Automated remote monitoring system for construction sites
First Claim
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1. A system for remote monitoring of construction sites comprising:
- a camera located at a remote construction site;
the camera being capable of taking high resolution image files at pre-determined time intervals;
a power source providing power to the camera;
a connection from the camera to the Internet via cellular means;
a remote server for moving image files to a database located remote from the construction site;
a web interface connected to the remote server and the database for displaying the image files;
the database storing the image files;
a timer connected to the camera, controlling the transmission of the image files from the camera to the server at set time intervals;
the timer blocking power at pre-determined time intervals causing the camera to reboot;
a controller for restricting access to the power source; and
a solid-state memory chip located in the camera for temporary storage of image files.
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Abstract
The present invention relates generally to automated remote monitoring of construction projects. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for providing worldwide access to high-resolution images of construction projects, where the images are archived through the life of the project and can be accessed through secure connections to the Internet.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A system for remote monitoring of construction sites comprising:
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a camera located at a remote construction site;
the camera being capable of taking high resolution image files at pre-determined time intervals;
a power source providing power to the camera;
a connection from the camera to the Internet via cellular means;
a remote server for moving image files to a database located remote from the construction site;
a web interface connected to the remote server and the database for displaying the image files;
the database storing the image files;
a timer connected to the camera, controlling the transmission of the image files from the camera to the server at set time intervals;
the timer blocking power at pre-determined time intervals causing the camera to reboot;
a controller for restricting access to the power source; and
a solid-state memory chip located in the camera for temporary storage of image files. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method for operating a system for remote monitoring of construction sites comprising:
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starting a first script which operates the image programs upon the rebooting of the system;
running the script at pre-determined time intervals;
storing information on a solid-state memory chip located on a camera concerning Internet connections, camera settings, and time intervals;
connecting to the Internet via a number of pre-determined Internet service providers;
if the system could not connect via the pre-determined Internet service providers, connecting to the Internet via a pre-determined fail-safe number;
if no connection can be made via the fail-safe number rebooting a controller;
tracking reasons for connection failures;
running a second script which handles system diagnostic programs;
creating an image file with the camera containing camera identification information;
transmitting the image file to the server;
transmitting the image file from the server to a database;
displaying the image file on a web interface. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification