Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for selecting a suitable proxy to be used for adding a new node to an existing wireless mesh network and quickly finding the new node and bringing it into a wireless mesh network. More specifically, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, a neighbor of the target node can be automatically and quickly found and used as a proxy to update the network settings of the target node, enabling the target node to communicate on an existing network. In some embodiments, a proxy node can be selected based on relative locations of the new and existing nodes, as indicated by a site map.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for synchronizing nodes in a mesh network. A system in some embodiments may comprise a node having a counter that is incremented using a non-linear counting function. The node may be incremented using the function at intervals as measured by an internal oscillator of the node. The counter may also be incremented by a fixed amount when receiving a sync-packet from neighboring nodes. The non-linear counting function effectively smooths out the variability of the internal oscillator while the synchronization packet acts to keep the value of the counter synchronized with the value of the counters of neighboring nodes. This allows nodes in a mesh network to be synchronized for certain events while avoiding the issues of other synchronization techniques.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reducing network traffic in a mesh network by reducing the number of status messages communicated over the network. The nodes of the network can provide status information to a gateway based on each node's distance from the gateway. The closer nodes respond to the request from the gateway first and then the farther nodes respond to the request. When a node is ready to transmit a status message with status information to the gateway, the node sends the message to the nodes in communication with the transmitting node. One of the closer nodes that receives the message then forwards the message to additional nodes in communication with the forwarding node, while the other nodes that received the message do not forward the message. The process of forwarding messages by a single closer node is repeated until the status information is received by the gateway.

Abstract: To speed up a firmware update process, a gateway performs an expedited topological discovery of networked nodes. The gateway maintains a list of unlinked network nodes that are not known to share good edges with other nodes. The gateway transmits a topology query to a selected unlinked node, which the node retransmits to its neighboring nodes. Each neighboring node responds to the gateway with a link status of the edge between the queried node and the neighbor. The queried node and each neighboring node with an edge of sufficient link quality are removed from the list of unlinked nodes. The process is repeated until no networked nodes remain in the list of unlinked nodes. The gateway then sends a firmware update to nodes that will in turn retransmit the update over identified good edges.

Abstract: A method of installing an inground vehicle lift includes the steps of excavating an area to create a pit, lowering a housing which encloses the mechanical components of the lift into the pit via a support structure, coupling the housing with a lower rebar system and an upper rebar system via a plurality of anchors and a plurality of angled support members before or after lowering the housing into the pit, leveling the housing, pouring concrete into the pit to a level such that the lower rebar system is sufficiently embedded within the concrete, allowing the concrete to partially cure, detaching the housing from the support structure, backfilling the pit with backfill material, installing insulation within the pit above the backfill material, and pouring concrete into the pit to a level such that the upper rebar system is sufficiently embedded within the concrete.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system are described to capture and share photos of a game board within an online gaming environment. In some example embodiments, the method and system includes a photo system that enables players to capture photos of their game boards, such as their decorated game boards, and share these photos with other players within their social network, within their gaming network, within a shared game, and so on. In some example embodiments, the photo system may facilitate the reception of feedback, and display information associated with the feedback along with the photos. In some example embodiments, the photo system may perform one or more actions associated with captured photos.