Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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ENVIRONMENT CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD USING A WIFI
INFRASTRUCTURE FOR EXCHANGING ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of environment
control systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an
environment control device and method using a WiFi infrastructure for
exchanging environmental data.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Systems for controlling environmental conditions, for example
in buildings, are becoming increasingly sophisticated. A control system may at
once control heating and cooling, monitor air quality, detect hazardous
conditions such as fire, carbon monoxide release, intrusion, and the like.
Such
control systems generally include at least one environment controller, which
receives measured environmental values, generally from external sensors, and
in turn determines set-points or command parameters to be sent to controlled
appliances.
[0003] Communications between an environment controller and the
devices under its control (sensors, controlled appliances) are currently based
on wires. The wires are deployed in the building where the environment control
system is operating, for instance in the walls, ceilings, and floors of
multiple
rooms in the building. Thus, deploying a new environment control system in a
building implies deploying the wires used by the system for the
communications between its components. Alternatively, upgrading an existing
environment control system in a building (by the addition of new sensors,
controlled appliances, or environment controllers) may imply upgrading the
existing communication infrastructure used by the existing system, and thus
deploying new wires. Deploying wires in a building is usually disrupting for
the
daily operations in the building and costly.
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[0004] Therefore, there is a need for facilitating the deployment of a
communication infrastructure between components of an environment control
system, by using Wi-Fi communication technologies instead of wires. Further,
there is a need to take into account legacy environment control systems,
where some of the components may not be upgradable from wires to Wi-Fi
communication technologies.
SUMMARY
[0005] In accordance with a first aspect, the present disclosure
relates to an environment control device (ECD). The ECD comprises a
communication module, for exchanging environmental data with at least
another device. The communication module comprises Wi-Fi hotspot
functionality for establishing a first Wi-Fi hotspot and exchanging the
environmental data over the first Wi-Fi hotspot. The communication module
also comprises at least one of: Wi-Fi client functionality for associating
with a
second Wi-Fi hotspot and exchanging the environmental data over the second
Wi-Fi hotspot, and WiFi mesh client functionality for exchanging the
environmental data over a mesh network.
[0006] The ECD may also comprise a processing module, for
receiving environmental data from the other device via the communication
module and processing the received environmental data, and / or generating
environmental data and transmitting the generated environmental data to the
other device via the communication module.
[0007] In accordance with a second aspect, the present disclosure
relates to an environment control method. The environment control method
comprises establishing by an ECD a first Wi-Fi hotspot, and exchanging
environmental data between the ECD and at least another device via the first
Wi-Fi hotspot. The environment control method also comprises at least one of:
associating the ECD with a second Wi-Fi hotspot and exchanging
environmental data between the ECD and at least another device over the
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second Wi-Fi hotspot, and exchanging environmental data between the ECD
and at least another device over a mesh network. The first Wi-Fi hotspot and
the at least one of the second Wi-Fi hotspot and the mesh network define a
wireless communication infrastructure.
[0008] Exchanging environmental data may consist of receiving at the
ECD environmental data from the other device via the wireless communication
infrastructure and processing the received environmental data, and / or
generating at the ECD environmental data and transmitting the generated
environmental data to the other device via the wireless communication
infrastructure.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present ECD and
method, a USB key implementing the communication module performs at least
one of: the establishment of the first Wi-Fi hotspot and the exchange of
environmental data over the first Wi-Fi hotspot, the association with the
second
Wi-Fi hotspot and the exchange of environmental data over the second Wi-Fi
hotspot, and the exchange of environmental data over the mesh network.
[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the present ECD and
method, the ECD consists of an environment controller. The environment
controller is capable of receiving an environmental characteristic value from
one of a sensor or a relay via the wireless communication infrastructure, and
determining an environmental state based on the environmental characteristic
value; and generating a command based on the environmental state, and
transmitting the command to one of a controlled appliance or a relay via the
wireless communication infrastructure.
[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the present ECD and
method, the ECD consists of a sensor. The sensor is capable of measuring an
environmental characteristic and providing a corresponding environmental
characteristic value; and transmitting the environmental characteristic value
to
an environment controller via the wireless communication infrastructure.
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[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the present ECD and
method, the ECD consists of a controlled appliance. The controlled appliance
is capable of receiving a command from an environment controller via the
wireless communication infrastructure and executing the command.
[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the present ECD and
method, the ECD consists of a relay. The relay is capable of one of: receiving
an environmental characteristic value from a sensor via a wire and
transmitting
the environmental characteristic value to an environment controller via the
wireless communication infrastructure, or receiving a command from an
environment controller via the wireless communication infrastructure and
transmitting the command to a controlled appliance via a wire.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Embodiments of the disclosure will be described by way of
example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0015] Figure 1 illustrates a legacy environment control system using
wires for exchanging environmental data between its
components;
[0016] Figure 2 illustrates an environment control system with
environment control devices (ECDs) using Wi-Fi hotspots and
mesh networks for exchanging environmental data;
[0017] Figures 3A, 3B, 30 and 3D illustrate an ECD with a
communication module for exchanging environmental data
over a wireless communication infrastructure;
[0018] Figure 4 illustrates an ECD with a communication module
integrated on a USB key;
[0019] Figure 5 illustrates an environment controller as an exemplary
ECD;
[0020] Figure 6 illustrates a sensor as an exemplary ECD;
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[0021] Figure 7 illustrates a controlled appliance as an exemplary
ECD;
[0022] Figure 8 illustrates a relay as an exemplary ECD;
[0023] Figures 9A and 9B illustrate an exemplary Wi-Fi hotspot signal
flow for the present environment control method;
[0024] Figures 10A and 10B illustrate another exemplary Wi-Fi
hotspot signal flow for the present environment control
method; and
[0025] Figures 11A and 11B illustrate an environment control system
with environment control devices (ECDs) with mesh
networking capabilities.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The foregoing and other features will become more apparent
upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of illustrative
embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the
accompanying drawings. Like numerals represent like features on the various
drawings.
[0027] Various aspects of the present disclosure generally address
one or more of the problems related to the deployment and usage of a wireless
communication infrastructure for exchanging environmental data between
components of an environment control system.
TERMINOLOGY
[0028] The following terminology is used throughout the present
disclosure:
[0029] Environment: condition(s) (temperature, pressure, oxygen
level, light level, security, etc.) prevailing in a controlled area or
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place, such as for example in a building.
