Edge sensor node, method for monitoring events performed by an edge sensor node, and controller or host of a detection network.

Abstract

A sensor node, a method performed by a sensor node, and a controller or host of a detection network. A sensor node in a detection network acquires the first detection data from an internal detection node and / or second detection data through an interface from an external detection node. The sensor node is configured with a selected configuration file. The first and second events are detected based on the first and / or second detection data from the configuration file. The method also includes executing a first set of actions from a plurality of action sets based on the detection of the first event and executing a second set of actions from a plurality of action sets based on the detection of the second event, where the first and second sets of actions are defined by the configuration file.Once configured with the configuration file, the detection of the first and second events and the performance of either of the first and second sets of actions are executed autonomously from a controller or host of a system being monitored by the detection network.

Description

/ 28 Edge sensor node, method for monitoring events performed by an edge sensor node, and controller or host of a detection network. 1. Dissemination Field

[001] This disclosure relates to intelligent sensor systems and, more particularly, to a configurable distributed intelligent sensor system. 2. Description of the Related Technique

[002] Condition monitoring systems are frequently used to monitor parameters in machines. These systems include temperature sensors, pressure sensors, vibration sensors, and many other types of sensors, used to detect the development of faults. The collected data can be digitized, transformed, and processed by algorithms to extract features from the monitored system. A given feature may be generated from the input of a single sensor or may be dependent on the interaction of multiple sensors. The extracted features can be compared to expected values ​​to assess the relative health of that feature. Sensor data can be monitored and evaluated in a programmed and / or event-driven manner. Event-based monitoring is generally used to diagnose the circumstances leading to the event, identify the event, diagnose the possible impacts of the event, and trigger actions based on the event.The actions that occur as a result of event detection are usually time-sensitive and need to be performed autonomously, based on predetermined logic.

[003] Prior art condition monitoring systems included multiple analog sensors that fed into a central host for digitization and further processing. This implementation required individual cabling for each analog sensor, resulting in a Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 11 / 107 / 28 heavy system that required a complicated installation. These problems can be mitigated by distributing the scanning and data processing locally to the sensor. Local data processing reduces the processing load on the host, allowing the host to perform other more complex functions or decrease in size and complexity.

[004] Digital data transmission allows multiple digital sensors to be connected on a single digital bus, reducing the weight of the wire associated with individual analog wire runs for each sensor.

[005] In certain analog systems of the prior art, the host was in control of all data buffering as well as event detection, and followed the action. This approach created a relatively simple, but individually customized, solution for certain applications. With distributed processing, this data collection becomes more complex, but provides an opportunity to simplify customization to new applications. It is desirable to develop methods for handling autonomous actions based on event detection for distributed processing sensor systems.

[006] Although conventional methods and systems have generally been considered satisfactory for their intended purpose, there is still a need in the art for reliable distributed sensor systems and methods for monitoring a system using configurable distributed sensors. SUMMARY

[007] The purpose and advantages of the embodiments illustrated below will be established and apparent from the following description. The additional advantages of the illustrated embodiments will be realized and achieved by the devices, systems and methods particularly indicated in the written description and claims thereof, as well as from the attached figures. To obtain these and other advantages and in accordance with the objective of the embodiments Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 12 / 107 / 28 illustrated, in one aspect, a sensor node from a plurality of sensor nodes of a detection network is disclosed for monitoring a system. The sensor node includes one or more of a) at least one integral sensor element and b) an interface for communication with at least one external sensor element. Each of the integral sensors is internal to the sensor node and is configured to detect a physical feature of the system and emit the associated first detection data. Each of at least one external sensor element is external to the sensor node and is configured to detect a physical feature of the system and emit associated second sensor data.

[008] A processing device is configurable with a configuration file selected from a plurality of configuration files. The configuration file defines a plurality of action sets to be executed together with the detection of the respective first and second events. The processing device is further configured to acquire at least one of the first and second detection data from at least one of the respective integral sensor elements and at least one external sensor element via the interface, detect the first and second events as a function of at least one of the first and second detection data based on the configuration file, and execute a first set of actions from the plurality of action sets as a function of the detection of the first event and execute a second set of actions from the plurality of action sets as a function of the detection of the second event.The first and second sets of actions are defined by the configuration file, and once the processing device is configured with the configuration file, the detection of the first and second events and the execution of either of the first and second sets of actions are performed autonomously from the system controller or host.

[009] In the modes, the processing device can also be configured to initiate an event trigger, the first set of Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 13 / 107 / 28 actions can only be performed after the event trigger begins, and the event trigger can be initiated whenever the first event is detected.

[0010] In the embodiments, the processing device can be further configured to initiate an event trigger, the first set of actions is performed only after the event trigger starts, and the detection of the event trigger can be a function of at least one logical operation applied to the detection output of the first and second events as a function of the detection output of data by at least two sensor elements of at least one integral sensor element and at least one external sensor element.

