Automated commissioning of wireless devices

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for commissioning a wireless network in an automated fashion. The method includes accessing zone configuration data specifying zones in a wireless network and further specifying, for each zone, wireless devices that belong to the zone; in response to a first physical stimulus in an area, receiving sensor data from a first sensor device in the area and generating the sensor data in response to sensing the first physical stimulus, the first sensor device not belonging to a zone and the area being an area in which are located other wireless devices belonging to a first zone; generating a commissioning event for the first zone; and in response to the sensor data and the commissioning event, updating the zone configuration data so that the zone configuration data specifies that the first sensor device belongs to the first zone.

BACKGROUND

This specification relates to commissioning wireless networks.

Wireless networks are configured according to wireless protocols. Commissioning is the process of setting up a wireless network. In its broadest sense, commissioning covers a wide range of tasks including surveying the radio and physical environment, placement of devices, configuration of parameters, and testing and verification of correct operation. Often, non-technical and semi-technical issues need to be considered when commissioning, including the skills and workflow practices of the installer, the ease and identification and accessibility of devices, the naming conventions of the users, and the interoperability and co-existence with other wireless or wired systems.

Commissioning tools are designed to facilitate commissioning of wireless networks for installers. The commissioning tools typically run on a laptop or handheld device, and provide visualization of the network and devices, and provide options to configure, commission and manage the wireless system.

Commissioning tools typically include a variety of features and functions. The exact requirements for a particular commissioning tool will vary depending on the type of device and application being commissioned, the environment into which it is being deployed, and the wireless protocol standard(s) being used. For example, a commissioning tool typically includes an easy to use interface that hides the complexity of the underlying technology. The commissioning tool may also facilitate start-up commissioning and membership commissioning. Start-up commissioning is used to configure devices with the settings required to join (or start) their intended network, and membership commissioning is used to control which devices are permitted to join a specific network.

As the number of controlled circuits in a building increases, so does the complexity of the commissioning process, as each of the wireless devices need to be commissioned onto a wireless network and assigned to the appropriate controllable zone for control.FIG. 1Ais a block diagram80illustrating network controlled circuits arranged by zones and network segments82,84and86according to a floor plan. The diagram80illustrates three wireless network segments (i.e., three independent wireless networks that are intended to be operated as part of the overall system). Devices that are on different wireless network segments cannot communicate to each other wirelessly, except by means of a gateway.

The segments each include wireless devices configured according to multiple zones, the latter of which are logical groupings of wireless devices that facilitate control of the devices as a single entity. For example, a group of devices can be associated with a group address that is unique to a particular zone. The zone can also be configured according to other schemes, e.g., bindings, address masks, etc. The example zones including pairings of a single wireless switch or sensor to a single wireless lighting device or plug control (e.g., zone92), groupings of wireless switches and/or sensors with wireless lighting controls and plug controls (e.g., zones94,96and98). The task of ensuring that wireless devices are on the correct wireless network segment and ensuring that device zones are properly assigned, even for a relatively modest number of adapters and switches, can become complex and labor intensive. Manual methods of sequentially identifying each device, and then assigning them to a zone, exist but are extremely time consuming and labor intensive.

SUMMARY

This specification describes technologies relating to wireless system commissioning and optimization. In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods that include the actions of accessing zone configuration data specifying a plurality of zones in a wireless network and further specifying, for each zone, one or more wireless devices of a plurality of wireless devices that belong to the zone; in response to a first physical stimulus in an area, receiving sensor data from a first sensor device that can sense the first physical stimulus in the area and generate the sensor data in response to sensing the first physical stimulus, the first sensor device not belonging to a zone and the area being an area in which are located other wireless devices belonging to a first zone as specified by the zone configuration data; generating a commissioning event for the first zone; and in response to the sensor data and the commissioning event, updating the zone configuration data so that the zone configuration data specifies that the first sensor device belongs to the first zone. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer programs, configured to perform the actions of the methods, encoded on computer storage devices.

Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods that include the actions of accessing zone configuration data specifying a plurality of zones in a wireless network and further specifying, for each zone, one or more wireless devices of a plurality of wireless devices that belong to the zone; in response to a physical stimulus in an area, receiving first sensor data from a first sensor device that can sense the physical stimulus in the area and generate the first sensor data in response to sensing the physical stimulus, the first sensor device not belonging to a zone and the area being an area in which are located other devices belonging to a first zone as specified by the zone configuration data; determining if second sensor data from a second sensor device that can sense the physical stimulus is received; in response to determining that the second sensor data from a second sensor device is not received, updating the zone configuration data so that the zone configuration data specifies that the first sensor device belongs to the first zone. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer programs, configured to perform the actions of the methods, encoded on computer storage devices.

Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods that include the actions of accessing zone configuration data specifying a plurality of zones in a wireless network and further specifying, for each zone, one or more wireless devices of a plurality of wireless devices that belong to the zone; monitoring the joining of a first wireless device to the wireless network; in response to the monitoring: instructing the first wireless device to generate a physically perceptible identification signal that identifies the first sensor device; monitoring for a zone confirmation signal for each of the plurality of zones; in response to the monitoring of a zone confirmation signal for a first zone in the plurality of zones, updating the zone configuration data so that the zone configuration data specifies that the first wireless device belongs to the first zone. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer programs, configured to perform the actions of the methods, encoded on computer storage devices.

Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods that include the actions of monitoring the joining of a wireless photo sensor devices to a wireless network and the joining of wireless lighting devices to the network and that do not belong to a zone, and in response to the monitoring of the joining of wireless photo sensor devices and the joining of wireless lighting devices to the network: selecting the wireless photosensors; selecting the wireless lighting devices; assigning the wireless photo sensors and wireless lighting devices to respective zones, each respective zone based on respective couplings between the wireless photo sensors and the wireless lighting devices. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer programs, configured to perform the actions of the methods, encoded on computer storage devices.

Particular embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented so as to realize one or more of the following advantages. The commissioning process can sense physical stimuli that accompanies normal commissioning (e.g., light adjustments or installer movement) and use this information to expedite commissioning. Wireless devices can be commissioned with limited or no user intervention, thereby decreasing installation costs. A robust confirmation process can ensure proper commissioning for multiple devices and multiple zones even in fully deployed and operational wireless network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1Bis a block diagram of a wireless device102that can be joined to different network segments and assigned different zones. For the purposes of illustration only, the wireless devices may conform to the ZigBee specification, which is based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. The IEEE 802.15.4 standard is a standard for low-rate wireless personal area networks (LR-WPANs). The ZigBee specification defines a suite of high level communication protocols that use low-power and low-bandwidth digital radios. The low power consumption and low bandwidth requirements of a ZigBee device reduces cost and prolongs battery life, and thus such devices are often used for sensors, monitors and controls. Other devices that communicate according to other wireless protocols can also be used, and thus the devices and processes described below can be applied to other types of wireless networks as well.

The wireless device can be a sensor that senses a physical stimulus. A physical stimulus is a stimulus in an environment that is either indicative of a person's presence or indicative of an environmental change in the environment. For example, the motion of a person is a physical stimulus that can be detected by an occupancy sensor; the body heat of a person can be detected by a thermal sensor; and illumination level can be detected by a photo sensor, etc. The wireless device can also be an other device that controls other wireless devices or wired devices (e.g., a wireless switch, a wireless lighting adapter, etc.). The wireless devices do not need to be entirely of wireless design, as long as it has a wireless communication capability; for example, a wireless ballast adapter may be connected to a main power supply (e.g., a 120V power line) and received commands from a battery operated wireless dimmer. Likewise, a wireless plug load may be connect to main power, and may be wirelessly controlled by another wireless device.

For example, in lighting control systems, there are two main types of sensors that are commonly used—occupancy (or motion) sensors and photo sensors. Motion sensors are typically used to turn lights on and off. Photo sensors are typically used for daylighting, a process by which a natural daylight coming through windows, atriums or similar transparent building material is measured and electric light from lighting devices are reduced in order to conserve electricity in such areas when the measurements indicate sufficient illumination.

As will be described in more detail below, a commissioner110can use the sensor data and correlate the sensor data with commissioning events to enable automated self-commissioning. In particular, the sensor data is generated in response to the sensor sensing a physical stimulus (e.g., movement or an illumination level change) so that the sensor can be correctly assigned to a particular zone on a particular network segment.

Assume that the wireless device102is a wireless sensor that is being joined to a wireless lighting control system. When the sensor is first powered, it will attempt to join a network. Assume that the sensor is supposed to be joined to segment1, zone2. On its own, the sensor may join any of the two segments. Furthermore, once on a network segment, the sensor is to be assigned to a zone.

The commissioner110ensures that the wireless device joins the proper network segment and zone. In particular, the commissioner110has access to zone configuration data112specifying zones in a wireless network and further specifying, for each zone, the wireless devices that belong to the zone. Using the zone configuration data and sensor data form the sensor102, the commissioner110can ensure that the sensor102joins the correct segment and is assigned to the correct zone.

FIG. 2is a block diagram illustration200of wireless devices use in a commissioning process. The devices include the commissioner110, a controller204, a wireless wall switch210, a wireless ballast212, and other wireless devices, such as a plug controller214.

The wireless wall switch210is a wireless device already associated with a particular zone and a particular segment. The wireless ballast214may also be associated with a particular zone and a particular segment. The wall switch212and the ballast214could already have previously been commissioned onto that zone, for example. The wall switch212may have some interface (such as button(s) and/or LEDs) to allow human stimulus and/or feedback.

The controller204is a wireless device that wirelessly communicates with the sensor as well as any other device(s) in a zone or segment. In some implementations, the controller204can function as a gateway. Although the commissioner is described as being implemented on a mobile device, such as a laptop, the commissioner110can also be implemented in the controller204, or other wireless devices, such as the wall switch210or with in the wireless ballast212. Thus, the controller or the other wireless devices can also implement software algorithms that automate the commissioning process

The commissioner110is a device brought in or used for the purpose of commissioning, and is capable of wirelessly communicating to the sensor as well as any other device(s) in a zone or segment. The commissioner110implements software algorithms that automate the commissioning process. The commissioner, when implemented in a portable device, provides portable interface that can be brought to specific rooms and locations by the installer as part of the commissioning process. Alternatively, the laptop can communicate with the controller204wirelessly when the controller implements the commissioner110, thereby providing a portable interface.

The commissioner110is used to automatically commission environmental sensors, such as motion sensors, photo sensors, and the like, and assign them to the correct zones. The commissioner110does so by leveraging off pre-existing zone configurations if zone configuration data is available, e.g., zones that have already been established as part of a partially deployed system (such as in the case of an initial building installation) or in a fully deployed system (such as in the case of adding or replacing wireless devices in an operational system). The commission can also be used to automatically commission other wireless devices, such as lighting ballasts, plug controls, switches, and the like, and assign them to the correct zones.

FIG. 3is a flow diagram of an example automated commissioning process300for a sensor. The process300can be implemented in software on a data processing apparatus, such as computer device implementing the commissioner110. The process can be used to commission sensor devices in wireless networks, and is described with reference to motion sensors. The process300also applies to other sensor types, however.

§2.1 Automated Commissioning of Occupancy Sensors

Single Sensor Detection

In operation, the commissioner110accesses zone configuration data112specifying the zones in a wireless network and further specifying, for each zone, the wireless devices that belong to each zone (302inFIG. 3). When installing wireless occupancy (e.g., motion) sensors, an installer technician goes through each area or room where the motion sensors are to be installed. When a sensor102is powered, it may join a commissioning network or join an existing segment, depending on the wireless protocol being used. In either case, the controller204can receive data from the sensor102, even though the sensor102does not belong to a particular zone (304inFIG. 3). For the purposes of this example, assume that the sensor102joins the correct network segment.

The installer will typically select an area in which are located other wireless devices belonging to a first zone as specified by the zone configuration data112. For example, the installer may be installing a motion sensor in an office or meeting room in which switches and lighting ballasts have already been commissioned and zoned. In response to a first physical stimulus in an area, such as the installer moving in the area, the commissioner receives sensor data from the motion sensor102.

The commissioner110then generates a commissioning event for the zone (306inFIG. 3). For example, the installer can press a button (or some other form of stimulus) on the switch210, which generates data that causes the commissioner to associate the commissioning event with the zone to which the switch210belongs. Alternatively, the installer can press a button (or some other form of stimulus) on a user interface of the commissioner110that associates a particular zone from a list of available zones displayed on the user interface of the commissioner110with the commissioning event.

The commissioner110, in response to the sensor data and the commissioning event, updates the zone configuration data112so that the zone configuration data specifies that the sensor device102belongs to the first zone (308inFIG. 3). In particular, the commissioner110, receives the sensor data describing detection of occupancy, the commissioning event and the zone associated with the commissioning event. The commissioner110correlates these and can therefore associate the sensor102with the zone and assign the sensor102to that zone.

In some implementations, the commissioner110can require confirmation of the assigning of a sensor to the zone. For example, the commissioner110generates a confirmation request in response to updating the zone configuration data. The confirmation request identifies the first sensor device and the first zone, and the commissioner will only persist the update to the zone configuration data only in response to a confirmation responsive to the confirmation request. The confirmation can be used to ensure that the sensor is assigned to the correct zone.

For example, the commissioner110can instruct the sensor102, after being detected and correlated to a zone, to generate physically perceptible identification signal that identifies the sensor to the installer. A physically perceptible identification signal is a signal that an installer can either see, hear, or both. The commissioner110also facilities the identification of the first zone by the installer, either by allowing the installer to again press a button (either a special purpose button associated with a zone assignment function, or, in some implementations, any button or input actuation that causes data to be generated by the device that belongs to the zone), or by identifying the first zone in a graphical user interface on a user device that is implementing the commissioner110.

The installer then proceeds to the next area/room where the next occupancy sensor is located.

In some implementations, the wireless devices (sensors, controllers, etc.) can be further configured to provide physically perceptible device status signals that convey the state of commissioning. For example, the devices can have multiple light emitting diodes (LED) that light according to states, or vary the flashing rate or beeping rate of an LED or audio signal. Example states can include a “not joined or left a segment” state, a “not yet commissioned” state, a “commissioned” state, and a “commissioned and awaiting confirmation” state. Other states can also be added. The states that are conveyed allow the installer to quickly ascertain which wireless devices still need to be commissioned or confirmed.

