SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROCESS MONITORING AND CONTROL
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for monitoring and controlling an industrial process or an industrial setting, comprising the steps of:
- measuring one or more parameters associated with an industrial process or industrial setting with at least one sensor modules adapted for measuring the one or more parameters;
sending, via a cellular or satellite network, one or more signals corresponding to the one or more measurements to an electronic controller adapted for receiving and processing the signals;
transmitting the signals from the cellular or satellite network via the Internet or similar network to the electronic controller;
using the electronic controller for receiving and processing the signals using software comprising instructions executed by the electronic controller;
generating, using the electronic controller, one or more outputs in response to the signals;
transmitting the one or more outputs to one or more devices capable of responding to the outputs and adapted for receiving the outputs via a cellular or satellite network; and
executing one or more actions based on the output, on the monitored process or setting or at one or more remote processes or settings;
wherein the electronic controller is located on and accessible via the Internet or similar network and connected to the sensors and the devices solely via the cellular or satellite network; and
wherein the signal and the output are digital but the parameter measured and the action executed may include digital or analog information.
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Abstract
Methods and systems for monitoring and control of remote processes are provided herein. The methods comprise communications over a cellular or satellite network, and monitoring and control of multiple processes over vast distances. The systems feature a physical or virtual controller connected to and accessible via the Internet. An Internet-accessible user dashboard is also provided.
35 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for monitoring and controlling an industrial process or an industrial setting, comprising the steps of:
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measuring one or more parameters associated with an industrial process or industrial setting with at least one sensor modules adapted for measuring the one or more parameters; sending, via a cellular or satellite network, one or more signals corresponding to the one or more measurements to an electronic controller adapted for receiving and processing the signals; transmitting the signals from the cellular or satellite network via the Internet or similar network to the electronic controller; using the electronic controller for receiving and processing the signals using software comprising instructions executed by the electronic controller; generating, using the electronic controller, one or more outputs in response to the signals; transmitting the one or more outputs to one or more devices capable of responding to the outputs and adapted for receiving the outputs via a cellular or satellite network; and executing one or more actions based on the output, on the monitored process or setting or at one or more remote processes or settings; wherein the electronic controller is located on and accessible via the Internet or similar network and connected to the sensors and the devices solely via the cellular or satellite network; and
wherein the signal and the output are digital but the parameter measured and the action executed may include digital or analog information. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system for monitoring and controlling an industrial process or industrial setting comprising:
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one or more sensor modules adapted for measuring one or more parameters associated with an industrial process or setting and sending a signal corresponding to the measurement via a cellular or satellite network; an electronic controller adapted for receiving and processing signals from each of the plurality of sensor modules, generating one or more outputs in response to each signal, and transmitting the outputs; software adapted for execution by the electronic controller and comprising instructions for processing each signal, and determining what actions to take in response to such signals, generating outputs to accomplish the desired actions, and transmitting the outputs to devices modules at the monitored process or setting, or at one more remote industrial processes or industrial settings; and a plurality of device modules adapted for receiving the outputs and taking an action in response thereto; wherein the electronic controller is accessible via the Internet or a similar network and is in communication with the sensors and the devices at least via the cellular or satellite network;
the one or more signals and the one or more outputs comprise digital information; and
wherein the signals are sent and the outputs are received via a cellular or satellite network and transmission is via the Internet or similar network, for signals subsequent to being sent and for outputs prior to being received, respectively. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of mitigating the safety, environmental, economic, or legal consequences of an industrial problem or accident comprising the steps of:
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implementing a system for monitoring and controlling an industrial process or setting comprising; one or more sensor modules adapted for measuring one or more parameters associated with an industrial process or setting and sending a signal corresponding to the measurement via a cellular or satellite network; an electronic controller adapted for receiving and processing signals from each of the plurality of sensor modules, generating one or more outputs in response to each signal, and transmitting the outputs; software adapted for execution by the electronic controller and comprising instructions for processing each signal, and determining what actions to take in response to such signals, generating outputs to accomplish the desired actions, and transmitting the outputs to devices modules at the monitored process or setting, or at one more remote industrial processes or industrial settings; a plurality of device modules adapted for receiving the outputs and taking an action in response thereto; and at least one server for storing information regarding the process, serving the software in a form readable by the controller, and serving a web-based user portal;
wherein the server and user portal are accessible from any location via the Internet or similar network;wherein the electronic controller is in communication with the sensor modules and the device modules at least via the cellular or satellite network; and
in communication with the server via the Internet or similar networkemploying the system to detect a signal indicative of a potential problem or accident with safety, environmental, economic, or legal consequences; and sending outputs via the system for one or more of the following; activating one or more alarms or emergency evacuation systems for any personnel in the vicinity of the problem or accident; logging useful data in connection to the problem or accident;
said data comprising at least the signals corresponding to process measurements;activating a local or remote system for recording audio and/or visual information related to the problem or accident; switching on or off, or adjusting a setting in one or more aspects of the industrial process or a remote process; and alerting one or more parties comprising an engineer, a manager, first responders, an executive, a regulatory authority, an emergency department, a health authority, an insurer, a legal advisor, or an investor about the problem; providing access to the logged data to one or more of the parties alerted; and continuing to log available data related to or about the problem or accident. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification