The present invention is generally directed to a system for monitoring a variety of environmental and/or other conditions within a defined remotely located region. In one aspect, a system is configured to monitor utility meters (613) in a defined area. The system is implemented by using a plurality of wireless transmitters (614), each integrated into a sensor (612) adapted to monitor a particular data input. The system also includes a plurality of transceivers (221) that are dispersed throughout the region at defined locations. The system uses a local gateway (210) to translate and transfer information from the transmitters to a dedicated computer (260) on a network (230). The dedicated computer collects, compiles and stores the data for retrieval upon client demand across the network. The computer further includes means for evaluating the received information and identifying an appropriate control signal to be applied at a designated actuator.

System and method for monitoring and controlling remote devices

An adaptive interface for a programmable system, for predicting a desired user function, based on user history, as well as machine internal status and context. The apparatus receives an input from the user and other data. A predicted input is presented for confirmation by the user, and the predictive mechanism is updated based on this feedback. Also provided is a pattern recognition system for a multimedia device, wherein a user input is matched to a video stream on a conceptual basis, allowing inexact programming of a multimedia device. The system analyzes a data stream for correspondence with a data pattern for processing and storage. The data stream is subjected to adaptive pattern recognition to extract features of interest to provide a highly compressed representation that may be efficiently processed to determine correspondence. Applications of the interface and system include a video cassette recorder (VCR), medical device, vehicle control system, audio device, environmental control system, securities trading terminal, and smart house. The system optionally includes an actuator for effecting the environment of operation, allowing closed-loop feedback operation and automated learning.

Adaptive pattern recognition based control system and method

A remote monitoring system includes transducers, a transducer control module, a communications device, a monitoring system and end-user display terminals. The transducers are disposed on the property and/or equipment in a manner to measure specific characteristics or parameters and communicate with the transducer control module via a wireless communication protocol. The transducer control module receives and analyzes transducer measurements and detects alarm conditions. The transducer control module communicates with the monitoring system via a wide area network and the communications device. The monitoring system receives, stores and analyzes information received from the transducer control module and reports the information to the end-user terminals via a wide area network, such as the Internet, in response to user requests.

Smart remote monitoring system and method

The disclosure is directed to a sensor device including processing circuitry, at least one sensor coupled to the processing circuitry, a serial data interface coupled to the processing circuitry and memory responsive to the processing circuitry. The memory includes a static unique identification number. The serial data interface provides access to retrieve the static unique identification number and sensed data measured with the at least one sensor from the memory.

Environmental monitoring device

The Wireless Integrated Network Sensor Next Generation (WINS NG) nodes provide distributed network and Internet access to sensors, controls, and processors that are deeply embedded in equipment, facilities, and the environment. The WINS NG network is a new monitoring and control capability for applications in transportation, manufacturing, health care, environmental monitoring, and safety and security. The WINS NG nodes combine microsensor technology, low power distributed signal processing, low power computation, and low power, low cost wireless and/or wired networking capability in a compact system. The WINS NG networks provide sensing, local control, remote reconfigurability, and embedded intelligent systems in structures, materials, and environments.

Method for collecting data using compact internetworked wireless integrated network sensors (WINS)

A wireless machine monitoring and communication system includes one or more machine monitors (4a-m) which attach to one or more machines to sense a physical characteristic of the machine, such as vibration or temperature, and to produce wireless transmissions corresponding to the sensed characteristic. A command station (6) executes machine status polling in accordance with a time-division communication protocol and processes machine status data obtained during polling to determine the status of the machine. The machine monitor incorporates a wireless transmitter (430, 440) for transmitting at least status information, and the command station (6) incorporates a wireless receiver (618) for receiving monitor transmissions. To conserve power, the machine monitors (4a-m) are turned on only at preprogrammed times in accordance with the time-division communication protocol. Each machine monitor (4a-m) includes a receiver (430) and the command station (6) includes a transmitter (604) to enable the command station to send commands to each machine monitor. A microcomputer (418) in each monitor analyzes sensor data and a memory (422) stores the analyzed sensor data. Repeaters (8a-e) are employed as necessary to assist in propagating wireless transmissions throughout the system. A tachometer sensor (5a-c) is employed at each machine to provide monitors and sensors with information relating to machine speed. A computer network (10) is connected to the command station (6) for transferring data and for controlling the overall operation of the system.

