JP2018531372A6 - System and method for measuring the location of a wireless sensor node in a network architecture with mesh-based features for location - Google Patents

Abstract

  Disclosed herein are systems and methods for measuring the location of wireless sensor nodes in a network architecture having mesh-based features. In one example, a computer-implemented method for locating a node in a wireless network causes the processing logic of the hub to cause the wireless network having the node to be first for a first time interval for locating. Configuration as a network architecture. The method uses at least one of frequency channel multiplex communication, frequency channel stepping communication, multi-channel wideband communication, and ultra-wideband communication for at least one of time-of-flight and signal strength techniques, depending on the processing logic of the hub. Further comprising determining to locate the two nodes. The method further includes configuring the wireless network with a second network architecture having narrowband communication upon location completion.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application was filed on August 19, 2015, entitled System and Method for Measuring the Location of Wireless Sensor Nodes in a Network Architecture with Mesh-Based Features for Location U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 830,671 and filed August 19, 2015, entitled System and Method for Measuring the Location of Wireless Sensor Nodes in Tree Network Architecture with Mesh-Based Features US patent application Ser. No. 14 / 830,668 claims priority and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

  This application relates to US patent application Ser. No. 14 / 607,050, filed Jan. 27, 2015, and system based on a system and method for measuring the location of wireless sensor nodes in an asymmetric network architecture. US patent application Ser. No. 14 / 830,668, filed Aug. 19, 2015, for a system and method for measuring the location of wireless sensor nodes in a tree network architecture having the following characteristics:

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for measuring the location of wireless sensor nodes in a network architecture having mesh-based features for localization.

  Wireless sensor networks have been studied for many years in the consumer electronics industry and the computer industry. In a typical wireless sensor network, one or more sensors are implemented in conjunction with a radio that enables wireless collection of data from one or more sensor nodes located within the network. Each sensor node can include one or more sensors, including a radio and a power source to support the operation of the sensor node. Node location within an indoor wireless network is useful and important in many applications. For example, in a wireless sensor network, location knowledge can add context to the sensed data. In one example, knowledge of the location in the temperature sensing network can enable mapping of temperature variations. Therefore, it is desirable for the system and method to enable location of nodes within a wireless network. Prior art wireless location systems generally function by measuring the time of flight of wireless transmissions between nodes to estimate distance. Yet another prior art wireless location system works by measuring the incident signal strength and using this information to estimate the distance between the transmitting and receiving nodes. The individual distances between the different pairs of nodes are then used to estimate the relative position of each individual node by triangulation. Unfortunately, there can be several problems with this process. First, in low-power environments where nodes do not transmit and receive as often, the location process may be slow or impossible, while fast, accurate and robust location sends repetitive data bursts. Excess power can be consumed. Second, in a tree-like network, a sufficient number of path lengths cannot be established between node pairs, so triangulation may not be possible. Third, in indoor environments, location with limited accuracy can interfere with the measurement of a particular room where a particular node is located, for example, the accuracy that can be used is It may interfere with the measurement of which side is located.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, disclosed herein is a system and method for measuring the location of wireless sensor nodes in a network architecture having mesh-based features.

  In one example, an apparatus for providing a wireless network architecture includes a memory for storing instructions, one or more processing units that execute instructions for locating nodes in the wireless network architecture, and a wireless network. And radio frequency (RF) circuitry including a plurality of antennas for transmitting and receiving communications within the architecture. The RF circuit is a plurality of sensor nodes, each having a wireless device with a transmitter and a receiver that allows two-way communication with the RF circuits of the devices in the wireless network architecture. Send communication. One or more processing units configure the sensor node as a first network architecture for a first time period for localization, and frequency channel multiplex communication for at least one of time-of-flight and signal strength techniques ( configured to determine at least two nodes using at least one of frequency channel overlapping communication, frequency channel stepping communication, multi-channel wideband communication, and ultra-wideband communication. . The one or more processing units are further configured to execute instructions for configuring the wireless network architecture with the second network architecture having narrowband communication upon completion of location.

In another example, a computer-implemented method for locating a node in a wireless network causes a hub processing logic to cause a wireless network having a node to be located during a first period for locating. Including configuring as a first network architecture. The method uses at least one of frequency channel multiplex communication, frequency channel stepping communication, multi-channel wideband communication, and ultra-wideband communication for at least one of time-of-flight and signal strength techniques, depending on the processing logic of the hub. Further comprising determining to locate the two nodes. The method further includes configuring the wireless network with a second network architecture having narrowband communication upon completion of location via hub processing logic.

  In one example, the system includes a hub for monitoring sensor nodes in the wireless network architecture. The hub includes one or more processing units and RF circuitry for transmitting and receiving communications within the wireless network architecture. Each sensor node has a wireless device with a transmitter and a receiver that allows two-way communication with a hub in the wireless network architecture. One or more processing units of the hub configure the system using a tree architecture for communication between the hub and the sensor nodes, detect changes in the range or position of at least one sensor node, Instructions that configure the system are executed using a temporary mesh-based architecture to determine position information for a plurality of sensor nodes based on detection of a change in position.

  In another example, a computer-implemented method for locating a node in a wireless network comprises configuring a wireless network having a node as a mesh-based network architecture for a period of time, with hub processing logic. Including. The computer-implemented method includes determining by hub processing logic to locate at least two nodes using time of flight and / or signal strength techniques. When the location of at least two nodes is complete, the time of flight measurement is terminated if the time of flight measurement has been performed by the processing logic of the hub. The computer-implemented method further includes configuring the wireless network in a tree-based or tree-like network architecture upon location completion by hub processing logic.

  Other features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows below.

  Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements.

1 illustrates an exemplary system of wireless nodes, according to one embodiment. 1 illustrates a system primarily having a tree network architecture capable of meshed network functionality, according to one embodiment. 1 illustrates a system primarily having a tree network architecture capable of meshed network functionality, according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 illustrates a transmission signal and a reception signal between nodes for estimating time of flight according to an embodiment. 1 illustrates a system that can have a tree network architecture and a mesh network architecture, according to one embodiment. 1 illustrates a network architecture for measuring node location, according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates a network architecture for identifying objects (eg, walls, floors, etc.), according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates a network architecture for identifying objects (eg, walls, floors, etc.), according to one embodiment. 6 illustrates a method for triggering node position estimation upon detection of a change in signal strength, according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 shows a diagram 900 for node location using channel stepping, according to one embodiment. FIG. 972 illustrates a diagram 972 for node location using channel overlapping, according to another embodiment. FIG. 974 shows a diagram 974 for node location using non-sequential channel selection, according to another embodiment. FIG. 910 shows a diagram 910 for determining a phase for channel superposition, according to another embodiment. FIG. 100 shows a diagram 1000 for locating nodes with simultaneous use of multiple channels, according to one embodiment. FIG. 12 shows a diagram 1100 for node location with temporary use of ultra-wideband, according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates a method for performing node location estimation upon detection of a change in signal strength, according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of a method for performing sensor location with respect to a wireless asymmetric network architecture, according to one embodiment. 6 illustrates the use of multiple antennas and a multi-path environment of a device (eg, a hub) that enables sensor localization according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates the use of multiple hubs, each having a single antenna, to achieve location according to one embodiment. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a hub implemented as a power outlet panel 800, according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a hub 820 implemented as a panel for a power outlet, according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a hub implemented as a computer system, device, or card for placement in a communication hub, according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a hub 964 implemented as a computer system, device, or card for placement in a communication hub, according to one embodiment. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a hub implemented in a device (eg, smart washing machine, smart refrigerator, smart thermostat, other smart device, etc.), according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a hub 1684 implemented in a device (eg, smart washing machine, smart refrigerator, smart thermostat, other smart device, etc.), according to one embodiment. 1 shows a block diagram of a sensor node according to one embodiment. FIG. FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of a system or device 1800 having a hub, according to one embodiment.

  Disclosed herein are systems and methods for measuring the location of wireless sensor nodes in a tree network architecture having mesh-based features. In one example, the system includes a hub for monitoring sensor nodes in the wireless network architecture. The hub includes one or more processing units and RF circuitry for transmitting and receiving communications within the wireless network architecture. Each sensor node has a wireless device with a transmitter and a receiver that allows two-way communication with a hub in the wireless network architecture. One or more processing units of the hub configure the system using a tree architecture for communication between the hub and the sensor nodes, detect changes in the range or position of at least one sensor node, Instructions that configure the system are executed using a temporary mesh-based architecture to determine position information for a plurality of sensor nodes based on detection of a change in position.

  Disclosed herein are systems and methods for measuring the location of wireless sensor nodes in a network architecture having mesh-based features for at least partially localization. In one example, an apparatus for providing a wireless network architecture includes a memory for storing instructions, one or more processing units that execute instructions for locating nodes in the wireless network architecture, and a wireless network. And radio frequency (RF) circuitry including a plurality of antennas for transmitting and receiving communications within the architecture. The RF circuit is a plurality of sensor nodes, each having a wireless device with a transmitter and a receiver that allows two-way communication with the RF circuits of the devices in the wireless network architecture. Send communication. One or more processing units configure the sensor node as a first network architecture for a first period for localization and frequency channel multiplex communication for at least one of time-of-flight and signal strength techniques; It is configured to determine to locate at least two nodes using at least one of frequency channel stepping communication, multi-channel wideband communication, and ultra-wideband communication. The one or more processing units are further configured to execute instructions for configuring the wireless network architecture with the second network architecture having narrowband communication upon completion of location.

  Accordingly, there is a need for a location system and method that enables accurate, low power, context-aware location of nodes in a wireless network, particularly in an indoor environment. For this purpose, indoor environments are assumed to include nearly indoor environments, such as areas around buildings and other structures, where there may be similar problems (eg, the presence of nearby walls, etc.).