[0011] In the embodiments, detection data emitted by at least two sensor elements can include the first detection data as output from the first and second integral sensor elements of at least one integral sensor element.

[0012] In the embodiments, detection data emitted by means of at least two sensor elements include the first sensor data as outputs by a first integral sensor element of at least one integral sensor element and a first external sensor element of at least one external sensor element.

[0013] In the embodiments, the processing device can be further configured to initiate at least one event trigger, the first and second sets of actions can be performed only in response to the initiation of at least one event trigger and before at least one event trigger is detected, at least one integral sensor element and at least one external sensor element can operate in listening mode to continuously retain a limited amount of the respective first and second detection data.

[0014] In the embodiments, operation in listening mode by at least one integral sensor element and at least one external sensor element may also include continuous scanning before retention of the limited quantity. Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 14 / 107 / 28 of the respective first and second detection data.

[0015] In the modalities, the first set of actions may include at least one sensor element of at least one integral sensor element and at least one external sensor element exiting listening mode and exiting listening mode may include retaining an amount of the first or second detection data specified by the first set of actions.

[0016] In the embodiments, at least one sensor element exiting listening mode may also include sending a second specified quantity of the first or second detection data for recording by an external recording device, and the second specified quantity may include at least one of a third specified quantity of the first or second detection data previously retained and a fourth specified quantity of first or second detection data not yet emitted.

[0017] In the modes, at least one sensor element operating in listening mode may include continuous monitoring of whether at least one event trigger has been initiated.

[0018] In the modes, the processing device can be reconfigurable to be configured with a second configuration file different from the first configuration file at any time during the sensor node's lifespan.

[0019] In the modes, before the detection of the first and second event, at least one external sensor may be turned off and the first set of actions may include controlling the power supply to at least one external sensor to provide power to at least one external sensor.

[0020] In the embodiments, controlling the power supply to at least one external sensor may include controlling the power supply so that it is temporary.

[0021] In another aspect, a method is provided that is performed by a sensor node from a plurality of sensor nodes in a detection network. Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, p. 15 / 107 / 28 configured to monitor a system. The method includes being configured with a configuration file selected from a plurality of configuration files and acquiring at least one of the first and second detection data associated with the detection of a physical feature of the system. The first detection data is acquired internally to the sensor node and the second detection data is acquired externally to the sensor node via an interface. The configuration file defines a plurality of action sets to be executed along with the detection of the respective first and second events.The method further includes detecting the first and second events as a function of at least one of the first and second detection data based on the configuration file, executing a first set of actions from a plurality of action sets as a function of the detection of the first event, and executing a second set of actions from a plurality of action sets as a function of the detection of the second event. The first and second sets of actions are defined by the configuration file, and after configuration with the configuration file, the detection of the first and second events and the execution of either of the first and second sets of actions are performed autonomously from the system controller or host.

[0022] In the modalities, the method also includes the start of an event trigger, in which the first set of actions is performed only after the start of the event trigger and detection of the event trigger is a function of at least one logical operation applied to the detection output of the first and second events as a function of the detection of data output by at least two sensor elements of at least one integral sensor element and at least one external sensor element.

[0023] In the modalities, the method also includes initiating at least one event trigger. The first and second sets of actions are executed only in response to the initiation of at least one event trigger. Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, p. 16 / 107 / 28 Additionally, before at least one event trigger is detected, at least one integral sensor element and at least one external sensor element can operate in a listening mode to continuously retain a limited amount of their respective first and second detection data.

[0024] In the embodiments, the first set of actions may include one or more of the integral sensor elements and / or one or more of the external sensor elements exiting listening mode, wherein exiting listening mode may include retaining an amount of the first or second detection data specified by the first set of actions.

[0025] In the modes, before the detection of the first and second event, at least one external sensor may be turned off and the first set of actions may include controlling the power supply to at least one external sensor to provide power to at least one external sensor.

[0026] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a controller or host of a sensing network is provided. The sensing network has a plurality of sensor nodes to monitor a system. Each of the sensor nodes is associated with a sensor element configured to detect a physical feature of the system and output data to the associated second sensor. The controller or host includes a memory configured to store instructions and a processor arranged in communication with the memory.The processor, after executing the instructions, is configured to set up each of the plurality of sensor nodes to detect the first and second events based on the detection data, according to the individual sensor configuration, and to execute, based on the individual sensor configuration, a first set of actions from a plurality of action sets based on the detection of the first event, and a second set of actions from a plurality of action sets based on the detection of the second event. Once a sensor node from the plurality of sensor nodes is configured, the controller or host is not involved in the detection by the node. Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 17 / 107 / 28 sensor of the first or second events or in the execution of the first or second sets of actions.

