Data collection using sensing units and separate control units with all power derived from the control units

• US 7,478,108 B2
• Filed: 12/06/2000
• Issued: 01/13/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/06/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Lord Corporation (Parker-Hannifin Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Micro Strain Incorporated
• Inventors: Townsend, Christopher P., Arms, Steven W
• Primary Examiner(s): Le; Uyen T.
• Application Number:
  US09/731,066
• Publication Number:
  US 20020024450A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,960 Days
• Field of Search: 707/104.1, 705/2, 705/3, 340/539, 340/540, 320/138, 188/378, 607/32, 607/33, 607/34
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/002 Monitoring the patient using a local or closed circuit, e.g. in a room or building A61B5/0017 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0022 Monitoring a patient using a global network, e.g. telephone networks, internet
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4504 Bones A61B5/4547 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0446 worn on the body to detect changes of posture, e.g. a fall, inclination, acceleration, gait
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0453 worn on the body to detect health condition by physiological monitoring, e.g. electrocardiogram, temperature, breathing detecting, measuring or recording for diagnostic purposes A61B5/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99945 Object-oriented database structure processing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99948 Application of database or data structure, e.g. distributed, multimedia, or image

Abstract

A data collection apparatus includes a sensing unit for attaching to a structure or live subject for sensing a parameter of the structure or live subject. The sensing unit includes a sensor, a data storage device, and a transmitting device. The data storage device is for storing data from the sensor. The apparatus also includes a control unit that is separable from the sensing unit. The control unit includes a data receiving device and a second data storage device different from said first storage device. The data receiving device is to receive data transmitted from the data sensing unit. The second data storage device is for storing the data received from the sensing unit. The apparatus also includes a triggering device for modifying the storing of data being stored to the first data storage device or for initiating transmission of data from the sensing unit to the control unit. The triggering device is controlled by a real time change in information about the structure or live subject.

Claims

1. A data collection apparatus, comprising:

a sensing unit for sensing a parameter comprising a sensor, a first data storage device, a first receiving device, and a first transmitting device, said first data storage device for storing data from said sensor, said first transmitting device for transmitting data derived from said sensor;

a control unit separate from said sensing unit, said control unit comprising a second receiving device, a second transmitting device, and a second data storage device different from said first data storage device, said second receiving device to receive data transmitted from said sensing unit, said second data storage device for storing said data received from said sensing unit wherein said sensing unit is configured so a real time signal triggers a change in at least one from the group consisting of;

(a) sensor data handling, (b) sensor data collection, (c) sensor data storage in said sensing unit, and (d) sensor data transmission from said sensing unit, wherein all power for powering said sensing unit is derived from said control unit.

2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said sensor comprises at least one from the group consisting of an accelerometer, a displacement sensor, a strain gauge, a pressure gauge, a thermometer, a flow monitor, a heart monitor, an electrocardiogram (EKG), an electromyogram (EMG), an electroencephalogram (EEG), a blood monitor, a force gauge, a humidity monitor, a growth rate monitor, a ripeness monitor, a light intensity gauge, a radiation detector, a chemical detector, a corrosion detector, and a toxic monitor.

3. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said sensor comprises an array of said accelerometers.

4. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said sensor comprises a linear accelerometer.

5. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said sensor comprises a resistive accelerometer.

6. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said sensor comprises an angular accelerometer.

7. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said sensor comprises a piezoelectric accelerometer.

8. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said sensor detects vibration.

9. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said sensing unit is attached to at least one from the group consisting of an architectural structure and a vehicle.

10. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said sensing unit is worn by a live subject.

11. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said sensing unit further comprises a microprocessor.

12. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein said microprocessor is connected to said first storage device, said first transmitting device, and said first receiving device.

13. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein said microprocessor comprises a triggering device for triggering said change.

14. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein said microprocessor comprises a triggering device that initiates transmission of data from said sensing unit to said control unit, wherein said triggering device is controlled by a real time change in said data.

15. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said sensing unit further comprises a power supply.

16. The apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein said power supply comprises a rechargeable battery.

17. The apparatus as recited in claim 16, further comprising a circuit for recharging said battery by inductive coupling.

18. The apparatus as recited in claim 17, further comprising a hermetically sealed housing, wherein said sensor and said circuit for recharging are in said housing and said coupling is through said housing.

19. The apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein said circuit for recharging is in said housing and an antenna for said coupling is located outside said housing.

20. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said first receiving device comprises an RF receiver for receiving said real time signal.

21. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said first transmitting device includes an RF transmitter.

22. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said sensing unit includes a clock, wherein said control unit includes a time reference, and wherein said second transmitting device is configured to send a timing signal to said sensing unit for synchronizing said clock to said time reference.