On completion of the installation process (e.g., the installer has gone through every area and room where there is a wireless device to commission), any device that has not been allocated to a zone for that wireless segment is likely to not belong to the wireless segment being commissioned. As a result, the commissioner110can, in some implementations, instruct all such uncommissioned devices to leave the wireless segment.

The above example assumed the wireless device102joined the correct segment for commissioning. In the event that no sensor data is received by the commissioner110, it is likely that the device102joined a different segment, or that the device may not be functioning properly. If the former, the commissioner110can access a gateway (e.g., controller204) to communicate with the other segment on which the device102joined, and instruct the device102to join the correct segment. If the latter, the installer can replace or repair the device102.

§2.2 Automated Commissioning of Occupancy Sensors

Multiple Sensor Detection

In the event that more than one sensor detects motion close enough to each other in time to prevent reliable determination by the commissioner110of which occupancy sensor to correlate to the commissioning event, an extension to the procedure describe above can be taken to correlate the sensor102to the commissioning event.FIG. 4is a flow diagram of another example automated commissioning process400that is used to resolve commissioning ambiguities resulting form multiples sensors detecting a stimulus. The process400can be implemented in software on a data processing apparatus, such as computer device implementing the commissioner110. The process can be used to commission sensor devices in wireless networks when multiple sensors, and is described with reference toFIG. 2as well.

As before, the commissioner110accesses zone configuration data (402inFIG. 4) and receives sensor data from the sensor102(404inFIG. 4). The commissioner110can determine whether sensor data from a second sensor device103that can sense the physical stimulus is received, e.g., within a predetermined period of time from receiving the sensor data from the sensor102(406inFIG. 4). If no data is received from the second sensor103, the commissioner110can reliably update the zone configuration data112so that the zone configuration data specifies that the sensor102belongs to the first zone (408inFIG. 4).

However, if sensor data for the sensor103is received, there may exist an ambiguity in zone assignments and a resolution may be required. For example, when the installer is installing a sensor, the commissioner may receive data from two sensors that detect the installer's movement, and that do not belong to any zone. A floor plan may specify that the two sensors belong to the same zone (e.g., to motion sensors in a large room) or may specify that the two sensors belong to different zones (e.g., motion sensors in separate offices).

When this occurs, the controller110can instruct the sensors102and103to sequentially generate physically perceptible identification signals (412and loop limits410and418inFIG. 4). The signals are generated sequentially so that only one sensor device is identified at any one time.

The installer may then confirm a zone assignment in a similar manner as described above (e.g., pressing a button on switch210, selecting the desired zone on the commissioner110, or potentially a different button on the sensor or a device belonging to a particular zone). In the presence of two or more sensors102and103, the confirmation generates a zone confirmation signal for the zone (414inFIG. 4). Thus, in response to receiving a zone confirmation signal after a sequential generation of the physically perceptible identification signal, the zone configuration data112are updated so that the zone configuration data112specifies that the sensor device that most recently generated the physically perceptible identification signal belongs to the confirmed zone (416inFIG. 4).

After all the sensors have been processed, the installation is complete (420).

The sequential generation can also be extended if a sensor is to be paired to two or more zones. For example, a conference room may have separate zones for accent lighting, projector lighting, and main room lighting, and two motion sensors at each end of the room may be included in each of the zones. Accordingly, the commissioner110can, for each detected device, further sequentially cycle through each zone for a zone confirmation for that device. Thus, for N detected devices in a segment with M zones, up to N*M zone confirmations are possible.

2.3 Automated Commissioning of Photo Sensors

While the steps and procedures described above apply to the use of motion detected by a motion sensor to commission the sensor onto the correct zone, a similar process can also be used to commission other sensors, such as photo sensors. For example, when a photo sensor joins a network, the commissioner110can cycle through each zone and cause the lighting in each zone to adjust a predefined amount (e.g., from full intensity to half intensity, from off to full intensity, etc.). This physical stimulus can be detected by the photo sensor and reported to the commissioner110. The commissioner110can then determine from the sensor data whether the sensor senses a change in the illumination level of an area that is substantially proportional to the changing of the illumination level of the wireless lighting devices. In response to determining that the sensor senses a change in the illumination level of the area that is substantially proportional to the changing of the illumination level of the wireless lighting devices, the commissioner110can generate the commissioning event for that zone (e.g., can update the zone configuration data112to specify that the sensor belongs to the zone in which the lights were adjusted).

The procedures described here leverage the light level data collected by the photocell sensor to simplify and/or automate commissioning. This will be referred to as light level correlation.

In some implementations, a minimum sensed threshold may be specified to ensure that zones with light sources that have a limited impact on the sensor are not incorrectly associated with the sensor. For example, the photo sensor may be a hallway lighting sensor, and a conference room lighting may spill over into the hallway. The correlator110can require that the sensor detect at least a minimum 20% change in lighting before the sensor can be associated with a currently selected zone. This threshold can be used instead of, or in addition to, the proportional change requirement described above.

As described above, light spillover from devices in two adjacent zones associated with two different sets of lights may affect the light level detected by a particular sensor. In situations in which the desired outcome is to ensure that the photo sensor is assigned to one and only one zone, the commissioner110can cycle through all zones, and turn all lights in each zone on (or off), and assign the sensor to the zone that has the greatest influence on the sensor in terms of changes to the light level detected by that sensor. In some implementations, the commissioner110can set lighting levels in all zones to a known state (e.g., off), and then cycle through each zone, and, for each selected zone, turn the lights fully on and then fully off, and record the sensor reading. At the end of the process, the zone for which the lighting change resulted in the largest detected change in the sensor can be associated with the sensor.

In situations in which the desired outcome is to allow the sensor to be assigned to more than one zone, a threshold could be used by the commissioner100for each zone. Examples of such thresholds include a percentage change in light level or change in a specific number of foot-candles from turning lights completely off to on, or some other combination of percentage, foot-candles and source light change. The threshold is compared to the sensor data received for each zone to then determine which zones have lights that have an influence on the sensor that exceeds the threshold. The commissioner110then assigns the sensor to each the zones having lights that have an influence on the sensor that exceeds the threshold. The level by which the light level exceeds that threshold could also be used as a weight to determine how much influence lights from those zones have on the sensor.

For sensors that have both motion and photo sensor capability, one or both of the commissioning and zone assignment processes described above can be used. As with the motions sensors, on completion of the installation process (e.g., the installer has gone through every area and room where there is a wireless device to commission), any photo sensor device that has not been allocated to a zone for that wireless segment is likely to not belong to the wireless segment being commissioned. As a result, the commissioner110can, in some implementations, instruct all such uncommissioned devices to leave the wireless segment.

2.4 Automated Commissioning of Other Wireless Devices

Once sensors are commissioned and joined to their proper zones, the wireless devices and sensors belonging to any particular zone can be used to facilitate further commissioning of other wireless devices that belong to that zone. These other wireless devices include switches, ballasts, plug loads, etc., that are being added during initial deployment or replaced in a fully deployed and operational system. An illustrative example of the above process is the commissioning wireless plug loads. Wireless plug loads are devices that allow wireless control of appliances and electronic equipment that are plugged into main power. Such a device could be integrated into a power strip, or be a separate device that sits between the power plug from the appliance/equipment and the wall socket. These devices can be turned on or off wirelessly when, for example, an area is unoccupied, as determined by a motion sensor.

Wireless plug loads must then be commissioned to ensure that they are in the correct zone. For example, a plug load should be assigned to the same zone as an occupancy sensor that senses motion in the area that the wireless plug load is deployed. Commissioning can be achieved by leveraging occupancy correlation. When a wireless plug load is first plugged in and powered, it will attempt to join a wireless network segment. If the wireless plug loads are installed after hours, where there are few people in the office or work area, then it is likely that only the occupancy sensor where the installer has installed the wireless plug load will detect the motion of the installer, in which case the correlation between the zone which the occupancy sensor is a member of and the recently introduced wireless plug load can be made.

Conversely, if many other motion sensors detect motion, then the cycling sequence described above can be used to associate the plug zone with the proper zone. Should no occupancy sensor detect motion, or no confirmation action is successful, the commissioner110may then conclude that the wireless plug load is on the incorrect wireless segment and instruct it to leave the segment. This method can be used for any wireless device where there is a need to associate it with a zone which a wireless occupancy sensor is a member of.

Similarly, if a wireless plug load has a built-in photo sensor, commissioning can be achieved by leveraging light level correlation. When a wireless plug load is first plugged in and powered, it will attempt to join a wireless network segment. By varying the illumination in each zone, the wireless plug load can also be determined to be a member of a zone by examining the light level data generated by the photo sensor in the same way described earlier.

FIG. 5is a flow diagram of an example automated commission process500for a wireless device. The process500can be implemented in software on a data processing apparatus, such as computer device implementing the commissioner110.

In operation, the commissioner110can monitor for the joining of a wireless device to the wireless network (502), and in response to monitoring the joining of a wireless device, determine if the sensor device belonging to a particular zone generates sensor data in response to sensing a physical stimulus within a first predetermined time period measured from the monitoring of the joining event (504). For example, an installer may install a wirelessly controlled lamp or plug load, which then joins the network.

In response to these conditions being met, the commissioner110determines if sensors in other zones also sense a physical stimulus (e.g., movement) (506). For example, if the installer is installing devices after normal working hours, it is likely that the installer is the only person on a floor, and thus only one zone may detect movement—the zone to which the device being installed should be joined. If no other sensors belonging to the other zones generate sensor data in response to the physical stimulus within the predetermined time period measured from the monitoring of the joining event, the commissioner110updates the zone configuration data so that the zone configuration data specifies that the wireless device belongs the first zone (508).

Conversely, if other sensors detect a stimulus, the commissioner110can monitor for a zone confirmation signal for each of the zones for which sensors detected a stimulus (510). The zone confirmation signal is a signal that confirms a particular zone is to be associated with a joining device, and can be implicit or explicit. An implicit zone confirmation signal can be any signal generated by a device belonging to a zone within the predetermined time period. For example, the installer may actuate a wireless light switch or a wireless thermostat belonging to the zone. An explicit zone confirmation signal can be a signal (or series of signals) generated by a device belonging to a zone within the predetermined time period and which is specified as a zone confirmation signal. For example, the installer may actuate a light switch several times in rapid succession according to a zone confirmation signal pattern—e.g., ON/OFF/ON/OFF/ON/OFF. Alternatively, a dedicate zone confirmation button or combination of buttons may be actuated to generate the zone confirmation signal. Finally, the installer may also select the zone from the graphic user interface of the commissioner110.

In response to the monitoring of a zone confirmation signal the commissioner110updates the zone configuration data so that the zone configuration data for the zone for which the zone confirmation signal was received specifies that the recently joined wireless device belongs to the zone (512).

If no zone confirmation signal is received, or if no sensor data is received in response to monitoring the joining of a wireless device to the network, then the process returns to monitoring for the joining of a wireless device to the network (502).

§2.5 Automated Commissioning of Devices by Device Cycling

FIG. 6is a flow diagram of another example automated commissioning process600. The process600can be implemented in software on a data processing apparatus, such as computer device implementing the commissioner110.

In some implementations, the commissioner110can provide automated commission of wireless devices capable of providing some visual or audible feedback to identify themselves. The commissioner110can cycle through all devices, and for each device instruct the device to identify itself using the visual or audible signal. The installer then takes action to confirm that the device is in a particular zone when the device identifies itself.

In operation, commissioner110accesses the zone configuration data112, and monitors for the joining of a wireless device to the wireless network (602). In response to monitoring the joining of a wireless device, the commissioner110instructs the wireless device to generate a physically perceptible identification signal that identifies the wireless device (604), and then monitors for a zone confirmation signal for each of the zones (608and loop limits606and612). In response to the monitoring of a zone confirmation signal for a particular zone, the commissioner updates the zone configuration data so that the zone configuration data specifies that the wireless device belongs to the particular zone (610).

The process600is illustrated for one wireless device, but can be extended to multiple wireless devices. Thus, for N detected devices in a segment with M zones, up to N*M zone confirmations are possible.

§2.6 Automated Commissioning of Photo Sensors and Lighting Devices

In some implementations, the commissioner110is configured to assign wireless photo sensors and wireless lighting devices (e.g., wireless ballasts, wireless LED lighting drivers, incandescent dimmers, or other wireless lighting devices) that do not belong to zones to corresponding zones in a completely automated processes. In these implementations, no prior zone configuration data is necessary, and therefore the processes can be implemented independent of pre-existing zone configuration data.

FIG. 7is a block diagram700of wireless photo sensors102,103and105and wireless lighting devices212-1,212-2,213-1and213-2that have joined a network. The diagram is representative of lighting for two separate rooms, as indicated by the line between the groups of devices. Alternatively the diagram is representative of separate sub-areas within a larger area, such as a warehouse storage area. For illustrative purposes only, however, the example is described in the context of separate rooms.

In each room there may be located a wireless switch (switches210and211) for controlling the wireless lighting devices212and213. Assume that all devices have joined the network but are not assigned to any zones, and assume that the desired zone configuration is to have the wireless devices in each room on separate and independent zones, e.g., zones702′ and703′. The zoning can be achieved by the example process800ofFIG. 8.FIG. 8is a flow diagram of the example process800of assigning wireless lighting devices and wireless photo sensors to zones.

In operation, the commissioner110monitors the joining of wireless photo sensor devices to a wireless network and the joining of wireless lighting devices to the network (802). The wireless devices102,103,105,212and213do not belong to any zones. In response to monitoring the joining, the commissioner110are monitored as joining the network, the commissioner110selects the wireless photo sensors and the wireless lighting devices (804) and assigns the wireless photo sensors and wireless lighting devices to respective zones702′ and703′, each respective zone based on respective couplings between the wireless photo sensors and the wireless lighting devices (806). For example, the commissioner110can determine that the wireless lighting devices212and the wireless photo sensor102are coupled by illumination, and create a new zone702′ and assigned the wireless lighting devices212and the wireless photo sensor102. A similar zone703′ is created for the wireless lighting devices213and the wireless photo sensor103.

In some implementations, the commissioner110assigns the wireless photo sensors and wireless lighting devices to respective zones as follows. The commissioner110sequentially instructs the wireless lighting devices212-1,212-2,212-3and212-4that joined the network to change an illumination level so that only one wireless lighting device that joined the network changes an illumination level at any one time. For example, all lighting devices212and213may be turned off, and then lighting device212-1is selected and instructed to turn on to a predefined level (e.g., fully illuminated, or some portion thereof).

