/or of a user's smartphone, and may move with the user and/or smartphone.

In some embodiments, there may be multiple users of a network. An example would be a nursing home with each resident having an apartment therein, a hotel with each guest having a room therein, or the like. In embodiments with multiple users, each user may have a personal MyZone accessible only to that user. The multiple MyZones may be within the same NearZone. The NearZone information may be accessible to all users, the MyZones forming private regions within the NearZone.

Example steps for creating the zones are described below for illustrative purposes. Operation 1 : Build MyZone™

In the embodiment being described, a user's smartphone is used to scan the area, building a map of radio environment, using the App. The map may show cellular coverage and cell, GPS location; polling Wifi/Bluetooth/WiFi devices and the like.

Advantageously, to save battery power, the initial zone setup may be completed before the node devices 100 are in operation.

In the embodiment being described, the App automatically generates a wire-line schematic using the data obtained from the scan.

In the embodiment being described, the wire-line schematic shows one or more of the following:

i) a labelled hemisphere 502 corresponding to the zone; and

ii) within the labelled hemisphere, icons marking RF nodes, with relative, approximate position In the embodiment being described, the labelled hemisphere 502 has a radius of approximately 25m. The skilled person would understand that the size of MyZone 502 depends on user-set preferences, and may range from a 0.5m radius (for example for a MyZone centred on a user) to a 5m radius (for example, for a single room), to a 100m radius (for example, for an office block or hotel).

The skilled person would understand that a hemisphere has been chosen for simplicity, and that many other shapes could be used instead or in addition.

In the embodiment being described, the hemisphere is labelled with one or more of the WiFi Zone name, a MAC (Media Access Control) Address and GPS Location, or the like.

In the embodiment being described, the RF nodes marked include one or more following, or the like:

i) Smart TVs;

ii) Internet Radio;

iii) IP addressed Wi-Fi Hubs;

iv) heating controllers;

v) Smart watches;

vi) one or more other phones; and vii) one or more node devices as described herein.

In the embodiment being described, an estimate of the relative position of the RF nodes is calculated using one or more of received signal frequency and strength, known position (if GPS/WiFi enabled), triangulation, dead reckoning, or the like.

A profile of each node device 100 within MyZone™ 502 may then be established. The profile may include one or more of sensor readings, node device name, node device assignment (eg static/dynamic and set purpose) and the like.

In the embodiment being described, MyZone™ 502 represents a Geo-Fence, the boundary of which can be attributed "Rules".

A user may create as many MyZone™ as desired. For example, a user may have a home, workplace and self-focused MyZone. A user may establish 1, 2, 3 or more MyZones.

As an example of how the geofence created by the MyZoneTM might be used, the following rules may be implemented. An owner places a node device 100 on to his/her dog, such as by using a collar on which is node device 100 is mounted.

Then should the dog leave the geofenced area (ie move out of the MyZone™) the node device 100 (or mesh of devices) would raise an alarm.

Other embodiments may apply a similar logic to other situations: tracking children, livestock, luggage, valuables, or the like.

The rule may be modified such that the node device 100 can leave the geofenced area (ie the MyZone™) if other conditions are met. For example, if the smart phone (or other device) with which the node device 100 is paired also leaves the geofenced area then the alarm be set not to trigger. This would for example, allow you to take the dog for a walk simply by taking the smart phone with you. In other embodiments, the non-alarm trigger rule may be set if a paired node device, as opposed to the smart phone, also leaves the geofenced area.

Operation 2: Edit MyZone™

In the embodiment being described, each RF node is marked by a coloured icon. The colour depends on Radio functionality. For example, smartphones may be shown by one colour, control devices such as heating controllers or alarms by a second colour, and node devices 100 as described herein by a third colour. In some embodiments, different colours may be used to distinguish between node devices configured for different purposes - the colour assigned to a particular node device may therefore change when the node device is reconfigured by a user.

In the embodiment being described, each RF node icon is accompanied by a device name (eg "my smartphone", or "bedroom temperature", "smart refrigerator", "smart oven" 408 or the like).

In at least some embodiments, a list of functions is provided with each device name (e.g. Whitespace, ZigBee, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS), SmartTV or Smart-Refrigerator (WiFi) or Heating Thermostat (425MHz Zigbee). An IP address, which may be assigned a nickname, may also be listed.

