U.S. patent application number 16/960514 was filed with the patent office on 2020-11-05 for distributed computing environment via a plurality of regularly spaced, aerially mounted wireless smart sensor networking devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is UBICQUIA LLC. Invention is credited to Ian B. AARON, Bradford Brian HUTSON, Ronald B. ZIMMERMAN, III.
Application Number | 20200352013 16/960514 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005018113 |
Filed Date | 2020-11-05 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200352013 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HUTSON; Bradford Brian ; et
al. |
November 5, 2020 |
DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT VIA A PLURALITY OF REGULARLY
SPACED, AERIALLY MOUNTED WIRELESS SMART SENSOR NETWORKING
DEVICES
Abstract
A networking device includes a light sensor, a processor module,
a communication module, and a connector. The processor module is
arranged to provide a light control signal based on at least one
ambient light signal generated by the light sensor, and to obtain a
distributed computing result based on a distributed computing task.
The communication module is arranged to receive the distributed
computing task and to transmit the distributed computing result
according to a data communication standard. The connector is
compliant with a roadway area lighting standard promoted by a
standards body. For example, the connector may be compliant with
ANSI C136.41-2013. The processor module may be arranged to provide
the light control signal based on the distributed computing result,
or a received message that is generated based on a plurality of
distributed computing results.
Inventors: |
HUTSON; Bradford Brian;
(Fort Lauderdale, FL) ; AARON; Ian B.; (Fort
Lauderdale, FL) ; ZIMMERMAN, III; Ronald B.; (Fort
Lauderdale, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
UBICQUIA LLC |
Fort Lauderdale |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005018113 |
Appl. No.: |
16/960514 |
Filed: |
January 8, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
January 8, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2019/012787 |
371 Date: |
July 7, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62730488 |
Sep 12, 2018 |
|
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|
62614918 |
Jan 8, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05B 47/18 20200101;
H05B 47/195 20200101; H05B 45/10 20200101; H04B 10/116
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H05B 47/195 20060101
H05B047/195; H05B 47/18 20060101 H05B047/18; H05B 45/10 20060101
H05B045/10; H04B 10/116 20060101 H04B010/116 |
Claims
1. A networking device, comprising: a light sensor; a processor
module arranged to provide a light control signal based on at least
one ambient light signal generated by the light sensor, and to
obtain a distributed computing result based on a distributed
computing task; a communication module arranged to receive the
distributed computing task and to transmit the distributed
computing result according to a data communication standard; and a
connector compliant with a roadway area lighting standard promoted
by a standards body.
2. The networking device of claim 1, wherein the processor module
is arranged to obtain the distributed computing result based on the
distributed computing task in response to determining that a
utilization of the processor module is below a threshold value.
3. The networking device of claim 1, wherein the communication
module is arranged to receive the distributed computing task and to
transmit the distributed computing result using a powerline.
4. The networking device of claim 1, wherein the communication
module is arranged to receive the distributed computing task and to
transmit the distributed computing result using a cellular-based
network controlled by a mobile network operator (MNO).
5. The networking device of claim 1, wherein the communication
module is arranged to receive the distributed computing task and to
transmit the distributed computing result according to a wireless
data communication standard.
6. The networking device of claim 1, wherein the communication
module is arranged to receive the distributed computing task and to
transmit the distributed computing result using infrared-based
communications.
7. The networking device of claim 1, wherein the connector is
compliant with American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
C136.
8. The networking device of claim 1, wherein the connector
includes: at least three pin structures, the at least three pin
structures arranged for removable electromechanical coupling to a
streetlight fixture administered by a government entity.
9. The networking device of claim 1, wherein the processor module
is arranged to provide the light control signal based on the
distributed computing result.
10. The networking device of claim 1, wherein the communication
module is arranged to receive a message generated based on the
distributed computing result, and the processor module is arranged
to provide the light control signal based on the message.
11. A distributed computing system, comprising: a plurality of
networking devices, each of the networking devices including; a
light sensor; a processor module arranged to provide a light
control signal based on at least one ambient light signal generated
by the light sensor, and to obtain a distributed computing result
based on a distributed computing task; a communication module
arranged to receive the distributed computing task and to transmit
the distributed computing result according to a data communication
standard; and a connector compliant with a roadway area lighting
standard promoted by a standards body.
12. The distributed computing system of claim 11, wherein the
communication module of at least some of the networking devices is
arranged to participate in a mesh network, to receive the
distributed computing task and to transmit the distributed
computing result over the mesh network.
13. The distributed computing system of claim 11, wherein the
processor module of each of the networking devices is arranged to
obtain the distributed computing result based on the distributed
computing task in response to determining that a utilization of the
processor module is below a threshold value.
14. The distributed computing system of claim 11, wherein: the
communication module of at least one of the networking devices is
arranged to receive the distributed computing task and to transmit
the distributed computing result using a powerline, the
communication module of at least one of the networking devices is
arranged to receive the distributed computing task and to transmit
the distributed computing result using a cellular-based network
controlled by a mobile network operator (MNO), the communication
module of at least one of the networking devices is arranged to
receive the distributed computing task and to transmit the
distributed computing result using a wireless communication
standard, and the communication module of at least one of the
networking devices is arranged to receive the distributed computing
task and to transmit the distributed computing result using
infrared-based communications.
15. The distributed computing system of claim 11, wherein the
connector of each of the networking devices is compliant with
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) C136.
16. The distributed computing system of claim 11, wherein the
connector of each of the networking devices includes: at least
three pin structures, the at least three pin structures arranged
for removable electromechanical coupling to a streetlight fixture
administered by a government entity.
17. The networking device of claim 11, wherein the communication
module of at least one of the networking devices is arranged to
receive a message generated based on the distributed computing
result, and the processor module of the at least one of the
networking devices is arranged to provide the light control signal
based on the message.
18. A method performed by a networking device having at least one
light sensor and at least one communication module electronically
coupled thereto, the method comprising: controlling a light output
of a light source based on at least one ambient light signal
generated by the light sensor; receiving a distributed computing
task using the at least one communication module; obtaining a
distributed computing result based on the distributed computing
task; and transmitting the distributed computing result using the
at least one communication module.
19. The method of claim 18, comprising: coupling the networking
device to a streetlight fixture via a connector that is compliant
with a roadway area lighting standard promoted by a standards
body.
20. The method of claim 18, comprising: obtaining a final result
based on a plurality of distributed computing results; generating a
message based on the final result; transmitting the message; and
controlling the light output of the light source based on the
message.
Description
BACKGROUND
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to devices having
both network capabilities and light control capabilities integrated
therein. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present
disclosure relates to a distributed computing environment that
includes a plurality of aerially mounted devices having both
network capabilities and light control capabilities integrated
therein.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] Conventionally, a light control device may be attached to a
light fixture of a street light that is mounted on a light pole.
The light control device monitors ambient lighting conditions and
provides control signals that are used to turn the street light on
and off based on the ambient lighting conditions. For example, when
ambient lighting is below a first threshold, the light control
device outputs a control signal that causes the street light to
turn on (i.e., emit visible light). Similarly, when ambient light
is above a second threshold, the light control device outputs a
control signal that causes the street light to turn off (i.e., not
emit visible light). The light control device may include a
connector that complies with a standard, and the light fixture may
include a corresponding connector that complies with the same
standard.
[0003] The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a
standards body that publishes and promotes standards for certain
electrical equipment, mechanical equipment, and electromechanical
equipment in use today. ANSI is a private, non-profit organization
that oversees and administers development of voluntary consensus
standards for products, services, processes, systems, protocols,
and the like. It is also known that ANSI coordinates at least some
U.S. standards with at least some international standards, which
permits products manufactured according to U.S. standards to be
used in other non-U.S. countries in the world.
[0004] Various standards developed by organizations, government
agencies, consumer groups, companies, and others are accredited by
ANSI. These standards are developed and promoted to provide
consistent characteristics, definitions, terms, testing,
implementation, and performance in products that are compliant with
a given standard.
[0005] The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is
one such organization that develops, promotes, or otherwise
partners with ANSI. According to publicly available information,
the NEMA is the largest trade association of electrical equipment
manufacturers in the United States. NEMA is a consortium of several
hundred member companies that manufacture products used in the
generation, transmission, distribution, control, and end use of
electricity. These products are used in utility, industrial,
commercial, institutional, and residential applications including
lighting products installed over roadways, parking lots,
constructions sites, pedestrian malls, manufacturing floors, and
the like.
[0006] NEMA publishes standards documents, application guides,
white papers, and other technical papers. NEMA also publishes and
promotes several hundred technical standards for electrical
enclosures, controllers, communication protocols, motors, wire,
plugs, and receptacles among other equipment. Certain ones of
NEMA's American National Standards directed toward Roadway and Area
Lighting Equipment are referred to as ANSI C136 standards. At least
one NEMA standard, referred to as ANSI C136.41, is directed to
external locking type photo-control devices for street and area
lighting.
