CN117256175A

CN117256175A - Dynamic signal routing in a facility

Info

Publication number: CN117256175A
Application number: CN202280031839.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: Y·胡尔; 李志勋; T·D·安特斯; N·特里卡
Original assignee: View Inc
Current assignee: View Inc
Priority date: 2021-05-12
Filing date: 2022-04-15
Publication date: 2023-12-19
Also published as: TW202329718A

Abstract

In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods, systems, software, and devices for dynamically routing signals in a facility, e.g., depending on current and/or predicted occupancy in the facility. The method may include: identifying a small cell device and a Radio Access Unit (RAU) of a network operatively coupled to the facility; receiving one or more inputs over the network; determining a configuration for routing cellular communication signals between one or more of the small cell devices and one or more of the RAUs, the configuration based at least in part on the one or more inputs; and routing the cellular communication signal between the one or more of the small cell devices and the one or more of the RAUs based at least in part on the configuration.

Description

Dynamic signal routing in a facility

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The international application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/187632 entitled "dynamic signal ROUTING in facilities (DYNAMIC SIGNAL ROUTING IN A FACILITY)" filed on day 5 and 12 of 2021. The present international application also claims the benefit and priority of U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/265,653 entitled "providing enhanced cellular communications in a facility setting (PROVIDING ENHANCED CELLULAR COMMUNICATION IN A FACILITY BACKGROUND)", filed on 12/17 of 2021. The present application relates to the continuation of the application as part of international patent application serial number PCT/US21/17946 entitled "data and power network of facility (DATA AND POWER NETWORK OF A FACILITY)" filed 2 nd month 12 of 2021, which claims priority from US provisional patent application serial number 63/146,365 entitled "data and power network of facility (DATA AND POWER NETWORK OF A FACILITY)" filed 2 nd month 5 of 2021, US provisional patent application serial number 63/027,452 entitled "data and power network of peripheral structure (DATA AND POWER NETWORK OF AN ENCLOSURE)" filed 5 month 20 of 2020, US provisional patent application serial number 62/978,755 entitled "data and power network of peripheral structure (DATA AND POWER NETWORK OF AN ENCLOSURE)" filed 19 of 2020, and US provisional patent application serial number 62/977,001 entitled "data and power network of peripheral structure (DATA AND POWER NETWORK OF AN ENCLOSURE)" filed 14 nd 2 of 2020. The present application relates to a continuation of the application as part of international patent application serial number PCT/US20/32269, entitled "antenna system for controlled coverage in a building (ANTENNA SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLED COVERAGE IN BUILDING)" filed 5/9/2020, which claims priority from (i) U.S. provisional patent application serial number 62/850,993, entitled "antenna system for controlled coverage in a building (ANTENNA SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLED COVERAGE IN BUILDING)" filed 21/2019, and (ii) U.S. provisional patent application serial number 62/845,764, entitled "antenna system for controlled coverage in a building (ANTENNA SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLED COVERAGE IN BUILDINGS)" filed 5/2019. The present application relates to a continuation of the section of U.S. patent application serial No. 15/709,339 entitled "window antenna for transmitting radio frequency signals (WINDOW ANTENNAS FOR EMITTING RADIO FREQUENCY SIGNALS)" filed as 2017, 9, 19. The present application relates to a continuation of the section of U.S. patent application serial No. 16/099,424 entitled "WINDOW antenna" filed 11/06 a 2018, which is the national entry phase of international patent application serial No. PCT/US17/31106 entitled "WINDOW antenna" filed 5/4 a 2017, which claims the benefit of the following patent applications: (i) U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 62/379,163 entitled "WINDOW antenna (WINDOW antenna)", filed on 8 and 24 days of 2016, (ii) U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 62/352,508 entitled "WINDOW antenna (WINDOW antenna)", filed on 6 and 20 days of 2016, (iii) U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 62/340,936 entitled "WINDOW antenna (WINDOW antenna)", filed on 5 and 24 days of 2016, and (iv) U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 62/333,103 entitled "WINDOW antenna (WINDOW antenna)", filed on 5 and 6 days of 2016. The present application relates to a continuation of the section entitled "WINDOW antenna" (WINDOW antenna) from U.S. patent application serial No. 16/949,978, filed 11/23/2020, which is the continuation of the section entitled "WINDOW antenna" (WINDOW antenna) from U.S. patent application serial No. 16/849,540, filed 4/2020, which is the continuation of the section entitled "WINDOW antenna" (WINDOW antenna) from U.S. patent application serial No. 15/529,677, filed 5/2017, which is the continuation of the section entitled "WINDOW antenna" (WINDOW antenna) from U.S. patent serial No. 10,673,121, issued 5/6, 2, which is the international patent application serial No. PCT/US15/62387, filed 11/24/2015, entitled "WINDOW antenna (WINDOW antenna)", which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application serial No. 62/084,502, filed 11/25/2014. The present international application also claims and is part of the continued application of international patent application serial number PCT/US21/27418, filed on 4/15 of 2021, entitled "interaction between peripheral structures and one or more occupants (INTERACTION BETWEEN AN ENCLOSURE AND ONE OR MORE OCCUPANTS)". International patent application serial No. PCT/US21/27418, entitled "INTERACTION between a peripheral structure and one or more occupants (INTERACTION BETWEEN AN ENCLOSURE AND ONE OR MORE OCCUPANTS)" filed on month 4, month 15 of 2021, claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 63/080,899, entitled "indirect INTERACTION with a target in a peripheral structure (INDIRECT INTERACTIVE interval WITH A TARGET IN AN enclosare)" filed on month 4, month 16 of 2020, entitled "indirect INTERACTION with a target in a peripheral structure (INDIRECT INTERACTION WITH ATARGET IN AN enclosare)" filed on month 21 of 2020, entitled "INTERACTION with a target in a peripheral structure (INTERACTION BETWEEN AN ENCLOSURE AND ONE OR MORE OCCUPANTS)" filed on month 9, and U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 63/010,977, entitled "indirect INTERACTION with a target in a peripheral structure (INDIRECT INTERACTIVE interval WITH A TARGET IN AN enclosare)", filed on month 4, month 16 of 2020. The present application also relates to a continuation of the section entitled "BUILDING NETWORK" (BUILDING NETWORK) filed as 28 th year 10, U.S. patent application serial No. 17/083,128 filed as 25 th year 10, U.S. patent application serial No. 6/664,089 filed as "BUILDING NETWORK" (BUILDING NETWORK), which is the entering country phase of international patent application serial No. PCT/US19/30467 filed as "edge NETWORK for BUILDING service (EDGE NETWORK FOR BUILDING SERVICES)" 2 nd 5 th year 2019, which claims priority of U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 62/666,033 filed as "edge NETWORK for BUILDING service (EDGE NETWORK FOR BUILDING SERVICES)" 02 nd 5 th year 2018. The U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/083,128, also part of the International patent application Ser. No. 18/US 18/29460 entitled "tintable Window System for building services (TINTABLE WINDOW SYSTEM FOR BUILDING SERVICES)" filed on day 4 of 2018, claims (i) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/607,618 entitled "electrochromic Window with transparent display TECHNOLOGY" (ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS WITH TRANSPARENT DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY FIELD) filed on day 12 of 2017, (ii) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/523,606 entitled "electrochromic Window with transparent display TECHNOLOGY (ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS WITH TRANSPARENT DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY)" filed on day 22 of 2017, (iii) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/507,704 entitled "electrochromic window with transparent display TECHNOLOGY (ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS WITH TRANSPARENT DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY)" filed on day 17 of 2017, (iv) entitled "electrochromic window with transparent display TECHNOLOGY (ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS WITH TRANSPARENT DISPLAY TECHGY temporary window) 62,514,514 entitled" and "patent application No. 4,457 with transparent display TECHNOLOGY" (patent application No. 4/ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS WITH TRANSPARENT DISPLAY of priority). The present application relates to a continuation of the section entitled "tintable window system computing platform (TINTABLE WINDOW SYSTEM COMPUTING PLATFORM)" filed as month 10, month 27 of 2020, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/081,809, filed as month 10, month 24 of 2019, entitled "tintable system computing platform (TINTABLE WINDOW SYSTEM COMPUTING PLATFORM)", which is a continuation of the section entitled "tintable system computing platform (TINTABLE WINDOW SYSTEM COMPUTING PLATFORM)", filed as month 4, month 25, filed as "tintable system computing platform (TINTABLE WINDOW SYSTEM COMPUTING PLATFORM)", international patent application Ser. No. PCT/US18/29406, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/607,618, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/523,606, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/507,704, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/506,514, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/490,457. Each of the above-mentioned patent applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background

The macro cell is sometimes used to provide cellular communication to the facility, for example by providing cellular communication signals from an operator network to the facility. However, macro cells may have some drawbacks. For example, the macro cell is required to be located at a distance from the facility and/or at high altitudes, for example, thereby requiring expensive cables from the macro cell to the facility. For example, the operation of a macrocell may be expensive (e.g., due to the hardware required to cool the macrocell). For example, macro cells are not able to accommodate dynamically changing connectivity requirements within a facility.

Disclosure of Invention

Various aspects disclosed herein mitigate at least some of the above-referenced shortcomings.

As disclosed herein, the type and/or intensity of signals transferred to various facility spaces may be manipulated. The signals may be provided to a facility via a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) operatively coupled to one or more small cell devices. The configuration of one or more small cell devices relative to the DAS may be based at least in part on signals from a control network, sensors, transmitters, transceivers, and the like.

In another aspect, a method of routing signals in a facility, the method comprising: identifying a small cell device and a Radio Access Unit (RAU) of a network operatively coupled to the facility; receiving one or more inputs over the network; determining a configuration for routing cellular communication signals between one or more of the small cell devices and one or more of the RAUs, the configuration based at least in part on the one or more inputs; and routing the cellular communication signal between the one or more of the small cell devices and the one or more of the RAUs based at least in part on the configuration.

In some embodiments, the small cell device is disposed in the facility. In some embodiments, the RAU is disposed in the facility. In some embodiments, the network is operatively coupled to one or more sensors of the facility. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors are disposed in the facility. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors are disposed outside of the facility. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors are attached to the facility. In some embodiments, the network comprises a cable. In some embodiments, the cable comprises an optical cable and/or a coaxial cable. In some embodiments, the cables in the cable are configured to transmit power and communication signals. In some embodiments, the cables of the cable are configured to transmit power, cellular communication signals, and at least one other communication type of communication signal. In some embodiments, the cables of the cable are at least partially disposed in an enclosure of the facility. In some embodiments, the facility comprises a building. In some embodiments, the cables of the cable are disposed at least partially within an envelope of the building. In some embodiments, the cable is a first cable system installed in the facility. In some embodiments, the at least one other communication type includes a media communication, a control communication, or a data communication. In some embodiments, the data communication includes communication of sensor data. In some embodiments, the one or more inputs are associated with occupancy of personnel in the facility. In some embodiments, the one or more inputs include scheduling information, occupancy information, sensor data, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the sensor data comprises electromagnetic radiation data. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation data includes data associated with electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum, the infrared spectrum, the radio frequency spectrum, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation data includes data associated with ultra-wideband radiation. In some embodiments, the sensor data comprises a geolocation signal. In some embodiments, the geolocation signal comprises a global positioning system signal, an ultra wideband signal, a short range wireless signal, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the sensor data includes thermal characteristics associated with one or more persons. In some embodiments, the configuration is determined dynamically. In some embodiments, the configuration is determined in real-time during reception of the cellular communication signal. In some embodiments, the network is operatively coupled to one or more controllers. In some embodiments, the one or more controllers are part of a hierarchical control system. In some embodiments, the one or more controllers are configured to control at least one device. In some embodiments, the at least one device comprises (i) a service device, (ii) a security device, (iii) a security device, and/or (iv) a health device. In some embodiments, the service device includes a media player, a media display, a radio, a music player, a heater, a cooler, a ventilator, an illumination, a tintable window, an automatic door, or a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. In some embodiments, the service device is configured to adjust the environment of the facility. In some embodiments, the security device comprises an alarm, an annunciation system, an alarm light, a sensor, a door, window, or a lock. In some embodiments, the door, window and/or lock is automatic. In some embodiments, the at least one device comprises a sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor includes a temperature sensor, a motion sensor, a pressure sensor, an infrared sensor, a vision sensor, and/or an occupancy sensor. In some embodiments, the health device comprises a glucose monitor, heart rate monitor, blood pressure monitor, temperature sensor, infrared sensor, ultraviolet sensor, or vision sensor. In some embodiments, the service device includes a processor or a media display. In some embodiments, the media display comprises a television screen or a computer monitor. In some embodiments, the at least one device is disposed in a device aggregate. In some embodiments, the device assembly comprises (i) a sensor or (ii) a sensor and an emitter. In some embodiments, the device assembly is attached to or disposed in a fixed structure of the facility. In some embodiments, the cellular communication signal arrives at the small cell device directly from a service provider. In some embodiments, the configuration dynamically routes the cellular communication signal based at least in part on occupancy in one or more portions of the facility. In some embodiments, the configuration is based at least in part on occupancy in the facility. In some embodiments, the configuration is based at least in part on occupancy of the user of the cellular communication signal in the facility. In some implementations, routing the cellular communication signals between the one or more of the small cell devices and the one or more of the RAUs based at least in part on the configuration includes transmitting information indicative of the configuration to a router associated with the facility, which may be configured to perform routing the cellular communication signals between the one or more of the small cell devices and the one or more of the RAUs. In some embodiments, the cellular communication signal is modulated.

In another aspect, an apparatus for routing signals in a facility includes at least one controller configured to perform or direct one or more operations of any of the methods disclosed above.

In some embodiments, the at least one controller comprises a circuit. In some embodiments, at least two of the one or more operations are performed by a controller of the at least one controller. In some embodiments, at least two operations of the one or more operations are each performed by a different controller of the at least one controller.

In another aspect, an apparatus for routing signals in a facility includes at least one controller configured to: operatively coupled to (i) a small cell device and (ii) a Radio Access Unit (RAU) operatively coupled to a network of the facility; receiving one or more inputs over the network or directing receipt thereof; determining or directing a determination of a configuration for routing cellular communication signals between one or more of the small cell devices and one or more of the RAUs, the configuration based at least in part on the one or more inputs; and routing or directing the routing of the cellular communication signals between the one or more of the small cell devices and the one or more of the RAUs based at least in part on the configuration.

In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to direct the device. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is part of a distributed controller network in which one controller is configured to direct another controller. In some embodiments, the one controller and the other controller are part of the distributed controller network. In some embodiments, the distributed controller network is a hierarchical controller network.

In another aspect, a non-transitory computer program instruction for routing signals in a facility, which when read by one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to perform or direct one or more operations that perform any one of the methods disclosed above.

In some embodiments, the program instructions are embedded in at least one program product. In some embodiments, the program instructions are embedded in one or more media. In some embodiments, at least two operations of the one or more operations are performed by a processor of the one or more processors. In some embodiments, at least two operations of the one or more operations are each performed by a different processor of the one or more processors.

In another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable program instruction for routing signals in a facility, which when read by one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: receiving one or more inputs over the network or directing receipt thereof; determining or directing a determination of a configuration for routing cellular communication signals between one or more of the small cell devices and one or more of the RAUs, the configuration based at least in part on the one or more inputs; and routing the cellular communication signals between the one or more of the small cell devices and the one or more of the RAUs based at least in part on the configuration, wherein the one or more processors are operatively coupled to (i) the small cell devices and (ii) the Radio Access Units (RAUs) that are operatively coupled to the network of the facility.

In some embodiments, the one or more processors are configured to direct the apparatus. In some embodiments, the one or more processors are part of a distributed processor network in which one processor is configured to direct another processor. In some embodiments, the one processor and the other processor are part of the distributed processor network. In some embodiments, the distributed processor network is a hierarchical processor network.

In another aspect, a system for routing signals in a facility, the system comprising: a network disposed in the facility; one or more small cell devices operatively coupled to the network; and one or more RAUs operatively coupled to the network; the network is configured to facilitate one or more operations of any of the methods discussed above.

In some embodiments, the network is configured to facilitate control at least in part by being configured to transmit control-related communications. In some embodiments, the network is configured to facilitate the one or more operations at least in part by being configured to transmit communications of one or more protocols associated with the one or more operations.

In another aspect, a system for routing signals in a facility, the system comprising: a network disposed in the facility; one or more small cell devices operatively coupled to the network; one or more RAUs operatively coupled to the network; the network is configured to facilitate: transmitting one or more inputs; determining a configuration for routing cellular communication signals between one or more of the small cell devices and one or more of the RAUs, the configuration based at least in part on the one or more inputs; and route the cellular communication signals to be routed between the one or more small cell devices and the one or more RAUs based at least in part on the configuration.

In some embodiments, the network is configured to facilitate transmission of the one or more inputs, determining the configuration, and routing the cellular communication signals at least in part by being configured to transmit appropriate signals conforming to the respective protocols.

In another aspect, a method of changing a communication characteristic in a facility, the method comprising: obtaining a configuration for routing signals between one or more small cell devices associated with the facility and one or more Radio Access Units (RAUs) associated with the facility; obtaining usage information associated with the facility, wherein the usage information indicates current or expected small cell device usage of a mobile device associated with the facility; determining one or more parameters associated with: (I) Based at least in part on the configured channel sharing protocol of two or more small cell devices allocated to an RAU of the one or more RAUs, (II) based at least in part on a transmit or receive power specification of one or more components associated with the facility of the usage information, or (III) any combination thereof; and providing the one or more parameters associated with: (i) the channel sharing protocol for the two or more small cell devices, (ii) the transmit or receive power specification for the one or more components associated with the facility, or (iii) any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the one or more small cell devices are disposed in the facility. In some embodiments, the one or more RAUs are disposed in the facility. In some embodiments, the usage information is based on data from one or more sensors of the facility. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors are disposed in the facility. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors are disposed outside of the facility. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors are attached to the facility. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors provide sensor data including electromagnetic radiation data. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation data includes data associated with electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum, the infrared spectrum, the radio frequency spectrum, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation data includes data associated with ultra-wideband radiation. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors provide sensor data including a geolocation signal. In some embodiments, the geolocation signal comprises a global positioning system signal, an ultra wideband signal, a short range wireless signal, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors provide sensor data including thermal characteristics associated with one or more persons. In some embodiments, the facility comprises a building. In some embodiments, the usage information is received via a network associated with the facility. In some embodiments, the network comprises a cable. In some embodiments, the cable comprises an optical cable and/or a coaxial cable. In some embodiments, the cables of the cable are disposed at least partially within an enclosure of a building of the facility. In some embodiments, the usage information includes scheduling information, occupancy information, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the scheduling information includes calendar information associated with the facility. In some embodiments, the calendar information indicates scheduled events at one or more locations of the facility. In some embodiments, the occupancy information includes a current occupancy at one or more locations of the facility. In some embodiments, the occupancy information includes future occupancy at one or more locations of the facility. In some embodiments, the future occupancy is predicted by a machine learning model that is trained to predict the future occupancy at the one or more locations of the facility. In some embodiments, the one or more parameters are determined based on a noise level in the facility. In some embodiments, the noise level in the facility is based on a current or planned configuration in the facility. In some embodiments, determining the one or more parameters associated with the channel sharing protocol includes determining two or more channels corresponding to the two or more small cell devices assigned to the one RAU. In some embodiments, the channel sharing protocol includes Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA). In some embodiments, the one or more components include a head-end router associated with the facility, one or more of the one or more RAUs, one or more antennas operatively coupled to the one or more RAUs, or any combination thereof.

In another aspect, an apparatus for changing a communication characteristic in a facility includes at least one controller configured to perform or direct one or more operations of any of the methods disclosed above.

In another aspect, an apparatus for changing a communication characteristic in a facility includes at least one controller configured to: obtaining a configuration for routing signals between one or more small cell devices associated with the facility and one or more Radio Access Units (RAUs) associated with the facility or directing their acquisition; obtaining or directing the obtaining of usage information associated with the facility, wherein the usage information indicates current or expected small cell device usage of a mobile device associated with the facility; determining or directing the determination of one or more parameters associated with: (I) Based at least in part on the configured channel sharing protocol for two or more small cell devices assigned to an RAU of the one or more RAUs, (II) based at least in part on a transmit or receive power specification for one or more components associated with the facility of the usage information, or (III) any combination thereof; and providing or causing to be provided the one or more parameters associated with: (i) the channel sharing protocol for the two or more small cell devices, (ii) the transmit or receive power specification for the one or more components associated with the facility, or (iii) any combination thereof.

In another aspect, a non-transitory computer readable program instruction for changing a communication characteristic in a facility, which when read by one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to perform or direct one or more operations that perform any one of the methods disclosed above.

In another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable program instruction for changing a communication characteristic in a facility, which when read by one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: obtaining or directing the obtaining of usage information associated with the facility, wherein the usage information indicates current or expected small cell device usage of a mobile device associated with the facility; obtaining or directing the obtaining of usage information associated with the facility, wherein the usage information indicates current or expected small cell device usage of a mobile device associated with the facility; determining or directing the determination of one or more parameters associated with: (I) Based at least in part on the configured channel sharing protocol of two or more small cell devices assigned to an RAU of the one or more RAUs, (II) based at least in part on a power specification of one or more components associated with the facility of the usage information, or (III) any combination thereof; and providing or causing to be provided the one or more parameters associated with: (i) the channel sharing protocol for the two or more small cell devices, (ii) the power exchange specification for the one or more components associated with the facility, or (iii) any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the power specification of the one or more components includes transmit power and/or receive power.

In another aspect, a system for changing communication characteristics in a facility includes one or more small cell devices associated with the facility and one or more RAUs associated with the facility, and at least one controller configured to facilitate one or more operations of any of the methods disclosed above.

In another aspect, a system for changing communication characteristics in a facility, the system comprising: a network disposed in the facility; one or more small cell devices operatively coupled to the network; one or more Radio Access Units (RAUs) operatively coupled to the network; the network is configured to facilitate: obtaining a configuration for routing signals between the one or more small cell devices associated with the facility and the one or more RAUs associated with the facility; obtaining usage information associated with the facility, wherein the usage information indicates current or expected small cell device usage of a mobile device associated with the facility; determining one or more parameters associated with: (I) Based at least in part on the configured channel sharing protocol of two or more small cell devices allocated to an RAU of the one or more RAUs, (II) based at least in part on a transmit or receive power specification of one or more components associated with the facility of the usage information, or (III) any combination thereof; and providing the one or more parameters associated with: (i) the channel sharing protocol for the two or more small cell devices, (ii) the transmit or receive power specification for the one or more components associated with the facility, or (iii) any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the network is configured to facilitate obtaining the configuration, obtaining the usage information, determining the one or more parameters, and providing the one or more parameters at least in part by being configured to transmit appropriate signals conforming to the respective protocols.

In another aspect, a method of routing signals in a facility, the method comprising: receiving a configuration for routing cellular communication signals between a small cell device associated with the facility and a Radio Access Unit (RAU) associated with the facility; and routing the cellular communication signals between one or more of the small cell devices and one or more of the RAUs, wherein routing the cellular communication signals between the one or more of the small cell devices and the one or more of the RAUs comprises: (i) (a) receiving a downlink cellular communication signal from at least one of the one or more of the small cell devices; (B) Manipulating the downlink cellular communication signals at least in part by separating and/or combining the downlink cellular communication signals based at least in part on the configuration; and (C) route the steered downlink cellular communication signals to at least one of the one or more of the RAUs based at least in part on the configuration; and/or (ii) (a) receiving an uplink cellular communication signal from at least one of the one or more of the RAUs; (b) Manipulating the uplink cellular communication signal by separating and/or combining the uplink cellular communication signal based at least in part on the configuration; and (c) route the steered uplink cellular communication signal to at least one of the one or more of the small cell devices based at least in part on the configuration.

In some embodiments, the downstream cellular communication signal has been modulated. In some embodiments, the downstream cellular communication signal has been modulated to a baseband frequency or Intermediate Frequency (IF) prior to routing to the at least one RAU. In some embodiments, the upstream cellular communication signal has been modulated. In some embodiments, the upstream cellular communication signal has been modulated to a baseband frequency or Intermediate Frequency (IF) prior to being routed to the one or more small cell devices. In some embodiments, manipulating the downlink cellular communication signal includes separating the downlink cellular communication signal into a plurality of channels corresponding to a plurality of RAUs to which the manipulated downlink cellular communication signal is routed. In some embodiments, manipulating the downlink cellular communication signals includes combining the downlink cellular communication signals from two or more small cell devices into one channel routed to a single RAU. In some embodiments, manipulating the uplink cellular communication signal includes separating the uplink cellular communication signal from a single RAU into a plurality of channels corresponding to a plurality of small cell devices to which the manipulated uplink cellular communication signal is routed. In some embodiments, manipulating the uplink cellular communication signals includes combining uplink cellular communication signals from two or more RAUs to one channel routed to a single small cell device. In some embodiments, the small cell device is disposed in the facility. In some embodiments, the RAU is disposed in the facility. In some embodiments, the small cell device and the RAU are operatively coupled to a network of the facility. In some embodiments, the configuration is obtained via the network. In some embodiments, the network comprises a cable. In some embodiments, the cable comprises an optical cable and/or a coaxial cable. In some embodiments, the steered downlink cellular communication signals are routed to the at least one RAU via the cable. In some embodiments, the cable is configured to transmit power and communication signals. In some embodiments, the cables of the cable are configured to transmit power, cellular communication signals, and at least one other communication type of communication signal. In some embodiments, the cables of the cable are at least partially disposed in an enclosure of the facility. In some embodiments, the facility comprises a building. In some embodiments, the cable is disposed at least partially in an enclosure of the building. In some embodiments, the cable is a first cable system installed in the facility.

In another aspect, an apparatus for routing signals in a facility includes at least one controller configured to: receiving a configuration for routing cellular communication signals between a small cell device associated with the facility and a Radio Access Unit (RAU) associated with the facility or directing its reception; and routing or directing routing of the cellular communication signals between one or more of the small cell devices and one or more of the RAUs, wherein routing the cellular communication signals between the one or more of the small cell devices and the one or more of the RAUs comprises: (i) (a) receiving downlink cellular communication signals from or directing reception of at least one of the one or more of the small cell devices; (B) Steering or directing the steering of the downlink cellular communication signals by separating and/or combining the downlink cellular communication signals based at least in part on the configuration; and (C) route or direct the steered downlink cellular communication signals to at least one of the one or more of the RAUs based at least in part on the configuration; and/or (ii) (a) receiving or directing the reception of an uplink cellular communication signal from at least one of the one or more of the RAUs; (b) Manipulating or directing manipulation of the uplink cellular communication signal at least in part by separating and/or combining the uplink cellular communication signal based at least in part on the configuration; and (c) route the steered uplink cellular communication signal to at least one of the one or more of the small cell devices based at least in part on the configuration.

In another aspect, a non-transitory computer readable program instructions for routing signals in a facility, which when read by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform or direct one or more operations of any of the methods disclosed above.

In another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable program instruction for routing signals in a facility, the non-transitory computer-program instruction, when read by one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: receiving a configuration for routing cellular communication signals between a small cell device associated with the facility and a Radio Access Unit (RAU) associated with the facility or directing its reception; and routing or directing the cellular communication signals between one or more of the small cell devices and one or more of the RAUs, wherein routing or directing the cellular communication signals between the one or more of the small cell devices and the one or more of the RAUs comprises: (i) (a) receiving downlink cellular communication signals from or directing reception of at least one of the one or more of the small cell devices; (B) Steering or directing the steering of the downlink cellular communication signals by separating and/or combining the downlink cellular communication signals based at least in part on the configuration; and (C) route or direct the steered downlink cellular communication signals to at least one of the one or more of the RAUs based at least in part on the configuration; and/or (ii) (a) receiving or directing the reception of an uplink cellular communication signal from at least one of the one or more of the RAUs; (b) Manipulating or directing manipulation of the uplink cellular communication signal at least in part by separating and/or combining the uplink cellular communication signal based at least in part on the configuration; and (c) route the steered uplink cellular communication signal to or direct the routing of at least one of the one or more of the small cell devices based at least in part on the configuration.

In another aspect, a system for routing signals in a facility includes one or more small cell devices associated with the facility and one or more Radio Access Units (RAUs) associated with the facility, and at least one controller configured to facilitate one or more operations of any of the methods disclosed above.

In another aspect, a system for routing signals in a facility, the system comprising: a network disposed in the facility; a small cell device operatively coupled to the network; a Radio Access Unit (RAU) operatively coupled to the network; and a router operatively coupled to the network, the router configured to: receiving a configuration for routing cellular communication signals between a small cell device associated with the facility and a Radio Access Unit (RAU) associated with the facility or directing its reception; and routing or directing routing of the cellular communication signals between one or more of the small cell devices and one or more of the RAUs, wherein routing the cellular communication signals between the one or more of the small cell devices and the one or more of the RAUs comprises: (i) (a) receiving downlink cellular communication signals from or directing reception of at least one of the one or more of the small cell devices; (B) Manipulating the downlink cellular communication signals by separating and/or combining the downlink cellular communication signals based at least in part on the configuration; and (C) route the steered downlink cellular communication signals to at least one of the one or more of the RAUs based at least in part on the configuration; and/or (ii) (a) receiving or directing the reception of an uplink cellular communication signal from at least one of the one or more of the RAUs; (b) Manipulating the uplink cellular communication signal at least in part by separating and/or combining the uplink cellular communication signal based at least in part on the configuration; and (c) route the steered uplink cellular communication signal to at least one of the one or more of the small cell devices based at least in part on the configuration.

In some embodiments, the router includes at least one processor or multiple processors.

In some embodiments, the network is a local network (e.g., a network of facilities). In some embodiments, the network includes a cable configured to transmit power and communications in a single cable. The communication may be one or more types of communication. The communication may include cellular communication that complies with at least second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), or fifth generation (5G) cellular communication protocols. In some embodiments, the communication includes media communication that facilitates still image, music, or motion picture streams (e.g., movies or videos). In some embodiments, the communication includes a data communication (e.g., sensor data). In some embodiments, the communication includes a control communication, e.g., controlling one or more nodes operatively coupled to the network. In some embodiments, the network includes a first (e.g., cable) network installed in the facility. In some embodiments, the network comprises a (e.g., cable) network installed in an enclosure of a facility (e.g., an enclosure of a building included in the facility).

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a system, apparatus (e.g., a controller), and/or one or more non-transitory computer-readable media (e.g., software) that implement any of the methods disclosed herein. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides methods of using any of the systems, computer-readable media, and/or devices disclosed herein, for example, for its intended purpose.

In another aspect, an apparatus includes at least one controller programmed to direct a mechanism for implementing (e.g., implementing) any of the methods disclosed herein, the at least one controller configured to be operatively coupled to the mechanism. In some embodiments, at least two operations (e.g., at least two operations of a method) are directed/performed by the same controller. In some embodiments, at least two operations are directed/performed by different controllers.

In another aspect, an apparatus includes at least one controller configured (e.g., programmed) to implement (e.g., implement) any of the methods disclosed herein. The at least one controller may implement any of the methods disclosed herein. In some embodiments, at least two operations (e.g., at least two operations of a method) are directed/performed by the same controller. In some embodiments, at least two operations are directed/performed by different controllers.

In some embodiments, one of the at least one controller is configured to perform two or more operations. In some embodiments, two different controllers of the at least one controller are configured to each perform a different operation.

In another aspect, a system includes: at least one controller programmed to direct operation of at least one other device (or component thereof); and the device (or a component thereof), wherein the at least one controller is operatively coupled to the device (or a component thereof). The device (or component thereof) may include any of the devices (or components thereof) disclosed herein. The at least one controller may be configured to direct any of the devices (or components thereof) disclosed herein. The at least one controller may be configured to be operatively coupled to any of the devices (or components thereof) disclosed herein. In some embodiments, at least two operations (e.g., at least two operations of a device) are directed by the same controller. In some embodiments, at least two operations are directed by different controllers.

In another aspect, a computer software product (e.g., inscribed on one or more non-transitory media) has stored therein program instructions that, when read by at least one processor (e.g., a computer), cause the at least one processor to direct the mechanism disclosed herein to implement (e.g., realize) any of the methods disclosed herein, wherein the at least one processor is configured to be operatively coupled to the mechanism. The mechanism may comprise any of the devices disclosed herein (or any component thereof). In some implementations, at least two operations (e.g., at least two operations of a device) are directed/performed by the same processor. In some embodiments, at least two operations are directed/performed by different processors.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer readable program instruction (e.g., included in a program product comprising one or more non-transitory media) comprising machine executable code that, when executed by one or more processors, implements any of the methods disclosed herein. In some implementations, at least two operations (e.g., at least two operations of a method) are directed/performed by the same processor. In some embodiments, at least two operations are directed/performed by different processors.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides one or more non-transitory computer-readable media comprising machine-executable code that, when executed by one or more processors, enables booting of a controller (e.g., as disclosed herein). In some implementations, at least two operations (e.g., at least two operations of a controller) are directed/performed by the same processor. In some embodiments, at least two operations are directed/performed by different processors.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer system comprising one or more computer processors and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media coupled thereto. The non-transitory computer-readable medium includes machine-executable code that, when executed by one or more processors, implements any of the methods disclosed herein and/or implements the guidance of the controller disclosed herein.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides non-transitory computer readable program instructions that, when read by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform any of the operations of the methods disclosed herein, any of the operations performed (or configured to be performed) by the devices disclosed herein, and/or any of the operations guided (or configured to be guided) by the devices disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the program instructions are inscribed in one or more non-transitory computer-readable media. In some embodiments, at least two of the operations are performed by one of the one or more processors. In some embodiments, at least two of the operations are each performed by a different processor of the one or more processors. The summary is provided as a simplified description of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of any invention disclosed herein or the scope of the appended claims.

Other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein only illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described. As will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

These and other features and embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Incorporated by reference

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Drawings

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description and drawings (also referred to herein as the "figure") which set forth illustrative embodiments in which the principles of the invention are utilized, in which:

fig. 1 schematically illustrates the routing of signals associated with a facility;

fig. 2 schematically illustrates the routing of signals associated with a facility;

fig. 3 schematically illustrates the routing of signals associated with a facility;

fig. 4 schematically shows the infrastructure of a building;

fig. 5 schematically illustrates a network infrastructure of a building;

fig. 6 illustrates an exemplary routing configuration;

fig. 7 illustrates an exemplary routing configuration;

fig. 8 is an information flow diagram for routing downstream signals;

FIG. 9 is an information flow diagram for routing upstream signals;

FIG. 10 is a system diagram of an exemplary system for routing signals;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart for determining a configuration for routing signals;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart for determining usage information;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart for determining signal characteristics;

fig. 14 schematically illustrates an electrochromic device;

FIG. 15 schematically illustrates a cross-section of a tintable window;

FIG. 16 schematically illustrates an example of a control system architecture; and is also provided with

FIG. 17 schematically illustrates an example computer system.

The drawings and components therein may not be to scale. The components in the figures described herein may not be drawn to scale.

Detailed Description

While various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed.

Terms such as "a" and "an" and "the" are not intended to refer to only a single entity, but include general categories that may be illustrated using a particular example. The terminology herein is used to describe particular embodiments of the invention but their use is not limiting of the invention.

When referring to a range, unless otherwise indicated, the range is meant to include the endpoints. For example, a range between a value of 1 and a value of 2 is meant to include the end values, and includes a value of 1 and a value of 2. The range inclusive will span any value from about 1 to about 2. As used herein, the term "adjacent" or "adjacent to" includes "immediately adjacent", "abutting", "contacting" and "close to".

As used herein, the conjunctive "and/or" (such as "comprising X, Y and/or Z") in the phrases included in the claims refers to any combination comprising X, Y and Z or a plurality of X, Y and Z. For example, such phrases are meant to include X. For example, such phrases are meant to include Y. For example, such phrases are meant to include Z. For example, such phrases are meant to include X and Y. For example, such phrases are meant to include X and Z. For example, such phrases are meant to include Y and Z. For example, such phrases are meant to include a plurality of X. For example, such phrases are meant to include a plurality of Y. For example, such phrases are meant to include a plurality of Z. For example, such phrases are meant to include a plurality of X and a plurality of Y. For example, such phrases are meant to include multiple X and multiple Z. For example, such phrases are meant to include a plurality of Y and a plurality of Z. For example, such phrases are meant to include multiple X and one Y. For example, such phrases are meant to include multiple X and one Z. For example, such phrases are meant to include Y and Z. For example, such phrases are meant to include one X and a plurality of Y. For example, such phrases are meant to include one X and multiple Z. For example, such phrases are meant to include one Y and multiple Z.

The term "operatively coupled" or "operatively connected" refers to a first element (e.g., a mechanism) coupled (e.g., connected) to a second element to allow for intended operation of the second element and/or the first element. The coupling may include a physical or non-physical coupling (e.g., a communicative coupling). The non-physical coupling may include signal inductive coupling (e.g., wireless coupling). The coupling may include a physical coupling (e.g., a physical connection) or a non-physical coupling (e.g., via wireless communication). The operatively coupling may include communicatively coupling.

An element (e.g., a mechanism) that is "configured to" perform a function includes structural features that cause the element to perform the function. The structural features may include electrical features such as circuitry or circuitry elements. The structural feature may include an actuator. The structural features may include circuitry (e.g., including electrical circuitry or optical circuitry). The electrical circuitry may include one or more wires. The optical circuitry may include at least one optical element (e.g., a beam splitter, a mirror, a lens, and/or an optical fiber). The structural features may include mechanical features. The mechanical feature may include a latch, spring, closure, hinge, chassis, support, fastener, cantilever, or the like. Performing the function may include utilizing a logic feature. The logic features may include programming instructions. The programming instructions may be executable by at least one processor. The programming instructions may be stored or encoded on a medium accessible to one or more processors. In addition, in the following description, the phrases "operable", "adapted", "configured", "designed", "programmed" or "capable" may be used interchangeably, where appropriate.

In some embodiments, the peripheral structure includes an area defined by at least one structure. The at least one structure may comprise at least one wall. The peripheral structure may include and/or enclose one or more sub-peripheral structures. The at least one wall may comprise metal (e.g., steel), clay, stone, plastic, glass, stucco (e.g., gypsum), polymer (e.g., polyurethane, styrene, or vinyl), asbestos, fiberglass, concrete (e.g., reinforced concrete), wood, paper, or ceramic. The at least one wall may include an electrical wire, brick, block (e.g., cinder block), tile, drywall, or truss (e.g., steel frame).

In some embodiments, the peripheral structure includes one or more openings. The one or more openings may be reversibly closable. The one or more openings may be permanently open. The basic length scale of the one or more openings may be smaller relative to the basic length scale of the walls defining the peripheral structure. The basic length scale may include the diameter, length, width, or height of the bounding circle. The surface of the one or more openings may be smaller relative to the surface of the wall defining the peripheral structure. The open surface may be a certain percentage of the total surface of the wall. For example, the open surface may measure up to about 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, or 1% of the wall. The wall may comprise a floor, ceiling or side wall. The closable opening may be closed by at least one window or door. The peripheral structure may be at least part of a facility. The facility may comprise a building. The peripheral structure may comprise at least a portion of a building. The building may be a private building and/or a commercial building. A building may include one or more floors. The building (e.g., a floor thereof) may include at least one of: rooms, hallways, attics, basement, veranda (e.g., interior or exterior veranda), stairwells, aisles, elevator shafts, facades, medium floors, attics, garages, porches (e.g., closed porches), terraces (e.g., closed terraces), cafeterias, and/or pipes. The building may comprise a home. The building may be an apartment building (e.g., a multi-dwelling building) or a single family dwelling. The facility may include one or more buildings. In some embodiments, the peripheral structure may be fixed and/or movable (e.g., a train, an airplane, a ship, a vehicle (e.g., an automobile), or a rocket). In some embodiments, the facility may be stationary and/or mobile (e.g., a train, an airplane, a ship, a vehicle (e.g., an automobile), or a rocket). The facility may include a factory, medical facility, financial institution (e.g., a bank), hospitality institution (e.g., a hotel), shopping mall, restaurant, distribution center, educational facility (e.g., a school, college, or university), office building, public transportation station (e.g., a train station or airport), or government building. The facility may be a commercial and/or residential building such as an apartment building or a single family residence.

In some embodiments, the peripheral structure surrounds the atmosphere. The atmosphere may include one or more gases. The gas may include an inert gas (e.g., including argon or nitrogen) and/or a non-inert gas (e.g., including oxygen or carbon dioxide). The peripheral structure atmosphere may be similar to the atmosphere outside the peripheral structure (e.g., ambient atmosphere) in at least one external atmospheric feature including: temperature, relative gas content, gas type (e.g., humidity and/or oxygen content), debris (e.g., dust and/or pollen), and/or gas velocity. The peripheral structure atmosphere may be different from the atmosphere outside the peripheral structure in at least one external atmospheric characteristic, the at least one external atmospheric characteristic comprising: temperature, relative gas content, gas type (e.g., humidity and/or oxygen content), debris (e.g., dust and/or pollen), and/or gas velocity. For example, the peripheral structure atmosphere may be less humid (e.g., drier) than the external (e.g., ambient) atmosphere. For example, the peripheral structure atmosphere may contain the same (e.g., or substantially similar) ratio of oxygen to nitrogen as the atmosphere outside the peripheral structure. The velocity of the gas in the peripheral structure may be (e.g., substantially) similar throughout the peripheral structure. The velocity of the gas in the peripheral structure may be different in different portions of the peripheral structure (e.g., by flowing the gas through vents coupled to the peripheral structure).

Some disclosed embodiments provide a network infrastructure in a peripheral structure (e.g., a facility such as a building). The network infrastructure may be used for various purposes, such as for providing communication and/or power services. The communication services may include high bandwidth (e.g., wireless and/or wired) communication services. The communication service may be available to occupants of the facility and/or users outside of the facility (e.g., building). The network infrastructure may work in conjunction with or as a replacement for one or more cellular operators' infrastructures. The network infrastructure may be provided in a facility comprising an electrically switchable window. Examples of components of the network infrastructure include high-speed backhaul. The network infrastructure may include at least one cable, switch, physical antenna, transceiver, sensor, transmitter, receiver, radio, processor, and/or controller (which may include a processor). The network infrastructure may be operatively coupled to and/or include a wireless network. The network infrastructure may include wiring. One or more sensors may be deployed (e.g., installed) in an environment as part of and/or after installing the network. The network may be a local area network. The network may include cables configured to transmit power and communications in a single cable. The communication may be one or more types of communication. The communication may include cellular communication that complies with at least second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), or fifth generation (5G) cellular communication protocols. The communication may include media communication that facilitates still images, music, or a stream of moving pictures (e.g., movies or video). The communication may include data communication (e.g., sensor data). The communication may include control communication, for example, to control one or more nodes operatively coupled to the network. The network may include a first (e.g., cable) network installed in the facility. The network may include a network (e.g., of cables) installed in an enclosure of the facility (e.g., such as in an enclosure of a peripheral structure of the facility).

In some embodiments, the macrocell is used to provide cellular communication signals to a facility. For example, the macrocell may receive signals from or transmit signals to a service provider. The service provider may provide access to a cellular communication core network (e.g., a 4G core network, a 5G core network, etc.). In some embodiments, the core network is a core part of a telecommunications network. The core network may provide a variety of services to clients interconnected by the access network. In some embodiments, the core network is configured to direct cellular communications over a public switched communication network. The access network may physically connect the end system to an intermediate router (also referred to as an "edge router") on the path from the end system to any other remote system. Examples of access networks are ISPs, home networks, enterprise networks, ADSL, mobile networks, FITH, etc. The macro cell may be communicatively coupled with a router (e.g., a headend router) that routes signals to Radio Access Units (RAUs) of the infrastructure. For example, a router may acquire a downlink signal from a macrocell and route the downlink signal to one or more RAUs. The one or more RAUs may cause the one or more antennas to transmit RF signals corresponding to the downlink signals. As another example, the router may capture upstream signals from one or more RAUs associated with the facility. The router may transmit an uplink signal to the macrocell. Macro cells may have various drawbacks. For example, to provide a strong signal with a far reach, a macro cell may need to be in an elevated location (e.g., on top of a tower, mountain, building, or any other elevated location). The macro cells may become hot and cooling may be expensive. A macrocell may require dedicated hardware. The macro cell may provide a fixed coverage area for an area of the facility regardless of the use of the facility. Cabling from the macrocell to the infrastructure can be expensive because the cable range can be extensive. Routing may require electrical cables, such as fiber optic cables, configured for rapid signal communication, which may result in increased costs.

Fig. 1 shows an example of a schematic diagram 100 of an example of a system for routing signals. In the example shown in fig. 1, the headend router 102 routes signals between the macrocell 104 and the RAU 108. Each of the RAUs 108 is communicatively coupled to one or more antennas. For example, RAU 110 is communicatively coupled to antenna 112. Each RAU may be associated with a coverage area (e.g., a portion of a floor or an entire floor of a building). Macrocell 104 is communicatively coupled to 4G network 116. The 4G network 116 includes a Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway (GW) 118, a serving GW 120, and a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 122. The 4G network 116 provides connectivity between the macrocell 104 and the internet 128. The PDN GW 118 acts as an interface between the 4G core network and other packet data networks, such as the internet 128 and/or an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network based on session initiation protocol (SlP). The serving GW 120 may perform various functions such as (i) routing and forwarding user plane data packets, (ii) serving as a mobility anchor during handoff between a 4G core network and other core networks in the user plane (e.g., 2G networks, 3G networks, and/or other networks), (iii) buffering downlink data packets for UEs in idle mode, and/or (iv) any combination thereof. The MME 122 may perform various functions such as (i) selecting a PDN gateway and/or serving GW, (ii) authenticating a user (e.g., by interacting with a home subscriber server), (iii) paging and tagging UEs in idle mode, (iv) providing control plane mobility between a 4G core network and other core networks (e.g., 2G network, 3G network, and/or other networks), and/or (v) any combination thereof. Switch 136 connects network 116 to macrocell 104. Switch 136 operatively couples network 116 to a network of facilities.

