Patent Document

BACKGROUND 
     Various applications of wireless technology have been developed in recent years. These applications make use of a variety of data formats, frequencies, bit rates, etc. End users sometimes install multiple radio frequency (RF) systems to serve a number of applications. For example, a facility may use a first RF system to monitor a wireless security device network, a second RF system to monitor a wireless asset tracking system, and a third RF system to monitor environmental systems within the facility. Each system may come from a different manufacturer, may use different frequency bands, and/or may transmit data in differing formats or at different rates. Installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and optimization of such disparate systems can become a logistical challenge. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention, in an illustrative embodiment, includes a wireless configuration tool for communicating with and configuring wireless device systems. The illustrative tool makes use of a software defined radio (SDR) to communicate in multiple formats, modes, and/or frequencies, with wireless device systems that may otherwise be incompatible. In some embodiments, the tool determines what type and/or how many wireless systems are to be configured prior to configuration of one or more of the systems. The tool may be adapted to adjust how each system is configured, for example, to reduce interference or otherwise improve efficiency. Methods for performing such functions are also included. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of the use of an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is another schematic illustration of the use of an illustrative embodiment; and 
         FIG. 4  is a flow chart showing an illustrative method embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. An illustrative tool  10  for configuring wireless communication systems is shown and includes a controller  12 , a memory  14 , and a software defined radio (SDR) component  16 . A user interface  18  is also shown. 
     The controller  12  may take any suitable form including, for example, various logic circuitry, processors and the like. In some embodiments, the controller  12  is or includes a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or other suitable components. The controller  12  may, for example, perform various activities for controlling the SDR  16 , receive and respond to data from the SDR  16 , access and write to the memory  14 , and/or respond to requests or instructions from the user interface  18 . 
     The illustrative memory  14  may also take a number of suitable forms allowing the controller  12  to access data within the memory  14 . While portions of memory  14  may be read-only, preferably at least some of memory  14  is writable/rewritable memory, but this is not required. Memory  14  may be, for example, magnetic, optical, and/or electrical memory or combinations thereof. 
     The SDR  16  may also take any suitable form, and may be at least partially controlled by the controller  12  to, for example, enable communication to be defined by the controller  12 . The SDR  16  may include a collection of hardware and software technologies that enable reconfigurable system architecture for a wireless terminal. The SDR  16  may be a multi-mode, multi-band, and/or multi-functional wireless device that may be enhanced using software upgrades even after initial set-up. SDR  16  may, in some cases, include multiple SDR modules, transceivers, etc., each controlled by the controller  12 . 
     The user interface  18  may include, for example, a keypad, touchpad, graphical display, speakers, microphones, and/or other devices or features that may be used in allowing access and control by a user. In some embodiments, the tool  10  may resemble a PDA or laptop, though the specifics of packaging and form for the tool  10  may be subject to user preferences. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of the use of an illustrative embodiment. A configuration tool  30  is shown in block form, communicating with a base station  32  that forms part of a wireless network including nodes  34 . The network including the base station  32  is shown relative to a facility  36 . The facility  36  may be, for example, a residential home or homestead, an industrial plant, or any other building or collection of buildings. The nodes  34  may take any suitable form or type and may be placed as desired, for example, indoors or outdoors. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the nodes  34  are adapted to communicate with the base station  32 . In some embodiments the nodes  34  may be sensors or may be coupled to sensors such as motion, fire, smoke, temperature, humidity, occupancy, process monitoring, or other sensors. The nodes  34  may also be cameras, microphones, intercoms or the like. In some embodiments, the nodes  34  may be repeaters, for example, if the base station  32  takes the form of an access point for wireless networking or other computer use. The base station  32  may take any suitable form, and may be adapted to communicate with at least some of the nodes  34 . 
     The configuration tool  30  is used to perform at least certain functions in configuring, reconfiguring, installing, and/or management of the wireless network. For purposes herein, the term “configuring” or “configuration” is used inclusively to include various steps of configuration, installation, commissioning and management of a wireless system. Configuration need not be a complete process that configures, installs, commissions or manages every aspect of a device in a wireless system or every aspect of a system in communication proximity to the configuration tool  30 . It is sufficient to note that a device is configured whenever an operational aspect of the device is modified, selected, or set to affect how the device interacts with other devices within its wireless network. 
     In the illustrative embodiment shown, the configuration tool  30  communicates with the base station  32  and effects configuration of the base station  32 . To perform this activity, the configuration tool  30  makes use of an SDR and an instruction set for performing a first communication protocol that is used by the base station  32 . The instruction set may be stored in a memory of the configuration tool  30 , and may be updated from time to time, if desired. For example, an instruction set may be loaded onto the configuration tool  30  for the purpose of adapting the configuration tool  30  for configuring the base station  32 . Such an instruction set may include instructions for use of the first communication protocol by the SDR. The same or another instruction set may include device-specific instructions for configuring the base station. The configuration tool can also be used to either directly configure the nodes  34  or indirectly configure the nodes  34  through the base station  32 . 