[0027] In the modes, the processor, after executing the instructions, is further configured to receive data from the sensor node as a result of the sensor node executing one or more of the first set of actions and second set of actions, regardless of whether the controller or host is coupled to the sensor node when the sensor node has detected one or more of the first and second events.

[0028] These and other features of the systems and methods of disseminating the object will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the modalities taken together with the figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0029] So that those skilled in the art to which the disclosure in question belongs may readily understand how to manufacture and use the devices and methods of the disclosure in question without undue experimentation, embodiments thereof will be described in detail below in this document, with reference to certain figures, wherein:

[0030] FIGURE 1 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary distributed detection nodes that communicate via a bus with a host or controller, according to dissemination modalities;

[0031] FIGURE 2 is a flowchart that illustrates an exemplary method of a distributed network of detection nodes configured to trigger selected actions based on a detected event according to the disclosure modalities;

[0032] FIGURE 3A is a flowchart that illustrates a method for carrying out the selected actions according to the dissemination modalities;

[0033] FIGURE 3B is a block diagram of action sets. Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, p. 18 / 107 / 28 that can be activated according to the disclosure modalities; and

[0034] FIGURE 4 is a flowchart that illustrates a method performed by an edge sensor node communicating distributed detection nodes with the host or controller via the bus, according to the disclosure modalities. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE MODALITIES

[0035] Reference will now be made to the figures in which the reference numerals identify similar structural features or aspects of the disclosure in question. For explanatory and illustrative purposes, and not as a limitation, a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an intelligent sensor system according to the disclosure is shown in FIGURE 1 and is generally designated by the reference character 10. The methods associated with the operations of the intelligent sensor system 10 according to the disclosure, or aspects thereof, are provided in FIGURES 2 and 3, as will be described. The systems and methods described in this document can be used to provide enhanced distributed data acquisition systems that provide ease of customization for performing autonomous actions based on event detection.

[0036] FIGURE 1 is a block diagram illustrating the intelligent sensor system 10 which includes distributed sensing nodes 12a-12n (also commonly referred to as sensing nodes 12), which may include edge sensing nodes 12e, connected to the digital bus 14. The intelligent sensor system 10 includes a distributed network of sensing nodes 12 that are configurable to autonomously perform selected actions based on the autonomous detection of different respective events and the configuration of the sensing node 12. The intelligent sensor system 10 includes a plurality of sensing nodes 12, which may be digital sensors, for example. A host or controller 16 (commonly referred to as host 16) may be coupled to the bus 14. The coupling may be temporary or permanent. The nodes of Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, p. 19 / 107 / 28 detection 12 can be connected in series, such as via bus 14.

[0037] The autonomous realization by a detection node 12 of event detection and execution of selected actions based on event detection refers to, once configured in production or by host 16, the realization of event detection or selected actions without any involvement from host 16.

[0038] In one embodiment, the intelligent sensor system 10 may be an aircraft-based health and usage monitoring system (HUMS). In other embodiments, the intelligent sensor system 10 may be any ground or airborne system configured to monitor environmental characteristics.

[0039] Each 12a-12n detection node includes a processing device 20, one or more detection elements, which may include one or more integral sensor elements 22, a memory 24, an internal interface 26 for coupling to the other 12a-12n detection nodes and to the host via the digital bus 14, and an analog-to-digital (A / D) converter and signal conditioning (SC) component 28 which includes components or circuits for converting analog signals into digital and condition-sensitive signals. The processing device 20 may be, for example, a programmable logic device (PLD), microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), microcontroller, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other discrete or integrated logic circuits with similar processing capabilities.

[0040] Each integral sensor element 22 is an integral sensor that is internal to the sensing node 12 and can detect environmental characteristics such as temperature, vibration, speed, acceleration, displacement, humidity, pressure, or other characteristics. The term internal refers to being located within or mounted in an enclosure of the sensing node 12. The enclosure may Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, p. 20 / 107 / 28, for example, a set of circuit boards or a housing, and the internal sensor element may be mounted on the circuit board assembly or disposed within the housing. The circuit board assembly may be disposed within the housing. The integral sensor element 22 may generate detection data based on detection, and the detection data may be buffered by the integral sensor element. The integral sensor elements 22 may be analog or digital and may have the capability to perform some signal conditioning or pre-processing. The memory 24 may include volatile and non-volatile memory for buffering sensor data for a limited period of time, retaining the sensor data until deleted or replaced. All or portions of the memory 24 may be integrated into the sensor element 22.In embodiments that include multiple integral sensor elements 22, each sensor element 22 may include its own memory portion 24. In software embodiments, the memory 24 may store programmable instructions executable by the processing device 20.

[0041] Before an event is detected, the detection data generated by each integral sensor element 22 is buffered and / or retained by memory 24 and processed by the processing device 20 based on the configuration settings of the detection node 12. The configuration settings may provide different buffering, retention, and processing parameters to be applied to the detection data emitted by the respective integral sensor elements 22 of the same detection node 12. When an event is detected by the processing device 20, the processing device 20 may emit an event trigger that may cause different configuration settings to be used for buffering, retention, and / or processing of the detection data emitted by the respective integral sensor elements 22.

[0042] In the modes, host 16 can be coupled to one or more Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 21 / 107 / 28 external systems 18, for example, another processing device, a local or wide area network, such as the Internet, etc. The host 16 includes a processing device 30, a memory 34, an internal interface 38 for coupling to the detection nodes 12a-12n, for example, via the bus 14, and may additionally include an external interface 36 for coupling to the external systems 18, for example, via near frequency communication, wired or wireless communication. The host 16 may upload data received from the detection nodes 12 to the external systems 18 via the external interface 36. The memory 34 may include volatile and non-volatile memory for storing data temporarily or long-term, and for storing programmable instructions executable by the processing device 30.

[0043] Host 16 can configure sensor nodes 12 at any time, with the ability to configure each sensor node 12 with a unique configuration. Host 16 can store a configuration library in its memory 34 that includes multiple certified configurations. Each time host 16 uploads one or more of the configurations from the configuration library to one of the sensing nodes 12, no additional certification is required.

[0044] Host 16 may optionally have a user interface 39 (e.g., a lever, button, keyboard, graphical user interface, etc.) through which an administrator may adjust thresholds or other settings. The available adjustments may be limited by an input process to approved intervals that are compatible with certification.

[0045] Host 16 can be a network controller that interacts with the 12 detection nodes to configure the 12 detection nodes and receives detected data from the 12 detection nodes via the digital bus 14 at some point in time. In some modes, host 16 can manage multiple networks of 12 detection nodes. In some modes, host 16 can manage components Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, p. 22 / 107 / 28 or additional systems in response to data received from detection nodes 12. The processing device 30 of host 16 may have greater processing capacity than the processing devices 20 of detection nodes 12. In addition, the memory 34 of host 16 may have greater capacity than the memory 24 of detection nodes 12.

[0046] Host 16, therefore, does not function as a hub or centralized controller of the 12 detection nodes. In the modes, the 12 detection nodes are configured by programming configuration files on the 12 detection nodes during a production process. In the modes, host 16 can configure or reconfigure the 12 detection nodes by programming or reprogramming the configuration files. Once a 12 detection node is configured, it can operate autonomously from host 16 to detect events and determine what actions to perform in response to the event detection. The 12 detection node can interact with host 16 by sending it data, such as detected data or data about the detected event and the actions performed. The 12 detection node can communicate this information to host 16 after a detection session and can refrain from affecting the behavior of the 12 detection node, except when configuring or reconfiguring the 12 detection node.Detection node 12 operates autonomously, making its own decisions about whether or not to detect an event and what actions to take when an event is detected based on its configuration. Host 16 can use data obtained from detection nodes 12 during or after a detection session, such as to identify trends and patterns.

[0047] The intelligent sensor system 10 can perform event-based monitoring, detecting physical characteristics that may lead to an event, detecting and identifying the event, and performing selected actions depending on the identified event. The conditions for detecting and identifying an event may vary based on circumstances such as user preferences, a scenario, or an application. For example, an event may Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 23 / 107 / 28, to be defined as a vibration or temperature that exceeds a threshold. Different thresholds, trends, and repeated occurrences may be used, depending on the circumstances. Furthermore, the actions to be taken after an event is detected and identified may vary based on such circumstances.

[0048] Once configured, each of the 12 detection nodes can perform event monitoring, which includes detecting physical characteristics and detecting an event based on the detected data and event detection criteria, where the detected data was acquired at a sampling rate, using a bit depth, and using a gain definition. Event-based monitoring can be continuous or discrete to acquire a fixed number of samples based on a configuration of the 12 detection node or instructions received from the host 16 or another 12 detection node. In the modes, the detected data can be raw data emitted by the integral detection element 22 which is in analog form and is not processed when applying the event detection criteria. In the modes, the detected data can be converted to digital and / or conditioned by the A / D and SC component 28 before applying the event detection criteria.In these modes, the detected data can be processed by the processing device 20 before applying the event detection criteria.

[0049] Event monitoring can diagnose the cause of an event, diagnose the event, and / or diagnose the impacts of the event using detected data that was detected before, during, and / or after the event detection. This is accomplished by buffering the sensor data in a memory buffer 24, retaining the buffered data for a time period configured in memory 24 by an action performed in response to the detection of an event, and recording the detected data in memory 24 detected after the event detection.