[0007] In conventional distributed computing environments, such as
"cloud" computing systems operated by Microsoft Corporation and
Amazon.com Corporation multiple processors are linked together, and
computing tasks are shared among the processors. For example, the
processors may be included in processing devices that are
geographically dispersed. Such processing devices must have network
capabilities so that the processors can be linked together and
tasks can be shared among the processors. Conventional light
control devices do not have network capabilities. Accordingly,
conventional light control devices are not suitable for use as
processing devices in distributed computing environments.
[0008] All of the subject matter discussed in the Background
section is not necessarily prior art and should not be assumed to
be prior art merely as a result of its discussion in the Background
section. Along these lines, any recognition of problems in the
prior art discussed in the Background section or associated with
such subject matter should not be treated as prior art unless
expressly stated to be prior art. Instead, the discussion of any
subject matter in the Background section should be treated as part
of the inventor's approach to the particular problem, which, in and
of itself, may also be inventive.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0009] According to the present disclosure, processing devices
having both network capabilities and light control capabilities
integrated therein are mountable on light fixtures of street
lights. The processing devices are arranged to cooperate and share
tasks in order to perform common purpose processing in a
distributed computing environment.
[0010] In a first embodiment, a networking device may be summarized
as including: a light sensor; a processor module arranged to
provide a light control signal based on at least one ambient light
signal generated by the light sensor, and to obtain a distributed
computing result based on a distributed computing task; a
communication module arranged to receive the distributed computing
task and to transmit the distributed computing result according to
a data communication standard; and a connector compliant with a
roadway area lighting standard promoted by a standards body.
[0011] The processor module may be arranged to obtain the
distributed computing result based on the distributed computing
task in response to determining that a utilization of the processor
module is below a threshold value. The communication module may be
arranged to receive the distributed computing task and to transmit
the distributed computing result using a powerline. The
communication module may be arranged to receive the distributed
computing task and to transmit the distributed computing result
using a cellular-based network controlled by a mobile network
operator (MNO). The communication module may be arranged to receive
the distributed computing task and to transmit the distributed
computing result according to a wireless data communication
standard. The communication module may be arranged to receive the
distributed computing task and to transmit the distributed
computing result using infrared-based communications.
[0012] The connector may be compliant with American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) C136. The connector may be compliant
with ANSI C136.41-2013. The connector may include: at least three
pin structures, the at least three pin structures arranged for
removable electromechanical coupling to a streetlight fixture
administered by a government entity. The streetlight fixture may be
elevated between 20 feet and 40 feet above a roadway. The processor
module may be arranged to provide the light control signal based on
the distributed computing result. The communication module may be
arranged to receive a message generated based on the distributed
computing result, and the processor module may be arranged to
provide the light control signal based on the message generated
based on the distributed computing result.
[0013] In a second embodiment, a distributed computing system may
be summarized as including a plurality of networking devices. Each
of the networking devices includes: a light sensor; a processor
module arranged to provide a light control signal based on at least
one ambient light signal generated by the light sensor, and to
obtain a distributed computing result based on a distributed
computing task; a communication module arranged to receive the
distributed computing task and to transmit the distributed
computing result according to a data communication standard; and a
connector compliant with a roadway area lighting standard promoted
by a standards body.
[0014] The communication module of at least some of the networking
devices may be arranged to form a mesh network, to receive the
distributed computing task, and to transmit the distributed
computing result over the mesh network. The processor module of
each of the networking devices may be arranged to obtain the
distributed computing result based on the distributed computing
task in response to determining that a utilization of the processor
module is below a threshold value. The communication module of at
least one of the networking devices may be arranged to receive the
distributed computing task and to transmit the distributed
computing result using a powerline, the communication module of at
least one of the networking devices may be arranged to receive the
distributed computing task and to transmit the distributed
computing result using a cellular-based network controlled by a
mobile network operator (MNO), the communication module of at least
one of the networking devices may be arranged to receive the
distributed computing task and to transmit the distributed
computing result using a wireless communication standard, and the
communication module of at least one of the networking devices may
be arranged to receive the distributed computing task and to
transmit the distributed computing result using infrared-based
communications.
[0015] The connector of each of the networking devices may be
compliant with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) C136.
The connector of each of the networking devices may be compliant
with ANSI C136.41-2013. The connector of each of the networking
devices may include: at least three pin structures, the at least
three pin structures arranged for removable electromechanical
coupling to a streetlight fixture administered by a government
entity. The streetlight fixture may be elevated between 20 feet and
40 feet above a roadway. The communication module of at least one
of the networking devices may be arranged to receive a message
generated based on the distributed computing result, and the
processor module of the at least one of the networking devices may
be arranged to provide the light control signal based on the
message.
[0016] In a third embodiment, a method performed by a networking
device having at least one light sensor and at least one
communication module electronically coupled thereto may be
summarized as including: controlling a light output of a light
source based on at least one ambient light signal generated by the
light sensor; receiving a distributed computing task using the at
least one communication module; obtaining a distributed computing
result based on the distributed computing task; and transmitting
the distributed computing using the at least one communication
module.
[0017] The method may include coupling the networking device to a
streetlight fixture via a connector that is compliant with a
roadway area lighting standard promoted by a standards body. Also,
the method may include obtaining a final result based on a
plurality of distributed computing results; generating a message
based on the final result; transmitting the message; and
controlling the light output of the light source based on the
message.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described
with reference to the following drawings, wherein like labels refer
to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise
specified. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the
drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the
shapes of various elements are selected, enlarged, and positioned
to improve drawing legibility. The particular shapes of the
elements as drawn have been selected for ease of recognition in the
drawings. One or more embodiments are described hereinafter with
reference to the accompanying drawings in which: The present
invention may be understood more readily by reference to this
detailed description of the invention. The terminology used herein
is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is
not limiting to the claims unless a court or accepted body of
competent jurisdiction determines that such terminology is
limiting. Unless specifically defined herein, the terminology used
herein is to be given its traditional meaning as known in the
relevant art.
[0019] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a smart sensor networking
device embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 1B is a right side view of smart sensor networking
device embodiment of FIG. 1A;
[0021] FIG. 1C is the smart sensor networking device embodiment of
FIG. 1A mounted on a light fixture, which itself is coupled to a
light pole.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a smart sensor networking device block
diagram;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a system level deployment having a plurality of
smart sensor networking devices coupled to streetlight
fixtures;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing some operations of a system
that deploys a plurality of smart sensor networking devices coupled
to a plurality of streetlight fixtures;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a system level deployment having a plurality of
smart sensor networking devices; and
[0026] FIG. 6 is another system level deployment having a plurality
of groups of smart sensor networking devices.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Embodiments of the present invention include a wireless
smart sensor networking device having a desired shape and
electromechanical configuration for mounting on a light pole (See
FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, for example). More particularly, embodiments
are arranged with a certain NEMA-style connector integrated on one
(e.g., bottom) side, which enables the device to be
electromechanically coupled to the top side of a light fixture
attached or otherwise integrated into the light pole. Some short
exemplary cases are now summarized in a non-limiting descriptive
way merely to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure
through demonstration of certain embodiments.
[0028] Once arranged on a light fixture, the smart sensor
networking device is enabled to provide services for the
streetlight and is enabled to provide processing in a distributed
computing environment. In addition, the smart sensor networking
device may be enabled to provide services for mobile devices in
proximity to this or other streetlights. In at least some cases,
the smart sensor networking device is also arranged to provide
still other additional services to one or more third party entities
such as utilities, law enforcement, schools, and retail and
wholesale businesses.
[0029] The smart sensor networking devices described herein will
include one or more light sensors. Light sensors detect ambient
light in proximity to the streetlight fixture. Using light sensor
data, the smart sensor networking devices may control one or more
characteristics of light produced by a light source mounted or
otherwise integrated in the fixture. The characteristics can
include the volume of light output (i.e., lumens or luminous flux),
the color or frequency of output light, on/off timing, situational
lighting, and the like. In at least some cases, the characteristics
of light output from one streetlight fixture are cooperative with
characteristics of light output from other (e.g., adjacent)
streetlight fixtures.
[0030] In addition to certain streetlight control features, the
smart sensor networking devices described herein also provide a
network over which distributed computing tasks may be transmitted
to specific smart sensor networking devices that perform processing
and obtain respective distributed computing results based on those
tasks. The distributed computing results are routed over the
network to a device that processes the results, and possibly
generates additional tasks based on the results of the
processing.
[0031] In addition, the smart sensor networking devices described
herein may provide cellular-based wireless communication services
to mobile devices. For example, a user holding a smartphone can
make or receive a telephone call that passes wireless cellular data
through the smart sensor networking device. A mobile network
operator (MNO) is an entity that operates a cellular communications
system. Mobile network operators may be private entities, public
entities such as would be owned and controlled by a government,
public-private partnership entities or other entities. A mobile
network operator may be a for-profit entity, a non-profit entity,
or an entity having some other financial model. As the term is used
in the present disclosure, an MNO may also be referred to as a
wireless carrier, a cell service provider, a wireless service
provider, cellular company, and many other like terms. An MNO
provides cellular-based wireless communication services. Using the
smart sensor networking devices described herein, a MNO can
supplement its cellular-based network with coverage in dense urban
areas, areas in geographic regions that are otherwise "dark spots"
in its network (e.g., valleys, places in the shadow of natural or
manmade structures), in areas that are only periodically
high-traffic areas (e.g., stadiums, arenas, show venues), in areas
that are temporary (e.g., construction sites, disaster sites), and
in other such areas.