     In some embodiments, the configuration tool  30  may itself select and/or modify an instruction set for configuring the base station  32 , for example, by observing characteristics of the base station  32  and/or its network of nodes  34 , by observing characteristics of the facility  36 , and/or by determining whether, what type, and how many other wireless systems are present in or near the facility  36 . In some embodiments, other wireless systems may interfere with network operation including, for example, those that use, transmit on, or may create noise on channels that are used by a particular network. Such systems may be described as being in communication proximity. 
       FIG. 3  is another schematic illustration of the use of an illustrative embodiment. The illustrative embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  includes a configuration tool  50  that is located such that it may communicate with various wireless systems within a facility  52 . A first such system includes base station B 1 , shown at  54 , and nodes N 1 , for example as shown at  56 . A second system includes base station B 2 , shown at  58 , and nodes N 2 , for example as shown at  60 . A third system includes base station B 3 , shown at  62 , and nodes N 3 , for example as shown at  64 . Though not shown, individual systems may include multiple base nodes or gateway nodes, if desired. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the configuration tool  50  makes use of an SDR to generate communication beacons in at least a first mode or format. In some embodiments, the configuration tool  50  generates communication beacons in a plurality of modes or formats such that each of several systems may be contacted within the facility  52 . When a beacon is sent out by the configuration tool  50 , responses are noted such that the configuration tool  50  can determine what type and/or how many systems are present within the facility  52 . After each system is contacted and identified, after a set of communications protocols is exhausted, and/or after a predetermined discovery time period (or set of discovery time periods) has expired, the configuration tool  50  may contact each of the detected systems or system devices to configure communications within the facility  52 . Alternatively, the configuration tool  50  may configure each system as it is discovered. 
     In some embodiments, the configuration tool  50  includes a controller, input/output devices, and memory allowing communication protocols to be downloaded prior to use. For example, RF, USB, optical, and/or external disc drive ports may be provided on the configuration tool  50  to allow it to load a communication protocol into its memory. In this fashion, the configuration tool  50  may be configured to execute communication commands using a number of different protocols and, further, may be updated when new or different protocols come into use. 
     In some embodiments, the configuration tool  50  is adapted to configure only certain portions of the various systems it configures. For example, the configuration tool  50  may configure only the base stations  54 ,  58 ,  62 . Alternatively, the configuration tool  50  may configure additional detected devices such as one or more of nodes  56 ,  60 ,  64 . 
     The third system is shown for illustrative purposes as being redundantly connected, with nodes N 3  connected to multiple other nodes, defining a plurality of redundant paths to the base station  62 . In some embodiments, the configuration tool  50  may be used to define the redundant paths within at least portions of such a redundant system, for example as set forth in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/160,779, entitled WIRELESS ROUTING IMPLEMENTATION, which is incorporated herein by reference. The configuration tool  50  may also analyze an existing routing configuration and/or system characteristics to determine whether reconfiguration is desirable, as set forth in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/905,971, entitled WIRELESS ROUTING SYSTEMS AND METHODS, the disclosure of which is also incorporated herein by reference. 
     The configuration tool  50  may perform functions such as, for example, the selection and commissioning of security protocols. The configuration tool  50  may further provide network management and access functionality to aid in software and hardware updates, for example. In some embodiments, global rules or regulations for the various networks in use may be selected, updated, commissioned or configured by the configuration tool  50 . 
     In some embodiments, the configuration tool  50  is adapted to receive new instruction sets for configuration. A new communication instruction may be uploaded to the configuration tool, by the use of removable media (such as a compact disk, magnetic disk, or flash memory card, for example), by wired communication (via a USB port, modem, optical input or any other suitable wired communication), via wireless communication or by any other suitable method/device. The new instruction may be loaded to a controller readable media such as a RAM, ROM, flash memory or other suitable memory components. The configuration tool  50  may then communicate with one or more other wireless devices to configure one or more wireless devices using the new communication instruction. 
       FIG. 4  is a flow chart showing an illustrative method in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. From start block  100 , the method begins at  102  by scanning for wireless communication devices. Step  102  may include its own “sub-method” as shown to the right. For example, in an illustrative embodiment a configuration tool may be adapted to observe devices operating using one of a number, N, of communication protocols. As noted at step  104 , for the N protocols, the sub-method includes polling using an i th  protocol, as shown at  106 , noting any responses to the polling, as shown at  108 , and retrieving system data from each system/device that responds, as shown at  110 . The sub-method returns to the top, as shown at  112 , for each of the N loaded protocols. In some embodiments, a user may select which protocols are to be used among a set of available protocols on the configuration tool. 