The commissioner110then receives photo sensor data from the wireless photo sensors102,103and105. For example, the commissioner110receives sensor data form the photo sensor102indicating a change in light level proportional to the illumination change generated by the wireless lighting device212-1, and receives sensor data from the photo sensors103and105indicating very little change, or no change) in light level proportional to the illumination change generated by the wireless lighting device212-1.

The commissioner110determines, for each wireless photo sensor from the photo sensor data for the wireless photo sensor, if the photo sensor senses a change in the illumination level that is substantially proportional to the changing of the illumination level of the wireless lighting device. Here, the commissioner110would determine the photo sensor102senses a change in the illumination level that is substantially proportional to the changing of the illumination level of the wireless lighting device212-1.

In response to determining that the photo sensor102senses a change in the illumination level that is substantially proportional to the changing of the illumination level of the wireless lighting device212-1, the commissioner110assigns the photo sensor and the wireless lighting device to a zone, e.g., zone702, and then updates the zone configuration data112to indicate that the devices102and212-1belong to zone702.

As none of the devices102,103,105,212and213initially belong to any zones, the commissioner110can generate new zones if needed. In some implementations, the commissioner110determines if either of the wireless photo sensor102or the wireless lighting device212-1have been assigned to a zone. Assume that neither the sensor102nor the wireless lighting device212-1are assigned to a zone (e.g., the wireless lighting device212-1is the first device selected for zone testing). In response, the commissioner generates a new zone—zone702, and assigns the wireless photo sensor and wireless lighting device to the new zone.

The commissioner then selects the wireless lighting device212-2. By the same process, the commissioner110will determine that the photo sensor102senses a change in the illumination level that is substantially proportional to the changing of the illumination level of the wireless lighting device212-2, and that the photo sensor103does not detect the change. Accordingly, the commissioner110will determine if either of the wireless photo sensor102or the wireless lighting device212-2have been assigned to a zone. Here, the commissioner110determines that the sensor102is assigned to zone702, and in response assigns the wireless lighting device212-2to the zone702.

The process continues with wireless lighting devices213-1and213-2. For these devices, a zone703is created. Note, however, that zone703has multiple sensors. For example, the commissioner may initially create the zone703with the photo sensor103and the wireless lighting device213-1. Then when processing the data for the photo sensor105, the commissioner110will determine that the wireless lighting device213-1has been assigned to the zone703, and thus will assign the wireless photo sensor105to the same zone703.

Some building plans may have only one lighting sensor for any particular zone. In such situations, the commissioner110can assign lighting devices and sensors that have the highest relative measures of illumination coupling to separate corresponding zones. For example, assumeFIG. 7depicts a device arrangement for an open warehouse floor, and that there is no wall between the wireless lighting devices. In this environment, each of the wireless lighting devices212-2,212-2,213-1and213-2may have an effect on each of sensors102,103and105. Table 1 illustrates one such example set of measurements of normalized illumination coupling.

Given the constraint of one sensor per zone, the commissioner110determines which sensors are most highly coupled with lighting device, and assigns each of the devices to their respective sensors in a corresponding separate zone. In some implementations, the commissioner110cycles through each sensor and lighting device pair and assigns the most highly coupled sensor and lighting device pair to a particular zone. The assigned lighting device is then removed from consideration. After an initial set of assignments, the commissioner110cycles through the remaining lighting devices and again assigns the most highly coupled sensor and lighting device pair to the particular zone to which the sensor is assigned. For example, with respect to Table 1, the commissioner110, after the first iteration, would assign the sensor102and lighting device212-2to a first zone, sensor103and lighting device213-1to a second zone, and sensor105and lighting device213-2to a third zone. The assigned lighting devices are thereafter removed from consideration, leaving lighting device212-1. As lighting device212-1is most highly correlated to the sensor102(i.e., 0.97 normalized coupling for sensor102, while only 0.51 and 0.43 normalized coupling for sensors103and105, respectively), it is also assigned to the zone to which the sensor102is assigned—the first zone.

Accordingly, the commissioner110can readily facilitate the detection and proper zoning of wireless lighting devices and photo sensors to corresponding zones based on illumination coupling.

In some implementations, the commissioner110can further add additional wireless devices to these zones. For example, one the zones are generated, an installer may desire to add light switches210and211to respectively control the wireless lighting devices212and213, respectively. Here, the commissioner can leverage of the zone configuration data112that it created for the zones702and703. For example, the commissioner110can monitoring the joining of other wireless devices (e.g., the switches210and211) to the wireless network, and in response to the monitoring of the joining of an other wireless device to the wireless network execute an iterative process for assigning the switches to the corresponding zones. For example, the commissioner110can sequentially select each zone702and703and instruct the wireless lighting devices belonging to the selected zone to change an illumination level so that only the wireless lighting devices of one zone change an illumination level at any one time. For example, the commissioner can select zone702and cause the wireless lighting devices212to flicker or change their illumination level for a predetermined period of time, e.g., 30 seconds. This serves as a visible signal to the installer that the zone702is eligible for confirmation.