  Wireless sensor networks are described for use in indoor environments including homes, apartments, offices, and commercial buildings as well as nearby outdoor locations such as parking lots, sidewalks, and parks. The wireless sensor network can also be used in any type of building, structure, enclosure, vehicle, boat, etc. that has a power source. The sensor system provides good battery life for sensor nodes while maintaining long communication distances.

  Embodiments of the present invention provide a system, apparatus, and method for location detection in an indoor environment. Specifically, the system, apparatus, and method have wireless mesh that primarily uses a tree network structure for communication, with intermittent mesh-based features for path length estimation when localization is required. Perform location in the sensor network. The wireless sensor network improves location accuracy while providing good quality indoor communications by using high frequencies for location and using low frequencies for communications. The wireless sensor network of this design improves the detection of walls and indoor obstacles, and thus uses a combination of both signal strength and time of flight to estimate the presence of walls and obstacles. Allows estimation of the context of. The wireless sensor network of this design uses other sensor schemes such as image detection, magneto-metric detection, and illumination detection in conjunction with wireless localization to improve localization accuracy and contextualization. Use.

  The wireless sensor network of this design allows stationary objects such as equipment powered by electrical trunks as one or more nodes for path length detection to enable tethered estimation of position. Use. The wireless sensor network of this design saves location-specific energy by using periodic low energy signal strength estimation to detect position changes, and when detecting position changes, Use real time-of-flight triangulation-based estimation and remap the network as needed. The wireless sensor network of this design improves location accuracy by using multiple frequency channels sequentially or together to improve channel quality, thereby enabling higher accuracy of location estimation To. The wireless sensor network of this design uses angle of arrival estimation achieved by using multiple antennas at one or more nodes to eliminate or reduce spurious location estimation due to reflected signals. Improve location accuracy.

  Tree-like wireless sensor networks are attractive for many applications because of the low power requirements associated with radio signal reception capabilities. Exemplary tree-like network architectures include US patent application 14 / 607,045 filed January 29, 2015, US patent application 14 / 607,047 filed January 29, 2015. US patent application Ser. No. 14 / 607,048 filed Jan. 29, 2015, and US Patent Application No. 14 / 607,050 filed Jan. 29, 2015, and , All of which are incorporated herein by reference.

  Another type of wireless network that is often used is a mesh network. In this network, communication occurs between one or more neighbors, when information can be passed along the network using a multi-hop architecture. This can be used to lower transmit power requirements because information is transmitted over shorter distances. On the other hand, the receiving radio power requirement can be high because the receiving radio needs to be frequently turned on to enable a multi-hop communication scheme.

  Based on the use of time-of-flight signals between nodes in a wireless network, the distance between individual node pairs in the wireless network can be estimated by taking advantage of the fact that the speed of signal propagation is relatively constant. Is possible. Embodiments of the present network architecture make it possible to measure multiple pairs of path lengths, perform triangulation, and then estimate the relative position of individual nodes in 3D space.

  FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system of wireless nodes according to one embodiment. The exemplary system 100 includes wireless nodes 110-116.

  Nodes communicate bi-directionally via communications 120-130 (eg, node identification information, sensor data, node status information, synchronization information, location information, other similar information regarding wireless sensor networks, time of flight (TOF) communications, etc.) To communicate. Based on the use of time-of-flight measurements, the path length between individual node pairs can be estimated. For example, individual time-of-flight measurements between nodes 110 and 111 can be achieved by sending signals from node 110 to node 111 at known times. Node 111 may receive the signal, record a time stamp related to the reception of the signal of communication 120, and then send, for example, a return signal back to A along with a time stamp related to the transmission of the return signal. Node 110 receives the signal and records a time stamp for the reception. Based on these two transmission timestamps and reception timestamps, an average flight time between node 110 and node 111 can be estimated. This process can be repeated multiple times at multiple frequencies to improve accuracy and eliminate or reduce degradation due to low channel quality at a particular frequency. By repeating this process for various node pairs, a set of path lengths can be estimated. For example, in FIG. 1, the path length is TOF 150-160. Then, by using a geometric model, the relative position of individual nodes can be estimated based on a process such as triangulation.

  This triangulation process cannot be performed in a tree-like network because it can only measure the path length between any node and hub. This therefore limits the location capabilities of the tree network. In order to maintain the energy benefits of a tree network while enabling location, one embodiment of the present invention combines a tree network for communication with a mesh network function for location. Once the location is completed using the mesh network function, the network switches back to tree-like communication and only the time of flight between the node and the hub is periodically measured. If these flight times are kept relatively constant, the network considers the node not moving and does not waste energy trying to re-execute mesh-based localization. On the other hand, if a change in path length in the tree network is detected, the network switches to a mesh-based system and triangulates again to measure the position of each node in the network.

  FIG. 2A shows a system mainly having a tree network architecture capable of mesh network function according to an embodiment. The system 200 is for standard communications (eg, node identification information, sensor information, node status information, synchronization information, location information, other similar information regarding wireless sensor networks, time of flight (TOF) communications, etc.). Mainly having a tree network architecture, the system 200 includes a hub 210 having a wireless control device 211, a sensor node 220 having a wireless device 221, a sensor node 224 having a wireless device 225, and a sensor node 228 having a wireless device 229. And a sensor node 230 having a wireless device 231 and a sensor node 232 having a wireless device 233. Other hubs not shown can communicate with the hub 210 or other hubs. Each hub communicates bidirectionally with the sensor nodes 220, 224, 228, 230, and 232. The hub may also communicate with other devices (eg, client devices, mobile devices, tablet devices, computing devices, smart appliances). , Smart TV, etc.) designed to communicate bi-directionally.

  A sensor node is a terminal node when it performs only upstream communication with a higher-level hub or node and does not perform downstream communication with another hub or node. Each wireless device includes an RF circuit having a transmitter and receiver (or transceiver) that allows bi-directional communication with a hub or other sensor node.

  In one embodiment, hub 210 communicates with nodes 220, 224, 228, 230, and 232. These communications include wireless asymmetric network architecture two-way communications 240-244. A hub having a wireless control device 7211 is configured to send communications to and receive communications from other hubs to control and monitor the wireless asymmetric network architecture.

  FIG. 2B shows a system mainly having a tree network architecture capable of mesh network function according to an embodiment. The system 250 is for measuring hub and sensor node positions based on triggers of threshold criteria (eg, movement of a specific distance of at least one node, change of a specific distance of a path length between the node and the hub). Establish a mesh network architecture. System 250 includes similar components, such as hub 210 and nodes 220, 224, 228, 230, and 232 of FIG. 2A. Hub 210 includes wireless device 211, sensor node 220 includes wireless device 221, sensor node 224 includes wireless device 225, sensor node 228 includes wireless device 229, sensor node 230 includes wireless device 231, and sensor Node 232 includes a wireless device 233. Other hubs not shown can communicate with hub 210 or other hubs. Hub 210 communicates bidirectionally with sensor nodes 220, 224, 228, 230, and 232.

  In one embodiment, hub 210 communicates with nodes 220, 224, 228, 230, and 232. These communications include wireless asymmetric network architecture two-way communications 240-244. The sensor nodes communicate bi-directionally with each other based on communications 261-266 to provide a mesh-like function for measuring the position of the hub and sensor nodes.

  Time of flight estimation can be performed in several ways. In the first embodiment, the zero crossings of the transmitted and received signals are used to estimate the time of flight. FIG. 3 shows a transmission signal and a reception signal between nodes for estimating a flight time according to an embodiment. In this system, the position accuracy is limited by the frequency of the signal. A higher frequency provides a finer time granularity of zero crossings, thereby allowing a more accurate estimation of time of flight. With respect to the transmit and receive signals shown in FIG. 3, node 110 transmits the transmit (TX) signal of node 110 at time t_T110 (this timing information may be encoded, for example, in the packet itself). The node 111 receives the reception (RX) signal of the node 111 at time t_R111. The time of flight (TOF) 310 of this transaction is t_R111 minus t_T110.

  Next, the node 111 performs an internal operation (for example, an operation for calculating a flight time and encoding this in a return packet and an operation for encoding an expected transmission time t_T111), and responding to the time t_T111 ( Node 111 TX). This is received at node 110 at time t_R111. Accordingly, the time-of-flight (TOF) 330 is the time point t_R110 minus the time point t_T111. The response time 320 is a time obtained by subtracting t_R111 from r_T111. Next, the average flight time is calculated based on the bidirectional transmission. Since the individual clocks of nodes 110 and 111 may not be synchronized, the use of bi-directional transmission allows estimation of time of flight without requiring clock synchronization.

  In one example, the time t_T 110 and the time t_R 110 are measured at the node 110. The time point t_T111 and the time point t_R111 are measured by the node 111. Average time of flight (TOF) = ((t_R110−t_T110) − (t_T111−t_R111)) / 2.

  Note that the accuracy of the estimation is also limited by the radio sampling bandwidth used. If the accuracy of the estimation based on the radio clock frequency used (and therefore the associated sampling bandwidth) is insufficient, a correlator can be used to obtain a higher effective accuracy. In such an embodiment, despite the fact that the sampling rate limits the accuracy of the timing measurement, peak position interpolation is performed using correlation operations to determine the actual effective arrival time. This is done by making multiple measurements.

  In indoor environments, the use of high frequencies for communication within a tree network can be problematic because of the increased attenuation that occurs in high frequencies in the actual environment. This requires the use of a higher power transmitter that may be undesirable to minimize power consumption.

  Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, communication occurs at a lower frequency (eg, 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz) using a tree-like network, while location is determined using a mesh network at a higher frequency ( For example, it is performed at 5 GHz or more.

