Location services using light facilities
阅读说明：本技术 使用光设施的定位服务 (Location services using light facilities ) 是由 P·赖利 R·S·特拉斯科 B·帕帕纳 于 2019-02-21 设计创作，主要内容包括：用于在空间体积中定位物体的系统可以包括第一电气设备,其设置在空间体积中,并且具有第一天线和第一控制器,其中第一控制器将第一天线的第一默认范围减小到第一有效范围。该系统还可以包括设置在第一有效范围内的物体,其中第一控制器使用第一天线识别第一信号,该第一信号标识在第一有效范围内的物体。(A system for locating an object in a volume of space can include a first electrical device disposed in the volume of space and having a first antenna and a first controller, wherein the first controller reduces a first default range of the first antenna to a first effective range. The system may also include an object disposed within the first effective range, wherein the first controller identifies a first signal using the first antenna, the first signal identifying the object within the first effective range.)
1. A system for locating an object in a volume of space, comprising:
a first electrical device disposed in the volume of space and comprising a first antenna and a first controller, wherein the first controller reduces a first default range of the first antenna to a first effective range; and
an object disposed within the first effective range, wherein the first controller uses the first antenna to identify a first signal identifying an object within the first effective range.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
a second electrical device disposed in the volume of space and including a second antenna and a second controller, wherein the second controller reduces a second default range of the second antenna to a second effective range,
Wherein the object is located within the second default range and outside the second valid range,
wherein the second controller ignores second signals that identify objects that are within the second default range and outside the second valid range using the second antenna.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first valid range and the second valid range do not overlap, and wherein the first valid range and the second default range overlap.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the object subsequently moves out of the first valid range and is within the second valid range when the second controller identifies a third signal identifying the object in the second valid range using the second antenna, and wherein the first controller ignores a fourth signal identifying objects within the first default range and outside the first valid range using the first antenna.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first signal comprises an identification of the object.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the electrical device comprises a light fixture.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first controller ignores the first signal that identifies the object that is outside the first valid range and within the first default range.
8. An electrical apparatus for positioning an object in a volume of space, the electrical apparatus comprising:
a first antenna having a first default range; and
a controller coupled to the first antenna, wherein the controller reduces the first default range to a first effective range,
wherein the controller ignores first RF signals associated with the object received from within the first default range but outside the first valid range, an
Wherein the controller identifies a second RF signal associated with the object received from within the first effective range.
9. The electrical device of claim 8, wherein the controller sends a communication, wherein the communication includes an identification of the object contained in the second RF signal.
10. The electrical device of claim 8, further comprising:
a second antenna coupled to the controller and having a second default range,
wherein the controller reduces the second default range to a second valid range,
wherein the controller ignores first RF signals associated with the object received from within the second default range but outside the second valid range, an
Wherein the controller identifies a second RF signal associated with the object received from within the second effective range,
wherein the controller transmits a communication that includes an identification of the object contained in the second RF signal.
11. The electrical device of claim 10, wherein the first and second effective ranges do not overlap with each other.
12. The electrical device of claim 10, wherein the first effective range has a first shape and a first size, and wherein the second effective range has a second shape and a second size.
13. The electronic device of claim 8, further comprising:
a second antenna coupled to the controller and having a second default range,
wherein the controller reduces the second default range to a second valid range,
wherein the controller ignores the first RF signal and the second RF signal associated with the object received from within the second default range but outside the second valid range,
wherein the controller is unable to transmit a communication including an identification of the object contained in the second RF signal due to the second RF signal falling outside the second effective range of the second antenna.
14. The electrical device of claim 8, wherein the first effective range is based on an angle at which the first antenna receives the first and second RF signals.
15. The electrical device of claim 8, wherein the first effective range is adjustable by the controller.
Technical Field
Embodiments described herein relate generally to locating objects in space, and more particularly to systems, methods, and devices for locating objects in space using light fixtures or other electrical devices.
Background
Different methods are used to locate objects in a volume of space. For example, when signals are involved, the angle of arrival (AoA) and/or angle of departure (AoD) of each signal may be measured to help determine the position of an object in a volume of space. Currently, determining the precise position of an object using readings from a plurality of (typically three or more) measurement points requires a significant amount of processing effort.
Disclosure of Invention
In general, in one aspect, the disclosure is directed to a system for locating an object in a volume of space. The system may include a first electrical device disposed in the volume of space and having a first antenna and a first controller, wherein the first controller reduces a first default range of the first antenna to a first effective range. The system may also include an object disposed within the first range of validity, wherein the first controller uses the first antenna to identify a first signal identifying the object within the first range of validity.
In another aspect, the present disclosure may generally relate to an electrical apparatus for locating an object in a volume of space. The electrical device may include a first antenna having a first default range. The electrical device may also include a controller coupled to the first antenna, wherein the controller reduces the first default range to the first valid range. The controller may ignore first RF signals associated with the object received from within the first default range but outside the first valid range. The controller identifies a second RF signal associated with the object received from within the first effective range.
These and other aspects, objects, features and embodiments will become apparent from the following description and appended claims.
Drawings
The drawings illustrate only example embodiments of a location service using light facilities and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, as location services using light facilities may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The elements and features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the example embodiments. In addition, certain dimensions or locations may be exaggerated to help convey these principles visually. In the drawings, reference numerals designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements.
Fig. 1 shows a diagram of a system including an electrical device, according to some example embodiments.
FIG. 2 illustrates a computing device according to some example embodiments.
FIG. 3 illustrates a system in which an object is located in a volume of space, according to some example embodiments.
4-6 illustrate the system of FIG. 3, in which an object is positioned in a volume of space using the AoA method, according to some example embodiments.
Fig. 7 shows a system of a plurality of light facilities for positioning an object in the prior art.
FIG. 8 illustrates a system for locating an object using a single electrical device, according to some example embodiments.
FIG. 9 illustrates a system for locating an object according to some example embodiments.
Fig. 10-12 illustrate various configurations of an effective range according to some example embodiments.
Detailed Description
Example embodiments discussed herein relate to systems, methods, and devices for location services using light facilities. Although example embodiments are described herein as using a light facility (or components thereof) to locate an object in a volume of space, example embodiments may use one or more of a number of other electrical devices in addition to or instead of a light facility. Such other electrical devices may include, but are not limited to, light switches, control panels, wall outlets, smoke detectors, CO2A monitor, a motion detector, a cullet sensor, and a camera.