Wireless machine monitoring and communication system

An apparatus is disclosed consisting of one or more machine monitors which attach to one or more machines to sense a physical characteristic of the machine, such as vibration or temperature, and produce wireless transmissions corresponding to the sensed characteristic, and a command station which receives the transmissions from the machine monitors and processes the information to give an indication of the condition of the machine. The machine monitor incorporates a wireless transmitter to transmit the sensor data, and the command station incorporates a wireless receiver to receive the sensor data. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the machine monitors are not continuously on, but turn on only at preprogrammed times according to turn-on commands generated by a timer circuit within each machine monitor. In another preferred embodiment, each machine monitor includes a receiver and the command station includes a transmitter to enable the command station to send commands to each machine monitor. Each machine monitor includes a microcomputer to analyze the sensor data and a memory to store the analyzed sensor data prior to transmission to the command station. A repeater receives the sensor data transmissions from the machine monitors and retransmits the data to the command station when, due to site conditions, the machine monitors are beyond the receiving range of, or out of the line of sight to the command station.

Vibration monitor and transmission system

A portable vibration monitoring device (10) for use in connection with a base computer (11) which stores data regarding the nature and parameters of vibration measurements to be made on preselected machines for predictive maintenance purposes. The device includes a power module (36) which energizes the various components. A vibration sensor (14) produces an analog signal which is representative of selected vibration parameters. The signal generated by the vibration monitor is conditioned by a signal conditioning module (16) which includes anti-aliasing filters which enhance the accuracy of the data collected. A multiple function module (18) includes various selectively energized modules which enhance the speed and reliability of the data collected. This data is analyzed by a microprocessor and displayed as desired.

Vibration monitoring device

A monitor attaches to a machine or proximate a machine to determine the health and operating status of the machine. The monitor is preferably self-contained, having its own internal power source, electronics, and sensor suite. One or more sensors are provided to sense machine operating characteristics such as temperature, flux, and vibration. Sensor outputs are processed and analyzed by monitor electronics to determine various operating parameters, including machine speed and load, and to determine when an anomalous machine operating condition is present. Monitor electronics are operable to transform time domain data generated by the sensors to frequency domain data for storage and/or analysis. A communications port enables a peripheral device, such as a notebook computer or portable data collector, to communicate with the monitor and download stored data. Downloaded data can be further analyzed and statistically compared to trend data at a base computer to further ascertain the health and condition of the machine.

Machine monitor with status indicator

An ac machine monitor (100), particularly applicable to ac induction motors (102), provides information for ascertaining the health and condition of the motor (102). The monitor (100) is self-contained, having its own internal power source (144), electronics (130), and sensor suite (120-126), and attaches directly to the outer frame (104) of the motor (102). Sensors disposed within the monitor (100) include a motor frame temperature sensor (120), flux sensor (124), vibration sensor (126), and clock. An ambient temperature sensor (122) enables determination of motor frame temperature relative to ambient. Sensor outputs are processed and analyzed by monitor electronics to determine various life history parameters, including motor speed and load, which are stored in electronic memory (142). A communications port (154) enables a peripheral device (362), such as a notebook computer or portable data collector, to communicate with the monitor (100) and download the life history parameters stored in memory (142). Downloaded data can be further analyzed and statistically compared to trend data at a base computer (360) to ascertain the health and condition of the motor (102). The monitor electronics are configured to consume very little power so that the internal power source (144) will continue to power the monitor (100) for several years.

Ronald G. Canada

Papers

Wireless machine monitoring and communication system

Vibration monitor and transmission system

Vibration monitoring device

Machine monitor with status indicator

Electric motor monitor