Remote Monitoring of Fixed Structures

• US 20080282817A1
• Filed: 10/26/2007
• Published: 11/20/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/11/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Intelligent Technologies International, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Intelligent Technologies International, Inc.
• Inventors: Breed, David S.
• Granted Patent: US 8,384,538 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 73/865.9
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 11/24 Wear-indicating arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 11/246 Tread wear monitoring systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 19/00 Tyre parts or constructions not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/002 Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon detection means responsive to presence or absence of children B60N2/266
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0025 by using weight measurement
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0035 characterised by the sensor data transmission, e.g. wired connections or wireless transmitters therefor; characterised by the sensor data processing, e.g. seat sensor signal amplification or electric circuits for providing seat sensor information
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0268 using sensors or detectors for adapting the seat or seat part, e.g. to the position of an occupant
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0272 using sensors or detectors for detecting the position of seat parts
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/267 alerting means responsive to presence or absence of children
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/268 detecting or alerting means responsive to the installation of the child seats in the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2210/30 Temperature sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2210/42 Strain gauges
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2230/20 Wireless data transmission
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2230/30 Signal processing of sensor data
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/037 for occupant comfort , e.g. for automatic adjustment of appliances according to personal settings, e.g. seats, mirrors, steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1223 with sensors or transducers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/0027 Post collision measures, e.g. notifying emergency services
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/01315 monitoring occupant displacement
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/23153 specially adapted for rear seat passengers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/26094 : characterised by fluid flow controlling valves
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/2765 : comprising means to control the venting
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/208 : by automatic or remote control means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/288 : with means to adjust or regulate the amount of energy to be absorbed
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/4685 : with means to adjust or regulate the tensioning force in relation to external parameters
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/4825 : for sensing amount of belt winded on retractor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0134 : responsive to imminent contact with an obstacle , e.g. using radar systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/015 : including means for detecting the presence or position of passengers, passenger seats or child seats , and the related safety parameters therefor, e.g. speed or timing of airbag inflation in relation to occupant position or seat belt use
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01516 : using force or pressure sensing means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0153 : using field detection presence sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01532 : using electric or capacitive field sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01534 : using electromagneticwaves, e.g. infrared
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01536 : using ultrasonic waves
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01538 : for image processing, e.g. cameras or sensor arrays
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01542 : detecting passenger motion
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01544 : detecting seat belt parameters, e.g. length, tension or height-adjustment
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01546 : using belt buckle sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01548 : sensing the amount of belt winded on retractor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01552 : detecting position of specific human body parts, e.g. face, eyes or hands
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01554 : Seat position sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/203 : in steering wheels or steering columns
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/21656 : Steering wheel covers or similar cup-shaped covers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/276 : with means to vent the inflation fluid source, e.g. in case of overpressure B60R21/30 takes precedence; venting means on inflatable member walls B60R21/239
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/201 : with the belt anchor connected to a slider movable in a vehicle-mounted track for passive restraint systems B60R22/06
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/105 : Radio frequency identification data [RFID]
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/304 : Boats
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/1004 : Alarm systems characterised by the type of sensor, e.g. current sensing means using door lock sensors B60R25/1001
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/102 : a signal being sent to a remote location, e.g. a radio signal being transmitted to a police station, a security company or the owner
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/25 : using biometry
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/252 : Fingerprint recognition
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/255 : Eye recognition
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/257 : Voice recognition
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 1/115 : with magnetic or electromagnetic coupling to the indicating device
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 1/663 : by measuring Doppler frequency shift
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 1/667 : Arrangements of transducers for ultrasonic flowmeters; Circuits for operating ultrasonic flowmeters
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 15/06 : Indicating or recording devices
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 15/063 : using electrical means
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/20 : by measurement of weight, e.g. to determine the level of stored liquefied gas
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/292 : Light , e.g. infrared or ultraviolet
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/2962 : Measuring transit time of reflected waves
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/804 : containing circuits handling parameters other than liquid level
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/04 : Systems determining presence of a target based on relative movement of target G01S13/56
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/74 : Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/876 : Combination of several spaced transponders or reflectors of known location for determining the position of a receiver G01S13/874 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/04 : Systems determining presence of a target
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/06 : Systems determining the position data of a target
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/42 : Simultaneous measurement of distance and other co-ordinates indirect measurement G01S15/46
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/87 : Combinations of sonar systems
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/88 : Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications seismic or acoustic prospecting or detecting G01V1/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/04 : Systems determining the presence of a target
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/88 : Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/89 : for mapping or imaging
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/003 : Transmission of data between radar, sonar or lidar systems and remote stations
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/417 : involving the use of neural networks
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/4802 : using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation; Target signature; Target cross-section
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/539 : using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation; Target signature; Target cross-section
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0219 : Special purpose keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0233 : Character input methods
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0237 : using prediction or retrieval techniques
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0238 : Programmable keyboards key guide holders G06F3/0224
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 : Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/59 : inside of a vehicle, e.g. relating to seat occupancy, driver state or inner lighting conditions
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/008 : communicating information to a remotely located station transmission systems for measured values G08C
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/0808 : Diagnosing performance data testing of vehicles G01M17/00; testing of electrical installation on vehicles G01R31/005
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2462 : Asset location systems combined with EAS inventory, tracking, logistic G06Q10/00; entrance control systems G07C9/00
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/248 : EAS system combined with another detection technology, e.g. dual EAS and video or other presence detection system
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/006 : Alarm destination chosen according to type of event, e.g. in case of fire phone the fire service, in case of medical emergency phone the ambulance
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 2210/1282 : Automobiles
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 2210/3219 : Geometry of the configuration
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/3233 : particular used as part of a sensor or in a security system, e.g. for automotive radar, navigation systems
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/3291 : mounted in or on other locations inside the vehicle or vehicle body

