Patent Application
20090067344
The present invention relates generally to wireless networks and more particularly to improved systems, apparatus, and methods for assigning addresses to the nodes of a wireless network.
Wireless networks are now ubiquitous, and, like many useful new technologies, new uses for wireless networking technology are constantly being developed. Numerous types of wireless networking are now in use, including base station and satellite based systems. Some wireless networking technologies are “Wi-Fi,” e.g., various wireless networking technologies based on IEEE standard 802.11, “Wi-Max,” which is based on IEEE 802.16, Global Systems for Mobile Communications (“GSM”), and many others.
One type of network technology that is used in both wired and wireless configurations is “mesh networking.” Mesh networks are networks whose nodes are capable of intelligently reconfiguring themselves to provide efficient data routes between arbitrary endpoints. In a mesh network, multiples nodes (usually every node) are capable of routing data, and therefore, a separate router is not required, as is common in more conventional networking technologies. Mesh technology has become especially important to wireless networks, as the routing adaptability inherent within meshes allows for the arbitrary expansion of the range of wireless networks without requiring powerful transmitters.
Most wireless mesh network technologies support an auto-addressing scheme, so that whenever a node is added, an address is automatically assigned. For instance, the ZigBee wireless mesh protocol initially assigns all addresses to a special node called a ZigBee Coordinator (ZC). As new nodes are added, the ZC allocates chunks of address space to the new nodes. Child nodes of the ZC can allocate blocks of their address space to new nodes as well. Other wireless mesh technologies use different addressing schemes, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
In addition to traditional wireless networking purposes, e.g., providing Internet access to mobile computer users, wireless network solutions are being developed for automation systems, such as light systems, security systems, etc. When used in automation systems each node within the network is likely to perform a specific function. For instance, an intelligent switch could control the operation of a system of lights within a conference room. Frequently, administration personnel (installers, network maintenance personnel, etc.) will need to access particular nodes within such a network, such as when configuring parameters. Usually, accessing a particular node requires the address of that node, so that commands, embodied within packets, can reach the target node.
Often, installers will assign a label to each node that requires access.
A label is defined herein with a descriptive expression associated with, but not replacing, an underlying node address. Once a label is assigned to a particular node, a control application can query the device for its label and network address, and establish a database associating the node's label with its network address. Assuming the label is sufficiently descriptive, administration personnel can easily access the device in the future.
One way that labels are assigned is by connecting a laptop or other computing device to a node through a cable, and uploading the label. If there are a large number of nodes to configure, the process of assigning labels to nodes is inconvenient and time consuming.
The disclosed invention makes use of Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”) technology. RFID technology is used to identify particular objects quickly. In a RFID system, a RFID tag is attached or embedded in a device, or even an animal or person. When the attached item needs to be identified, a RFID reader is brought close to the RFID tag. Radio waves from the RFID reader then activate the RFID tag, which broadcasts a stored identifier.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a system, apparatus, and method for assigning labels to nodes within a wireless network.
Another object of this invention is to provide a system, apparatus, and method for assigning labels to nodes within a wireless mesh network.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a system, apparatus, and method for assigning labels to nodes within a wireless network without requiring the connection of a computer to the node via a USB cable or other means.
The disclosed invention achieves its objectives through an innovative system for assigning comprehensible labels to nodes within wireless networks. A typical wireless network will include a plurality of nodes, with each of the nodes having a unique address. The unique address will usually be a four byte or larger quantity, which holds no special significance to users of the network—its sole purpose is to be absolutely unique. This invention introduces a wireless transceiver capable of reading the unique wireless network address from each node and associating a label that holds significance for users of the network with the unique address. In another aspect of the invention, each node will be coupled to a RFID tag, and the transceiver will read the unique address from the RFID tag. An additional improvement of the invention will allow the label to be written back into a memory array associated with each node, so that other network users can obtain and use the same labels that a first user has assigned.
Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself, and the manner in which it may be made and used, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views and in which:
The disclosed invention provides a simple method for installers to associate human readable labels with equipment using wireless networking. Opportunities for the use of wireless networking are enormous. For example, boardroom audio-visual systems frequently incorporate a hideaway projector. Usually, the projector's hideaway mechanism is wired to a controller. However, using wireless networking, a radio signal could be used to operate the projector.
Presently, wireless networking requires a good deal of technical understanding that is usually beyond the knowledge of an equipment installer. In particular, nodes in a wireless network are assigned long numerical addresses that cannot be remembered, understood, or effectively used by an installer. Numerous methods have been devised for handling this problem in normal networks, such as the use of short “IP” addresses, or network names. However, such schemes all require network specific technical knowledge.
The disclosed invention overcomes this problem by combining a wireless network node with RFID technology. A handheld remote control reads the network address of a wireless network node from a RFID tag coupled to the node. The installer then enters an understandable label into the remote control, which associates the node's network address and the label. An installer using the remote control will then be able to access the network node through the assigned label as opposed to the node's network address. Further, as an optional step, the label may be written to a memory array attached to the node so that it can be read back by other devices.
Using the disclosed invention a small device consisting of a RFID tag and some associated memory would be affixed to a piece of equipment before it was shipped. The unique address of the equipment would be read and stored in the memory associated with the RFID tag.
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Remote control 101 also includes a USB port 106, which may be used to communicate with a computer to synchronize with enterprise control software or upgrade firmware within the remote control 101. Finally, a charger jack 107 allows batteries within remote control 101 to be recharged.
The main board 206 includes a microcontroller 207, which may include some amount of non-volatile memory to house a wireless protocol stack and other firmware. An additional memory chip 208, which could be electrically eraseable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), is connected to the microcontroller 207. The microcontroller 207 is also connected to RFID scanner chip 210 and panel board 219 via bus 209.
RFID scanner chip 210 is coupled to RFID antenna 222, which could be implemented as a foil pattern on main board 206. USB controller 217 is coupled to microcontroller 207 and to USB connector 218. A rechargeable battery 215 provides power for the remote control 101. The battery 215 is charged by a battery charger circuit 213, which receives power through charger jack 214.
Panel board 219 contains keypad 221, navigation switch 222 and display 224. The panel board 219 also contains a panel microcontroller 220, which contains firmware to interface with the keypad 221 and navigation switch 222, and control the display 224.
The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The description was selected to best explain the principles of the invention and practical application of these principles to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by the specification, but be defined by the claims set forth below.
