Patent Publication Number: US-11030902-B2

Title: Systems and methods for using radio frequency signals and sensors to monitor environments

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/681,060, filed on Nov. 12, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/198,604, filed Nov. 21, 2018, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/988,617, filed on Jan. 5, 2016, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,156,852 on Dec. 18, 2018, and U.S. application Ser. No. 15/789,603, filed on Oct. 20, 2017, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Embodiments of the invention pertain to systems and methods for using radio frequency signals and sensors to monitor environments (e.g., indoor environments, outdoor environments). 
     BACKGROUND 
     In many indoor environments, it is desirable to detect occupancy or motion. Examples of such systems include motion and/or occupancy sensors used to trigger turning on/off of lights and motion sensors used to implement security systems. Current implementations of monitoring motion or presence of people and pets primarily often rely on a passive infrared (PIR) motion sensors, which detect the heat radiated by living creatures, sometimes combined with an ultrasonic sensor. This often presents a problem of false positive readings due to shortcomings of such sensors (susceptibility to temperature changes, lack of ability to differentiate between pets or people, and dead spots at larger distances). Additionally, these systems are limited to line-of-sight measurements over a relatively small area surrounding the sensor. As such, it is not possible to obtain information about situations in other rooms or locations not in the line-of-sight (such as areas blocked by wall, furniture, plants, etc). 
     SUMMARY 
     For one embodiment of the present invention, systems and methods for using radio frequency signals and sensors to monitor environments (e.g., indoor environments, outdoor environments) are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system for providing a wireless asymmetric network comprises a hub having one or more processing units and at least one antenna for transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) communications in the wireless asymmetric network and a plurality of sensor nodes each having a wireless device with a transmitter and a receiver to enable bi-directional RF communications with the hub in the wireless asymmetric network. The one or more processing units of the hub are configured to execute instructions to determine at least one of motion and occupancy within the wireless asymmetric network based on a power level of the received RF communications. 
     Systems and methods for using radio frequency signals and sensors to monitor environments (e.g., indoor building and adjacent outdoor environments) are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system for providing a wireless asymmetric network comprises a hub having one or more processing units and at least one antenna for transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) communications in the wireless asymmetric network and a plurality of sensor nodes each having a wireless device with a transmitter and a receiver to enable bi-directional RF communications with the hub in the wireless asymmetric network. The one or more processing units of the hub are configured to at least partially determine localization of the plurality of sensor nodes within the wireless asymmetric network, to monitor loading zones and adjacent regions within a building based on receiving information from at least two sensor nodes, and to determine for each loading zone whether a vehicle currently occupies the loading zone. 
     Systems and methods for using radio frequency signals and sensors to allow for the coexistence of robots with other robots, with infrastructure, and with humans are disclosed. In one embodiment, a robot uses location information to prevent approaching too close to humans in the environment. In another embodiment, a robot uses location information to avoid collisions with other robots in the environment based on their location. In yet another embodiment, a robot uses location information to avoid collision with fixed infrastructure in the environment based on location information. 
     Other features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a system primarily having a tree network architecture that is capable of mesh-like network functionality in which each group of sensor nodes is assigned a periodic guaranteed time slot for communicating in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a diagram  200  having communications being transmitted by a hub and groups of wireless nodes in a wireless network architecture in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates transmit and receive time lines for a hub and nodes  1 - 4  of the wireless asymmetric network architecture in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate methods for location estimation of nodes upon detection of a change in signal strength and also detection of motion or occupancy in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a plot of a RSSI measurements of a sensor network for a baseline condition in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates a plot of a RSSI measurements of a sensor network for a presence condition in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary building (e.g., house) with nodes spread out in various rooms and a centrally located hub in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an example of possible motion of a person or people in different areas of a building in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an example of RSSI measurements based on possible motion of a person or people in different areas of a building in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate how occupancy can be detected based on RSSI measurements in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a pattern followed by a cleaning robot in a sample building (e.g., house) in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates combining images from multiple viewing angles of sensor nodes with images taken from a floor-level robot to provide a better representation of the environment in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates capturing images of views  1200  and  1210  at a known time apart in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a robot that can be used to track assets in an indoor environment as shown in view  1300  in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  show how a robot may be used to confirm an event (e.g., a window is open, a water leak is detected, etc.) within a building or indoor environment in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 15A  shows an exemplary embodiment of a hub implemented as an overlay  1500  for an electrical power outlet in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 15B  shows an exemplary embodiment of an exploded view of a block diagram of a hub  1520  implemented as an overlay for an electrical power outlet in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 16A  shows an exemplary embodiment of a hub implemented as a card for deployment in a computer system, appliance, or communication hub in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 16B  shows an exemplary embodiment of a block diagram of a hub  1664  implemented as a card for deployment in a computer system, appliance, or communication hub in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 16C  shows an exemplary embodiment of a hub implemented within an appliance (e.g., smart washing machine, smart refrigerator, smart thermostat, other smart appliances, etc.) in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 16D  shows an exemplary embodiment of an exploded view of a block diagram of a hub  1684  implemented within an appliance (e.g., smart washing machine, smart refrigerator, smart thermostat, other smart appliances, etc.) in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a block diagram of a sensor node in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a block diagram of a system or appliance  1800  having a hub in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIGS. 19A and 19B  show how a wireless network monitors conditions within and outside of an industrial building. 
         FIG. 19C  shows how a robot may be used to confirm an event (e.g., vehicle parked in loading zone, object blocking access to loading zone, etc.) within a building or indoor environment in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 19D  illustrates how each region can have one or more sensors with different locations for the sensors in addition to external sensors (e.g.,  1952 ,  1962 ,  1982 ) that are located outside of the building. 
         FIGS. 20A and 20B  illustrate a method for monitoring openings of a building and adjacent loading zones with a wireless network to determine conditions in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIGS. 21A and 21B  illustrate a method for how a wireless network monitors conditions within a building or within an industrial environment to facilitate co-existence of robots, humans, and infrastructure in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a wireless network for monitoring conditions within a building to facilitate co-existence of robots, humans, and infrastructure in accordance with one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In one embodiment, a system to detect at least one of motion and occupancy of environments (e.g., indoor environments, outdoor environments) is disclosed, based on the use of signal strength measurements within a wireless network. The signal strength information provides at least one of occupancy and motion detection without the strict line of sight limitations commonly seen in prior art motion and occupancy sensing systems. Methods for detecting motion and occupancy of an indoor environment are also disclosed. These may be used for a wide range of applications that make use of such information, such as security systems, and operation and control of building lighting and heating/cooling systems. Systems and methods using signal strength measurements within a wireless network to guide operation of a robot (e.g., an indoor robot, cleaning robot, robot in close proximity to indoor environment, pool cleaning robot, gutter cleaning robot, etc.) are also disclosed. Systems and methods can make use of data from other sensors (e.g., optical, image sensors, etc.) that are deployed in a wireless network to enhance operation of a robot operating within an indoor environment. 
     For the purpose of this, indoor environments are also assumed to include near-indoor environments such as in the region around building and other structures, where similar issues (e.g., presence of nearby walls, etc.) may be present. 
     Prior approaches for determining motion and occupancy are commonly used for security systems and control of lighting. Such information is typically not used for guiding of maintenance functions such as operation of cleaning robots. Indeed, such information could be used to guide the operation of the same, since the provided information may be used to identify regions of an indoor environment potentially in need of cleaning. 
     It is therefore desirable to implement a motion and occupancy sensing system that alleviates the aforementioned shortcomings of prior art motion and occupancy sensing systems. Such systems may then be used to improve efficacy and operation of indoor monitoring and control systems such as security systems and lighting/heating/cooling control systems. Furthermore, it is desirable to use the information provided by such as system to guide operation of indoor systems such as cleaning robots. 
     In one embodiment, sensor nodes of the present design consume significantly less power in comparison to power consumption of nodes of prior approaches at least partially due to having a receiver of the sensor nodes of the present design operable for a shorter time period. A non-repeating timeslot definition signal also saves time and reduces network congestion and bandwidth requirements in comparison to the prior approaches which require the timeslot definition signal to be repeated frequently. 
     In one embodiment, an asymmetry in power availability may be exploited to provide long range of communication in a wireless asymmetric network architecture while maintaining long battery life for nodes that are powered by a battery source. In an exemplary embodiment, a communication range of 20 meters between communicating nodes may be achieved while providing a long battery life (e.g., approximately 10 years, at least ten years) in battery operated nodes. This may be achieved by implementing an energy aware networking protocol in accordance with embodiments of this invention. Specifically, a tree-like network architecture having mesh based features may be used where long-life battery operated nodes are used on the terminal ends of the tree. 
     An exemplar tree-like network architecture has been described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/607,045 filed on Jan. 29, 2015, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/607,047 filed on Jan. 29, 2015, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/607,048 filed on Jan. 29, 2015, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/607,050 filed on Jan. 29, 2015, which are incorporated by reference in entirety herein. Another exemplar wireless network architecture has been described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/925,889 filed on Oct. 28, 2015. 
     A wireless sensor network is described for use in an indoor environment including homes, apartments, office and commercial buildings, and nearby exterior locations such as parking lots, walkways, and gardens. The wireless sensor network may also be used in any type of building, structure, enclosure, vehicle, boat, etc. having a power source. The sensor system provides good battery life for sensor nodes while maintaining long communication distances. 
     The system may primarily have a tree network architecture for standard communications (e.g., node identification information, sensor data, node status information, synchronization information, localization information, other such information for the wireless sensor network, time of flight (TOF) communications, etc.). 
     A sensor node is a terminal node if it only has upstream communications with a higher level hub or node and no downstream communications with another hub or node. Each wireless device includes RF circuitry with a transmitter and a receiver (or transceiver) to enable bi-directional communications with hubs or other sensor nodes. 
       FIG. 1  shows a system primarily having a tree network architecture that is capable of mesh-like network functionality in which each group of sensor nodes is assigned a periodic guaranteed time slot for communicating in accordance with one embodiment. The system  150  may establish a mesh-like network architecture for determining locations of sensor nodes based on a threshold criteria (e.g., movement of at least one node by a certain distance, a change in path length between a node and the hub by a certain distance) being triggered. The system  150  includes a hub  110 , a first group  195  of nodes  170 ,  180 , and  190  and a second group  196  of nodes  120 ,  124 ,  128 ,  130 ,  132 . The sensor nodes can be assigned into different groups. In another example, the group  196  is split into a first subgroup of nodes  120  and  124  and a second subgroup of nodes  128 ,  130 , and  132 . In one example, each group (or subgroup) is assigned a different periodic guaranteed time slot for communicating with other nodes or hubs. 
     The hub  110  includes the wireless device  111 , the sensor node  120  includes the wireless device  121 , the sensor node  124  includes the wireless device  125 , the sensor node  128  includes the wireless device  129 , the sensor node  130  includes the wireless device  131 , the sensor node  132  includes the wireless device  133 , the sensor node  170  includes the wireless device  171 , the sensor node  180  includes the wireless device  181 , and the sensor node  190  includes the wireless device  191 . Additional hubs that are not shown can communicate with the hub  110  or other hubs. The hub  110  communicates bi-directionally with the sensor nodes. 
     These communications include bi-directional communications  140 - 144 ,  172 ,  182 , and  192  in the wireless asymmetric network architecture. The sensor nodes communicate bi-directionally with each other based on communications  161 - 166 ,  173 , and  183  to provide the mesh-like functionality for different applications including determining locations of the hub and sensor nodes. 
     In one embodiment, the control device  111  of the hub  110  is configured to execute instructions to determine or negotiate a timing of a periodic guaranteed time slot for each group of sensor nodes one time using a single timeslot definition signal. 
     The hub is also designed to communicate bi-directionally with other devices including device  198  (e.g., client device, mobile device, tablet device, computing device, smart appliance, smart TV, etc.). 
     By using the architecture illustrated in  FIG. 1 , nodes requiring long battery life minimize the energy expended on communication and higher level nodes in the tree hierarchy are implemented using available energy sources or may alternatively use batteries offering higher capacities or delivering shorter battery life. To facilitate achievement of long battery life on the battery-operated terminal nodes, communication between those nodes and their upper level counterparts (hereafter referred to as lowest-level hubs) may be established such that minimal transmit and receive traffic occurs between the lowest-level hubs and the terminal nodes. 
     A Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) is a measure of the power of a RF signal being received by a device. In an example wireless network where multiple nodes are communicating with a central hub and each other at regular periods, it is possible to measure and record RSSI values over time. When any given node senses an RF signal from within the network, it can record or log an associated RSSI value and the source of signal&#39;s origin. This can be performed during scheduled routine/maintenance communication or on demand. 
       FIG. 1  shows communication in an exemplar wireless sensor network. In this network, RSSI can be measured by at least one of the hub and any node during one or more of the communication signaling events, including but not limited to communication from the hub to one or more nodes, communication from a node to the hub, or communication between nodes. RSSI can be measured by the hub or by any of the nodes with respect to communication between the hub and said node, or even for signals detected related to communication between the hub and another node. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a diagram  200  having communications being transmitted by a hub and groups of wireless nodes in a wireless network architecture in accordance with one embodiment. The diagram  200  illustrates a vertical axis (transmit power  251 ) versus a horizontal axis (time line  250 ) for communications in a wireless sensor network. A broadcast beacon signal  201 - 205  is periodically repeated (e.g., 50 milliseconds, 100 milliseconds, 200 milliseconds, etc.) on a time line  250 . The broadcast beacon signal may include address information (e.g., optional MAC address info which defines a unique identifier assigned to a network interface (e.g., hub) for communications on a physical network segment) and also information about frames as discussed in conjunction with the description of FIG. 6 of application Ser. No. 14/925,889 which has been incorporated by reference in its entirety. A timeslot definition signal (e.g., timeslot definition signal 656 of application Ser. No. 14/925,889) has been previously defined once (non-repeating) to define timeslots that correspond to time periods  220 - 223  for a group of sensor nodes having operational receivers. 
     In one example, a sensor detects a triggering event that causes the sensor to generate and transmit an alarm signal during a next guaranteed time slot or possibly prior to the next guaranteed time slot. The hub receives the alarm signal and determines an action (e.g., repeating the alarm signal which causes all nodes to wake, causing an alarm signal to be sent to a home owner, police station, fire station, ambulance, etc.) based on receiving the alarm signal. Upon waking other sensor nodes, the hub may receive additional communications from other sensors. The hub can then determine an appropriate action based on the additional communications. For example, all sensors after receiving a wake signal from the hub may capture images and transmit the images to the hub for analysis. 
     The communication between hubs and nodes as discussed herein may be achieved using a variety of means, including but not limited to direct wireless communication using radio frequencies, Powerline communication achieved by modulating signals onto the electrical wiring within the house, apartment, commercial building, etc., WiFi communication using such standard WiFi communication protocols as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11n, 802.11ac, and other such Wifi Communication protocols as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, cellular communication such as GPRS, EDGE, 3G, HSPDA, LTE, and other cellular communication protocols as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, Bluetooth communication, communication using well-known wireless sensor network protocols such as Zigbee, and other wire-based or wireless communication schemes as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. In one example, the RF communications have a frequency range of approximately 500 MHz up to approximately 10 GHz (e.g., approximately 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, etc.). The RF communications are desired to be transmitted through walls, glass, and other structures in contrast to IR communications. RF communications may be transmitted at a certain time period (e.g., every 30-90 seconds) to determine if a sensor node is operational. RF communications may be monitored and analyzed at a certain time period (e.g., 1-10 seconds) to determine a power level for the received communications at a given time. 
     The implementation of the radio-frequency communication between the terminal nodes and the hubs may be implemented in a variety of ways including narrow-band, channel overlapping, channel stepping, multi-channel wide band, and ultra-wide band communications. 
     In one embodiment, the hub may instruct one or more of the nodes to shift the timing of a future transmit/receive communications to avoid collisions on the network.  FIG. 3  illustrates a time sequence for shifting transmit and receive communications to avoid collisions of a wireless asymmetric network architecture in accordance with one embodiment.  FIG. 3  illustrates transmit and receive time lines for a hub and nodes  1 - 4  of the wireless asymmetric network architecture in accordance with one embodiment. Initially, node  1  transmits a communication to the hub during a transmit window  310  of the transmit timeline (TX). In this embodiment, the hub listens continuously as illustrated by the continuous receive window  308  of the hub. The hub then calculates a transmit window minus receive window separation of node  1  to determine a timing for a receive window  312  of the receive timeline (RX) of node  1 . The hub sends a communication to node  1  during transmit window  314  of the hub and the receive window  312  of node  1  receives this communication. In other words, a receiver of RF circuitry (or receiver functionality of a transceiver) of wireless device of node  1  is operable to receive during receive window  312  in order to receive communications. 
     In a similar manner, the hub communicates or transacts with node  2 . Node  2  transmits a communication to the hub during the transmit window  316  of the transmit timeline (TX) of node  2 . The hub then calculates a transmit window minus receive window separation of node  2  to determine a timing for a receive window  320  of the receive timeline (RX) of node  2 . The hub sends a communication to node  2  during a transmit window  318  of the hub and the receive window  320  of node  2  receives this communication. 
     The hub then detects a communication from node  3  during a transmit window  322  of node  3  and at the same time or approximately the same time also detects a communication from node  4  during a transmit window  324  of node  4 . At this collision time  330 , the hub detects that a collision  331  has occurred (e.g., when the hub detects that part or all of a transmission is unintelligible or irreversibly garbled). In other words, the communications from node  3  and node  4  combine to form an unintelligible transmission (e.g., an irreversibly garbled transmission) that is received by the hub at or near collision time  330 . The hub then can calculate the next receive window for any of the nodes that transmitted with the unintelligible or garbled transmission during the unintelligible or garbled transmit window (e.g., transmit windows  322  and  324 ). In that next receive window (e.g., receive windows  332  and  334 ) for nodes  3  and  4  or any further subsequent receive windows (e.g., receive windows  345  and  347 ), the hub with transmit window  326  can instruct the colliding nodes (e.g., nodes  3  and  4 ) to shift their respective transmit and receive windows by different time delays or time periods as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In this example, the time delay or shift  350  from transmit window  322  to transmit window  344  of node  3  is less than the time delay or shift  352  from transmit window  324  to transmit window  346  of node  4  in order to avoid a collision based on transmissions during transmit window  344  and transmit window  346 . 
     This time delay or shift may be randomly determined using a random number generator in each node, for example, or may be determined and instructed by the hub. The hub may choose from available future windows and offer them as a set to the colliding nodes. These colliding nodes may then choose one of these randomly, for example. Once this selection is made, the collision should be avoided for future windows. On the other hand, if a collision occurs again in the next window (for example, because two of the colliding nodes happened to choose the same time shift), the process can be repeated until all collisions are avoided. In this way, the hub can arbitrate the operation of the entire network without requiring significant complexity from the nodes, thus reducing the energy required for operation of the nodes. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate methods for location estimation of nodes upon detection of a change in signal strength and also detection of motion or occupancy in accordance with one embodiment. The operations of methods  400  and  490  may be executed by a wireless device, a wireless control device of a hub (e.g., an apparatus), or system, which includes processing circuitry or processing logic. The processing logic may include hardware (circuitry, dedicated logic, etc.), software (such as is run on a general purpose computer system or a dedicated machine or a device), or a combination of both. In one embodiment, a hub at least partially performs the operations of methods  400  and  490 . At least one sensor node may also at least partially perform some of the operations of methods  400  and  490 . 