In some embodiments, at least one small cell controller (e.g., as part of a control system) dynamically adjusts the coverage area of one or more small cell devices in a facility (e.g., including a building). The coverage area of at least one (e.g., each) small cell device may be changed to a different location and coverage area of the overall facility, e.g., based at least in part on actual and/or predicted usage needs. For example, a small cell device currently serving a particular coverage area on a first floor of a building may be reassigned to serve a coverage area on a sixth floor of the building. For example, small cell devices of a first building of a current service facility may be reassigned to coverage areas on a second building of the service facility. Multiple coverage areas currently served by multiple small cell devices may be reassigned to be served by a single small cell device. A single coverage area currently served by a single small cell device may be reassigned to be served by multiple small cell devices (e.g., having a contact or overlapping range). In some embodiments, the ability of the small cell controller to dynamically adjust the coverage area of the small cell device facilitates efficient use of the capacity of the small cell device by flexible allocation.

In some embodiments, the small cell controller adjusts the coverage area of one or more small cell devices. The small cell controller may adjust the coverage area of the one or more small cell devices by changing the routing of signals between the one or more small cell devices and one or more Radio Access Units (RAUs) associated with the infrastructure. The RAUs may be geographically distributed throughout a facility (e.g., having multiple peripheral structures). The RAU is communicatively coupled to one or more antennas. One or more antennas may be commonly used as a Distributed Antenna System (DAS). One or more antennas may correspond to a particular coverage area. For example, the RAU may serve a dedicated area of the facility. For example, a particular RAU is placed on a particular floor of a building, in a particular wing of a building, in a particular building of a facility, or any combination thereof. By changing the routing of signals between the small cell devices and the RAU, the small cell controller may expand, reduce, relocate, and/or otherwise change the coverage area of at least one (e.g., each) small cell device, thereby modifying how the small cell capacity is deployed throughout the facility.

In some embodiments, signals are routed between one or more small cell devices and one or more RAUs. Signals routed between the small cell device and the RAU include uplink and downlink cellular communication signals along a path between the user equipment device (UE) and a network, such as a cellular communication core network (e.g., a 5G core network). The network may be configured to transmit and/or receive data in accordance with at least second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), or fifth generation (5G) cellular communication protocols. The network may provide a connection to the internet. The communication between the network and the UE may be bi-directional or uni-directional. For example, communication between the network and the UE may be bi-directional, including downstream data (e.g., from the core network to the UE) and upstream data (e.g., from the UE to the core network). Along this path, the signals routed between the small cell device and the RAU may be analog signals or digital signals. In the case where the signal comprises an analog signal, the signal may comprise a baseband signal or an Intermediate Frequency (IF) signal. For example, in the downstream direction, the small cell device may modulate downstream data (e.g., bits representing network traffic, audio signals, and/or other data) from the network and modulate the downstream data into downstream baseband or IF signals that are routed to the RAU. The RAU may up-convert the downlink baseband or IF signals to Radio Frequency (RF) frequencies for transmission to UEs within a particular coverage area. In the uplink direction, the UE may transmit RF frequency signals received by the RAU. The RAU may down-convert the RF signals to uplink baseband or IF signals, which may be routed to small cell devices. The small cell device may demodulate the upstream baseband or IF signal into upstream data (e.g., bits representing network traffic, audio signals, and/or other data) and send the upstream data to the core network. In the case where the signals routed between the small cell device and the RAU are digital signals, the RAU may receive digital signals (e.g., a digitized representation of downstream signals from the cellular core communication core network). The RAU may up-sample and/or up-convert digital signals to RF frequency signals. The RAU may then cause one or more antennas (e.g., DAS) to transmit RF frequency signals. In the downlink direction, the RAU may down-convert the received RF signals. The RAU may downsample the down-converted RF signal. The down-converted RF signal may be transmitted to one or more small cell devices as a digitized representation of the received RF signal.

In some embodiments, the small cell device and the RAU are operably coupled to the router. A router (e.g., a headend router) may provide physical switching capabilities for routing signals between one or more small cell devices and one or more RAUs associated with a facility. Physical switching capabilities may be provided according to a programmable routing configuration. The programmable routing configuration may be changed dynamically, e.g., in real-time. The programmable routing configuration may be preprogrammed. The small cell controller may provide a routing configuration and thereby control the router, for example. The small cell controller may determine the configuration based at least in part on the input data. The input data may be received over a network. For example, input data may be received from a control system, from sensors, and/or from a server associated with the facility. The control system may include or be separate from the small cell controller. In some embodiments, a control system configured to control a facility includes a small cell controller.

Fig. 2 shows an example of a schematic diagram 200 of an example of a system for routing signals. In the example shown in fig. 2, the headend router 202 routes signals between the small cell device 204 and the RAU 208. The headend router 202 may optionally receive LTE signals 209 from the macro eNodeB cells. Each of the RAUs 208 is communicatively coupled to one or more antennas (e.g., DAS). For example, the RAU 210 is communicatively coupled to an antenna 212. Each RAU may be associated with a coverage area (e.g., a portion of a floor or an entire floor of a building). The small cell device 204 is communicatively coupled to a 4G network 216. The 4G network 216 includes a Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway (GW) 218, a serving GW 220, and a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 222. The 4G network 216 provides connectivity between the small cell device 204 and the internet 228. The PDN GW 218 acts as an interface between the 4G core network and other packet data networks, such as the internet 228 and/or an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network based on session initiation protocol (SlP). The serving GW 220 may perform various functions such as (i) routing and/or forwarding user plane data packets, (ii) serving as a mobility anchor during handoff between a 4G core network and other core networks (e.g., 2G networks, 3G networks, and/or other networks) in the user plane, (iii) buffering downlink data packets for UEs in idle mode, or (iv) any combination thereof. The MME 222 may perform various functions such as (1) selecting a PDN gateway and/or serving GW, (2) authenticating a user (e.g., by interacting with a home subscriber server), (3) paging and/or tagging UEs in idle mode, (4) providing control plane mobility between a 4G core network and other core networks (e.g., 2G network, 3G network, and/or other networks), or (5) any combination thereof. The small cell controller 230 determines the configuration of the head-end router 202 to route signals between the small cell device 204 and the RAU 208. The small cell controller may be part of a control system (e.g., as disclosed herein). The small cell controller 230 provides control signals 232 to the headend router 202. The control signals 232 may instruct the configuration of the head-end router 202 to route signals between the small cell device 204 and the RAU 208. The small cell controller 230 determines the configuration based at least in part on the input data 234. The input data 234 may be obtained from one or more servers or control systems associated with the building. Switch 236 connects network 216 to small cell controller 230. Switch 236 operatively couples network 216 to the network of the facility. The operative coupling may include communication and/or power coupling.

Fig. 3 shows another example of a schematic diagram 300 of an example of a system for routing signals. In the example shown in fig. 3, the headend router 302 routes signals between the small cell device 304 and the RAU 308. Headend router 302 may optionally receive 5G signals 309 from macro gcodeb cells. Each of the RAUs 308 is communicatively coupled to one or more antennas (e.g., DAS). For example, RAU 310 is communicatively coupled to antenna 312. Each RAU may be associated with a coverage area (e.g., a portion of a floor or an entire floor of a building). Small cell device 304 is communicatively coupled to 5G network 316. The 5G network 316 includes Session Management Functions (SMFs) 318, user Plane Functions (UPFs) 320, and Access and Mobility Functions (AMFs) 322. The 5G network 316 provides a connection between the small cell device 304 and the internet 328. The SMF 318 may be responsible for interacting with a decoupled data plane, creating, updating, and/or removing Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions, managing session context with the UPF 320, assigning an IP address of a User Equipment (UE) device, any combination thereof, or other functionality. The UPF 320 may be responsible for (1) packet routing and/or forwarding, (2) packet buffering for UEs in idle mode, (3) any combination thereof, or (4) other functions. The AMF 322 may be responsible for handling connectivity and/or mobility management tasks. The small cell controller 330 determines the configuration of the supply end router 302 to route signals between the small cell device 304 and the RAU 308. Small cell controller 330 provides control signals 332 to headend router 302. The control signal 332 may instruct the configuration of the head-end router 302 to route signals between the small cell device 304 and the RAU 308. The small cell controller 330 determines the configuration based at least in part on the input data 334. The input data 334 may be obtained from one or more servers or control systems associated with the building. Switch 336 connects network 316 to small cell controller 330. Switch 336 operatively couples network 316 to a network of facilities (e.g., a local network of a building).

In certain embodiments, the building network infrastructure has vertical data planes (between building floors) and horizontal data planes (all within a single floor or multiple (e.g., contiguous) floors). In some cases, the horizontal and vertical data planes have at least one (e.g., all) numberDepending on the carrying capacity and/or components, which carry (e.g., substantially) the same or similar data. In other cases, the two data planes have at least one (e.g., all) different data carrying capabilities and/or components. For example, the vertical data plane may contain one or more components for fast data transfer rates and/or bandwidth. In one example, the vertical data plane contains components that support at least about 10 gigabits per second (Gbit/s) or faster (e.g., ethernet) data transmission (e.g., using a first type of cabling (e.g., UTP wires and/or fiber optic cables)), while the horizontal data plane contains components that support at most about 8Gbit/s, 5Gbit/s, or 1Gbit/s (e.g., ethernet) data transmission, e.g., via a second type of cabling (e.g., coaxial cable). In some cases, the horizontal data plane supports data transmission via g.hn or the multimedia over coax alliance (MoCA) standard (e.g., moCA 2.5 or MoCA 3.0). In some embodiments, g.hn is a local (e.g., Facilities such as homeNetworking specifications. The g.hn specification may facilitate the passing through of the components includingTelephone wiring, coaxial cable, and power lineOr (b)Plastic optical fiberIs a function of the four types of wires. The g.hn semiconductor device may be capable of networking (e.g., reducing installation and/or deployment costs) through any of the wire types supported in the facility. In some embodiments, moCA is issued for passingCoaxial cable networkingStandard specifications (e.g., ethernet links). In some embodiments, connections between floors on vertical data planes employ control panels with high-speed (e.g., ethernet) switches that pair communications between horizontal and vertical data planes and/or between different types of wiring. These control panels may communicate with (e.g., IP) addressable nodes (e.g., devices) on a given floor via a communication (e.g., g.hn or MoCA) interface and associated wiring (e.g., coaxial cable, twisted cable, and/or fiber optic cable) on a horizontal data plane. The horizontal data plane and the vertical data plane in a single building structure are depicted in fig. 4.

In some embodiments, data transmission (and in some embodiments voice services) may be provided in the building via wireless and/or wired communications. Communications may be provided to and/or from occupants of the building. Data transmission and/or voice services may be made difficult at least in part by the fading of third, fourth or fifth generation (3G, 4G or 5G) cellular communications caused by building structures such as walls, floors, ceilings and/or windows. Attenuation becomes more severe with higher frequency protocols (such as the frequency protocol of 5G) relative to 3G and 4G communications. To address this challenge, a building may be equipped with components that act as gateways or ports for cellular signals. Such a gateway may be coupled to infrastructure inside the building that provides wireless services (e.g., via internal antennas and/or other infrastructure that implements Wi-Fi, small cell services (e.g., via micro-or femto-cell devices), CBRS, etc.). A gateway or entry point for such services may include a high-speed cable (e.g., an underground cable) from a central office of an operator and/or wireless signals received at antennas strategically located outside the building (e.g., donor antennas and/or sky sensors on the building roof). High speed cables to buildings may be referred to as "backhaul".

Fig. 4 shows an example of a building having an assembly (e.g., component) of devices. As a connection point, the building may include a plurality of roof donor antennas 405a, 405b and a sky sensor 407 for transmitting electromagnetic radiation (e.g., infrared light, ultraviolet light, and/or visible light). These wireless signals may allow the building services network to interface wirelessly with one or more communication service provider systems. The building has a control panel 413 for connection to a provider's central office 411 via a physical line 409 (e.g., an optical fiber such as a single mode fiber). The control panel 413 (e.g., comprising a controller such as part of a control system) may include hardware and/or software configured to provide functionality such as signal source carrying headend, fiber distribution headend, and/or (e.g., bi-directional) amplifier or repeater. Roof donor antennas 405a and 405b allow building occupants and/or devices to access (e.g., party 3) provider's wireless system communication services, antennas and/or controllers may provide access to the same service provider's system, different service provider's systems, or some variation, such as two interface elements providing access to a first service provider's system, and a different interface element providing access to a second service provider's system.

As shown in the example of fig. 4, the vertical data plane may include (e.g., high capacity or high speed) data-carrying lines 419, such as (of sufficient gauge) (e.g., single mode) optical fibers or UTP copper lines. In some embodiments, at least one control panel may be disposed on at least a portion of a floor of a building (e.g., on each floor). In some embodiments, one (e.g., high capacity) communication line may connect the control panel in the top floor directly with the (e.g., primary) control panel 413 in the bottom floor (or basement). It should be noted that the control panel 413 is directly connected to the rooftop antennas 405a, 405b and/or the sky sensor 407, and that the control panel 413 is also directly connected to (e.g., party 3) service provider central office 411.

Fig. 4 shows an example of a horizontal data plane that may include one or more of a control panel and data carrying wiring (e.g., lines), including trunk lines 421. In some embodiments, the trunk line is made of coaxial cable. The trunk line may include any of the wiring disclosed herein. The control panel may be configured to provide data on the trunk line 421 via a data communication protocol, such as MoCA and/or g.hn. The data communication protocol may include: (i) Next generation home network protocol (abbreviated herein as "g.hn" protocol); (ii) Communication technology that transmits digital information through a power line that is traditionally used (e.g., only) to deliver power; or (iii) hardware devices designed for communication and data transfer over the electrical wiring (e.g., ethernet, USB, and/or Wi-Fi) of the building. The data transfer protocol may facilitate a data transfer rate of at least 1 gigabit per second (Gbit/s), 2Gbit/s, 3Gbit/s, 4Gbit/s, or 5Gbit/s. The data transfer protocol may operate over telephone wiring, coaxial cable, power lines, and/or (e.g., plastic) optical fibers. A chip (e.g., including a semiconductor device) may be used to facilitate the data transfer protocol.

Each horizontal data plane may provide high-speed network access to one or more device assemblies 423 (e.g., a set of one or more devices in a housing comprising device components) and/or antennas 425, some or all of which are optionally integrated with device assemblies 423. The antenna 425 (and associated radio, not shown) may be configured to provide wireless access through any of a variety of protocols including, for example, cellular (e.g., one or more frequency bands at or near 28 GHz), wi-Fi (e.g., one or more frequency bands at 2.4, 5, and 60 GHz), CBRS, and the like. The drop line may connect the device aggregate 423 to the trunk line 421. In some embodiments, the horizontal data plane is deployed on a floor of a building. The devices in the device aggregate may include sensors, transmitters, or antennas. The device assembly may include circuitry. The devices of the device aggregate may be operatively coupled to the circuitry. One or more donor antennas such as 405a, or 405b may be connected to the control panel 413 via a high speed line (e.g., single mode fiber or copper cable). In the depicted example, the control panel 413 may be located in a lower floor of the building. The connection to the donor antennas 405a, 405b may be via one or more vRAN radios and cabling (e.g., coaxial cable).

The communication service provider central office 411 is connected to the underlying control panel 413 via a high-speed line 409 (e.g., an optical fiber used as part of the backhaul). This point of entry of the service provider to the building is sometimes referred to as the master entry point (MPOE), and it may be configured to allow the building to distribute both voice and data traffic.

Fig. 5 presents an embodiment of a communication network 200 for a peripheral structure such as a building. The example shown in fig. 5 depicts a link that may include one or more cables (e.g., coaxial cable or stranded cable). The links may be communication and/or electrical power lines. The cable may be a cable bundle. The cable bundle may transmit electrical power and/or communications. Cables (e.g., coaxial cables) may transmit electrical power and/or communications. In the depicted embodiment, the network 500 includes a vertically oriented network portion (including a vertical communication line 505) that connects to network targets (e.g., components) on multiple floors of a peripheral structure (e.g., a facility). In the example shown in fig. 5, the vertical data plane includes a first control panel 507 (e.g., including a floor controller) on a first floor, a second control panel 509 (e.g., including a floor controller) on a second floor, and a third control panel 511 (e.g., including a floor controller) on a third floor. A physical communication and/or electrical power link 513 connects the control panels 507 and 509. The control panels 509 and 511 are connected by a physical communication and/or electrical power link 515. A physical communication and/or electrical power link 517 connects the control panels 507 and 511. As shown, control panels 507, 509, and 511 form a loop with physical communication and/or power links 513, 515, and 517. The ring may provide redundancy in the network. For example, if one of the other physical communication and/or electrical power links (e.g., link 513 or 515) fails, the physical communication and/or electrical power link 517 provides redundancy in the vertical plane. The communication links 513, 515, and 517 may include wires and/or optical fibers. Communications and/or links 513, 515, and 517 may include coaxial lines.

In the example shown in fig. 5, the control panel 507 is communicatively coupled (e.g., connected) to an external network 501 (e.g., external to a building and/or in the cloud) via an access network 503. The control panel 507 is communicatively coupled (e.g., connected) to the access network 503 by a physical communication and/or electrical power link 504, which may include optical fibers and/or wires. The control panel 507 is connected to an antenna 589 on the outside of the building. Antenna 589 may be a receiving antenna (e.g., donor antenna).

Fig. 5 illustrates an example of a control panel 507 operatively coupled (e.g., connected) to a first horizontal network portion that is a horizontal data plane 519. The control panel 509 is operatively coupled (e.g., connected) to a second horizontal network portion that is a horizontal data plane 521. The control panel 511 is operatively coupled (e.g., connected) to a third horizontal network portion that is a horizontal data plane 523. The horizontal data planes 519, 521, and 523 include a plurality of network targets (e.g., components and/or devices such as a device aggregate). The network targets (e.g., components) may include client nodes. The client nodes may be located on respective floors of a building.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, horizontal data plane 519 includes network adapters 55la-55le. The network adapter (e.g., 551 a) is coupled to the communication and/or electrical power line (e.g., trunk) 559 via a distribution junction (e.g., 590). The network adapter 551a is connected to a collection 553 of targets (e.g., including transceivers, sensors, and/or transmitters) and to an IGU 555, which may be an optically switchable window. The network adapter 551a is configured to provide electrical power and data to a collection of targets (also referred to herein as a "target collection") 553, for example using the power over ethernet protocol (PoE). The network adapter 55Id is connected to at least one third party device 557, such as a computing device. The network adapter 55Id is configured to provide a network connection to the third party device 557. Providing a network connection may include logic implementing a Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) that supports PoE, for example. The target may comprise a device. The device may include a transceiver, sensor, transmitter, display, smart window, processor, controller (e.g., a local controller such as a microcontroller), memory, antenna, or communication hub.

In the example shown in fig. 5, the control panel 507 is connected to the network adapters 55la-55le by a link (e.g., coaxial cable) 559. The connection may be made through coaxial cable or other types of cables (e.g., electrical and/or optical cables), e.g., as disclosed herein. The control panel 509 is connected to client nodes on the horizontal data plane 521 by links (e.g., coaxial cables) 561. Control panel 511 is connected to client nodes on horizontal data plane 523 by links (e.g., coaxial cables) 563. In the example shown in fig. 5, the control panel 507 includes two head ends 565a and 565b, a switch 567 (abbreviated herein as "SW") and a distributed antenna system (abbreviated herein as "DAS") 569. The switch is operatively coupled (e.g., connected) to two edge distribution framework devices (abbreviated herein as "EDFs"). The headend 565a is connected to multiple links (e.g., coaxial cables) including link (e.g., coaxial cable) 559. Although not shown, the headend 565b is connected to at least one link (e.g., coaxial cable). The switch 567 is connected (e.g., for communication and/or electrical power) to links 504, 513, and 517. The connection may be via fiber optic and/or electrical cables. DAS 569 is configured to control and/or communicate with one or more antennas (including antenna 573) on horizontal data plane 519. The antennas may be internal building antennas (e.g., 573) and/or external (e.g., donor) antennas (e.g., 589). In the example shown in fig. 5, an electrical power and/or communication link (e.g., cable) 571 connects antenna 573 to control panel 507. Link 571 is also connected to a directional coupler (e.g., configured for a directional data communication protocol such as MoCA or g.hn). Other client nodes 575a and 575b are connected to control panel 507 via power and/or communication links (e.g. cables) 571. The headend 565a and 565b is configured to transmit and/or receive encoded data according to one or more protocols including: (i) Next generation home network protocol (abbreviated herein as "g.hn" protocol); (ii) Communication technology that transmits digital information through an electrical power line that is traditionally used (e.g., only) to deliver electrical power; or (iii) hardware devices designed for communication and data transfer over the electrical wiring of the building (e.g., ethernet, USB, and Wi-Fi). The data transfer protocol may facilitate a data transfer rate of at least 1 gigabit per second (Gbit/s), 2Gbit/s, 3Gbit/s, 4Gbit/s, or 5Gbit/s. The data transfer protocol may operate through telephone wiring, coaxial cable, electrical power lines, and/or (e.g., plastic) optical fibers. A chip (e.g., including a semiconductor device) may be used to facilitate the data transfer protocol. In the example shown in fig. 5, the horizontal data plane 521 includes a network adapter 577 that is connected to the control panel 509 by a link (e.g., coaxial cable) 579. The horizontal data plane 521 includes physical power (e.g., 48 vdc) and/or (electrical power and/or communication) lines 581 for connecting one or more antennas (not shown) to the control panel 509. In addition to link (e.g., coaxial cable) 563, horizontal data plane 523 also includes a second link (e.g., coaxial cable) 583 for connecting to one or more network adapters or other client nodes (not shown) to control panel 511. The horizontal data plane 523 includes physical (e.g., electrical power and/or communication) lines 585 for connecting one or more antennas (not shown) to the control panel 511. The control panel 511 is also connected to (e.g., cellular) antenna 587.

In some embodiments, a router (e.g., a headend router) routes signals between one or more small cell devices associated with a facility and one or more RAUs associated with the facility. The router may be configured to route signals between one small cell device and one RAU, between two or more small cell devices and one RAU, and/or between two or more RAUs and one small cell device. The router may be configured to dynamically change the routing of signals based on, for example, a configuration received by the small cell controller. Dynamic changes in routing may be implemented via a signal manipulator of the router. In some embodiments, the signal manipulator may be programmable. For example, in some embodiments, the signal manipulator may be programmed to separate and/or combine signals from one or more small cell devices and/or one or more RAUs according to a configuration received, for example, from a small cell controller.