[0050] Host 16 can be decoupled from digital bus 14 after Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, p. 24 / 107 / 28 configure detection node 12. Host 16 can be re-coupled to digital bus 14 after detection node 12 detects and responds to the event to download the detection data retained by detection node 12. For example, host 16 could be a terrestrial system that interfaces with digital bus 14, and detection nodes 12 could be located on a mobile device or vehicle, such as an aircraft.

[0051] In response to event detection, detection node 12 can perform selected actions that detection node 12 is configured to perform in response to the detected event, where detection, event detection, and the performance of selected actions are performed autonomously with respect to host 16.

[0052] Examples of selected actions performed by a detection node 12 that detected the event include: retaining the data detected by detection node 12 for a configured period of time; changing the power consumption of detection node 12; incrementing a counter associated with the detection of the particular event stored by detection node 12; initiating a second acquisition of second detected data of a different type than the detected data; modifying the sampling rate for continuous acquisition of detected data; modifying the bit depth for continuous acquisition of detected data; modifying the gain setting for continuous acquisition of detected data; processing the detected data; transitioning an external component from one state between inactive and active to the other between inactive and active; exiting a monitoring mode for the particular event; exiting a monitoring mode for any event;Send an event message to digital bus 14 for host 16 to cause host 16 to notify the other detection nodes 12 of the detected event and / or cause the other detection nodes 12 to perform a second selected action; send an event message to digital bus 14 for other detection nodes 12 coupled to digital bus 14 to notify the other nodes; Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, p. 25 / 107 / 28 of detection 12 of the detected event and / or cause the other detection nodes 12 to perform a second selected action. Detection node 12 may additionally detect a second event based on second event detection criteria that are different from the event detection criteria and perform second selected actions different from the selected actions in response to the detection of the second event.

[0053] The ability of the sensing nodes 12 to perform these operations autonomously provides particular benefits, including the ability to scale the intelligent sensor system 10 by adding or removing sensing nodes 12; adding new capabilities to perform actions in response to the detection of particular events, providing specialized sensing nodes 12; reducing the mass of the sensing nodes 12 by virtue of the ability to configure the sensor nodes 12 to be special-purpose sensor nodes without providing all the capabilities available to all sensing nodes 12a-12n; reducing cable mass due to the autonomous capabilities of the sensing nodes 12 without the need for connection to the host 16 to control event detection, event identification, or reaction to detected events; cost associated with reduced mass and complexity; the ability to reconfigure sensing nodes 12 per application or in real time;and the ability to verify the available settings before configuring the 12 detection nodes, without needing to re-verify the configuration of the 12 detection nodes when reconfiguring.

[0054] In embodiments, the intelligent sensor system 10 may include one or more edge sensing nodes 12e. The edge sensing nodes 12e include the components and functionality described in relation to the sensing nodes 12. In addition to, or instead of, the integral sensors 22, each edge sensing node 12e includes an external interface 40 that can communicate with one or more external sensing elements 42 that are external to the edge sensing node 12e. The external sensing elements 42 may be sensors Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, p. 26 / 107 / 28 analog, discrete or digital. The external sensor element 42 is coupled to the edge detection node 12e to receive power, receive excitation, configuration or control signals and / or to transmit detection data to the edge detection node 12e. The term external refers to being located outside or not mounted in an enclosure of the edge detection node 12e. For example, the external sensor element 42 is connected by a wire to the edge detection node 12e, wherein the wire penetrates the enclosure of the edge detection node 12e and is enclosed in the circuit board assembly. The external sensor element 42 does not have access to communicate with the digital bus 14, the other detection nodes 12 or the host 16 other than through the edge detection node 12e to which it is coupled.External sensor elements 42 can be analog, discrete, or digital sensors that perform continuous detection based on request or configuration. Additionally, external sensor elements 42 may have the capability to perform some signal conditioning or preprocessing.

[0055] The edge detection node 12e can trigger an event according to the event detection and edge trigger criteria with which it is configured. Regarding event detection, an event can be detected based on the detected data from one or more of the integral detection elements 22 of the edge detection node 12e and / or the external sensor elements 42 that are configured to communicate with the edge detection node 12e according to the event detection criteria with which the edge detection node 12e is configured. The processing device 20 can process the detection data emitted by each of the integral sensor elements 22 and external sensor elements 42 to determine whether an event was detected by the integral sensor element 22 or by the corresponding external sensor element 42.Determining event detection can include, for example, comparing a threshold to the detection data or a rate of change in the detection data, or detecting a trend. Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, p. 27 / 107 / 28, specifically regarding detection data, and / or detecting repeated occurrences of exceeding a limit.