Example embodiments may be used for volumes of space of any size and/or located in any environment (e.g., indoor, outdoor, hazardous, non-hazardous, high humidity, low temperature, corrosive, sterile, high vibration). Further, although the signals described herein are Radio Frequency (RF) signals using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), example embodiments may be used with any of a number of other types of signals, including but not limited to WiFi, bluetooth, RFID, ultraviolet, microwave, and infrared signals. Example embodiments may be used to locate an object in a volume of space in real time.
Example embodiments of the light fixtures described herein may use one or more of a variety of different types of light sources, including, but not limited to, Light Emitting Diode (LED) light sources, fluorescent light sources, organic LED light sources, incandescent light sources, and halogen light sources. Thus, the light fixtures described herein, even in hazardous locations, should not be considered limited to a particular type of light source.
The user may be any person that interacts with the light fixtures and/or objects within the volume of space. In particular, a user may use the example embodiments to program, operate, and/or interface with one or more components associated with the system (e.g., controllers, network managers). Examples of users may include, but are not limited to, engineers, electricians, instrument and control technicians, mechanics, operators, consultants, contractors, assets, network administrators, and manufacturer representatives.
An object, as defined herein, may be any cell or group of cells. The object may be self-moving, capable of being moved or fixed. Examples of objects may include, but are not limited to, a person (e.g., a user, visitor, employee), a component (e.g., a motor stator, a cover), a piece of equipment (e.g., a fan, a container, a table, a chair, a computer, a printer), or a group of equipment components (e.g., a pallet stacked with inventory).
In certain example embodiments, a light installation having one or more antennas for locating objects needs to meet certain standards and/or requirements. For example, the National Electrical Code (NEC), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the bluetooth special interest group, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) set standards that can be applied to electrical enclosures (e.g., optical installations), wiring, location services, and electrical connections. The use of the example embodiments described herein meets (and/or allows the corresponding device to meet) such criteria when needed. In certain (e.g., PV solar) applications, the electrical enclosures described herein may meet additional criteria specific to that application.
If a component of the drawing is depicted in a figure but is not explicitly indicated or labeled, the label of the corresponding component in another figure can be inferred to be the component. Conversely, if a component in a figure is labeled but not described, the description of such component may be substantially the same as the description of the corresponding component in another figure. The numbering scheme of the various components in the figures herein is such that each component is a three or four digit number, with corresponding components in other figures having the same last two digits. One or more components of the components may be omitted, added, repeated, and/or replaced with respect to any of the figures shown and described herein. Thus, the embodiments shown in a particular figure should not be construed as limited to the specific arrangement of components shown in such figure.
Moreover, the statement that a particular embodiment (e.g., as illustrated in the figures herein) lacks a particular feature or component does not imply that the embodiment is not capable of having such a feature or component unless explicitly stated. For example, features or components described as not being included in the example embodiments shown in one or more particular figures herein can be included in one or more claims corresponding to such one or more particular figures for purposes of current or future claims herein.
Example embodiments of a location service using light facilities will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of a location service using light facilities are shown. However, location services using light facilities may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of location services using optical facilities to those of ordinary skill in the art. For consistency, similar, but not necessarily identical, elements (also sometimes referred to as components) in the various figures are identified by like reference numerals.
Terms such as "first," "second," "outer," "inner," "top," "bottom," "upper," and "inner" are used only to distinguish one component (or a portion of a component, or a state of a component) from another component. Such terms are not meant to indicate a preference or a particular orientation and are not meant to limit embodiments of location services that use optical facilities. In the following detailed description of example embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.
Fig. 1 shows a diagram of a system 100 including a plurality of electrical devices 102 (although only one is shown), according to some example embodiments. System 100 may include one or more objects 160, users 150, and a network manager 180. Electrical device 102 may include controller 104, one or more antennas 175, optional switch 145, power source 140, and a plurality of electrical device components 142. The controller 104 may include one or more of a number of components. Such components may include, but are not limited to, a control engine 106, a communication module 108, a timer 110, a power module 112, a memory store 130, a hardware processor 120, a memory 122, a transceiver 124, an application interface 126, and an optional security module 128.
The components shown in fig. 1 are not exhaustive, and in some embodiments, one or more of the components shown in fig. 1 may not be included in the example system 100. For example, any of the components of the example electrical device 102 can be separate or combined with one or more other components of the electrical device 102. For example, there may be multiple optional switches 145 in addition to one optional switch 145. As another example, instead of a single electrical device 102 having multiple antennas 175, the system 100 may have multiple electrical devices 102 communicatively coupled to each other, each having one or more antennas 175. As yet another example, the selectable switch 145 may be part of the controller 104.
The user 150 is the same as the user defined above. The user 150 may use a user system (not shown) that may include a display (e.g., a GUI). User 150 interacts with (e.g., sends data to, receives data from) controller 104 of electrical device 102 via application interface 126 (described below). User 150 may also interact with network manager 180 and/or one or more objects 160. The interaction between user 150, electrical device 102, and network manager 180 is performed using communication link 105. In some cases, user 150, electrical device 102, and/or network manager 180 may also interact with object 160 using communication link 105.
Each communication link 105 may include wired (e.g., class 1 cable, class 2 cable, electrical connector) and/or wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi, visible light communication, cellular network, bluetooth, WirelessHART, ISA100, power line carrier, RS485, DALI) technology. For example, the communication link 105 may be (or include) one or more electrical conductors coupled to the housing 103 of the electrical device 102 and the network manager 180. Communication link 105 may transmit signals (e.g., power signals, communication signals, control signals, data) between electrical device 102, user 150, and network manager 180. Instead, electrical device 102 of system 100 may interact with one or more objects 160 using location signal 195, such as discussed below. One or more objects 160 may communicate with user 150 and/or network manager 180 using communication link 105.
Network manager 180 is a device or component that controls all or a portion of system 100 including controller 104 of electrical device 102. The network manager 180 may be substantially similar to the controller 104. Alternatively, the network manager 180 may include one or more of a number of features in addition to or as a function of the features of the controller 104 described below.
