Patent Description:
In systems with a set of networked devices mounted at respective mounting locations, it may be advantageous to know which device is mounted where. Such networked devices may for example be networked loudspeakers, networked door stations or networked cameras. For example, when a set of networked loudspeakers are to be mounted in a building, such as a department store, it is typically desired to know which loudspeaker is mounted where, such that a targeted sound message can be emitted from a loudspeaker at a specific location. For example, a specific message may be intended to be transmitted from one or more loudspeakers mounted in a specific department of a department store. In a typical scenario, each networked device has a unique identifier, i.e. each networked device has an identifier which is unique to that device. The unique identifier may for example be a serial number or a MAC address. Furthermore, the mounting locations have been determined in advance and are known in a management server. After mounting, each networked device may communicate with the management server, e.g. through a network to which the mounted networked devices may connect. The management server may then receive the unique identifiers from the networked devices and hence know which networked devices are connected to the network but does not know which networked device is located at which mounting location unless such a link is made. In prior art, this is typically made by specifying which networked device is to be mounted at which location. However, such a procedure makes the mounting of the networked devices more cumbersome, since even if the networked devices may be identical except for the unique identifiers, the person mounting the networked devices must then make sure that the correct networked device is mounted at the correct location. Furthermore, there is always a risk that some network devices are not mounted in their intended mounting locations. This will be specifically acute when the number of networked devices is large. Further, in some scenarios, the person mounting may not be a person knowledgeable about the network devices other than how they should be physically mounted. The unique identifier may also not be accessible by ocular inspection but may require connection to the networked devices. Finally, if the networked devices have been mounted and it is noted that at least some of the networked devices have not been mounted in the intended mounting location, the mounting locations may be such that it is difficult to retrieve the unique identifier of the network devices.

<CIT> discloses determining relative locations of devices based on emission of test sounds and timing-reference signals.

<CIT> discloses discovering a physical location of a physical server device in a datacenter.

Improvements in this context are thus desirable.

In view of the above, it is an object of the present inventive concept to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies and disadvantages in the art singly or in combination.

According to a first aspect, a method is provided of identifying which networked device of a set of networked devices is mounted at a first mounting location of mounting locations of the set of networked devices. Each networked device of the set of networked devices has a unique identifier, and the first mounting locations are known in a management server. A predetermined sound is emitted using a loudspeaker of a portable device, wherein the portable device is located at a location that is closer to the first mounting location than to all other mounting locations of the set of network devices such that detection is enabled of the emitted predetermined sound by a microphone in a networked device mounted at the first mounting location, and the portable device sends information specifying the first mounting location to the management server. Upon detecting the predetermined sound using a microphone in a first networked device, the first networked device sends its unique identifier to the management server. At the management server, the unique identifier of the first networked device is linked to the first mounting location.

A networked device may be any type of device that is connected to a network such that it can communicate information within the network. Such networked devices may for example be loudspeakers, surveillance cameras, door stations etc..

A unique identifier may be any identifier that is unique to a network device.

By 'the mounting locations are known in a management system' is meant that the mounting locations as such are known in the management system, e.g. as locations on a map. However, it is not known in the management system which networked device is mounted at which mounting location.

The portable device does not have to be at any specific location when the predetermined sound is emitted from its loudspeaker. However, it is implicit from the fact that the predetermined sound is detected using a microphone in the first networked device that the portable device should be located such that the emitted predetermined sound can be detected using the microphone in the first networked device. Hence, it is implicit that the portable device is located within a distance from the first mounting location such that detection is enabled of the emitted predetermined sound by a microphone in a networked device mounted at the first mounting location.

By sending the information identifying the first mounting location to the management server and sending the unique identifier of the first networked device detecting the predetermined sound, it can be derived that the first networked device is mounted at the first mounting location. Hence, deriving which networked device is mounted at a first mounting location is made possible in a system after mounting of the networked device at the first mounting location. This is further possible without the need for physical or electronic connection to the networked device. It is further possible when the networked device is mounted such that all or part of any visual indication on the networked device of its unique identifier is obscured.

The first networked device may further, upon detecting the predetermined sound, emit a predetermined response sound using a loudspeaker in the first networked device.

By emitting the predetermined response sound, a user of the portable device can verify that the predetermined response sound is emitted from a networked device mounted at the first mounting location.

In scenarios when the set of networked devices are mounted at mounting locations such that the predetermined sound may be detected using a microphone in both a first networked device and a second networked device, the portable device, when the predetermined sound is emitted, should be located at a location that is closer to the first mounting location than to all other mounting locations of the set of networked devices.

Hence, in embodiments, the predetermined sound comprises a first frequency and a second frequency and the portable device, when the predetermined sound is emitted, is located at a location that is closer to the first mounting location than to all other mounting locations of the set of networked devices. A first ratio between the amplitude at the first frequency and the amplitude at the second frequency of the detected predetermined sound in the first networked device may then be obtained. Upon detecting the predetermined sound using a microphone in a second networked device, the unique identifier of the second networked device is sent from the second networked device to the management server. A second ratio between the amplitude at the first frequency and the amplitude at the second frequency of the detected predetermined sound in the second networked device may then be obtained. It is then determined at the management server which networked device of the first networked device and the second networked device that is closest to the portable device. The determining is based on the first ratio and the second ratio. At the management server, the unique identifier of the networked device determined to be closest to the portable device is then linked to the first mounting location.

By emitting two frequencies, a relative distance to the portable device can be determined for the first networked device and the second networked device, respectively based on the first ratio and the second ratio. This is possible since the amplitude of the higher of the first frequency and the second frequency will be attenuated more over a distance than the lower of the first frequency and the second frequency. Hence, since the portable device is located closest to the first mounting location when the predetermined sound is emitted, the networked device that is closest to the portable device will also be closest to the first mounting location. Hence, deriving which networked device is mounted at a first mounting location is made possible in a system after mounting of the networked device at the first mounting location also if the set of networked devices are mounted at mounting locations such that the predetermined sound emitted when the portable device is located at one location can be detected by two or more networked devices mounted in different mounting locations.

The first ratio and the second ratio may be determined at the first networked device. The first ratio and the second ratio are then sent from the first networked device and the second networked device, respectively, to the management server. The obtaining of the first ratio and the second ratio at the management server then comprises receiving the first ratio and the second ratio to the management server from the first networked device and the second networked device, respectively.

In alternative, the first ratio and the second ratio may be determined at the management server. This further requires sending a representation of the detected predetermined sound from the first networked device to the management server and sending a representation of the detected predetermined sound from the second networked device to the management server. The obtaining of the first ratio and the second ratio at the management server then comprises determining the first ratio and the second ratio.

According to a second aspect, a system for identifying which networked device of a set of networked devices is mounted at a respective mounting location of mounting locations of the set of networked devices is provided. The system comprises a portable device comprising a loudspeaker, a management server comprising a memory storing the mounting locations of the set of networked devices, and the set of networked devices mounted at the mounting locations and each comprising a microphone. The portable device further comprises circuitry configured to execute an emitting function configured to emit a predetermined sound using the loudspeaker of the portable device, wherein the portable device is located at a location that is closer to the first mounting location than to all other mounting locations of the set of network devices such that detection is enabled of the emitted predetermined sound by a microphone in a networked device mounted at the first mounting location, and a sending function configured to send information specifying a mounting location of the mounting locations of the set of networked devices to the management server. Each networked device of the set of networked devices further comprises circuitry configured to execute an identifier sending function configured to, upon detecting the predetermined sound using the microphone, sending its unique identifier to the management server. The management server further comprises circuitry configured to execute a linking function configured to link the unique identifier to the mounting location.

The above-mentioned optional additional features of the method according to the first aspect, when applicable, apply to the system according to the third aspect as well. In order to avoid undue repetition, reference is made to the above.

According to a third aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided having stored thereon instructions for implementing the method according to the first aspect when executed by a system according to the second aspect.

The invention is applicable in any scenario where it is to be determined which of a set of networked devices having respective unique identifiers is mounted in a first mounting location of mounting locations known in a management server.

For example, the invention is applicable in scenarios in which a set of networked devices should be mounted at a respective mounting location of mounting locations, wherein each networked device has a unique identifier, i.e. each networked device has an identifier which is unique to that device. The networked devices may example be networked loudspeakers or networked cameras or any other networked device having a unique identifier. The unique identifier may for example be a serial number or a MAC address. The mounting locations have been determined in advance and are known in a management server, e.g. on a map of the area or premises where the networked devices should be mounted. After mounting, each networked device may communicate with the management server, e.g. through a network to which the mounted networked devices may connect and to which the management server is also connected. The management server may then receive the unique identifiers from the networked devices and hence know which networked devices are connected to the network. However, the management server does not know which networked device is located at which mounting location unless such a link is made.

In another example, the invention is also applicable when the set of networked devices have been mounted at the mounting locations according to a map known to the management server, wherein the unique identifier of each networked device is linked in advance to a respective mounting location of the mounting locations but where it has been identified after mounting that at least some networked devices have been mounted at the wrong mounting location in relation to the indication on the map. Hence, in this scenario, the person mounting the networked devices should have identified the unique identifier of each networked device of the set of networked devices and mounted them in a respective mounting location according to the link on the map known to the management server but in at least some occasions failed to mount the correct networked device at the correct mounting location.

A system <NUM> for identifying which networked device <NUM> of a set of networked devices <NUM> is mounted at a respective mounting location of mounting locations A-E of the set of networked devices <NUM> will now be described in relation to <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the system <NUM> comprises a portable device <NUM>, the set of networked devices <NUM>, and a management server <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a portable device <NUM> of the system <NUM> of <FIG>. The portable device <NUM> may for example be a mobile phone, tablet, or laptop.

The portable device <NUM> comprises a loudspeaker <NUM> and a circuitry <NUM>. The circuitry <NUM> is configured to carry out functions of the portable device <NUM>. The circuitry <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, such as for example a central processing unit (CPU), graphical processing unit (GPU), tensor processing unit (TPU), microcontroller, or microprocessor. The processor <NUM> is configured to execute program code. The program code may for example be configured to carry out the functions of the portable device <NUM>.

The portable device <NUM> may further comprise a memory <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may be one or more of a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable media, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random access memory (RAM), or another suitable device. In a typical arrangement, the memory <NUM> may include a non-volatile memory for long term data storage and a volatile memory that functions as device memory for the circuitry <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may exchange data with the circuitry <NUM> over a data bus. Accompanying control lines and an address bus between the memory <NUM> and the circuitry <NUM> also may be present.

Functions of the portable device <NUM> may be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (e.g., lines of code, software programs, etc.) that are stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium (e.g., the memory <NUM>) of the portable device <NUM> and are executed by the circuitry <NUM> (e.g., using the processor <NUM>). Furthermore, the functions of the portable device <NUM> may be a stand-alone software application or form a part of a software application that carries out additional tasks related to the portable device <NUM>. The described functions may be considered a method that a processing unit, e.g. the processor <NUM> of the circuitry <NUM> is configured to carry out. Also, while the described functions may be implemented in software, such functionality may as well be carried out via dedicated hardware or firmware, or some combination of hardware, firmware and/or software.

The loudspeaker <NUM> is configured to emit a predetermined sound. In embodiments, the loudspeaker is configured to emit a sound including two frequencies. The two frequencies can be emitted in parallel or sequentially. Further description of the emitted predetermined sound which the loudspeaker <NUM> is configured to emit in different embodiments is provided in the description hereinafter in relation to <FIG> and <FIG>.

The circuitry <NUM> is configured to execute a sound emitting function <NUM> configured to emit a predetermined sound using the loudspeaker <NUM>. The circuitry <NUM> is further configured to execute an information sending function <NUM> configured to send information specifying a mounting location to the management server <NUM>. Specifically, the mounting location for which it is to be determined which networked device <NUM> is mounted at is indicated.

Further description of the acts performed by the functions of the portable device <NUM> in different embodiments is provided in the description hereinafter in relation to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a networked device <NUM> of the system <NUM> of <FIG>. The networked device <NUM> has a unique identifier. The networked device <NUM> may for example be a networked loudspeaker, a networked camera, or a networked door station.