[0056] Regarding event triggering, an event can be triggered based on event detection associated with detection data emitted by one or more of the integral sensor elements 22 and external sensor elements 42 according to the edge triggering criteria with which the edge detection node 12e is configured. The processing device 20 applies configurable logic operations to a determination of event detection associated with detection data emitted by the different integral sensor elements 22 and / or external sensor elements 42.For example, an event can be triggered based on an event being detected by only one of these integral sensor elements 22, a predetermined combination of these integral sensor elements 22, only one of these external sensor elements 42, a predetermined combination of these external sensor elements 42, or a predetermined combination of these integral and external sensor elements 22 and 42.

[0057] The processing device 20 may use hardware, firmware, and / or software to detect events and detect event triggers. For example, the processing device 20 may use analog, digital, or logic circuits to compare detection data with a threshold. In another example, the processing device 20 may use a programming logic device with a logic circuit or that applies software to determine if an event has been triggered.

[0058] The event trigger can cause a set of actions to be performed. According to a set of actions, a configurable set of one or more of the internal sensor elements 22 or external sensor elements 42 changes the modes from a listening mode in which emission detection data is only buffered, to an event mode in which emission detection data is retained for a period of time. Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 28 / 107 / 28 specified or recorded for long-term storage. When in listening mode, sensor node 12 continuously detects and records detection data. According to another set of actions, a configurable set of one or more unpowered external sensor elements 42 is switched on to operate in listening mode. The external sensor element 42 can be switched on temporarily, such as for a predetermined time interval or by acquiring samples of detected data, after which the external sensor element can return to an unpowered state. Power to supply the external sensor element 42 can be provided by the edge detection node 12e to which the external sensor element 42 is coupled. The set of actions can be any of the selected actions that can be performed by the detection nodes 12.Detection, event detection, event triggering, and execution of the set of actions are performed autonomously with respect to host 16.

[0059] With reference now to FIGURES 2, 3A and 4, flowcharts are shown demonstrating the implementation of the various exemplary modalities. Note that the order of operations shown in FIGURES 2, 3A and 4 is not necessary, therefore, in principle, the various operations can be performed out of the illustrated order or in parallel. Also, certain operations can be ignored, different operations can be added or replaced, or selected operations or groups of operations can be performed in a separate application following the modalities described here.

[0060] FIGURE 2 shows a flowchart 200 illustrating a method performed by a detection node of an intelligent sensor system, such as one of the detection nodes 12a-12n of the intelligent sensor system 10 shown in FIGURE 1. At input 210, the detected data is received from a detection node.However, before processing the detected data received at input 210, the detection node was configured by receiving a data buffering configuration at input 202, a data preprocessing configuration at input 204, and a conforming event definition i. Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 29 / 107 / 28 configured to set event i on each entry 206i and an event i activated as configured to activate the detection of event i on each entry 208i, where i = an. Each activation of event i is set to LOW to disable event detection or HIGH to enable event detection.

[0061] At input 210, the detected data is received from one or more integral sensor elements 22 or external sensor elements 42. At operation 220, the detected data is temporarily stored in a buffer. At operation 222, optional pre-processing of the detected data can be performed by the integral sensor elements 22, by the A / D component SC 28 and / or by the processing device 20.

[0062] In each 224i operation, it is determined whether the detected data stored in buffer, after preprocessing if any, satisfies the definition of event i as defined by the event i definition. If the determination for all 224i operations is NO, no action will be performed and the method will continue receiving detected data received at input 210. If the determination in operation 224i is YES, the method will continue in operation 226i. If the definition of more than one event i is satisfied, the detection node may be configured so that one event i is replaced by another. For example, if the detected data is above a first value, a definition event may be satisfied, causing an action that increases the sampling rate of the sensor element (22 or 42) to x, while if the detected data is above the first value and a second value that is higher than the first value, an action may increase the sampling rate to y.In these modes, more than one non-conflicting 224i operation can be performed simultaneously, for example, in parallel, staggered, or sequentially, i.e., in the order of 1-n.

[0063] In each operation 226i, it is determined whether the determination issued by operation 224i was YES, meaning that the definition of event i that was satisfied by the AND detection of detected data from event i is Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 30 / 107 / 28 activated by the activation signal of event i. If the determination for all operations 226i is NO, no action will be executed and the method will continue receiving detected data received at input 210. If the determination in operation 226i is YES, an action activation signal Ai to activate the execution of the set of Actions 308-i is changed from a LOW signal to a HIGH signal.

[0064] With reference to FIGURE 3A, a flowchart 300 illustrates an exemplary method that continues from flowchart 200 in FIGURE 2, showing the action(s) that can be activated and performed by the detection node. At input 304, a configuration action signal is received that generically activates or deactivates the performance of an action. The term received, as used, may refer to references, access, reading, acceptance of a transmission, or otherwise obtained. In the example shown, the configuration action signal is specified in the configuration file and referenced at input 304.