     At operation  401 , the hub having radio frequency (RF) circuitry and at least one antenna transmits communications to a plurality of sensor nodes in the wireless network architecture (e.g., wireless asymmetric network architecture). At operation  402 , the RF circuitry and at least one antenna of the hub receives communications from the plurality of sensor nodes each having a wireless device with a transmitter and a receiver to enable bi-directional communications with the RF circuitry of the hub in the wireless network architecture. At operation  403 , processing logic of the hub (or node) having a wireless control device initially causes a wireless network of sensor nodes to be configured as a first network architecture (e.g., a mesh-based network architecture) for a time period (e.g., predetermined time period, time period sufficient for localization, etc.). At operation  404 , the processing logic of the hub (or node) determines localization of at least two nodes (or all nodes) using at least one of frequency channel overlapping, frequency channel stepping, multi-channel wide band, and ultra-wide band for at least one of time of flight and signal strength techniques as discussed in the various embodiments disclosed in application Ser. No. 14/830,668 and incorporated by reference herein. At operation  406 , upon localization of the at least two network sensor nodes being complete, the processing logic of the hub (or node) terminates time of flight measurements if any time of flight measurements are occurring and continues monitoring the signal strength of communications with the at least two nodes. Similarly, the at least two nodes may monitor the signal strength of communications with the hub. At operation  408 , the processing logic of the hub (or node) configures the wireless network in a second network architecture (e.g., a tree based or tree-like network architecture (or tree architecture with no mesh-based features)) upon completion of localization. At operation  410 , the processing logic of the hub (or node) may receive information from at least one of the sensor nodes (or hub) that indicates if any sustained change in signal strength occurs. Then, at operation  412 , the processing logic of the hub (or node) determines (either on its own or based on information received from at least one of the sensor nodes) whether there has been a sustained change in signal strength to a particular node. If so, the method returns to operation  402  with the processing logic of the hub configuring the network as the first network architecture for a time period and re-triggering localization at operation  404  using at least one of frequency channel overlapping, frequency channel stepping, multi-channel wide band, and ultra-wide band for at least one of time of flight and signal strength techniques (e.g., time of flight and signal strength techniques) disclosed herein. Otherwise, if no sustained change in signal strength for a particular node, then the method returns to operation  408  and the network continues to have second network architecture. 
     A method  490  for determining motion or occupancy in a wireless network architecture is illustrated in  FIG. 4B , in one example, upon reaching operation  406  of  FIG. 4A  in which processing logic of the hub (or at least one sensor node) monitors the signal strength of communications within the wireless network architecture. In another example, the operations of  FIG. 4B  occur simultaneously with the operations of  FIG. 4A  or independently from the operations of  FIG. 4A . In another example, one or more of the operations in  FIG. 4B  may be skipped, or the order of the operations may be changed. 
     At operation  430 , the one or more processing units (or processing logic) of the hub (or at least one sensor node) determines power level information for received RF communications from the plurality of sensor nodes. At operation  432 , the processing logic of the hub (or at least one sensor node) determines whether received RF communications can be identified or categorized as having a baseline power level to indicate a baseline condition with no occupancy or motion or one or more threshold power levels to indicate a motion condition or an occupancy condition within the wireless network architecture. For example, a first threshold power level below a baseline power level may indicate motion of a human or pet between sensor node pairs, a second threshold power level further below a baseline power level may indicate occupancy of a smaller human or pet, and a third threshold power level further below a baseline power level may indicate occupancy of a larger human between sensor node pairs. A fourth threshold power level above a baseline power level may indicate if a reflective surface or other disturbance is positioned between sensor node pairs. 
     At operation  434 , the processing logic of the hub (or at least one sensor node) determines whether at least one of motion of humans or pets and occupancy of humans or pets occurs within an environment (e.g., indoor environment, outdoor environment) that is associated with the wireless network architecture based on the power level information (e.g., baseline condition, threshold power level, etc.) for the received RF communications. 
     In one example, the power level information comprises received signal strength indicator (RSSI) information including instantaneous values of RSSI to be compared with threshold RSSI values to determine whether a baseline condition or threshold power level condition occurs which indicates whether a motion condition or an occupancy condition occurs, respectively. 
     In another example, the power level information comprises received signal strength indicator (RSSI) information to be used to determine at least one of time averaged RSSI and frequency analysis of variations of RSSI to determine the motion condition or the occupancy condition. 
     At operation  436 , the processing logic (e.g., of the hub, of at least one sensor node, of the robot, a combination of processing logic of hub, sensor, or robot) determines a path to guide movement of a robot within the environment based on the determination of the occupancy condition which indicates an occupancy within an area of the indoor environment. In one example, a path is chosen in order for the robot to avoid being in proximity (e.g., robot located in a different room or area in comparison to the occupants) to the occupants. In another example, the path is chosen order for the robot to be in close proximity (e.g., 3-10 feet, same room or area) to the occupants. 
     At operation  438 , the processing logic (e.g., of the hub, of at least one sensor node, of the robot, a combination of processing logic of hub, sensor, or robot) determines a position of a robot within the environment based on the power level information for the received RF communications. This estimated position may help with respect to calibration of the robot. 
     At operation  440 , the processing logic of the robot causes an image capturing device of the robot to capture image data for different positions within the indoor environment. At operation  442 , the processing logic of at least one sensor node (or hub) causes an image capturing device of at least one sensor to capture image data. 
     At operation  442 , the processing logic (e.g., of the hub, of at least one sensor node, of the robot, a combination of processing logic of hub, sensor, or robot) determines a mapping of the robot within the environment based on the image data of the robot, image data of the at least one sensor, and the power level information for the received RF communications. The mapping may include a coordinate system for a robot within the indoor environment. 
     At operation  444 , the processing logic (e.g., of the hub, of at least one sensor node, of the robot) determines an event that is not considered normal within the environment. The event may be based at least partially on power level information for the received RF communications and also based on a local sensor that has detected the event (e.g., open window, unlocked door, leak, moisture, change in temperature, etc.). 
     At operation  448 , the processing logic (e.g., of the hub, of at least one sensor node) generates at least one communication to indicate detection of the event. At operation  450 , the processing logic (e.g., of the hub, of at least one sensor node) transmits or sends the at least one communication to the robot. At operation  452 , the processing logic (e.g., of the robot) causes activation of the robot to investigate the event by moving to a position in proximity to the detected event in response to receiving the at least one communication. At operation  454 , the processing logic (e.g., of the robot) captures images of a region associated with the detected event. At operation  456 , the processing logic (e.g., of the robot) determines whether the detected event has occurred based on the images captured by the robot. At operation  458 , the processing logic (e.g., of the robot) generates and transmits at least one communication that indicates whether the detected event has occurred as determined by the robot. 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates a plot of a RSSI measurements of a sensor network for a baseline condition in accordance with one embodiment. A wireless node  510  communicates with a wireless node  511  of a wireless sensor network. A plot  505  of signal strength (e.g., RSSI measurements) versus time illustrates example RSSI values received by one RF device (e.g., node  510 ) from another RF device (e.g., node  511 ) during a baseline condition in which no presence (e.g., human, pet, etc.) or interference occurs between these nodes. It should be noted that one of the nodes could also be a hub. In this baseline condition, with no human presence between the nodes, the RSSI values represent baseline values (e.g., 40-50 db) with relatively minor measurement noise. 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates a plot of a RSSI measurements of a sensor network for a presence condition in accordance with one embodiment. A wireless node  510  communicates with a wireless node  511  of a wireless sensor network. A plot  520  of signal strength (e.g., RSSI measurements) versus time illustrates example RSSI values received by one RF device (e.g., node  510 ) from another RF device (e.g., node  511 ) during a presence condition in which a presence (e.g., human, pet, etc.) or interference (e.g., an object that is not normally positioned between the nodes) occurs between these nodes. It should be noted that one of the nodes could also be a hub. In this presence condition, for example, if a person passes between the two nodes, the RSSI values are changed in comparison to the values of the plot  505 . This change in RSSI values can be used to identify presence and motion. This may be achieved by detecting the instantaneous value of RSSI, by using a time average value of RSSI, by performing a frequency analysis of the RSSI variation and responding to specific variation frequencies, or by other such techniques as would be apparent to one of skill in the art. 
     In one example, a first portion  522  and a third portion  524  of the RSSI signal include values that are similar to the RSSI values during the baseline condition of plot  505 . A second portion  523  includes values that are statistically lower than the first and third portions. Different signatures for baseline conditions and other conditions can be determined and then used to match with signatures of RSSI values. A human likely passes between the nodes  510 - 511  during the second portion  523 . A different signature (e.g., RSSI values less than baseline values and greater than the second portion  523 ) may indicate a pet or child has passed between the nodes. 
     A network with multiple communicating nodes can be used to map out an area where human presence and motion occurred.  FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary building (e.g., house) with nodes spread out in various rooms and a centrally located hub in accordance with one embodiment. In one example, a location of the nodes is known via predefined user input or automatic localization by the nodes themselves. Systems and methods of localization are disclosed in application Ser. No. 14/830,668, which is incorporated by reference. In this example, the nodes  621 - 628  can be communicating with the hub  620  and amongst each other in the different rooms including rooms  621 - 623  (e.g., bedroom, office, storage, etc.), a kitchen/dining area  613 , a common area  614 , and a room  615  (e.g., living room, open area). 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an example of possible motion of a person or people in different areas of a building in accordance with one embodiment. In one example, the nodes  721 - 728  can be communicating with the hub  720  and amongst each other in the different rooms including rooms  721 - 723  (e.g., bedroom, office, storage, etc.), a kitchen/dining area  713 , a common area  714 , and a room  715 . The nodes and hub of  FIG. 7  can be located in similar positions with a building and have similar functionality in comparison to the nodes and hub of  FIG. 6 . 
     In  FIG. 7 , in one example, a human moves between positions  750 - 755  via paths  760 - 765 . The sensors and hub can monitor movement of the human based on the RSSI measurements among the various node pairs. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an example of RSSI measurements based on possible motion of a person or people in different areas of a building in accordance with one embodiment. In one example, the nodes  821 - 828  can be communicating with the hub  820  and amongst each other in the different rooms including rooms  821 - 823  (e.g., bedroom, office, storage, etc.), a kitchen/dining area  813 , a common area  814 , and a room  815 . The nodes and hub of  FIG. 8  can be located in similar positions within a building and have similar functionality in comparison to the nodes and hub of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Given a presence/motion pattern as illustrated in the positions  750 - 755  and paths  760 - 765  of  FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 8  illustrates representative RSSI measurements amongst the various node pairs, with signal perturbations (e.g., plots  835 ,  836 ,  839 - 842  illustrate signal perturbations) for the pairs in the area of motion. Such data can, in turn, indicate to the local network in which areas people were present. The determination of presence can be made based on the instantaneous values of RSSI (with no presence or motion) compared to threshold values (with the presence of motion and/or occupancy), comparisons of time averaged RSSI related to analogous thresholds, frequency analysis of variations in RSSI, and other such techniques as would be apparent to one of skill in the art. 