For wider areas (eg large house/hotel) or dense Wifi situations (eg apartment in a block), users can add or exclude intersecting WiFi hubs from MyZone™.

In some embodiments, possibly at the option of a user, outside the defined MyZone, RF node information will be anonymous but position of a node can be tracked. For added security and peace of mind, and so the position of an anonymous node cannot be tracked to a journey endpoint or MyZone™, a larger area of privacy can be defined by use of a NearZone™.

NearZone™ (Anonymous/Defining hidden zone)

The predefined NearZone™ 504 represents a local area at the boundary of which tracking, albeit anonymous, will cease. The boundary can be set by a user.

A user could select granularity using one or more of the following options, or the like:

i) Postcode, eg SW147** or SW147H*, where * is a wildcard;

ii) Rural, eg 30mph limit of village; or

iii) User-defined, eg drawn on a map.

In operation, an anonymous "dot on a map" appears when the user emerges from the NearZone™ 504. TotalZone™ (Anonymous/Data Available)

TotalZone™ 506 is the outermost zone in the embodiment being described. The App provides a geographical map, with moving dots representing mobile RF nodes and defined RF points and GPS data. In the TotalZone 506 of the embodiment being described, anonymised data from user devices are provided to other App users. In some embodiments, a user has the option of whether or not data are anonymised, and may choose to share specified levels of user information with any App users, and/or with specific App users. In the embodiment being described, the App allows one or more layers of (anonymous) information collected from the devices of other App users to be added to the information available to an App user. As described above, the sharing of information advantageously provides an improved user experience for all App users. For example, the App may receive and utilise data from all other App users who are driving in the region when assessing traffic flow and providing route information. These data may be anonymised.

In some cases, a user may decide to share non-anonymised data with selected contacts, for example co-workers. If one co-worker is held up in traffic, an alert may be automatically sent to the selected co-workers. This may improve the user experience by alerting contacts to traffic delays so that they can choose alternative routes, and/or making contacts aware that the user in question may well be late for a meeting. Additionally or alternatively, a pair or group of users may exchange identifying information such that each member of the group sees the other user's node device and/or smartphone as a labelled dot on the map, so facilitating finding a friend in a crowd, or in an environment with few easily visible landmarks, such as dense woodland.

Claims

1. A node device arranged to monitor, measure and/or control an environment in which it is, in use, situated, the node device being arranged to function as a node in a network, and being configurable for a plurality of purposes via a user interface device connected to the node device via the network, such that stimuli to be recognised by the node device can be specified, the device comprising:

a receiver arranged to receive signals from one or more other devices in the network; a plurality of sensors arranged to generate output signals, wherein a user specifies which one or more sensors of the plurality of sensors are to be used for the one or more purposes for which the node device has been configured;

processing circuitry arranged to receive the output signals from the plurality of sensors and signals received by the receiver and to generate therefrom a control signal; and an emitter connected to the processing circuitry for receiving the control signal and emitting a signal for reception by one or more receivers in one or more of the other devices in the network or to generate a user perceptible output from the control signal.

2. A node device according to Claim 1, wherein the node device has a curved outer surface, and wherein the outer surface comprises a screen.

3. A node device according to Claim 2, wherein the screen covers substantially all of the outer surface of the node device.

4. A node device according to any preceding claim, wherein the node device is arranged to analyse movement data gathered by at least one sensor of the node device, and, if a predetermined gesture is indicated by the movement data, to perform a predetermined function.

5. A node device according to any preceding claim, wherein the node device weighs less than substantially 25 grams.

6. A node device according to any preceding claim, wherein the node device is substantially ovoid in shape and measure less than substantially 75mm in length along its longest axis.

7. A node device according to Claim 6, wherein a flat area is provided on the node device, the flat area being arranged to prevent the node device from rolling and/or to facilitate attachment of the node device to an object.

8. A node device according to any preceding claim, wherein the node device can be reconfigured via the user interface device.

9. A node device according to any preceding claim, wherein the node device comprises at least one light.

10. A node device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a memory, and wherein the processing circuitry of the node device is arranged to assess data to be stored and:

(i) if an amount of data to be stored would exceed a capacity of the memory, or leave insufficient memory capacity for other operations, transmit the data to be stored to another networked device for storage; or

(ii) if the amount of data to be stored would not exceed the capacity of the memory, or would leave sufficient memory capacity for other operations, store the data at the node device.