[0032] In some cases, a single smart sensor networking device may
nclude electronic circuits that provide small cell functionality to
two or more MNOs in a single device. For example, in some cases, a
single smart sensor networking device may have antennas,
transceivers, controllers, and the like that permit two mobile
devices provisioned for wireless communications on different
cellular-based networks operated by different MNOs to carry on
concurrent communication sessions (e.g., phone calls, internet
sessions, etc.).
[0033] In some cases, MNOs or other entities provide non-cellular
wireless services such as "WiFi" services. WiFi services are known
to pass communications according to a communications standard
administered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic
Engineers (IEEE). One such standard is referred to as IEEE 802.11.
These non-cellular wireless communication services may be available
to the public free or for a cost. These non-cellular wireless
communication services may be available in restaurants, airports,
airplanes, public buildings, and the like. Even when these WiFi
services are provided by an MNO, these WiFi services are not
considered "MNO services" or "cellular-based" services because they
are delivered to end user devices using non-cellular frequencies
and protocols. What's more, even if some portion of WiFi-delivered
data is passed over a cellular-based network (e.g., infrastructure
downstream of a WiFi access point couples communications to or
through a cellular-based network), these services are still not
considered MNO services, cellular-based services, or carrier
services because the interface to the end-user device is enabled
via WiFi services and not by cellular-based services.
[0034] In some cases, the smart sensor networking device provides
WiFi access point services to devices that are in proximity to the
smart sensor networking device. These WiFi services are
distinguished from cellular-based wireless communications because
they do not necessarily require MNO provisioning in the manner that
a mobile communication device requires provisioning. In these
cases, for example, a smart sensor networking device may provide
cellular-based service for a specific MNO, and the same smart
sensor networking device may also provide WiFi services on behalf
of a municipality that wants to provide free or low cost WiFi
services to its residents.
[0035] The smart sensor networking devices described herein may in
some cases be in communication with other smart sensor networking
devices or other less sophisticated wireless communication devices.
In at least one case, a geographic area has many streetlight poles.
Some smart sensor networking devices are mounted on certain ones of
the streetlight poles, and other less sophisticated wireless
communication devices are mounted on other streetlight poles. These
other less sophisticated wireless communication devices can each
control characteristics of the light sources integrated on their
respective light pole. In this type of system, however, due in part
to the wireless capabilities of each device, and due in part to the
sophistication of the smart sensor networking device, the lighting
of the entire geographic area can be desirably and holistically
controlled locally from the smart sensor networking device or
remotely from a central site. And in still other systems of this
configuration enable the implementation and control of a wide range
of sensors, controllers, and other "smart" devices can be
integrated to provide MNOs, utilities, government agencies, and the
like with a range of services not previously available.
[0036] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a smart sensor networking
device 100 embodiment. The smart sensor networking device 100 may
be particularly arranged for mounting on a light pole, and even
more particularly arranged for mounting on a light fixture (e.g., a
luminaire). In these cases, the light fixture in at least some
embodiments is aerially mounted between about 20 to 40 feet above
the area to be illuminated (e.g., ground level, a roadway, a
parking surface, and the like), and the light fixture is mounted on
a light pole, a building, or some other structure. In some cases,
the light poles, light fixtures, streetlights, buildings, roadways,
parking surfaces, or any combination thereof are administered by a
government entity.
[0037] The smart sensor networking device 100 of FIG. 1A may have a
substantially cylindrical form factor wherein a horizontal cross
section has a substantially circular shape. Other form factors and
horizontal cross sectional shapes are of course considered. In at
least some cases, the diameter of the smart sensor networking
device 100 is between about six (6) inches and twelve (12) inches.
In some embodiments, such as shown in the smart sensor networking
device 100 of FIG. 1A, walls of the device are substantially
vertical or within about 30 degrees of vertical. In other
embodiment, walls of the smart sensor networking device that
provide height to the device are segmented such that some portions
of the wall are vertical or near-vertical and other portions of the
wall structures are closer to horizontal. Many shapes, styles, and
dimensions of wall structures have of course been considered. In at
least some embodiments, the walls of the smart sensor networking
device 100 are formed to create a height of the device between
about 2.5 inches and six (6) inches.
[0038] The outer housing 102 of the smart sensor networking device
100 of FIG. 1A may be formed of metal, plastic, or some other
material. In some cases, the outer housing 102 is painted, bonded,
or otherwise coated with a weather-resistant material (e.g., a
varnish, an enamel, a fluoropolymer, a powder-coating, or the
like). In some cases, the outer housing 102 is arranged in color,
shape, material, or some other characteristic to be resistant to
birds, insects, or other pests. For example, the outer housing 102
may be mirrored, low-friction, spiked, or enabled with vibration,
heat, cooling, an audio transducer, or some other anti-pest
feature. In at least some embodiments, the outer housing 102 is
constructed according to a standard published by the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) as Ingress Protection standard
IP55. A housing constructed and deployed to IP55 is generally
sufficient to resist or otherwise prevent dust and other solid
materials from entering the housing and also sufficient to resist
or otherwise prevent low pressure liquid (e.g., water) jetted from
any direction from entering the housing.
[0039] The smart sensor networking device 100 may include a light
sensor module 104. The light sensor module 104 of FIG. 1A may or
may not include a lens. The light sensor module, which may also be
referred to as simply a light sensor, includes a light sensor
surface that collects, absorbs, or otherwise detects photons, and
an electronic circuit that generates a representation of light that
is impacting the light sensor surface. The light sensor module 104
may be arranged to generate at least one light signal (e.g., an
ambient light signal, a focused light signal, a data-infused light
signal, or the like). Light signals generated by the light sensor
module 104 may be digital values between a lower threshold and an
upper threshold (e.g., between 0 bits and 1024 bits) that represent
the amount of luminous flux (e.g., photons) that strike the light
sensor module 104 at a particular point or within a particular time
period. A processor-based light control circuit (not shown in FIG.
1A) may be arranged to provide a light control signal based on at
least one ambient light signal generated by the light sensor module
104, and in these cases, the light control signal may be used to
direct characteristics of light output from a light source
integrated in the corresponding light fixture.
[0040] In FIG. 1A, the smart sensor networking device 100 includes
a pair of twist lock connectors 106A, 106B that provide cable
access to the inside of the smart sensor networking device 100. In
at least some cases, the twist lock connectors 106A, 106B are water
tight, and in these or in other cases, the twist lock connectors
106A, 106B provide strain relief to cables that pass through the
connectors. The twist lock connectors 106A, 106B in at least some
cases expose a gland connector for 3-15 mm diameter cable resistant
to foreign material ingress according to Ingress Protection
standard IP67.
[0041] FIG. 1B is a right side view of the smart sensor networking
device 100 embodiment of FIG. 1A. The outer housing 102 and one of
the twist lock connectors 106B is identified in the figure. Also
identified in FIG. 1B is a multi-pin NEMA connector 108. In at
least some embodiments the multi-pin NEMA connector 108 is
compatible with an ANSI C136 standard promulgated by the National
Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). The multi-pin NEMA
connector 108 may be compatible with the standard referred to as
ANSI C136.41, ANSI C136.41-2013, or some other standard.
Alternatively, the multi-pin NEMA connector 108 may be implemented
with some other connector useful for external locking type
photo-control devices for street and area lighting.
[0042] FIG. 1C is the smart sensor networking device 100 mounted on
a light fixture 110, which itself is coupled to a light pole 114.
The light fixture 110 includes a light source 112. The light source
112 may be an incandescent light source, a light emitting diode
(LED) light source, a high pressure sodium lamp, or any other type
of light source. In the street light of FIG. 1C, the smart sensor
networking device 100 is coupled to the light fixture 110 via the
multi-pin NEMA connector 108. That is, the pins of the multi-ping
NEMA connector 108 are electromechanically coupled to a compatible
NEMA socket integrated into the light fixture 110. In some cases,
the smart sensor networking device 100 replaces or otherwise takes
the place of a different light sensor device, which does not have
the features provided by the smart sensor networking device 100.
Cables 116A, 1166 are passed through the twist lock connectors
106A, 1066 respectively of the smart sensor networking device 100.
The cables 116A, 116B may be networking cables (e.g., Power over
Ethernet (PoE)) cables, cables electrically coupled to other
electronic circuits (e.g., cameras, transducers, weather devices,
internet of things (IoT) devices, or any other type of device).
