279results about "Distributed architecture usage" patented technology

A system and method of regulating the voltage of the power supplied to a plurality of power customers via a power distribution system that includes low voltage power lines and medium voltage power lines is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes measuring the voltage of a plurality of low voltage power lines at a plurality locations in the power distribution system with a plurality of voltage monitoring devices; with the plurality of voltage monitoring devices, transmitting voltage data in real time to a remote computer system; receiving, with the computer system, the real time voltage data of the voltage measured from the voltage monitoring devices; comparing, with the computer system, the real time voltage data with a first threshold value; and if the real time voltage data is beyond the first threshold value, transmitting with the computer system a first voltage adjustment instruction to a voltage control device configured to adjust the voltage supplied to a low voltage power line.

An automated meter reading network system to collect utility usage data from multiple utility meters having utility meter sensors, program product, and associated methods are provided. The system includes multiple meter data collectors each in communication with one or more utility meters to collect utility usage data and forming a wireless communications network. The system also includes a host computer in communication with the meter data collectors either directly or through multiple field host data collectors which can be connected to the host computer through a wide area network. The system also includes a meter data collector program product at least partially stored in the memory of the host computer to manage the communication network. The meter data collector program product is adapted to analyze signal strength between nodes and to dynamically adjust the power level settings of the individual nodes to enhance network performance.

An automated meter reading network system to collect utility usage data from multiple utility meters having utility meter sensors is provided. The system includes multiple meter data collectors each in communication with one or more utility meters to collect utility usage data and forming a wireless mesh communications network characterized by having a varying frequency mode of operation. The system also includes a host computer in communication with the meter data collectors either directly or through multiple field host data collectors, which can be connected to the host computer through a wide area network. The system also includes a meter data collector program product at least partially stored in the memory of the host computer adapted to manage the mesh communication network that is adapted to vary the frequency mode of at least portions of the mesh communication network between a fixed frequency mode and a frequency hopping spread spectrum mode to enhance network performance.

The system generally includes a crosspoint switch in the local data collection system having multiple inputs and multiple outputs including a first input connected to the first sensor and a second input connected to the second sensor. The multiple outputs include a first output and a second output configured to be switchable between a condition in which the first output is configured to switch between delivery of the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal and a condition in which there is simultaneous delivery of the first sensor signal from the first output and the second sensor signal from the second output. Each of multiple inputs is configured to be individually assigned to any of the multiple outputs. Unassigned outputs are configured to be switched off producing a high-impedance state. The local data collection system includes multiple multiplexing units and multiple data acquisition units receiving multiple data streams from multiple machines in the industrial environment. The local data collection system includes distributed complex programmable hardware device (CPLD) chips each dedicated to a data bus for logic control of the multiple multiplexing units and the multiple data acquisition units that receive the multiple data streams from the multiple machines in the industrial environment. The local data collection system is configured to manage data collection bands.

An infrastructure monitoring system and method that comprises multiple communications devices. At least one communications device is coupled to an element of the infrastructure.

The system generally includes a crosspoint switch in the local data collection system having multiple inputs and multiple outputs including a first input connected to the first sensor and a second input connected to the second sensor. The multiple outputs include a first output and a second output configured to be switchable between a condition in which the first output is configured to switch between delivery of the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal and a condition in which there is simultaneous delivery of the first sensor signal from the first output and the second sensor signal from the second output. Each of multiple inputs is configured to be individually assigned to any of the multiple outputs. Unassigned outputs are configured to be switched off producing a high-impedance state. The crosspoint switch includes a third input that is configured with a continuously monitored alarm having a pre-determined trigger condition when the third input is unassigned to any of the multiple outputs.

A system for monitoring parameters associated with a device, such as current, voltage, power, temperature, energy consumed, moisture, fluid levels and flow, wind speed, identification parameters, and repair history. The system includes the use of hybrid RFID sensor tags including a combination of active, semi-passive, and passive RFID circuits. Hybrid tags are attached to electrical system components. Standalone electrical components and generators and those connected to the electrical grid may be monitored. Data collected and stored in the hybrid tags may be accessed via a wireless communication link between hybrid tags and either active scanners or a passive interrogators. The data collected and processed from the hybrid tags may be provided to a user via the Internet or another wired or wireless communication network.

A monitoring device, system and method is provided for in-home / on-premises monitoring of usage of utilities, such as electricity and other services. The monitoring device receives information from a smart metering system or transceiver, and displays current usage through an illuminated display, which displays a colour indicative of the current cost of consumption, and controls illumination of the display to scan illumination across the display at a traverse rate indicative of a rate of consumption or other metric, the scanning of a pattern of illumination across the display simulating movement or rotation in the display. The display therefore provides a consumer with immediate “at a glance” visual information on current usage. Optionally a digital display screen provides more detailed alphanumeric and graphical information, through a number of selectable display modes. Beneficially one or more devices may be networked, and interface directly or indirectly with a transceiver of a smart metering system, or a retrofit transceiver for a conventional meter. While particularly suited to electricity monitoring, monitoring of other utilities and services may alternatively or additionally be provided. The system may be used with a wired network or wirelessly networked by one of a number of standard wireless and mesh network communication protocols.