Fig. 6 shows an example of a schematic for routing signals. In the example shown in fig. 6, the headend router 602 routes signals between the small cell device 606 and the RAU 608. Headend router 602 includes signal manipulator 604. The signal manipulator 604 may be programmable. For example, the signal manipulator 604 may be a programmable splitter/combiner that splits and/or combines signals received from or transmitted to the small cell device 606 and/or signals received from or transmitted to the RAU 608. In the example shown in fig. 6, the headend router 602 routes signals between the small cell devices 606 and the RAUs 608 in a one-to-one configuration. For example, the headend router 602 routes signals between the small cell device 610 and the RAU 612, between the small cell device 614 and the RAU 616, between the small cell device 618 and the RAU 620, and between the small cell device 622 and the RAU 624.

Fig. 7 shows another example of a schematic for routing signals. In the example shown in fig. 7, the headend router 702 routes signals between the small cell device 706 and the RAU 708. Headend router 702 includes signal manipulator 704. The signal manipulator 704 may be programmable. For example, the signal manipulator 704 may be a programmable splitter-combiner that splits and/or combines signals received from or transmitted to the small cell device 706 and/or signals received from or transmitted to the RAU 708. In the example shown in fig. 7, the headend router 702 routes signals between small cell devices 710, 714, and 718 and RAU 712. That is, the headend router 702 may route signals between multiple small cell devices and one RAU. Solid arrows indicate signals routed to and from RAU 712. In the example shown in fig. 7, the headend router 702 routes signals between the small cell device 722 and RAUs 716, 720, and 724. That is, the headend router 702 may route signals between one small cell device and multiple RAUs. Dashed arrows indicate signals routed to small cell device 722 and the small cell device.

In some embodiments, the small cell controller transmits a configuration for routing signals between one or more small cell devices associated with a facility (e.g., a building) and one or more RAUs associated with the facility. The small cell controller may determine the configuration based at least in part on current and/or predicted (e.g., future) use of the small cell device by one or more mobile devices in the facility, for example.

In some embodiments, the headend router receives the configuration from a controller (e.g., from a small cell controller). The controller may be part of a control system (e.g., as disclosed herein). The headend router may route the downstream signals based at least in part on the configuration. For example, a small cell device of the one or more small cell devices may receive downstream data (e.g., bits representing network traffic, audio signals, and/or other data) from a network (e.g., a 4G network, a 5G network, or other network). The small cell device is communicatively coupled to a network. The downlink data may be for a particular UE (e.g., mobile device) in the facility. The downlink signals transmitted from the one or more small cell devices to the one or more RAUs may be analog signals or digital signals. In the case where the signal is an analog signal, the small cell device may modulate the downstream data into a downstream signal (e.g., a baseband or Intermediate Frequency (IF) signal) in response to receiving the downstream data. In the case where the downstream signal is a digital signal, the small cell device may transmit a digitized representation of the received downstream signal. For example, the digitized representation may include the received downstream signal sampled at a particular sampling rate (e.g., at least about the nyquist frequency). The small cell device may transmit a downstream signal to the head-end router. The headend router may manipulate one or more downstream signals, including downstream signals received from small cell devices. The manipulation of the downstream signal may be programmable. For example, in the case where the configuration indicates that downlink signals from two or more small cell devices (e.g., two, three, five, ten, etc.) including the small cell device transmitting the downlink signal are to be routed to a single RAU, the headend router may combine the downlink signals from the two or more small cell devices. In some embodiments, such as where the downstream signals are analog signals, the headend router may combine the downstream signals from two or more small cell devices (each occupying a different frequency band) into a single wideband signal and route the wideband signal to the RAU. In some embodiments, such as where the downstream signal is a digital signal, the headend router may combine digital signals from two or more small cell devices and route the combined digital signals to the RAU. As another example, where the configuration indicates that a downlink signal from one small cell device is to be routed to two or more RAUs (e.g., two, three, five, ten, etc.), the headend router may split the downlink signal from one small device into multiple versions of the same downlink signal and route each version to a corresponding one of the two or more RAUs.

In some embodiments, the downstream signals are provided to the one or more RAUs via one or more cables. In some embodiments, the one or more cables may be fiber optic cables, coaxial cables, stranded cables, and/or any combination thereof. The one or more cables may be any of the cables disclosed herein. The cable may be considered part of a network of facilities (e.g., part of a local network of facilities). For example, in some embodiments, one or more fiber optic cables may be used to carry downstream signals from the headend router to a particular floor or area of the facility. In some embodiments, one or more coaxial cables may be used to transmit downstream signals within a particular floor or region of a facility to a particular RAU. In some embodiments, for example, where the downstream signal comprises an analog signal, the headend router may amplify the downstream signal. For example, in some embodiments, the headend router may amplify the downstream signals based on information received from the small cell controller. Examples of cables, networks, targets (e.g., devices), and control systems can be found in International patent application Ser. No. PCT/US21/17946, filed on 12 months 2020, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/083,128, filed on 28 months 2021, 10, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, the RAU receives downstream signals from the head-end router. The RAU may then up-convert the downstream signal. For example, the RAU may up-convert the downlink signals to an RF band associated with one or more antennas communicatively coupled to the RAU. In the case where the downstream signal received from the head-end router comprises a digital signal, the RAU may up-sample the downstream signal. The RAU may then up-convert the up-sampled downstream signal. For example, the RAU may up-convert the up-sampled downlink signals to RF frequencies associated with one or more antennas communicatively coupled to the RAU. The RAU may cause one or more antennas to transmit up-converted downlink signals. In some embodiments, one or more antennas may amplify the downlink signal.

In some embodiments, the headend router routes the upstream signals based at least in part on the configuration. For example, the RAU receives uplink signals from one or more antennas communicatively coupled to the RAU. The RAU may then down-convert the uplink signal. For example, where the uplink signals transmitted from the RAU to the one or more small cell devices include analog signals, the RAU may down-convert the uplink signals to baseband frequencies or intermediate frequencies (abbreviated herein as "IF"). The RAU may transmit the down-converted uplink signals to the headend router. As another example, where the uplink signals transmitted from the RAU to the one or more small cell devices include digital signals, the RAU may down-convert the uplink signals to baseband frequencies or IF. The RAU may downsample the down-converted uplink signal to generate a digitized representation of the uplink signal.

In some embodiments, upstream signals are provided from the RAU to the headend router via one or more cables. In some embodiments, the one or more electrical cables may be fiber optic cables, coaxial cables, and/or any combination thereof. The cable may be considered part of a network of facilities (e.g., part of a local network of facilities). For example, in some embodiments, one or more fiber optic cables may be used to carry upstream signals from RAUs on a particular floor of a facility or in a particular area of a facility to a headend router. In some embodiments, one or more coaxial cables may be used to transmit uplink signals within a particular floor or region of a facility to a particular RAU.

The headend router may manipulate one or more upstream signals, including upstream signals received from the RAUs. The manipulation of the upstream signal may be programmable. For example, in the case where the configuration indicates that uplink signals from two or more RAUs (e.g., two, three, five, ten, etc.) including the RAUs transmitting the uplink signals are to be routed to a single small cell device, the headend router may combine the uplink signals from the two or more RAUs. In some embodiments, the headend router may combine upstream signals from two or more RAUs to be routed to small cell devices. For example, where the upstream signals comprise analog signals, the headend router may combine the upstream signals from two or more RAUs into a single frequency band. As another example, in the case where the configuration indicates that an uplink signal from one RAU is to be routed to two or more small cell devices (e.g., two, three, five, ten, etc.), the headend router may split the uplink signal from one RAU into multiple uplink signals and route each uplink signal to a corresponding small cell device. For example, where the upstream signals comprise analog signals, the headend router may enable multiple upstream signals to be associated with different frequency bands.

Fig. 8 shows an example of an information flow diagram for routing downlink signals between one or more small cell devices and one or more RAUs. At 801, a small cell controller transmits a configuration for routing signals between one or more small cell devices and one or more RAUs. At 802, a headend router receives a configuration. At 803, the small cell device receives downstream data from the network. The core network may be a 4G network, a 5G network, or other type of network. The network may transmit signals conforming to at least a second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), or fifth generation (5G) communication protocol. The network may transmit signals conforming to a communication protocol that includes two or more of: second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G) and fifth generation (5G) communication protocols. At 804, the small cell device modulates the downstream data into a downstream signal and transmits the downstream signal to the headend router. At 805, the headend router manipulates and routes downstream signals from the small cell devices to the RAUs, e.g., based at least in part on the configuration. For example, the headend router may manipulate the downstream signals by combining the plurality of downstream signals from the plurality of small cell devices (including the downstream signals transmitted by the small cell devices at 804) and transmitting the combined plurality of downstream signals to a single RAU. As another example, the headend router may manipulate the downstream signals by separating multiple downstream signals from a single small cell device (including the small cell device transmitting the downstream signals at 804) and transmitting the separated downstream signals to multiple RAUs. For example, where the downstream signals comprise analog signals, the headend router may split the plurality of downstream signals into a plurality of wideband frequencies that correspond to different RAUs. The separated downlink signals may be transmitted to a plurality of RAUs. At 806, the RAU receives the downstream signal. At 807, the RAU upconverts the downstream signal. In some embodiments, for example, where the downstream signal received by the RAU comprises a digital signal, the RAU may up-sample the downstream signal before up-converting the downstream signal. At 808, the RAU causes a set of distributed antennas associated with the RAU to transmit the upconverted signal.

Fig. 9 shows an example of an information flow diagram for routing uplink signals between one or more small cell devices and one or more RAUs. At 901, a small cell controller transmits a configuration for routing signals between one or more small cell devices and one or more RAUs. At 902, a headend router receives a configuration. At 903, the RAU receives an uplink signal from a set of distributed antennas associated with the RAU. The uplink signal may be received from one or more user equipment (abbreviated herein as "UE") in the facility. At 904, the RAU down-converts the uplink signal. In some embodiments, for example, where the uplink signal to be transmitted from the RAU comprises a digital signal, the RAU may downsample the uplink signal after down-converting the uplink signal. The upstream signal is then transmitted to the headend router. At 905, the headend router manipulates the upstream signals from the RAUs and routes the upstream signals to one or more small cell devices based at least in part on the configuration. For example, the headend router may manipulate the upstream signals by combining multiple upstream signals from multiple RAUs to a single small cell device, including the upstream signals transmitted by the RAUs at 904. As another example, the headend router may manipulate the upstream signals by separating multiple upstream signals from a single RAU (including the RAU transmitting the upstream signals at 904). For example, where the upstream signal comprises an analog signal, the headend router may separate the upstream signal into a plurality of frequency bands that each correspond to a different small cell device. The separated uplink signals may then be transmitted to a plurality of small cell devices. At 906, the small cell device receives an uplink signal. At 907, the small cell device transmits an uplink signal to the core network. The core network may be a 4G network, a 5G network, or other network.

In some embodiments, the controller determines a configuration for routing signals between the one or more small cell devices and the one or more RAUs. The controller may be, for example, a small cell controller that transmits an indication of the configuration to a router associated with the facility (e.g., a headend router). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the controller may include a cloud component. In some embodiments, the controller may be part of a control system associated with the facility. For example, the controller may be part of a control system associated with a facility that controls a lighting system, HVAC system, or the like.

In some embodiments, the controller receives inputs from various sources. For example, in some implementations, the controller may receive input associated with cellular communication signals transmitted and/or received by one or more mobile devices within the facility. The input associated with the cellular communication signal may be indicative of the strength of the signal, the current use of the cellular communication by one or more mobile devices (e.g., the amount of data transferred in a previous time window), and so forth. As another example, in some embodiments, the controller may receive an input indicating a current or predicted occupancy of one or more areas of the facility. In some embodiments, the input may be from one or more sensors indicating current occupancy information for one or more particular areas of the facility (e.g., a wing, floor, room, office, public area, external area, and/or other area). Exemplary types of sensor data that may be received by the controller include electromagnetic radiation data (e.g., data associated with electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum, infrared spectrum, radio frequency spectrum, ultra wideband radiation, or any combination thereof), geolocation signals (e.g., GPS signals, ultra wideband signals (UWB), short range wireless signals, bluetooth signals (BLE), ultra high frequency signals (UHF), and/or other geolocation related signals), thermal characteristics determined by the infrared sensors, and/or any combination thereof. In some implementations, the input may be from scheduling information associated with the facility. For example, the scheduling information may indicate a planned event (e.g., meeting, gathering, and/or other planned event) that is to occur in a particular area of the facility. The scheduling information may indicate timing information associated with the planned event, a planned location, an expected number of people at the planned event, or other suitable event information. Inputs (e.g., sensor data, scheduling information, and/or any other inputs) may be received from the cloud, from a server, and/or provided directly to a controller (e.g., by a user).

In some embodiments, a user may be located in a peripheral structure (e.g., a facility such as a building). One or more sensors (e.g., operatively coupled to a network) may be used to locate a user. The user may carry a tag (e.g., an ID tag). The tag may include a geolocation technique (e.g., a geolocation chip such as a microchip). The location technology and/or tags may include radio frequency identification (e.g., RFID) technology (e.g., transceiver), bluetooth technology, and/or Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. The radio frequency may comprise ultra wideband radio frequency. The tag may be sensed by one or more sensors disposed in the peripheral structure. These sensors may be disposed in an aggregate of devices (e.g., an aggregate of targets). The device assembly may include a sensor or emitter. The sensor may be operatively (e.g., communicatively) coupled to a network. The network may have low latency communications, for example, within a peripheral structure. The radio waves (e.g., transmitted and/or sensed by the tag) may include broadband or ultra-wideband radio signals. The radio waves may include pulsed radio waves. The radio waves may include radio waves utilized in communication. The radio waves may be at an intermediate frequency of at least about 300 kilohertz (KHz), 500KHz, 800KHz, 1000KHz, 1500KHz, 2000KHz, or 2500 KHz. The radio waves may be at an intermediate frequency of up to about 500KHz, 800KHz, 1000KHz, 1500KHz, 2000KHz, 2500KHz or 3000 KHz. The radio waves may be at any frequency between the aforementioned frequency ranges (e.g., from about 300KHz to about 3000 KHz). The radio waves may be at a high frequency of at least about 3 megahertz (MHz), 5MHz, 8MHz, 10MHz, 15MHz, 20MHz, or 25 MHz. The radio waves may be at high frequencies up to about 5MHz, 8MHz, 10MHz, 15MHz, 20MHz, 25MHz or 30 MHz. The radio waves may be at any frequency between the aforementioned frequency ranges (e.g., from about 3MHz to about 30 MHz). The radio waves may be at very high frequencies of at least about 30 megahertz (MHz), 50MHz, 80MHz, 100MHz, 150MHz, 200MHz, or 250 MHz. The radio waves may be at very high frequencies up to about 50MHz, 80MHz, 100MHz, 150MHz, 200MHz, 250MHz or 300 MHz. The radio waves may be at any frequency between the aforementioned frequency ranges (e.g., from about 30MHz to about 300 MHz). The radio waves may be at ultra-high frequencies of at least about 300 kilohertz (MHz), 500MHz, 800MHz, 1000MHz, 1500MHz, 2000MHz, or 2500 MHz. The radio waves may be at ultra-high frequencies up to about 500MHz, 800MHz, 1000MHz, 1500MHz, 2000MHz, 2500MHz, or 3000 MHz. The radio waves may be at any frequency between the aforementioned frequency ranges (e.g., from about 300MHz to about 3000 MHz). The radio waves may be at extremely high frequencies of at least about 3 gigahertz (GHz), 5GHz, 8GHz, 10GHz, 15GHz, 20GHz, or 25 GHz. The radio waves may be at extremely high frequencies up to about 5GHz, 8GHz, 10GHz, 15GHz, 20GHz, 25GHz, or 30 GHz. The radio waves may be at any frequency between the aforementioned frequency ranges (e.g., from about 3GHz to about 30 GHz).

In some embodiments, the occupant's identification tag includes a location device. A position device (also referred to herein as a "positioning device") may damage a radio transmitter and/or receiver (e.g., a wideband or ultra wideband radio transmitter and/or receiver). The positioning device may comprise a Global Positioning System (GPS) device. The positioning device may comprise a bluetooth device. The positioning means may comprise a radio wave transmitter and/or receiver. The radio waves may include broadband or ultra-wideband radio signals. The radio waves may include pulsed radio waves. The radio waves may include radio waves utilized in communication. The radio waves may be at an intermediate frequency of at least about 300 kilohertz (KHz), 500KHz, 800KHz, 1000KHz, 1500KHz, 2000KHz, or 2500 KHz. The radio waves may be at an intermediate frequency of up to about 500KHz, 800KHz, 1000KHz, 1500KHz, 2000KHz, 2500KHz or 3000 KHz. The radio waves may be at any frequency between the aforementioned frequency ranges (e.g., from about 300KHz to about 3000 KHz). The radio waves may be at a high frequency of at least about 3 megahertz (MHz), 5MHz, 8MHz, 10MHz, 15MHz, 20MHz, or 25 MHz. The radio waves may be at high frequencies up to about 5MHz, 8MHz, 10MHz, 15MHz, 20MHz, 25MHz or 30 MHz. The radio waves may be at any frequency between the aforementioned frequency ranges (e.g., from about 3MHz to about 30 MHz). The radio waves may be at very high frequencies of at least about 30 megahertz (MHz), 50MHz, 80MHz, 100MHz, 150MHz, 200MHz, or 250 MHz. The radio waves may be at very high frequencies up to about 50MHz, 80MHz, 100MHz, 150MHz, 200MHz, 250MHz or 300 MHz. The radio waves may be at any frequency between the aforementioned frequency ranges (e.g., from about 30MHz to about 300 MHz). The radio waves may be at ultra-high frequencies of at least about 300 kilohertz (MHz), 500MHz, 800MHz, 1000MHz, 1500MHz, 2000MHz, or 2500 MHz. The radio waves may be at ultra-high frequencies up to about 500MHz, 800MHz, 1000MHz, 1500MHz, 2000MHz, 2500MHz, or 3000 MHz. The radio waves may be at any frequency between the aforementioned frequency ranges (e.g., from about 300MHz to about 3000 MHz). The radio waves may be at extremely high frequencies of at least about 3 gigahertz (GHz), 5GHz, 8GHz, 10GHz, 15GHz, 20GHz, or 25 GHz. The radio waves may be at extremely high frequencies up to about 5GHz, 8GHz, 10GHz, 15GHz, 20GHz, 25GHz, or 30 GHz. The radio waves may be at any frequency between the aforementioned frequency ranges (e.g., from about 3GHz to about 30 GHz).

In some embodiments, the controller receives input (e.g., as part of a control system) from a server and/or from another controller that predicts future occupancy information in one or more areas of the facility, for example. In some embodiments, a neural network may be used to generate the predictions. For example, the neural network may take as input sensor data (e.g., that indicates occupancy information) and/or scheduling information, and may generate as output a prediction of occupancy levels for a particular area of a building at a particular time or within a particular time window. An exemplary prediction may be that a cafeteria area of a facility may have a particular predicted occupancy between 11a.m. -1p.m. (e.g., about 50-100 people, about 100-200 people, etc.). An exemplary prediction may be that a auditorium area of a facility may have a particular predicted occupancy (e.g., about 10-20 people, about 20-30 people, etc.) at a particular time (e.g., time window or period) on a particular date in the week, e.g., corresponding to the date and time of a weekly employee meeting. The neural network may generate predictions based at least in part on sensor data obtained over any suitable time period (e.g., the previous week, month, year, and/or any other time period). In some implementations, the neural network may be updated based on the newly obtained sensor data to generate an updated occupancy prediction. The neural network may include a machine learning computing scheme. The neural network may be a deep neural network (e.g., convolutional neural network, recurrent neural network, long-term and short-term memory network, etc.). In some embodiments, the neural network may be a classifier that generates predictions that occupancy of a particular area of the facility will fall within a particular occupancy range.

Fig. 10 shows an example of a schematic diagram 1000 of an information source for a controller. In the example shown in fig. 10, one or more controllers 1002 receive sensor and/or scheduling data 1001. The one or more controllers 1002 may be local controllers (e.g., local to a facility, a local network coupled to a facility, or other local controllers). In some embodiments, one or more controllers 1002 may have cloud components. The sensor and/or scheduling data 1001 may be received from the cloud, from a server, and/or may be provided directly to the controller 1002.

In some embodiments, the data is analyzed by an artificial intelligence learning module. The data may be sensor data, scheduling data, and/or user input. The learning module may include at least one rational decision process, and/or learning using data (e.g., as a learning set). Analysis of this data may be used to adjust the environment, for example, by adjusting one or more components of the environment that affect the peripheral structure. Analysis of the data may be used to control certain target devices, for example, to produce products according to user preferences, and/or to select certain target devices (e.g., based on user preferences and/or user location). The data analysis may be performed by a machine-based system (e.g., including circuitry). The circuitry may be a processor. Sensor data analysis may utilize artificial intelligence. The data analysis may rely on one or more models (e.g., mathematical models). In some embodiments, the data analysis includes linear regression, least squares fitting, gaussian process regression, kernel regression, non-parametric multiplicative regression (NPMR), regression trees, partial regression, semi-parametric regression, guaranty regression, multiple Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS), logistic regression, robust regression, polynomial regression, stepwise regression, ridge regression, lasso regression, elastic network regression, principal Component Analysis (PCA), singular value decomposition, fuzzy measurement theory, borel measure, han measure, risk neutral measure, lebesgue measure, data processing Grouping Method (GMDH), na iotave bayesian classifier, k nearest neighbor algorithms (k-NN), support Vector Machines (SVM), neural networks, support vector machines, classification and regression trees (CART), random forest method, gradient lifting, or Generalized Linear Model (GLM) techniques. The data analysis may include a deep learning algorithm and/or an Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The data analysis may include a learning scheme that utilizes multiple layers in the network (e.g., an ANN). The learning of the learning module may be supervised, semi-supervised, or unsupervised. The deep learning architecture may include a deep neural network, a deep belief network, a recurrent neural network, or a convolutional neural network. The learning scheme may be a learning scheme used in computer vision, machine vision, speech recognition, natural language processing, audio recognition, social network filtering, machine translation, bioinformatics, drug design, medical image analysis, material inspection programs, and/or board game programs.

In some embodiments, a controller (e.g., a small cell controller) associated with the facility determines a configuration for routing signals between the one or more small cell devices and the one or more RAUs. The controller may determine the configuration based on signal information (e.g., current signal strength information, current cellular communication network usage information, and/or any other signal information), current occupancy information, predicted occupancy information, and/or any combination thereof. In some implementations, the signal strength information may be predicted based at least in part on factors such as building shape, location of the antenna relative to the location of the mobile device, building construction material, and the like. For example, relatively weak signal strengths may be predicted where the mobile device is relatively far from one or more antennas, where the mobile device is in a facility area having a particular type of wall that blocks Radio Frequency (RF) signals, and/or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the current and/or predicted occupancy information is used to determine a configuration for routing signals between one or more small cell devices and one or more RAUs. For example, a configuration may be determined to assign two or more small cell devices to a single RAU associated with a particular floor or region of a facility, e.g., in response to receiving input information indicating that a predetermined occupancy (e.g., current and/or predicted occupancy) is exceeded in the particular floor or region of the facility associated with the single RAU. The predetermined occupancy may be a number of people (e.g., measured or predicted numbers of people), a relative occupancy increase (e.g., 10% increase, 20% increase, and/or any other suitable increase) relative to a normal or typical occupancy, and/or any other suitable occupancy metric. The increase may be measured in percent or number of people. As another example, in response to receiving input information indicating that less than a predetermined occupancy (e.g., current and/or predicted occupancy) is within a particular floor or region of a facility associated with one or more RAUs, a configuration may be determined to assign one small cell device to one or more RAUs associated with the particular floor or region of the facility.