As described above, one or more objects 160 may be any of a number of people and/or devices. Each object 160 may include a communication device 190 that may transmit RF signals 195 to electrical device 102 and/or receive RF signals 195 from electrical device 102. The communication device 190 may include one or more components (e.g., switches, antennas, transceivers) of the electrical device 102 and/or the functions described below with respect to the controller 104 of the electrical device 102. The RF signal 195 described herein may be transmitted in any of a variety of ways including BLE.
Using the example embodiment, the communication device 190 (also sometimes referred to as a beacon) of the object 160 may be in a sleep mode until the communication device 190 receives the RF signal 195 broadcast by the one or more antennas 175 of the electrical device 102. When this occurs, communication device 190 may turn on long enough to interpret the initial RF signal 195 and then generate and transmit its own RF signal 195 to electrical device 102 in response to the initial RF signal 195.
Alternatively, the communication device 190 of the object 160 may be in a sleep mode until some predetermined point in time (e.g., every hour, every 24 hours) independent of the antenna 175 of the electrical device 102 or the RF signal 195 transmitted by the electrical device 102. When this occurs, communication device 190 may be turned on long enough to transmit RF signal 195 to electrical device 102 so that one or more of antennas 175 of electrical device 102 receive RF signal 195. Signal 195. The latter embodiment may be used with the AoA method of locating object 160. In any case, the RF signal 195 may include a UUID (or some other form of identification) associated with the object 160. Once the communication device 190 of the object 160 transmits the RF signal 195, the communication device 190 may return to the sleep mode, thereby conserving a significant amount of power.
The communication device 190 of the object 160 may use one or more of a variety of communication protocols when transceiving (transmitting and/or receiving) the RF signal 195 with the antenna 175 of the electrical device 102. In some example embodiments, the object 160 may include a battery (in the form of a power source or power module) for providing power, at least in part, to some or all of the remainder of the object 160, including the communication device 190.
In certain example embodiments, when using the AoD method to locate the object 160, the communication device 190 may include a plurality of antennas and corresponding switches, where the antennas are substantially identical to the antennas 175 described above and the selectable switches are substantially identical to the selectable switches 145 described above. In this case, the electrical device 102 may have one antenna 175 without a switch 145 or multiple antennas 175 with corresponding switches 145. Alternatively, the communication device 190 of the object 160 may include a single antenna.
According to one or more example embodiments, user 150, network manager 180, and/or any other suitable electrical device 102 may interact with controller 104 of electrical device 102 using application interface 126. Specifically, the application interface 126 of the controller 104 receives data (e.g., information, communications, instructions) from the user 150, the controller 104 of the other electrical device 102, and the network manager 180 and transmits data (e.g., information, communications, instructions) to the user 150, the controller 104 of the other electrical device 102, and the network manager 180. In certain example embodiments, the user 150 and the network manager 180 may include interfaces for receiving data from the controller 104 and transmitting data to the controller 104. Examples of such interfaces may include, but are not limited to, a graphical user interface, a touch screen, an application programming interface, a keyboard, a monitor, a mouse, a web service, a data protocol adapter, some other hardware and/or software, or any suitable combination thereof.
In some example embodiments, the controller 104, the user 150, and the network manager 180 may use their own system or shared system. Such a system may be in the form of or include an internet-based or intranet-based computer system capable of communicating with various software. The computer system includes any type of computing device and/or communication device, including but not limited to controller 104. Examples of such systems may include, but are not limited to, desktop computers with Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), internet or intranet access, portable computers with LAN, WAN, internet or intranet access, smart phones, servers, server farms, Android devices (or equivalent devices), tablets, smartphones, and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). Such a system may correspond to the computer system described below with respect to fig. 2.
Further, as described above, such systems may have corresponding software (e.g., user software, controller software, network manager software). According to some example embodiments, the software may execute on the same or separate devices (e.g., servers, mainframes, desktop Personal Computers (PCs), laptops, PDAs, televisions, cable boxes, satellite boxes, kiosks, telephones, mobile phones, or other computing devices) and may be coupled through communication networks (e.g., the internet, intranets, extranets, LANs, WANs, or other network communication methods) and/or communication channels over wired and/or wireless segments. The software of one system may be part of the software of another system within system 100 or may operate separately but in conjunction therewith.
The electrical device 102 may include a housing 103. The housing 103 may include at least one wall forming the cavity 101. In some cases, the housing 103 may be designed to conform to any applicable standard such that the electrical device 102 may be located in a particular environment (e.g., a hazardous environment). For example, if the electrical device 102 is located in an explosive environment, the enclosure 103 may be explosion-proof. An explosion proof enclosure is an enclosure configured to withstand an explosion originating inside the enclosure or propagating through the enclosure, in accordance with applicable industry standards.
The housing 103 of the electrical device 102 may be used to encase one or more components of the electrical device 102, including one or more components of the controller 104. For example, as shown in fig. 1, the controller 104 (in this case, including the control engine 106, the communication module 108, the timer 110, the power module 112, the storage library 130, the hardware processor 120, the memory 122, the transceiver 124, the application interface 126, and the optional security module 128), the power source 140, the one or more antennas 175, the optional switch 145, and the electrical device assembly 142 are disposed in the cavity 101 formed by the housing 103. In alternative embodiments, any one or more of these or other components of electrical device 102 may be disposed on housing 103 and/or remotely from housing 103.
The repository 130 may be a persistent storage device (or set of devices) that stores software and data for assisting the controller 104 in communicating with the user 150, the network manager 180, and the one or more objects 160 and any other suitable electrical devices 102 in the system 100. In one or more example embodiments, the repository 130 stores one or more protocols 132, algorithms 133, and object data 134. The protocol 132 may be any process (e.g., a series of method steps) followed by the control engine 106 of the controller 104 based on certain conditions at the point in time and/or other similar operational processes.
Protocol 132 may also include any of a variety of communication protocols for transmitting and/or receiving data between controller 104 and user 150, network manager 180, any other suitable electrical device 102, and one or more objects 160. One or more of the communication protocols 132 may be a time synchronization protocol. Examples of such time synchronization protocols may include, but are not limited to, Highway Addressable Remote Transducer (HART) protocol, wirelessHART protocol, and International Society for Automation (ISA) 100 protocol. In this manner, one or more of the communication protocols 132 may provide a layer of security for data transmitted within the system 100.