23. The apparatus as recited in claim 22, wherein a plurality of sensing units include clocks, wherein said timing signal synchronizes said clocks on a plurality of said sensing units.

24. The apparatus as recited in claim 22, wherein said first storage device is connected to receive and record said timing signal.

25. The apparatus as recited in claim 22, wherein said timing signal synchronizes clocks on said sensing unit and on another apparatus.

26. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said first data storage device continually records.

27. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said sensing unit further includes a feedback device for adjusting said parameter based on said data.

28. The apparatus as recited in claim 27, further comprising a sensor for detecting excessive vibration, wherein said feedback device is an active damping element to reduce vibration in response to excessive vibration.

29. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said second data storage device comprises a computer.

30. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said control unit further comprises a device to signal a user that data exceeding a preset threshold has been reached.

31. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of sensing units, wherein said second transmitting device is connected to transmit address information to said sensing units to activate at least one from the group consisting of all of said sensing units, specific ones of said sensing units, and an individual sensing unit of said plurality of sensing units.

32. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a host computer, wherein said control unit is connected to said host computer.

33. The apparatus as recited in claim 32, wherein said host computer is configured to accept user input, wherein a user operating on said host computer sends a signal for triggering data collection.

34. The apparatus as recited in claim 33, further comprising a triggering device.

35. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said sensing unit is configured so data from said sensor triggers transmission from said sensing unit to said control unit.

36. The apparatus as recited in claim 35, wherein said sensing unit is configured to trigger transmission from said sensing unit to said control unit once sensor data exceeds a threshold value.

37. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said first data storage device is controlled by data received by said sensor.

38. The apparatus as recited in claim 37, wherein when said data received by said sensor reaches a threshold, data in said first storage device is retained.

39. The apparatus as recited in claim 38, wherein said retained data includes data received after said data received by said sensor reaches said threshold.

40. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said sensing unit is configured to be triggered by at least one from the group consisting of a real time change in information that exceeds a predetermined threshold, a change in information about a structure or subject being monitored, detection of inactivity for a period of time exceeding a predetermined time, receiving a signal from an analyst, an event sensed by said sensor, and receiving a real time signal from said control unit to said sensing unit.

41. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said control unit comprises a first part and a second part, wherein said first part includes said second receiving device, said second transmitting device, and said second data storage device, wherein said second part includes a power amplifier, a signal generator and a transmitter coil, wherein said second part is separate from said first part, wherein all power for powering said sensing unit is derived from said second part.

42. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a hermetically sealed housing, wherein said sensing unit is located in said hermetically sealed housing.

43. The apparatus as recited in claim 42 wherein said housing comprises at least one from the group consisting of titanium and ceramic.

44. The apparatus as recited in claim 42, wherein said sensing unit further comprises an antenna, wherein said antenna extends outside said housing and is connected within said housing through a penetration in said housing.

45. A method of collecting data, comprising:

a) providing a sensing unit for sensing a parameter said sensing unit comprising a sensor, a first data storage device, a first receiving device, and a first transmitting device, said first data storage device for storing data from said sensor, said first transmitting device for transmitting data derived from said sensor;

b) providing a control unit separate from said sensing unit, said control unit comprising a second receiving device, a second transmitting device, and a second data storage device different from said first storage device, said second receiving device for receiving data transmitted from said sensing unit, said second data storage device for storing said data received from said sensing unit, wherein all power for powering said sensing unit is derived from said control unit;

c) transmitting a real time signal from said control unit to said first receiving device to trigger a change in at least one from the group consisting of sensor data handling, sensor data collection, storage of sensor data in said first sensing unit, and transmission of data from said sensing unit;

d) triggering transmitting data from said first sensing unit to said second receiving device.

46. The method as recited in claim 45, wherein said triggering transmitting data includes generating a trigger signal within said sensing unit.

47. A data collection apparatus, comprising a network of addressable sensing units and a separate control unit, wherein each addressable sensing unit of said network of addressable sensing units has an individual address, wherein said control unit includes a communications device for transmitting address information to communicate with an individual addressable sensing unit based on said individual address, wherein said sensing units each comprise a sensor, a microprocessor, a first data storage device connected to said microprocessor, a first transmitting device and a first receiving device, wherein said sensing units are configured so a real time signal from said control unit to at least one said sensing unit triggers a change in at least one from the group consisting of:

(a) data handling, (b) data collection, and (c) data storage in said sensing unit, and (d) sensor data transmission from said sensing unit to said control unit, wherein all power for powering said sensing units is derived from said control unit.

48. The apparatus as recited in claim 47, wherein said control unit comprises a second transmitter, a second receiver, and a second data storage device for storing data received from said sensing units.