  FIG. 4 illustrates a system that can have a tree network architecture and a mesh network architecture, according to one embodiment. During communication operations that do not involve ranging or locating operations, the tree network architecture 400 includes a hub 410 and sensor nodes 420-422. The hub communicates with the sensor node based on bidirectional communication 440-442. In one example, the radio of each node (eg, 900 MHz radio, 5 GHz radio) is used to transmit and receive data. Despite the use of tree network architecture 400 with longer distance transmissions, the lower attenuation that occurs at 900 MHz allows for a reduction in total power consumption during transmission. The 900 MHz transmission may be used for coarse time-of-flight or signal strength estimation, and may be used to trigger the remapping described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

  In alternative embodiments, higher frequency radios (eg, 5 GHz radios) may be used periodically to make a more accurate time-of-flight estimation between hubs and nodes in the tree network architecture. Good. This may be implemented, for example, as a higher frequency radio in both directions (eg, 5 GHz) or higher frequency radio from the hub to the node (eg, 5 GHz) and 900 MHz from the node to the hub. Hubs can have a lot of power available because they are connected to the electrical trunk, but nodes can be power constrained because they are battery powered, so use this architecture Thus, it is possible to reduce the battery consumption of the node while performing highly accurate position specification that can be tolerated as necessary.

  Based on the range change 430 between nodes and hubs, the tree network architecture is temporarily configured as a mesh-based network architecture 402 for node location. The mesh-based network architecture 402 includes a hub 410 and sensor nodes 420-422. The hub communicates with the sensor node based on two-way communication 440-445. After the location is complete, the mesh-based network architecture 402 can be configured as a tree network architecture 400 for standard communications.

  In one embodiment of the invention, one or more of the wireless nodes or hubs may be in a known fixed location. This may preferably be a hub or even one or more of the nodes. In this embodiment, since one of the network members (eg, hub, node) is in a known location, once the location algorithm is complete to measure the relative location of all nodes, the actual The position can be estimated. Because one of the nodes is known, the relative position of all other nodes with respect to this known reference is further known.

  FIG. 5 illustrates a network architecture for measuring the position of a node, according to one embodiment. Network architecture 500 includes a hub 502 and nodes 510-512. Hub 502 and nodes 510-512 communicate bi-directionally using communications 520-525. In one example, the hub 502 is at a known fixed location, for example, at a corner 550 of a known room 552. In alternative embodiments, the hub may be included in a known appliance such as a smart thermostat, smart refrigerator, or other similar device that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Time-of-flight and triangulation are used to estimate the relative distance of each node from a known hub, which in turn allows estimation of the absolute position of each node of the wireless sensor network.

  Another method for obtaining information about the distance between wireless radios in addition to time of flight is based on signal strength measurements. When the attenuation rate of the medium between the transmitter and the receiver is known, the separation distance between the nodes can be estimated by knowing the strengths of the transmission signal and the reception signal. Algorithms based on time-of-flight estimation and similar to signal strength estimation disclosed in embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented.

  One disadvantage of using signal strength is that the attenuation factor is strongly dependent on the material in the signal transmission path. For example, the attenuation in walls such as concrete is generally higher than in air.

  Therefore, it is generally desirable to use time of flight rather than signal strength for distance estimation. This is because flight time provides a more robust method of distance estimation that is independent of the presence of walls and the like. On the other hand, flight time is vulnerable to multipath problems. For example, if the straight path between two radios is largely blocked (eg, by a highly attenuated wall) but there is a path off the axis between the two radios, the reflected signal It is possible to reach the receiving radio instead of a straight path signal. In this case, the estimated distance becomes longer because the flight time becomes longer with reflection. This longer flight time can lead to an incorrect node map when used for triangulation. In one embodiment of the invention, both signal strength and time of flight are used for distance estimation.

  FIG. 6 illustrates a network architecture for identifying objects (eg, walls, floors, etc.), according to one embodiment. Network architecture 600 includes a hub 602 and a sensor node 610. The hub transmits a TOF signal 640 to determine time-of-flight information for estimating the distance from the hub to the sensor. The signal strength information can be determined from standard communications transmitted between the hub and the node. Signal strength region 650 shows how signal strength is significantly attenuated due to object 620 (eg, a wall). If the time-of-flight information indicates a significantly shorter distance than the signal strength information (eg, at least 10% shorter distance, at least 20% shorter distance, 10-30% shorter distance, 10-50% shorter distance, etc.) Indicates that an attenuation element or object is present in the signal path, such as a wall, as shown in FIG. Thus, the use of both signal strength and time-of-flight parameters can allow for the identification of objects such as walls and improve localization.

  FIG. 7 illustrates a network architecture for identifying objects (eg, walls, floors, etc.), according to one embodiment. Network architecture 700 includes a hub 702 and a sensor node 710. The hub transmits a TOF signal 740 to determine time-of-flight information for estimating the distance from the hub to the sensor. The signal strength information can be determined or extracted from standard communications transmitted between the hub and the node. The signal strength region 750 shows how the signal strength is slightly attenuated due to the object 720 (eg, a wall). The time-of-flight information indicates a distance between nodes (between the hub and the node) that is significantly longer than the distance estimated from the signal strength (for example, at least 10% longer distance, at least 20% longer distance, etc.) This may indicate that there is a reflection (eg, reflected signal 742) that misleads the timing of the main TOF signal 740.

  Thus, using both of these measurement techniques, the quality and accuracy of localization can be greatly improved.

  By combining signal strength measurement and time of flight, it is possible to save power. In one embodiment of the present invention, once localization and triangulation are completed using at least one of time-of-flight and / or signal strength measurements, the hub always tracks the signal strength for each node, and vice versa. The estimation of signal strength is quick and does not require as much transmission data as estimated by time of flight. As a result, using this technique, it is possible to reduce power consumption and re-trigger position estimation only when the hub detects a confirmed robust non-temporary signal strength change.

  FIG. 8 illustrates a method for triggering node location estimation upon detection of a change in signal strength, according to one embodiment. The operations of method 800 may be performed by a wireless device, a wireless control device of a hub (eg, an apparatus), or a system that includes processing circuitry or processing logic. The processing logic may include hardware (circuitry, dedicated logic, etc.), software (such as is run on a general purpose computer system or a dedicated machine or device), or a combination of both. In one embodiment, the hub performs the operations of method 800.

  In operation 801, a hub having a radio frequency (RF) circuit and at least one antenna transmits communication to a plurality of sensor nodes in a wireless network architecture (eg, a wireless asymmetric network architecture). In operation 802, the RF circuit of the hub and the at least one antenna are a plurality of sensor nodes, each having a transmitter and a receiver that enable bidirectional communication with the RF circuit of the hub in the wireless network architecture. Receive communications from a plurality of sensor nodes having wireless devices with them. In operation 803, the processing logic of the hub with the wireless control device initially configures the sensor node's wireless network as a mesh-based network architecture for a period of time (eg, a predetermined period, a period sufficient for location, etc.). To do. In operation 804, the hub processing logic locates at least two nodes (or all nodes) using at least one of the time-of-flight and signal strength techniques described in the various embodiments disclosed herein. Decide what to do. In operation 806, upon locating at least two network sensor nodes, the hub processing logic terminates the time-of-flight measurement if a time-of-flight measurement has been performed and determines the signal strength of communication with the at least two nodes. Keep monitoring. Similarly, at least two nodes may monitor the signal strength of communication with the hub. In operation 808, the hub processing logic configures the wireless network with a tree-based or tree-like network architecture (or tree architecture without mesh-based features) upon location completion. In operation 810, the hub processing logic may receive information from at least one of the sensor nodes indicating whether a sustained change in signal strength has occurred. Next, in operation 812, the hub processing logic determines whether there has been a persistent change in signal strength for a particular node (by itself or based on information received from at least one of the sensor nodes). To do. If so, the method returns to operation 802, where the hub processing logic configures the network as a mesh-based network architecture for a period of time, and in operation 804, the time of flight and signal strength disclosed herein. Re-trigger location using at least one of the techniques (eg, time-of-flight and signal strength techniques). Otherwise, if there is no persistent change in signal strength for a particular node, the method returns to operation 808 and the network is either a tree-based or tree-like network architecture (or a tree architecture without mesh-based features). ).

  One of the problems with wireless-based location is that channel quality degradation or fluctuations can affect location accuracy and precision. Many of these disturbances affect narrowband transmission. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the position location technique described above measures using a plurality of channels in a specific frequency band in sequence, thereby effectively increasing the measurement bandwidth and measuring accuracy. And improve accuracy. In another embodiment of the present invention, during localization, these techniques are implemented with a temporarily wider bandwidth by occupying more than one channel in a particular frequency band. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the localization is performed using ultra wideband transmission. These various embodiments are shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 9A shows a diagram 900 for node location using channel stepping, according to one embodiment. Diagram 900 shows a frequency band 950 having frequency channels 971-974 on the vertical axis versus time on the horizontal axis. The localization techniques described herein (eg, time of flight, signal strength) are performed by stepping various channels (eg, 971-973) within the available frequency band 950. The advantage of this approach is that narrowband radios (e.g., RF circuit hub radios, RF circuit sensor node radios) can be used to effectively achieve broadband localization. To take advantage of this approach, it is necessary to maintain a controlled time base throughout the duration of this measurement.

  FIG. 9B shows a diagram 972 for node location using channel superposition according to another embodiment. FIG. 972 shows a frequency band 980 with frequency channels 981-984 on the horizontal axis, perpendicular to time with time slots 991-994. The localization techniques described herein (eg, time of flight, signal strength) are performed by stepping various channels (eg, 981-984) within the available frequency band 980. The advantage of this approach is that narrowband radios (e.g., RF circuit hub radios, RF circuit sensor node radios) can be used to effectively achieve broadband localization. In this system, the frequency of the channel used for any given estimation is superimposed in the channel overlap region 998. By overlapping the channels, the time synchronization requirements throughout the measurement procedure can be relaxed. This is because a phase relationship can be established in each overlapping region. This provides the advantage of allowing non-sequential channel selection as shown, for example, in FIG. 974 of FIG. 9C according to another embodiment. FIG. 974 shows a frequency band 980 with frequency channels 981-984, on the horizontal axis, perpendicular to the time with time slots 991-996. As an example of non-sequential channel selection, the superposition of frequency channels 982 and 983 is first determined, followed by superposition of frequency channels 981 and 982, followed by superposition of frequency channels 983 and 984. May be. The channels are superimposed in the channel overlap region 999. In an alternative embodiment, the time interval between TOF measurements can also be increased.

  In one example, time domain correlation is performed for TOF calculations. In another example, a frequency domain calculation is performed to extract the flight delay from the frequency domain. The receiving node obtains a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) on the received signal and then divides this by the FFT of the ideal pilot tone over the frequency range, based on the frequency domain representation of the channel, including amplitude and phase You may ask for. Alternative methods of channel estimation may also be used, such as least squares estimation, maximum likelihood estimation, and other similar techniques that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The different flight path vectors can then be determined from the frequency domain representation of the channel. In one example, a matrix pencil method is used to determine vectors for different flight paths. In yet another embodiment, an inverse FFT may be used to determine the path length from the channel estimate. The flight path with the shortest delay is likely to be the line-of-sight flight path, while the longer delay is likely to correspond to the reflection flight path. Multiple frequency channels can be superimposed to generate a wider bandwidth channel that achieves more accurate TOF estimation.

  FIG. 9D shows a diagram 910 for phase determination for channel superposition according to another embodiment. FIG. 910 shows frequency 912 on the horizontal axis and phase 914 on the vertical axis. In one example, the frequency channel 981 has a band of frequencies (eg, f1, f2, f3, f4) and corresponding phases (eg, phase 1, phase 2, phase 3, phase 4). The frequency channel 981 also extends to frequencies and phases lower than f1 and phase 1. The frequency channel 982 has a band of frequencies (eg, f11, f12, f13, f14) and corresponding phases (eg, phase 11, phase 12, phase 13, phase 14). The frequency channel 982 also extends to frequencies and phases higher than f14 and phase 14. Therefore, there is a frequency overlap region between f1 to f4 and f11 to f14. The phase (eg, average phase) of the overlapping regions of frequencies 981 and 982 can be determined by calculating the phase difference or delta that differs at a particular frequency within the overlapping region. For example, the first delta phase can be calculated based on the difference between phase 11 and phase 1. The second delta phase can be calculated based on the difference between phase 12 and phase 2. The third delta phase can be calculated based on the difference between phase 13 and phase 3. The fourth delta phase can be calculated based on the difference between phase 14 and phase 4. The frequencies f1, f2, f3, and f4 are substantially the same (or exactly the same) as the frequencies f11, f12, f13, and f14, respectively. A delta phase (eg, average delta phase) can then be calculated based on calculating an average of the first, second, third, and fourth delta phases. The average delta phase is then used to shift the phase of the frequency channel 982. A phase shift to further superimpose the channels (eg, channels 981-984) can then be performed in the same manner as described for channels 981 and 982.

  FIG. 10 shows a diagram 1000 for node location with simultaneous use of multiple channels, according to one embodiment. FIG. 1000 shows a multi-channel wide frequency band region 1030 having multiple channels on the vertical axis of frequency 1010 versus time 1020 on the horizontal axis. The location techniques described herein (eg, time of flight, signal strength) are implemented by temporarily occupying multiple channels in a particular frequency band for location. This provides the advantage of broadband localization that does not require scanning multiple channels over a long period of time. This location can be done while the wireless network is configured as a mesh-based network architecture. Once located, the wireless network is configured as a tree-like or tree-based network architecture, while at least one hub and multiple node RF circuit radios are connected to individual frequency channels (eg, It can be switched back to using a single channel 1040).

  FIG. 11 shows a diagram 1100 for node location with temporary use of ultra-wideband, according to one embodiment. FIG. 1100 shows an ultra-wideband region 1130 on the vertical axis at frequency 1110 versus time 1120 on the horizontal axis. The location techniques described herein (eg, time of flight, signal strength) are implemented temporarily using ultra-wideband radios of RF circuits of at least one hub and node in the wireless network for location purposes. Is done. This provides the advantage of ultra-wideband localization that does not require scanning multiple channels over a long period of time. This location can be done while the wireless network is configured as a mesh-based network architecture. Once the location is complete, the wireless network is configured as a tree-like or tree-based network architecture, while at least one hub and multiple node RF circuit radios are in a narrowband region 1140 (eg, Narrowband radio) can be switched again. In one example, signal strength measurements of the narrowband radio (s) can be used to determine when to trigger location using the ultrawideband radio (s).

  FIG. 12 illustrates a method for performing node location estimation upon detection of a change in signal strength, according to one embodiment. The operations of method 1200 may be performed by a wireless device, a wireless control device of a hub (eg, an apparatus), or a system that includes processing circuitry or processing logic. The processing logic may include hardware (circuitry, dedicated logic, etc.), software (such as is run on a general purpose computer system or a dedicated machine or device), or a combination of both. In one embodiment, the hub performs the operations of method 1200.

  In operation 1201, a hub having a radio frequency (RF) circuit and at least one antenna transmits communications to a plurality of sensor nodes in a wireless network architecture (eg, a wireless asymmetric network architecture). In operation 1202, the hub RF circuit and the at least one antenna are a plurality of sensor nodes, each having a transmitter and a receiver that enable bidirectional communication with the hub RF circuit in a wireless network architecture. Receive communications from a plurality of sensor nodes having wireless devices with them. In operation 1203, the processing logic of the hub (or node) having the wireless control device first configures the sensor node's wireless network first for a period of time (eg, a predetermined period, a period sufficient for location, etc.). Network architecture (for example, mesh-based network architecture). In operation 1204, the processing logic of the hub (or node) may perform frequency channel multiplexing, frequency channel stepping, multiple processing for at least one of the time-of-flight and signal strength techniques described in the various embodiments disclosed herein. Determine to locate at least two nodes (or all nodes) using at least one of channel wideband and ultra-wideband. In operation 1206, once the location of the at least two network sensor nodes is complete, the hub (or node) processing logic terminates the time-of-flight measurement if a time-of-flight measurement is taking place and communicates with the at least two nodes. Continue to monitor the signal strength. Similarly, at least two nodes may monitor the signal strength of communication with the hub. In operation 1208, the processing logic of the hub (or node), upon completion of the location, is a second network architecture (eg, a tree-based or tree-like network architecture (or a tree architecture that does not have mesh-based features)). Configure the wireless network with. In operation 1210, the processing logic of the hub (or node) may receive information from at least one of the sensor nodes (or hub) indicating whether a sustained change in signal strength has occurred. Next, in operation 1212, the processing logic of the hub (or node) determines whether there has been a persistent change in signal strength for a particular node (either by itself or in information received from at least one of the sensor nodes). To decide). If so, the method returns to operation 1202 and the processing logic of the hub configures the network as a first network architecture for a period of time, and in operation 1204 the time of flight and signal disclosed herein. Re-trigger location using at least one of frequency channel multiplexing, frequency channel stepping, multi-channel wideband, and ultra-wideband for at least one of the strength techniques (eg, time of flight and signal strength techniques). Otherwise, if there is no lasting change in signal strength for a particular node, the method returns to operation 1208 and the network continues to have the second network architecture.

  As described herein, communication between hubs and nodes is accomplished by modulating signals to electrical wiring in direct wireless communications using radio frequencies, residences, apartments, commercial buildings, etc. WiFi communication using standard WiFi communication protocols, such as power line communication, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11n, 802.11ac, and other similar WiFi communication protocols that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Communication using well-known wireless sensor network protocols such as cellular communications such as GPRS, EDGE, 3G, HSPDA, LTE, and other cellular communications protocols, Bluetooth communications, Zigbee, etc. As well as other wired-based or would be apparent to those skilled in the art Including communication systems Iyaresu can be accomplished using a variety of means including, but not limited to.

  The implementation of radio frequency communication between the end node and the hub may be implemented in various ways including narrowband, channel superposition, channel stepping, multi-channel wideband, and ultra-wideband communication.

  In embodiments where the network is asymmetric, where the hub is larger than the node or the hub has more power available than the node, multiple hub antennas are used to estimate the angle of arrival for communication with the node. It may be preferred to do. This can be used in conjunction with other location techniques disclosed herein to improve location accuracy and / or to confirm the presence of a reflected transmission path. Similarly, multiple antennas may be used in some or all of the nodes to achieve similar benefits with respect to node-to-node or hub-to-node transmission and reception for location.

  FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of a method for performing sensor location with respect to a wireless asymmetric network architecture, according to one embodiment. The operations of method 1300 may be performed by a wireless device, a wireless control device of a hub (eg, an apparatus), or a system that includes processing circuitry or processing logic. The processing logic may include hardware (circuitry, dedicated logic, etc.), software (such as is run on a general purpose computer system or a dedicated machine or device), or a combination of both. In one embodiment, the hub performs the operations of method 1300.

  In operation 1301, a hub having a radio frequency (RF) circuit and at least one antenna transmits communications to a plurality of sensor nodes in a wireless asymmetric network architecture. In operation 1302, the hub RF circuit and the at least one antenna are a plurality of sensor nodes, each enabling bidirectional communication with the hub RF circuit in a wireless asymmetric network architecture. Receive communications from a plurality of sensor nodes having a wireless device with. In operation 1303, the hub processing logic (e.g., one or more processing units) communicates (e.g., frequency channel multiplex communication, frequency channel stepping communication for at least one of time-of-flight and signal strength techniques for each sensor node). , Position information (eg, accurate position information) of the plurality of sensor nodes is determined based on reception of at least one of multi-channel wideband communication and ultra-wideband communication. The required level of accuracy may be selected based on the needs of the application in which the sensor network is deployed. For example, in a typical indoor or near-indoor environment, the accuracy of the position may be higher than 1 meter (m) in either direction so that the approximate position of the sensor is known, in which case any two or more There is definitely little or no overlap in the position of the sensors. For applications that require higher accuracy, a position accuracy higher than 10 centimeters (cm) can be obtained so that the exact position of each sensor node is known.