The algorithm 133 can be any process (e.g., a series of method steps), formula, logic step, mathematical model, prediction, simulation, and/or other similar operational process that the control engine 106 of the controller 104 follows based on certain conditions at a point in time. An example of one or more algorithms 133 is to use signal strength to calculate the distance of one or more objects 160 from electrical device 102 and use these calculations to determine the location of object 160 in volume of space 199. Another example of one or more algorithms 133 is to track the motion of one or more objects 160 in the volume of space 199.
The object data 134 may be any data associated with each object 160 that is communicatively coupled to the controller 104. Such data may include, but is not limited to, the manufacturer of the object 160, the model number of the object 160, the communication capabilities of the object 160, the last known location of the object 160, and the age of the object 160. The repository 130 may also include other types of data including, but not limited to, user preferences, thresholds, and three-dimensional locations of the electrical devices 102 in the volume of space 199.
Examples of the repository 130 may include, but are not limited to, a database (or multiple databases), a file system, a hard drive, flash memory, some other form of solid state data storage, or any suitable combination thereof. According to some example embodiments, the repository 130 may be located on multiple physical machines, each storing all or a portion of the protocols 132, algorithms 133, and/or object data 134. Each storage unit or device may be physically located in the same or different geographic locations.
The repository 130 may be operatively connected to the control engine 106. In one or more example embodiments, control engine 106 includes functionality to communicate with users 150, network manager 180, any other suitable electrical devices 102, and objects 160 within system 100. More specifically, control engine 106 sends information to repository 130 and/or receives information from repository 130 to communicate with user 150, network manager 180, any other suitable electrical devices 102, and objects 160. As discussed below, in certain example embodiments, the repository 130 may also be operably connected to the communication module 108.
In certain example embodiments, the control engine 106 of the controller 104 controls the operation of one or more other components of the controller 104 (e.g., the communication module 108, the timer 110, the transceiver 124). For example, the control engine 106 may place the communication module 108 in a "sleep" mode when there is no communication between the controller 104 and another component (e.g., object 160, user 150) in the system 100, or when communication between the controller 104 and another component follows a regular pattern. In such a case, power consumed by the controller 104 is conserved by enabling the communication module 108 only when the communication module 108 is needed.
As another example, control engine 106 may indicate when timer 110 provides the current time, when to begin tracking the time period, and/or perform another function within the capabilities of timer 110. As yet another example, control engine 106 may instruct transceiver 124 to receive RF signals 195 from one or more objects 160 in system 100 using one or more of antennas 175. This example provides another example in which the control engine 106 may conserve power used by the controller 104 and other components of the system 100 (e.g., the object 160).
Control engine 106 may determine when one or more RF signals 195 are received in an attempt to locate object 160. To conserve energy, the control engine 106 does not constantly receive the RF signal 195, but only receives the RF signal 195 at discrete times. Control engine 106 may actively receive RF signal 195 based on one or more of a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the passage of time, the occurrence of an event, instructions from user 150, and commands received from network manager 180.
The control engine 106 of the controller 104 may also determine when the received RF signal 195 should be ignored. For example, as described below, if the RF signal 195 is received from the object 160 at an angle that exceeds (or in some cases falls below) a threshold or range of values, the control engine 106 may determine that the RF signal 195 should be ignored. In some cases, when system 100 includes multiple electrical devices 102, each electrical device 102 may have some form of controller 104. The control engine 106 of one controller 104 may cooperate with the controllers 104 of one or more of the other electrical devices 102. The control engine 106 may operate one or more optional switches 145 to perform its functions.
In some cases, control engine 106 of electrical device 102 may locate object 160 based on one or more RF signals 195 transmitted by object 160 (e.g., originating from object 160 or reflected by object 160) in response to one or more RF signals 195 broadcast by one or more electrical devices 102. To this end, the control engine 106 obtains (e.g., directly from the antenna 175) the RF signal 195 broadcast by the object 160 and/or reflected from the object 160. The control engine 106 may also use one or more protocols 132 and/or algorithms 133 to determine the multi-dimensional position of the object 160 based on the RF signal 195.
As described below, each antenna 175 has an angular range over which signals can be received or transmitted. The default range of angles (also referred to more simply as the default range) includes all angles at which the antenna 175 can transmit and/or receive signals based on factors including, but not limited to, the shape and size of the antenna 175, the position of the antenna 175 relative to the housing 103 of the electrical device 102, and the position of the object 160 relative to the antenna 175.
In certain example embodiments, the angular range in which signals from the object 160 or other components of the system 100 are received by one or more of the antennas 175 and/or transmitted from one or more of the antennas 175 is reduced from a default range. This reduced angular range is referred to as the effective angular range (or more simply the effective range). The effective range can be set manually. For example, the user 150 may manipulate one or more adjustment components (e.g., dials, switches) disposed on the housing 103. As another example, a user 150 (e.g., an app on a smartphone) using the user system may manipulate one or more settings that define the effective range.
Additionally or alternatively, the valid range may be automatically set. For example, control engine 106 of controller 104 may set/adjust the validity range based on instructions received from network manager 180, based on the occurrence of a condition (e.g., the passage of time, the identification of a particular object 160), and/or based on other factors or events. In any case, control engine 106 sets and/or adjusts the effective range of each antenna 175 of electrical device 102. As discussed below, the effective range of the antenna 175 can have any of a variety of shapes and/or sizes, such as in fig. 10-12. The effective range may be continuous and/or discrete. The effective range may be centered with respect to the central axis of the antenna 175 or offset from such central axis of the antenna.
For example, the protocol 132 and/or algorithm 133 used by the control engine 106 may require the control engine 106 to determine an angle of arrival (AoA) and/or an angle of departure (AoD) for each RF signal 195 received from the object 160. Control engine 106 uses protocol 132 and/or algorithm 133 to direct control engine 106 when and how to operate optional switch 145. The protocol 132 and/or algorithm 133 may also be used by the control engine 106 to determine which RF signals 195 to ignore.
According to an example embodiment, in addition to locating the object 160, the control engine 106 of the controller 104 may also track the movement of the object 160 in the spatial volume 199 over time. Additionally, or alternatively, according to an example embodiment, the control engine 106 of the controller 104 may detect when the object 160 moves from a previously known position in the spatial volume 199 or has moved from a previously known position in the spatial volume 199.