The networked device <NUM> comprises a microphone <NUM> and a circuitry <NUM>. The circuitry <NUM> is configured to carry out functions of the networked device <NUM>. The circuitry <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, such as for example a central processing unit (CPU), graphical processing unit (GPU), tensor processing unit (TPU), microcontroller, or microprocessor. The processor <NUM> is configured to execute program code. The program code may for example be configured to carry out the functions of the networked device <NUM>.

The networked device <NUM> may further comprise a memory <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may be one or more of a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable media, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random access memory (RAM), or another suitable device. In a typical arrangement, the memory <NUM> may include a non-volatile memory for long term data storage and a volatile memory that functions as device memory for the circuitry <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may exchange data with the circuitry <NUM> over a data bus. Accompanying control lines and an address bus between the memory <NUM> and the circuitry <NUM> also may be present.

Functions of the networked device <NUM> may be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (e.g., lines of code, software programs, etc.) that are stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium (e.g., the memory <NUM>) of the networked device <NUM> and are executed by the circuitry <NUM> (e.g., using the processor <NUM>). Furthermore, the functions of the networked device <NUM> may be a stand-alone software application or form a part of a software application that carries out additional tasks related to the networked device <NUM>. The described functions may be considered a method that a processing unit, e.g. the processor <NUM> of the circuitry <NUM> is configured to carry out. Also, while the described functions may be implemented in software, such functionality may as well be carried out via dedicated hardware or firmware, or some combination of hardware, firmware and/or software.

The microphone <NUM> is configured to detect the predetermined sound.

The circuitry <NUM> is configured to execute an identifier sending function configured to, upon detecting the predetermined sound emitted by the loudspeaker <NUM> of the portable device <NUM>, send the unique identifier of the networked device <NUM> to the management server <NUM>.

In embodiments when the loudspeaker <NUM> of the portable device <NUM> is configured to emit a predetermined sound including a first frequency and a second frequency, the circuitry <NUM> may further be configured to execute a ratio determining function <NUM> configured to, upon detecting the predetermined sound using the microphone <NUM>, determine the ratio between the amplitude at the first frequency and the amplitude at the second frequency of the predetermined sound as detected by the microphone <NUM>. The circuitry is then further configured to execute a ratio sending function <NUM> configured to send the ratio to the management server <NUM>.

Alternatively, in embodiments when the loudspeaker <NUM> of the portable device <NUM> is configured to emit a predetermined sound including a first frequency and a second frequency, the circuitry <NUM> may further be configured to execute a sound sending function <NUM> configured to, upon detecting the predetermined sound using the microphone <NUM>, send a representation of the detected predetermined sound to the management server <NUM>.

Additionally, the circuitry <NUM> may further be configured to execute a sound emitting function <NUM> configured to, upon detecting the predetermined sound emitted by the loudspeaker <NUM> of the portable device <NUM>, emit a predetermined response sound using a loudspeaker <NUM>.

Further description of the acts performed by the functions of the networked device <NUM> in different embodiments is provided in the description hereinafter in relation to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a management server <NUM> of the system <NUM> of <FIG>. The management server <NUM> may be implemented in a separate device from the portable device <NUM>, e.g. as a separate computer or computer system connected to the network to which the networked devices are connected to or are to be connected to. In alternative, the management server may be implemented in the portable device <NUM>.

If the management server <NUM> is implemented as a separate device from the portable device <NUM>, it comprises a storage <NUM> and a circuitry <NUM>. The circuitry <NUM> is configured to carry out functions of the management server <NUM>. The circuitry <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, such as for example a central processing unit (CPU), graphical processing unit (GPU), tensor processing unit (TPU), microcontroller, or microprocessor. The processor <NUM> is configured to execute program code. The program code may for example be configured to carry out the functions of the management server <NUM>.

The management server <NUM> may further comprise a memory <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may be one or more of a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable media, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random access memory (RAM), or another suitable device. In a typical arrangement, the memory <NUM> may include a non-volatile memory for long term data storage and a volatile memory that functions as device memory for the circuitry <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may exchange data with the circuitry <NUM> over a data bus. Accompanying control lines and an address bus between the memory <NUM> and the circuitry <NUM> also may be present.

