System and method for distributed monitoring of surroundings using telemetry of data from remote sensors

• US 6,670,810 B2
• Filed: 04/25/2001
• Issued: 12/30/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 04/25/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Airak, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Airak, Inc.
• Inventors: Christian, Sean Michael, Duncan, Paul G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Patidar, Jay
• Assistant Examiner(s): ZAVERI, SUBHASH
• Application Number:
  US09/841,164
• Publication Number:
  US 20020043969A1
• Time in Patent Office: 979 Days
• Field of Search: 324/244.1, 324/250, 324/259, 324/260, 324/96, 324/110, 340/870.11, 340/870.17, 359/280, 359/281, 359/282, 359/283
• US Class Current: 324/244.1
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/008 Control or steering systems not provided for elsewhere in subclass C02F
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2209/008 comprising telecommunication features, e.g. modems or antennas
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/002 with telemetering systems telemetering in general G08C
• CPC Class Codes: Y02W 10/37 using solar energy

Abstract

A system and method for gathering and analyzing data captured from one or more remote sensing units positioned in the field. Remote sensing units preferably utilize optical sensors. Power to sensing unit components is preferably selectively controlled to reduce power consumption. Remote sensing units according to the invention can be used for a variety of purposes, including water quality or electrical power monitoring, and data from such sensing units is preferably transmitted to a secure host terminal via a communications link. The host terminal preferably formats, analyzes, and stores the data for customer review and retrieval. If alarm conditions exist that require immediate customer notification, such notification can be sent to a customer via one or more telecommunications means. Through the use of the present invention, businesses can shift from a reactive to a proactive mode of monitoring and operation.

Claims

1. A remote sensing unit, comprising:

at least one optical sensor, for measuring various aspects of the environmental in parameters in proximity to a remote sensing unit;

at least one signal processor, for processing measurements from said at least one sensor;

a two-way telemetry function, for sending data to and receiving data from a host terminal;

a tamper detection system for determining when said remote sensing unit has been opened;

at least one controller, for storing results from said at least one signal processor, controlling power availability to selected devices associated with said remote sensing unit, and for processing data from said host terminal; and

,

at least one power supply, for distributing controlled power to selected devices associated with said remote sensing unit.

2. The remote sensing unit of claim 1, in which said optical sensor can detect electrical current flow.

3. The remote sensing unit of claim 1, in which said optical sensor can detect the chemical composition of an environment surrounding said sensors.

4. The remote sensing unit of claim 1, in which said at least one sensor includes a biocide to retard or eliminate biofouling.

5. The remote sensing unit of claim 1, in which said at least one controller includes a microprocessor.

6. The remote sensing unit of claim 1, in which said at least one controller can control power distribution from said one or more power supplies to other remote sensing unit components.

7. The remote sensing unit of claim 1, in which said at least one power supply receives traditional electrical power.

8. The remote sensing unit of claim 1, in which said at least one power supply receives power from an alternative energy source.

9. The remote sensing unit of claim 1, in which said two-way telemetry function includes one or more cellular telephone interfaces.

10. The remote sensing unit of claim 1, in which said two-way telemetry function is comprised of plain old telephone service.

11. The remote sensing unit of claim 1, in which said two-way telemetry function is comprised of a wireless, point to point radio frequency interface.

12. The remote sensing unit of claim 1, in which said two-way telemetry function is comprised of a wireless satellite interface.

13. The remote sensing unit of claim 1, further comprising position determination device.

14. The remote sensing unit of claim 13, in which said position determination device is a Global Positioning System receiver.

15. A remote sensing method, comprising the steps of:

controlling power available to selected remote sensing unit components;

using at least one optical sensor to measure at least one aspect of the environmental parameters in proximity to said remote sensing unit;

processing and storing said at least one measured aspect as data; and

, monitoring said remote sensing unit for evidence of tempering function;

using a two way telemetry means to transmit and receive said data from a host terminal.

16. The remote sensing method of claim 15, further comprising the step of defining appropriate intervals during which said controlled power is available to said remote sensing unit components based on control information received from said host terminal.