In some embodiments, the configuration is based at least in part on the capacity of one or more small cell devices. For example, the configuration may be determined based at least in part on the flexible or reserve capacity of the small cell device. The flexible or reserve capacity of the small cell device may indicate that the capacity margin of the small cell device exceeds typical (e.g., average) usage of the small cell device. For example, the configuration may be determined such that the small cell device will route signals to and from multiple RAUs, where the number of RAUs in the multiple RAUs is determined based at least in part on the flexible or reserve capacity (e.g., such that the number of RAUs does not cause the small cell device to exceed its capacity). The capacity of the small cell device may be determined based at least in part on the bandwidth of the small cell device. The bandwidth of a small cell device may indicate the number of devices (e.g., mobile devices or UEs) that the small cell device may support.

Fig. 11 shows an example of a flow chart for determining a configuration for routing signals. At 1101, a small cell device associated with a facility and an RAU associated with the facility are identified. The small cell device and/or RAU may be identified via explicit user input (e.g., received via a user interface), via a look-up table, and/or any combination thereof. Identifying the small cell device may include determining an identifier of the small cell device, a typical capacity of the small cell device, a flexible or reserve capacity of the small cell device, and/or other identifying information. Identifying the RAU may include determining an identifier of the RAU, a location of the RAU within the facility, a number of antennas operatively coupled to the RAU, and/or other identifying information. At 1102, information is received indicating usage of small cell devices by mobile devices in a facility site. In some implementations, the information may indicate a number of mobile devices, signal strength information associated with one or more mobile devices, data transfer rates associated with one or more mobile devices, current and/or predicted occupancy information within a facility (e.g., within a particular area of the facility), and/or other usage information. At 1103, a configuration for routing signals between the small cell device and the RAU is determined. The configuration may be determined based at least in part on the usage information. The configuration may indicate a route using identifiers of one or more small cell devices and/or identifiers of one or more RAUs. At 1104, the configuration is transmitted to a router (e.g., a headend router) associated with the facility.

In some embodiments, the configuration for routing signals between one or more small cell devices of the facility and one or more RAUs associated with the facility is based at least in part on usage information associated with the facility. The usage information may include occupancy information in the facility. The occupancy information may include current occupancy information associated with the facility and/or predicted occupancy information associated with the facility. Occupancy information may be determined based at least in part on sensor data, scheduling information, output of one or more machine learning models, and/or any combination thereof. The sensor data may be obtained by an occupancy sensor. The occupancy sensor may include a visible sensor (e.g., a camera), an IR sensor (e.g., an IR camera), a geolocation sensor, an identification tag, a sound sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, a VOC sensor, an oxygen sensor, a particulate matter sensor, or a humidity sensor. Sometimes, sensor data can be analyzed (e.g., integrated), and analysis of the sensor data can provide occupancy determination and/or prediction. The analysis may be directed and/or performed by the controller. The analysis may be performed with a processor operatively coupled to the controller (e.g., as part of a control system of the facility). The sensor may be coupled to a network of facilities. At least one of the sensors may be internally disposed in the facility (e.g., in a building). At least one of the sensors may be disposed outside of the facility (e.g., outside of a building).

In some embodiments, the current occupancy information indicates the number of people (personnel) at a particular location or area of the facility at the current time. Examples of current occupancy information include X individuals currently in a cafeteria, Y individuals currently on floor 10, Z individuals currently on the outside atrium, etc., where X, Y and Z are integers. In some implementations, current occupancy information may be determined based at least in part on the sensor data. Examples of sensor data that may be used to determine current occupancy information include sensor data from short-range wireless beacon devices (e.g., ID tags), RF sensing data, geolocation data (e.g., GPS data or other location data), data from ultra-wideband tags or beacons, infrared data (e.g., that indicates the presence of a person in a particular area), data from one or more camera devices, and/or any combination thereof. In some implementations, current occupancy information may be estimated. The current occupancy information may be estimated based at least in part on sensor data, scheduling information, or any combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the current occupancy information may be estimated based at least in part on scheduling information (e.g., based at least in part on calendared events associated with a particular number of invitees) and adjusted based at least in part on sensor data.

In some embodiments, the predicted occupancy information indicates the number of people (personnel) at a particular location or area of the facility at a future time. In some embodiments, the predicted occupancy information may be for a particular future date and/or time, such as for a date and/or time that the event has been scheduled (e.g., as indicated in one or more calendars associated with the facility). In some embodiments, the predicted occupancy information may be for a recurring date in a week, a date in a month, or the like. For example, the predicted occupancy information may indicate an estimate of X individuals in the audience area of the facility at a time of day and a day of the week corresponding to the weekly meeting, an estimate of Y individuals in the entrance aisle of the facility at a time of day corresponding to a typical work start time or end time, and so on. In some implementations, the predicted occupancy information may be determined using a trained machine learning model (e.g., using AI). For example, the trained machine learning model may generate an output indicative of predicted occupancy at a particular date and/or at a particular time of day. In one example, the trained machine learning model may predict occupancy information for a particular recurring day of the week, a date of the month, a time of day, and the like. In another example, the trained machine learning model may identify occupancy information for a particular time corresponding to a start time and/or an end time of a typical workday. As another example, a trained machine learning model may identify occupancy information that indicates people tend to gather in a particular area on friday evenings. The trained machine learning model may take as input (e.g., as a learning set) sensor data, scheduling information, or any combination thereof. The learning set may include historical occupancy data, e.g., obtained by any of the occupancy devices described herein. The machine learning model may be retrained, for example, weekly, monthly, and/or at any other point in time. The machine learning model may be trained (or retrained) in real time and/or at low occupancy times in the facility (e.g., during work hours at night or at home, during work hours at work sites, weekends, and holidays, during work days at entertainment centers or shopping centers).

In some implementations, current and/or predicted occupancy information is determined based at least in part on the scheduling information. The scheduling information may include calendar information, such as one or more calendars associated with the facility. The calendar may be associated with a particular area, floor, room, etc. of the facility, such as a calendar for reserving a particular location for an event. The calendar may be associated with one or more persons (e.g., persons working in the facility, persons managing the facility, etc.).

FIG. 12 illustrates an example flow chart for determining usage information based at least in part on occupancy information. At 1201, current occupancy information associated with a facility is determined. The current (e.g., current or real-time) occupancy information may indicate a detected occupancy level at a particular area of the facility at the current time and/or an estimated occupancy level at the particular area of the facility at the current time. The current occupancy information may be determined based on sensor data, scheduling information, and/or any combination thereof. At 1202, predicted occupancy information associated with a facility is determined. The predicted occupancy information may indicate occupancy information predicted for a particular area of the facility at a future time. The predicted occupancy information may be determined based on sensor data, scheduling information, and/or any combination thereof. The predicted occupancy information may be determined using a trained machine learning model. At 1203, usage information is determined based at least in part on the current occupancy information and/or the predicted occupancy information. In some implementations, the usage information may include aggregate occupancy information that combines the current occupancy information and the predicted occupancy information. In some implementations, the usage information may include a weighted combination of current occupancy information and predicted occupancy information. For example, the predicted occupancy information may be weighted based on a confidence level associated with the predicted occupancy information. As another example, the current occupancy information may be weighted based at least in part on an amount of difference between current sensor data indicative of the detected occupancy at the current time and scheduling information for the current time (e.g., indicative of one or more scheduling events at the current time).

In some embodiments, the usage information associated with the devices in the facility is used to determine a channel sharing protocol for the plurality of small cells routed to the RAU. The device may be a service device (e.g., a device utilized by personnel in a facility). The service device may be a factory machine, a printer, or a vending machine. For example, in the case where the small cells transmit analog data, the usage information may be used to determine a channel sharing protocol such that multiple small cells share a channel allocated to a single RAU. Examples of channel sharing protocols include Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and/or Space Division Multiple Access (SDMA).

In some embodiments, a control system is operatively coupled to one or more targets of a facility and configured to control the one or more targets (e.g., devices). For example, the control system may control mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, and/or electromagnetic (e.g., optical and/or thermal) actuation of the target. For example, the control system may control the physical actions of the target. For example, the control system may control whether the target device is open or closed, whether any controllable compartments thereof are open or closed, direct direction (e.g., left, right, up, down), input and/or change settings, enable or deny access, transfer data to memory, reset data in memory, upload and/or download software or executable code to the target device, cause executable code to be run by a processor associated with and/or incorporated into the target device, change channels, change volume, return operation to default settings and/or modes. The control system may change the set point stored in the dataset associated with the target, configure or reconfigure the software associated with the target. The memory may be associated with and/or part of the target. The control system may include a small cell controller.

In some implementations, the target is operatively (e.g., communicatively) coupled to a network (e.g., a communication, power, and/or control network) of the facility. Once the target becomes operatively coupled to the network of facilities, it may be part of the target that is controlled via the control system. The target may be a device (e.g., a sensor or emitter). The targets (e.g., third party targets) may provide one or more services to the user. For example, the target (e.g., target device) may be a dispenser. The dispenser may dispense food, beverage and/or equipment on command. The target may be a service device. The service device may include a media player (e.g., the media may include music, video, television, and/or the internet), manufacturing equipment, medical devices, and/or athletic equipment. The target device may include a television, a recording apparatus (e.g., a Video Cassette Recorder (VCR), a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) or any nonvolatile memory), a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD) or Digital Video Disk (DVD) player, a digital audio file player (e.g., MP3 player), a cable and/or satellite converter set top box ("STB"), an amplifier, a Compact Disk (CD) player, a gaming machine, home lighting, an electronically controlled window covering (e.g., a blind), a tintable window (e.g., an electrochromic window), a fan, an HVAC system, a thermostat, a personal computer, a dispenser (e.g., a soap, beverage, food or equipment dispenser), a washing machine, or a dryer. In some embodiments, the target (e.g., target device) does not include entertainment equipment (e.g., a television, a recording device (e.g., a Video Cassette Recorder (VCR), a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), or any nonvolatile memory), a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD) or Digital Video Disk (DVD) player, a digital audio file player (e.g., MP3 player), a cable and/or satellite converter set top box ("STB"), an amplifier, a Compact Disk (CD) player, a game player). The target may be a control target. In some embodiments, the one or more devices include services, offices, and/or factory equipment.

In some embodiments, the facility includes a local network. The network is operably coupled to the control system. The network may be a network of facilities (e.g., of a building). The network may be configured to transmit communications and/or power. The network may be any of the networks disclosed herein. The network may extend over a room, floor, several rooms, several floors, several buildings or several buildings of facilities. The network may be operatively coupled (e.g., to facilitate power and/or communication) to a control system (e.g., as disclosed herein), a sensor, a transmitter, an antenna, a router, a power source, a building management system (and/or components thereof). The network is operably coupled to personal computers of users (e.g., employees and/or tenants) (e.g., occupants) associated with the facility. At least a portion of the network may be installed as an initial network of the facility and/or disposed in an enclosure of the facility. At least a portion of the network may be a first network deployed in the facility (e.g., at the time of its creation). The network may be operatively coupled to one or more targets (e.g., devices) in the facility (e.g., production machines, communication machines, and/or service devices such as service machines) that perform operations of or associated with the facility. The production machine may include a computer, a factory-related machine, and/or any other machine (e.g., a printer and/or dispenser) configured to produce a product. The service machine may include a food and/or beverage related machine, a hygiene related machine (e.g., a mask dispenser and/or a sanitizer dispenser). The communication machine may include a media projector, a media display, a touch screen, speakers, and/or lighting devices (e.g., entrance, exit, and/or security lighting devices).

In some embodiments, the usage information is used to determine a power specification for one or more components of the facility (e.g., for transmitting and/or receiving upstream and/or downstream signals). For example, the small cell controller may transmit instructions to one or more RAUs of the infrastructure that instruct the one or more RAUs to amplify downstream signals received from a router (e.g., a head-end router) and then cause one or more antennas operatively coupled to the RAUs to transmit signals. As another example, the small cell controller may transmit instructions to one or more RAUs of the infrastructure that instruct the one or more RAUs to amplify uplink signals received from one or more antennas operatively coupled to the one or more RAUs, and then transmit the uplink signals to a router (e.g., a head-end router). In some embodiments, the small cell controller may identify an RAU to amplify the uplink and/or downlink signals based at least in part on the usage information. For example, the small cell controller may instruct the RAU to amplify the uplink and/or downlink signals if the usage information indicates that one or more devices receiving information from an antenna operatively coupled to the particular RAU are outside a predetermined proximity of the antenna. The usage information may include an indication of proximity of the one or more devices to one or more antennas in the facility and/or a line of sight between the one or more devices and the one or more antennas in the facility (e.g., whether the one or more devices are blocked from the one or more antennas by a wall or other structure). In some embodiments, line-of-sight information (including materials of particular walls and/or other structures) may be determined based at least in part on design drawing information and/or other building information. For example, the gaze information may utilize a BMI (e.g., such as a Revit file). In some embodiments, the small cell controller may instruct one or more active antennas in the facility to amplify the uplink and/or downlink signals based at least in part on the usage information. In some embodiments, the controller is operably coupled to the BMI file.

Fig. 13 illustrates a flow chart for determining a channel sharing protocol and/or power specification based on usage information. At 1301, a configuration for routing signals between one or more small cell devices associated with a facility and one or more RAUs associated with the facility is obtained based on usage information of devices (e.g., mobile devices) in the facility. The configuration may be determined or obtained based at least in part on current and/or predicted occupancy information at one or more areas and/or locations of the facility. The configuration may be obtained or determined by, for example, a small cell controller that is part of the control system. In some embodiments, at 1302, a channel sharing protocol for two or more small cell devices assigned to a single RAU is determined for each channel of the RAU. The channel sharing protocol may be determined where upstream and/or downstream signals transmitted between two or more small cell devices and a router (e.g., a headend router) are in analog format. The channel sharing protocol may include Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), space Division Multiple Access (SDMA), and/or any other suitable channel sharing protocol (e.g., that allows uplink and/or downlink signals to be transmitted between two or more small cell devices and a single RAU within a single channel). For example, the bandwidth of a single channel may be divided into multiple portions, each corresponding to one of two or more small cell devices. The number of portions in the plurality of portions may be determined based at least in part on the number of small cell devices sharing a single channel. At 1303, a transmit/receive power specification is determined based at least in part on the usage information associated with the facility. The transmit-receive power specification may indicate whether and/or how many upstream and/or downstream signals are to be amplified. Amplification may occur at one or more RAUs and/or one or more antennas in the facility. The usage information may indicate proximity of one or more devices to one or more antennas within the facility, line-of-sight information associated with the one or more devices to the one or more antennas within the facility, and/or other usage information. At 1304, a transmit-receive power specification is provided to one or more components of the facility. The one or more components may include one or more RAUs in the facility and/or one or more antennas in the facility. In some embodiments, at 1304, a channel sharing protocol is provided to two or more small cell devices assigned to a single RAU. For example, where the upstream and/or downstream signals between two or more small cell devices and a router (e.g., a headend router) are analog signals, a channel sharing protocol may be provided to the two or more small cell devices.

In some embodiments, the facility in which the small cell device and/or small cell controller is deployed may also be equipped with one or more windows, such as tintable (e.g., electrochromic) windows. In some embodiments, the control system may be shared between the small cell device and one or more windows (e.g., and part of the control system of the facility). In some embodiments, various networks, connectors, cables, etc. may be shared among one or more controllable devices (e.g., one or more tintable windows) in control systems and facilities associated with one or more small cell devices. In various embodiments, the network infrastructure supports a control system for one or more windows, such as tintable (e.g., electrochromic) windows. The control system may include one or more controllers operatively (e.g., directly or indirectly) coupled to the one or more windows. Although the disclosed embodiments describe tintable windows (also referred to herein as "optically switchable windows" or "smart windows"), such as electrochromic windows, the concepts disclosed herein may be applied to other types of switchable optical devices, including liquid crystal devices, electrochromic devices, suspended Particle Devices (SPDs), nanoChromics displays (NCDs), organic electroluminescent displays (OELDs), suspended Particle Devices (SPDs), nanoChromics displays (NCDs), or organic electroluminescent displays (OELDs). The display element may be attached to a portion of a transparent body, such as a window. The tintable window may be provided in a (non-transitory) facility, such as a building, and/or may be provided in a transitory facility (e.g., a vehicle), such as an automobile, RV, bus, train, aircraft, helicopter, ship, or boat.

In some embodiments, the tintable window exhibits a (e.g., controllable and/or reversible) change in at least one optical property of the window, e.g., when a stimulus is applied. The change may be a continuous change. May be changed to a discrete tone level (e.g., to at least about 2 tone levels, 4 tone levels, 8 tone levels, 16 tone levels, or 32 tone levels). The optical characteristics may include hue or transmittance. The hue may comprise a color. The transmittance may be one or more wavelengths. The wavelengths may include ultraviolet, visible, or infrared wavelengths. The stimulus may include optical, electrical, and/or magnetic stimulus. For example, the stimulus may include an applied voltage and/or current. One or more tintable windows may be used to control lighting and/or glare conditions, for example, by adjusting the transmission of solar energy that propagates through the one or more tintable windows. One or more tintable windows may be used to control the temperature within a building, for example, by regulating the transmission of solar energy that propagates through the one or more tintable windows. Controlling solar energy may control the thermal load applied inside a facility (e.g., a building). The control may be manual and/or automatic. The control may be used to maintain one or more requested (e.g., environmental) conditions, such as human comfort. Controlling may include reducing energy consumption of the heating system, ventilation system, air conditioning system, and/or lighting system. At least two of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning may be implemented by separate systems. At least two of heating, ventilation and air conditioning may be implemented by one system. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning may be implemented by a single system (abbreviated herein as "HVAC"). In some cases, the tintable window may be responsive to (e.g., and communicatively coupled to) one or more environmental sensors and/or user controls. The tintable window may comprise (e.g. may be) an electrochromic window. The window may be located (e.g., in a facility; e.g., building) within an interior to exterior range of the structure. However, this need not be the case. The tintable window may operate using a liquid crystal device, a suspended particle device, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device (such as a micro-shutter), or any now known or later developed technique configured to control light transmission through the window. Windows (e.g., with MEMS devices for tinting) are described in U.S. patent 10,359,681, filed on 5.15/2015, 7/23/2019, and entitled "MULTI-pane window including electrochromic devices and electromechanical systems devices (MULTI-PANE WINDOWS INCLUDING ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES AND ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMSDEVICES)", and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some cases, one or more tintable windows may be located within the interior of the building, such as between a meeting room and a hallway. In some cases, one or more tintable windows may be used in automobiles, trains, aircraft, and other vehicles, for example, in place of passive and/or non-tintable windows. In some embodiments, the tintable window comprises an electrochromic device (referred to herein as an "EC device" (abbreviated herein as ECD) or "EC"). The EC device may include at least one coating having at least one layer. The at least one layer may comprise an electrochromic material. In some embodiments, the electrochromic material exhibits a change from one optical state to another, for example, when an electrical potential is applied across the EC device. The transition of the electrochromic layer from one optical state to another may be caused by, for example, reversible, semi-reversible, or irreversible ion insertion into the electrochromic material (e.g., by intercalation) and corresponding charge-balancing electron injection. For example, the transition of an electrochromic layer from one optical state to another optical state may be caused by, for example, reversible ion insertion into the electrochromic material (e.g., by intercalation) and corresponding charge-balancing electron injection. May be reversible during the life expectancy of the ECD. Semi-reversible refers to a measurable (e.g., significant) degradation of the reversibility of the tint of the window during one or more tinting cycles. In some cases, a portion of the ions responsible for the optical transition are irreversibly incorporated in the electrochromic material (e.g., and thus the induced (altered) tint state of the window is irreversible to its original tinted state). In many EC devices, at least some (e.g., all) of the irreversibly bound ions may be used to compensate for "blind charges" in a material (e.g., an ECD).

In some implementations, suitable ions include cations. The cations may comprise lithium ions (li+) and/or hydrogen ions (h+) (i.e., protons). In some implementations, other ions may be suitable. Cations may be intercalated into (e.g., metal) oxides. The change in the state of ion (e.g., cation) intercalation into the oxide can induce a visible change in the hue (e.g., color) of the oxide. For example, the oxide may transition from a colorless to a colored state. For example, lithium ion intercalated tungsten oxide (WO 3-y (0 < y < -0.3)) may change the tungsten oxide from a transparent state to a colored (e.g., blue) state. The EC device coating as described herein is located within the visible portion of the tintable window such that tinting of the EC device coating can be used to control the optical state of the tintable window.

Fig. 14 shows an example of a schematic cross-section of an electrochromic device 1400 according to some embodiments shown in fig. 14. EC device coating is attached to substrate 1402, transparent Conductive Layer (TCL) 1404, electrochromic layer (EC) 1406 (sometimes also referred to as a cathode color layer or cathode color layer), ion conductive layer or region (IC) 1408, counter electrode layer (CE) 1410 (sometimes also referred to as an anode color layer or anode color layer), and second TCL 1414.

Elements 1404, 1406, 1408, 1410, and 1414 are collectively referred to as electrochromic stack 1420. A voltage source 1416 operable to apply a potential across the electrochromic stack 1420 effects a transition of the electrochromic coating from, for example, a pass-through state to a colored state. In other embodiments, the order of the layers is reversed relative to the substrate. That is, the layers are in the following order: a substrate, a TCL, a counter electrode layer, an ion conducting layer, an electrochromic material layer and a TCL.

In various embodiments, the ion conductor region (e.g., 1408) may be formed by a portion of the EC layer (e.g., 1406) and/or a portion of the CE layer (e.g., 1410). In such embodiments, the electrochromic stack (e.g., 1420) may be deposited to include a cathodically-developed electrochromic material (EC layer) in direct physical contact with an anodically-developed counter electrode material (CE layer). Ion conductor regions (sometimes referred to as interface regions, or substantially electronically insulating layers or regions of ion conduction) may be formed at the locations where the EC and CE layers meet, for example, by heating and/or other processing steps. Examples of electrochromic devices (e.g., including those manufactured without depositing different ion conductor materials) can be found in U.S. patent application No. 13/462,725, entitled "electrochromic device (ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES)" filed on 5/2/2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the EC device coating may comprise one or more additional layers, such as one or more passive layers. The passive layer can be used to improve certain optical properties, provide moisture, and/or provide scratch resistance. These and/or other passive layers may be used to hermetically seal the EC stack 1420. Various layers including transparent conductive layers such as 1404 and 1414 may be treated with antireflective and/or protective layers (e.g., oxide and/or nitride layers).