Abstract

Arrangement and method for monitoring a structure at a fixed location, e.g., a house, parked boat or parked airplane, includes a monitoring or sensor system arranged to obtain information about the structure, an exterior of the structure and/or an interior of the structure different than the location of the structure, and a communication system coupled to the sensor system and being provided with a location of the structure. The communication system transmits the information about the structure obtained by the sensor system and the location of the structure to a remote facility. The remote facility can therefore monitor the structure, and take steps to ensure the integrity of the reservoir and the fluid therein. To enable wireless and powerless monitoring, a power source independent of a power grid extending outside of the fixed structure may be provided to supply power to the sensor system and the communications unit.

Claims

1. An arrangement for monitoring a structure at a fixed location, comprising:

a sensor system arranged to obtain information about the structure or an interior of the structure different than the location of the structure; and

a communication system coupled to said sensor system and being provided with a location of the structure, said communication system being arranged to transmit the information about the structure obtained by said sensor system and the location of the structure to a remote facility.

2. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein said sensor system includes at least one of an electromagnetic sensor, camera, ultrasound sensor, capacitive sensor, chemical sensor, moisture sensor, radiation sensor, biological sensor, temperature sensor, pressure sensor and radiation sensor.

3. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein said sensor system includes at least one of an intruder sensor, a fire detector, a smoke detector, a water detector and a pollution sensor.

4. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein said sensor system is arranged to periodically obtain information about the structure and provide the information to said communications systems which transmits the information to the remote facility.

5. The arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a power source independent of a power grid extending outside of the fixed structure for providing power to said sensor system and said communications unit.

6. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein said sensor system further comprises an initiation device for periodically initiating said sensor system to obtain information about the fixed structure, further comprising a wakeup sensor system for detecting the occurrence of an internal or external event, or the absence of an event for a time period, requiring a change in the frequency of monitoring of the fixed structure, said initiation device being coupled to said wakeup sensor system and being arranged to change the rate at which it initiates said sensor system to obtain information about the fixed structure in response to the detected occurrence of an internal or external event by said wakeup sensor system.

7. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein said sensor system is controllable by the remote facility to obtain information about the fixed structure.

8. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the fixed structure is a house, boat or airplane.

9. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein said sensor system includes an integral energy providing system and is wirelessly connected to said processor.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising wirelessly coupling the communication system to the sensor system.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

monitoring an environment around the fixed structure to obtain information about the environment around the fixed structure; and

transmitting the information about the environment around the fixed structure to the remote facility along with the information about the fixed structure and the location of the fixed structure.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising periodically initiating the sensor system to obtain information about the fixed structure.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

detecting the occurrence of an internal or external event, or the absence of an event for a time period, requiring a change in the frequency of monitoring of the fixed structure;

changing the rate at which the sensor system obtains information about the fixed structure in response to the detected occurrence of an internal or external event.

14. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

arranging at least one reactive system to adjust a condition in the fixed structure; and

controlling the at least one reactive system by the remote facility based on the transmitted information about the fixed structure obtained by the sensor system.

15. The method of claim 9, further comprising controlling the sensor system via the remote facility to obtain information about the fixed structure.

9-1. A method for monitoring a fixed structure, comprising:

arranging a sensor system to obtain information about the fixed structure different than the location of the body of fluid;

obtaining information about the fixed structure via the sensor system; and

transmitting the obtained information about the fixed structure and the location of the fixed structure to a remote facility.