[0043] FIG. 2 is a smart sensor networking device 100 block
diagram. In the embodiment, a processor module 140 includes an
applications processor as well as other peripheral circuitry for
the processor such as power circuitry, clock circuitry, memory
control circuitry, and the like. The processor module 140 is
communicatively coupled to a memory module 142. The memory module
142 includes memory of one or more types, which may be desirably
partitioned into smart sensor networking device owner areas, one or
more MNO areas, one or more municipality areas, one or more
third-party areas, global areas, executable code areas, parameter
areas, system areas, sensor areas, IoT areas, secure areas,
unlicensed communication areas, licensed communication areas, and
other areas as selected or otherwise implemented by one or more
computing professionals.
[0044] The smart sensor networking device 100 includes one or more
optional input/output modules 144 and one or more optional wired
transceiver modules 146. The embodiment of FIG. 2 illustrates first
cable 116A electromechanically coupled to an input/output module
144 and second cable 116B electromechanically coupled to wired
transceiver module 146, but other embodiments are not so limited.
As discussed herein, the modular design of the smart sensor
networking device 100 permits any desirable arrangement of cables
through the twist lock connectors 106A, 106B coupled to pass power,
communications, control signals, or other information into, out
from, or into and out from the smart sensor networking device
100.
[0045] The smart sensor networking device 100 may include at least
one cellular-based gateway module 148A, which is a networking
module arranged as a gateway to a cellular-based network. The
cellular-based network is controlled by a mobile network operator
(MNO). The cellular-based gateway module 148A enables functionality
for a mobile device in proximity to the smart sensor networking
device 100 to conduct a wireless communication session using the
cellular-based network controlled by the MNO. The wireless
communication session may be a cellular phone call, a short message
service (e.g., text) message, an electronic mail, an internet
session (e.g., delivery of multimedia information through a browser
or other client software application on the mobile device), a
tracking message, or any other type of communication that passes
data over the MNO-controlled cellular-based network.
[0046] Optionally, the smart sensor networking device 100 includes
a second cellular-based gateway module 148B, and any number of
other cellular-based gateway modules 148N. By inclusion of multiple
cellular-based gateways, the smart sensor networking device 100
enables a plurality of concurrent wireless communication sessions
via the same or different MNO-controlled cellular-based
networks.
[0047] Wireless communication sessions that are enabled through one
or more cellular-based gateways 148A-148N may pass packetized data
through one or more networking structures of the smart sensor
networking device 100. In many cases, packetized data wirelessly
received on the cellular-based network from at least one mobile
device is communicated on or otherwise through a public switched
telephone network (PSTN). The packetized data may be further
communicated between the smart sensor networking device 100 and the
PSTN in one or more ways. In some embodiments, the packetized data
is passed through the same or another cellular-based gateway module
148A-148N to a cellular macrocell, to a landline, or to another
smart sensor networking device 100. In some embodiments, the
packetized data is passed through a wired transceiver module 146
(e.g., PoE, digital subscriber line (DSL), broadband cable, or the
like) and a cable 116A, 116B to another computing device. In some
embodiments, the packetized data is passed through a different
cabled transceiver and cable 116A, 116B such as a fiber optic
transceiver and cable medium. In still other cases, the packetized
data is optionally passed through a wireless transceiver module
150, which may be a WiFi (e.g., IEEE 802.11) transceiver or a
different type of wireless transceiver (e.g., licensed RF,
unlicensed RF, satellite) that communicates according to a
different protocol (e.g., a proprietary protocol, a satellite
protocol, or some other protocol).
[0048] Operations of the one or more cellular-based gateways
148A-148N may be directed by a cellular-based parameter control
module 150. In some cases, the cellular-based parameter control
module 150 includes features that enable a smart sensor networking
device 100 systems integrator or some other party to provision the
smart sensor networking device 100 on a cellular-based network of a
selected MNO. In this way, the MNO can itself provision each smart
sensor networking device 100 for operation on the cellular-based
network it controls, or the MNO can authorized another entity to
provision the smart sensor networking device 100. The feature set
provided by the cellular-based parameter control module 150 promote
efficiency, cost-effectiveness, rapid-deployment, temporary
deployment, one or more revenue models, and many other
benefits.
[0049] The smart sensor networking device 100 may include antennas
152A-152N. For example, if the smart sensor networking device 100
includes a first cellular-based gateway module 148A, an antenna
152A may be coupled to the first cellular-based gateway module
148A, for example, by a cable or wire. Additionally or
alternatively, if the smart sensor networking device 100 includes a
second cellular-based gateway module 148B, an antenna 152B may be
coupled to the second cellular-based gateway module 148B, for
example, by a cable or wire. Additionally or alternatively, if the
smart sensor networking device 100 includes a first wireless
transceiver module 156A, an antenna 152C may be coupled to the
first wireless transceiver module 156A, for example, by a cable or
wire. Additionally or alternatively, if the smart sensor networking
device 100 includes a second wireless transceiver module 1566, an
antenna 152D may be coupled to the second wireless transceiver
module 1566, for example, by a cable or wire. Additionally or
alternatively, if the smart sensor networking device 100 includes a
GPS module 158, an antenna 152E may be coupled to the
cellular-based gateway module 148A, for example, by a cable or
wire. Additionally or alternatively, if the smart sensor networking
device 100 includes an infrared transceiver module 164, an optical
antenna 152F (e.g., a photo-diode) may be coupled to infrared
transceiver module 164, for example, by a cable or wire.
[0050] Each antenna may be physically formed, arranged, positioned,
and oriented to advantageously provide favorable communication of
data. In some cases, one or more antennas are arranged to
communicate data on a cellular-based network. In some cases, one or
more antennas provide signal-sniffing capabilities. In some cases,
one or more antennas are arranged to wirelessly communicate data on
a non-cellular, licensed or unlicensed frequency or frequency
spectrum as the case may be. In some cases the radial design of the
casted small cell cover will be used to enhance antenna
performance.
[0051] A light sensor interface module 154 is included in the smart
sensor networking device 100. The light sensor interface module 154
may include or otherwise enable light sensor functionality for one
or more light sources such as a streetlight arranged in a light
fixture that is coupled to the smart sensor networking device 100.
In some cases, the light sensor interface module 154 communicates
with a light sensor module 104 (FIG. 1A). In other cases, a light
sensor module 104 is integrated with the light sensor interface
module 154. The processor of processor module 140 may direct the
operations of a light source based on data generated or otherwise
provided by the light sensor interface module 154. For example,
when ambient light in proximity to the smart sensor networking
device 100 reaches one or more lower threshold, the light source
may be directed to turn on or otherwise increase its light output.
Conversely, when the ambient light in proximity to the smart sensor
networking device 100 reaches one or more upper thresholds, the
light source may be directed to turn on or otherwise decrease its
light output. In some cases, the processor intelligently directs
the operation of an associated light source based on information
received from any of the available transceivers. In this way, for
example, when a first light source from a nearby light pole is
undesirably reduced in intensity, a second light source in close
proximity may be directed to increase its intensity. As another
example, a municipality, law enforcement agency, third-party
private entity, or some other entity may intelligently control
light output from a plurality of light sources. The intelligent
light control of a plurality of light sources may be used for
safety, advertising, celebration, crowd control, or any number of
other reasons. In at least one embodiment, the smart sensor
networking device 100 wireless communicates its light sensor data
to another smart device. In this embodiment or other embodiments,
the smart sensor networking device 100 wirelessly receives light
sensor data from one or more other smart devices.
[0052] The wireless transceiver module 156A may optionally provide
wireless communication capability to any one or more devices having
corresponding wireless transceivers. In some cases, for example,
using functionality provided by the wireless transceiver module
156A, the smart sensor networking device 100 is arranged to operate
as a WiFi access point. In this way, the smart sensor networking
device 100 permits one or more mobile devices to access the
Internet. Municipalities or other entities may make internet
services available over a determined geographic area (e.g., a
neighborhood, a city, an arena, a construction site, a campus, or
the like) to remote mobile devices that are in proximity to any one
of a plurality of smart sensor networking devices 100. For example,
if many street light fixtures in a neighborhood or city are
equipped with a smart sensor networking device 100, then WiFi
service can be provided to a large number of users. What's more,
based on seamless communication between a plurality of smart sensor
networking devices 100, the WiFi service can be configured as a
mesh that permits users to perceive constant internet connectivity
even when the mobile device is in motion.
[0053] The wireless transceiver module 156B may optionally provide
wireless communication capability to any of one or more devices
having corresponding wireless transceivers. In some cases, for
example, using functionality provided by the wireless transceiver
module 156B, the smart sensor networking device 100 is arranged to
operate as a Bluetooth access point. In this way, the smart sensor
networking device 100 permits one or more mobile devices to
communicate with the smart sensor networking device 100, for
example, to access the Internet. The wireless transceiver module
156B may provide capabilities that are similar to the capabilities
of the wireless transceiver module 156A described above. In one or
more embodiments, the wireless transceiver module 156A and the
wireless transceiver module 156B are included in the same
integrated circuit.