In certain embodiments, the electrochromic device is configured to reversibly cycle between a pass-through state and a colored state (e.g., substantially). May be reversible over the life expectancy of the ECD. The life expectancy may be at least about 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, 25 years, 50 years, 75 years, or 100 years. The life expectancy may be any value between the above values (e.g., about 5 years to about 100 years, about 5 years to about 50 years, or about 50 years to about 100 years). When the window is in a first shade state (e.g., clear), an electrical potential can be applied to the electrochromic stack (e.g., 1420) such that available ions in the stack that can place the electrochromic material (e.g., 1406) in a colored state are primarily present in the counter electrode (e.g., 1410). When the potential applied to the electrochromic stack is reversed, ions may be transferred across the ion conducting layer (e.g., 1408) to the electrochromic material and put the material into a second, tinted state (e.g., colored state).

It should be understood that reference to a transition between a pass-through state and a colored state is non-limiting and represents only one example of many examples of electrochromic transitions that may be implemented. Unless otherwise indicated herein, whenever a pass-through-color transition is mentioned, the corresponding device or process encompasses other optical state transitions, such as non-reflective and/or transparent-opaque. In some embodiments, the terms "transparent" and "bleached" refer to optically neutral states, such as uncolored, transparent, and/or translucent. In some embodiments, the "color" or "hue" of the electrochromic transition is not limited to any particular wavelength or range of wavelengths. The selection of appropriate electrochromic materials and counter electrode materials can control the relevant optical transition (e.g., transition from a colored state to an uncolored state).

In certain embodiments, at least a portion (e.g., all) of the materials comprising the electrochromic stack are inorganic, solid (i.e., in the solid state), or both inorganic and solid. Since many organic materials tend to degrade over time, especially when exposed to heat and UV rays as a tinted building window, the inorganic material provides the advantage of a reliable electrochromic stack that can function for extended periods of time. In some embodiments, solid materials may provide advantages of minimizing contamination and leakage problems, which liquid materials may sometimes achieve. One or more layers in the stack may contain a certain amount (e.g., measurable) of organic material. The ECD or any portion thereof (e.g., one or more layers) may contain little or no measurable organic matter. The ECD or any portion thereof (e.g., one or more layers) may contain one or more liquids that may be present in minor amounts. The advantage may be up to about lOOppm, lOppm or Ippm ECD. The solid material may be deposited (or otherwise formed) using one or more methods with a liquid component, such as some methods employing sol-gel, physical vapor deposition, and/or chemical vapor deposition.

Fig. 15 illustrates an example of a cross-sectional view of a tintable window embodied in an insulated glass unit ("IGU") 1500, in accordance with some implementations. The terms "IGU," "tintable window," and "optically switchable window" are used interchangeably herein. It may be desirable to use the IGU as a basic construction to hold electrochromic panes (also referred to herein as "tiles") when provided for installation in a building. The IGU sheets may be of single substrate or multi-substrate construction. The sheet may comprise a laminate of, for example, two substrates. IGUs (e.g., having a two-pane or three-pane configuration) can provide a number of advantages over single-pane configurations. For example, the multi-pane configuration may provide enhanced thermal insulation, noise insulation, environmental protection, and/or durability when compared to a single pane configuration. The multi-pane configuration may provide increased protection for the ECD. For example, electrochromic films (e.g., and associated layers and conductive interconnects) may be formed on the inner surfaces of the multipane IGU and protected by inert gas fill in the interior volume (e.g., 1508) of the IGU. The inert gas fill may provide at least some (thermal) isolation function of the IGU. Electrochromic IGUs may have a thermal blocking capability, for example, by virtue of a tintable coating that absorbs (and/or reflects) heat and light.

In some embodiments, an "IGU" includes two (or more) substantially transparent substrates. For example, an IGU may include two glass panes. At least one substrate of the IGU can include an electrochromic device disposed thereon. One or more panes of the IGU may have a separator disposed therebetween. The IGU may be of a hermetically sealed construction, for example, having an interior region isolated from the surrounding environment. The "window assembly" may include an IGU. The "window assembly" may comprise a (e.g. stand-alone) laminate. The "window assembly" may include one or more electrical leads, for example, for connecting the IGU and/or laminate. Electrical leads may operatively couple (e.g., connect) one or more electrochromic devices to a voltage source, a switch, etc., and may include a frame supporting an IGU or laminate. The window assembly may include a window controller, and/or a component of the window controller (e.g., a docking piece).

Fig. 15 shows an exemplary implementation of an IGU 1500 including a first pane 1504 having a first surface SI and a second surface S2. In some implementations, the first surface SI of the first pane 1504 faces an external environment, such as an outdoor or outside environment. IGU 1500 further includes a second pane 1506 having a first surface S3 and a second surface S4. In some implementations, the second surface (e.g., S4) of the second pane (e.g., 1506) faces an interior environment, such as an interior environment of a residence, building, vehicle, or compartment thereof (e.g., a peripheral structure therein, such as a room).

In some implementations, the first pane and the second pane (e.g., 1504 and 1506) are transparent or translucent, e.g., at least forThis is the case for light in the visible spectrum. For example, each of the panes (e.g., 1504 and 1506) can be formed from a glass material. The glass material may include architectural glass and/or blast resistant glass. The glass may comprise silicon oxide (SO _X ). The glass may comprise soda lime glass or float glass. The glass may comprise at least about 75% silica (SiO 2). The glass may include oxides such as Na2O or CaO. The glass may contain alkali or alkaline earth oxides. The glass may contain one or more additives. The first pane and/or the second pane may comprise any material having suitable optical, electrical, thermal and/or mechanical properties. Other materials (e.g., substrates) that may be included in the first pane and/or the second pane are plastic, semi-plastic, and/or thermoplastic materials, such as poly (methyl methacrylate), polystyrene, polycarbonate, allyl diglycol carbonate, SAN (styrene acrylonitrile copolymer), poly (4-methyl-l-pentene), polyester, and/or polyamide. The first pane and/or the second pane may contain a specular material (e.g., silver). In some implementations, the first pane and/or the second pane may be strengthened. Strengthening may include tempering, heating, and/or chemical strengthening.

In some embodiments, the peripheral structure includes one or more sensors. The sensor may help control the environment of the peripheral structure so that a resident of the peripheral structure may have a more comfortable, pleasant, beautiful, healthy, productive (e.g., in terms of resident performance), more easily resident (e.g., working), or any combination thereof. The sensor may be configured as a low resolution sensor or as a high resolution sensor. The sensor may provide an on/off indication of the occurrence and/or presence of a particular environmental event (e.g., a one pixel sensor). In some embodiments, the accuracy and/or resolution of the sensor may be improved via artificial intelligence analysis of its measurements. Examples of artificial intelligence techniques that may be used include: reactive, limited memory, theory of thought, and/or self-cognition techniques known to those skilled in the art. The sensor may be configured to process, measure, analyze, detect, and/or react to one or more of: data, temperature, humidity, sound, force, pressure, electromagnetic waves, position, distance, motion, flow, acceleration, speed, vibration, dust, light, glare, color, gas, and/or other aspects (e.g., features) of the environment (e.g., of the peripheral structure). The gas may include Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The gas may include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, water vapor (e.g., moisture), oxygen, radon, and/or hydrogen sulfide. One or more sensors may be calibrated in a factory setting and/or at a target environment (e.g., deployment site). The sensors may be optimized to be able to perform accurate measurements of one or more environmental features present in the plant scene and/or at the target environment. In some cases, factory calibrated sensors may be less optimal for operation in a target environment. For example, the factory scenario may include an environment that is different from the target environment. The target environment may be an environment in which the sensor is deployed. The target environment may be an environment in which the sensor is expected and/or intended to operate. The target environment may be different from the factory environment. The factory environment corresponds to the location of the sensor assembly and/or construction. The target environment may include a factory in which the sensors are not assembled and/or built. In some cases, the factory scenario may be different from the target environment, e.g., to the extent that sensor readings captured in the target environment are erroneous (e.g., to a measurable extent). In this context, "error" may refer to a sensor reading that deviates from a specified accuracy (e.g., specified by the manufacturer of the sensor). In some cases, factory calibrated sensors may provide readings that do not meet (e.g., as specified by the manufacturer) accuracy specifications when operating in a target environment.

In some embodiments, the control system is operatively (e.g., communicatively) coupled to the set of devices (e.g., sensors and/or transmitters). The one or more sensors may be configured to process, measure, analyze, detect, and/or react to: data, temperature, humidity, sound, force, pressure, concentration, electromagnetic waves, position, distance, motion, flow, acceleration, speed, vibration, dust, light, glare, color, gas type, and/or other aspects (e.g., characteristics) of the environment (e.g., of the peripheral structure). The gas may include Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The gas may include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, water vapor (e.g., moisture), oxygen, radon, and/or hydrogen sulfide. One or more sensors may be calibrated in a factory setting and/or in a facility. The sensors may be optimized to perform accurate measurements of one or more environmental characteristics present in the factory setting and/or in the facility in which the sensors are deployed. Environmental characteristics may include temperature, humidity, pressure, CO2, CO, VOC, debris (e.g., smoke, particulates), radon, sound emitters, temperature, or electromagnetic radiation (e.g., UV in the wavelength range of about 10 nanometers (nm) to about 400nm, IR in the wavelength range of about 700nm to about 1mm, or visible light in the wavelength range of about 400 to about 700 nm). The device assembly may include CO2, VOC, temperature, humidity, electromagnetic optics, pressure, and/or noise sensors. The sensor may include a gesture sensor (e.g., an RGB gesture sensor), an acetic acid meter, or a sound sensor. The VOC sensor may be configured to measure total VOC (abbreviated herein as "TVOC" or "VOC"). In some embodiments, the aggregate facilitates control of the environment and/or alarms. The control may utilize a control scheme, such as feedback control or any other control scheme described herein. The aggregate may include at least one sensor configured to sense electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation may be (human) visible, infrared (IR) or Ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The at least one sensor may comprise a sensor array. For example, the aggregate may include an IR sensor array (e.g., a far infrared thermal array, such as a Melexis far infrared thermal array). The IR sensor may have a resolution of at least 32 x 24 pixels. The IR sensor may be coupled to a digital interface. The aggregate may include an IR camera. The aggregate may include a sound detector. The aggregate may include a microphone. The aggregate may include any of the sensors and/or emitters disclosed herein. The aggregate may include CO2, VOC, temperature, humidity, electromagnetic light, pressure, and/or noise sensors. The sensor may include a gesture sensor (e.g., an RGB gesture sensor), an acetic acid meter, or a sound sensor. The sound sensor may comprise an audio decibel level detector. The sensor may comprise a meter driver. The aggregate may include a microphone and/or a processor. The aggregate may include cameras (e.g., 4K pixel cameras), UWB sensors and/or emitters, bluetooth (BLE) sensors and/or emitters, processors. The camera may have any of the camera resolutions disclosed herein. One or more of the devices (e.g., sensors) may be integrated on a chip. The collection of devices (e.g., sensors) may be used (e.g., using a camera) to determine the presence, number, and/or identity of occupants in the peripheral structure. The device aggregate may be used to control (e.g., monitor and/or adjust) one or more environmental characteristics in the peripheral structure environment.

A sensor coupled to the network may be configured to sense an attribute comprising: temperature, relative Humidity (RH), illuminance (e.g., in lux), temperature (in degrees celsius), correlated color temperature (CCT, e.g., in degrees kelvin), carbon dioxide (e.g., in parts per million (ppm)), volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), e.g., as index values, pressure (e.g., as sound pressure, in decibels), powdered materials, infrared, ultraviolet, or visible light. The sensor may have a certain accuracy. The sensor may have random variability. Random variability (e.g., a statistical measure of long-term random variability). The random variability of the temperature sensor may be at most about 0.5 degrees celsius (°c), 0.3 ℃, 0.2 ℃, or 0.1 ℃. The random variability of the RH sensor can be at most about 3%, 2%, 1.5%, or 1%. The random variability of the illuminance sensor may be at most about 20LUX, 15LUX, 10LUX, or 5LUX. The random variability of CCT sensors can be up to about 250 kelvin (K), 220K, 21OK, 200K, 190K, or 15OK. The random variability of the carbon dioxide sensor may be at most about 25ppm, 23ppm, 20ppm, 19ppm, or 15ppm. The random variability of the VOC sensor may be up to about 15 Index Values (IV), 12IV, 11IV, 10IV, or 5IV. The random variability of the sound pressure sensor may be at most about 10 decibels (dB), 8dB, 5dB, 4dB, or 2dB. Sometimes, the sensor assembly may include measuring a temperature within the device assembly (e.g., an internal device assembly temperature) and/or a temperature outside the device assembly (e.g., an external device assembly temperature, such as a temperature in a room in which the device assembly is disposed). In some embodiments, the data from the sensor is subjected to processing and/or analysis.

In some embodiments, the plurality of devices may be operatively (e.g., communicatively) coupled to a control system. The plurality of devices may be disposed in a facility (e.g., which includes a building and/or a room). The control system may include a controller hierarchy. The device may include an emitter, sensor, or window (e.g., IGU). The device may be any of the devices disclosed herein. At least two of the plurality of devices may be of the same type. For example, two or more IGUs may be coupled to a control system. At least two of the plurality of devices may be of different types. For example, the sensor and the transmitter may be coupled to a control system. Sometimes, the plurality of devices may include at least 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2500, 5000, 7500, 10000, 50000, 100000, or 500000 devices. The plurality of devices may be any number between the above numbers (e.g., from 20 devices to 500000 devices, from 20 devices to 50 devices, from 50 devices to 500 devices, from 500 devices to 2500 devices, from 1000 devices to 5000 devices, from 5000 devices to 10000 devices, from 10000 devices to 100000 devices, or from 100000 devices to 500000 devices). For example, the number of windows in one floor may be at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, or 50. The number of windows in a floor may be any number between the above numbers (e.g., from 5 to 50, from 5 to 25, or from 25 to 50). Sometimes, these devices may be located in a multi-story building. At least a portion of the floors of the multi-story building may have devices controlled by the control system (e.g., at least a portion of the floors of the multi-story building may be controlled by the control system). For example, a multi-story building may have at least 2, 8, 10, 25, 50, 80, 100, 120, 140, or 160 floors controlled by a control system. The number of floors (e.g., devices therein) controlled by the control system may be any number between the above numbers (e.g., from 2 to 50, from 25 to 100, or from 80 to 160). The floor may have a floor area of at least about 150 square meters (m) ² )、250m ² 、500m ² 、1000m ² 、1500m ² Or 2000m ² Is a part of the area of the substrate. The floor area may have any of the above floorsThe area between the area values (e.g., from about 150m ² Up to about 2000m ² From about 150m ² Up to about 500m ^2、 From about 250m ² Up to about 1000m ² From about 1000m ² Up to about 2000m ² ). The building may include an area of at least about 1000 square feet (sqft), 2000sqft, 5000sqft, 10000sqft, 100000sqft, 150000sqft, 200000sqft, or 500000 sqft. The building may include an area between any of the above areas (e.g., about 1000sqft to about 5000sqft, about 5000sqft to about 500000sqft, or about 1000sqft to about 500000 sqft). The building may comprise at least about 100m ² 、200m ² 、500m ² 、1000m ² 、5000m ² 、10000m ² 、25000m ² Or 50000m ² Is a part of the area of the substrate. The building may include an area between any of the above areas (e.g., from about 100m ² Up to about 1000m ² From about 500m ² To about 25000m ² From about 100m ² To about 50000m ² ). The facility may comprise a commercial or residential building. Commercial buildings may include tenants and/or owners. A residential facility may comprise a plurality or a single home building. The residential facility may comprise an apartment building. The residential facility may comprise a single family residence. The residential facility may include a multi-family residence (e.g., apartment). The residential facility may include a parallel villa. Facilities may include residential and business segments. The facility may include at least 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 420, 450, 500, or 550 windows (e.g., tintable windows). The windows may be divided into zones (e.g., based at least in part on the location, elevation, floor, ownership, utilization, any other specified metric, random allocation, or any combination thereof of the peripheral structure (e.g., room) in which the windows are disposed). The allocation of windows to zones may be static or dynamic (e.g., based on heuristics). There may be at least about 2, 5, 10, 12, 15, 30, 40, or 46 windows per zone. The facility may comprise a commercial or residential building. A residential facility may comprise a plurality or a single home building.

In some embodiments, the sensor is operatively coupled to the at least one controller and/or the processor. The sensor readings may be obtained by one or more processors and/or controllers. The controller may include a processing unit (e.g., a CPU or GPU). The controller may receive input (e.g., from at least one sensor). The controller may include circuitry, electrical wiring, optical wiring, electrical outlets, and/or electrical outlets. The controller may communicate an output. The controller may include a plurality of (e.g., sub) controllers. The controller may be part of a control system. The control system may include a master controller, a floor controller (e.g., including a network controller), or a local controller. The local controller may be a window controller (e.g., controlling a light switchable window), a peripheral structure controller, or a component controller. The controller may be a device controller (e.g., any of the devices disclosed herein). For example, the controller may be part of a hierarchical control system (e.g., a master controller including a lead one or more controllers, such as a floor controller, a local controller (e.g., a window controller), a peripheral structure controller, and/or a component controller). The physical location of the controller type in the hierarchical control system may be changing. For example: at a first time: the first processor may assume the role of a master controller, the second processor may assume the role of a floor controller, and the third processor may assume the role of a local controller. At a second time: the second processor may assume the role of master controller, the first processor may assume the role of floor controller, and the third processor may maintain the role of local controller. At a third time: the third processor may assume the role of a master controller, the second processor may assume the role of a floor controller, and the first processor may assume the role of a local controller. The controller may control one or more devices (e.g., directly coupled to the devices). The controller may be located in proximity to one or more devices it controls. For example, the controller may control an optically switchable device (e.g., an IGU), an antenna, a sensor, and/or an output device (e.g., a light source, a sound source, a scent source, a gas source, an HVAC power outlet, or a heater). In one embodiment, the floor controller may direct one or more window controllers, one or more peripheral structure controllers, one or more component controllers, or any combination thereof. The floor controller may comprise a floor controller. For example, a floor (e.g., including a network) controller may control a plurality of local (e.g., including a window) controllers. A plurality of local controllers may be disposed in a portion of a facility (e.g., in a portion of a building). A portion of the facility may be a floor of the facility. For example, a floor controller may be assigned to a floor. In some embodiments, a floor may include multiple floor controllers, for example, depending on the floor size and/or the number of local controllers coupled to the floor controllers. For example, a floor controller may be assigned to a portion of a floor. For example, a floor controller may be assigned to a portion of a local controller disposed in a facility. For example, a floor controller may be assigned to a portion of a floor of a facility. The master controller may be coupled to one or more floor controllers. The floor controller may be located in the facility. The master controller may be located within the facility or outside the facility. The master controller may be disposed in the cloud. The controller may be part of or operatively coupled to a building management system. The controller may receive one or more inputs. The controller may generate one or more outputs. The controller may be a single-input single-output controller (SISO) or a multiple-input multiple-output controller (MIMO). The controller may interpret the received input signal. The controller may obtain data from one or more components (e.g., sensors). Acquisition may include reception or extraction. The data may include measurements, estimates, determinations, generation, or any combination thereof. The controller may include feedback control. The controller may include feed forward control. The control may include on-off control, proportional Integral (PI) control, or Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) control. The control may include open loop control or closed loop control. The controller may comprise a closed loop control. The controller may include open loop control. The controller may comprise a user interface. The user interface may include (or be operatively coupled to) a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a touch screen, a microphone, a voice recognition package, a camera, an imaging system, or any combination thereof. The output may include a display (e.g., screen), speakers, or printer. Fig. 16 shows an example of a control system architecture 1600 that includes a master controller 1608 that controls floor controllers 1606, which in turn control local controllers 1604. In some embodiments, the local controller controls one or more IGUs, one or more sensors, one or more output devices (e.g., one or more transmitters), or any combination thereof. Fig. 16 illustrates an example of a configuration in which a master controller (e.g., wirelessly and/or wired) is operatively coupled to a Building Management System (BMS) 1624 and a database 1620. Arrows in fig. 16 indicate communication paths. The controller may be operatively coupled (e.g., directly/indirectly and/or wired and/or wireless) to the external source 1610. The external source may comprise a network. The external source may include one or more sensors or output devices. External sources may include cloud-based applications and/or databases. The communication may be wired and/or wireless. The external source may be located outside the facility. For example, the external source may include one or more sensors and/or antennas disposed, for example, on a wall or ceiling of the facility. The communication may be unidirectional or bidirectional. In the example shown in fig. 16, the communication of all communication arrows means bidirectional. The local controller 1604 may be operatively coupled (e.g., directly) to any of the objects (e.g., devices) disclosed herein. Direct operatively coupled means that there are no other controllers between them. The control system 1600 is operably coupled to any of the objects (e.g., devices) disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the BMS is disposed in a facility. The facility may comprise a building, such as a multi-story building. The BMS may function at least to control the environment in the building. The control system and/or the BMS may control at least one environmental characteristic of the peripheral structure. The at least one environmental characteristic may include temperature, humidity, fine mist (e.g., aerosol), sound, electromagnetic waves (e.g., glare, color), gas composition, gas concentration, gas velocity, vibration, volatile compounds (VOCs), debris (e.g., dust), or biological matter (e.g., gas-borne bacteria and/or viruses). The gas may include oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, nitric Oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), inert gases, noble gases (e.g., radon), chlorine, ozone, formaldehyde, methane, or ethane. For example, the BMS may control temperature, carbon dioxide level, and humidity within the peripheral structure. The mechanical devices that may be controlled by the BMS and/or the control system may include lighting, heaters, air conditioners, blowers, or vents. To control the peripheral structure (e.g., building) environment, the BMS and/or the control system may, for example, turn one or more of its controlled devices on and off under defined conditions. The BMS and/or the (e.g., core) function of the control system may be to maintain a comfortable environment for occupants of the peripheral structure, e.g., while minimizing energy consumption (e.g., while minimizing heating and cooling costs/requirements). The BMS and/or the control system may be used to control (e.g., monitor) and/or optimize synergy between various systems, for example, to save energy and/or reduce peripheral structure (e.g., facility) operating costs.

The controller may monitor and/or direct a (e.g., physical) change in an operating condition of the devices, software, and/or methods described herein. Control may include regulation, manipulation, restriction, guidance, monitoring, adjustment, modulation, change, alteration, suppression, inspection, instruction, or management. Controlled (e.g., by a controller) may include attenuated, modulated, altered, managed, suppressed, normalized, regulated, constrained, supervised, manipulated, and/or directed. Control may include controlling control variables (e.g., temperature, power, voltage, and/or profile). Control may include real-time or off-line control. The computation utilized by the controller may be done in real-time and/or off-line. The controller may be a manual or a non-manual controller. The controller may be an automatic controller. The controller may operate upon request. The controller may be a programmable controller. The controller may be programmed. The controller may include a processing unit (e.g., a CPU or GPU). The controller may receive input (e.g., from at least one sensor). The controller may communicate an output. The controller may include a plurality of (e.g., sub) controllers. The controller may be part of a control system. The control system may include a master controller, a floor controller, a local controller (e.g., a peripheral structure controller or a window controller). The controller may receive one or more inputs. The controller may generate one or more outputs. The controller may be a single-input single-output controller (SISO) or a multiple-input multiple-output controller (MIMO). The controller may interpret the received input signal. The controller may obtain data from one or more sensors. Acquisition may include reception or extraction. The data may include measurements, estimates, determinations, generation, or any combination thereof. The controller may include feedback control. The controller may include feed forward control. The control may include on-off control, proportional Integral (PI) control, or Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) control. The control may include open loop control or closed loop control. The controller may comprise a closed loop control. The controller may include open loop control. The controller may comprise a user interface. The user interface may include (or be operatively coupled to) a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a touch screen, a microphone, a voice recognition package, a camera, an imaging system, or any combination thereof. The output may include a display (e.g., screen), speakers, or printer.