Systems and methods for grouping mesh networks. Mesh networks enable energy data to be transferred from an energy sensing device to a destination device using various networks and reduces the need to install metering stations. Embodiments of the invention join or group mesh networks that otherwise are not able to communicate. The connections between the grouped mesh networks can be passive using directional antennas or passive antennas or active using higher power RF devices, solar repeaters, mobile mesh devices, etc. The energy data is routed in a smart manner, by performing load balancing at gateways, by monitoring the signal to noise ratio of available communication paths, etc. Mesh clusters can also be created to define low power clusters, address blocking clusters, and frequency based clusters. Grouping clusters facilitates the efficient transfer of energy data from an energy sensing device to a energy management station.

An elevated mesh network supported and operably coupled to street lamps can be used to remotely monitor and control field devices. The packet transceiver modules of the mesh network can also be coupled to sensors that monitor operation of a street lamp as well as environmental conditions. The elevated mesh network supported by street lamps can use RF links to couple with one or more remote field devices that also have packet transceiver modules. The elevated mesh network can also include a communications gateway that couples the elevated mesh network to an asynchronous communications system. The communications gateway is a store and forward system that can periodically connect to the asynchronous communications system in order to upload compressed data derived from the remote field devices. The asynchronous communications system can connect the elevated mesh network to a back-end computer system that may monitor, diagnose, and control the remote field devices.

A transparent networking system for meter infrastructure within a network. The system has a single transparent meshed communication network comprising a first ZigBee network provided within a first spatial region and a second ZigBee network provided within a second spatial region. The network has a powerline carrier configured between the first ZigBee network and the second ZigBee network to facility transfer of bi-directional information packet by packet between the first ZigBee network and the second ZigBee networks.

A nano RFID device or tag and method for using same are disclosed. The nano RFID device may be less than about 150 nanometers in size. The nano RFID device may be a passive, active or semi-passive nano RFID device. The nano RFID device may be distributed to a target such as a human or animal or products, for example. The nano RFID device may include an nano antenna that may comprise one or more carbon tubes. The nano RFID device may include a nano battery. The nano RFID device may include an environmentally reactive layer that reacts to its immediate environment to affix or adhere to a target. The nano RFID device may be constructed for direct or indirect distribution techniques such as by airborne techniques for inhalation, consumption distribution for ingestion, and contact distribution, for example.

A system and method is provided for automatically reading meters, such as utility meters. A camera unit is attached to or otherwise associated with an existing meter. From time to time, either automatically, or upon wireless command, the camera unit takes an image of the meter's readings, and communicates wirelessly the image or image data, to a local area receiver. The images can be transmitted immediately, or stored for later transmission, depending on the network protocol. The camera unit is battery powered, and operates communication protocols that enable extended operational life. These protocols allow for the camera's radio and processor to be turned on only when necessary, and then for only brief periods of time. At most times, the camera is in a power-conserving sleep mode. Multiple camera units may be arranged to communicate meter image data to the local area receiver, either using asynchronous or synchronous processes. In this way, star, point-to-point, MESH and ring networking topologies are enabled. The meter image data is communicated from the receiver to a central office using a wide area connection, where the image data is used for determining the meter reading. In one example, the image may be included with a utility bill as confirmed evidence of the current meter reading.

The present invention discloses a method and system for time synchronization among distributed communication devices, particularly wireless and even beyond communications range, either fixed or mobile, configured to communicate data with each other, typically over peer to peer local area networks, specifically mesh or ad-hoc networks, where said communication devices are usually dormant in order to save battery power, then said devices are configured to simultaneously wake up and accordingly allocate synchronized time slots for communications among thereof. A particular embodiment of the present invention concerns with Automatic Meter Reading (AMR).

The present invention provides a solution to backhauling health information. The present invention utilizes a mesh network to backhaul the health information. The system includes a plurality of first tags, a mesh network, and an information engine. Each of the tags represents a first object. The mesh network preferably includes a plurality of plug-in sensors located within the facility. At least one node in the mesh network operates as healthcare device. The information engine is in communication with the mesh network and determines a position location of the healthcare device and an operation of the healthcare device.

A class-based asset tracking or monitoring system includes wireless radio frequency data communication devices, each including memory in which is stored a common designation; a radio frequency transmitter component and receiver component for wirelessly sending and receiving data packets; and electronics for processing data. Each device is configured to filter a wireless communication received by it for an identification of its common designation within the communication, and process the communication if an identification of its common designation is found therein. The device includes a profile stored in its memory and is configured to automatically and dynamically change its common designation in accordance with its profile. The profile may include a plurality of common designations, which may be conditional. The foregoing common designations may be class designations for use in class-based asset tracking systems. The device may include an interface for sensor-acquired data.