  In one example, the hub is powered by a mains electrical source to form a wireless asymmetric network architecture, and each of the multiple sensor nodes is powered by a battery power source or another energy source (not the main power source). The

  In one example, one or more processing units of the hub may be configured to detect the plurality of sensor nodes based on at least one of arrival angle information, signal strength information, and arrival time information related to communications received from the plurality of sensor nodes. Determine location information.

  In another example, one or more processing units may be used in a multi-path environment determined from arrival angle information for determining an arrival angle with the strongest signal component and arrival time information of communications from multiple sensor nodes. Position information of a plurality of sensor nodes is determined based on combining with information for specifying the shortest straight path.

  In one example, the wireless asymmetric network architecture includes at least one of a wireless tree asymmetric network architecture or a wireless tree mesh asymmetric network architecture.

  In one embodiment, for location while the network has a mesh-based architecture, at least one antenna of the hub is capable of frequency channel multiplexing, channel stepping, multi-channel wideband, or ultra-wideband (UWB) communication. At least one of a plurality of sensor nodes and at least one of channel superposition, channel stepping, multi-channel wideband, or ultra-wideband (UWB) communications is received from the plurality of sensor nodes. Upon detecting a change in signal strength of at least one of the nodes, the network is configured as a tree-based or tree-like network architecture with narrowband communication for standard communication without localization.

  A hub that receives a transmission from a node can determine the position of the node using, for example, information on angle of arrival (AOA), signal strength (SS), and / or time of arrival (TOA). AOA information is determined using a plurality of hub antennas, and can enable measurement of the angle of arrival with the strongest signal component. The sensor position can be confirmed by combining with the information specifying the straightest path that can be obtained from the TOA. The SS information is used to estimate the sensor distance from the node, and in one example that can be combined with the AOA to locate the sensor, the overall architecture for locating the sensor is shown in FIG. Is shown in

FIG. 14 illustrates the use of multiple antennas and a multi-path environment of a device (eg, a hub) that enables sensor localization, according to one embodiment. Environment 1400 includes walls 1330, 1331, and 1332. The hub 1310 includes antennas 1311, 1312, and 1313. Sensor node 1 includes an antenna 1321, and sensor node 2 includes an antenna 1322. When hub 1310 receives transmissions 1340-1347 (e.g., at least one of frequency channel multiplex communication, frequency channel stepping communication, multi-channel wideband communication, and ultra-wideband communication) from nodes 1 and 2, for example, the arrival The position of nodes 1 and 2 can be determined using information on the angle (AOA), signal strength (SS), and / or time of arrival (TOA). The effects of multiple paths (eg, the first path of the transmission 1346 and the second path of the transmission 1347 reflected by the wall 1332 based on reflections from walls or other objects) are shown in FIGS. As described in connection with 7, it can be based on identifying the location of the wall, object, or reflection. The AOA information is obtained using a plurality of antennas 1311 to 1313 of the hub 1310, and can measure the angle of arrival with the strongest signal component. The sensor positions of the nodes 1 and 2 can be determined by combining with the information specifying the straightest path that can be obtained from the TOA. Similarly, the SS information is used to estimate the sensor distance from the node and can be combined with the AOA to locate the sensor. In an alternative embodiment, multiple hubs can receive data from sensor nodes simultaneously. Can be used to receive In this application, the position of the sensor can be confirmed without the need for AOA measurement by triangulating from the distance obtained by the SS or TOA estimation.

  FIG. 15 illustrates the use of multiple hubs, each having a single antenna, to achieve sensor localization, according to one embodiment. Environment 1350 includes walls 1370, 1371, and 1372. System 1354 includes a hub 1360 having an antenna 1361, a hub 1362 having an antenna 1363, and a hub 1364 having an antenna 1365. In one example, the hubs are synchronized with each other. Sensor node 1382 includes antenna 1383 and sensor node 1380 includes antenna 1381. As shown in FIG. 15, the sensor node 1380 transmits transmissions 1370 to 1372 (e.g., at least one of frequency channel multiplex communication, frequency channel stepping communication, multi-channel wideband communication, and ultra-wideband communication), respectively, as hubs 1360, 1362 and 1364. As shown in FIG. 15, the sensor node 1382 transmits 1373 to 1375 (eg, at least one of frequency channel multiplex communication, frequency channel stepping communication, multi-channel wideband communication, and ultra-wideband communication), respectively, as a hub 1360, 1362 and 1364. Time of arrival information at multiple hubs can be used to map the location of nodes 1380 and 1382.

  The hub may be physically implemented in a number of ways in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 16A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a hub implemented as a panel 1500 for a power outlet, according to one embodiment. Panel 1500 (eg, face plate) includes hub 1510 and connection 1512 (eg, communication link, signal line, electrical connection, etc.) that couples the hub and electrical outlet 1502. Alternatively (or additionally), the hub is coupled to an outlet 1504. Panel 1500 covers or surrounds electrical outlets 1502 and 1504 for safety and aesthetic purposes.

  FIG. 16B shows a block diagram of an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a hub 1520 implemented as a panel for a power outlet, according to one embodiment. Hub 1520 includes a power supply rectifier 1530 that converts alternating alternating current (AC) that is periodically inverted into direct current (DC) that flows in only one direction. The power rectifier 1530 receives AC from the outlet 1502 via the connection unit 1512 (eg, communication link, signal line, electrical connection unit, etc.), and receives the connection unit 1532 (eg, communication link, signal line, electrical connection unit, etc.). AC to DC for supplying power to the controller circuit 1540 via the connection and for supplying power to the RF circuit 1550 via connection 1534 (eg, communication link, signal line, electrical connection, etc.) . Controller circuit 1540 includes processing logic 1544 (eg, one or more) of controller circuit 1540 for controlling the operation of the hub to form, monitor, and locate a wireless asymmetric network as described herein. A memory 1542 for storing instructions to be executed by the processing unit) or coupled to the memory. RF circuit 1550 may include transceiver functions or separate transmitter 1554 and receiver 1556 functions for transmitting and receiving bi-directional communications with wireless sensor nodes via antenna (s) 1552. The RF circuit 1550 communicates bidirectionally with the controller circuit 1540 via a connection 1534 (eg, communication link, signal line, electrical connection, etc.). Hub 1520 may be a wireless control device 1520 and the combination of controller circuit 1540, RF circuit 1550, and antenna (s) 1552 form a wireless control device as described herein. May be.

  FIG. 17A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a hub implemented as a computer system, device, or card for placement in a communication hub, according to one embodiment. Card 1662 may be transmitted to system 1660 (eg, a computer system, device, or communications hub) as indicated by arrow 1663.

  FIG. 17B shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a hub 1664 implemented as a computer system, device, or card for placement in a communications hub, according to one embodiment. The hub 1664 supplies power (eg, a DC power source) to the controller circuit 1668 via a connection 1674 (eg, communication link, signal line, electrical connection, etc.) and a connection 1676 (eg, communication link, signal, etc.). Power supply 1666 for supplying power to the RF circuit 1670 via lines, electrical connections, etc.). The controller circuit 1668 includes processing logic 1663 (eg, one or more) of the controller circuit 1668 for controlling the operation of the hub to form, monitor, and locate a wireless asymmetric network as described herein. A memory 1661 for storing instructions to be executed by the processing unit) or coupled to the memory. The RF circuit 1670 may include transceiver functions or separate transmitter 1675 and receiver 1677 functions for transmitting and receiving bi-directional communications with the wireless sensor node via the antenna (s) 1678. The RF circuit 1670 communicates bidirectionally with the controller circuit 1668 via a connection 1672 (eg, communication link, signal line, electrical connection, etc.). Hub 1664 may be a wireless control device 1664, and the combination of controller circuit 1668, RF circuit 1670, and antenna (s) 1678 form a wireless control device as described herein. May be.

  FIG. 17C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a hub implemented in a device (eg, smart washing machine, smart refrigerator, smart thermostat, other smart device, etc.), according to one embodiment. Device 1680 (eg, smart washing machine) includes a hub 1682.

  FIG. 17D illustrates a block diagram of an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a hub 1684 implemented in a device (eg, smart washing machine, smart refrigerator, smart thermostat, other smart device, etc.), according to one embodiment. Show. The hub supplies power (eg, DC power) to the controller circuit 1690 via connection 1696 (eg, communication link, signal line, electrical connection, etc.) and connection 1698 (eg, communication link, signal line, etc.). Power supply 1686 for supplying power to the RF circuit 1692 via electrical connections, etc.). Controller circuit 1690 includes processing logic 1688 (eg, one or more) of controller circuit 1690 for controlling the operation of the hub to form, monitor, and locate a wireless asymmetric network as described herein. A memory 1691 for storing instructions to be executed by the processing unit) or coupled to the memory. The RF circuit 1692 may include transceiver functions or separate transmitter 1694 and receiver 1695 functions for transmitting and receiving bi-directional communications with the wireless sensor node via the antenna (s) 1699. The RF circuit 1692 communicates bidirectionally with the controller circuit 1690 via a connection 1689 (eg, communication link, signal line, electrical connection, etc.). The hub 1684 may be a wireless control device 1684 and the combination of the controller circuit 1690, the RF circuit 1692, and the antenna (s) 1699 form a wireless control device as described herein. May be.