     In one example, the plots  830 - 834  and  837 - 838  include RSSI measurements that do not include perturbations from presence or motion of humans. These RSSI measurements may be similar to the baseline condition as illustrated in  FIG. 5A . The plots  835 ,  836 ,  839 - 842  include perturbations likely caused by a human passing between sensor pairs or sensor and hub pairs. 
     In one example, for plot  835 , a first portion  850  and a third portion  852  of the RSSI signal include values that are similar to the RSSI values during a baseline condition (e.g., plot  505 ). A second portion  851  includes values that are statistically lower than the first and third portions. Different signatures for baseline conditions and other conditions can be determined and then used to match with signatures of RSSI values. A human likely passes between the node  825  and another node (e.g.,  826 - 828 ) pairing during the second portion  851 . For plot  836 , a first portion  853  and a third portion  855  of the RSSI signal include values that are similar to the RSSI values during a baseline condition (e.g., plot  505 ). A second portion  854  includes values that are statistically lower than the first and third portions. A human likely passes between the node  826  and another node (e.g.,  824 ,  825 ) pairing during the second portion  854 . For plot  839 , a first portion  856  and a third portion  858  of the RSSI signal include values that are similar to the RSSI values during a baseline condition (e.g., plot  505 ). A second portion  857  includes values that are statistically lower than the first and third portions. A human likely passes between a nearby node pairing (e.g.,  827  and  828 , etc.) during the second portion  854 . 
     For plot  840 , a first portion  859  and a third portion  861  of the RSSI signal include values that are similar to the RSSI values during a baseline condition (e.g., plot  505 ). A second portion  860  includes values that are statistically lower than the first and third portions. A human likely passes between a nearby node pairing (e.g.,  827  and  826 ,  828  and  824  or  825 ,  821  and  826 , etc.) during the second portion  854 . 
     For plot  841 , a first portion  862  and a third portion  864  of the RSSI signal include values that are similar to the RSSI values during a baseline condition (e.g., plot  505 ). A second portion  863  includes values that are statistically lower than the first and third portions. A human likely passes between a nearby node pairing (e.g.,  828  and  826 , etc.) during the second portion  863 . 
     For plot  842 , a first portion  865  and a third portion  867  of the RSSI signal include values that are similar to the RSSI values during a baseline condition (e.g., plot  505 ). A second portion  866  includes values that are statistically lower than the first and third portions. A human likely passes between a nearby node pairing (e.g.,  828  and  826 , etc.) during the second portion  866 . 
     The RSSI implementation has several advantages over the PIR based measurement. RF measurements don&#39;t require line of sight unlike optical measurements like PIR. As such, motion and presence can be sensed across or through walls and other obstacles. Additionally, RSSI measurements are not sensitive to temperature and light fluctuations which can cause false positives in PIR. For example, direct sunlight or reflection onto a PIR sensor can result in a false positive reading or a missed reading (false negative). 
     The RSSI information can also be used to detect occupancy.  FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate how occupancy can be detected based on RSSI measurements in accordance with one embodiment. In one example, the nodes  921 - 928  can be communicating with the hub  920  and amongst each other in the different rooms including rooms  921 - 923  (e.g., bedroom, office, storage, etc.), a kitchen/dining area  913 , a common area  914 , and a room  915  (e.g., living room, open area). Given a presence as illustrated with a human  970  and a human  971 ,  FIG. 9B  illustrates representative RSSI measurements amongst the various node pairs, with signal perturbations (e.g., plot  952  illustrates signal perturbations) for the pairs in the area of room  911 . Such data can, in turn, indicate to the local network in which areas people (e.g., humans  970  and  971 ) were present. The determination of presence can be made based on the instantaneous values of RSSI (without presence of motion and/or occupancy) compared to threshold values (with the presence of motion and/or occupancy), comparisons of time averaged RSSI related to analogous thresholds, frequency analysis of variations in RSSI, and other such techniques as would be apparent to one of skill in the art. 
     In one example, the plots  950 - 951  and  955 - 962  of  FIG. 9B  include RSSI measurements that do not include perturbations from presence or motion of humans. These RSSI measurements may be similar to the baseline condition as illustrated in  FIG. 5A . The plot  952  include perturbations likely caused by at least one human passing between sensor pairs or sensor and hub pairs. 
     In one example, for plot  952 , a first portion  953  and a third portion  954  of the RSSI signal include values that are similar to the RSSI values during a baseline condition (e.g., plot  505 ). A second portion  954  includes values that are statistically lower than the first portion. Different signatures for baseline conditions and other conditions can be determined and then used to match with signatures of RSSI values. At least one human likely passes between the node  923  and another node (e.g.,  924 ,  925 , hub  920 ) pairing during the second portion  954 . 
     This information can facilitate appropriate actions, such as controlling the operation of a home security system, controlling the operation of lighting, heating or cooling, or dispatching an autonomous cleaning robot. For example, information regarding regions of the home where significant activity occurred can be used to cause a cleaning robot to prioritize cleaning of those areas. As another example, motion detection can be used to cause a cleaning robot to de-prioritize cleaning a particular room so as to avoid inconveniencing occupants of the room present at that time.  FIG. 8  shows an example of a robot having a path  870  in which the robot prioritizes cleaning of an area (e.g.,  813 ,  815 ) with high detected occupancy in accordance with one embodiment based on cumulative occupancy estimations using RSSI.  FIG. 9B  shows an example of a robot having a path  970  in which the robot de-prioritizes cleaning of an area (e.g., room  911 ) with present occupants so as not to inconvenience them. The robot cleans other areas that do not have occupants. 
     RSSI measurements can also be used for relative positioning. This may be used, for example, to guide an indoor robot, drone, or other such device moving within an indoor environment. Generally, RSSI signal is strongest when the two communicating devices are closest (with some exceptions for situations where there may be interfering signals or where multipath signals are possible). As an example, this can be utilized to identify areas of interest for a cleaning robot without requiring knowledge of absolute node location. In the sample building (e.g., house) illustrated in  FIGS. 7, 8, 9A, and 9B  a cleaning robot may follow a cleaning pattern as shown in  FIG. 10  in accordance with one embodiment. Building  1000  includes rooms  1010 - 1012 , kitchen/dining area  1013 , room  1015 , and common area  1014 . During a path  1050 , the robot  1090  will come close to most or all of the nodes  1020 - 1028  and hub  1020  and will likely pass through associated node regions  1031 - 1038 . If the robot  1090  is equipped with an RF receiver and can act as a RF device, then RSSI measurements can be performed between the robot and all the nodes. As it approaches individual nodes, the RSSI values associated with that node will increase. Using this, the robot can determine where the nodes are located relative to its path. If the robot has mapping or path memorization capabilities, then it can navigate itself to any node of interest. Once the robot has located the nodes relative to its own house map or path history, it can be automatically dispatched to any node area. This can be combined with RSSI measurements of presence/activity as discussed herein. However, in this manner the absolute position of the nodes in relation to the house map is not necessary. 
     The techniques herein may also exploit image-based mapping techniques. Such techniques have already been deployed in some indoor robots such as the iRobot 900 series. Current implementations of image based areal mapping by a moving robot rely on images taken by the robot as it moves though the environment. This is the basis for image based simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM). In an example of a cleaning robot, it captures images as it moves through its environment and analyzes those images to determine its location within the environment. Image information can be combined with other sensory data from the robot (e.g., acceleration, direction, etc.) for better mapping. However, the imaging data is limited by the vantage point of the robot, which is usually floor-level. Overall mapping may be improved by introducing additional images of the environment from different vantage points. For example, a home monitoring and/or security system may include one or more image capturing device (e.g., camera, sensor, etc.) per room or area of the house. These are often mounted a certain distance (e.g., 4-7 ft) above or from the floor. Combining images from such viewing angles with images taken from the floor-level robot can provide a better representation of the environment. This is schematically illustrated in  FIG. 11  in accordance with one embodiment. An area  1100  includes a floor  1102 , a robot  1110 , chairs  1120 - 1121 , a table  1122 , and image capturing devices  1130 - 1131 . In this example, the robot  1110  captures points  1150 - 1155 , image capturing device  1130  captures points  1153 - 1156 , and image capturing device  1131  captures points  1151 ,  1152 , and  1157 - 1159 . 
     The accuracy of the image-based mapping can be augmented and/or improved using localization provided by the wireless network. In one embodiment, the robot can capture images of the sensors and can determine the robot location based on localization information determined via the wireless network. In another embodiment, the robot and/or the sensor nodes can be equipped with optical emitters and detectors such that the robot and/or sensor nodes detect optical emissions from one or another to identify proximity; this can then be combined with network-provided localization information to augment mapping accuracy. 
     Additionally, the robot can request an image of a room while it is moving. The image can be analyzed to identify for the robot&#39;s presence. This, combined with known locations of image capturing devices (e.g., cameras), can be used to further improve mapping by the robot or the camera system. Subsequently, the robot can request an image within itself in the field of view of the image capturing device. Such an image can be used to improved localization accuracy by the robot. For example, if a robot identifies two objects in its field of view (such as a chair and a table), the image capturing device can also capture an image of the robot and the objects of interest within the same field of view. Consequently, the relative position of the robot to the objects can be calculated. 
     Furthermore, if the position of the image capturing devices (e.g., cameras) is known, more information can be obtained from images of the robot as it moves through the field of view. As an example, the robot can move at a known, constant speed. If two images of views  1200  and  1210  are taken a known time apart as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , then that time information can be combined with robot speed and distance d traveled within the field of view to calculate relative distance of the camera to the robot and distances of other objects within the field of view, as shown in  FIG. 12 . In one example, a first view  1200  is captured at a time t 0  and a second view  1210  is captured at a time t 1 . Each view includes chairs  1240 - 1241  and table  1242 . 