Functions of the management server <NUM> may be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (e.g., lines of code, software programs, etc.) that are stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium (e.g., the memory <NUM>) of the management server <NUM> and are executed by the circuitry <NUM> (e.g., using the processor <NUM>). Furthermore, the functions of the management server <NUM> may be a stand-alone software application or form a part of a software application that carries out additional tasks related to the management server <NUM>. The described functions may be considered a method that a processing unit, e.g. the processor <NUM> of the circuitry <NUM> is configured to carry out. Also, while the described functions may be implemented in software, such functionality may as well be carried out via dedicated hardware or firmware, or some combination of hardware, firmware and/or software.

The storage <NUM> is configured to store the mounting locations and links between unique identifiers of network devices and respective mounting locations. The storage <NUM> may further be configured to store a map and an indication of the mounting locations on the map.

The circuitry <NUM> is configured to execute a linking function <NUM> configured to link the unique identifier received from the networking device <NUM> to the mounting location.

In embodiments, the loudspeaker <NUM> of the portable device <NUM> is configured to emit a predetermined sound including a first frequency and a second frequency, and the portable device, when the predetermined sound is emitted, is placed at a location that is closer to one mounting location than to all other mounting locations of the set of networked devices. For example, if it is to be determined which network device <NUM> is mounted at a first mounting location A in <FIG>, the portable device is placed at a location A' which is closer to the first mounting location A than to all other mounting locations B-E. In such embodiments, the circuitry <NUM> may further be configured to execute a ratio obtaining function <NUM> configured to obtain a respective ratio between the amplitude at the first frequency and the amplitude at the second frequency of the detected predetermined sound in each networked device. The circuitry <NUM> is then further configured to execute a closeness determining function <NUM> configured to determine which networked device of the networked devices that is closest to the portable device based on the determined respective ratios. If the respective ratios are received from two or more networked devices <NUM>, the ratio obtaining function <NUM> may be configured to receive the respective ratios. In alternative, if a representation of the detected sound is received from two or more network devices <NUM>, the ratio obtaining function <NUM> may be configured to determine the respective ratios for the two or more network devices <NUM>. The linking function <NUM> is then configured to link the unique identifier of the networked device determined to be closest to the portable device <NUM> to the first mounting location A.

If the management server <NUM> is implemented in the portable device <NUM>, the portable device <NUM> will further comprise the storage <NUM>. Furthermore, the circuitry <NUM> of the portable device <NUM> will further be configured to carry out the functions of the management server <NUM>, i.e. the linking function <NUM>, and optionally the ratio obtaining function <NUM>, and the closeness determining function <NUM>.

Embodiments of a method of identifying which networked device of a set of networked devices is mounted at a first mounting location will now be described in relation to <FIG> and <FIG>.

In <FIG>, a flow chart in relation to embodiments of a method <NUM> for identifying which network device of a set of networked devices is mounted at a first mounting location is shown. The method <NUM> may for example be performed in the system <NUM> as described in relation to <FIG>. Each networked device of the set of networked devices has a unique identifier and may for example be a networked device <NUM> as described in relation to <FIG> and is performed using a portable device, such as the portable device described in relation to <FIG>. The mounting locations of the set of networked devices are known in a management server, such as the management server <NUM> as described in relation to <FIG>. As described in relation to <FIG>, the management server may be implemented in a separate device from the portable device, or the management server may be implemented in the portable device. Hence, in the following when referring to the management device, both of these options are encompassed.

The method <NUM> is performed in relation to a first mounting location of the mounting locations of the set of networked devices in order to determine which network device of the set of network devices is mounted in the first mounting location. The method <NUM> may then be repeated for a portion or all of the rest of the mounting locations of the remaining network devices of the set of network devices.

First, a predetermined sound is emitted S510 using a loudspeaker of the portable device. The predetermined sound is emitted S510 whilst the portable device is located such that a microphone of a network device mounted at the first mounting location can detect the predetermined sound. The portable device further sends S520 information specifying the first mounting location to the management server. The information may for example be sent upon a user of the portable device selecting the first mounting location on a map in the portable device. Upon detecting the predetermined sound using a microphone in a first networked device, the first networked device sends S530 its unique identifier to the management server. At the management server, the unique identifier of the first networked device is then linked S580 to the first mounting location.