In one embodiment, an apparatus (eg, hub) for providing a wireless asymmetric network architecture includes a memory for storing instructions and instructions for establishing and controlling communications in the wireless asymmetric network architecture. Hub processing logic (eg, one or more processing units, processing logic 1544, processing logic 1663, processing logic 1688, processing logic 1762, processing logic 1888);
A plurality of antennas (eg, antenna (s) 1552, antenna (s) 1678, antenna (s) 1699, antennas 1311, 1312) for transmitting and receiving communications in a wireless asymmetric network architecture; And a radio frequency (RF) circuit (e.g., RF circuit 1550, RF circuit 1670, RF circuit 1692, RF circuit 1890). The RF circuit and the plurality of antennas transmit communications to a plurality of sensor nodes (eg, Node 1, Node 2), each of the plurality of sensor nodes having two-way communication with the RF circuits of devices in the wireless asymmetric network architecture. Having a wireless device with transmitter and receiver (or transceiver transmitter and receiver functions) to enable. Processing logic (eg, one or more processing units) configures a wireless network architecture using a tree architecture for communication between the device and the plurality of sensor nodes, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensor nodes. Configure a wireless network architecture using a temporary mesh-based architecture to detect one range or position change and determine position information of multiple sensor nodes based on the detection of the range or position change Configured to execute instructions.

  In one example, the device is powered by a main power source and each of the plurality of sensor nodes is powered by a battery power source to form a wireless network architecture.

  In one example, one or more processing units of the device may determine the location information while the wireless network architecture is configured using a temporary mesh-based architecture, and then the device and the plurality of sensor nodes. Instructions that configure a wireless network architecture using a tree architecture for communication between the two.

  In another example, one or more processing units may include a plurality of sensors based on triangulation from distances measured by time-of-flight information associated with communications performed during a temporary mesh-based architecture. An instruction for determining the position information of the node is executed.

  In another example, one or more processing units execute instructions for determining position information of a plurality of sensor nodes based on triangulation from a distance measured by signal strength information related to communication.

  In another example, the wireless network architecture is configured with a temporary mesh-based architecture for a period sufficient for location.

  In another example, one or more processing units of the hub execute instructions to determine the absolute position information of the sensor node based on the position information of the plurality of sensor nodes and at least one absolute position of the device or sensor node. .

  In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for locating a node in a wireless network comprises configuring the wireless network with the node as a mesh-based network architecture for a period of time, with hub processing logic. Including. The computer-implemented method further includes determining, by the hub processing logic, locating at least two nodes using at least one of time-of-flight and signal strength techniques. When the location of at least two nodes is complete, the time of flight measurement is terminated if the time of flight measurement has been performed by the processing logic of the hub. The computer-implemented method further includes configuring the wireless network in a tree-based or tree-like network architecture upon location completion by hub processing logic.

  In one example, the computer-implemented method further comprises receiving information from at least one of the nodes by the hub processing logic along with information used to determine whether a persistent change in signal strength has occurred. Including. The computer-implemented method further includes determining, by the hub processing logic, whether there has been a persistent change in the signal strength of at least one node of the wireless network.

  In one example, a computer-implemented method configures a wireless network as a mesh-based network architecture for a period of time with hub processing logic if there is a persistent change in signal strength of at least one node of the wireless network. In addition.

  The computer-implemented method further includes retriggering location using at least one of time-of-flight and signal strength techniques when the wireless network is configured as a mesh-based network architecture.

  In another example, the wireless network continues to be configured as a tree-based or tree-like network architecture as long as no persistent changes in signal strength occur with respect to at least two nodes of the wireless network.

  In one embodiment, the system includes a hub having one or more processing units and RF circuitry for transmitting and receiving communications in a wireless asymmetric network. Each of the plurality of sensor nodes has a wireless device with a transmitter and a receiver that allows bi-directional communication with a hub in a wireless asymmetric network architecture. One or more processing units of the hub configure a system using a tree architecture for communication between the hub and a plurality of sensor nodes, detecting changes in the range or position of at least one sensor node; Instructions that configure the system are executed using a temporary mesh-based architecture to determine position information of a plurality of sensor nodes based on detection of range or position changes.

  In one example, the hub is powered by a main power source and each of the plurality of sensor nodes is powered by a battery power source to form a wireless asymmetric network.

  In one example, one or more processing units of the hub use a temporary mesh-based architecture for communication at a second frequency level (eg, higher frequency level and higher energy). Tree architecture for communication between a hub and a plurality of sensor nodes at a first frequency level (eg, lower frequency level and lower energy) after determining location information while configured Is used to execute an instruction constituting the system.

  In another example, one or more processing units may include a plurality of sensors based on triangulation from distances measured by time-of-flight information associated with communications performed during a temporary mesh-based architecture. An instruction for determining the position information of the node is executed.

  In another example, one or more processing units execute instructions for determining position information of a plurality of sensor nodes based on triangulation from a distance measured by signal strength information related to communication.

  In one example, the system is configured with a temporary mesh-based architecture for a period sufficient to locate sensor nodes.

  In another example, the one or more processing units of the hub execute instructions to determine the absolute position information of the sensor node based on the position information of the plurality of sensor nodes and at least one absolute position of the hub or sensor node. .

  A variety of batteries containing lithium-based chemicals can be used for wireless sensor nodes, such as lithium ions, lithium polymers, lithium phosphate, and other similar chemicals that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Additional chemicals that can be used include nickel metal hydride, standard alkaline battery chemicals, silver zinc and zinc air battery chemicals, standard carbon zinc battery chemicals, lead acid battery chemicals, or obvious to those skilled in the art. Any other chemical that would be mentioned.

  The present invention also relates to an apparatus for performing the operations described herein. This apparatus may be specially configured for the required purposes, or it may comprise a general purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. Such computer programs can be any type of disk, including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, and magneto-optical disks, read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic or optical card. Or any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions, etc., but not limited thereto, may be stored on a computer readable storage medium.

  The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general purpose systems can be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, and it may be preferable to construct a more specialized device to perform the operations of the required method.

  FIG. 18 shows a block diagram of a sensor node according to an embodiment. The sensor node 1700 supplies power (for example, a DC power source) to the controller circuit 1720 via a connection unit 1774 (for example, a communication link, a signal line, an electrical connection unit), and a connection unit 1776 (for example, a communication link, a signal) A power supply 1710 (which supplies power to the RF circuit 1770 via lines, electrical connections, etc.) and supplies power to the detection circuit 1740 via connections 1746 (eg, communication links, signal lines, electrical connections, etc.). Energy source, battery power source, primary battery, rechargeable battery, etc.). The controller circuit 1720 includes processing logic 1863 (eg, one or more processing units) of the controller circuit 1720 for controlling the operation of the sensor node to form and monitor a wireless asymmetric network as described herein. Including or coupled to a memory 1761 for storing instructions to be executed by. The RF circuit 1770 (eg, communication circuit) may be a transceiver function or separate for transmitting and receiving bi-directional communication with the hub (s) and optional wireless sensor nodes via the antenna (s) 1778. The functions of the transmitter 1775 and the receiver 1777 of FIG. The RF circuit 1770 communicates bidirectionally with the controller circuit 1720 via a connection 1772 (eg, an electrical connection). Sensing circuit 1740 includes (one or more) image sensor and circuit 1742, (one or more) moisture sensor and circuit 1743, (one or more) temperature sensor and circuit, (one or more) humidity sensor and circuit. , Air quality sensor (s) and circuit (s), light sensor (s) and circuit (s), motion sensor (s) and circuit 1744, audio sensor (s) and circuit 1745, (1 Various types of sensing circuitry and sensor (s) including magnetic sensor (s) and circuit 1746, sensor (s) and circuit n, and the like.

  The wireless location techniques disclosed herein may be combined with other sensing information to improve the accuracy of the location of the entire network. For example, in a wireless sensor where one or more nodes include a camera, to determine if the sensor node being monitored is observing the same site and therefore likely to be in the same room The captured images can be used with image processing and machine learning techniques. Similar benefits can be achieved with periodic illumination and photodetectors. By stroking the illumination and detecting with a light detector, the presence of a light path, which is likely to indicate that there is no opaque wall between the strobe and the detector, can be detected. In other embodiments, a magnetic sensor can be incorporated into the sensor node and used as a compass to detect the orientation of the monitored sensor node. This information can then be used with location information to determine whether the sensor is located on a wall, floor, ceiling, or other location.

  In one example, each sensor node includes an image sensor, and each exterior wall of the house may include one or more sensor nodes. The hub analyzes sensor data, including image data and optionally orientation data, along with location information to determine the absolute position of each sensor node. The hub can then build a three-dimensional image of each room in the building for the user. Floor plans with positions of walls, windows, doors, etc. can be generated. The image sensor can acquire an image showing a change in reflection that can indicate a home integrity problem (eg, water, a leaking roof, etc.).

  FIG. 19 illustrates a block diagram of a system 1800 having a hub, according to one embodiment. The system 1800 includes or is integrated with a wireless asymmetric network architecture hub 1882 or central hub. System 1800 (eg, computing device, smart TV, smart appliance, communication system, etc.) can be any type of wireless device (eg, mobile phone, wireless phone, tablet, computing device, smart device) to send and receive wireless communications. TV, smart devices, etc.)). System 1800 includes a processing system 1810 that includes a controller 1820 and a processing unit 1814. The processing system 1810 includes a hub 1882, input / output (I / O) unit 1830 via one or more bi-directional communication links or signal lines 1898, 1818, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1813, 1819, 1811, respectively. , Radio frequency (RF) circuit 1870, audio circuit 1860, optical device 1880 for taking one or more images or videos, optional motion for measuring motion data (eg, three-dimensional) of system 1800 It communicates with a unit 1844 (eg, accelerometer, gyroscope, etc.), a power management system 1840, and a machine accessible non-transitory medium 1850.