Control engine 106 may provide control, communications, RF signals 195 and/or other signals to user 150, network manager 180, and one or more of objects 160. Similarly, control engine 106 may receive control, communications, RF signals 195, and/or other signals from one or more of user 150, network manager 180, and object 160. Control engine 106 may automatically communicate with each object 160 (e.g., based on one or more algorithms 133 stored in storage library 130) and/or based on control, communication, and/or other like signals received from another device (e.g., network manager 180) using RF signals 195. Control engine 106 may include a printed circuit board on which hardware processor 120 and/or one or more discrete components of controller 104 are located.
In certain example embodiments, control engine 106 may include an interface that enables control engine 106 to communicate with one or more components of electrical device 102 (e.g., power supply 140). For example, if the power source 140 of the electrical device 102 operates under IEC standard 62386, the power source 140 may include a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI). In such a case, the control engine 106 may also include DALI to enable communication with the power source 140 within the electrical device 102. Such interfaces may operate in conjunction with or independently of communication protocols 132 for communication between controller 104 and user 150, network manager 180, any other suitable electrical device 102, and object 160.
The control engine 106 (or other components of the controller 104) may also include one or more hardware and/or software architecture components to perform its functions. Such components may include, but are not limited to, universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), direct-connected capacity (DAC) memory devices, analog-to-digital converters, inter-integrated circuits (I)2C) And a Pulse Width Modulator (PWM).
Using the example embodiment, while at least a portion of the controller 104 (e.g., the control engine 106, the timer 110) is always on, the controller 104 and the rest of the object 160 may be in a sleep mode when they are not being used. In addition, controller 104 may control certain aspects of one or more other suitable electrical devices 102 in system 100 (e.g., sending RF signals 195 to object 160 and/or receiving RF signals 195 from object 160, operating optional switch 145).
The communication network of system 100 (using communication link 105) may have any type of network architecture. For example, the communication network of system 100 may be a mesh network. As another example, the communication network of system 100 may be a star network. When the controller 104 includes an energy storage device (e.g., a battery as part of the power module 112), even more power may be saved in the operation of the system 100. In addition, data transmitted between controller 104 and user 150, network manager 180, and any other suitable electrical device 102 may be secure using time-synchronized communication protocol 132.
The communication module 108 of the controller 104 determines and implements a communication protocol (e.g., protocol 132 from the repository 130) used when the control engine 106 communicates with (e.g., sends signals to, receives signals from) the user 150, the network manager 180, any other suitable electrical device 102, and/or one or more objects 160. In some cases, the communication module 108 accesses the object data 134 to determine which communication protocol is within the capabilities of the object 160 for the RF signal 195 sent by the control engine 106. Additionally, the communication module 108 may interpret the communication protocol (e.g., RF signal 195) of the communication received by the controller 104 so that the control engine 106 may interpret the communication.
The communication module 108 may send data (e.g., protocols 132, object data 134) directly to the repository 130 and/or retrieve data directly from the repository 130. Alternatively, the control engine 106 may facilitate data transfer between the communication module 108 and the repository 130. The communication module 108 may also provide encryption for data sent by the controller 104 and decryption for data received by the controller 104. The communication module 108 may also provide one or more of a number of other services related to data sent from the controller 104 and received by the controller 104. Such services may include, but are not limited to, data packet routing information and procedures to be followed in the event of data interruption.
The timer 110 of the controller 104 may track a clock time, a time interval, an amount of time, and/or any other measure of time. The timer 110 may also count the number of occurrences of an event, whether time dependent or not. Alternatively, the control engine 106 may perform a counting function. The timer 110 is capable of tracking multiple time measurements simultaneously. The timer 110 may measure multiple times simultaneously. The timer 110 may track the time period based on instructions received from the control engine 106, based on instructions received from the user 150, based on instructions programmed in software of the controller 104, based on some other condition or some other component, or any combination thereof.
The power module 112 of the controller 104 provides power to one or more other components of the controller 104 (e.g., the timer 110, the control engine 106). Additionally, in certain example embodiments, the power module 112 may provide power to the power source 140 of the electrical module 102. The power module 112 may include one or more of a number of single or multiple discrete components (e.g., transistors, diodes, resistors) and/or a microprocessor. The power module 112 may include a printed circuit board on which the microprocessor and/or one or more discrete components are located.
The power module 112 may include one or more components (e.g., transformers, diode bridges, inverters, converters) that receive power from a source external to the electrical device 102 (e.g., via a cable) and generate power of a type (e.g., alternating current, direct current) and level (e.g., 12V, 24V, 120V) that may be used by other components of the controller 104 and/or the power source 140. Additionally or alternatively, the power module 112 may itself be a power source to provide signals to the controller 104 and/or other components of the power supply 140. For example, the power module 112 may be a battery. As another example, the power module 112 may be a local photovoltaic power system.
The hardware processor 120 of the controller 104 executes software in accordance with one or more example embodiments. In particular, hardware processor 120 may execute software on control engine 106 or any other portion of controller 104, as well as software used by user 150, network manager 180, and/or any other suitable electrical device 102. In one or more example embodiments, the hardware processor 120 may be an integrated circuit, a central processing unit, a multi-core processing chip, a multi-chip module including multiple multi-core processing chips, or other hardware processor. Other names are known to hardware processor 120, including but not limited to computer processors, microprocessors, and multi-core processors.
In one or more example embodiments, hardware processor 120 executes software instructions stored in memory 122. Memory 122 includes one or more caches, a main memory, and/or any other suitable type of memory. According to some example embodiments, the memory 122 is located separately within the controller 104 from the hardware processor 120. In some configurations, the memory 122 may be integrated with the hardware processor 120.
In certain example embodiments, the controller 104 does not include the hardware processor 120. In such a case, as an example, the controller 104 may include one or more Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), one or more insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), and/or one or more Integrated Circuits (ICs). The controller 104 (or portions thereof) may be programmed and operated according to certain logic rules and thresholds without the use of a hardware processor using FPGAs, IGBTs, ICs, and/or other similar devices known in the art. Alternatively, FPGAs, IGBTs, ICs, and/or the like may be used in conjunction with one or more hardware processors 120.