[0054] A global positioning system (GPS) module 158 is arranged in
the smart sensor networking device 100. The GPS module 158 is
arranged to determine a location of the smart sensor networking
device 100, for example, using signals received from GPS
satellites. The GPS module 158 permits the smart sensor networking
device 100 to accurately report its position to another computing
device. In some cases, the position may be used to positively
identify the particular smart sensor networking device 100. In some
cases, the position may be used to expressly direct service
personnel to the site where the smart sensor networking device 100
is installed. The position information can be used diagnostically
when a light source is failing, when an IoT device or some other
sensor reports any type of information, and for other reasons. The
highly accurate time-base of the GPS module may also be used by the
smart sensor networking device 100 for weather data, almanac data,
signal triangulation with other smart sensor networking devices
100, or for other purposes.
[0055] In some cases, an optional identity module 160 is arranged
in the smart sensor networking device 100. The identity module 160
may include electronic, mechanical, or electromechanical switch
circuitry, memory, a random number, a random number generator, a
system-wide unique identifier, a world-wide unique identifier, or
other such information. When combined with position information
from the GPS module 158, the smart sensor networking device 100 may
be able to more accurately report its identity and position to
another computing device. The identity information can be used
diagnostically and for other reasons. In at least some cases,
identity information provided by an identity module is used as a
network identifier for the smart sensor networking device 100. The
identity information may be arranged as a 32-bit number, a 64-bit
number, another number having a structurally preferable bit-width,
a combination of information that further conveys information about
the capabilities of the smart sensor networking device 100 (e.g.,
date of deployment, year of deployment, hardware version number,
software version number, geographic location, or other such
information).
[0056] A security module 162 is also optionally included in some
embodiments of a smart sensor networking device 100. The security
module 162 may include one or more of an encryption engine, a
decryption engine, a random number generator, a secure memory, a
separate processing device, and the like.
[0057] An infrared transceiver module 164 is also optionally
included in some embodiments of a smart sensor networking device
100. The infrared transceiver module 164 is arranged to transmit
and receive infrared signals. For example, the infrared transceiver
module 164 conforms to the Infrared Data Association (IRDA)
standard.
[0058] One or more sensor 166 is also optionally included in some
embodiments of a smart sensor networking device 100. The sensor 166
outputs to the processor module 140 signals indicative of events
detected by the sensor 166. For example, the sensor 166 is a
microphone that outputs signals indicative of respective levels of
sounds detected by the microphone. As set forth below, the
processor module 140 may process the signals received from the
microphone to determine the location of a gun that was recently
fired. By way of another example, the sensor 166 is a temperature
sensor that outputs signals indicative of respective temperatures
detected by the temperature sensor. By way of still another
example, the sensor 166 is a wind speed sensor that outputs signals
indicative of the speeds of respective winds detected by the wind
speed sensor. By way of yet another example, the sensor 166 is a
seismic sensor that outputs signals indicative of respective levels
of vibration detected by the seismic sensor. Of course the sensor
166 may be any other type of sensor or detector that is capable of
detecting events of interest to a user of the smart sensor
networking device 100.
[0059] As discussed herein, many of the components shown in FIG. 2
are optional. Accordingly, a smart sensor networking device 100 may
be configured in a number of different ways depending on the
anticipated use and location of the smart sensor networking device
100. For example, a smart sensor networking device 100 may include
a cellular-based gateway module 148A or a wireless transceiver
module 156A or a wired transceiver module 146 or an infrared
transceiver module 164, or any combination thereof, by which
distributed computing tasks are received and corresponding results
are transmitted.
[0060] FIG. 3 is a system level deployment 200 having a plurality
of network devices coupled to streetlight fixtures. The streetlight
fixtures are coupled to or otherwise arranged as part of a system
of streetlight poles, each streetlight fixture includes a light
source. Each light source, light fixture, and light fitting,
individually or along with their related components, may in some
cases be interchangeably referred to as a luminaire, a light
source, a streetlight, a streetlamp, or some other such suitable
term.
[0061] As shown in the system level deployment 200, a plurality of
light poles are arranged in one or more determined geographic
areas, and each light pole has at least one light source positioned
in a fixture. The fixture is at least twenty feet above ground
level and in at least some cases, the fixtures are between about 20
feet and 40 feet above ground level. In other cases, the
streetlight fixtures may of course be lower than 20 feet above the
ground or higher than 40 feet above the ground. In other system
level deployments according to the present disclosure, there may be
1,000 or more light poles are arranged in one or more determined
geographic areas. In these or in still other cases, the streetlight
fixtures 102 may of course be lower than 20 feet above the ground
or higher than 40 feet above the ground. Although described as
being above the ground, streetlight fixtures shown and contemplated
in the present disclosure may also be subterranean, but positioned
above the floor, such as in a tunnel.
[0062] The system of streetlight poles, streetlight fixtures,
streetlight sources, or the like in the system level deployment may
be controlled by a municipality or other government agency. In
other cases, the system streetlight poles, streetlight fixtures,
streetlight sources, or the like in the system level deployment is
controlled by a private entity (e.g., private property owner,
third-party service contractor, or the like). In still other cases,
a plurality of entities share control of the system of streetlight
poles, streetlight fixtures, streetlight sources, or the like. The
shared control may be hierarchical or cooperative in some other
fashion. For example, when the system is controlled by a
municipality or a department of transportation, an emergency
services agency (e.g., law enforcement, medical services, fire
services) may be able to request or otherwise take control of the
system. In still other cases, one or more sub-parts of the system
of streetlight poles, streetlight fixtures, streetlight sources, or
the like can be granted some control such as in a neighborhood,
around a hospital or fire department, in a construction area, or in
some other manner.
[0063] In the system level deployment 200 of FIG. 3, any number of
streetlight fixtures may be arranged with a connector that is
compliant with a roadway area lighting standard promoted by a
standards body. The connector permits the controlling or servicing
authority of the system to competitively and efficiently purchase
and install light sensors on each streetlight fixture. In addition,
or in the alternative, the standardized connector in each
streetlight fixture permits the controlling or servicing authority
to replace conventional light sensors with other devices such as a
smart sensor networking device 100, a smart sensor device, or some
other device.
[0064] In the system level deployment 200, a plurality of smart
sensor networking devices 100A-100I is provided, each of which is
electromechanically coupled to a selected light pole wherein the
electromechanical coupling is performed via the connector that is
compliant with the roadway area lighting standard promoted by a
standards body. Each of the smart sensor networking devices
100A-100C includes, among other things, a cellular-based gateway
module 148A. Each of the smart sensor networking devices 100D-100F
includes, among other things, a wireless transceiver module 156A.
The smart sensor networking device 100G includes, among other
things, a wired transceiver module 146 and a wireless transceiver
module 156A. The smart sensor networking device 100H includes,
among other things, a wired transceiver module 146 and an infrared
transceiver module 164. The smart sensor networking device 100I
includes, among other things, an infrared transceiver module 164.
The wireless transceiver module 156A in each of the smart sensor
networking devices 100D-100G is arranged to perform WiFi
communications and interconnect to create a wireless local area
network (WLAN) mesh network, for example, based on the IEEE 802.11s
standard, ZigBee, DigiMesh, or Thread.
[0065] The processor-based light control circuit of each smart
device is arranged to provide a light control signal to the
respective light source based on at least one ambient light signal
generated by its associated the light sensor. In addition, because
each smart sensor networking devices 100A-100I is equipped with
communication capabilities, each light source in each streetlight
can be controlled remotely as an independent light source or in
combination with other light sources. In these cases, each of the
plurality of light poles and fixtures with the mart sensor
networking devices 100A-100I is communicatively coupled. The
communicative relationship from each of the plurality of light
poles and fixtures with one of the sensor networking devices
100A-100I may be a direct communication or an indirect
communication. That is, in some cases, one of the sensor networking
devices 100A-100I may communicate directly with another one the
sensor networking devices 100A-100I or may communicate indirectly
via yet another one of the sensor networking devices 100A-100I.
[0066] In the system level deployment 200 of FIG. 3, various ones
of the light poles may be 50 feet apart, 100 feet apart, 250 feet
apart, or some other distance. In some cases, the type and
performance characteristics of each of the smart sensor networking
devices 100A-100I are selected based on their respective distance
to other such devices such that wireless communications are
acceptable.
[0067] Each light pole and fixture with one of the smart sensor
networking devices 100A-100C is coupled to a street cabinet 202 or
other like structure that provides utility power (e.g., "the power
grid") in a wired way. The utility power may provide 120 VAC, 240
VAC, 260 VAC, or some other power source voltage. In addition,
optionally one or more of the light poles and fixtures with the
smart sensor networking devices 100D-100I, is also coupled to the
same street cabinet 202 or another structure via a wired backhaul
connection. It is understood that these wired connections are in
some cases separate wired connections (e.g., copper wire, fiber
optic cable, industrial Ethernet cable, or the like) and in some
cases combined wired connections (e.g., power over Ethernet (PoE),
powerline communications, or the like). For simplification of the
system level deployment 200 of FIG. 3, a wired backhaul and power
line 204 is illustrated as a single line. The street cabinet 202 is
coupled to the power grid, which is administered by a licensed
power utility agency, and the street cabinet 202 is coupled to the
public switched telephone network (PSTN).
