DISTRIBUTED WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORK AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME
First Claim
1. A wireless monitoring system comprising:
- a controller operably connected to a light emitting means; and
a wireless node assembly in operable communication with the controller and configured to transmit one or more parameters to the controller, one of the parameters identifying a power state of the wireless node assembly;
wherein the controller is configured to identify the power state from the one parameter and to activate the light emitting means in response to the identified power state;
wherein the activated light emitting means is configured to emit a light energy; and
wherein the wireless node assembly is configured to absorb the emitted light energy and convert the light energy into electricity for recharging the wireless node assembly.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A wireless monitoring system and method of using the same is provided. The monitoring system includes a controller, wireless node assembly (WNA), and light emitting means. The controller is connected to the light emitting means for controlling its operation in response to messages received from the WNA. The messages may include information identifying the location of the WNA, and the power remaining in its power source. In response to the received message, the controller is configured to determine whether the power remaining is below a predetermined value requiring the power source to be recharged. Upon determining that the power source needs recharging, the controller activates the light emitting means such that a light energy is emitted and is in the line-of-sight of a sensor power adapter connected to the power source. The sensor power adapter is configured to convert the light energy into electricity for recharging the power source.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A wireless monitoring system comprising:
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a controller operably connected to a light emitting means; and a wireless node assembly in operable communication with the controller and configured to transmit one or more parameters to the controller, one of the parameters identifying a power state of the wireless node assembly; wherein the controller is configured to identify the power state from the one parameter and to activate the light emitting means in response to the identified power state; wherein the activated light emitting means is configured to emit a light energy; and wherein the wireless node assembly is configured to absorb the emitted light energy and convert the light energy into electricity for recharging the wireless node assembly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 18, 19)
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11. The system of claim 11,
wherein the updated power state represents that a power source of the wireless node assembly has a power level at the power source'"'"'s power capacity.
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13. A distributed wireless monitoring system for use in a power generation plant having one or more power generation units, the system comprising:
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a controller operably connected to a light emitting means within the power generation plant; and a plurality of wireless node assemblies distributed throughout the power generation plant, wherein each wireless node assembly is in operable communication with the controller and is configured to transmit a message to the controller, the message identifying a parameter of the one or more power generation units, a power state of one of the plurality of wireless node assemblies; wherein the controller is configured to identify the power state and location from the message, and to activate the light emitting means in response to the identified power state; wherein the activated light emitting means is configured to emit a light energy therefrom, and is positioned within the power generation plant relative to the identified location such that the emitted light energy is in line-of-sight of the wireless node assembly; and wherein the wireless node assembly is configured to absorb the emitted light energy and convert the light energy into electricity for recharging the wireless node assembly. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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20. A method in a controller, under the control of a controller application, for sustaining a wireless node assembly of a monitoring system, comprising the steps of:
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identifying a power state of the wireless node assembly; determining if the identified power state represents that a power level of the wireless node assembly is within a predefined range to recharge the wireless node assembly; and upon determining that the power level is within the predefined range, activating a light emitting means operatively connected to the controller, and in response to the determined power level, the light emitting means positioned relative to the wireless done assembly such that a light energy emitted from the light emitting means is within a line of sight of the wireless node assembly. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22)
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Specification