Wireless communication methods

• US 10,630,820 B2
• Filed: 07/07/2016
• Issued: 04/21/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 03/11/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ilumi Solutions, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Ilumi Solutions, Inc.
• Inventors: Bora, Swapnil, Egan, Corey, Tang, Qinghui
• Primary Examiner(s): Renner, Brandon M
• Application Number:
  US15/204,901
• Publication Number:
  US 20170013663A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,384 Days
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 17/27 for locating or positioning the transmitter
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 17/318 Received signal strength
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/125 involving control of end-device applications over a network
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/18 Multiprotocol handlers, e.g. single devices capable of handling multiple protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/40 for recovering from a failure of a protocol instance or entity, e.g. service redundancy protocols, protocol state redundancy or protocol service redirection management of faults, events, alarms or notifications in data switching networks H04L41/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/08 Access security
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/108 Source integrity
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/02 Arrangements for optimising operational condition
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/06 Selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS]; Services to user groups; One-way selective calling services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 40/20 based on geographic position or location
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/245 taking into account received signal strength
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/283 Power depending on the position of the mobile
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/367 Power values between minimum and maximum limits, e.g. dynamic range
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/383 power control in peer-to-peer links
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/14 Direct-mode setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/20 Master-slave selection or change arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/04 adapted for relaying to or from another terminal or user
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 in wireless communication networks

Abstract

Various wireless communication methods are provided for controlling two or more wireless devices. In one embodiment, various processes optimize the wireless communication, especially when multiple devices are present in a system or a network. In another embodiment, various controlling devices are accommodated in a network of devices at different points in time. The speed at which the new controlling device comes into a range of the networked devices is improved with existing signatures of different wireless protocols or devices present in the network. In another embodiment, a change in the signal strength of a wireless device can be used to detect an object or person, such as an intruder.

Claims

1. A method for reducing a communication signal interference between at least a first wireless lighting device and a second wireless lighting device, the method comprising:

providing the first and second wireless lighting devices, wherein each wireless lighting device comprises a controller/processor, a wireless transceiver circuit communicably coupled to the controller/processor and an antenna communicably coupled to the wireless transceiver circuit;

determining a communication signal strength between the first wireless lighting device and the second wireless lighting device as measured by both of the wireless lighting devices;

determining whether the first wireless lighting device and the second wireless lighting device are within a specified range of one another;

reducing a communication signal power of the first wireless lighting device whenever the communication signal strength measured by the first wireless lighting device exceeds a first threshold value and the second wireless lighting device is within the specified range by adjusting a gain of a communication signal amplifier within the wireless transceiver circuit of the first wireless lighting device; and

reducing a communication signal power of the second wireless lighting device whenever the communication signal strength measured by the second wireless lighting device exceeds a second threshold value and the first wireless lighting device is within the specified range by adjusting a gain of a communication signal amplifier within the wireless transceiver circuit of the second wireless lighting devices.

2. The method as recited in claim 1, periodically repeating the determination of the communication signal strength.

3. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising reducing the communication signal power of either or both of the wireless lighting devices to an optimized level whenever the first wireless lighting device and the second wireless lighting device are within the specified range of one another.

4. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising reducing the communication signal power of either or both of the wireless lighting devices to a minimum level whenever the first wireless lighting device and the second wireless lighting device are outside of the specified range of one another.

5. The method as recited in claim 4, further comprising increasing the communication signal power of either or both of the wireless lighting devices to a higher level after a specified period of time has elapsed and determining whether the first wireless lighting device and the second wireless lighting device are within the specified range of one another.

6. The method as recited in claim 5, wherein the communication signal power is increased by adjusting the gain of the communication signal amplifier within the wireless transceiver circuit of either or both of the wireless lighting devices.