The method <NUM> may further include the first networked device emitting S590 a predetermined response sound upon detecting the predetermined sound. In such a way, an operator may verify that the first network device has detected the emitted predetermined sound and verify that the response sound emitted from the first networked device comes from the first mounting location for which the method <NUM> is being performed.

The method <NUM> is applicable in scenarios when only the first network device and no other network device of the set of network devices detects the emitted predetermined sound. This may for example be scenarios when the networked devices are sparsely distributed such that only one network device at a time are within a distance from the portable device to detect the emitted predetermined sound.

In scenarios when more than one network device can detect the emitted predetermined sound, the method may further comprise verifying S570, at the management server, that only the unique identifier of the first network device is received before linking S580 the unique identifier of the first network device to the first mounting location. In case the management server receives a unique identifier by a further network device, it may prompt a move of the portable device closer to the first mounting location, and/or a reduction of the amplitude of the predetermined sound, before a reiteration of the method <NUM> is performed in relation to the first mounting location. Additionally, or alternatively, a user of the portable device, may detect when a predetermined response sound is emitted from more than one network device. The portable device may then be moved closer to the first mounting location, and/or the amplitude of the predetermined sound may be reduced, before a reiteration of the method <NUM> in relation to the first mounting location is performed. Additionally, or alternatively, the portable device may, whilst the predetermined sound is emitted S520, be placed at a location such that the emitted sound cannot be detected by a microphone of a network device mounted at a mounting location other than the first mounting location in relation to which the method <NUM> is being performed.

In addition to linking S580 the unique identifier of the first networked device to the first mounting location, the first networked device may be provided with a name, such as a name indicating the location where it is mounted. For example, if the first networked device is mounted in a building, the networked device may be given a name that indicates the part of the building that the first networked device is mounted.

Turning now to <FIG>, in which a flow chart in relation to further embodiments of a method <NUM> for identifying which network device of a set of networked devices is mounted at a first mounting location is shown.

The method <NUM> may for example be performed in the system <NUM> as described in relation to <FIG>. Each networked device of the set of networked devices has a unique identifier and may for example be a networked device <NUM> as described in relation to <FIG> and is performed using a portable device, such as the portable device described in relation to <FIG>. The mounting locations of the set of networked devices are known in a management server, such as the management server <NUM> as described in relation to <FIG>. As described in relation to <FIG>, the management server may be implemented in a separate device from the portable device, or the management server may be implemented in the portable device. Hence, in the following when referring to the management device, both of these options are encompassed.

The method <NUM> is applicable in scenarios where the set of network devices are mounted at mounting locations such that more than one network device will typically detect an emitted predetermined sound from a portable device. To this end, when the method <NUM> is performed in relation to the first mounting location, the portable device is located S605 at a location that is closer to the first mounting location than to all other mounting locations of the set of networked devices. A predetermined sound is then emitted S610. The predetermined sound includes two different frequencies, namely a first frequency and a second frequency. A reason for why two different frequencies are emitted is that over the same distance, the amplitude of a higher frequency sound will be attenuated more than the amplitude of a lower frequency sound. The first frequency and the second frequency may be emitted simultaneously, in sequence, or a combination of both. Furthermore, the first frequency and the second frequency portion of the predetermined sound may be of any type such as for example sinusoidal sound.

The portable device further sends S620 information indicating the first mounting location in relation to which the method <NUM> is being performed.

The emitted predetermined sound is then detected using a microphone in a first networked device. This means that the first networked device is mounted at a mounting location that is within a distance from the portable device such that the emitted predetermined sound can be detected by the microphone of the first networked device. Upon detecting the emitted predetermined sound, the first networked device sends S630 its unique identifier to the management server.

Similarly, the emitted predetermined sound is detected using a microphone in a second networked device. This means that also the second networked device is mounted at a mounting location that is within a distance from the portable device such that the emitted predetermined sound can be detected by the microphone of the second networked device. Upon detecting the emitted predetermined sound, the first networked device sends S635 its unique identifier to the management server.

At this stage it is not possible to determine which of the first network device and the second networked device is mounted at the first mounting location in relation to which the method <NUM> is performed. However, if no microphone in any of the further network devices of the set of network devices detects the emitted predetermined sound, one of the first network device and the second network device is mounted in the first mounting location in relation to which the method <NUM> is performed.