The transceiver 124 of the controller 104 may transmit and/or receive control and/or communication signals including RF signals 195. In particular, transceiver 124 may be used to transmit data between controller 104 and user 150, network manager 180, any other suitable electrical device 102, and/or object 160. The transceiver 124 may use wired and/or wireless technology. Transceiver 124 may be configured in such a way that control and/or communication signals transmitted and/or received by transceiver 124 may be received and/or transmitted by another transceiver that is part of user 150, network manager 180, any other suitable electrical device 102, and/or object 160.
When transceiver 124 uses wireless technology, transceiver 124 may use any type of wireless technology in transmitting and/or receiving signals. Such wireless technologies may include, but are not limited to, Wi-Fi, visible light communications, cellular networks, and Bluetooth. Transceiver 124 may use one or more of any number of suitable communication protocols (e.g., ISA100, HART) in transmitting and/or receiving signals including RF signal 195. Such communication protocols may be stored in the protocols 132 of the repository 130. Further, any transceiver information for user 150, network manager 180, any other suitable electrical device 102, and/or object 160 may be part of object data 134 (or similar area) of repository 130.
Optionally, in one or more example embodiments, the security module 128 protects interactions between the controller 104, the user 150, the network manager 180, any other suitable electrical device 102, and/or the object 160. More specifically, the security module 128 authenticates communications from the software based on a security key that verifies the identity of the source of the communications. For example, the user software may be associated with a security key that enables the software of the user 150 to interact with the controller 104 of the electrical device 102. Further, the security module 128 may restrict the receipt of information, the request for information, and/or access to information in some example embodiments.
As described above, electrical device 102 may include, in addition to controller 104 and its components, power source 140, one or more antennas 175, optional switch 145, and one or more electrical device components 142. Electrical device components 142 of electrical device 102 are devices and/or components typically found in electrical devices to allow electrical device 102 to operate. The electrical device components 142 may be electrical, electronic, mechanical, or any combination thereof. Electrical device 102 can have one or more of any number and/or type of electrical device components 142. Examples of such electrical device components 142 may include, but are not limited to, if the electrical device 102 is a light fixture: a light source, a light engine, a heat sink, an electrical conductor or cable, a junction box, a lens, a diffuser, a reflector, an air moving device, a bezel, a dimmer, and a circuit board.
The power source 140 of the electrical device 102 provides power to the controller 104 and/or one or more of the electrical device components 142. The power supply 140 may be substantially the same as or different from the power module 112 of the controller 104. The power supply 140 may include one or more of a plurality of single or plurality of discrete components (e.g., transistors, diodes, resistors) and/or a microprocessor. The power supply 140 may include a printed circuit board on which the microprocessor and/or one or more discrete components are located.
The power supply 140 may include one or more components (e.g., transformers, diode bridges, inverters, converters) that receive power from the power modules 112 of the controller 104 (e.g., via cables) or transmit power to the power modules 112 of the controller 104. The power supply generates power of a type (e.g., alternating current, direct current) and level (e.g., 12V, 24V, 120V) that can be used by a recipient of such power (e.g., electrical device component 142, controller 106). Additionally or alternatively, power source 140 may receive power from a source external to electrical device 102-1. Additionally, or alternatively, the power source 140 itself may be a power source. For example, the power source 140 may be a battery, a local photovoltaic power system, or some other independent power source.
As described above, electrical device 102 includes one or more antennas 175. The antenna 175 is an electrical device that converts electrical energy to RF signals 195 (for transmission) and RF signals 195 to electrical energy (for reception). In transmission, a radio transmitter (e.g., transceiver 124) provides a current (i.e., a high frequency Alternating Current (AC)) oscillating at a radio frequency to the terminals of the antenna 175 through the selectable switch 145, and the antenna radiates energy from the current as an RF signal 195. Upon reception, the antenna 175 intercepts some of the power of the RF signal 195 so as to produce a slight voltage at its terminals, which is applied to the receiver (e.g., transceiver 124) through the switch 145 to be amplified.
The antenna 175 may generally be comprised of an arrangement of electrical conductors that are electrically connected to each other (typically by a transmission line) to create a body of the antenna 175. The body of the antenna 175 is electrically coupled to the transceiver 124. The oscillating current of electrons forced through the body of the antenna 175 by the transceiver 124 will create an oscillating magnetic field around the body, while the charge of the electrons also creates an oscillating electric field along the body of the antenna 175. These time-varying fields radiate from the antenna 175 into space as a moving transverse RF signal 195 (typically a wave of an electromagnetic field). Conversely, during reception, the oscillating electric and magnetic fields of the input RF signal 195 exert forces on electrons in the body of the antenna 175, causing portions of the body of the antenna 175 to move back and forth, creating an oscillating current in the antenna 175.
In certain example embodiments, the antenna 175 may be disposed at, within, or above any portion of the electrical device 102. For example, the antenna 175 may be disposed on the housing 103 of the electrical device 102 and extend away from the electrical device 102. As another example, the antenna 175 may be insert molded into a lens of the electrical device 102. As another example, the antenna 175 may be injection molded into the housing 103 of the electrical device 102 twice. In yet another example, the antenna 175 may be adhesively mounted to the housing 103 of the electrical device 102. As yet another example, the antenna 175 may be pad printed onto a circuit board within the cavity 101 formed by the housing 103 of the electrical device 102. As yet another example, the antenna 175 may be a surface mounted chip ceramic antenna. As yet another example, the antenna 175 may be a wired antenna.
The antenna 175 may be electrically coupled to the selectable switch 145, which selectable switch 145 in turn is electrically coupled to the transceiver 124. Without the switch 145, the antenna 175 is directly electrically coupled to the transceiver 124. The selectable switch 145 may be a single switching device or a plurality of switching devices arranged in series and/or parallel with each other. The switch 145 determines which antenna 175 (in the case of multiple antennas 175) or when to couple the single antenna 175 to the transceiver 124 at any particular point in time. The switch 145 may have one or more contacts, where each contact has an open state and a closed state (position). In the open state, the contact of the switch 145 creates an open circuit, which prevents the transceiver 124 from transmitting or receiving RF signals 195 to or from the antenna 175 electrically coupled with the contact of the switch 145. In the closed state, the contact of the switch 145 creates a closed circuit, which allows the transceiver 124 to pass RF signals 195 to or receive RF signals 195 from the antenna 175 electrically coupled to the contact of the switch 145. In certain example embodiments, the position of each contact of selectable switches 145 is controlled by control engine 106 of controller 104.