[0030] Environment control system: a set of components which
collaborate for monitoring and controlling an environment.
[0031] Environmental data: any data (e.g. information, commands)
related to an environment that may be exchanged between
components of an environment control system.
[0032] Environment control device (ECD): generic name for a
component of an environment control system. An ECD may
consist of an environment controller, a sensor, a controlled
appliance, etc.
[0033] Environment controller: device capable of receiving
information related to an environment and sending commands
based on such information.
[0034] Environmental characteristic: measurable, quantifiable or
verifiable property of an environment.
[0035] Environmental characteristic value: numerical, qualitative or
verifiable representation of an environmental characteristic.
[0036] Sensor: device that detects an environmental characteristic
and provides a numerical, quantitative or verifiable
representation thereof. The numerical, quantitative or verifiable
representation may be sent to an environment controller.
[0037] Controlled appliance: device that receives a command and
executes the command. The command may be received from
an environment controller.
[0038] Processing module: processor, computer, or like device or
component capable of executing mathematical or logical
operations and execute code.
[0039] Environmental state: a current condition of an environment
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based on an environmental characteristic, each environmental
state may comprise a range of values or verifiable
representation for the corresponding environmental
characteristic.
[0040] Communication module: device or component capable of
providing communication functionalities based on a specific
communication technology (for example a standardized or
proprietary wired communication technology, or a standardized
or proprietary wireless communication technology). A specific
protocol or set of protocols corresponding to the specific
communication technology is implemented by the
communication module. The communication module may
support several communication technologies simultaneously
(e.g. wired and wireless, two different wireless technologies,
etc.).
[0041] Wi-Fi: any Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) product that
is based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers' (IEEE) 802.11 standards.
[0042] Wi-Fi hotspot: communication infrastructure allowing
communications between devices using communication
protocols based on the 802.11 standards. The hotspot is
established by a dedicated device (e.g. a Wi-Fi Access Point).
A device needs to associate with the Wi-Fi hotspot, before
being capable of using it for communications with other
devices. The dedicated device establishing the Wi-Fi hotspot is
associated by default.
[0043] Mesh network: communication infrastructure in which each
participating node relays data for the network. Each node
cooperates in the distribution of data in the network and there
is usually more than one path for transmitting data from a
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source node to a destination node (thus providing greater
reliability and flexibility). In the present disclosure, the term
mesh network refers to a wireless mesh network, based on a
wireless mesh protocol such as IEEE 802.11s.
LEGACY ENVIRONMENT CONTROL SYSTEM USING WIRES FOR
COMMUNICATIONS
[0044] Referring now to Figure 1, a legacy environment control
system 100 deployed in a controlled area such as a building (not represented
in Figure 1), as known in prior art, is illustrated. The environment control
system 100 comprises several ECDs: an environment controller (150), sensors
(120, 122, and 124), and controlled appliances (130 and 132). All these ECDs
are interconnected by wires 105, in order to exchange environmental data and
commands. For example, the sensor 122 transmits environmental
characteristic values to the environment controller 150 via a wire 105, and
the
environment controller 150 transmits commands to the controlled appliance
132 via another wire 105.
[0045] The environment control system 100 is upgraded with a new
sensor 126 and a new controlled appliance 134. In order to perform the
upgrade, additional wires 105 shall be added to the building, to connect the
new sensor 126 and the new controlled appliance 134 to the environment
controller 150. It may be possible to partially leverage existing wires.
However,
in the general case, it is necessary to upgrade the building to incorporate
the
missing wires for interconnecting the additional ECDs with the existing ECDs.
As already mentioned, this type of upgrade is usually disrupting, costly, and
time consuming.
[0046] The legacy environment control system 100 illustrates the
need for ECDs interconnected by other means than wires, facilitating upgrades
and addition of new ECDs on a per-needed basis.
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ENVIRONMENT CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD USING A WIRELESS
COMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE FOR EXCHANGING
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
[0047] The present
disclosure relates to an ECD and a method using
a wireless communication infrastructure for exchanging environmental data
between the ECD and at least another device.
[0048] Referring now
to Figure 2, an environment control system 200
comprising ECDs using a wireless communication infrastructure for
exchanging environmental data is represented.
[0049] One (or more)
ECD of the environment control system 200 is
capable of establishing a first Wi-Fi hotspot, and exchanging environmental
data between the ECD and at least another device over the first Wi-Fi hotspot.
The ECD is further capable of at least one of: associating with a second Wi-Fi
hotspot and exchanging environmental data between the ECD and at least
another device over the second Wi-Fi hotspot, and exchanging environmental
data between the ECD and at least another device over a mesh network. The
wireless communication infrastructure comprises the first Wi-Fi hotspot, and
one of the second Wi-Fi hotspot and the mesh network (or both). The
environment control system 200 comprises two such ECDs: an environment
controller 250 and a relay 260.
[0050] The
environment controller 250 establishes a first Wi-Fi
hotspot 210 and exchanges environmental data with ECDs 230, 234 and 260
over the first Wi-Fi hotspot 210. The environment controller 250 also
exchanges environmental data with ECDs 220 and 226 over a mesh network
212.
[0051] The relay 260
establishes a Wi-Fi hotspot 214 and exchanges
environmental data with ECDs 222 and 232 over the Wi-Fi hotspot 214. The
relay 260 also associates with the first Wi-Fi hotspot 210 and exchanges
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environmental data with the environment controller 250 over the first Wi-Fi
hotspot 210.
[0052] The environment controller 250 may also optionally associate
with a second Wi-Fi hotspot (e.g. 216) and exchange environmental data with
at least another ECD (e.g. master environment controller 255) over the second
Wi-Fi hotspot (e.g. 216). The master environment controller 255 may be
controlling a plurality of environment controllers (such as 250), using the
second Wi-Fi hotspot 216.