The commissioner110then monitors for a for a zone confirmation signal for each the sequentially selected zones. For example, the installer may stand in the room corresponding to zone702, and when the lights begin to change in illumination level, can actuate the switch210to generate a zone confirmation signal. The switch210may include a dedicated button for generating the zone confirmation signal, or the commissioner110may interpret a series of predefined cycles, e.g., ON/OFF/ON/OFF/ON, as the zone confirmation signal, or simply, by selecting ON or OFF and as the commissioner110is able to establish that the switch210is not a member of a zone, and that any physical stimulus during this confirmation process may suffice to indicate, that the installer wants to assign the switch210to the zone.

In response to the monitoring of a zone confirmation signal from the switch210, the commissioner110updates the zone configuration data112so that the zone configuration data for the zone702for which the zone confirmation signal was received specifies that the wireless switch210belongs to the zone702(thereby specifying the updates zone702′). The installer may then process to the next room corresponding to zone703, and when the lights begin to change in illumination level, can actuate the switch211to generate a zone confirmation signal for zone703.

Accordingly, by use of the commissioner110, the installer merely needs to install the wireless lighting devices, switches and sensors. The zones will be emergent and the installer only awaits for each zone to identify itself, at which time the installer may actuate any other devices that need to be assigned to the particular zone to achieve the assignment.

Finally, in the event of significant illumination spillover, the installer can use the commissioning tool to partition (or group) any zones as necessary, should any granular zoning adjustments be needed or desired.

§2.7 Automated Commissioning of Occupancy Sensor without Pre-Existing Zone Configuration Data

As described above, a zone may often have an occupancy sensor assigned as one of the wireless devices, and the motion of an installer can be used to automatically assign a sensor to a zone for which certain other devices have already been assigned.

Often sensor devices have multiple sensing capabilities. For example, some sensing devices can sense both motion and illumination levels. Furthermore, as describe above, it is possible to use illumination coupling to assign photo sensors to corresponding zones, even in the absence of pre-existing zone configuration data. In another implementation, a motion sensor that also has a photo sensing capability can be assigned to a corresponding zone using the zone assignment process of Section 2.6 described above. For example, a row of lights in a warehouse, or lights in an office, and a motion sensor can be assigned to the same zone using the illumination level coupling sensed by the illumination level of the photo sensor built into the motion sensor.

In some implementations, the motion sensor can be specially configured so that the photo sensor has approximately the same field of view as the motion sensor. For example, assume the sensor105ofFIG. 7is a motion sensor and photo sensor, and that the motion sensor has a 35 degree field of view705. Accordingly, the photo sensor built into the motion sensor has the same 35 degree field of view705that coincides with the motion sensor field of view. The output of the photo sensor105is used specifically for the commissioning process, and thereafter can be optionally ignored during normal system operation. To conserve system bandwidth, the wireless photo sensor can be further configured to provide sensor only in response to a commissioning request from the commissioner110.

2.8 Automated Commissioning of Plug Load with Pre-Existing Zone Configuration Data

In some implementations, a user, by use of a user interface, is provided the capability to select a zone for joining devices. When the zone is selected, new devices are allowed to join the network and are automatically assigned to the zone. This function can be realized by allowing joining only when a particular zone is selected.

In an alternate implementation, activating a wireless wall switch, such as with a predefined key sequence, is used to automatically select the zone to which the wall switch is joined and allow new devices to join the network. These devices are then automatically assigned to the zone of the wall switch.

For example, plug loads installed in a space are required to join a network and a particular zone on that network. By use of the user interface or the switching pattern, the installer selects the particular zone, and the plug loads, once joined to the network and the zone, generate a confirmation signal, such as an LED illumination pattern. Thereafter, the installer can then move on to the next set of devices to configure.

§3.0 Additional Implementation Examples

An example of a computer in which the above-described techniques can be implemented is shown inFIG. 9, which shows a block diagram of a programmable processing system (system). The system900can be utilized to implement the systems and methods described above.

The system900includes a processor910, a memory920, a storage device930, and an input/output device940. Each of the components910,920,930, and940can, for example, be interconnected using a system bus950. The processor910is capable of processing instructions for execution within the system900. In one implementation, the processor910is a single-threaded processor. In another implementation, the processor910is a multi-threaded processor. The processor910is capable of processing instructions stored in the memory920or on the storage device930.

The memory920stores information within the system900. In one implementation, the memory920is a computer-readable medium. In one implementation, the memory920is a volatile memory unit. In another implementation, the memory920is a non-volatile memory unit.

The storage device930is capable of providing mass storage for the system900. In one implementation, the storage device930is a computer-readable medium. In various different implementations, the storage device930can, for example, include a hard disk device, an optical disk device, or some other large capacity storage device.

The input/output device940provides input/output operations for the system900. In one implementation, the input/output device940can include one or more of a wired network interface device, a serial communication interface device, and/or a wireless interface device.