If the switch 145 is a single device, the switch 145 may have a plurality of contacts. In any case, in certain example embodiments, only one contact of the switch 145 may be activated (closed) at any point in time. Thus, in such an example embodiment, when one contact of the switch 145 is closed, all other contacts of the switch 145 are open.
Fig. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a computing device 218 implementing one or more of the various techniques described herein, and all or portions of the computing device represent elements described herein, in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. For example, the controller 104 of fig. 1, including its various components (e.g., control engine 106, hardware processor 120, memory 122, repository 130) may be considered, in whole or in part, as a computing device 218. Computing device 218 is one example of a computing device and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the computing device and/or its possible architectures. Neither should the computing device 218 be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated in the example computing device 218.
The computing device 218 includes one or more processors or processing units 214, one or more memory/storage components 215, one or more input/output (I/O) devices 216, and a bus 217 that allows the various components and devices to communicate with one another. Bus 217 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. Bus 217 includes wired and/or wireless buses.
Memory/storage component 215 represents one or more computer storage media. Memory/storage component 215 includes volatile media (such as Random Access Memory (RAM)) and/or nonvolatile media (such as Read Only Memory (ROM), flash memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, and so forth). The memory/storage component 215 includes fixed media (e.g., RAM, ROM, a fixed hard drive, etc.) as well as removable media (e.g., a flash memory drive, a removable hard drive, an optical disk, and so forth).
The one or more I/O devices 216 allow a customer, utility, or other user to input commands and information to the computing device 218, and also allow information to be presented to the customer, utility, or other user and/or other components or devices. Examples of input devices include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, a cursor control device (e.g., a mouse), a microphone, a touch screen, and a scanner. Examples of output devices include, but are not limited to, a display device (e.g., a monitor or projector), speakers, an output to a lighting network (e.g., a DMX card), a printer, and a network card.
Various techniques are described herein in the general context of software or program modules. Generally, software includes routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. An implementation of these modules and techniques are stored on or transmitted across some form of computer readable media. Computer-readable media are any available non-transitory medium or media that is accessible to a computing device. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media comprise "computer storage media".
"computer storage media" and "computer-readable media" include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, computer recordable media such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, Digital Versatile Disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic disks, magnetic tapes, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by a computer.
According to some example embodiments, the computer device 218 is connected to a network (not shown) (e.g., a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN) such as the internet, or any other similar type of network) via a network interface connection. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many different types of computer systems (e.g., desktop computers, laptop computers, personal media devices, mobile devices such as cellular telephones or personal digital assistants, or any other computing system capable of executing computer-readable instructions), and in other exemplary embodiments, the aforementioned input and output means take other forms, which are now known or later developed. Generally speaking, the computer system 218 includes at least the minimal processing, input, and/or output means required to practice one or more embodiments.
Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in certain example embodiments, one or more of the elements of the aforementioned computer device 218 are located at a remote location and connected to the other elements over a network. Further, one or more embodiments are implemented on a distributed system having one or more nodes, where each portion of the implementation (e.g., control engine 106) is located on a different node within the distributed system. In one or more embodiments, the node corresponds to a computer system. Alternatively, in some example embodiments, the node corresponds to a processor with associated physical memory. In some example embodiments, the node instead corresponds to a processor with shared memory and/or resources.
Fig. 3 illustrates a system 300 that may use the AoA method to locate an
As shown in fig. 3, the
The
Fig. 4-6 illustrate the system of fig. 3 with an
In fig. 4, an
At some other subsequent point in time (e.g., after 2ms, after 50 ms) relative to the time captured in fig. 4, the
At some other subsequent point in time (e.g., after 3 ms) relative to the time captured in fig. 5, the
An alternative way of explaining fig. 4-6 is that the
Fig. 7 shows a top view of a
To assess the precise location of the
Fig. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a system 800 for locating an object 860 with a single electrical device 802, according to some example embodiments. Referring to fig. 1-8, the single electrical device 802 of the system 800 is substantially similar to the electrical device 102 of fig. 1. The electrical equipment facility 802 has a default range 878 for receiving RF signals in the volume of space 899. In this case, the default range 878 is a reception range of the RF signal that the object transmits and is received by the electric device 802. Additionally, or alternatively, default range 878 may be applied to broadcast RF signals transmitted by electrical device 802. According to certain example embodiments, as described above, a controller of electrical device 802 (e.g., controller 104) has a filter or other capability to ignore certain RF signals that fall within default range 878. In other words, the controller of electrical device 802 may set valid range 879 within default range 878.
For example, for a default range 878 of electrical device 802, there is a maximum angle 885 at which RF signals can be received. This maximum angle 885 is measured from the central axis 881 of the antenna 875 of the electrical device 802 to the outer boundary 882 of the default range 878. In this case, the controller of electrical device 802 will create a valid range 879 that defines an area 877 within the default range 879. Region 877 is a coverage area of effective range 879 that transitions over a surface (e.g., floor, ground, wall) of volume of space 899. The effective range 879 has an effective maximum angle 886 (measured from the central axis 881 of the antenna 875 of the electrical device 802 to the outer boundary 883 of the effective range 879) that is less than the maximum angle 885. In this case, region 877 is rectangular, but may be any of a number of other shapes, including but not limited to circular, oval, square, pentagonal, and octagonal. Also in this case there is only one area 877, but there may be multiple areas forming one or more effective ranges 879.
When the valid range 879 is valid, RF signals received by the controller of the electrical device 802 that are within the default range 878 but outside the valid range 879 will be ignored. A controller of electrical device 802 (e.g., controller 104) may adjust effective range 879. For example, the effective range 879 can be expanded (not to exceed the default range 878) or contracted. Other examples of valid ranges are shown below with respect to fig. 10-12.
FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of a system 900 for locating objects, according to some example embodiments. Referring to fig. 1-9, the system 900 includes 16 light fixtures 902 (types of electrical devices) arranged in a 4 by 4 configuration in a volume of space 999, where the light fixtures 902 in each row and each column are equally spaced from each adjacent light fixture 902 in the row and/or column. Each light facility 902 has an effective range 979, as shown by the area 977 that transitions on the surface 992 (e.g., the ground) of each light facility 902. Instead, each light facility 902 has a default range (e.g., default range 878) that covers the entire volume of space 999 shown in FIG. 9.
