초록 ▼

A method for automatically initializing a wireless, packet-hopping network, such as a building system control network which is used to control the operation of a building system, such as a lighting, security, and/or HVAC system. In accordance with this initialization method, each node in the network

A method for automatically initializing a wireless, packet-hopping network, such as a building system control network which is used to control the operation of a building system, such as a lighting, security, and/or HVAC system. In accordance with this initialization method, each node in the network first determines its entire connectivity, i.e., its connectivity to every other node in the network within a prescribed range thereof, and then routes this connectivity information to the building computer. This connectivity information is transmitted in a packet or set of packets that are routed to the building computer, thus minimizing the volume of traffic that the building computer and the nodes nearest thereto must handle, and thus, significantly reducing the probability of collisions of the connectivity information packets. This connectivity information is transmitted using a "software handshaking" technique to ensure that all of the connectivity information is received by the building computer. According to this software handshaking scheme, a packet which includes a byte having a special command value informs the building computer as to how many packets of connectivity information for that particular node remain to be received before all of the connectivity information for that node has been transferred to the building computer.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for initializing a wireless network which includes a central node and a plurality of individual nodes, comprising the steps of:issuing an initialization request to each individual node; and,wherein, in response to said initialization request, each individual node

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for initializing a wireless network which includes a central node and a plurality of individual nodes, comprising the steps of:issuing an initialization request to each individual node; and,wherein, in response to said initialization request, each individual node performs a self-initialization routine which includes the steps of determining its entire connectivity wherein all nodes in communication with said individual node are identified, compiling corresponding nodal connectivity information, and then, after compiling said nodal connectivity information, transmitting said nodal connectivity information to the central node.