[0068] Each light pole and fixture with one of the smart sensor
networking devices 100A-100I in direct or indirect wireless
communication with a light pole and fixture with another one of the
smart sensor networking devices 100A-100I. In addition, each light
pole and fixture with one of the smart sensor networking devices
100A-100C may also be in direct or indirect wireless communication
206 with an optional remote computing device 208. The remote
computing device 208 may be controlled by an MNO, a municipality,
another government agency, a third party, or some other entity. By
this optional arrangement the remote computing device can be
arranged to wirelessly communicated light control signals and any
other information (e.g., packetized data) between itself and each
respective wireless smart sensor networking device coupled to any
of the plurality of light poles.
[0069] A user 210 holding a mobile device 212 is represented in the
system level deployment 200 of FIG. 3. A vehicle having an
in-vehicle mobile device 214 is also represented. The vehicle may
be an emergency service vehicle, a passenger vehicle, a commercial
vehicle, a public transportation vehicle, a drone, or some other
type of vehicle. The user 210 may use their mobile device 212 to
establish a wireless communication session over a cellular-based
network controlled by an MNO, wherein packetized wireless data is
passed through the light pole and fixture with one of the smart
sensor networking devices 100A-100C. Concurrently, the in-vehicle
mobile device 214 may also establish a wireless communication
session over the same or a different cellular-based network
controlled by the same or a different MNO, wherein packetized
wireless data of the second session is also passed through the
light pole and fixture with one of the smart sensor networking
devices 100A-100C.
[0070] Other devices may also communicate through light pole-based
devices of the system level deployment 200. These devices may be
internet of things (IoT) devices or some other types of devices. In
FIG. 3, two public information signs 216A, 216B, and a private
entity sign 216C are shown, but many other types of devices are
contemplated. Each one of these devices may form an unlicensed
wireless communication session (e.g., WiFi) or a cellular-based
wireless communication session with one or more wireless networks
made available by the devices shown in the system level deployment
200 of FIG. 3.
[0071] The sun and moon 218 are shown in FIG. 3. Light or the
absence of light based on time of day, weather, geography, or other
causes provide information (e.g., ambient light) to the light
sensors of the light pole mounted devices described in the present
disclosure. Based on this information, the associated light sources
may be suitably controlled.
[0072] FIG. 4 is a flowchart 300 showing some operations of a
system that deploys a plurality of smart sensor networking devices
100 coupled to a plurality of streetlight fixtures. Processing
begins at 302.
[0073] At 304, a plurality of distributed computing tasks is
obtained. For example, the remote computing device 208 shown in
FIG. 3 obtains the distributed computing tasks from a governmental,
educational, or commercial enterprise that has paid a fee for
distributed computing services to the owner or operator of the
smart sensor networking devices 100A-100C. The distributed
computing tasks may relate to computations that are to be performed
during cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin) mining, block chain or other
distributed ledger transaction validation, search for
extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) signal analysis, weather
forecasting, or other big-data analysis, for example.
[0074] Processing continues to 306 where each of the distributed
computing tasks obtained at 304 is assigned to one of a plurality
of smart sensor networking devices. For example, the remote
computing device 208 assigns the distributed computing tasks to
each of the smart sensor networking devices 100A-100I shown in FIG.
3. Each distributed computing task may include a formula or
algorithm (or an identifier that uniquely identifies a formula or
algorithm) and parameter values that are to be used in the formula
or algorithm during one or more computations. Each distributed
computing task may be included in a packet or other suitable data
structure along with an identifier of the particular one of the
smart sensor networking devices 100A-100I to which the distributed
computing task has been assigned. The identifiers may be media
access control (MAC) addresses, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses,
for example, or other identifiers that uniquely identify each of
the smart sensor networking devices 100A-100I.
[0075] Processing continues to 308 where the distributed computing
tasks assigned at 306 are transmitted to the smart sensor
networking devices 100A-100I. For example, the remote computing
device 208 transmits the distributed computing tasks to the smart
sensor networking devices 100A-100I. The smart sensor networking
devices 100A-100I may perform routing of data packets containing
the distributed computing tasks, for example, over a mesh
network.
[0076] For example, the remote computing device 208 may transmit a
distributed computing task that is addressed to the smart sensor
networking device 100I over a cellular network to the smart sensor
networking device 100C. Based on the address of the smart sensor
networking device 100I included in the packet, the smart sensor
networking device 100C may route the packet to the smart sensor
networking device 100D over a WiFi network. Based on the address of
the smart sensor networking device 100I included in the packet, the
smart sensor networking device 100D may route the packet to the
smart sensor networking device 100G over a WiFi network. Based on
the address of the smart sensor networking device 100I included in
the packet, the smart sensor networking device 100G may route the
packet to the smart sensor networking device 100H over a powerline.
Based on the address of the smart sensor networking device 100I
included in the packet, the smart sensor networking device 100H may
route the packet to the smart sensor networking device 100I using
infrared-based communications.
[0077] Processing continues to 310 where one of the distributed
computing tasks transmitted at 308 is received at each of the
assigned smart sensor networking devices. For example, one of the
distributed computing tasks transmitted at 308 is received at each
of the smart sensor networking devices 100A-100I.
[0078] Processing continues to 312 where a distributed computing
result is obtained based on a distributed computing task, at each
of the assigned smart sensor networking devices. For example, the
memory 142 of each of the smart sensor networking devices 100A-100I
includes processor-readable instructions that, when executed by the
processor module 140, causes the smart sensor networking device to
perform a series of computations using data included in the
distributed computing task assigned thereto. The processor-readable
instructions may be configured such that each smart sensor
networking devices obtains a distributed computing result only if
the processor module 140 is not busy performing other tasks that
have a higher priority, such as tasks associated with operation of
a small cell or a WiFi access point. For example, the processor
module 140 obtains a distributed computing result based on a
distributed computing task in response to determining that a
utilization of the processor module 140 is below a threshold
utilization value (e.g., 0, 5%, 10%, 20%, or some other threshold
value).
[0079] Processing continues to 314 where a distributed computing
result is transmitted from each of the assigned smart sensor
networking devices that obtained a distributed computing result at
312. For example, each of the smart sensor networking devices
100A-100I transmits a distributed computing result to the remote
computing device 208. The smart sensor networking devices 100A-100I
may perform routing of data packets containing the distributed
computing results, for example, over a mesh network.
[0080] Processing continues to 316 where a distributed computing
result is received from each of the assigned smart sensor
networking devices that transmitted a distributed computing result
at 314. For example, the remote computing device 208 receives a
distributed computing result from each of the smart sensor
networking devices 100A-100I.
[0081] Processing continues to 318 where the distributed computing
result received from each of the assigned smart sensor networking
devices is further processed. For example, the remote computing
device 208 sums the distributed computing results received from
each of the smart sensor networking devices 100A-100I to obtain a
final result.
[0082] Processing at 318 continues and does not end. That is, the
system as deployed may continue to operate in perpetuity without
ending. Various ones of the smart sensor networking devices may be
introduced to the system, removed from the system, repositioned
within the system, or reconfigured in any number of ways.
Parameters of each device may be changed to alter the operating
characteristics of any of the devices. Control of the parameters
may be performed locally or remotely, manually or
automatically.
[0083] FIG. 5 is a system level deployment 500 having a plurality
of smart sensor networking devices 100, according to one or more
embodiments of the present disclosure. The system level deployment
500 includes one hundred and twelve (112) smart sensor networking
devices 100, each of which is represented by a black dot in FIG. 5.
For illustrative simplicity, only smart sensor networking devices
100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4, 100-5, and 100-6 are labeled in FIG. 5.
Each of the smart sensor networking devices 100 is mounted to a
light fixture that is located on a light pole, for example, in a
manner similar to that shown in FIG. 1C. Multiple groups of the
smart sensor networking devices 100 cooperate to perform various
tasks, as described more fully below.
[0084] In a first example, each of the smart sensor networking
devices 100 includes a sensor 166 that is a microphone.
Additionally, the processor module 140 of each of the smart sensor
networking devices 100 is programmed to transmit a message to one
or more of the smart sensor networking devices 100-1, 100-2, 100-3,
100-4, 100-5, and 100-6 each time that a sound having
characteristic of a gunshot (e.g., having a sound level greater
than or equal to a predetermined threshold value) is detected. The
message includes an identifier of the smart sensor networking
device 100 that detected the sound, a time which the sound was
detected, and possibly a location of the smart sensor networking
device 100. The smart sensor networking devices 100-1, 100-2,
100-3, 100-4, 100-5, and 100-6 process different ones of the
messages using time difference of arrival techniques to determine
the location at which a gun was fired. The smart sensor networking
device 100-1, for example, may obtain a final result by aggregating
partial results obtained by the smart sensor networking devices
100-2, 100-3, 100-4, 100-5, and 100-6.