In order to determine which of the first network device and the second network device is mounted in the first mounting location in relation to which the method <NUM> is performed, a first ratio between the amplitude of the first frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the first network device and the amplitude of the second frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the first network device is obtained S660 at the management server. Similarly, a second ratio between the amplitude of the first frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the second network device and the amplitude of the second frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the second network device is obtained S662 at the management server. By comparing these ratios, it can be determined which of the first network device and the second network device is closer to the location where the portable device was located when the predetermined sound was emitted. Specifically, if the first frequency is a higher frequency and the second frequency is a lower frequency, the network device that is closest to the location where the portable device was located when the predetermined sound was emitted will have the highest ratio. If the first frequency is a lower frequency and the second frequency is a higher frequency, the network device that is closest to the location where the portable device was located when the predetermined sound was emitted will have the lowest ratio.

After obtaining the first ratio and the second ratio, it is determined S664 at the management server which network device of the first network device and the second network device that is closest to the portable device, or rather closest to the location of the portable device when the predetermined sound was emitted. Finally, since the portable device was located at a location closer to the first mounting location than to all other mounting locations of the set of networked devices when the predetermined sound was emitted, the networked device determined to be closest to the portable device, will also be the networked device that is closest to the first mounting location. Hence, the unique identifier of the networked device of the first networked device and the second networked device that is determined to be closest to the portable device is linked S680 to the first mounting location at the management server.

The networked device that is closest to the first mounting location and whose unique identifier is linked to the first mounting location may then be prompted, e.g. by the management server, to emit a predetermined response sound. In such a way, an operator may verify that the predetermined response sound comes from the first mounting location for which the method <NUM> is being performed.

The first ratio and the second ratio may either be determined at the first networked device and the second networked device, respectively, or they may be determined at the management server. In the following description of embodiments relating to the two alternatives are described in relation to <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively.

Turning to <FIG>, which discloses steps performed after the emitted predetermined sound has been detected in the first networked device and in the second networked device when the first ratio and the second ratio is determined in the first networked device and the second networked device, respectively.

A first ratio between the amplitude of the first frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the first network device and the amplitude of the second frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the first network device is determined S640 at the first networked device. The first ratio is then sent S642 from the first networked device to the management server.

Similarly, a second ratio between the amplitude of the first frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the second network device and the amplitude of the second frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the second network device is determined S644 at the second networked device. The second ratio is then sent S646 from the second networked device to the management server.

Obtaining S660 the first ratio at the management server then comprises receiving S660 the first ratio at the management server.

Similarly, obtaining S662 the second ratio at the management server then comprises receiving S662 the second ratio at the management server.

Turning to <FIG>, which discloses steps performed after the emitted predetermined sound has been detected in the first networked device and in the second networked device when the first ratio and the second ratio is determined in the management server.

A representation of the detected predetermined sound at the first networked device is sent S650 from the first networked device to the management server.

Obtaining S660 the first ratio at the management server then comprises determining S660 the first ratio between the amplitude of the first frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the first network device and the amplitude of the second frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the management server.

Similarly, a representation of the detected predetermined sound at the second networked device is sent S652 from the second networked device to the management server.

Obtaining S662 the second ratio at the management server then comprises determining S662 the second ratio between the amplitude of the first frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the second network device and the amplitude of the second frequency of the detected predetermined sound at the management server.

The steps of the method described above in relation to <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively, may in different variants be performed in different parts of the system <NUM> and with varying degrees of automation. Examples of such variants are described in the following.

For instance, when the networked device detects the predetermined sound, the networked device may automatically send its unique identifier to the server. The networked device may alternatively inform the server that it has detected the predetermined sound and the server may link this information to an already registered unique identifier of the networked device, or the server may request the unique identifier once the networked device has signalled that it detected the predetermined sound.