The methods, systems, and/or apparatus described herein may include a control system. The control system may be in communication with any of the devices (e.g., sensors) described herein. The sensors may be of the same type or of different types, for example as described herein. For example, the control system may be in communication with the first sensor and/or the second sensor. The control system may control one or more sensors. The control system may control one or more components of a building management system (e.g., lighting, security, and/or air conditioning system). The controller may adjust at least one (e.g., environmental) characteristic of the peripheral structure. The control system may use any component of the building management system to regulate the surrounding structural environment. For example, the control system may regulate the energy supplied by the heating element and/or by the cooling element. For example, the control system may regulate the velocity of air flowing into and/or out of the peripheral structure through the vents. The control system may include a processor. The processor may be a processing unit. The controller may comprise a processing unit. The processing unit may be central. The processing unit may comprise a central processing unit (abbreviated herein as "CPU"). The processing unit may be a graphics processing unit (abbreviated herein as "GPU"). The controller or control mechanism (e.g., comprising a computer system) may be programmed to implement one or more methods of the present disclosure. The processor may be programmed to implement the methods of the present disclosure. The controller may control at least one component of the forming systems and/or apparatus disclosed herein.

Fig. 17 shows an illustrative example of a computer system 1700 programmed or otherwise configured to perform one or more operations of any of the methods provided herein. The computer system may control (e.g., direct, monitor, and/or regulate) various features of the methods, apparatuses, and systems of the present disclosure, such as, for example, controlling heating, cooling, lighting, and/or ventilation of peripheral structures, or any combination thereof. The computer system may be or be in communication with any sensor or sensor assembly disclosed herein. The computer may be coupled to one or more mechanisms disclosed herein and/or any portion thereof. For example, the computer may be coupled to one or more sensors, valves, switches, lights, windows (e.g., IGUs), motors, pumps, optical components, or any combination thereof.

The computer system may include a processing unit (e.g., 1706) (also "processor," "computer," and "computer processor" are used herein). The computer system may include memory or memory locations (e.g., 1702) (e.g., random access memory, read-only memory, flash memory), electronic storage units (e.g., 1704) (e.g., hard disk), communication interfaces (e.g., 1703) for communicating with one or more other systems (e.g., network adapters), and peripheral devices (e.g., 1705) such as cache, other memory, data storage, and/or electronic display adapters. In the example shown in fig. 17, the memory 1702, the storage unit 1704, the interface 1703, and the peripheral devices 1705 communicate with the processing unit 1706 through a communication bus (solid line) such as a motherboard. The storage unit may be a data storage unit (or a data repository) for storing data. With the aid of a communication interface, the computer system is operably coupled to a computer network ("network") (e.g., 1701). The network may be the internet, the internet and/or an extranet, or an intranet and/or an extranet in communication with the internet. In some cases, the network is a telecommunications and/or data network. The network may include one or more computer servers that may implement distributed computing, such as cloud computing. In some cases, with the help of computer systems, the network may implement a peer-to-peer network, which may enable devices coupled to the computer systems to act as clients or servers.

The processing unit may execute a series of machine-readable instructions that may be embodied in a program or software. The instructions may be stored in a memory location, such as memory 1702. The instructions may be directed to a processing unit that may be subsequently programmed or otherwise configured to implement the methods of the present disclosure. Examples of operations performed by a processing unit may include fetching, decoding, executing, and writing back. The processing unit may interpret and/or execute instructions. The processor may include a microprocessor, a data processor, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a system on a chip (SOC), a coprocessor, a network processor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a special-purpose instruction set processor (ASIP), a controller, a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), a chipset, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or any combination thereof. The processing unit may be part of a circuit such as an integrated circuit. One or more other components of system 1800 may be included in the circuit.

The storage unit may store files such as drivers, libraries, and saved programs. The storage unit may store user data (e.g., user preferences and user programs). In some cases, the computer system may include one or more additional data storage units located outside the computer system, such as on a remote server in communication with the computer system via an intranet or the Internet.

The processing unit (e.g., computer system) may communicate with one or more remote computer systems over a network. For example, the computer system may communicate with a remote computer system of a user (e.g., an operator). Examples of remote computer systems include personal computers (e.g., pocket PCs), tablet personal computers or tablet computers (e.g.,iPad、galaxy Tab), phone, smart phone (e.g.)>iPhone, android supporting device,) Or a personal digital assistant. The user may access the computer system via a network. The processing unit may include a CPU or GPU. The processing unit may comprise a media player. The processing unit may be included in a circuit board. The circuit board may includeJetson Nano of (R) ^TM A developer kit (e.g., a 2GB or 4GB developer kit) or a Raspberry-Pi kit (e.g., a 1GB, 2GB, 4GB or 8GB developer kit). The processing unit may be operatively coupled to a plurality of ports including at least one media port (e.g., displayPort, HDMI and/or micro-HDMI), USB, or audio-video jack, which may be included in a circuit board, for example. The processing unit may be operatively coupled to a Camera Serial Interface (CSI) or a Display Serial Interface (DSI), for example as part of a circuit board. The processing unit is configured to support communications such as ethernet (e.g., gigabit ethernet). The circuit board may include Wi-Fi functionality, bluetooth functionality, or a wireless adapter. The wireless adapter may be configured to conform to a wireless network standard in the 802.11 set of protocols (e.g., USB 802.1 lac). The wireless adapter may be configured to provide a high throughput Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), for example, over at least about 5GHz frequency band. The transfer speed of the USB port may be at least about 480 megabits per second (Mbps), 4,800Mbps, or 10,000Mbps. The at least one processor may comprise a synchronous (e.g., clocked) processor. The clock speed of the processor may be at least about 1.2 gigahertz (GHz), 1.3GHz, 1.4GHz, 1.5GHz, or 1.6GHz. The processing unit may include Random Access Memory (RAM). The RAM may comprise dual data rate Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM). RAM may be configured for movement A mobile device (e.g., a laptop computer, tablet computer, or mobile phone such as a cellular phone). The RAM may comprise Low Power Dual Data Rate (LPDDR) RAM. The RAM may be configured to admit channels at least about 16, 32, or 64 bits wide. A user (e.g., a client) may access a computer system via a network.

The methods as described herein may be implemented by machine (e.g., a computer processor) executable code stored on an electronic storage location of a computer system, such as, for example, memory 1702 or electronic storage unit 1704. The machine-executable or machine-readable code may be provided in the form of software. During use, the processor 1706 may execute code. In some cases, the code may be retrieved from a memory unit and stored on the memory for ready access by the processor. In some cases, the electronic storage unit may be eliminated and the machine-executable instructions stored on the memory.

The code may be pre-compiled and configured for use with a machine of a processor adapted to execute the code, or may be compiled at runtime. The code may be provided in a programming language, which may be selected to enable the code to be executed in a pre-compiled or otherwise in a compiled form.

In some embodiments, the processor includes code. The code may be program instructions. The program instructions may cause at least one processor (e.g., a computer) to direct a feed-forward and/or feedback control loop. In some embodiments, the program instructions cause the at least one processor to direct the closed-loop and/or open-loop control scheme. The control may be based at least in part on one or more sensor readings (e.g., sensor data). One controller may direct multiple operations. At least two operations may be directed by different controllers. In some embodiments, different controllers may direct at least two of operations (a), (b), and (c). In some embodiments, different controllers may direct at least two of operations (a), (b), and (c). In some embodiments, the non-transitory computer-readable medium causes each different computer to direct at least two of operations (a), (b), and (c). In some embodiments, different non-transitory computer-readable media cause each different computer to direct at least two of operations (a), (b), and (c). The controller and/or computer readable medium may direct any of the devices disclosed herein or components thereof. The controller and/or computer readable medium may direct any of the operations of the methods disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the at least one sensor is operatively coupled to a control system (e.g., a computer control system). The sensor may include a light sensor, an acoustic sensor, a vibration sensor, a chemical sensor, an electrical sensor, a magnetic sensor, a fluidity sensor, a movement sensor, a speed sensor, a position sensor, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, a density sensor, a distance sensor, or a proximity sensor. The sensor may include a temperature sensor, a weight sensor, a material (e.g., powder) level sensor, a metering sensor, a gas sensor, or a humidity sensor. The metrology sensor may include a measurement sensor (e.g., height, length, width, angle, and/or volume). The metrology sensor may comprise a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, an orientation sensor or an optical sensor. The sensor may transmit and/or receive an acoustic (e.g., echo) signal, a magnetic signal, an electronic signal, or an electromagnetic signal. The electromagnetic signals may include visible light signals, infrared signals, ultraviolet signals, ultrasonic signals, radio wave signals, or microwave signals. The gas sensor may sense any of the gases described herein. The distance sensor may be a type of metrology sensor. The distance sensor may comprise an optical sensor or a capacitive sensor. The temperature sensor may include a bolometer, bimetallic strip, calorimeter, exhaust gas thermometer, flame detector, gardon meter, golay detector, heat flux sensor, infrared thermometer, microbolometer, microwave radiometer, net radiometer, quartz thermometer, resistance temperature detector, resistance thermometer, silicon bandgap temperature sensor, special sensor microwave/imager, thermometer, thermistor, thermocouple, thermometer (e.g., resistance thermometer), or pyrometer. The temperature sensor may comprise an optical sensor. The temperature sensor may include image processing. The temperature sensor may include a camera (e.g., IR camera, CCD camera). The pressure sensor may include a self-registering barometer, booster, bourdon tube manometer, hot filament ion gauge, ionization gauge, maclaud gauge, oscillating U-tube, permanent downhole manometer, pirani gauge, pressure sensor, manometer, tactile sensor, or time manometer. The position sensor may include an auxiliary meter, a capacitive displacement sensor, a capacitive sensing device, a free fall sensor, a gravity gauge, a gyroscope sensor, an impact sensor, an inclinometer, an integrated circuit piezoelectric sensor, a laser rangefinder, a laser surface speedometer, a laser radar, a linear encoder, a Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT), a liquid capacitive inclinometer, an odometer, a photoelectric sensor, a piezoelectric accelerometer, a rate sensor, a rotary encoder, a rotary variable differential transformer, an automatic synchro, a vibration detector, a vibration data logger, a tilt sensor, a tachometer, an ultrasonic thickness gauge, a variable reluctance sensor, or a speed receiver. The optical sensor may include a charge-coupled device, a colorimeter, a contact image sensor, an electro-optic sensor, an infrared sensor, a dynamic inductance detector, a light emitting diode (e.g., photosensor), a light addressing potential sensor, a nicols radiometer, a fiber optic sensor, an optical position sensor, a photodetector, a photodiode, a photomultiplier tube, a phototransistor, a photosensor, a photoionization detector, a photomultiplier tube, a photoresistor, a photoswitch, a photocell, a scintillator, a shack-hartmann, a single photon avalanche diode, a superconducting nanowire single photon detector, a transition edge sensor, a visible photon counter, or a wavefront sensor. The one or more sensors may be connected to a control system (e.g., to a processor, computer).

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. The invention is not intended to be limited by the specific examples provided within the specification. While the invention has been described with reference to the foregoing specification, the descriptions and illustrations of the embodiments herein are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that all aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific depictions, configurations or relative proportions set forth herein which depend upon a variety of conditions and variables. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the present invention will also cover any such alternatives, modifications, variations, or equivalents. The following claims are intended to define the scope of the invention and accordingly, methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents may be covered thereby.

Exemplary embodiments:

clause 1: a method of routing signals in a facility, the method comprising: identifying a small cell device and a Radio Access Unit (RAU) operatively coupled to a network of the facility; receiving one or more inputs over the network; determining a configuration for routing cellular communication signals between one or more of the small cell devices and one or more of the RAUs, the configuration based at least in part on the one or more inputs; and routing the cellular communication signals between the one or more of the small cell devices and the one or more of the RAUs based at least in part on the configuration.

Clause 2: the method of clause 1, wherein the small cell device is disposed in the facility.

Clause 3: the method of any of clauses 1 or 2, wherein the RAU is provided in the facility.

Clause 4: the method of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the network is operatively coupled to one or more sensors of the facility.

Clause 5: the method of clause 4, wherein the one or more sensors are disposed in the facility.

Clause 6: the method of clause 4, wherein the one or more sensors are disposed outside of the facility.

Clause 7: the method of clause 4, wherein the one or more sensors are attached to the facility. Clause 8: the method of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the network comprises a cable.

Clause 9: the method of clause 8, wherein the cable comprises an optical cable and/or a coaxial cable.

Clause 10: the method of any of clauses 8 or 9, wherein a cable of the cables is configured to transmit power and communication signals.

Clause 11: the method of any of clauses 8-10, wherein a cable of the cables is configured to transmit power, cellular communication signals, and communication signals of at least one other communication type.

Clause 12: the method of any of clauses 8-11, wherein a cable of the cables is at least partially disposed in an enclosure of the facility.

Clause 13: the method of any of clauses 8 to 12, wherein the facility comprises a building.

Clause 14: the method of clause 13, wherein the cables of the cables are at least partially disposed in an enclosure of the building.

Clause 15: the method of any of clauses 8 to 14, wherein the cable is a first cable system installed in the facility.

Clause 16: the method of any of clauses 11 to 15, wherein the at least one other communication type comprises a media communication, a control communication, or a data communication.

Clause 17: the method of clause 16, wherein the data communication comprises communication of sensor data.

Clause 18: the method of any one of clauses 1 to 17, wherein the one or more inputs are associated with occupancy of a person in the facility.

Clause 19: the method of any one of clauses 1 to 18, wherein the one or more inputs comprise scheduling information, occupancy information, sensor data, or any combination thereof.

Clause 20: the method of clause 19, wherein the sensor data comprises electromagnetic radiation data.

Clause 21: the method of clause 20, wherein the electromagnetic radiation data comprises data associated with electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum, the infrared spectrum, the radio frequency spectrum, or any combination thereof.

Clause 22: the method of any of clauses 20 or 21, wherein the electromagnetic radiation data comprises data associated with ultra-wideband radiation.

Clause 23: the method of any of clauses 19 to 22, wherein the sensor data comprises a geolocation signal.

Clause 24: the method of clause 23, wherein the geolocation signal comprises a global positioning system signal, an ultra wideband signal, a short range wireless signal, or any combination thereof.

Clause 25: the method of any of clauses 19 to 24, wherein the sensor data comprises thermal characteristics associated with one or more people.

Clause 26: the method of any one of clauses 1 to 25, wherein the configuration is dynamically determined.

Clause 27: the method of any one of clauses 1 to 26, wherein the configuration is determined in real time during reception of the cellular communication signal.

Clause 28: the method of any one of clauses 1 to 27, wherein the network is operatively coupled to one or more controllers.

Clause 29: the method of clause 28, wherein the one or more controllers are part of a hierarchical control system.

Clause 30: the method of any of clauses 28 or 29, wherein the one or more controllers are configured to control at least one device.

Clause 31: the method of clause 30, wherein the at least one device comprises (i) a service device, (ii) a security device, (iii) a security device, and/or (iv) a health device.

Clause 32: the method of clause 31, wherein the service device comprises a media player, a media display, a radio, a music player, a heater, a cooler, a ventilator, a lighting, a tintable window, an automatic door, or a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

Clause 33: the method of any of clauses 31 or 32, wherein the service device is configured to adjust the environment of the facility.

Clause 34: the method of any of clauses 31 to 33, wherein the security device comprises an alarm, an annunciation system, an alarm light, a sensor, a door, a window, or a lock.

Clause 35: the method of clause 34, wherein the door, window, and/or lock is automatic.

Clause 36: the method of any one of clauses 30 to 35, wherein the at least one device comprises a sensor.

Clause 37: the method of clause 36, wherein the sensor comprises a temperature sensor, a motion sensor, a pressure sensor, an infrared sensor, a vision sensor, and/or an occupancy sensor.

Clause 38: the method of any one of clauses 31 to 37, wherein the health device comprises a glucose monitor, a heart rate monitor, a blood pressure monitor, a temperature sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultraviolet sensor, or a vision sensor.

Clause 39: the method of any of clauses 31 to 38, wherein the service device comprises a processor or a media display.

Clause 40: the method of clause 39, wherein the media display comprises a television screen or a computer monitor.

Clause 41: the method of any of clauses 30 to 40, wherein the at least one device is disposed in a device aggregate.

Clause 42: the method of clause 41, wherein the device assembly comprises (i) a sensor or (ii) a sensor and a transmitter.

Clause 43: the method of any of clauses 41 or 42, wherein the device assembly is attached to or disposed in a fixed structure of the facility.

Clause 44: the method of any one of clauses 1 to 43, wherein the cellular communication signal arrives at the small cell device directly from a service provider.

Clause 45: the method of any of clauses 1-44, wherein the configuring dynamically routes the cellular communication signals based at least in part on occupancy in one or more portions of the facility.

Clause 46: the method of any one of clauses 1 to 45, wherein the configuring is based at least in part on occupancy in the facility.

Clause 47: the method of any of clauses 1 to 46, wherein the configuring is based at least in part on occupancy of a user of the cellular communication signal in the facility.

Clause 48: the method of any one of clauses 1-47, wherein routing the cellular communication signals between the one or more of the small cell devices and the one or more of the RAUs based at least in part on the configuration comprises transmitting information indicative of the configuration to a router associated with the facility, the router being configurable to perform routing the cellular communication signals between the one or more of the small cell devices and the one or more of the RAUs.

Clause 49: the method of any one of clauses 1 to 48, wherein the cellular communication signal is modulated.

Clause 50: an apparatus for routing signals in a facility, the apparatus comprising at least one controller configured to perform or direct one or more operations of performing any one of the methods of clauses 1-49.

Clause 51: the apparatus of clause 50, wherein the at least one controller comprises a circuit.

Clause 52: the apparatus of any of clauses 50 or 51, wherein at least two of the one or more operations are performed by a controller of the at least one controller.

Clause 53: the apparatus of any one of clauses 50 to 52, wherein at least two operations of the one or more operations are each performed by a different controller of the at least one controller.

Clause 54: an apparatus for routing signals in a facility, the apparatus comprising at least one controller configured to: operatively coupled to (i) a small cell device and (ii) a Radio Access Unit (RAU) operatively coupled to a network of the facility; receiving one or more inputs or directing receipt thereof over the network; determining a configuration or directing a determination thereof for routing cellular communication signals between one or more of the small cell devices and one or more of the RAUs, the configuration based at least in part on the one or more inputs; and routing the cellular communication signals or directing routing thereof between the one or more of the small cell devices and the one or more of the RAUs based at least in part on the configuration.

Clause 55: the apparatus of clause 54, wherein the at least one controller is configured as a directing device.

Clause 56: the apparatus of any of clauses 54 or 55, wherein the at least one controller is part of a distributed controller network in which one controller is configured to direct the other controllers.

Clause 57: the apparatus of clause 56, wherein the one controller and the other controllers are part of the distributed controller network.

Clause 58: the apparatus of any of clauses 56 or 57, wherein the distributed controller network is a hierarchical controller network.

Clause 59: a non-transitory computer program instruction for routing signals in a facility, which when read by one or more processors causes the one or more processors to perform or direct performance of one or more operations of any one of the methods of clauses 1-49.

Clause 60: the non-transitory computer program instructions of clause 59, wherein the program instructions are embedded in at least one program product.

Clause 61: the non-transitory computer program instructions of any one of clauses 59 or 60, wherein the program instructions are embedded in one or more media.

Clause 62: the non-transitory computer program instructions of any one of clauses 59 to 61, wherein at least two of the one or more operations are performed by a processor of the one or more processors.

Clause 63: the non-transitory computer program instructions of any one of clauses 59 to 62, wherein at least two of the one or more operations are each performed by a different processor of the one or more processors.

Clause 64: a non-transitory computer-readable program instruction for routing signals in a facility, which when read by one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: receiving one or more inputs or directing receipt thereof over the network; determining a configuration or directing a determination thereof for routing cellular communication signals between one or more of the small cell devices and one or more of the RAUs, the configuration based at least in part on the one or more inputs; and routing the cellular communication signals between the one or more of the small cell devices and the one or more of the RAUs based at least in part on the configuration, wherein the one or more processors are operatively coupled to (i) the small cell devices and (ii) the Radio Access Units (RAUs) that are operatively coupled to the network of the facility.

Clause 65: the non-transitory computer readable program instructions of clause 64, wherein the one or more processors are configured to direct a device.

Clause 66: the non-transitory computer readable program instructions of any one of clauses 64 or 65, wherein the one or more processors are part of a distributed processor network in which one processor is configured to direct the other processors.

Clause 67: the non-transitory computer readable program instructions of clause 66, wherein the one processor and the other processors are part of the distributed processor network.

Clause 68: the non-transitory computer readable program instructions of any one of clauses 66 or 67, wherein the distributed processor network is a hierarchical processor network.

Clause 69: a system for routing signals in a facility, the system comprising a network disposed in the facility; one or more small cell devices operatively coupled to the network; and one or more RAUs operatively coupled to the network; the network is configured to facilitate one or more operations of any of the methods of clauses 1-49.

Clause 70: the system of clause 69, wherein the network is configured to facilitate control at least in part by being configured to transmit control-related communications.

Clause 71: the system of any of clauses 69 or 70, wherein the network is configured to facilitate the one or more operations at least in part by being configured to communicate one or more protocols associated with the one or more operations.

Clause 72: a system for routing signals in a facility, the system comprising: a network disposed in the facility; one or more small cell devices operatively coupled to the network; one or more RAUs operatively coupled to the network; the network is configured to facilitate: transmitting one or more inputs; determining a configuration for routing cellular communication signals between one or more of the small cell devices and one or more of the RAUs, the configuration based at least in part on the one or more inputs; and route the cellular communication signals to be routed between the one or more small cell devices and the one or more RAUs based at least in part on the configuration.

Clause 73: the system of clause 72, wherein the network is configured to facilitate transmitting the one or more inputs, determining the configuration, and routing the cellular communication signals at least in part by being configured to transmit appropriate signals conforming to a respective protocol.

Clause 74: a method of changing a communication characteristic in a facility, the method comprising: obtaining a configuration for routing signals between one or more small cell devices associated with the facility and one or more Radio Access Units (RAUs) associated with the facility; obtaining usage information associated with the facility, wherein the usage information indicates current or expected small cell device usage of a mobile device associated with the facility; determining one or more parameters associated with: (I) Based at least in part on the configured channel sharing protocol for two or more small cell devices allocated to an RAU of the one or more RAUs, (II) based at least in part on a transmit or receive power specification of the usage information for one or more components associated with the facility, or (III) any combination thereof; and providing the one or more parameters associated with: (i) the channel sharing protocol for the two or more small cell devices, (ii) the transmit or receive power specification for the one or more components associated with the facility, or (iii) any combination thereof.

