Atmospheric monitoring

• US 8,410,945 B2
• Filed: 01/03/2008
• Issued: 04/02/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 06/11/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Intelligent Technologies International, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Intelligent Technologies International, Inc.
• Inventors: Breed, David S.
• Primary Examiner(s): PHAM, TOAN NGOC
• Application Number:
  US11/968,736
• Publication Number:
  US 20130035901A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,916 Days
• Field of Search: 340/601, 340/602, 340/626, 340/632, 340/633, 340/7.45, 340/7.48, 340/905, 340/580, 340/581
• US Class Current: 340/601
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 11/24 Wear-indicating arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 19/00 Tyre parts or constructions not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/015 Attaching seats directly to vehicle chassis
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/02246 Electric motors therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0244 with logic circuits
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0248 with memory of positions
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0252 with relations between different adjustments, e.g. height of headrest following longitudinal position of seat
• 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 2/0276 reaction to emergency situations, e.g. crash
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/067 by linear actuators, e.g. linear screw mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/28 Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/2806 for securing the child seat to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/2863 backward facing
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/829 characterised by their adjusting mechanisms, e.g. electric motors
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/853 characterised by their adjusting mechanisms, e.g. electric motors
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/888 with arrangements for protecting against abnormal g-forces, e.g. by displacement of the head-rest
• 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 21/013 : including means for detecting collisions, impending collisions or roll-over
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0134 : responsive to imminent contact with an obstacle , e.g. using radar systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0136 : responsive to actual contact with an obstacle , e.g. to vehicle deformation, bumper displacement or bumper velocity relative to the vehicle monitoring crash strength in combination with passenger seat detection B60R21/01558
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01516 : using force or pressure sensing means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01526 : using piezoelectric elements
• 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 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: E05F 15/43 : responsive to disruption of energy beams, e.g. light or sound
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/431 : specially adapted for vehicle windows or roofs
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 2015/433 : using reflection from the obstruction
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/516 : for trucks or trailers
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/542 : Roof panels
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/55 : Windows
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/20 : by measurement of weight, e.g. to determine the level of stored liquefied gas
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/2962 : 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 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 7/417 : 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: G06K 19/00 : Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/00 : Scenes; Scene-specific elements control of digital cameras H04N23/60
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/52 : Surveillance or monitoring of activities, e.g. for recognising suspicious objects recognising microscopic objects G06V20/69
• 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: G06V 40/10 : Human or animal bodies, e.g. vehicle occupants or pedestrians; Body parts, e.g. hands
• 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 13/1427 : with transmitter-receiver for distance detection
• 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 21/0286 : Tampering or removal detection of the child unit from child or article
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 29/181 : due to failing power supply
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 2210/1282 : Automobiles
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 2210/3219 : Geometry of the configuration
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/2208 : associated with components used in interrogation type services, i.e. in systems for information exchange between an interrogator/reader and a tag/transponder, e.g. in Radio Frequency Identification [RFID] systems methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns G06K7/00; record carrier for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings G06K19/00
• 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 1/3241 : particular used in keyless entry systems
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/3291 : mounted in or on other locations inside the vehicle or vehicle body
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 3/26 : varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture H01Q3/12, H01Q3/22, H01Q3/24 take precedence

Abstract

Method and arrangement for monitoring an atmosphere includes a sensor system arranged to obtain data about the atmosphere at its location and a communications system coupled to the sensor system for providing data obtained by the sensor system to a monitoring facility, e.g., by wireless transmits, which monitors the atmosphere. A location determining system may be arranged in connection with the sensor system for determining the location thereof. The communication system is coupled to the location determining system and transmits the location of the sensor system along with the data obtained by the sensor system to the remote facility.

Claims

1. A vehicle, comprising:

a frame defining a compartment that accommodates an operator of the vehicle who is able to guide movement of the vehicle when present in said compartment;

a sensor system arranged in connection with said frame of the vehicle to obtain data about the ambient atmosphere conditions;

an initiation device for periodically initiating said sensor system to obtain data; and

a communications system arranged on the vehicle and coupled to said sensor system, said communications system being configured to wirelessly transmit data obtained by said sensor system to a monitoring facility which monitors the atmosphere,

the monitoring facility being separate and apart from the vehicle.

2. The arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a location determining system arranged on the vehicle in connection with said sensor system and that determines the location of the vehicle, said communication system being coupled to said location determining system and configured to transmit the location of the vehicle along with the data obtained by said sensor system to the monitoring facility.

3. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein said sensor system comprises a sensor selected from a group consisting of a radioactivity sensor, a bacteria sensor, a humidity sensor, a visibility sensor, a fog sensor, a chemical sensor, a rain sensor and a pollutant sensor.

4. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the vehicle includes a container, said sensor system being arranged on the container and configured to obtain data about the atmosphere exterior of the container.

5. The arrangement of claim 1, further comprising

a wakeup sensor system for detecting occurrence of an internal or external event, or absence of an event for a time period, requiring a change in a frequency of transmission of data from said communications system to the monitoring facility, said initiation device being coupled to said wakeup sensor system and being configured to change a rate at which said initiation device initiates said sensor system to obtain data in response to the detected occurrence of the internal or external event by said wakeup sensor system.

6. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein said sensor system comprises a plurality of sensors arranged at different locations in a monitoring area.

7. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein said sensor system is integrated with a cell phone or PDA.

8. A method for monitoring atmosphere conditions from a vehicle, comprising:

arranging a sensor system in connection with a frame of the vehicle to obtain data about ambient atmosphere conditions, the frame defining a compartment that accommodates an operator of the vehicle who is able to guide movement of the vehicle when present in the compartment;

periodically initiating the sensor system to obtain data via an initiation device;

coupling a communications system to the sensor system; and

wirelessly transmitting data obtained by the sensor system using the communications system to a monitoring facility which monitors the atmosphere, the monitoring facility being separate and apart from the vehicle.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:

arranging, on the vehicle, a location determining system in connection with the sensor system for determining the location of the vehicle;

coupling the communication system to the location determining system; and

transmitting the location of the vehicle along with the data obtained by the sensor system to the monitoring facility.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the sensor system comprises a sensor selected from a group consisting of a radioactivity sensor, a bacteria sensor, a humidity sensor, a visibility sensor, a fog sensor, a chemical sensor, a rain sensor and a pollutant sensor.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the vehicle includes a container, the sensor system being arranged on the container and configured to obtain data about the atmosphere exterior of the container.

12. The method of claim 8, 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 transmission of data from the communications system to the monitoring facility; and

changing a rate the sensor system is initiated to obtain data in response to the detected occurrence of an internal or external event.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the sensor system is integrated with a cell phone or PDA.

14. A movable asset that includes an arrangement for monitoring an environment exterior of the asset, comprising:

a frame defining a compartment that accommodates an operator of the asset who is able to guide movement of the asset when present in said compartment;

a sensor system arranged in connection with said frame, said sensor system being configured to obtain data about the environment exterior of the asset;

an initiation device for periodically initiating said sensor system to obtain data; and

a communication system arranged on the asset and coupled to said sensor system, said communication system being configured to wirelessly transmit the data obtained by said sensor system to a remote facility, the remote facility being separate and apart from the asset.

15. The asset of claim 14, further comprising a location determining system arranged on the asset to monitor the location of the asset, said communication system transmitting the location of the asset to the remote facility.

16. The asset of claim 14, further comprising a data reception system on the asset configured to obtain data to enable the position of the asset to be determined, said data reception system being coupled to said communication system which transmits the data to enable the remote facility to determine the location of the asset.

17. The asset of claim 16, wherein said data reception system is configured to cause said communication system to transmit a minimum amount of data to enable the position of the asset to be determined when such data has been received.

18. The asset of claim 14, wherein said sensor system is integrated with a cell phone or PDA.

19. The asset of claim 14, wherein said sensor system comprises a sensor selected from a group consisting of a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, a humidity sensor, a hydrocarbon sensor, a narcotics sensor, a mercury vapor sensor, a radioactivity sensor, a microphone, an electromagnetic wave sensor, an electric or magnetic field sensor, a visibility sensor, a fog sensor, a chemical sensor, a rain sensor and a light sensor.

20. The asset of claim 14, 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 asset, said initiation device being coupled to said wakeup sensor system and being configured to change the rate at which said initiation device initiates said sensor system to obtain data in response to the detected occurrence of an internal or external event by said wakeup sensor system.

21. The asset of claim 14, further comprising a wakeup sensor system for detecting the occurrence of an internal or external event relating to the condition or location of the asset, said communication system being coupled to said wakeup sensor system and being configured to transmit a signal relating to the detected occurrence of an internal or external event.

22. A vehicle, comprising:

a frame defining a compartment that accommodates an operator of the vehicle who is able to guide movement of the vehicle when present in said compartment;

a container for cargo;

a sensor system arranged on said container and configured to obtain data about the atmosphere exterior of the container; and

a communications system arranged on the vehicle and coupled to said sensor system, said communications system being configured to wirelessly transmit data obtained by said sensor system to a monitoring facility which monitors the atmosphere,

the monitoring facility being separate and apart from the vehicle.

23. A method for monitoring an atmosphere exterior a vehicle, comprising:

arranging a sensor system in connection with a frame of the vehicle to obtain data about the atmosphere exterior of the vehicle at its location, the frame defining a compartment that accommodates an operator of the vehicle who is able to guide movement of the vehicle when present in the compartment;

coupling a communications system to the sensor system; and

wirelessly transmitting data obtained by the sensor system using the communications system to a monitoring facility which monitors the atmosphere, the monitoring facility being separate and apart from the vehicle,

the vehicle including a container,

the sensor system being arranged on the container and configured to obtain data about the atmosphere exterior of the container.

24. A movable asset that includes an arrangement for monitoring an environment exterior of the asset, comprising:

a frame defining a compartment that accommodates an operator of the asset who is able to guide movement of the asset when present in said compartment;

a sensor system arranged in connection with said frame, said sensor system being configured to obtain data about ambient atmosphere conditions;

a communication system arranged on the asset and coupled to said sensor system, said communication system being configured to wirelessly transmit the data obtained by said sensor system to a remote facility, the remote facility being separate and apart from the asset;

a data reception system on the asset configured to obtain data to enable the position of the asset to be determined, said data reception system being coupled to said communication system which transmits the data to enable the remote facility to determine the location of the asset,

said data reception system being configured to cause said communication system to transmit a minimum amount of data to enable the position of the asset to be determined when such data has been received.

25. A movable asset that includes an atmosphere monitoring arrangement, comprising:

a frame defining a compartment that accommodates an operator of the asset who is able to guide movement of the asset when present in said compartment;

a sensor system arranged in connection with said frame, said sensor system being configured to obtain data about ambient atmosphere conditions;

a wakeup sensor system for detecting the occurrence of an internal or external event relating to a condition or location of the asset; and

a communication system arranged on the asset and coupled to said sensor system, said communication system being configured to wirelessly transmit the data obtained by said sensor system to a remote facility, the remote facility being separate and apart from the asset, said communication system being coupled to said wakeup sensor system and being configured to transmit a signal relating to the detected occurrence of an internal or external event.