[0085] The smart sensor networking device 100-1 may take various
actions based on the final result. For example, if the location at
which the gun was fired is determined to be on First Avenue between
Second Street and Third Street, the smart sensor networking device
100-1 may send one or more messages to the smart sensor networking
devices 100 located on First Avenue between Second Street and Third
Street. The one or more messages may cause the processor module 140
of the smart sensor networking devices 100 located on First Avenue
between Second Street and Third Street to generate control signals
that cause the lights in the light fixtures coupled thereto to
change brightness or color. For example, the one or more messages
cause all of the smart sensor networking devices 100 located on
First Avenue between Second Street and Third Street to output
control signals to the lights in the light fixtures coupled thereto
to become brighter. Also, the one or more messages may cause the
smart sensor networking devices 100 that is closest to the detected
location at which the gun was fired to output a control signal to
the light in the light fixture coupled thereto that causes the
light to blink or change color, to indicate the location at which
the gun was fired to people in the vicinity, for example, law
enforcement personnel or civilians.
[0086] In a second example, each of the smart sensor networking
devices 100 includes a wireless transceiver module 156B that is
arranged to operate as a Bluetooth access point that transmits
beacon signals. Additionally, the computing module 140 of each of
the smart sensor networking devices 100 is programmed to transmit a
message to one or more of the smart sensor networking devices
100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4, 100-5, and 100-6 each time that a
response signal to the beacon signal is received by the wireless
transceiver module 156B. The message includes an identifier of the
smart sensor networking device 100 that detected the response
signal, a time which the response signal was detected, an address
of a device that transmitted the response signal, and possibly a
location of the smart sensor networking device 100. The smart
sensor networking devices 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4, 100-5, and
100-6 process different ones of the messages using time difference
of arrival techniques to determine the location of a device that
transmitted the response signal. The smart sensor networking device
100-1, for example, may obtain a final result by aggregating
partial results obtained by the smart sensor networking devices
100-2, 100-3, 100-4, 100-5, and 100-6.
[0087] The smart sensor networking device 100-1 may take various
actions based on the final result. For example, the smart sensor
networking device 100-1 may store one or more addresses of devices
used by emergency personnel (e.g., police, fire, or paramedics)
that are currently responding to an emergency. If smart sensor
networking device 100-1 determines that one of those devices is
responding to the beacons that are being transmitted, the smart
sensor networking device 100-1 may send one or more messages to a
smart sensor networking device 100 located closest to the
determined location a device used by emergency personnel. The one
or more messages may cause the smart sensor networking device 100
located closest to the device used by emergency personnel to output
a control signal that causes the light in the light fixture coupled
thereto to become brighter so that the emergency personnel will be
able to more easily see things in the vicinity. Also, the one or
more messages may cause the smart sensor networking device 100
located closest to the device used by emergency personnel to output
a control signal that causes the light in a the fixture coupled
thereto to change color and/or blink, for example, so that a police
officer can more easily locate a fire fighter responding to a
fire.
[0088] Additionally, the smart sensor networking device 100-1 may
track the locations of the devices used by emergency personnel. For
example, if the smart sensor networking device 100-1 determines
that a device used by emergency personnel is moving east on Fourth
Avenue, the smart sensor networking device 100-1 may send one or
more messages to the smart sensor networking devices 100 located on
Fourth Avenue at a location where the device is or will soon be to
become brighter, change color, and/or blink so that the emergency
personnel can see better and/or so that others in the vicinity are
alerted to the presence of the emergency personnel in the area.
[0089] FIG. 6 is another system level deployment 600 having a
plurality of groups of smart sensor networking devices 100,
according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The
system level deployment 600 includes twelve (12) groups G1-G12 of
the smart sensor networking devices 100. For example, each of the
groups G1-G12 may include a plurality of smart sensor networking
devices 100 similar to the ones included in the system level
deployment 500 shown in FIG. 5. The system level deployment 600
shown in FIG. 6 is just an example, other system level deployments
may include hundreds or thousands of groups, each including
hundreds or thousands of smart sensor networking devices 100. In
addition, although the groups G1-G12 are shown geographically
distributed over the continental United States, the groups G1-G12
could be geographically distributed over a different country or
could be geographically distributed over multiple countries.
[0090] In one example, a remote computing device (e.g., remote
computing device 208) is in direct or indirect communication with a
first smart sensor networking device 100 in the first group G1. The
first smart sensor networking device100 in the first group G1
generates or otherwise obtains a plurality of distributed computing
tasks for processing a large volume of weather data. The first
smart sensor networking device 100 in the first group G1 assigns
the distributed computing tasks to other of the smart sensor
networking devices 100 in the first group G1 and to smart sensor
networking devices 100 in the other groups G2-G12. In addition, the
first smart sensor networking device 100 in the first group G1
obtains corresponding distributed computing tasks from the other of
the smart sensor networking devices 100 in the first group G1 and
from the smart sensor networking devices 100 in the other groups
G2-G12
[0091] In one or more embodiments, a hierarchy of the smart sensor
networking device 100 is used to assign distributed computing tasks
and to aggregate corresponding distributed computing results. For
example, one or more of the smart sensor networking devices 100 in
each of the groups G1-G12 is programmed to assign distributed
computing tasks and to aggregate corresponding distributed
computing tasks. The one or more of the smart sensor networking
devices 100 in each of the groups G1-G12 may be predetermined.
Alternatively, the smart sensor networking devices 100 in each of
the groups G1-G12 may perform a process to dynamically select the
one or more of the smart sensor networking devices 100 that assign
distributed computing tasks and aggregate distributed computing
results in that group, for example, based on location, current
utilization level, and/or hardware capabilities (e.g., processor
speed, size of memory) of the smart sensor networking devices 100.
In either case, the first smart sensor networking device 100 in the
first group G1 may assign a plurality of tasks to a first smart
sensor networking device 100 in each of the groups G2-G12. The
first smart sensor networking device 100 in each of the groups
G2-G12 assigns the tasks to other of the smart sensor networking
devices 100 in that group. In addition, the first smart sensor
networking device 100 in each of the groups G2-G12 aggregates
corresponding distributed computing results from the other of the
smart sensor networking devices 100 in that group, and forwards the
aggregated distributed computing results to the first smart sensor
networking device 100 in the group G1. The first smart sensor
networking device 100 in the group G1 furthers aggregates the
distributed computing results from group G1 and the distributed
computing from each groups G2-G12. The first smart sensor
networking device 100 may perform additional processing on the
aggregated distributed computing results to obtain a final result.
Alternatively, the first smart sensor networking device 100 may
transmit all of the distributed computing results to the remote
computing device, which performs additional processing on the
aggregated distributed computing results to obtain the final
result. For example, the final result may be a weather forecast
that is based on the processed weather data.
[0092] Having now set forth certain embodiments, further
clarification of certain terms used herein may be helpful to
providing a more complete understanding of that which is considered
inventive in the present disclosure. Mobile network operators
(MNOs) provide wireless cellular-based services in accordance with
one or more cellular-based technologies. As used in the present
disclosure, "cellular-based" should be interpreted in a broad sense
to include any of the variety of technologies that implement
wireless or mobile communications. Exemplary cellular-based systems
include, but are not limited to, time division multiple access
("TDMA") systems, code division multiple access ("CDMA") systems,
and Global System for Mobile communications ("GSM") systems. Some
others of these technologies are conventionally referred to as
UMTS, WCDMA, 4G, 5G, and LTE. Still other cellular-based
technologies are also known now or will be known in the future. The
underlying cellular-based technologies are mentioned here for a
clearer understanding of the present disclosure, but the inventive
aspects discussed herein are not limited to any particular
cellular-based technology.
[0093] In some cases, cellular-based voice traffic is treated as
digital data. In such cases, the term "VoIP" may be used to mean
any type of voice service that is provided over a data network,
such as an Internet Protocol (IP) based network. The term VoIP is
interpreted broadly to include any system wherein a voice signal
from a mobile computing device is represented as a digital signal
that travels over a data network. VoIP then may also include any
system wherein a digital signal from a data network is delivered to
a mobile computing device where it is later delivered as an audio
signal.
[0094] Connector devices of the types described herein are also
commonly referred to as NEMA devices, NEMA compatible devices, NEMA
compliant devices, or the like. And these devices include
receptacles, connectors, sockets, holders, components, etc. Hence,
as used in the present disclosure and elsewhere, those of skill in
the art will recognize that coupling the term "NEMA" or the term
"ANSI" with any such device indicates a device or structure
compliant with a standard promoted by a standards body such as
NEMA, ANSI, IEEE, or the like.
[0095] A mobile device, or mobile computing device, as the terms
are used interchangeably herein, is an electronic device
provisioned by at least one mobile network operator (MNO) to
communicate data through the MNOs cellular-based network. The data
may be voice data, short message service (SMS) data, electronic
mail, world-wide web or other information conventionally referred
to as "internet traffic," or any other type of electromagnetically
communicable information. The data may be digital data or analog
data. The data may be packetized or non-packetized. The data may be
formed or passed at a particular priority level, or the data may
have no assigned priority level at all. A non-comprehensive,
non-limiting list of mobile devices is provided to aid in
understanding the bounds of the term, "mobile device," as used
herein. Mobile devices (i.e., mobile computing devices) include
cell phones, smart phones, flip phone, tablets, phablets, handheld
computers, laptop computers, body-worn computers, and the like.