[0065] Entry 306 receives configuration definitions that specify details of the actions in each of the 308-i action sets included in action block 308, which includes action sets 1-n. For example, the configuration action signal might activate a particular action set, such as an action set defined to notify the host, and the configuration definition might specify on which bus to send the message used to notify the host. In the example shown, the configuration action signal is specified in the configuration file and referenced in entry 306.

[0066] FIGURE 3B is a block diagram showing action block 308 with n different examples of action sets 308-i. A logical AND operation is performed on operation 310 which applies the logical AND operation to the configuration action signal received at input 304 and to the action activation signal Ai emitted from operations 226i of flowchart 200 in FIGURE Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 31 / 107 / 28 2. The issuance of the logical AND operation performed in operation 310 activates only the set of actions 308-i (or non-conflicting sets of actions 308-i) for which the activation signal Ai was HIGH. Once a set of actions 308-i is activated to be performed, the action activation signal Ai may remain high while the event occurs, after which the action activation signal Ai may be reset to LOW.

[0067] In the example shown, the 308-i action sets include: 308-1, retain a certain duration of time of the data; 308-2, adjust the power consumption of detection node 12; 308-3, increment an event counter of detection node 12; 308-4, initiate a second acquisition of different detected data by a second detection node 12; 308-5, modify a sampling rate of the detected data; 308-6, modify a bit depth of the detected data; 308-7, modify the gain of the detected data; 308-8, process the detected data; 308-9, switch an external channel and / or component; 308-10, terminate the monitoring of an event by the detection node; and 308-11, send a notification to an external system of the detected event.

[0068] Regarding action set 308-1, configuration definitions are received that define: a number of samples to retain from the buffered pre-event data, meaning that detection data was buffered before event 308-1 was detected; and a number of samples to retain from the buffered post-event data, meaning that detected data was buffered after the A1 event activation signal was detected; and a specification to retain the retained data in volatile memory (VM) or non-volatile memory (NVM). When action set 308-1 is performed, the data is retained as specified by the configuration definitions.

[0069] Regarding action set 308-2, configuration definitions are received that specify a power consumption mode to be used. When action set 308-2 is performed, the consumption of Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 32 / 107 / 28 energy is transferred to the specified energy mode.

[0070] Regarding action set 308-3, configuration definitions are received that specify an integer increment step and a maximum counter value. When action set 308-3 is performed, the current event counter value is incremented, provided it does not exceed the maximum counter value, if specified.

[0071] Regarding action set 308-4, configuration definitions are received that specify the configuration settings for the second sensor node 12. When action set 308-4 is performed, the acquisition of the second detection data by the second sensor node 12 is initiated using the specified configuration definitions, and the second detection data is output.

[0072] Regarding action set 308-5, configuration definitions are received that specify a modified sampling rate. When action set 308-5 is performed, the detected data is acquired at the modified sampling rate and output as detected data.

[0073] With respect to action set 308-6, configuration definitions are received that specify a modified bit depth. When action set 308-6 is performed, the detected data is acquired at the modified bit depth and emitted as the detected data.

[0074] With respect to action set 308-7, configuration definitions are received that specify a modified gain. When action set 308-7 is performed, the detected data is acquired at the modified gain and output as detected data.

[0075] Regarding action set 308-8, configuration definitions are received that specify processes to be performed for processing the detected data. When action set 308-8 is Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 33 / 107 / 28 completed, the process is carried out on the detected data and a processing result is issued.

[0076] Regarding action set 308-9, configuration definitions are received that specify settings for toggling a state of one or more external components or channels associated with the respective external components. For example, configuration definitions can specify a type for each channel or component, for example, a ground / open type (for example, which can be used for an external transmission line component that is grounded when toggled HIGH and open when toggled LOW) or voltage / open (for example, which can be used for an external transmission line component to which a configurable voltage is applied (for example, 5V, 28V, etc.) when toggled HIGH, and is open when toggled LOW) for a configurable duration of time. When action set 308-9 is activated, each channel and / or external component controlled by action set 308-9 can be toggled.

[0077] Regarding action 308-10, configuration definitions are received that specify a counter exit definition for an event counter that counts the number of occurrences of event 10 detection (which is activated by the event activation signal A10), at which point monitoring should exit, where the exit definition is the value at which monitoring should exit for event 10. When action set 308-10 is performed, the current value of the event counter is compared to the exit definition. If it is determined that the current value of the event counter exceeds the exit definition, event monitoring for event 10 is terminated.

[0078] Regarding action set 308-11, configuration definitions are received that specify an address for an external destination and a channel to be used to send notifications to the external destination. When action set 308-11 is performed, a notification is sent to Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 34 / 107 / 28 the specified address using the specified channel.