[0053] The ECDs 230 and 234 have a communication module only
capable of associating with the first Wi-Fi hotspot 210 and exchanging
environmental data over the first Wi-Fi hotspot 210. Similarly, the ECDs 222
and 232 have a communication module only capable of associating with the
Wi-Fi hotspot 214 and exchanging environmental data over the Wi-Fi hotspot
214. The ECDs 220 and 226 have a communication module only capable of
exchanging environmental data over the mesh network 212. The environment
controller 250 has a communication module capable of establishing the first
Wi-Fi hotspot 210, optionally associating with the second Wi-Fi hotspot 216;
and exchanging environmental data over the first Wi-Fi hotspot 210, optionally
over the second Wi-Fi hotspot 216, and over the mesh network 212. The relay
260 has a communication module capable of establishing the Wi-Fi hotspot
214, associating with the first Wi-Fi hotspot 210; and exchanging
environmental data over the Wi-Fi hotspots 214 and 210. The wireless
communication infrastructure of the environment control system 200 for
exchanging environmental data consists of the Wi-Fi hotspots 210, 212 and
216, and the mesh network 212.
[0054] Exchanging environment data between the environment
controller 250 and other ECDs (e.g. 220, 226, 230, 234, 260 and 255) may
consist in receiving environmental data from one of the other ECDs via one of
the Wi-Fi hotspots 210, 216 and the mesh network 212; and processing the
received environmental data at the environment controller 250. Alternatively
or
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complementarily, it may also consist in generating environmental data at the
environment controller 250; and transmitting the generated environmental data
to one (or several) of the other devices via one of the Wi-Fi hotspots 210,
216
and the mesh network 212.
[0055] Exchanging environment data between the relay 260 and
other ECDs (e.g. 250, 222 and 232) may consist in receiving environmental
data from one of the other ECDs via one of the Wi-Fi hotspots 210 and 214;
and processing the received environmental data at the relay 260. Alternatively
or complementarily, it may also consist in generating environmental data at
the
relay 260; and transmitting the generated environmental data to one (or
several) of the other devices via one of the Wi-Fi hotspots 210 and 214.
[0056] Several types of ECDs may exchange environmental data
and/or commands via the wireless communication infrastructure: environment
controllers (e.g. 250 and 255), sensors (e.g. 220, 226 and 222), controlled
appliances (e.g. 230, 234 and 232), and relays (e.g. 260). However, the
present system and method are not limited to such a configuration, and other
types of devices may exchange environmental data and/or commands over the
present wireless communication infrastructure.
[0057] The environment control system 200 illustrates a situation
where the ECDs capable of communicating via the Wi-Fi hotspots and mesh
network coexist with ECDs only capable of communicating via wires 105. The
latter includes for example a wired sensor 124. In such a configuration, the
relay 260 acts as an interconnection point between the environment controller
250 and the wired ECD 124. The relay 260 is capable of communicating with
the environment controller 250 over the first Wi-Fi hotspot 210, and is also
capable of communicating with the wired ECD 124 over the wire 105. The
environment controller 250 could also have the capability to communicate
directly with wired ECDs (e.g. a wired sensor 120) over wires 105 instead of
interconnecting therewith through the relay 260.
[0058] The ECDs (220, 226, 230, 234, 222, 232, 250 and 260) may
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have native Wi-Fi and mesh functionalities, or may be upgraded when possible
to include Wi-Fi and mesh functionalities. For example, the sensor 220
(corresponding to the wired sensor 120 of Figure 1) and the controlled
appliance 230 (corresponding to the wired controlled appliance 130 of Figure
1) may have been upgraded respectively with a mesh client functionality and
with a Wi-Fi client functionality, which allows them to exchange environmental
data over the mesh network 212 and the first Wi-Fi hotspot 210 with the
environment controller 250. The environment controller 150 of Figure 1 may
have been replaced by the environment controller 250, which has native mesh
client and Wi-Fi hotpot functionalities.
[0059] Some of the ECDs, such as for example the sensor 124, may
be devices which cannot be upgraded with a Wi-Fi client functionality (and
cannot be replaced by a new sensor with a Wi-Fi client functionality), and
only
communicate over wires 105 (e.g. with the relay 250). Thus the present system
and method allow gradual upgrade and modernizing of an environment control
system 200, by gradually upgrading the ECDs or changing the ECDs so as to
include Wi-Fi and mesh functionalities. Furthermore, by concurrently
supporting both Wi-Fi / mesh functionality and wires, the present system and
method allows leveraging of the current environment control infrastructure,
while providing a cost efficient alternative to optimize, modify and/or expand
the functions performed by the environment control system 200.
ENVIRONMENT CONTROL DEVICE
[0060] Referring now to Figures 2, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 4 concurrently,
a general schematic representation of components of an ECD having
capabilities of establishing a first Wi-Fi hotspot 210, as well as associating
with
a second Wi-Fi hotspot 216 or / and communication over a mesh network 212
is illustrated. The ECD 300 comprises a communication module 310. The
communication module 310 comprises a Wi-Fi hotspot functionality 312, which
allows the ECD 300 to establish the first Wi-Fi hotspot 210 to exchange
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environmental data and/or commands with at least one other ECD 400. The
communication module 310 also comprises at least one of the following
functionalities: a Wi-Fi client functionality 314, which allows the ECD 300 to
associate with the second Wi-Fi hotspot 216 to exchange environmental data
and/or commands with at least one other ECD 400; and a mesh client
functionality 316, which allows the ECD 300 to exchange environmental data
and/or commands with at least one other ECD 400 over the mesh network
212. As mentioned previously, the combination of the first Wi-Fi hotspot 210
and at least one of the second Wi-Fi hotspot 216 / mesh network 212 is
referred to as the wireless network infrastructure 318.
[0061] The ECD 300 also comprises a processing module 320. The
processing module 320 receives environmental data transmitted by the other
device 400 via the wireless communication infrastructure 318 through the
communication module 310. The processing module 320 further processes the
received environmental data. The processing module 320 may also be capable
of generating commands, and transmitting the commands to the other device
400 via the wireless communication infrastructure 318 through the
communication module 310.
[0062] For example, the processing module 320 may receive an
indication of a motion in a room from a motion detector, determine an
occupancy of the room, and determine an appropriate temperature and / or
humidity for the occupied room. The processing module 320 may further
generate commands to activate a heating or cooling device, a humidity
regulation device, etc. In another example, the processing module 320 may
receive a current value of a temperature or a humidity in a room from a
sensor,
and determine a difference between the current value and a target value for
the room. The processing module 320 may further generate commands to
regulate a heating or cooling device, a humidity regulation device, etc. The
target value may depend of the time during the day (e.g. working hours or
night), of the day during the week (e.g. working day or week end), etc.
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[0063] From an implementation perspective, the processing module
320 and the communication module 310 are generally two independent
components of the ECD 300. They communicate via dedicated means, such
as an internal communication bus 321. Thus, environmental data from the
other device 400 are first received by the communication module 310, and
then transmitted to the processing module 320 via the internal communication
bus 321. Similarly, commands generated by the processing module 320 are
first transmitted to the communication module 310 via the internal
communication bus 321, and then transmitted by the communication module
310 over the wireless communication infrastructure 318 to the other device
400.
[0064] The ECD 300 also comprises a memory 330. The memory 330
is capable of storing environmental data received via the wireless
communication infrastructure 318. The memory 330 is also capable of storing
data which result from the processing (by the processing module 320) of
environmental data received via the wireless communication infrastructure
318. Although the memory 330 is shown as a single box on Figure 3A, those
skilled in the art will understand that the memory 330 could consist of a
single
memory unit, or of a plurality of independent memory units. The data stored in
the memory 330 could further include for each data stored a timestamp, and
an identification of the other device 400.
[0065] The ECD 300 may also comprise a display 340. The display
340 may display environmental data received via the wireless communication
infrastructure 318, or data which result from the processing (by the
processing
module 320) of environmental data received via the wireless communication
infrastructure 318. Alternatively, the display 340 may display the status of
all
other devices 400 with which the environment control device 300 is in
communication.
[0066] The ECD 300 may also comprise a user interface 350. For
example, the user interface 350 may be used to receive inputs from a user,
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with respect to environmental data which are then further transmitted via the
wireless communication infrastructure 318 to the other device 400. The user
interface 350 could be implemented by means of a touchscreen display.
COMMUNICATION MODULE
[0067] Figure 3B focuses on the Wi-Fi hotspot functionality 312 of the
communication module 310. The Wi-Fi hotspot functionality 312 allows the
ECD 300 to establish the first Wi-Fi hotspot 210, as known in the art and
specified by the corresponding industry standards. Once the first Wi-Fi
hotspot
210 is established, another device 400 (using a Wi-Fi client functionality of
the
other device 400) can associate therewith, and communicate over, the first Wi-
Fi hotspot 210 established by the ECD 300. The ECD 300 also uses its Wi-Fi
hotspot functionality 312 to communicate over the established first Wi-Fi
hotspot 210 with the other device 400.
[0068] Figure 3C focuses on the Wi-Fi client functionality 314 of the
communication module 310. The Wi-Fi client functionality 314 allows the ECD
300 to associate with, and communicate over, a second Wi-Fi hotspot 216
which has been established by another device 400 (using a Wi-Fi hotspot
functionality of the other device 400). The association of the Wi-Fi client
functionality 314 with the Wi-Fi hotspot functionality of the other device 400
is
performed in any manner known in the art.
[0069] Figure 3D focuses on the mesh client functionality 316 of the
communication module 310. The mesh client functionality 316 allows the ECD .
300 to communicate over a mesh network 212 with another device 400 (using
a mesh client functionality of the other device 400). The communication
between nodes (e.g. 300 and 400) over the mesh network 212 is performed in
any manner known in the art.
[0070] Various configurations of the communication module 310 are
possible. The communication module 310 may have only the Wi-Fi hotspot
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functionality 312 and the Wi-Fi client functionality 314. Alternatively, the
communication module 310 may have only the Wi-Fi hotspot functionality 312
and the mesh client functionality 316. In still another alternative, the
communication module 310 may have the Wi-Fi hotspot functionality 312, the
Wi-Fi client functionality 314 and the mesh client functionality 316. In yet
another alternative, the Wi-Fi client functionality 314 and the mesh client
functionality 316 may be both supported by the communication module 310,
but only one of the two may be activated and used to exchange environmental
data between the ECD 300 and another device 400. Having both the Wi-Fi
client functionality 314 and the mesh client functionality 316 may be
particularly
useful for providing standardized ECDs and allowing flexible deployment of the
environmental control system 200. Standardized ECDs 300 can then be used
for the deployment of the environment control system 200, and
interrelationships with other devices 400 established and/or modified during
the deployment of the environmental control system 200, by activating one or
the other (or both) of the Wi-Fi client functionality 314 and the mesh client
functionality 316.
[0071] The Wi-Fi
hotspot functionality 312, the Wi-Fi client
functionality 314 and the mesh client functionality 316 may be associated with
different virtual ports. An application software executed by the processing
module 320 may use a specific virtual port associated with one of the
functionalities (312, 314 or 316) for exchanging environmental data with
another device 400 via this specific functionality (312, 314 or 316). These
virtual ports provide an abstraction layer for the application software
executed
by the processing module 320. The application software interfaces with the
wireless communication infrastructure 318 as a whole; and is not aware of the
underlying first Wi-Fi hotspot 210, and second Wi-Fi hotspot 216 or / and mesh
network 212. The usage of the appropriate specific virtual port for
communicating with a specific other device 400 is determined by a
communication software layer that may be executed by the processing module
320 or the communication module 310.
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[0072] The functionalities 312, 314 and 316 of the communication
module 310 generally consist of a combination of hardware components and
software executed by these hardware components. Figures 3A, 3B, 30 and 3D
represent the communication module 310 being integrated with the ECD 300
as an internal component. ECDs 300 may be designed to natively support the
capability to communicate with other devices 400 via the functionalities (312,
314 or / and 316) of the communication module 310. Alternatively, the
hardware and / or software of ECDs 300 may be upgraded to provide at least
one of the functionalities (312, 314 or 316) of the communication module 310.
[0073] Figure 4 represents the ECD 300 with a communication
module 510 provided via a USB key 500. Such an implementation may be
used for legacy ECDs, originally using a wired communication module (not
represented in Figure 4) to communicate with other devices, and which cannot
be upgraded with an additional communication module 310 internally
integrated within the ECD 300 (as illustrated in Figures 3A to 3D). In this
particular implementation of the communication module 510, the legacy ECD
300 must comprise a native USB controller 360, or be upgraded to integrate
the USB controller 360. Thus, the legacy ECD 300 acquires the capability of
communicating with other devices 400 via the wireless communication
infrastructure 318, using the communication module 510 implemented through
the USB key 500 (when inserted in the USB controller 360 and initialized by
the processing module 320). Additionally, a software upgrade of the ECD 300
may be needed. The software upgrade consists in providing the capability to
the processing module 320 to use and control the communication module 510
implemented on the USB key 500. Although not represented in Figure 4 for
simplification purposes, the communication module 510 comprises a Wi-Fi
hotspot functionality 312, and at least one of a Wi-Fi client functionality
314
and a mesh client functionality 316.