  The hub 1882 supplies power (eg, DC power) to the controller circuit 1884 via a connection 1885 (eg, communication link, signal line, electrical connection, etc.) and a connection 1887 (eg, communication link, signal, etc.). Power supply 1891 for supplying power to the RF circuit 1890 via lines, electrical connections, etc.). Controller circuit 1884 is processing logic 1888 (eg, one or more processing units) of controller circuit 1884 for controlling the operation of the hub to form and monitor the wireless asymmetric network as described herein. Includes or is coupled to a memory 1886 that stores instructions executed by. The RF circuit 1890 is a transceiver function or separate transmitter (TX) 1892 and receiver (RX) for transmitting and receiving bi-directional communications with a wireless sensor node or other hub via antenna (s) 1896. 1894 functions may be included. The RF circuit 1890 communicates bidirectionally with the controller circuit 1884 via a connection 1889 (eg, communication link, signal line, electrical connection, etc.). Hub 1882 may be a wireless control device 1884, and the combination of controller circuit 1884, RF circuit 1890, and antenna (s) 1896 form a wireless control device as described herein. May be.

  The RF circuit 1870 of the system and the antenna (s) 1871 or hub 1882 of the system 1850 and the antenna (s) 1896 may be connected via a wireless link or network via the hub or Used to send and receive information to and from one or more other wireless devices of the sensor node. Audio circuit 1860 is coupled to audio speaker 1862 and microphone 1064 and includes well-known circuitry for processing audio signals. One or more processing units 1814 communicate with one or more machine-accessible non-transitory media 1850 (eg, computer-readable media) via controller 1820.

  Medium 1850 can be any device or medium (eg, storage device, storage medium) that can store code and / or data used by one or more processing units 1814. Medium 1850 can include a memory hierarchy including, but not limited to, cache, main memory, and secondary memory.

  Media 1850 or memory 1886 stores one or more instruction sets (or software) that perform any one or more of the methods or functions described herein. The software includes an operating system 1852, network service software 1856 for establishing, monitoring and controlling a wireless asymmetric network architecture, a communication module 1854, and an application 1858 (eg, a security application for a house or building, a house or building). Complete application, developer application, etc.). The software may also be fully or at least partially resident in the medium 1850, memory 1886, processing logic 1888, or processing unit 1814 during its execution by the device 1800. The components shown in FIG. 18 may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof, including one or more signal processing and / or application specific integrated circuits.

  The communication module 1854 enables communication with other devices. The I / O unit 1830 receives different types of input / output (I / O) devices 1834 (eg, displays, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), plasma displays, cathode ray tubes (CRTs), touch display devices, or user input. Communicate with, touch screen, optional alphanumeric input device for displaying output.

  In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for locating a node in a wireless network causes the processing logic of the hub to cause the wireless network having the node to be located for a first time period for locating. 1 as a network architecture. The computer-implemented method includes at least one of frequency channel multiplex communication, frequency channel stepping communication, multi-channel broadband communication, and ultra-wideband communication for time-of-flight and / or signal strength techniques, depending on the processing logic of the hub. Further determining the location of at least two nodes using the network and configuring the wireless network with a second network architecture having narrowband communication upon completion of the localization by the processing logic of the hub. Including.

  In one example, the computer-implemented method further comprises receiving information from at least one of the nodes by the hub processing logic along with information used to determine whether a persistent change in signal strength has occurred. Including.

  In one example, the computer-implemented method further includes determining, by the hub processing logic, whether there has been a persistent change in the signal strength of at least one node of the wireless network.

  In one example, a computer-implemented method is configured to cause a wireless network to be connected to a first network architecture during a second time period by a hub processing logic if there is a persistent change in signal strength of at least one node of the wireless network. And further comprising.

  In one example, a computer-implemented method can be performed when a wireless network is configured as a first network architecture for frequency channel multiplexing, frequency channel stepping, multi-level for at least one of time-of-flight and signal strength techniques. It further includes re-triggering location using at least one of the channel wideband and the ultra-wideband.

  In one example, the wireless network continues to be configured as the first network architecture as long as no persistent changes in signal strength occur with respect to at least two nodes of the wireless network.

  In another embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium includes executable computer program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform a method for locating a node in a wireless network. The method includes configuring a wireless network having nodes as a first network architecture for a first time period for location via hub processing logic. The method uses at least one of frequency channel multiplex communication, frequency channel stepping communication, multi-channel wideband communication, and ultra-wideband communication for at least one of time-of-flight and signal strength techniques, depending on the processing logic of the hub. Further comprising determining to locate the two nodes. The method further includes configuring the wireless network with a second network architecture having narrowband communication upon completion of location via hub processing logic.

  In one example, the method further includes receiving information from at least one of the nodes, along with information used to determine whether a sustained change in signal strength has occurred, by the processing logic of the hub.

  In one example, the method further includes determining, by the hub processing logic, whether there has been a persistent change in the signal strength of at least one node of the wireless network.

  In one example, the method configures a wireless network as a first network architecture for a second period of time by a hub processing logic if there is a persistent change in signal strength of at least one node of the wireless network. Further included.

  In one example, the method includes frequency channel multiplexing, frequency channel stepping, multi-channel wideband, and at least one of time-of-flight and signal strength techniques when the wireless network is configured as a first network architecture. It further includes re-triggering location using at least one of the ultra-wideband.

  In another embodiment, an apparatus for providing a wireless network architecture includes a memory for storing instructions and one or more processing units that execute instructions for locating a node in the wireless network architecture. And a radio frequency (RF) circuit including a plurality of antennas for transmitting and receiving communications within the wireless network architecture. The RF circuit is a plurality of sensor nodes, each having a wireless device with a transmitter and a receiver that allows two-way communication with the RF circuits of the devices in the wireless network architecture. Send communication. One or more processing units configure the sensor node as a first network architecture for a first period for localization and frequency channel multiplex communication for at least one of time-of-flight and signal strength techniques; A second network architecture having determined to locate at least two nodes using at least one of frequency channel stepping communications, multi-channel broadband communications, and ultra-wideband communications, and having narrowband communications upon completion of localization Configured to execute instructions that constitute a wireless network architecture.

  In one example, one or more processing units are configured to execute instructions to receive information from at least one of the nodes along with information used to determine whether a sustained change in signal strength has occurred. The

  In one example, the one or more processing units are configured to execute instructions that determine whether there has been a persistent change in signal strength of at least one node of the wireless network architecture.

  In one example, instructions for one or more processing units to configure a wireless network as a first network architecture for a second time period when there is a persistent change in signal strength of at least one node of the wireless network architecture. Configured to perform.

  In one example, the one or more processing units may perform frequency channel multiplexing, frequency channel stepping for at least one of time-of-flight and signal strength techniques when the wireless network architecture is configured as the first network architecture. , Configured to execute an instruction to re-trigger location using at least one of multi-channel wideband and ultra-wideband.

  In one example, one or more processing units have received communications including captured images from at least two nodes, and at least two sensor nodes being monitored are detecting images of the same field, In order to determine if it is likely to be in the same room, it is configured to execute instructions that perform image processing and machine learning techniques on the captured images.

  In one example, the one or more processing units are configured to cause the periodic illumination of the first sensor to function as a strobe and to instruct the photodetector of the second sensor to detect the illumination.

  In one example, the one or more processing units analyze the detected illumination of the second sensor and indicate whether there is an opaque wall between the first sensor and the second sensor. It is configured to execute an instruction that determines whether an optical path between the first sensor and the second sensor can be detected.

  In another example, one or more processing units receive orientation data from sensor nodes, use the orientation data to measure the orientation of the sensor nodes, and based on the orientation data and location information, each sensor node It is configured to execute instructions that determine whether it is located on a wall, floor, ceiling, or other location.

  In one example, one or more processing units use the time-of-flight information to estimate a first distance from the device to the sensor node, and use the signal strength information to estimate a second distance from the device to the sensor node. And is configured to execute instructions to determine whether there is a wall in the signal path between the device and the sensor node.

  In one example, the one or more processing units are configured to determine whether there is a wall in the signal path between the device and the sensor node based on the comparison of the first distance and the second distance. Configured to perform.

  In another example, the comparison indicates that the signal between the device and the sensor node when the first distance estimated using time of flight information is significantly less than the second distance estimated using signal strength information. Indicates that there is a wall in the path.

  In another example, the comparison indicates that the signal between the device and the sensor node when the second distance estimated using the signal strength information is significantly smaller than the first distance estimated using the time of flight information. Indicates that there is a reflection in the path.