A monitoring device, system and method are provided for in-home / on-premises monitoring of usage of utilities, such as electricity and other services. The monitoring device receives information from a smart meter, and displays usage through a display, illuminating an area using a color indicative of the current cost of consumption, and varying the illuminated area at a rate indicative of a rate of consumption or other metric, the varying of the illuminated area simulating movement in the display. The display provides a consumer with “at a glance” visual information on current usage. Optionally a digital display screen provides detailed alphanumeric and graphical information, through a number of selectable display modes. One or more devices may be networked, and interface directly or indirectly with a transceiver of a smart metering system, or a retrofit transceiver for a conventional meter. Monitoring of other utilities and services may alternatively or additionally be provided.

Passive voice enabled RFID devices. The passive voice enabled RFID devices include a power harvesting circuit that converts natural and artificial energy sources to voltage and current to power the device, thus, the device does not require a battery. It provides a voice capable RFID device with a power harvesting circuit that is powered by harvesting energy from various artificial or energy sources and / or natural energy sources such as: voice signals, other electromagnetic waves, sun light, vibrations, RF noise, etc. and used voice signals received to uniquely identify a generator of the voice signals or other sound signals.

Described herein are embodiments of methods and systems of communicating with smart appliances through a smart grid and smart meter infrastructure. In one aspect, a method is described comprising a smart meter connected to a first network receiving via the first network registration information for an appliance operably connected to the first network, wherein the registration information includes a unique identifier for the appliance; transmitting at least a portion of the registration information and a smart meter identifier that uniquely identifies the smart meter to a second computing device connected to a second network; receiving, by the second computing device, update information for the appliance; transmitting, by the second computing device, the update information to the smart meter via the second network using the unique identifier for the device and the smart meter identifier; transmitting, by the smart meter, the update information to the appliance; and updating the appliance with the update information.

A sensor tag which in use will be affixed to a vehicle for obtaining vehicle telematics data includes a battery for powering the tag and a processor running executable code to process accelerometer data. An accelerometer measures the acceleration of the tag and thereby of the vehicle, and also controls the operation of the processor. A memory is used for storing a unique tag identifier of the tag and for storing trip data including information about trips and acceleration data. Finally, a communication module is used for short range wireless communication with a mobile communications device located in the vehicle via a short range wireless communications protocol, the communication module transmitting the tag's unique identifier and a sequence of time stamped acceleration data. The mobile communications device obtains GPS data, combines this with the acceleration date and transmits this to a server for analysis.

A cloud-based monitoring apparatus includes a cloud-based network system, a cloud-based database connected with the cloud-based network system, at least one gateway control unit connected with the cloud-based network system, at least one mobile apparatus connected signally with the cloud-based database, at least one basic detection module connected signally with the gateway control unit, at least one serial bus module connected signally with the gateway control unit, at least one analog I / O module connected signally with the gateway control unit, at least one digital I / O module connected signally with the gateway control unit, and an ISP connected signally with the cloud-based database. The gateway control unit, the basic detection module, the serial bus module, the analog I / O module, and the digital I / O module are all mounted in a monitored environment and have at least individual monitor parameters.

A multisensory meter system is disclosed. The system comprises one main unit and a plurality of remote units. Each remote unit has at least a sensor to measure a physical parameter and wirelessly transmit the measured parameter as a signal to the main unit. The main unit and the remote units have an interface that allows at least one the remote units to be attached to the main unit. When attached, the main unit and the remote unit function as a single meter, and the main unit is capable of receiving signals from the other remote units. In one embodiment, the main unit and the remote units form a mesh network to transmit and receive signals, wherein each remote unit receives signals and transmits said signals. The mesh network may also contain relays. The remote units may measure a number of physical parameters such as relative humidity, temperature, vibration, moisture, electrical current, air speed, voltage and rotational speed. The signals may contain a unique identifier or code, and may be broadcast in unique frequencies.

An automated meter reading power line communications system is provided, which may include measuring the utility usage of a first customer premises to provide first utility usage data, storing the first utility usage data in memory of a first device, wirelessly transmitting the first utility usage data from the first device, receiving the wirelessly transmitted first utility usage data at a second device coupled to a medium voltage power line, and transmitting the first utility usage data over the medium voltage power line.

Various embodiments of the present invention are directed towards a system and method relating to Next Generation First Responder (NGFR) modular and scalable systems capable of easily integrating various components via open standards and interfaces. For example, a wearable on-body first responder system includes at least one sensor configured to identify sensor information, a controller configured to provide a first responder mobile support architecture and that is configured to interface with the at least one sensor. The controller is configured to collect and distribute the sensor information, and an input / output (I / O) device is configured to interface with the controller and present the sensor information to a user of the on-body first responder system.

A monitoring system comprises a plurality of monitoring stations disposed in or associated with a respective rubbish bin housing or surround. Each monitoring station comprising an identifier, a sensor for monitoring the bin or a detectable quality of the environment in which the bin is located, a processor for receiving a signal from the sensor and a transmitter for transmitting the signal.