     Once the scan for devices step at  102  is complete, the method includes analyzing the data captured from scanning to determine how many and/or what type of devices may be configured, as shown at  114 . Next, the parameters for configuration are selected and adjusted, as shown at  116 . This may include, for example, adjusting communication timing to allow multiple systems to operate within limited bandwidth. The parameters for configuration may also include, for example, parameters related to which among several possible channels are designated for particular communications within the available networks. For example, a first network capable of using a channel C may be directed to not use it so channel C may be reserved for use by a second network. 
     After the configuration parameters are selected and/or adjusted in step  116 , the method includes configuring each system, as shown at  118 . Step  118  may include its own sub-method, as shown to the right. As noted at  120 , for each subsystem, the configuration tool may perform a number of steps. First in the illustrative method, the appropriate communication protocol is selected, as shown at  122 . Next, the configuration instructions are executed, as shown at  124 . The method then returns to step  120  for the next system. After each selected system is configured, the method ends as shown at  128 . 
     The present invention, in another illustrative embodiment, includes a tool for configuring wireless communication systems comprising an SDR adapted for wireless communication using at least a first communication protocol, a controller for the SDR having functionality to execute the first communication protocol, and controller readable media accessible by the controller and including one or more instruction sets for configuration of a wireless system that uses the first communication protocol. The SDR may be further adapted for wireless communication using a second communication protocol, the controller may have functionality to execute the second communication protocol, and the controller readable media may further include one or more instruction sets for configuration of a wireless system that uses the second communication protocol. The first wireless system may be communicatively incompatible with the second wireless system. 
     In some embodiments, the controller readable media is writable. When a first wireless system is configured, the controller may record data related to the configuration of the first wireless system. Another embodiment includes a tool wherein the controller is adapted to perform a configuration sequence comprising using the SDR to determine what wireless systems are to be configured in a facility, adjusting an instruction set for configuration of a wireless system corresponding in light of the wireless systems that are to be configured, and executing at least one of the one or more instruction sets to configure at least one wireless system in the facility. The controller may be adapted to perform reconfiguration of wireless communication systems by the use of at least portions of at least one of the one or more instruction sets for configuration of a wireless system. 
     Yet another illustrative embodiment includes a tool for configuring wireless communication systems comprising an SDR adapted for wireless communication using at least first and second communications protocols, and a controller for the SDR capable of: configuring a first wireless system using the first communication protocol, and configuring a second wireless system using the second communication protocol. The first wireless system may be communicatively incompatible with the second wireless system. The controller may be further adapted to store data related to configurations of the first and second wireless systems. 
     The controller may be adapted to modify the second instruction set when the first wireless system is configured. The controller may also be adapted to perform a configuration sequence comprising using the SDR to determine what wireless systems are to be configured in a facility, adjusting an first instruction set for use in configuring a wireless system in light of the wireless systems that are to be configured, and executing at least one of the first instruction set or the second instruction set to configure at least one wireless device system in the facility. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method of configuring wireless communication systems comprising providing a device including an SDR adapted for wireless communication using at least a first communication protocol, a controller for the SDR having functionality to execute the first communication protocol, and controller readable media accessible by the controller and including one or more instruction sets for configuration of a wireless system using the first communication protocol, using the SDR to communicate using the first communication protocol with a first wireless device that is part of a first wireless communication system, and configuring the first wireless device by executing an instruction set for configuration of a wireless system using the first communication protocol via the SDR. 
     The SDR may be adapted for wireless communication using a second communication protocol, wherein the controller for the SDR has functionality to execute the second communication protocol and the controller readable media includes one or more instruction sets for configuration of a wireless system using the second communication protocol. Then, the method may further comprise using the SDR to communicate using the second communication protocol with a second wireless device that is part of a second wireless communication system, and configuring the second wireless device by executing an instruction set for configuration of a wireless system using the second communication protocol via the SDR. 
     The SDR may be used to discover the first wireless communication system, and to determine what additional wireless communications systems are located in communication proximity to the first wireless communication system. A step of determining what additional wireless communications systems are located in communication proximity may include determining what type and/or how many wireless communication systems are located in communication proximity. An example method may include as step of selecting a variable in an instruction set executed in configuring the first wireless device in view of what additional wireless communications systems are located in communication proximity to the first wireless communication system. 
     Another example method may include a step of recording data related to the configuration of the first wireless device. The SDR may be adapted for wireless communication using a second communication protocol, the controller having functionality to execute the second communication protocol, and the controller readable media includes one or more instruction sets for configuration of a wireless system using the second communication protocol. In this example, the method may further comprise using the SDR to communicate using the second communication protocol with a second wireless device that is part of a second wireless communication system, and configuring the second wireless device by executing an instruction set for configuration of a wireless system using the second communication protocol via the SDR. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may be manifested in a variety of forms other than the specific embodiments described and contemplated herein. Accordingly, departures in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as described in the appended claims.

Technology Category: 5