     Capturing images of the robot (or another object) as it moves through the field of view of a single or multiple cameras can also improve localization of the cameras. In a case of a moving object visible by two cameras, the relative position change in the field of view of different cameras may be used to estimate positions of the cameras relative to each other. Additionally, if the cleaning robot generates its own map of the environment, then the robot position within its own map can be used in conjunction with its estimated position within the camera localization map for better overall environment mapping. 
     The combined data and action available from the sensor network and the robot can be used to augment various indoor functions. For example, the robot can be used to track assets in an indoor environment, as shown in view  1300  of  FIG. 13  in accordance with one embodiment. An image capturing device (e.g., camera) of a robot has a field of view  1300 . In one embodiment, this can be related to location provided by the SLAM and/or the wireless network. The robot can communication asset location, movement, or absence to the wireless network. The assets in the view  1300  include a lamp  1310 , a chair  1311 , a clock  1312 , a trophy  1313 , etc. This information may be used, for example, to provide improved home security. 
     In another embodiment, the robot may be used in conjunction with the wireless network to provide verification of indoor conditions.  FIGS. 14A and 14B  show how a robot may be used to confirm an event (e.g., a window is open, a water leak is detected, etc.) within a building or indoor environment in accordance with one embodiment. In this example, the nodes  1421 - 1428  can be communicating with the hub  1420  and amongst each other in the different rooms including rooms  1421 - 1423  (e.g., bedroom, office, storage, etc.), a kitchen/dining area  1413 , a common area  1414 , and a room  1415  (e.g., living room, open area). 
     The opening of a window in the room  1411  may have been detected using a sensor (e.g., sensor  1423 , an open/close sensor  1458 , etc.) that is located in the room  1411  of a wireless network. The sensing of a window in an open condition when it is not expected to be open can cause the detecting sensor or hub to cause an open window event  1457 . In one example, the detecting sensor sends a communication to the hub that indicates the detection of the open window and the hub then generates the open window event. 
     In another example, a leak may have been detected in proximity to kitchen/dining area  1413  using a sensor (e.g., sensor  1425 , leakage and/or moisture detector  1459  of the wireless network, etc.) that is located in the area  1413  of a wireless network. The sensing of leakage or moisture can cause the detecting sensor, detector, or hub to cause a leakage/moisture event  1454 . In one example, the detecting sensor or detector sends a communication to the hub that indicates the detection of the leak/moisture and the hub then generates the leak/moisture event. 
     A robot  1452  having a robot station  1450  for charging of the robot and other robotic operations can confirm various types of events (e.g., event  1457 , event  1454 , etc.). The robot  1452  can receive a communication from the hub  1420  or any sensor of the wireless sensor network. The communication can indicate an event detection. In response to receiving the event detection communication, the robot can be positioned in the area  1413  to have a view  1453 . The robot  1452  can capture one or more images or video to confirm the leak/moisture detection event  1454 . In another example, the robot  1452  having received an open window detection communication from the hub or sensors, can be positioned in the room  1411  to have a view  1456 . The robot  1452  can capture one or more images or video to confirm the open window event  1457 . 
     The hubs may be physically implemented in numerous ways in accordance with embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 15A  shows an exemplary embodiment of a hub implemented as an overlay  1500  for an electrical power outlet in accordance with one embodiment. The overlay  1500  (e.g., faceplate) includes a hub  1510  and a connection  1512  (e.g., communication link, signal line, electrical connection, etc.) that couples the hub to the electrical outlet  1502 . Alternatively (or additionally), the hub is coupled to outlet  1504 . The overlay  1500  covers or encloses the electrical outlets  1502  and  1504  for safety and aesthetic purposes. 
       FIG. 15B  shows an exemplary embodiment of an exploded view of a block diagram of a hub  1520  implemented as an overlay for an electrical power outlet in accordance with one embodiment. The hub  1520  includes a power supply rectifier  1530  that converts alternating current (AC), which periodically reverses direction, to direct current (DC) which flows in only one direction. The power supply rectifier  1530  receives AC from the outlet  1502  via connection  1512  (e.g., communication link, signal line, electrical connection, etc.) and converts the AC into DC for supplying power to a controller circuit  1540  via a connection  1532  (e.g., communication link, signal line, electrical connection, etc.) and for supplying power to RF circuitry  1550  via a connection  1534  (e.g., communication link, signal line, electrical connection, etc.). The controller circuit  1540  includes memory  1542  or is coupled to memory that stores instructions which are executed by processing logic  1544  (e.g., one or more processing units) of the controller circuit  1540  for controlling operations of the hub (e.g., forming and monitoring the wireless asymmetrical network, localization, determining occupancy and motion, event identification and verification, guiding robot operation, etc.) as discussed herein. The RF circuitry  1550  may include a transceiver or separate transmitter  1554  and receiver  1556  functionality for sending and receiving bi-directional communications via antenna(s)  1552  with the wireless sensor nodes. The RF circuitry  1550  communicates bi-directionally with the controller circuit  1540  via a connection  1534  (e.g., communication link, signal line, electrical connection, etc.). The hub  1520  can be a wireless control device  1520  or the controller circuit  1540 , RF circuitry  1550 , and antenna(s)  1552  in combination may form the wireless control device as discussed herein. 
       FIG. 16A  shows an exemplary embodiment of a hub implemented as a card for deployment in a computer system, appliance, or communication hub in accordance with one embodiment. The card  1662  can be inserted into the system  1660  (e.g., computer system, appliance, or communication hub) as indicated by arrow  1663 . 
       FIG. 16B  shows an exemplary embodiment of a block diagram of a hub  1664  implemented as a card for deployment in a computer system, appliance, or communication hub in accordance with one embodiment. The hub  1664  includes a power supply  1666  that provides power (e.g., DC power supply) to a controller circuit  1668  via a connection  1674  (e.g., communication link, signal line, electrical connection, etc.) and provides power to RF circuitry  1670  via a connection  1676  (e.g., communication link, signal line, electrical connection, etc.). The controller circuit  1668  includes memory  1661  or is coupled to memory that stores instructions which are executed by processing logic  1663  (e.g., one or more processing units) of the controller circuit  1668  for controlling operations of the hub for forming, monitoring, and communicating within the wireless asymmetrical network as discussed herein. The RF circuitry  1670  may include a transceiver or separate transmitter  1675  and receiver  1677  functionality for sending and receiving bi-directional communications via antenna(s)  1678  with the wireless sensor nodes. The RF circuitry  1670  communicates bi-directionally with the controller circuit  1668  via a connection  1672  (e.g., communication link, signal line, electrical connection, etc.). The hub  1664  can be a wireless control device  1664  or the controller circuit  1668 , RF circuitry  1670 , and antenna(s)  1678  in combination may form the wireless control device as discussed herein. 
       FIG. 16C  shows an exemplary embodiment of a hub implemented within an appliance (e.g., smart washing machine, smart refrigerator, smart thermostat, other smart appliances, etc.) in accordance with one embodiment. The appliance  1680  (e.g., smart washing machine) includes a hub  1682 . 
       FIG. 16D  shows an exemplary embodiment of an exploded view of a block diagram of a hub  1684  implemented within an appliance (e.g., smart washing machine, smart refrigerator, smart thermostat, other smart appliances, etc.) in accordance with one embodiment. The hub includes a power supply  1686  that provides power (e.g., DC power supply) to a controller circuit  1690  via a connection  1696  (e.g., communication link, signal line, electrical connection, etc.) and provides power to RF circuitry  1692  via a connection  1698  (e.g., communication link, signal line, electrical connection, etc.). The controller circuit  1690  includes memory  1691  or is coupled to memory that stores instructions which are executed by processing logic  1688  (e.g., one or more processing units) of the controller circuit  1690  for controlling operations of the hub for forming, monitoring, and performing localization of the wireless asymmetrical network as discussed herein. The RF circuitry  1692  may include a transceiver or separate transmitter  1694  and receiver  1695  functionality for sending and receiving bi-directional communications via antenna(s)  1699  with the wireless sensor nodes. The RF circuitry  1692  communicates bi-directionally with the controller circuit  1690  via a connection  1689  (e.g., communication link, signal line, electrical connection, etc.). The hub  1684  can be a wireless control device  1684  or the controller circuit  1690 , RF circuitry  1692 , and antenna(s)  1699  in combination may form the wireless control device as discussed herein. 
     In one embodiment, an apparatus (e.g., hub) for providing a wireless asymmetric network architecture includes a memory for storing instructions, processing logic (e.g., one or more processing units, processing logic  1544 , processing logic  1663 , processing logic  1688 , processing logic  1763 , processing logic  1888 ) of the hub to execute instructions to establish and control communications in a wireless asymmetric network architecture, and radio frequency (RF) circuitry (e.g., RF circuitry  1550 , RF circuitry  1670 , RF circuitry  1692 , RF circuitry  1890 ) including multiple antennas (e.g., antenna(s)  1552 , antenna(s)  1678 , antenna(s)  1699 , antennas  1311 ,  1312 , and  1313 , etc.) to transmit and receive communications in the wireless asymmetric network architecture. The RF circuitry and multiple antennas to transmit communications to a plurality of sensor nodes (e.g., node  1 , node  2 ) each having a wireless device with a transmitter and a receiver (or transmitter and receiver functionality of a transceiver) to enable bi-directional communications with the RF circuitry of the apparatus in the wireless asymmetric network architecture. The processing logic (e.g., one or more processing units) is configured to execute instructions to negotiate a timing of at least one periodic guaranteed time slot for the plurality of sensor nodes to be capable of periodic bi-directional communications with the apparatus and to determine at least one of motion and occupancy within the wireless network architecture based on a power level of the received RF communications. 
     In one example, the one or more processing units of the hub are configured to execute instructions to determine at least one of motion and occupancy within the wireless network architecture based on determining motion of humans or pets and occupancy of humans or pets within an indoor environment that is associated with the wireless network architecture. 
     In one example, the one or more processing units of the hub are configured to execute instructions to determine a power level of received RF communications including identifying a first set of RF communications having a baseline power level to indicate a baseline condition and also identifying a second set of RF communications having a threshold power level to indicate a motion condition or an occupancy condition within the wireless asymmetric network. 