[0074] Alternatively, an ECD 300 may comprise an integrated
communication module 310 providing only some of the Wi-Fi hotspot
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functionality 312, Wi-Fi client functionality 314 and mesh client
functionality
316. The missing functionalities may be provided via an USB controller 360
and a communication module 510 implemented through a USB key 500.
[0075] Legacy ECDs, like environment controllers, which are currently
deployed in buildings, and which only use wires as communication means,
may either have a USB controller 360, or may be cost efficiently retrofitted
to
include a USB controller 360.
ENVIRONMENT CONTROLLER
[0076] Referring now to Figures 5, 9A, 9B, 10A and 10B concurrently,
an environment controller 301 is illustrated. The environment controller 301
is
a specific type of ECD capable of receiving an environmental characteristic
value from one of a sensor 302 or a relay 304 (the relay 304 relays the
environmental characteristic value from a sensor not represented in Figure 5
to
the environment controller 301) via the wireless communication infrastructure
318. The environment controller 301 is also capable of generating a command
based on a processing of received environmental characteristic value(s), and
transmitting the command to one of a controlled appliance 303 or a relay 304
(the relay 304 relays the command from the environment controller 301 to a
controlled appliance not represented in Figure 5) via the wireless
communication infrastructure 318. As previously mentioned, the wireless
communication infrastructure 318 comprises a first Wi-Fi hotspot 210
established by the environment controller 301, and at least one of a second
Wi-Fi hotspot (not represented in Figure 5) to which the environment
controller
301 is associated and a mesh network (not represented in Figure 5).
[0077] The environment controller 301 comprises the communication
module 310, the processing module 320 and the memory 330. The
environment controller 301 may also comprise the display 340 and the user
interface 350. The communication module 310 comprises the Wi-Fi hotspot
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functionality 312, and at least one of the Wi-Fi client functionality 314 and
the
mesh client functionality 316.
[0078] The environment controller 301 establishes the first Wi-Fi
hotspot 210 via the Wi-Fi hotspot functionality 312. After establishment of
the
first Wi-Fi hotspot 210, other ECDs which need to communicate with the
environment controller 301 by means of the first Wi-Fi hotspot 210 associate
with the first Wi-Fi hotspot 210. The association procedure is performed as
known in the art. The Wi-Fi hotspot functionality 312 may be pre-configured
with the proper parameters (e.g. Service Set Identifier (SSID), password). The
other ECDs may have the parameters needed to associate with the first Wi-Fi
hotspot 210 pre-configured as well. Alternatively, a user may configure the
other ECDs for the association, for example in the case where several
different
hotspots are available. Technologies like Quick Response (QR) codes or Near
Field Communication (NFC) may also be used to automate the configuration
process. The environment controller 301 is then capable of communicating
with other ECDs (such as a sensor 302, a controlled appliance 303 and a relay
304) via the first Wi-Fi hotspot 210.
[0079] If the communication module 310 comprises a Wi-Fi client
functionality 314, the environment controller 301 associates with the second
Wi-Fi hotspot (which has been established by another ECD) via the Wi-Fi client
functionality 314. The environment controller 301 is then capable of
communicating with other ECDs (such as a sensor 302, a controlled appliance
303 and a relay 304) via the second Wi-Fi hotspot.
[0080] If the communication module 310 comprises a mesh client
functionality 316, the environment controller 301 advertises its presence on
the
mesh network and discovers other nodes on the mesh network, in any manner
known in the art. The environment controller 301 is then capable of
communicating with other ECDs (such as a sensor 302, a controlled appliance
303 and a relay 304) via the mesh network.
[0081] The processing module 320 receives an environmental
CA 02863117 2014-09-10
characteristic value from a sensor 302 via the wireless communication
infrastructure 318, and determines an environmental state based on the
received environmental characteristic value. Then, the processing module 320
generates a command based on the environmental state, and transmits the
command to a corresponding controlled appliance 303 via the wireless
communication infrastructure 318. The environmental characteristic value may
be immediately processed upon reception by the processing module 320, to
generate the command. Alternatively, the environmental characteristic value
may be stored in the memory 330, and processed later by the processing
module 320 to generate the command. A command may also be generated
based on several received environmental characteristic values.
[0082] The processing module 320 may also receive an
environmental characteristic value from a relay 304 via the wireless
communication infrastructure 318. The processing module 320 may also
transmit a command to a relay 304 via the wireless communication
infrastructure 318. For example, the environment controller 301 may receive
an environmental characteristic value from a sensor 302 and transmit a
corresponding command to a relay 304. The environment controller 301 may
also receive an environmental characteristic value from a relay 304 and
transmit a corresponding command to a controlled appliance 303 (or
alternatively to the same or another relay 304).
[0083] The environment controller 301 may be capable of receiving a
plurality of environmental characteristic values from a plurality of ECDs via
the
wireless communication infrastructure 318, determining a plurality of
environmental states based on the plurality of environmental characteristic
values, generating a plurality of commands based on the plurality of
environmental states, and transmitting the plurality of commands to a
plurality
of ECDs via the wireless communication infrastructure 318.
[0084] The environment controller 301 may also communicate with a
configuration / maintenance terminal 410 via the wireless communication
CA 02863117 2014-09-10
21
infrastructure 318. For example, the processing module 320 may receive data
(e.g. configuration files, software upgrades, etc) from the configuration /
maintenance terminal 410, and store them in the memory 330. The
configuration files may include a list of devices (e.g. sensors 302,
controlled
appliances 303, and relays 304) which are authorized to associate with the
first
Wi-Fi hotspot 210 established by the Wi-Fi hotspot functionality 312. Thus, a
request of association from a device may be accepted or refused by the Wi-Fi
hotspot functionality 312, based on the presence of the requesting device in
the list of authorized devices. The processing module 320 may also maintain a
list of all the devices currently associated with the first Wi-Fi hotspot 210,
and
transmit the list to the configuration / maintenance terminal 410.