  In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. However, it will be apparent that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims (44)

A method performed by a computer to locate a node in a wireless network comprising:
Using the processing logic of the hub to configure the wireless network with nodes as a first network architecture for a first time period for location;
Using the processing logic of the hub, at least one of frequency channel multiplex communication, frequency channel stepping communication, multi-channel wideband communication and ultra-wideband communication for at least one of time-of-flight and signal strength techniques. Deciding to locate at least two nodes using
Using the processing logic of the hub to configure the wireless network in a second network architecture with narrowband communications upon location completion;
A method comprising the steps of:   Using the processing logic of the hub to receive information from at least one of the nodes along with information used by the hub to determine whether a sustained change in signal strength has occurred; The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:   The computer-implemented method of claim 2, further comprising: using the processing logic of the hub to determine whether there has been a persistent change in signal strength of at least one node of the wireless network.   If there is a persistent change in signal strength of at least one node of the wireless network, the processing logic of the hub is used to configure the wireless network as the first network architecture during a second time interval The computer-implemented method of claim 3, further comprising:   When the wireless network is configured as the first network architecture, one of frequency channel multiplexing, frequency channel stepping, multi-channel wideband and ultra-wideband for at least one of time-of-flight and signal strength techniques. 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, further comprising re-triggering location using at least one.   The computer-implemented method of claim 3, wherein the wireless network continues to be configured as the first network architecture if no persistent changes in signal strength occur with respect to the at least two nodes of the wireless network. A computer-readable storage medium comprising executable computer program instructions that, when executed by a device, causes the device to perform a method for locating a node in a wireless network, the method comprising:
Using the processing logic of the hub to configure the wireless network with nodes as a first network architecture for a first time period for location;
Using the processing logic of the hub, at least one of frequency channel multiplex communication, frequency channel stepping communication, multi-channel wideband communication and ultra-wideband communication for at least one of time-of-flight and signal strength techniques. Deciding to locate at least two nodes using
Using the processing logic of the hub to configure the wireless network in a second network architecture with narrowband communication upon location completion;
A computer-readable storage medium comprising: The method comprises
Using the processing logic of the hub to receive information from at least one of the nodes used by the hub to determine whether a persistent change in signal strength has occurred. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 7, further comprising: The method comprises
9. The computer readable storage medium of claim 8, further comprising: using the processing logic of the hub to determine whether there has been a persistent change in signal strength of at least one node of the wireless network. . The method comprises
If there is a persistent change in signal strength of at least one node of the wireless network, the processing logic of the hub is used to configure the wireless network as the first network architecture during a second time interval The computer-readable storage medium of claim 9, further comprising: The method comprises
When the wireless network is configured as the first network architecture, for at least one of time-of-flight and signal strength techniques, of frequency channel multiplex communication, frequency channel stepping, multi-channel wideband and ultra-wideband 11. The computer readable storage medium of claim 10, further comprising retriggering location using at least one of the following. An apparatus for providing a wireless network architecture, comprising:
Memory for storing instructions;
One or more processing units that execute instructions for locating nodes within the wireless network architecture;
A radio frequency (RF) circuit including a plurality of antennas for transmitting and receiving communications in the wireless network architecture;
Comprising
The RF circuit is
Transmitting a communication to a plurality of sensor nodes each having a wireless device with a transmitter and a receiver that enables two-way communication with the RF circuitry of the apparatus in the wireless network architecture;
The one or more processing units execute instructions;
Configuring the plurality of sensor nodes as a first network architecture during a first time interval for location;
Location of at least two nodes using at least one of frequency channel multiplex communication, frequency channel stepping communication, multi-channel wideband communication and ultra-wideband communication for at least one of time-of-flight and signal strength techniques Decide to identify and
Configuring the wireless network architecture in a second network architecture with narrowband communication upon completion of location.   The one or more processing units execute instructions to receive information from at least one of the nodes used to determine whether a persistent change in signal strength is occurring The apparatus of claim 12, configured as follows.   14. The one or more processing units are configured to execute instructions to determine whether there has been a persistent change in signal strength of at least one node of the wireless network architecture. Equipment. The one or more processing units execute instructions;
Configured to configure the wireless network as the first network architecture during a second time interval when there is a persistent change in signal strength of at least one node of the wireless network architecture. The apparatus according to claim 14. The one or more processing units execute instructions;
When the wireless network architecture is configured as the first network architecture, frequency channel multiplexing, frequency channel stepping, multi-channel wideband and ultra-wideband for at least one of time-of-flight and signal strength techniques The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the apparatus is configured to retrigger location using at least one of them. The one or more processing units execute instructions;
Receiving communications including captured images from at least two sensor nodes;
Image processing and machine learning techniques for the captured images are used to determine whether the at least two sensor nodes being monitored are detecting images of the same field and likely to be in the same room. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the apparatus is configured to execute instructions for execution.   The one or more processing units are configured to provide instructions to cause the periodic illumination of the first sensor to function as a strobe and to cause the photodetector of the second sensor to detect the illumination; The apparatus according to claim 12. The one or more processing units execute instructions;
19. The apparatus of claim 18, configured to analyze the detected illumination of the second sensor and determine whether an optical path can be detected between the first sensor and the second sensor. The device described. The one or more processing units execute instructions;
Receiving orientation data from the sensor node;
Using the orientation data, measure the orientation of the sensor node,
Determine whether each sensor node is located on a wall, floor, ceiling or other location based on the orientation data and location information.
The apparatus of claim 12, configured as follows. The one or more processing units execute instructions;
Using a time of flight information to estimate a first distance from the device to a sensor node;
Estimating a second distance from the device to the sensor node using signal strength information;
Determining whether there is a wall in the signal path between the device and the sensor node;
The apparatus of claim 12, configured as follows. The one or more processing units execute instructions;
Determining whether there is a wall in the signal path between the device and the sensor node based on a comparison of the first distance and the second distance;
The apparatus of claim 21, configured as follows.   When the comparison is between the device and the sensor node when the first distance estimated using time of flight information is significantly less than the second distance estimated using signal strength information 23. The apparatus of claim 22, indicating that a wall is present in the signal path.   The comparison between the device and the sensor node when the second distance estimated using signal strength information is significantly smaller than the first distance estimated using time of flight information. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein there is a reflection in the signal path. A system,
A hub having one or more processing units and an RF circuit for transmitting and receiving communications in a wireless asymmetric network;
A plurality of sensor nodes, each having a wireless device with a transmitter and a receiver that enable bi-directional communication with the hub in the wireless asymmetric network architecture;
Comprising
The one or more processing units of the hub execute instructions;
Configuring the system using a tree architecture for communication between the hub and the plurality of sensor nodes;
Detecting a change in the range or position of at least one sensor node;
Configuring the system with a temporarily mesh-based architecture to determine position information for the plurality of sensor nodes based on detection of changes in range or position;
A system characterized by that.   26. The system of claim 25, wherein the hub is powered by a main power source and the plurality of sensor nodes are each powered by a battery power source to form the wireless asymmetric network. The one or more processing units of the hub execute instructions;
While the system is configured using a temporary mesh-based architecture for communication at a second frequency level, after determining location information, the hub and the plurality of sensor nodes 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the system is configured using the tree architecture for communication at a first frequency level between. The one or more processing units execute instructions;
26. The position information of the plurality of sensor nodes is determined based on triangulation from a distance measured by time-of-flight information associated with communications performed during the temporary mesh-based architecture. The system described. The one or more processing units execute instructions;
26. The system of claim 25, wherein position information of the plurality of sensor nodes is determined based on triangulation from a distance measured by signal strength information related to communication.   26. The system of claim 25, configured temporarily using a mesh based architecture for a time interval sufficient to locate the sensor node. The one or more processing units of the hub execute instructions;
26. The absolute position information of the sensor node is determined based on the position information with respect to the plurality of sensor nodes and an absolute position of at least one sensor node of the hub or the sensor node. System. A device,
Memory for storing instructions;
One or more processing units that execute instructions for locating nodes in a wireless network architecture;
A plurality of sensor nodes having radio frequency (RF) circuits, each having a wireless device with a transmitter and a receiver that enables two-way communication with the RF circuit of the apparatus in the wireless network architecture; A radio frequency circuit for transmitting communications to and receiving communications from the plurality of sensor nodes;
Comprising
The one or more processing units execute instructions;
Configuring the wireless network architecture using a tree architecture for communication between the device and the plurality of sensor nodes;
Detecting a change in a range or position of at least one of the plurality of sensor nodes;
Temporarily configuring the wireless network architecture with a mesh-based architecture to determine location information for the plurality of sensor nodes based on detection of changes in range or location;
A device characterized by that.   33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the apparatus is powered by a main power source and the plurality of sensor nodes are each powered by a battery power source to form the wireless network architecture. The one or more processing units execute instructions;
While the wireless network architecture is configured using the temporary mesh-based architecture, after determining location information, the tree for communication between the device and the plurality of sensor nodes The apparatus of claim 32, wherein an architecture is used to configure the wireless network architecture. The one or more processing units execute instructions;
The position information of the plurality of sensor nodes is determined based on triangulation from a distance measured by time-of-flight information associated with communications performed during the temporary mesh-based architecture. The device described. The one or more processing units execute instructions;
35. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein position information of the plurality of sensor nodes is determined based on triangulation from a distance measured by signal strength information related to communication.   33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the wireless network architecture is temporarily configured with a mesh-based architecture for a time interval sufficient for location. The one or more processing units execute instructions;
The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein absolute position information for the sensor node is determined based on the position information of the plurality of sensor nodes and an absolute position of the apparatus or at least one sensor node of the sensor node. . A method performed by a computer to locate a node in a wireless network comprising:
Configuring the wireless network with nodes using a hub processing logic as a mesh-based network architecture for a period of time;
Determining using the processing logic of the hub to locate at least two nodes using at least one of time-of-flight and signal strength techniques;
Ending the time-of-flight measurement if the time-of-flight measurement has been performed using the processing logic of the hub when the location of the at least two nodes is complete;
Using the processing logic of the hub to configure the wireless network in a tree-based or tree-like network architecture upon completion of location.   Receiving information from at least one of the nodes used to determine whether a sustained change in signal strength is occurring using the processing logic of the hub. 40. A method executed by the computer according to 39.   41. The computer-implemented method of claim 40, further comprising using the processing logic of the hub to determine whether there has been a persistent change in signal strength of at least one node of the wireless network.   Configuring the wireless network as a mesh-based network architecture for a period of time using the processing logic of the hub when there is a persistent change in signal strength of at least one node of the wireless network 42. The computer implemented method of claim 41, further comprising the step of:   43. Re-triggering location using at least one of time-of-flight and signal strength techniques when the wireless network is configured as a mesh-based network architecture. A method performed by a computer.   42. The wireless network of claim 41, wherein the wireless network continues to be configured as a tree-based network architecture or a tree-like network architecture if no persistent change in signal strength occurs for the at least two nodes of the wireless network. A method performed by a computer.

Images