49. The apparatus as recited in claim 48, wherein said second transmitter is connected to transmit address information to activate at least one from the group consisting of all of said sensing units, specific ones of said sensing units, and one of said sensing units.

50. The apparatus as recited in claim 48, wherein said control unit is configured to provide an address to query each sensing unit individually.

51. The apparatus as recited in claim 48, wherein said second transmitting device transmits a timing signal for synchronizing said plurality of sensing units.

52. The apparatus as recited in claim 47, wherein said microprocessor is programmed to do at least one from the group consisting of:

(a) query, (b) activate, and (c) send timing information to each sensing unit individually, and (d) activate all sensing units at once.

53. The apparatus as recited in claim 47, wherein said sensing units further comprise a signal conditioner, an analog to digital (A/D) converter, and a clock for microprocessor functions and to track time.

54. The apparatus as recited in claim 47, wherein said first data storage device is connected to said first transmitting device for transmitting data to said control unit when a real time signal triggering transmission is received.

55. The apparatus as recited in claim 47, wherein said first transmitter and said second transmitter are wireless transmitters.

56. The apparatus as recited in claim 47, wherein each said sensing unit further comprises a triggering device.

57. The apparatus as recited in claim 47, wherein each said sensing unit is configured so data from said sensor triggers transmission from said sensing unit to said control unit.

58. The apparatus as recited in claim 57, wherein each said sensing unit is configured to trigger transmission from said sensing unit to said control unit once sensor data exceeds a threshold value.

59. A data collection apparatus, comprising:

a plurality of sensing units for sensing a parameter, said sensing units each comprising a sensor, a first data storage device, a first transmitting device and a first receiving device;

a control unit separate from said sensing units, said control unit comprising a second transmitting device, a second receiving device, and a second data storage device, said second data storage device for storing data received from said sensing units, wherein each of said sensing units is configured so a real time signal from said control unit to said sensing unit is configured to trigger transmitting data derived from said sensor by said first transmitting device to said second receiving device; and

wherein each sensing unit of said plurality of sensing units has unique address, and wherein said control unit includes a communications device for transmitting address information to communicate with an individual sensing unit based on said unique address, wherein all power for powering said individual sensing unit is derived from said control unit.

60. The apparatus as recited in claim 59, wherein said second transmitting device is further transmits timing information to said sensing units.

61. The apparatus as recited in claim 59, wherein said address information activates at least one from the group consisting of all of said sensing units, specific ones of said sensing units, and one of said sensing units.

62. The apparatus as recited in claim 59, wherein said control unit is configured to provide an address to query each sensing unit individually.

63. The apparatus as recited in claim 59, wherein said sensing units each further comprise a plurality of sensors wherein said microprocessor is programmed to do at least one from the group consisting of (a) query each of said sensing units individually (b) activate each of said sensing units individually (c) query all said sensing units at once and (d) activate all said sensing units at once.

64. The apparatus as recited in claim 59, wherein said sensing units each further comprise a signal conditioner and an A/D converter.

65. The apparatus as recited in claim 59, wherein said microprocessor controls storage to said first data storage device.

66. The apparatus as recited in claim 59, wherein said first transmitting device is configured to transmit data from said first storage device to said control unit.

67. The apparatus as recited in claim 59, wherein said second receiving device and second data storage device are for receiving and storing said data transmitted to said control unit.

68. The apparatus as recited in claim 59, wherein said first transmitting device and said second transmitting device are wireless transmitters.

69. The apparatus as recited in claim 59, further comprising a triggering device.

70. The apparatus as recited in claim 59, wherein each said sensing unit is configured so data from said sensor triggers transmission from said sensing unit to said control unit.

71. The apparatus as recited in claim 70, wherein each said sensing unit is configured to trigger transmission from said sensing unit to said control unit once sensor data exceeds a threshold value.

72. A method of collecting data, comprising:

a) providing a sensing unit for sensing a parameter, said sensing unit comprising a sensor, a first data storage device, a first receiving device, and a first transmitting device, said first data storage device for storing data from said sensor, said first transmitting device for transmitting data derived from said sensor;

b) providing a control unit separate from said sensing unit, said control unit comprising a second receiving device, a second transmitting device, and a second data storage device different from said first storage device, said second receiving device for receiving data transmitted from said sensing unit, said second data storage device for storing said data received from said sensing unit, wherein all power for powering said sensing unit is derived from said control unit; and

c) transmitting a real time signal from said control unit to said first receiving device to trigger a change in at least one from the group consisting of sensor data handling, sensor data collection, sensor data storage in said first sensing unit, and data transmission from said sensing unit.

73. A method as recited in claim 72, wherein said sensing unit senses a parameter of a subject, wherein said subject includes at least one from the group consisting of an architectural structure and a vehicle.