In this case, each effective range 979 is created by the controller of each light facility 902 for receiving RF signals transmitted by the object 960 and received by that light facility 902. For example, optical facility 902-1 has an effective range 979-1 (as shown by region 977-1 transitioning on surface 992), optical facility 902-2 has an effective range 979-2 (as shown by region 977-2 transitioning on surface 992), optical facility 902-3 has an effective range 979-3 (as shown by region 977-3 transitioning on surface 992), optical facility 902-4 has an effective range 979-4 (as shown by region 977-4 transitioning on surface 992), optical facility 902-5 has an effective range 979-5 (as shown by region 977-5 transitioning on surface 992), optical facility 902-6 has an effective range 979-6 (as shown by region 977-6 transitioning on surface 992), and so on up to optical facility 979-16 having an effective range 979-902 (as shown by region 977-16 transitioning on surface 992).
The top row of light fixtures 902 is made up of light fixture 902-1, light fixture 902-2, light fixture 902-3, and light fixture 902-4. The effective range 979 of each light facility 902 has substantially the same shape and size as each other, with each region 977 that transitions on the surface 992 being a square. In this case, there is no overlap between adjacent effective ranges 979. As described above, the default ranges (not shown in FIG. 9) will all overlap with each other (or at least have multiple instances of overlapping with each other) without using the example embodiments and valid ranges.
An object 960 is located in the volume of space 999. Specifically, object 960 is located within an effective range 979-1 of light facility 902-1. In addition, because there is no overlap of the effective ranges 979, the object 960 is not in any other effective range 979, including the adjacent effective range 979-2, the adjacent effective range 979-5, and the adjacent effective range 979-6. In this manner, since object 960 is detected only within a single effective range 979-1, methods currently used in the art that require high levels of processing, power, bandwidth, and other resources (e.g., triangulation) are not used to determine the precise location of object 960. Rather, the exemplary embodiment focuses on only identifying and approximating the location of the object 960 while using a minimal amount of processing, power, bandwidth, and related resources.
In this manner, the example embodiment brings the positioning engine of object 960 to the light facility level rather than the system level (as used in the current art). In this example, the controller of light fixture 902-1 is the only controller in system 900 that identifies object 960, and light fixture 902-1 communicates the identity of object 960 within reach 979-1. Even if the object 960 is within the default range of the light facility 902, the other light facilities 902 in the system 900 do not communicate the identity of the object 960 because the controller is that each light facility ignores RF signals that are not within the respective effective range 979 of that light facility 902 (as opposed to the default range).
Although the system 900 of FIG. 9 shows no overlap of the valid ranges 979, in some cases, one valid range 979 may overlap one or more adjacent valid ranges 979. In such a case, if the local controllers of multiple light facilities 902 detect the object 960, no complex algorithms (e.g., triangulation) are performed to find the exact location of the object 960 in the volume of space 999. Instead, the controllers of the multiple light facilities 902 independently report that the object 960 is detected within its respective effective range 979.
Fig. 10-12 illustrate various configurations of an effective range according to some example embodiments. Referring to fig. 1-12, the effective range need not be symmetrical and/or continuous. For example, fig. 10 shows a top view of a system 1000 having a single optical facility 1002 (or other electrical device) with an effective range 1079 (in this case, for receiving RF signals from an object) in the form of two concentric circles. Specifically, the effective range 1079-1 forms a circle (shown as the area 1077-1 transformed on the surface 1092) having a center coincident with the vertical position of the optical facility 1002, and the effective range 1079-2 forms a circle having the same center (shown as the area 1077-2 transformed on the surface 1092). The inner radius of the effective range 1079-2 (and corresponding area 1077-2) is greater than the outer radius of the effective range 1079-1 (and corresponding area 1077-2), leaving a gap 1064 on the surface 1092 between the effective range 1079-1 and the effective range 1079-2. The effective ranges 1079-1 and 1079-2 are conical when viewed in three dimensions.
As another example, fig. 11 shows a top view of a
As yet another example, fig. 12 shows a top view of a
In some example embodiments, the multiple valid ranges 1279 of FIG. 12 may also be viewed as a single valid range having multiple zones (zones 1-4 in this case). Likewise, when there are multiple effective ranges 1279 (or multiple regions of a single effective range 1279), the shape and/or size of one of those effective ranges 1279 (or regions) may be the same or different than the shape and/or size of any or all of the other effective ranges 1279 (or regions).
Although the
However, for diagonal axes through the
The
In an example system for locating an object in a volume of space, the object may initiate a first signal. In an example embodiment, the first signal for locating the object in the volume of space may be a radio frequency signal transmitted using bluetooth low energy. An example electrical device for locating an object in a volume of space may include a controller to reduce a first default range of an antenna to a first effective range. In such a case, the first effective range may be continuous. Alternatively, the first valid range may include a plurality of zones. The first effective range may be adjustable by a user.
The shape and/or size of the effective range of the light facility may be the same or different from the shape and/or size of the effective range of at least one other light facility in the system. The shape and/or size of the effective range of light fixtures may vary based on one or more of a number of factors including, but not limited to, the position of the light fixtures relative to each other in the system, the default range of each light fixture in the system, the size of the object.
In one or more example embodiments, a plurality of electrical devices (e.g., light fixtures) use transceivers (rather than just transmitters) to transmit RF signals, and responses from objects are used to determine multi-dimensional positions of the objects in a volume of space. In some cases, the electrical device can only use the receiver to receive signals from objects. When multiple electrical devices are used, the default range of each electrical device is decreased (creating a valid range for each electrical device) to ignore signals received outside the valid range. In this manner, the exemplary embodiments relate only to the identification and approximate location of the object in the volume of space, and not the precise location of the object. As a result of the example embodiments, the electrical device uses fewer resources (e.g., processing requirements, bandwidth, power) to locate one or more objects. Example embodiments may provide real-time location of an object in a volume of space. Communication, security, maintenance, cost, and operational efficiency may be improved using the example embodiments described herein. The example embodiments may be used with any type of positioning method, including but not limited to AoA and AoD.
Accordingly, many modifications and other embodiments set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these exemplary embodiments pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the example embodiments are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of this application. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
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