     In one example, the power level comprises received signal strength indicator (RSSI) information including baseline values of RSSI for the baseline level to be compared with threshold values of RSSI for the threshold level to determine the motion condition or the occupancy condition. 
     In one example, the plurality of sensor nodes includes a first group of sensor nodes and a second group of sensor nodes. A transmitter of at least one of the first group of sensor nodes is configured to be operable during a first periodic guaranteed time slot and a transmitter of at least one of the second group of sensor nodes is configured to be operable during the first or a second periodic guaranteed time slot. 
     Various batteries could be used in the wireless sensor nodes, including lithium-based chemistries such as Lithium Ion, Lithium Thionyl Chloride, Lithium Manganese Oxide, Lithium Polymer, Lithium Phosphate, and other such chemistries as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Additional chemistries that could be used include Nickel metal hydride, standard alkaline battery chemistries, Silver Zinc and Zinc Air battery chemistries, standard Carbon Zinc battery chemistries, lead Acid battery chemistries, or any other chemistry as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     The present invention also relates to an apparatus for performing the operations described herein. This apparatus may be specially constructed for the required purposes, or it may comprise a general purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program may be stored in a computer readable storage medium, such as, but not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, and magnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, or any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions. 
     The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general purpose systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct a more specialized apparatus to perform the required method operations. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a block diagram of a sensor node in accordance with one embodiment. The sensor node  1700  includes a power source  1710  (e.g., energy source, battery source, primary cell, rechargeable cell, etc.) that provides power (e.g., DC power supply) to a controller circuit  1720  via a connection  1774  (e.g., communication link, signal line, electrical connection, etc.), provides power to RF circuitry  1770  via a connection  1776  (e.g., communication link, signal line, electrical connection, etc.), and provides power to sensing circuitry  1740  via a connection  1746  (e.g., communication link, signal line, electrical connection, etc.). The controller circuit  1720  includes memory  1761  or is coupled to memory that stores instructions which are executed by processing logic  1763  (e.g., one or more processing units) of the controller circuit  1720  for controlling operations of the sensor node (e.g., forming and monitoring the wireless asymmetrical network, localization, determining occupancy and motion, event identification and verification, guiding robot operation, etc.) as discussed herein. The RF circuitry  1770  (e.g., communication circuitry) may include a transceiver or separate transmitter  1775  and receiver  1777  functionality for sending and receiving bi-directional communications via antenna(s)  1778  with the hub(s) and optional wireless sensor nodes. The RF circuitry  1770  communicates bi-directionally with the controller circuit  1720  via a connection  1772  (e.g., electrical connection). The sensing circuitry  1740  includes various types of sensing circuitry and sensor(s) including image sensor(s) and circuitry  1742 , moisture sensor(s) and circuitry  1743 , temperature sensor(s) and circuitry, humidity sensor(s) and circuitry, air quality sensor(s) and circuitry, light sensor(s) and circuitry, motion sensor(s) and circuitry  1744 , audio sensor(s) and circuitry  1745 , magnetic sensor(s) and circuitry  1746 , and sensor(s) and circuitry n, etc. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a block diagram of a system  1800  in accordance with one embodiment. In one example, the system  1800  includes or is integrated with an optional hub  1882  or central hub of a wireless asymmetric network architecture. In another example, the system is a mobile robot that may or may not include the optional hub. The system  1800  (e.g., computing device, smart TV, smart appliance, communication system, mobile robot, etc.) may communicate with any type of wireless device (e.g., cellular phone, wireless phone, tablet, computing device, smart TV, smart appliance, etc.) for sending and receiving wireless communications. The system  1800  includes a processing system  1810  that includes a controller  1820  and processing units  1814 . The processing system  1810  communicates with the hub  1882 , an Input/Output (I/O) unit  1830 , radio frequency (RF) circuitry  1870 , audio circuitry  1860 , an optics device  1880  for capturing one or more images or video, an optional motion unit  1844  (e.g., an accelerometer, gyroscope, etc.) for determining motion data (e.g., in three dimensions) for the system  1800 , a power management system  1840 , and machine-accessible non-transitory medium  1850  via one or more bi-directional communication links or signal lines  1898 ,  1818 ,  1815 ,  1816 ,  1817 ,  1813 ,  1819 ,  1811 , respectively. 
     The hub  1882  includes a power supply  1891  that provides power (e.g., DC power supply) to a controller circuit  1884  via a connection  1885  (e.g., communication link, signal line, electrical connection, etc.) and provides power to RF circuitry  1890  via a connection  1887  (e.g., communication link, signal line, electrical connection, etc.). The controller circuit  1884  includes memory  1886  or is coupled to memory that stores instructions which are executed by processing logic  1888  (e.g., one or more processing units) of the controller circuit  1884  for controlling operations of the hub (e.g., forming and monitoring the wireless asymmetrical network, localization, determining occupancy and motion, event identification and verification, guiding robot operation, etc.) as discussed herein. The RF circuitry  1890  may include a transceiver or separate transmitter (TX)  1892  and receiver (RX)  1894  functionality for sending and receiving bi-directional communications via antenna(s)  1896  with the wireless sensor nodes or other hubs. The RF circuitry  1890  communicates bi-directionally with the controller circuit  1884  via a connection  1889  (e.g., communication link, signal line, electrical connection, etc.). The hub  1882  can be a wireless control device  1884  or the controller circuit  1884 , RF circuitry  1890 , and antenna(s)  1896  in combination may form the wireless control device as discussed herein. 
     RF circuitry  1870  and antenna(s)  1871  of the system or RF circuitry  1890  and antenna(s)  1896  of the hub  1882  are used to send and receive information over a wireless link or network to one or more other wireless devices of the hubs or sensors nodes discussed herein. Audio circuitry  1860  is coupled to audio speaker  1862  and microphone  1064  and includes known circuitry for processing voice signals. One or more processing units  1814  communicate with one or more machine-accessible non-transitory mediums  1850  (e.g., computer-readable medium) via controller  1820 . Medium  1850  can be any device or medium (e.g., storage device, storage medium) that can store code and/or data for use by one or more processing units  1814 . Medium  1850  can include a memory hierarchy, including but not limited to cache, main memory and secondary memory. 
     The medium  1850  or memory  1886  stores one or more sets of instructions (or software) embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The software may include an operating system  1852 , network services software  1856  for establishing, monitoring, and controlling wireless asymmetric network architectures, communications module  1854 , and applications  1858  (e.g., home or building security applications, home or building integrity applications, robot applications, developer applications, etc.). The software may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the medium  1850 , memory  1886 , processing logic  1888 , or within the processing units  1814  during execution thereof by the device  1800 . The components shown in  FIG. 18  may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware or any combination thereof, including one or more signal processing and/or application specific integrated circuits. 
     Communication module  1854  enables communication with other devices. The I/O unit  1830  communicates with different types of input/output (I/O) devices  1834  (e.g., a display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), touch display device, or touch screen for receiving user input and displaying output, an optional alphanumeric input device). 
       FIGS. 19A and 19B  show how a wireless network monitors conditions within and outside of an industrial building.  FIG. 19C  shows how a robot may be used to confirm an event (e.g., vehicle parked in loading zone, object blocking access to loading zone, etc.) within or near a building or indoor environment in accordance with one embodiment. 
     In this example, the nodes  1921 - 1928 ,  1952 ,  1962 , and  1982  can be communicating with the hub  1920  or  1929 , with a remote device of a cloud service, and amongst each other in the different regions of an industrial building and also outside of the industrial building near loading zones. The wireless network monitors assets (e.g., equipment, materials, products, robots, machines, vehicles, users) and conditions within the industrial building and outside the building near loading zones (or unloading zones) for vehicles and machinery. The vehicles may transport cargo or product between locations (e.g., warehouses, distribution centers, retail stores, etc.). 
     In one example, at least two nodes among nodes  1923 - 1926 ,  1952 ,  1962 ,  1982  monitor each of zones  1950 ,  1960 , and  1970 . Each node includes various types of sensing circuitry and sensor(s) (e.g., image sensor(s) and circuitry  1742 , moisture sensor(s) and circuitry  1743 , temperature sensor(s) and circuitry, humidity sensor(s) and circuitry, air quality sensor(s) and circuitry, light sensor(s) and circuitry, motion sensor(s) and circuitry  1744 , audio sensor(s) and circuitry  1745 , magnetic sensor(s) and circuitry  1746 , and sensor(s) and circuitry n, etc.) as discussed herein. In another example, at least three nodes among nodes  1923 - 1926 ,  1952 ,  1962 ,  1982  monitor each of zones  1950 ,  1960 , and  1970 . At least one of the nodes may be a wireless camera with wireless protocols for communicating with the wireless network. 
     The nodes can sense objects (e.g., objects  1958 ,  1965 ,  1990 ,  1991 ,  1992 , etc.) within the building  1900  or outside the building near the zones  1950 ,  1960 , and  1970 . The nodes can sense vehicles, objects, or machinery outside the building within the zones  1950 ,  1960 , and  1970  or in close proximity to the zones. 
       FIG. 19A  illustrates a vehicle  1957  that is sensed within zone  1950 , no vehicle within zone  1960 , a sensed vehicle  1972  within zone  1970 , an undesired object  1958 , and an undesired object  1965 . Machine learning models may be utilized in order to determine whether a vehicle is located within a zone and also determine whether an object is desired or undesired at its current location. Nodes obtain data (e.g., images, video, or other data), optionally process this data, and transmit this data to a remote device of a cloud service or to a hub, and then machine learning models are utilized by processing the data to determine whether a vehicle is located within the zone and also classify a type of object that may interfere with unloading or loading of a vehicle. The object may also assist with loading or unloading of a vehicle (e.g., truck, semi truck, etc.) or powered device. The loading/unloading zones may be vehicle berths that are located adjacent to docks, bays, or openings of the building to facilitate loading and unloading. The openings of the building may include doors to allow access to the building. 
     In a first example, an undesired object  1958  is detected that will interfere with loading or unloading of the vehicle  1957  and this causes an error or alarm condition to be communicated to at least one of users, the vehicle  1957 , and machines in order to have the object  1958  removed from its current location. 