[0085] The environment controller 301 may also communicate with
other types of ECDs over the wireless communication infrastructure 318, via
its
communication module 310. For example, the environment controller 310 may
communicate with a master environment controller (as illustrated in Figure 2),
or with peer environment controllers.
= [0086] The environment controller 301 may also comprise a
wired
communication module (not represented in Figure 5), to communicate with
wired ECDs (not represented in Figure 5) via wires (not represented in Figure
5).
SENSOR
[0087] Referring now to Figures 6, 9A and 9B concurrently, a sensor
302 is illustrated. The sensor 302 is a specific type of EGO capable of
measuring an environmental characteristic, providing a corresponding
environmental characteristic value, and transmitting the environmental
characteristic value to an environment controller 301 via the wireless
communication infrastructure 318. In this case, the wireless communication
infrastructure 318 comprises at least one of a first Wi-Fi hotspot established
by
CA 02863117 2014-09-10
22
the environment controller 301 and a mesh network.
[0088] The sensor 302 comprises the communication module 310,
the processing module 320, the memory 330, and a sensing element 370. The
communication module 310 comprises at least one of a Wi-Fl client
functionality 314 for communicating over the first Wi-Fi hotspot and a mesh
client functionality for communicating over the mesh network.
[0089] If the communication module 310 comprises a Wi-Fl client
functionality 314, the sensor 302 associates with the first Wi-Fl hotspot
(which
has generally been established by an environment controller 301) via the Wi-Fl
client functionality 314. The sensor 302 is then capable of communicating with
the environment controller 301 via the first Wi-Fl hotspot.
[0090] If the communication module 310 comprises a mesh client
functionality 316, the sensor 302 advertises its presence on the mesh network
and discovers other nodes on the mesh network, in any manner known in the
art. The sensor 302 is then capable of communicating with an environment
controller 301 via the mesh network.
[0091] The sensing element 370 measures an environmental
characteristic and provides a corresponding environmental characteristic
value. The environmental characteristic value is transmitted by the sensing
element 370 to the processing module 320, where it is optionally further
processed. Then, the processing module 320 transmits the environmental
characteristic value to an environment controller 301 via the wireless
communication infrastructure 318 .
[0092] The sensor 302 may also communicate with other types of
ECDs over the wireless communication infrastructure 318, via its
communication module 310. For example, the sensor 302 may communicate
with a relay, which relays the data transmitted between the sensor 302 and an
environment controller. The sensor 302 may also communicate with a
configuration / maintenance terminal as illustrated in Figure 5.
CA 02863117 2014-09-10
23
[0093] In a particular aspect, the processing module 320 and / or
memory 330 may be absent, or integrated with the sensing element 370.
[0094] In another particular aspect, the communication module 310 of
the sensor 302 may also comprise a Wi-Fi hotspot functionality (not
represented in Figure 6) for establishing a second Wi-Fi hotspot. In this
case,
the wireless communication infrastructure 318 also comprises the second Wi-
Fi hotspot and the sensor 302 is capable of communicating with other ECDs
which are associated with the second Wi-Fi hotspot.
[0095] The sensor 400 may (for illustration purposes only and without
limitation) be capable of performing one of: a temperature measurement, a
humidity measurement, an air pressure measurement, a voltage
measurement, an apparatus on/off status determination, a carbon monoxide
detection, a flood detection, an intrusion alarm and a fire alarm.
CONTROLLED APPLIANCE
[0096] Referring now to Figures 7, 9A and 9B concurrently, a
controlled appliance 303 is illustrated. The controlled appliance 303 is a
specific type of ECD capable of receiving a command from an environment
controller 301 via the wireless communication infrastructure 318 and executing
the command. In this case, the wireless communication infrastructure 318
comprises at least one of a first Wi-Fi hotspot established by the environment
controller 301 and a mesh network.
[0097] The controlled appliance 303 comprises the communication
module 310, the processing module 320, the memory 330, and an actuator
380. The communication module 310 comprises at least one of a Wi-Fi client
functionality 314 for communicating over the first Wi-Fi hotspot and a mesh
client functionality for communicating over the mesh network.
[0098] If the communication module 310 comprises a Wi-Fi client
functionality 314, the controlled appliance 303 associates with the first Wi-
Fi
CA 02863117 2014-09-10
24
hotspot (which has generally been established by an environment controller
301) via the Wi-Fl client functionality 314. The controlled appliance 303 is
then
capable of communicating with the environment controller 301 via the first Wi-
Fi hotspot.
[0099] If the communication module 310 comprises a mesh client
functionality 316, the controlled appliance 303 advertises its presence on the
mesh network and discovers other nodes on the mesh network, in any manner
known in the art. The controlled appliance 303 is then capable of
communicating with an environment controller 301 via the mesh network.
[00100] The processing module 320 receives a command from an
environment controller 301 via the wireless communication infrastructure 318.
The command is optionally processed and then executed by the processing
module 320. The execution of the command generally actuates the actuator
380.
[00101] The controlled appliance 303 may also communicate with
other types of ECDs over the wireless communication infrastructure 318, via
its
communication module 310. For example, the controlled appliance 303 may
communicate with a relay, which relays the data transmitted between the
controlled appliance 303 and an environment controller. The controlled
appliance 303 may also communicate with a configuration / maintenance
terminal as illustrated in Figure 5.
[00102] In a particular aspect, the processing module 320 and / or
memory 330 may be absent, or integrated with the actuator 380.
[00103] In another particular aspect, the communication module 310 of
the controlled appliance 303 may also comprise a Wi-Fl hotspot functionality
(not represented in Figure 7) for establishing a second Wi-Fl hotspot. In this
case, the wireless communication infrastructure 318 also comprises the
second Wi-Fl hotspot and the controlled appliance 303 is capable of
communicating with other ECDs which are associated with the second Wi-Fl
CA 02863117 2014-09-10
hotspot.
[00104] The controlled appliance may (for illustration purposes only
and without limitation) consist of one of: a temperature thermostat, a
ventilation
system, an apparatus on/off switch, a surveillance camera.
