Multipurpose unattended ground sensor node with relay capability
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An unattended sensor with relay capability, comprising:
- a detector that generates an electrical signal in response to a physical stimulus proximate to the sensor;
a signal processor adapted to receive the electrical signal from the detector and operable to generate event messages based on the electrical signal;
a transceiver operable to send and receive messages over a wireless radio link;
a power source operably coupled to the detector, the signal processor and the transceiver; and
a controller in data communication with the detector, the signal processor and the transceiver and operable to configure the sensor in either a sensor mode or a relay mode, wherein the detector and signal processor are operational and the transceiver is conditionally operational when configured in the sensor mode, and the transceiver is operational and the detector and signal processor are non-operational when configured in the relay mode.
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Abstract
An unattended sensor is provided for use in a surveillance system. The sensor is generally comprised of: a detector; a signal processor; a radio transceiver; a power source; and a controller which configures the sensor in either a sensor mode or a relay mode. When configured in the sensor mode, the detector and signal processor are operational and the transceiver is non-operational. When configured in the relay mode, the transceiver is operational but the detector and signal processor are non-operational. In an alternative approach, the detector and the signal process may remain operational in the relay mode.
12 Citations
16 Claims
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1. An unattended sensor with relay capability, comprising:
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a detector that generates an electrical signal in response to a physical stimulus proximate to the sensor; a signal processor adapted to receive the electrical signal from the detector and operable to generate event messages based on the electrical signal; a transceiver operable to send and receive messages over a wireless radio link; a power source operably coupled to the detector, the signal processor and the transceiver; and a controller in data communication with the detector, the signal processor and the transceiver and operable to configure the sensor in either a sensor mode or a relay mode, wherein the detector and signal processor are operational and the transceiver is conditionally operational when configured in the sensor mode, and the transceiver is operational and the detector and signal processor are non-operational when configured in the relay mode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An unattended sensor with relay capability, comprising:
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a detector that generates an electrical signal in response to a physical stimulus proximate to the sensor; a signal processor adapted to receive the electrical signal from the detector and operable to generate event messages based on the electrical signal; a transceiver operable to send and receive messages over a wireless radio link; a power source operably coupled to the detector, the signal processor and the transceiver; and a controller in data communication with the detector, the signal processor and the transceiver and operable to configure the sensor in either a sensor mode or a relay mode, wherein the detector and signal processor are operational and the transceiver is non-operational when configured in the sensor mode, but the controller periodically powers up the transceiver when in sensor mode and cooperatively operates with the transceiver to send messages over the wireless radio link.
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- 11. The unattended sensor of claim 11 wherein the transceiver is operational and the detector and signal processor are non-operational when configured in the relay mode.
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13. A surveillance system comprising:
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a first unattended sensor having a transceiver and configured in a sensor mode; and a second unattended sensor having a detector that generates an electrical signal in response to a physical stimulus proximate to the sensor; a signal processor adapted to receive the electrical signal from the detector and operable to generate event messages based on the electrical signal; a transceiver operable to send and receive messages over a wireless radio link; and a controller operable to store incoming messages intended for the first sensor and transmit the incoming messages to the first sensor upon receipt of a message from the first sensor. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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Specification