     In a second example, an undesired object  1965  is detected that will interfere with loading or unloading of a potential vehicle. However, given no detected vehicle within  1960 , no error or alarm condition is needed. Optionally, a warning condition may be communicated in order to have the object  1965  removed from its current location if a vehicle is expected to arrive in zone  1960  in the near future. 
     In a third example, no object is detected that would potentially interfere with loading or unloading of the vehicle  1972  and this causes a safe condition to be communicated to the vehicle  1972 , users or machines in order to allow the vehicle  1972  to be loaded or unloaded. 
       FIG. 19B  illustrates a vehicle  1957  that is sensed within zone  1950 , no vehicle within zone  1960 , a sensed vehicle  1972  within zone  1970 , and desired objects  1990 - 1992 . 
     In a fourth example, a desired object  1990  is detected that may assist with loading or unloading of the vehicle  1957 . The desired object could be a machine, fork lift, or equipment to assist with the loading. Alternatively, the desired object could be a product or material to be loaded to this vehicle  1957 . Optionally, the desired object and vehicle  1957  in the zone  1950  causes a safe condition to be communicated to the vehicle  1957 , users or machines in order to allow the vehicle  1957  to be loaded or unloaded. 
     In a fifth example, a desired object  1991  is detected that will assist with loading or unloading of a future potential vehicle in zone  1960 . No vehicle is currently located in zone  1960 . The desired object could be a machine, fork lift, or equipment to assist with the loading. The desired object could be a product or material to be loaded to a potential vehicle. 
     In a sixth example, a desired object  1992  is detected that may assist with loading or unloading of the vehicle  1972 . The desired object could be a machine, fork lift, or equipment to assist with the loading. The desired object could be a product or material to be loaded to this vehicle  1972 . The vehicle  1972  is sensed in the zone  1970  and data (e.g., license plate, vehicle identification number, type of vehicle, height of vehicle, etc.) obtained from the vehicle is used for authentication of the vehicle. If the authentication fails (e.g., vehicle fails identification, vehicle not within appropriate time window for loading or unloading, vehicle not an appropriate type of vehicle, etc.), then an error or alarm condition is communicated to users, machines, or the vehicle to prevent the vehicle  1972  from loading or unloading from the zone  1970 . Otherwise, if authentication is successful then the loading or unloading can proceed. 
       FIG. 19C  illustrates a robot  1952  having a robot station  1950  for charging of the robot and other robotic operations in accordance with one embodiment. The robotic operations can confirm various types of conditions (e.g., error or alarm condition, warning condition, unsafe condition, safe condition, authentication failure condition, etc.). The robot  1952  can receive a communication from the hubs  1920 ,  1929 , or any sensor of the wireless sensor network. The communication can indicate a condition detection. In response to receiving the condition detection communication (e.g., vehicle detected in zone  1970  but no product or material to load into vehicle), the robot can be positioned in the region  1913  to have a view  1953 . The robot  1952  can capture one or more images or video to confirm the detected condition. In another example, the robot  1952  having received an error or warning condition communication (e.g., undesired object in location that will interfere with loading or unloading of vehicle  1957 ) from the hubs or sensors, can be positioned in the region  1911  to have a view  1956 . The robot  1952  can capture one or more images or video to confirm the error or warning condition. 
       FIG. 19D  shows a perspective view of a building that has a wireless network for monitoring condition within and outside of the building. In one example, the nodes  1980 - 1983 ,  1952 ,  1962 , and  1982  can be communicating with hubs  1920 ,  1929 , a cloud service, and amongst each other in the different regions of the building and also outside of the building near loading zones  1950 ,  1960 , and  1970 . The wireless network monitors assets (e.g., equipment, materials, products, robots, machines, vehicles, users) and conditions within the building and outside the building near loading zones (or unloading zones) for vehicles and machinery. The vehicles may transport cargo or product between locations (e.g., warehouses, distribution centers, retail stores, etc.). 
     In one example, at least two nodes among nodes  1980 - 1983 ,  1952 ,  1962 , and  1982  monitor each of zones  1950 ,  1960 , and  1970 . Also at least one indoor node and at least one outdoor node having different positions and thus different image capture perspectives monitor each of the zones. Each node includes various types of sensing circuitry and sensor(s) (e.g., image sensor(s) and circuitry  1742 , moisture sensor(s) and circuitry  1743 , temperature sensor(s) and circuitry, humidity sensor(s) and circuitry, air quality sensor(s) and circuitry, light sensor(s) and circuitry, motion sensor(s) and circuitry  1744 , audio sensor(s) and circuitry  1745 , magnetic sensor(s) and circuitry  1746 , and sensor(s) and circuitry n, etc.) as discussed herein. In another example, at least three nodes among nodes  1980 - 1983 ,  1952 ,  1962 , and  1982  monitor each of zones  1950 ,  1960 , and  1970 . At least one of the nodes may be a wireless camera with wireless protocols for communicating with the wireless network. Each region can have one or more sensors with different locations for the sensors as illustrated in  FIG. 19D  in addition to external sensors (e.g.,  1952 ,  1962 ,  1982 ) that are located outside of the building. For example, these external sensors may be located in a parking lot or outdoor loading zone of a building. 
     The nodes can sense objects (e.g., objects  1958 ,  1965 ,  1990 ,  1991 ,  1992 , etc.) within the building  1900  or outside the building near the zones  1950 ,  1960 , and  1970 . The nodes can sense vehicles or machinery outside the building within the zones  1950 ,  1960 , and  1970  or in close proximity to the zones. The nodes can sense whether a sufficient amount of objects (e.g., products or materials) are located within a region for full loading of a vehicle in an adjacent loading zone. For example, a vehicle may need 4 pallets of product to be fully loaded and the nodes can sense that only 2 pallets of the product are located in an appropriate region. The wireless network then causes a condition to be communicated to indicate that additional pallets of product need to be transported to the appropriate region (e.g.,  1911 ,  1912 ,  1913 ). 
     In another example, an indoor or interior node monitors an interior region (e.g.,  1911 - 1913 ) of a building such as a loading dock to monitor product, materials, pallets of products, machines fork lifts, users, humans, and other objects that may enter and exit from these interior regions. The indoor or interior node uses at least one of a camera, RF signals (e.g., RSSI) between nodes, and tracking to monitor the interior region (e.g., loading dock). The wireless network tracks assets using RF identification to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects, machines, fork lifts, etc. 
     In a similar manner, an outdoor or exterior node monitors the loading zone (e.g.,  1950 ,  1960 ,  1970 ), vehicle berth, or parking area. The outdoor or exterior node monitors vehicles, users, humans, product, materials, pallets of products, machines, and other objects that may enter and exit from these loading zones or outdoor regions. The outdoor or exterior node uses at least one of a camera, RF signals (e.g., RSSI) between nodes, and tracking to monitor the loading zones. At least one of image data, RF signal data, and tracking data from the indoor node and the outdoor node can be utilized in combination to monitor a dynamically changing environment of the interior regions near openings of the building and the exterior loading zones. Machine learning can then be utilized to determine dynamically changing conditions and then the wireless network can communicate the dynamically change conditions to hub, nodes, vehicles, user devices, and users for dynamic and timely response to the dynamically changing conditions (e.g., conditions as described herein, conditions described in first example, second example, third example, fourth example, fifth example, sixth example). 
       FIGS. 20A and 20B  illustrate a method for monitoring openings of a building and adjacent loading zones with a wireless network to determine conditions in accordance with one embodiment. The operations of method  2000  may be executed by a wireless device, a wireless control device of a hub (e.g., an apparatus), a remote device with respect to the wireless network (e.g., a remote device of a cloud service), a wireless camera, or system, which includes processing circuitry or processing logic. The processing logic may include hardware (circuitry, dedicated logic, etc.), software (such as is run on a general purpose computer system or a dedicated machine or a device), or a combination of both. In one embodiment, a hub at least partially performs the operations of method  2000 . At least one sensor node and a remote device of a cloud service may also at least partially perform some of the operations of method  2000 . In one example, at least two sensor nodes, a hub, and a remote device of a cloud service perform the operations of method  2000 . In another example, at least two sensor nodes and a hub perform the operations of method  2000 . In another example, at least two sensor nodes and a remote device perform the operations of method  2000 . In another example, at least two sensor nodes perform the operations of method  2000 . 
     At operation  2002 , the hub (or wireless node) having radio frequency (RF) circuitry and at least one antenna transmits communications to a plurality of sensor nodes in the wireless network architecture (e.g., wireless asymmetric network architecture). At operation  2004 , the RF circuitry and at least one antenna of the hub (or wireless node) receives communications from the plurality of sensor nodes each having a wireless device with a transmitter and a receiver to enable bi-directional communications with the RF circuitry of the hub in the wireless network architecture. At operation  2006 , processing logic of the hub (or node) having a wireless control device initially causes a wireless network of sensor nodes to be configured as a first network architecture (e.g., a mesh-based network architecture) for a time period (e.g., predetermined time period, time period sufficient for localization, etc.). At operation  2008 , the processing logic of the hub (or node) determines localization of at least two nodes (or all nodes) using at least one of frequency channel overlapping, frequency channel stepping, multi-channel wide band, and ultra-wide band for at least one of time of flight and signal strength techniques as discussed in the various embodiments disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,763,054 and incorporated by reference herein. At operation  2010 , upon localization of the at least two network sensor nodes being complete, the processing logic of the hub (or node) terminates time of flight measurements if any time of flight measurements are occurring and continues monitoring the signal strength of communications with the at least two nodes. Similarly, the at least two nodes may monitor the signal strength of communications with the hub. At operation  2012 , the processing logic of the hub (or node) configures the wireless network in a second network architecture (e.g., a tree based or tree-like network architecture (or tree architecture with no mesh-based features)) upon completion of localization. 
     At operation  2014 , the wireless network monitors loading zones and adjacent regions within a building based on receiving information from at least two sensor nodes (e.g., nodes or cameras  1923 - 1926 ,  1952 ,  1962 ,  1982 , etc.). Then, at operation  2016 , the processing logic of the hub (or node or remote device of a cloud service) determines (either on its own or based on information received from at least one of the sensor nodes) for each loading zone whether a vehicle currently occupies the loading zone. If so, at operation  2018 , the method includes determining whether an object is also located within a region (e.g.,  1911 ,  1912 ,  1913 , etc.) of the building that is associated with the loading zone or alternatively whether an object is located within the loading zone. For example, the method uses machine learning to identify an object based on sensed data (e.g., images, video) of the object. If no vehicle is located in a loading zone, then the method returns to operation  2014 . 
     If an object is located within a region (e.g.,  1911 ,  1912 ,  1913 , etc.) or a loading zone, then the method uses machine learning to classify the object (e.g., type of object, machine, fork lift, person, material, product, etc.) based on sensed data (e.g., images, video) of the object at operation  2020 . If no object is located within the region or loading zone, then the method communicates a safe condition to at least one of users, machines, and the vehicle in the loading zone at operation  2021 . 
     At operation  2022 , the method determines a condition (e.g., error or alarm condition caused by an undesired object interfering with loading or unloading of a vehicle, desired object and vehicle in the zone causes a safe condition, warning condition, desired object and failed authentication of vehicle, etc.) based on the identification and classification of the object. At operation  2024 , the method includes responding to the condition including communicating the condition to at least one of users, humans, machines (e.g., fork lift, robot), and the vehicle. 
     Examples 1-6 for  FIGS. 19A and 19B  provide examples of determining conditions and responses to these conditions for operations  2022  and  2024 . 
     In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. 
       FIGS. 21A and 21B  illustrate a method for how a wireless network monitors conditions within a building or within an industrial environment to facilitate co-existence of robots, humans, and infrastructure in accordance with one embodiment. The operations of method  2100  may be executed by a wireless device, a wireless control device of a hub (e.g., an apparatus), a remote device with respect to the wireless network (e.g., a remote device of a cloud service), a wireless camera, or system, which includes processing circuitry or processing logic. The processing logic may include hardware (circuitry, dedicated logic, etc.), software (such as is run on a general purpose computer system or a dedicated machine or a device), or a combination of both. In one embodiment, a hub at least partially performs the operations of method  2100 . At least one sensor node and a remote device of a cloud service may also at least partially perform some of the operations of method  2100 . In one example, at least two of sensor nodes, a hub, a mobile robot, and a remote device of a cloud service perform the operations of method  2100 . In another example, at least two sensor nodes and a hub perform the operations of method  2100 . In another example, at least two sensor nodes and a remote device perform the operations of method  2100 . In another example, at least two sensor nodes perform the operations of method  2100 . 
     At operation  2102 , the hub (or wireless node or mobile robot) having radio frequency (RF) circuitry and at least one antenna transmits communications to a plurality of sensor nodes in the wireless network architecture (e.g., wireless asymmetric network architecture). At operation  2104 , the RF circuitry and at least one antenna of the hub (or wireless node or mobile robot) receives communications from the plurality of sensor nodes each having a wireless device with a transmitter and a receiver to enable bi-directional communications with the RF circuitry of the hub in the wireless network architecture. At operation  2106 , processing logic of the hub (or node or mobile robot) having a wireless control device initially causes a wireless network of sensor nodes to be configured as a first network architecture (e.g., a mesh-based network architecture) for a time period (e.g., predetermined time period, time period sufficient for localization, etc.). At operation  2108 , the processing logic of the hub (or node or mobile robot) determines localization of at least two nodes (or all nodes) using at least one of frequency channel overlapping, frequency channel stepping, multi-channel wide band, and ultra-wide band for at least one of time of flight and signal strength techniques as discussed in the various embodiments disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,763,054 and incorporated by reference herein. At operation  2110 , upon localization of the at least two network sensor nodes being complete, the processing logic of the hub (or node or mobile robot) terminates time of flight measurements if any time of flight measurements are occurring and continues monitoring the signal strength of communications with the at least two nodes. Similarly, the at least two nodes may monitor the signal strength of communications with the hub. At operation  2012 , the processing logic of the hub (or node or mobile robot) configures the wireless network in a second network architecture (e.g., a tree based or tree-like network architecture (or tree architecture with no mesh-based features)) upon completion of localization. 
     At operation  2114 , the wireless network monitors regions (e.g., within a building, regions within an industrial environment) for human presence and mobile robots based on receiving information from at least two wireless nodes (e.g., sensor nodes, cameras, robots, etc.). Then, at operation  2116 , the processing logic of the hub (or node or remote device of a cloud service or mobile robot) determines (either on its own with human presence information or based on human presence information received from at least one of the sensor nodes) for one or more regions whether a human (e.g., a human having an RF enabled device) currently occupies the one or more regions. In one embodiment, at operation  2117 , location information determined by use of RF signals is used to determine the location and presence of humans (e.g., humans carrying RF-enabled devices). If no human presence is detected, then the method can continue monitoring for humans. 
     At operation  2118 , the method includes determining location of at least one mobile robot within the one or more regions. The human presence information is then used to ensure that mobile robots do not approach too closely (e.g., within a predetermined threshold distance) to a human, which may be used to ensure safe coexistence of the human and the or mobile robot. Robot location information is used to ensure that robots do not approach too closely (e.g., within a predetermined threshold distance) to another robot, which may be used to ensure safe coexistence of multiple robots. 
     The location of the or mobile robot may be known from internal location determination methodologies of a robot, including but not limited to image-based location determination, gyroscopic location determination, GPS, and RF-based location determination. The location of at least one or mobile robot in conjunction with the location of the human can then be used to ensure sufficient separation between or mobile robot and human. At operation  2120 , the method can determine whether the human and the at least one or mobile robot are sufficiently separated and also cause the mobile robot to move away from the human if sufficient separation (e.g., a threshold distance) is not determined between the human and the at least one robot. 
     The locations of individual mobile robots can be determined and used in conjunction with each other to ensure sufficient separation between the mobile robots. At operation  2122 , in one example, the method determines whether the location of the first robot and a robot location of a second robot are sufficiently separated and causes one of the first and second mobile robots to move away from the other robot if the location of the first robot and the location of the second robot are not sufficiently separated from each other. One or more mobile robots can move to different locations to avoid having insufficient separation with each other. 
     In yet another embodiment, a similar strategy as discussed above can be used to facilitate coexistence of moving robots with existing fixed infrastructure (e.g., walls, poles, shelves, machinery, assembly lines, etc.). At operation  2124 , the location of at least one robot can be compared to a known map of fixed infrastructure, and this comparison information can be used to ensure sufficient separation between the robot and the fixed infrastructure at operation  2126 . For example, if a mobile robot does not have sufficient separation with the fixed infrastructure, then the mobile robot determines a different location or can be instructed with RF signals to move to the different location that is sufficiently separated from the fixed infrastructure. 
     In another embodiment, these approaches can be combined with sensory data including RSSI measurements, image capture, magnetic measurements, audio measurements, and other such sensory measurement as would be apparent to one of skill in the art. For example, RSSI measurements between sensor nodes of a wireless network can be used to determine occupancy or motion as described in conjunction with  FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B . The RSSI measurements can determine human presence for humans that do have RF enabled devices. 
     The operations  2120 ,  2122 ,  2124  and  2126  are optional and can occur independent of each other. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates a wireless network for monitoring conditions within an industrial building to facilitate co-existence of mobile robots, humans, and infrastructure in accordance with one embodiment. The building  2200  includes infrastructure including walls  2201   a - d . Multiple robots  2252  and  2280  can move within the building  2200  to perform robotic operations. A wireless sensor network includes sensors nodes  2221 - 2228  and hubs  2220  and  2229 . The mobile robots have at least one robot station  2250  for charging of the robot and other robotic operations in accordance with one embodiment. The robot  2252  is positioned with a region  2213  and the robot  2280  is positioned in a region  2211 . The robots can communicate with at least one hub or sensor node. The operations of method  2200  are performed to monitor conditions of the building  2200 . 
     As discussed above, the processing logic of a hub (or node or remote device of a cloud service) determines (either on its own or based on information received from at least one of the sensor nodes) for one or more regions (e.g.,  2211 - 2214 ) whether a human (e.g., a human  2270  having an RF enabled device) currently occupies the one or more regions. In one embodiment, location information determined by use of RF signals is used to determine the presence of humans carrying RF-enabled devices. 
     Location of at least one robot within the one or more regions is determined. The human presence information is then used to ensure that robots (e.g.,  2252 ,  2280 ) do not approach too closely (e.g., within a predetermined threshold distance of 1 to 5 feet, 5 to 10 feet, 5 to 15 feet, etc.) to a human, which may be used to ensure safe coexistence of the human and the robot. Robot location information is used to ensure that robots do not approach too closely (e.g., within a predetermined threshold distance of 1 to 5 feet, 5 to 10 feet, 5 to 15 feet, etc.) to another robot, which may be used to ensure safe coexistence of multiple robots. 
     The location of the mobile robot may be known from internal location determination methodologies of a robot, including but not limited to image-based location determination, gyroscopic location determination, GPS, and RF-based location determination. The location of at least one robot in conjunction with the location of the human can then be used to ensure sufficient separation between robot and human. In one example, the robot location of robot  2252  does not have sufficient separation from human  2270 . The robot  2252  will then move to a direction away from the human in order to have sufficient separation from the human  2270 . 
     In another example, the robot  2280  does have sufficient separation from the human  2270  and the robot  2280  can continue with its operations without moving away from the human. 
     The locations of individual robots can be used in conjunction with each other to ensure sufficient separation between the robots  2252  and  2280 . One or more robots can move to different locations to avoid having insufficient separation with each other. 
     In yet another embodiment, the wireless network can be used to facilitate coexistence of moving robots with existing fixed infrastructure (e.g., walls  2201   a - d , poles, shelves, machinery, assembly lines, etc.). The location of at least one robot can be compared to a known map of the fixed infrastructure, and this information can be used to ensure sufficient separation between the robot and the fixed infrastructure. For example, if the robot  2280  does not have sufficient separation with the fixed infrastructure (e.g., wall  2201   a ), then the robot  2280  determines a different location further from the wall or can be instructed with RF signals to move to the different location that is sufficiently separated from the wall  2201   a.