RELAY
[00105] A relay is a specific type of ECD allowing an exchange of
environmental data between ECDs only using wires as communication means,
and ECDs using a wireless communication infrastructure as communication
means. A relay may be used when it is not possible, or too costly, to upgrade
legacy ECDs with a wireless communication module.
[00106] Referring now to Figures 8, 10A and 10B concurrently, a relay
304 is illustrated. The relay 304 is capable of receiving an environmental
characteristic value from a wired sensor 120 via a wire 105, and transmitting
the environmental characteristic value to an environment controller 301 via
the
wireless communication infrastructure 318. The relay 304 is also capable of
receiving a command from an environment controller 301 via the wireless
communication infrastructure 318, and transmitting the command to a wired
controlled appliance 130 via a wire 105. In this case, the wireless
communication infrastructure 318 comprises at least one of a first Wi-Fi
hotspot established by the environment controller 301 and a mesh network.
[00107] The relay 304 comprises the (wireless) communication module
310, the processing module 320, the memory 330, and a wired communication
module 390. The communication module 310 comprises at least one of a Wi-Fi
client functionality 314 for communicating over the first Wi-Fi hotspot and a
mesh client functionality for communicating over the mesh network.
[00108] If the communication module 310 comprises a Wi-Fi client
functionality 314, the relay 304 associates with the first Wi-Fi hotspot
(which
has generally been established by an environment controller 301) via the Wi-Fi
CA 02863117 2014-09-10
26
client functionality 314. The relay 304 is then capable of communicating with
the environment controller 301 via the first Wi-Fi hotspot.
[00109] If the communication module 310 comprises a mesh client
functionality 316, the relay 304 advertises its presence on the mesh network
and discovers other nodes on the mesh network, in any manner known in the
art. The relay 304 is then capable of communicating with an environment
controller 301 via the mesh network.
[00110] The wired communication module 390 connects the relay 304
with at least one wired sensor 120 and / or at least one wired controlled
appliance 130 via a wire 105. The wired sensor 120 measures an
environmental characteristic and provides the environmental characteristic
value, which is transmitted to the wired communication module 390 via a wire
105. The wired controlled appliance 130 receives a command from the wired
communication module 390 via a wire 105, and executes the command.
[00111] The processing module 320 receives the environmental
characteristic value from the wired sensor 120 via a wire 105 (through the
wired communication module 390), and transmits the environmental
characteristic value to an environment controller 301 via the wireless
communication infrastructure 318. The processing module 320 receives the
command from the environment controller 301 via the wireless communication
infrastructure 318, and transmits the command to the wired controlled
appliance 130 via a wire 105 (through the wired communication module 390).
[00112] The relay 304 may communicate with one or several
environment controllers 301 over the wireless communication infrastructure
318. The relay 304 may also communicate with other types of ECDs over the
wireless communication infrastructure 318, via its communication module 310.
For example, the relay 304 may also communicate with a configuration /
maintenance terminal as illustrated in Figure 5.
[00113] In a particular aspect, the communication module 310 of the
CA 02863117 2014-09-10
27
relay 304 may also comprise a Wi-Fi hotspot functionality (not represented in
Figure 8) for establishing a second Wi-Fi hotspot. In this case, the wireless
communication infrastructure 318 also comprises the second Wi-Fi hotspot
and the relay 304 is capable of communicating with other ECDs which are
associated with the second Wi-Fi hotspot. For example, Figure 2 illustrates an
environment control system 200 with a relay 260 having a Wi-Fi hotspot
functionality for communicating with a sensor 222 and a controlled appliance
232, and a Wi-Fi client functionality for communicating with an environment
controller 250.
WI-Fl HOTSPOT AND WI-Fl CLIENT FUNCTIONALITIES
[00114] Referring now to Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, 9A and 10A concurrently,
the Wi-Fi hotspot functionality 312 and the Wi-Fi client functionality 314 of
the
communication module 310 will be detailed.
[00115] Figure 9A illustrates the establishment of the Wi-Fi hotspot 210
by the Wi-Fi hotspot functionality 312 of the environment controller 301, and
the association with the Wi-Fi hotspot 210 by the Wi-Fi client functionality
314
of the sensor 302 and of the controlled appliance 303.
[00116] Figure 10A illustrates the establishment of the Wi-Fi hotspot
210 by the Wi-Fi hotspot functionality 312 of the environment controller 301,
and the association with the Wi-Fi hotspot 210 by the Wi-Fi client
functionality
314 of the relay 304.
[00117] The Wi-Fi hotspot functionality 312 and the Wi-Fi client
functionality 314 are well known in the art and comply with existing 802.11
standards.
[00118] The establishment of the Wi-Fi hotspot 210 by the Wi-Fi
hotspot functionality 312 consists for example in establishing a 802.11 Access
Point operating in infrastructure mode. Once the Wi-Fi hotspot 210 is
established by the Wi-Fi hotspot functionality 312, a beacon frame is
CA 02863117 2014-09-10
28
broadcasted. The Wi-Fi client functionality 314 is capable of receiving and
interpreting the beacon frame, and thus detecting the presence of the Wi-Fi
hotspot 210. The beacon frame comprises capability information related to the
Wi-Fi hotspot 210, which are used by the Wi-Fi client functionality 314 to
perform the association with the Wi-Fi hotspot 210. Instead of using the
beacon frame mechanism, the Wi-Fi client functionality 314 may send a probe
request message and receive a probe response message from the Wi-Fi
hotspot functionality 312, containing the capability information.
[00119] The association with the Wi-Fi hotspot 210 is preceded by an
authentication phase, during which authentication frames are exchanged
between the Wi-Fi client functionality 314 and the Wi-Fi hotspot functionality
312. In general, the client authenticates itself to the Wi-Fi hotspot 210, but
the
Wi-Fi hotspot 210 may also have to authenticate itself to the client. The
authentication phase may be absent, although it is not recommended for
security reasons. During the authentication phase, security material
(including
for example keys and certificates) are exchanged, which are further used to
encrypt all the communications between the Wi-Fi client functionality 314 and
the Wi-Fi hotspot functionality 312. Multiple authentication and security
protocols are supported by the 802.11 standards, for example Wi-Fi Protected
Access (WPA) and WPA2.