Certain other electronic equipment in any form factor may also be
referred to as a mobile device when this equipment is provisioned
for cellular-based communication on an MNOs cellular-based network.
Examples of this other electronic equipment include in-vehicle
devices, medical devices, industrial equipment, retail sales
equipment, wholesale sales equipment, utility monitoring equipment,
and other such equipment used by private, public, government, and
other entities.
[0096] Mobile devices further have a collection of input/output
ports for passing data over short distances to and from the mobile
device. For example, serial ports, USB ports, WiFi ports, Bluetooth
ports, IEEE 1394 FireWire, and the like can communicatively couple
the mobile device to other computing apparatuses.
[0097] Mobile devices have a battery or other power source, and
they may or may not have a display. In many mobile devices, a
signal strength indicator is prominently positioned on the display
to provide network communication connectivity information to the
mobile device user.
[0098] A cellular transceiver is used to couple the mobile device
to other communication devices through the cellular-based
communication network. In some cases, software and data in a file
system are communicated between the mobile device and a computing
server via the cellular transceiver. That is, bidirectional
communication between a mobile device and a computing server is
facilitated by the cellular transceiver. For example, a computing
server may download a new or updated version of software to the
mobile device over the cellular-based communication network. As
another example, the mobile device may communicate any other data
to the computing server over the cellular-based communication
network.
[0099] Each mobile device client has electronic memory accessible
by at least one processing unit within the device. The memory is
programmed with software that directs the one or more processing
units. Some of the software modules in the memory control the
operation of the mobile device with respect to generation,
collection, and distribution or other use of data. In some cases,
software directs the collection of individual datums, and in other
cases, software directs the collection of sets of data.
[0100] Software may include a fully executable software program, a
simple configuration data file, a link to additional directions, or
any combination of known software types. When the computing server
updates software, the update may be small or large. For example, in
some cases, a computing server downloads a small configuration data
file to as part of software, and in other cases, computing server
completely replaces all of the present software on the mobile
device with a fresh version. In some cases, software, data, or
software and data is encrypted, encoded, and/or otherwise
compressed for reasons that include security, privacy, data
transfer speed, data cost, or the like.
[0101] Processing devices, or "processors," as described herein,
include central processing units (CPU's), microprocessors,
microcontrollers (MCU), digital signal processors (DSP),
application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), state machines,
and the like. Accordingly, a processor as described herein includes
any device, system, or part thereof that controls at least one
operation, and such a device may be implemented in hardware,
firmware, or software, or some combination of at least two of the
same. The functionality associated with any particular processor
may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. A
processor may interchangeably refer to any type of electronic
control circuitry configured to execute programmed software
instructions. The programmed instructions may be high-level
software instructions, compiled software instructions,
assembly-language software instructions, object code, binary code,
micro-code, or the like. The programmed instructions may reside in
internal or external memory or may be hard-coded as a state machine
or set of control signals. According to methods and devices
referenced herein, one or more embodiments describe software
executable by the processor, which when executed, carries out one
or more of the method acts.
[0102] As known by one skilled in the art, a computing device,
including a mobile computing device, has one or more memories, and
each memory may comprise any combination of volatile and
non-volatile computer-readable media for reading and writing.
Volatile computer-readable media includes, for example, random
access memory (RAM). Non-volatile computer-readable media includes,
for example, any one or more of read only memory (ROM), magnetic
media such as a hard-disk, an optical disk, a flash memory device,
a CD-ROM, and the like. In some cases, a particular memory is
separated virtually or physically into separate areas, such as a
first memory, a second memory, a third memory, etc. In these cases,
it is understood that the different divisions of memory may be in
different devices or embodied in a single memory. Some or all of
the stored contents of a memory may include software instructions
executable by a processing device to carry out one or more
particular acts. In the present disclosure, memory may be used in
one configuration or another. The memory may be configured to store
data. In the alternative or in addition, the memory may be a
non-transitory computer readable medium (CRM) wherein the CRM is
configured to store instructions executable by a processor. The
instructions may be stored individually or as groups of
instructions in files. The files may include functions, services,
libraries, and the like. The files may include one or more computer
programs or may be part of a larger computer program. Alternatively
or in addition, each file may include data or other computational
support material useful to carry out the computing functions of the
systems, methods, and apparatus described in the present
disclosure.
[0103] As used in the present disclosure, the term "module" refers
to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic
circuit, a processor and a memory operative to execute one or more
software or firmware programs, combinational logic circuitry, or
other suitable components (hardware, software, or hardware and
software) that provide the functionality described with respect to
the module.
[0104] The terms, "real-time" or "real time," as used herein and in
the claims that follow, are not intended to imply instantaneous
processing, transmission, reception, or otherwise as the case may
be. Instead, the terms, "real-time" and "real time" imply that the
activity occurs over an acceptably short period of time (e.g., over
a period of microseconds or milliseconds), and that the activity
may be performed on an ongoing basis (e.g., recording and reporting
the collection of utility grade power metering data, recording and
reporting IoT data, crowd control data, anomalous action data, and
the like). An example of an activity that is not real-time is one
that occurs over an extended period of time (e.g., hours or days)
or that occurs based on intervention or direction by a person or
other activity.
[0105] In the absence of any specific clarification related to its
express use in a particular context, where the terms "substantial"
or "about" in any grammatical form are used as modifiers in the
present disclosure and any appended claims (e.g., to modify a
structure, a dimension, a measurement, or some other
characteristic), it is understood that the characteristic may vary
by up to 30 percent. For example, a small cell networking device
may be described as being mounted "substantially horizontal," In
these cases, a device that is mounted exactly horizontal is mounted
along an "X" axis and a "Y" axis that is normal (i.e., 90 degrees
or at right angle) to a plane or line formed by a "Z" axis.
Different from the exact precision of the term, "horizontal," and
the use of "substantially" or "about" to modify the characteristic
permits a variance of the particular characteristic by up to 30
percent. As another example, a small cell networking device having
a particular linear dimension of between about six (6) inches and
twelve (12) inches includes such devices in which the linear
dimension varies by up to 30 percent. Accordingly, the particular
linear dimension of the small cell networking device may be between
2.4 inches and 15.6 inches.
[0106] The terms "include" and "comprise" as well as derivatives
thereof, in all of their syntactic contexts, are to be construed
without limitation in an open, inclusive sense, (e.g., "including,
but not limited to"). The term "or," is inclusive, meaning and/or.
The phrases "associated with" and "associated therewith," as well
as derivatives thereof, can be understood as meaning to include, be
included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within,
connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with,
cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to
or with, have, have a property of, or the like.
[0107] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the
specification and claims which follow, the word "comprise" and
variations thereof, such as, "comprises" and "comprising," are to
be construed in an open, inclusive sense, e.g., "including, but not
limited to."
[0108] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment"
or "an embodiment" or "one or more embodiments" and variations
thereof means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the
phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places
throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to
the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,
structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments.
[0109] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless
the content and context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also
be noted that the conjunctive terms, "and" and "or" are generally
employed in the broadest sense to include "and/or" unless the
content and context clearly dictates inclusivity or exclusivity as
the case may be. In addition, the composition of "and" and "or"
when recited herein as "and/or" is intended to encompass an
embodiment that includes all of the associated items or ideas and
one or more other alternative embodiments that include fewer than
all of the associated items or ideas.
[0110] In the present disclosure, conjunctive lists make use of a
comma, which may be known as an Oxford comma, a Harvard comma, a
serial comma, or another like term. Such lists are intended to
connect words, clauses or sentences such that the thing following
the comma is also included in the list.
[0111] As described herein, for simplicity, a user is in some case
described in the context of the male gender. For example, the terms
"his," "him," and the like may be used. It is understood that a
user can be of any gender, and the terms "he," "his," and the like
as used herein are to be interpreted broadly inclusive of all known
gender definitions.
[0112] As the context may require in this disclosure, except as the
context may dictate otherwise, the singular shall mean the plural
and vice versa; all pronouns shall mean and include the person,
entity, firm or corporation to which they relate; and the masculine
shall mean the feminine and vice versa.
[0113] When so arranged as described herein, each computing device
may be transformed from a generic and unspecific computing device
to a combination device comprising hardware and software configured
for a specific and particular purpose. When so arranged as
described herein, to the extent that any of the inventive concepts
described herein are found by a body of competent adjudication to
be subsumed in an abstract idea, the ordered combination of
elements and limitations are expressly presented to provide a
requisite inventive concept by transforming the abstract idea into
a tangible and concrete practical application of that abstract
idea.
[0114] The headings and Abstract of the Disclosure provided herein
are for convenience only and do not limit or interpret the scope or
meaning of the embodiments.
[0115] The various embodiments described above can be combined to
provide further embodiments. Aspects of the embodiments can be
modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents,
application and publications to provide yet further
embodiments.
[0116] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/614,918, filed Jan. 8, 2018 and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/730,488, filed Sep. 12, 2018, which
applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
[0117] These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in
light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the
following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit
the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the
specification and the claims, but should be construed to include
all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents
to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not
limited by the disclosure.
* * * * *