11. A node device according to any preceding claim, wherein the processing circuitry of the node device is arranged to assess computations to be performed, and:

(i) if the computations to be performed would exceed a processing capacity of the processing circuitry, or take a period of time exceeding a threshold, utilise processing ability of another networked device to perform the computations; or

(ii) if the computations to be performed would not exceed a processing capacity of the processing circuitry, or would not take a period of time exceeding a threshold, perform the computations at the node device.

12. A node device according to any preceding claim, wherein the node device does not comprise global positioning satellite capability.

13. A node device according to any preceding claim, wherein the node device does not comprise a camera.

14. A node device according to any preceding claim, wherein the node device does not comprise a microphone.

15. A node device according to any preceding claim, wherein the node device does not comprise WiFi capability.

16. A node device according to any preceding claim, wherein the node device comprises one or more apertures.

17. A node device according to Claim 16 wherein the apertures are substantially circular and have diameters of between substantially 0.1mm and 1mm.

18. A node device according to Claim 16 or Claim 17 wherein at least some of the apertures are arranged to perform one or more of the following functions:

(i) expose one or more of the plurality of sensors to the environment;

(ii) allow a linkage to be attached to the node device; and

(iii) allow a light of the node device to be visible to a user.

19. A node device according to any preceding claim, wherein the node device comprises one or more of the following sensor types:

i) motion sensor;

ϋ) accelerometer;

iii) rotation sensor;

iv) shock sensor;

v) pressure sensor;

vi) temperature sensor;

vii) humidity sensor;

viii) carbon monoxide sensor;

ix) carbon dioxide sensor;

x) methane detector;

xi) light sensor;

xii) noise level sensor; and/or

xiii) radio environment sensor.

20. A node device according to any preceding claim, wherein the node device comprises a UV light sensor.

21. A node device according to any preceding claim, wherein the node device comprises at least one light sensor, at least one chemical sensor and at least one motion sensor.

22. A system arranged to monitor, measure and/or control an environment in which it is situated, the system comprising: at least one node device comprising: i) a plurality of sensors arranged to monitor the environment and/or position of the at least one node device within the environment; and ii) processing circuitry adapted to receive outputs from the plurality of sensors and to generate therefrom one or more signals; iii) an emitter arranged to emit the signals, iv) at least one control device arranged to receive one or more of the signals and perform an action in response to the one or more signals; and v) at least one user interface device arranged to allow a user to configure the at least one node device for a variety of purposes such that stimuli to be recognised by the at least one node device and which sensors the at least one node device should use for the one or more purposes selected by a user are specified, the user interface device comprising a user interface, node device control instructions, and one or more emitters arranged to emit signals generated from user input to the user interface.

23. A method of monitoring and controlling an environment, comprising: creating a network using a user interface device, a plurality of node devices and at least one control device, at least some of which are located within the environment; configuring the node devices for one or more purposes via the user interface device, such that sensors to use and stimuli to be recognised by the node devices are specified; collecting data concerning the environment and node device position using one or more of the node devices; and based on the collected data, instructing one or more of the at least one control devices to effect a change in the environment.

24. A method of monitoring and controlling an environment, comprising: creating a network using node devices and control devices, at least some of which are located within the environment; collecting data concerning the environment and node device position using one or more of the node devices; and based on the collected data, instructing one or more of the control devices to effect a change in the environment;

and wherein additionally the method comprises analysing movement data of the node devices if movement is detected and performing a predetermined function if a predetermined gesture is indicated by the movement data of any of the node devices.

25. A method of providing a reconfigurable leaf node in a network, comprising providing a node device arranged to be connected to a network, the node device comprising a plurality of sensors each controllable and readable by a processing circuitry of the node device, wherein the node device is arranged to receive, over a connection to the network, a configuration file, wherein the configuration file determines at least one of the following: i) which sensors are to be read by the processing circuitry; ii) the frequency with which the or each sensor is to be read; iii) parameters to be used in association with the sensors; and iii) further actions that should be taken based upon the sensor readings, which might be based upon the parameters.

26. The method of any of claims 23 to 25, further comprising adding at least one further node device to the network.