[00120] Once the authentication phase is successfully completed, an
association request frame is sent by the Wi-Fi client functionality 314 to the
Wi-
Fi hotspot functionality 312, and an association response frame is sent by the
Wi-Fi hotspot functionality 312 to the Wi-Fi client functionality 314. Then,
the
Wi-Fi client functionality 314 is successfully associated with the Wi-Fi
hotspot
210, and can exchange environmental data via the Wi-Fi hotpot 210. In
particular, the Wi-Fi client functionality 314 (of the sensor 302, controlled
appliance 303, and relay 304) and the Wi-Fi hotspot functionality 312 (of the
environment controller 301) can exchange environmental data via the Wi-Fi
hotpot 210.
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29
PROTOCOL FOR EXCHANGING ENVIRONMENTAL DATA OVER A WI-Fl
HOTSPOT
[00121] A dedicated
environment control protocol may be used to
support the exchange of environmental data between ECDs. The environment
control protocol is an application layer protocol.
[00122] For
communications over wires, the environment control
protocol layer is above dedicated wired communication protocol layer(s) used
to communicate over the wire.
[00123] For
communications over a Wi-Fi hotspot, the environment
control protocol layer may be directly above the Internet Protocol (IP) Layer,
or
alternatively above the Universal Datagram Protocol (UDP) or Transport
Control Protocol (TCP) layer. An ECD communicating over the Wi-Fi hotspot
may have a static or dynamic IP address, and has a unique Media Access
Control Address (MAC). Specific control protocols like the Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and / or the Domain Name System (DNS)
protocol may be used to identify any ECD using the Wi-Fi hotspot knowing its
current IP address (e.g. by using the unique MAC address of the ECD as a
reference).
ENVIRONMENT CONTROL DEVICES WITH MESH NETWORKING
CAPABILITIES
[00124] Referring now
to Figure 11A, an environment control system
600 comprising ECDs having mesh networking capabilities for exchanging
environmental data and/or commands is represented. Some ECDs may have
mesh networking capabilities only, and some ECDs may have a combination of
mesh networking capabilities and Wi-Fi hotspot networking capabilities.
[00125] For
illustration purposes, the environment control system 600
comprises ECDs (220, 230 and 250) using a Wi-Fi hotspot 210 for exchanging
CA 02863117 2014-09-10
environmental data and/or commands and ECDs (610, 620, 630, 640 and 250)
using a mesh network 650 for exchanging environmental data and/or
commands.
[00126] The mesh network 650 is a self-organizing network, where
each participating ECD has a mesh client providing the capability to
communicate in a peer-to-peer manner with other ECDs having a mesh client.
Data may be exchanged directly between two ECDs through a direct
communication between their respective mesh clients. Alternatively, one or
several ECDs may be used as a relay to transmit data from a source ECD to a
destination ECD, via a hop by hop communication between their respective
mesh clients.
[00127] The exemplary environment control system 600 comprises an
environment controller 250 having a Wi-Fi hotspot functionality for
establishing
the Wi-Fi hotspot 210, and communicating with a sensor 220 having a Wi-Fi
client and with a controlled appliance 230 having a Wi-Fi client. The
communications over the Wi-Fi hotspot 210 are centralized, in the sense that
any communication between two ECDs over the Wi-Fi hotspot 210 necessarily
pass through the environment controller 250 having the Wi-Fi hotspot
functionality.
[00128] The exemplary environment control system 600 also
comprises the mesh network 650 allowing decentralized communications
between ECDs having a mesh client. For instance, the environment controller
250 can communicate directly with the controlled appliance 610 and with the
sensor 630 through their respective mesh clients. The environment controller
250 can also communicate with the controlled appliance 620 using the
controlled appliance 610 as a relay, via a hop by hop communication between
their respective mesh clients. Similarly, the environment controller 250 can
communicate with the sensor 640 using the sensor 630 as a relay, via a hop
by hop communication between their respective mesh clients. Alternatively, the
environment controller 250 could communicate with the sensor 640 using the
CA 02863117 2014-09-10
31
controlled appliances 610 and 620 as relays, if the sensor 630 cannot be used
as a relay (for instance if the sensor 630 is temporarily out of order). This
example illustrates the flexibility offered by a mesh network: the
communication path between two ECDs does not depend on a single point of
failure and can be adapted in real time to the operating conditions of the
various ECDs participating in the mesh network 650.
[00129] The usage of a sensor or a controlled appliance with a mesh
client or with a Wi-Fi client may depend on various deployment factors, such
as the distance with the environment controller 250, the environment in which
the sensor or the controlled appliance is deployed, the quantity of data to be
transmitted and the frequency of transmission, the criticality of the
transmitted
data (no single point of failure with a mesh network), etc.
[00130] The mesh clients may use the 802.11s protocol for
establishing a Wi-Fi mesh network 650. This may simplify the implementation
of the environment controller 250, since its hotspot and mesh client
functionalities are then based on a common root standard: 802.11.
[00131] Referring now to Figure 11B, an alternative environment
control system 600 is represented, where all the ECDs (610, 620, 630, 640,
220, 230 and 250) have a mesh client and use the mesh network 650 for
exchanging environmental data and/or commands.
[00132] The environment controller 250 also has a Wi-Fi hotspot
functionality for establishing the Wi-Fi hotspot 210, and communicating with
other devices, such as for example configuration and maintenance terminals
650. A configuration of the environment controller 250 can be transmitted
directly by the configuration terminal 650 to the environment controller 250
via
the Wi-Fi hotspot 210. A configuration of another ECD (e.g. sensor 630 or
controlled appliance 610) can be first transmitted by the configuration
terminal
650 to the environment controller 250 via the Wi-Fi hotspot 210, and then
forwarded to the destination ECD (e.g. 630 or 610) via the mesh network 650.
Thus, a sensor (e.g. 630) or a controlled appliance (e.g. 610) does not need
to
CA 02863117 2015-01-19
32
embed a Wi-Fi client for being configured by a configuration terminal 650
having Wi-Fi communication capabilities only (and no mesh communication
capabilities).
[00133]
Additionally, the Wi-Fi hotspot functionality of the environment
controller 250 could be used to provide access to an Intranet or to the
Internet to
various devices (not represented in Figure 11B) via the Wi-Fi hotspot 210. In
this
case, the environment controller 250 need to be connected to the Intranet or
to
the Internet via an additional connection (e.g. an Ethernet cable connection)
not
represented in Figure 11B.
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