In other variants, if the portable device has a network connection to the networked device, the networked device may send its unique identifier to the portable device, rather than directly to the server. If two or more networked devices detect the predetermined sound, they may each send their respective unique identifier to the portable device. The portable device may also receive representations of the detected sound, such that the portable device may perform the process of determining which networked device is closest. Once it has been determined which networked device is closest, the portable device may instruct the server to link the unique identifier of that networked device to the first mounting location.

If just one networked device detects the predetermined sound and informs the server, the server may automatically link the unique identifier of that networked device to the first mounting location. Alternatively, the server may prompt an installer or user to confirm that the identified networked device should be linked to the first mounting location. If two or more networked devices detect the predetermined sound, it may be determined as described above which of these is closest to the portable device emitting the predetermined sound. The server may automatically link the one that is determined to be the closest one to the first mounting location. Alternatively, a list of the networked devices that detected the predetermined sound may be presented, in which the networked devices are sorted from closest to furthest away. The installer or user may be prompted to indicate that the networked device at the top of the list is to be linked to the first mounting position. In line with what has been described above, the networked device at the top of the list may be instructed to emit a confirmation sound, such that the person with the portable device may hear that it is the intended networked device that has been identified. The person with the portable device may then indicate that this confirmation has been performed. After this, the server may link the unique identifier of the networked device at the top of the list to the first mounting position.

If two or more networked devices have been ranked from closest to furthest away, once the closest one has been linked to the first mounting position, the server may automatically or through installer input continue linking the next networked device on the list to another mounting position that is known to be close to the first position. For this, the next networked device may be instructed to emit a confirmation sound, such that the person with the portable device may confirm that it is correct that the next networked device is in fact the second closest one.

Even if only one networked device detects the predetermined sound, that networked device may be instructed to emit a confirmation sound such that the person with the portable device may ascertain that the intended networked device has been identified. This may be useful, e.g., for avoiding linking the wrong networked device to the first mounting position in case the intended networked device is faulty or blocked, and does not detect the predetermined sound, but another networked device slightly further away does detect the predetermined sound.

It may be advantageous that the networked devices do not listen for the predetermined sound all the time, but only when they have been put into an installation or configuration mode. The server may send an instruction to the networked devices to enter the installation mode and to thereby start listening for the predetermined sound. The networked devices may then exit the installation mode after a predetermined installation time has elapsed or upon an exit instruction from the server. If the portable device has a network connection to the networked devices, the portable device may send an instruction over the network to one or more of the networked devices to start listening for the predetermined sound. If such an instruction is sent from the portable device to only one of the networked devices, that networked device may in turn inform the server and the server may instruct the other networked devices to start listening. In other embodiments, the networked devices may listen continuously for the predetermined sound.

The information specifying the first mounting location may be sent in various ways. As an example, the portable device may be provided by the server with a map of where the networked devices are mounted. When the person holding the portable device has walked up to one of the networked devices, they may indicate this position on the map. This indication may then be sent to the server. In other embodiments, the portable device may be less sophisticated and the person holding it may be instructed where to go based on a map on the server. Such a map could for instance be printed out or the person with the portable device could be verbally instructed by someone viewing the map on the server. When the portable device has been taken to the desired position, the person holding the portable device may activate the predetermined sound. When the server receives information from the networked device that the networked device has detected the predetermined sound, the server may link the unique identifier of the networked device to the mounting position that the person was instructed to go to. The person may continue to another networked device after a predetermined time has passed, after instruction from someone at the server, or after the networked device has emitted a sound indicating that the linking has been completed.

Claim 1:
A method (<NUM>; <NUM>) of identifying which networked device of a set of networked devices is mounted at a first mounting location of mounting locations of the set of networked devices known in a management server, wherein each networked device of the set of networked devices has a unique identifier, the method comprising:
emitting (S510; S610) a predetermined sound using a loudspeaker of a portable device, wherein the portable device is located at a location that is closer to the first mounting location than to all other mounting locations of the set of network devices such that detection is enabled of the emitted predetermined sound by a microphone in a networked device mounted at the first mounting location;
sending (S520; S620) information specifying the first mounting location from the portable device to the management server;
upon detecting the predetermined sound using a microphone in a first networked device, sending (S530; S630) the unique identifier of the first networked device from the first networked device to the management server; and
linking (S580; S680), at the management server, the unique identifier of the first networked device to the first mounting location.