System and method for distributed monitoring of surroundings using telemetry of data from remote sensors
First Claim
1. A remote sensing unit, comprising:
- at least one sensor, for measuring various aspects of the environment in proximity to a sensing unit;
at least one signal processor, for processing measurements from said at least one sensor;
a two-way telemetry function, for sending data to and receiving data from a host terminal;
a tamper detection system for determining when said remote sensing unit has been opened;
at least one controller, for storing results from said at least one signal processor, controlling power availability to selected devices associated with said remote sensing unit, and for processing data from said host terminal; and
, at least one power supply, for distributing controlled power to selected devices associated with said remote sensing unit.
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Abstract
A system and method for gathering and analyzing data captured from one or more remote sensing units positioned in the field. Remote sensing units preferably utilize optical sensors. Power to sensing unit components is preferably selectively controlled to reduce power consumption. Remote sensing units according to the invention can be used for a variety of purposes, including water quality or electrical power monitoring, and data from such sensing units is preferably transmitted to a secure host terminal via a communications link. The host terminal preferably formats, analyzes, and stores the data for customer review and retrieval. If alarm conditions exist that require immediate customer notification, such notifications can be sent to a customer via one or more telecommunications means. Through the use of the present invention, businesses can shift from a reactive to a proactive mode of monitoring and operation.
25 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A remote sensing unit, comprising:
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at least one sensor, for measuring various aspects of the environment in proximity to a sensing unit;
at least one signal processor, for processing measurements from said at least one sensor;
a two-way telemetry function, for sending data to and receiving data from a host terminal;
a tamper detection system for determining when said remote sensing unit has been opened;
at least one controller, for storing results from said at least one signal processor, controlling power availability to selected devices associated with said remote sensing unit, and for processing data from said host terminal; and
,at least one power supply, for distributing controlled power to selected devices associated with said remote sensing unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. ) A remote sensing method, comprising the steps of:
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controlling power available to selected remote sensing unit components;
measuring at least one aspect of the environment in proximity to said remote sensing unit;
processing and storing said at least one measured aspect as data; and
,transmitting said data to a host terminal. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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Specification