Clause 75: the method of clause 74, wherein the one or more small cell devices are disposed in the facility.

Clause 76: the method of any one of clauses 74 or 75, wherein the one or more RAUs are disposed in the facility.

Clause 77: the method of any of clauses 74 to 76, wherein the usage information is based on data from one or more sensors of the facility.

Clause 78: the method of clause 77, wherein the one or more sensors are disposed in the facility. Clause 79: the method of any of clauses 77 or 78, wherein the one or more sensors are disposed outside of the facility.

Clause 80: the method of any one of clauses 77-79, wherein the one or more sensors are attached to the facility.

Clause 81: the method of any one of clauses 77 to 80, wherein the one or more sensors provide sensor data comprising electromagnetic radiation data.

Clause 82: the method of clause 81, wherein the electromagnetic radiation data comprises data associated with electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum, the infrared spectrum, the radio frequency spectrum, or any combination thereof.

Clause 83: the method of any of clauses 81 or 82, wherein the electromagnetic radiation data comprises data associated with ultra-wideband radiation.

Clause 84: the method of any of clauses 77-83, wherein the one or more sensors provide sensor data comprising a geolocation signal.

Clause 85: the method of clause 84, wherein the geolocation signal comprises a global positioning system signal, an ultra wideband signal, a short range wireless signal, or any combination thereof.

Clause 86: the method of any of clauses 77-85, wherein the one or more sensors provide sensor data comprising thermal characteristics associated with one or more people.

Clause 87: the method of any of clauses 74 to 86, wherein the facility comprises a building.

Clause 88: the method of any of clauses 74 to 87, wherein the usage information is received via a network associated with the facility.

Clause 89: the method of clause 88, wherein the network comprises a cable.

Clause 90: the method of clause 89, wherein the electrical cable comprises an optical cable and/or a coaxial cable.

Clause 91: the method of any of clauses 89 or 90, wherein a cable of the cables is at least partially disposed in an enclosure of a building of the facility.

Clause 92: the method of any of clauses 74-91, wherein the usage information comprises scheduling information, occupancy information, or any combination thereof.

Clause 93: the method of clause 92, wherein the scheduling information includes calendar information associated with the facility.

Clause 94: the method of clause 93, wherein the calendar information indicates scheduled events at one or more locations of the facility.

Clause 95: the method of any of clauses 92 to 94, wherein the occupancy information comprises a current occupancy at one or more locations of the facility.

Clause 96: the method of any of clauses 92 to 95, wherein the occupancy information comprises future occupancy at one or more locations of the facility.

Clause 97: the method of clause 96, wherein the future occupancy is predicted by a machine learning model trained to predict the future occupancy at the one or more locations of the facility.

Clause 98: the method of any one of clauses 74 to 97, wherein the one or more parameters are determined based on a noise level in the facility.

Clause 99: the method of clause 98, wherein the noise level in the facility is based on a current or planned configuration in the facility.

Clause 100: the method of any of clauses 74-99, wherein determining the one or more parameters associated with the channel sharing protocol comprises determining two or more channels corresponding to the two or more small cell devices allocated to the one RAU.

Clause 101: the method of clause 100, wherein the channel sharing protocol comprises Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA).

Clause 102: the method of any one of clauses 74-101, wherein the one or more components comprise a head-end router associated with the facility, one or more of the one or more RAUs, one or more antennas operatively coupled to the one or more RAUs, or any combination thereof.

Clause 103: an apparatus for changing a communication characteristic in a facility, the apparatus comprising at least one controller configured to perform or direct one or more operations of performing any one of the methods of clauses 74-102.

Clause 104: an apparatus for changing a communication characteristic in a facility, the apparatus comprising at least one controller configured to: obtaining a configuration or directing the obtaining of signals for routing between one or more small cell devices associated with the facility and one or more Radio Access Units (RAUs) associated with the facility; obtaining or directing the obtaining of usage information associated with the facility, wherein the usage information indicates current or expected small cell device usage of a mobile device associated with the facility; determining or directing the determination of one or more parameters associated with: (I) Based at least in part on the configured channel sharing protocol for two or more small cell devices allocated to an RAU of the one or more RAUs, (II) based at least in part on a transmit or receive power specification of the usage information for one or more components associated with the facility, or (III) any combination thereof; and providing or causing to be provided the one or more parameters associated with: (i) the channel sharing protocol for the two or more small cell devices, (ii) the transmit or receive power specification for the one or more components associated with the facility, or (iii) any combination thereof.

Clause 105: a non-transitory computer readable program instructions for changing a communication characteristic in a facility, which when read by one or more processors cause the one or more processors to perform or direct execution of one or more operations of any one of the methods of clauses 74-102.

Clause 106: a non-transitory computer-readable program instruction for changing a communication characteristic in a facility, which when read by one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: obtaining or directing the obtaining of usage information associated with the facility, wherein the usage information indicates current or expected small cell device usage of a mobile device associated with the facility; obtaining or directing the obtaining of usage information associated with the facility, wherein the usage information indicates current or expected small cell device usage of a mobile device associated with the facility; determining or directing the determination of one or more parameters associated with: (I) Based at least in part on the configured channel sharing protocol for two or more small cell devices assigned to an RAU of the one or more RAUs, (II) based at least in part on a power specification of the usage information for one or more components associated with the facility, or (III) any combination thereof; and providing or causing to be provided the one or more parameters associated with: (i) the channel sharing protocol for the two or more small cell devices, (ii) the power switching specification for the one or more components associated with the facility, or (iii) any combination thereof.

Clause 107: the non-transitory computer readable program instructions of clause 106, wherein the power specification of the one or more components comprises transmit power and/or receive power.

Clause 108: a system for changing communication characteristics in a facility, the system comprising one or more small cell devices associated with the facility and one or more RAUs associated with the facility, and at least one controller configured to facilitate one or more operations of any of the methods according to clauses 74-102.

Clause 109: a system for changing communication characteristics in a facility, the system comprising: a network in the facility; one or more small cell devices operatively coupled to the network; one or more Radio Access Units (RAUs) operatively coupled to the network; the network is configured to facilitate: obtaining a configuration for routing signals between the one or more small cell devices associated with the facility and the one or more RAUs associated with the facility; obtaining usage information associated with the facility, wherein the usage information indicates current or expected small cell device usage of a mobile device associated with the facility; determining one or more parameters associated with: (I) Based at least in part on the configured channel sharing protocol for two or more small cell devices allocated to an RAU of the one or more RAUs, (II) based at least in part on a transmit or receive power specification of the usage information for one or more components associated with the facility, or (III) any combination thereof; and providing the one or more parameters associated with: (i) the channel sharing protocol for the two or more small cell devices, (ii) the transmit or receive power specification for the one or more components associated with the facility, or (iii) any combination thereof.

Clause 110: the system of clause 109, wherein the network is configured to facilitate obtaining the configuration, obtaining the usage information, determining the one or more parameters, and providing the one or more parameters at least in part by being configured to transmit appropriate signals conforming to the respective protocols.

Clause 111: a method of routing signals in a facility, the method comprising: receiving a configuration for routing cellular communication signals between a small cell device associated with the facility and a Radio Access Unit (RAU) associated with the facility; and routing the cellular communication signals between one or more of the small cell devices and one or more of the RAUs, wherein routing the cellular communication signals between the one or more of the small cell devices and the one or more of the RAUs comprises: (A) Receive a downlink cellular communication signal from at least one of the one or more of the small cell devices; (B) Manipulating the downlink cellular communication signals at least in part by separating and/or combining the downlink cellular communication signals based at least in part on the configuration; and (C) route the steered downlink cellular communication signals to at least one of the one or more of the RAUs based at least in part on the configuration; and/or (ii) (a) receive an uplink cellular communication signal from at least one of the one or more of the RAUs; (b) Manipulating the uplink cellular communication signals by separating and/or combining the uplink cellular communication signals based at least in part on the configuration; and (c) route the steered uplink cellular communication signals to at least one of the one or more of the small cell devices based at least in part on the configuration.

Clause 112: the method of clause 111, wherein the downlink cellular communication signal has been modulated.

Clause 113: the method of clause 112, wherein the downstream cellular communication signal has been modulated to a baseband frequency or Intermediate Frequency (IF) prior to routing to the at least one RAU.

Clause 114: the method of any one of clauses 111 to 113, wherein the uplink cellular communication signal has been modulated.

Clause 115: the method of clause 114, wherein the upstream cellular communication signals have been modulated to a baseband frequency or Intermediate Frequency (IF) prior to being routed to the one or more small cell devices.

Clause 116: the method of any one of clauses 111-115, wherein manipulating the downlink cellular communication signal comprises separating the downlink cellular communication signal into a plurality of channels corresponding to a plurality of RAUs to which the manipulated downlink cellular communication signal is routed.

Clause 117: the method of any one of clauses 111 to 116, wherein manipulating the downlink cellular communication signals comprises combining downlink cellular communication signals from two or more small cell devices to one channel routed to a single RAU.

Clause 118: the method of any one of clauses 111-117, wherein manipulating the uplink cellular communication signal comprises separating the uplink cellular communication signal from a single RAU into a plurality of channels corresponding to a plurality of small cell devices to which the manipulated uplink cellular communication signal is routed.

Clause 119: the method of any one of clauses 111-118, wherein manipulating the uplink cellular communication signals comprises combining uplink cellular communication signals from two or more RAUs to one channel routed to a single small cell device.

Clause 120: the method of any one of clauses 111 to 119, wherein the small cell device is provided in the facility.

Clause 121: the method of any one of clauses 111-120, wherein the RAU is disposed in the facility.

Clause 122: the method of any one of clauses 111 to 121, wherein the small cell device and the RAU are operatively coupled to a network of the facility.

Clause 123: the method of clause 122, wherein the configuration is obtained via the network.

Clause 124: the method of any of clauses 122 or 123, wherein the network comprises a cable.

Clause 125: the method of clause 124, wherein the cable comprises an optical cable and/or a coaxial cable.

Clause 126: the method of any of clauses 124 or 125, wherein the steered downlink cellular communication signals are routed to the at least one RAU via the cable.

Clause 127: the method of any one of clauses 124 to 126, wherein the cable is configured to transmit power and communication signals.

Clause 128: the method of any one of clauses 124 to 127, wherein a cable of the cables is configured to transmit power, cellular communication signals, and communication signals of at least one other communication type.

Clause 129: the method of any of clauses 124 to 128, wherein a cable of the cables is at least partially disposed in an enclosure of the facility.

Clause 130: the method of clause 129, wherein the facility comprises a building.

Clause 131: the method of clause 130, wherein the cable is disposed at least partially in an enclosure of the building.

Clause 132: the method of any one of clauses 124 to 131, wherein the cable is a first cable system installed in the facility.

Clause 133: an apparatus for routing signals in a facility, the apparatus comprising at least one controller configured to perform or direct one or more operations of performing any one of the methods of clauses 111-132.

Clause 134: an apparatus for routing signals in a facility, the apparatus comprising at least one controller configured to: receiving a configuration for routing cellular communication signals between a small cell device associated with the facility and a Radio Access Unit (RAU) associated with the facility or directing its reception; and routing the cellular communication signals between or directing the routing of the cellular communication signals between one or more of the small cell devices and one or more of the RAUs, wherein routing the cellular communication signals between the one or more of the small cell devices and the one or more of the RAUs comprises: (i) (a) receiving a downlink cellular communication signal from or directing reception of at least one of the one or more of the small cell devices; (B) Steering or directing the steering of the downlink cellular communication signals by separating and/or combining the downlink cellular communication signals based at least in part on the configuration; and (C) route or direct the steered downlink cellular communication signals to at least one of the one or more of the RAUs based at least in part on the configuration; and/or (ii) (a) receiving or directing reception of an uplink cellular communication signal from at least one of the one or more of the RAUs; (b) Manipulating or directing manipulation of the uplink cellular communication signals at least in part by separating and/or combining the uplink cellular communication signals based at least in part on the configuration; and (c) route the steered uplink cellular communication signals to at least one of the one or more of the small cell devices based at least in part on the configuration.

Clause 135: a non-transitory computer readable program instructions for routing signals in a facility, which when read by one or more processors cause the one or more processors to perform or direct performance of one or more operations of any one of the methods of clauses 111-132. Clause 136: a non-transitory computer-readable program instruction for routing signals in a facility, which when read by one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: receiving a configuration for routing cellular communication signals between a small cell device associated with the facility and a Radio Access Unit (RAU) associated with the facility or directing its reception; and routing or directing the routing of the cellular communication signals between one or more of the small cell devices and one or more of the RAUs, wherein routing or directing the cellular communication signals between the one or more of the small cell devices and the one or more of the RAUs comprises: (i) (a) receiving a downlink cellular communication signal from or directing reception of at least one of the one or more of the small cell devices; (B) Steering or directing the steering of the downlink cellular communication signals by separating and/or combining the downlink cellular communication signals based at least in part on the configuration; and (C) route or direct the steered downlink cellular communication signals to at least one of the one or more of the RAUs based at least in part on the configuration; and/or (ii) (a) receiving or directing reception of an uplink cellular communication signal from at least one of the one or more of the RAUs; (b) Manipulating or directing manipulation of the uplink cellular communication signals at least in part by separating and/or combining the uplink cellular communication signals based at least in part on the configuration; and (c) route the steered uplink cellular communication signals to or direct the routing of at least one of the one or more of the small cell devices based at least in part on the configuration.

Clause 137: a system for routing signals in a facility, the system comprising one or more small cell devices associated with the facility and one or more Radio Access Units (RAUs) associated with the facility, and at least one controller configured to facilitate one or more operations of any of the methods according to clauses 111-132.

Clause 138: a system for routing signals in a facility, the system comprising: a network in the facility; a small cell device operatively coupled to the network;

a Radio Access Unit (RAU) operatively coupled to the network; and a router operatively coupled to the network, the router configured to: receiving a configuration for routing cellular communication signals between a small cell device associated with the facility and a Radio Access Unit (RAU) associated with the facility or directing its reception; and routing the cellular communication signals between or directing the routing of the cellular communication signals between one or more of the small cell devices and one or more of the RAUs, wherein routing the cellular communication signals between the one or more of the small cell devices and the one or more of the RAUs comprises: (i) (a) receiving a downlink cellular communication signal from or directing reception of at least one of the one or more of the small cell devices; (B) Manipulating the downlink cellular communication signals by separating and/or combining the downlink cellular communication signals based at least in part on the configuration; and (C) route the steered downlink cellular communication signals to at least one of the one or more of the RAUs based at least in part on the configuration; and/or (ii) (a) receiving or directing reception of an uplink cellular communication signal from at least one of the one or more of the RAUs; (b) Manipulating the uplink cellular communication signals at least in part by separating and/or combining the uplink cellular communication signals based at least in part on the configuration; and (c) route the steered uplink cellular communication signals to at least one of the one or more of the small cell devices based at least in part on the configuration.

Clause 139: the system of clause 138, wherein the router comprises one or more processors.

Claims

1. A method of routing signals in a facility, the method comprising:

identifying a small cell device and a Radio Access Unit (RAU) operatively coupled to a network of the facility;

receiving one or more inputs over the network;

determining a configuration for routing cellular communication signals between one or more of the small cell devices and one or more of the RAUs, the configuration based at least in part on the one or more inputs; and

the cellular communication signals are routed between the one or more of the small cell devices and the one or more of the RAUs based at least in part on the configuration.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the small cell device is disposed in the facility.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the RAU is disposed in the facility.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the network is operatively coupled to one or more sensors of the facility.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more inputs are associated with occupancy of personnel in the facility.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more inputs comprise scheduling information, occupancy information, sensor data, or any combination thereof.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the sensor data comprises electromagnetic radiation data.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the sensor data comprises a geolocation signal.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the geolocation signal comprises a global positioning system signal, an ultra wideband signal, a short range wireless signal, or any combination thereof.

10. The method of claim 6, wherein the sensor data includes thermal characteristics associated with one or more persons.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the configuration is determined in real-time during reception of the cellular communication signal.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the network is operatively coupled to one or more controllers.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more controllers are configured to control at least one device.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one device comprises (i) a service device, (ii) a security device, (iii) a security device, and/or (iv) a health device.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the service device comprises a media player, a media display, a radio, a music player, a heater, a cooler, a ventilator, a lighting, a tintable window, an automatic door, or a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the service device is configured to adjust an environment of the facility.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the cellular communication signal arrives at the small cell device directly from a service provider.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the configuring dynamically routes the cellular communication signals based at least in part on occupancy in one or more portions of the facility.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein the configuring is based at least in part on occupancy in the facility.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein the configuring is based at least in part on occupancy of a user of the cellular communication signal in the facility.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein routing the cellular communication signals between the one or more of the small cell devices and the one or more of the RAUs based at least in part on the configuration comprises transmitting information indicative of the configuration to a router associated with the facility, the router configurable to perform routing the cellular communication signals between the one or more of the small cell devices and the one or more of the RAUs.

22. An apparatus for routing signals in a facility, the apparatus comprising at least one controller configured to perform or direct one or more operations of performing any one of the methods of claims 1-21.

23. A non-transitory computer program instruction for routing signals in a facility, which when read by one or more processors causes the one or more processors to perform or direct performance of one or more operations of any one of the methods of claims 1-21.

24. A system for routing signals in a facility, the system comprising a network disposed in the facility; one or more small cell devices operatively coupled to the network; and one or more RAUs operatively coupled to the network; the network is configured to facilitate one or more operations of any one of the methods of claims 1-21.

25. A method of changing a communication characteristic in a facility, the method comprising:

obtaining a configuration for routing signals between one or more small cell devices associated with the facility and one or more Radio Access Units (RAUs) associated with the facility;

Obtaining usage information associated with the facility, wherein the usage information indicates current or expected small cell device usage of a mobile device associated with the facility;

determining one or more parameters associated with: (I) Based at least in part on the configured channel sharing protocol for two or more small cell devices allocated to an RAU of the one or more RAUs, (II) based at least in part on a transmit or receive power specification of the usage information for one or more components associated with the facility, or (III) any combination thereof; and

providing the one or more parameters associated with: (i) the channel sharing protocol for the two or more small cell devices, (ii) the transmit or receive power specification for the one or more components associated with the facility, or (iii) any combination thereof.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the usage information is based on data from one or more sensors of the facility.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein the usage information comprises scheduling information, occupancy information, or any combination thereof.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the scheduling information comprises calendar information associated with the facility.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the calendar information indicates scheduled events at one or more locations of the facility.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein the occupancy information comprises a current occupancy at one or more locations of the facility.

31. The method of claim 27, wherein the occupancy information comprises future occupancy at one or more locations of the facility.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the future occupancy is predicted by a machine learning model trained to predict the future occupancy at the one or more locations of the facility.

33. The method of claim 25, wherein the one or more parameters are determined based on a noise level in the facility.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the noise level in the facility is based on a current or planned configuration in the facility.

35. The method of claim 25, wherein determining the one or more parameters associated with the channel sharing protocol comprises determining two or more channels corresponding to the two or more small cell devices allocated to the one RAU.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the channel sharing protocol comprises Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA).

37. The method of claim 25, wherein the one or more components comprise a head-end router associated with the facility, one or more of the one or more RAUs, one or more antennas operatively coupled to the one or more RAUs, or any combination thereof.

38. An apparatus for changing communication characteristics in a facility, the apparatus comprising at least one controller configured to perform or direct one or more operations of performing any one of the methods of claims 25-37.

39. A non-transitory computer readable program instructions for changing communication characteristics in a facility, which when read by one or more processors cause the one or more processors to perform or direct performance of one or more operations of any one of the methods of claims 25-37.

40. A system for changing communication characteristics in a facility, the system comprising one or more small cell devices associated with the facility and one or more RAUs associated with the facility, and at least one controller configured to facilitate one or more operations of any of the methods of claims 25-37.

41. A method of routing signals in a facility, the method comprising:

receiving a configuration for routing cellular communication signals between a small cell device associated with the facility and a Radio Access Unit (RAU) associated with the facility; and

routing the cellular communication signals between one or more of the small cell devices and one or more of the RAUs, wherein routing the cellular communication signals between the one or more of the small cell devices and the one or more of the RAUs comprises:

(i) (a) receiving a downlink cellular communication signal from at least one of the one or more of the small cell devices; (B) Manipulating the downlink cellular communication signals at least in part by separating and/or combining the downlink cellular communication signals based at least in part on the configuration; and (C) route the steered downlink cellular communication signals to at least one of the one or more of the RAUs based at least in part on the configuration;

and/or

(ii) (a) receiving an uplink cellular communication signal from at least one of the one or more of the RAUs; (b) Manipulating the uplink cellular communication signals by separating and/or combining the uplink cellular communication signals based at least in part on the configuration; and (c) route the steered uplink cellular communication signals to at least one of the one or more of the small cell devices based at least in part on the configuration.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein the downstream cellular communication signal has been modulated.

43. The method according to claim 42, wherein the downstream cellular communication signal has been modulated to a baseband frequency or an Intermediate Frequency (IF) before being routed to the at least one RAU.

44. The method of claim 41, wherein the upstream cellular communication signal has been modulated.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein the upstream cellular communication signal has been modulated to a baseband frequency or an Intermediate Frequency (IF) prior to being routed to the one or more small cell devices.

46. The method of claim 41, wherein manipulating the downlink cellular communication signals comprises separating the downlink cellular communication signals into a plurality of channels corresponding to a plurality of RAUs to which the manipulated downlink cellular communication signals are routed.

47. The method of claim 41, wherein manipulating the downlink cellular communication signals comprises combining downlink cellular communication signals from two or more small cell devices into one channel routed to a single RAU.

48. The method of claim 41, wherein manipulating the uplink cellular communication signal comprises separating the uplink cellular communication signal from a single RAU into a plurality of channels corresponding to a plurality of small cell devices to which the manipulated uplink cellular communication signal is routed.

49. The method of claim 41, wherein manipulating the uplink cellular communication signals comprises combining uplink cellular communication signals from two or more RAUs to one channel routed to a single small cell device.

50. The method of claim 41, wherein the small cell device is disposed in the facility.

51. The method of claim 41, wherein the RAU is provided in the facility.

52. The method of claim 41, wherein the small cell device and the RAU are operatively coupled to a network of the facility.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein the configuration is obtained via the network.

54. An apparatus for routing signals in a facility, the apparatus comprising at least one controller configured to perform or direct one or more operations of performing any one of the methods of claims 41-53.

55. A non-transitory computer readable program instructions for routing signals in a facility, which when read by one or more processors cause the one or more processors to perform or direct performance of one or more operations of any one of the methods of claims 41-53.

56. A system for routing signals in a facility, the system comprising one or more small cell devices associated with the facility and one or more Radio Access Units (RAUs) associated with the facility, and at least one controller configured to facilitate one or more operations of any of the methods of claims 41-53.