[0079] FIGURE 4 shows a flowchart 400 illustrating an exemplary method performed by a sensor node of an intelligent sensor system, such as one of the sensor nodes 12a-12n of the intelligent sensor system 10 shown in FIGURE 1. In embodiments, the method is performed by an edge sensor node of an intelligent sensor system, such as a sensor node 12e of the intelligent sensor system 10 shown in FIGURE 1. The operations 4021-n, 404-1-n and 406-1-n are performed for n sensor elements or n combinations of sensor elements of the edge sensor node. The n sensor elements can be any of the integral sensor elements or external sensor elements, such as the integral sensor elements 22 and the external sensor elements 42 shown in FIGURE 1.

[0080] In the 402-j operation, where j is a value between 1 and n, one or more sensor elements, which can be one or more integral or external sensor elements, enter listening mode. In the 404-j operation, the one or more sensor elements continuously scan and retain a quantity of data, for example, in a buffer. In the 406-j operation, a determination is made as to whether an event is detected. If the determination in the 406-j operation is NO, an event is not detected, the method continues in the 404-j operation for continuous scanning and retention of detection data as it is detected, and a positive input is not applied to the 408 logic operation (meaning that a negative input (e.g., LOW logic) is applied). If the determination in the 406-j operation is YES, an event is detected, a positive input (e.g., HIGH logic) is applied to the 408 logic operation.

[0081] The 402-1-n, 404-1-n and 406-1-n operations can be performed using any selected combination of one or more integral and / or external sensor elements. Each set of 402-j, 404-j and 406-j operations can be performed on one sensing element or on multiple sensor elements of the same type of integral or external sensor elements. Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 35 / 107 / 28

[0082] The 408 logic operation can include a selected logic operation (e.g., AND, OR, NOR, NAND) or a combination of selected operations. In the example shown, an AND logic operation is displayed, without limiting disclosure to a specific logic operation. The 408 logic operation processes the applied inputs and outputs a LOW or HIGH logic signal, based on the determination of the logic processing performed by the 408 logic operation.

[0083] In these modes, only a set of operations 402-j, 404j, and 406-j is provided, and its emission is applied to the logical operation 408. In these modes, the logical operation is configured to recognize when an event is detected in the 406-j operation.

[0084] The operation receives the emission from the logical operation 408 and initiates an event trigger only when a particular logical value, for example, HIGH logic, is received; otherwise, an event will not be triggered. In operation 412, a determination is made whether an event is triggered. If the determination in operation 412 is NO, an event is not triggered, then in operation 418, the sensor elements that perform in operations 404-1-n continue to perform in the same way, continuing to scan and retain a quantity of data.

[0085] If the determination of operation 412 is YES, an event is triggered, then in operation 414 a selected action is performed, based on the particular event that was triggered. In the example shown, the selected action is performed in operations 414 and 416. In operation 414, an action is performed in which one or more selected integral and / or external sensor elements exit listening mode. In operation 416, an action is performed in which the selected sensor element(s) retain a specified amount of past data and record additional data. The method continues in operation 418.

[0086] It should be appreciated that the disclosure methods include Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 36 / 107 / 28 algorithms, programs or software code that may reside on a computer-usable medium with control logic to enable execution on a machine with a computer processor. The machine typically includes memory storage configured to provide the means of issuing the execution of the algorithm or computer program.

[0087] As used in this document, the term software shall be synonymous with any code or program that may reside in a host computer's processor, regardless of whether the implementation is in hardware, firmware, or as a software computer product available on a disk, memory storage device, or for download from a remote machine. The embodiments described in this document include such hardware, firmware, and / or software for implementing the logic, equations, relationships, and algorithms described above. A person skilled in the art will appreciate the additional features and advantages of the illustrated embodiments based upon the embodiments described above. Consequently, the illustrated embodiments shall not be limited by what has been specifically shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims.

[0088] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this document have the same meaning as commonly understood by one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described in this document may also be used in the practice or testing of the embodiments illustrated, exemplary methods and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated into this document by reference for disclosing and describing the methods and / or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.

[0089] It should be noted that as used in this document and in the accompanying claims, the singular forms a, an and the include the Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, p. 37 / 107 / 28 plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a stimulus includes a plurality of such stimuli, and reference to a signal includes reference to one or more signals and equivalents thereof known to experts in the art, and so on.

[0090] A potential advantage of the various disclosed intelligent sensing system modalities is the ability to configure the sensor nodes of a distributed system with pre-certified configuration definitions. Sensor nodes can detect events and perform actions based on the autonomous configuration definitions of a host or controller. Sensor nodes and their per-sensor node capabilities can be added and removed without the need for recertification. Reconfiguration can be performed at any time during the sensor node's lifespan. This reconfiguration can be performed during an intelligent sensor system sensing session, as well as by the controller. Interaction and / or coupling with the host or controller can be limited to configuration before or during a sensing session and / or data download for analysis. The distributed nature of the intelligent sensor system reduces the weight of components and cabling.

[0091] Although the apparatus and methods of disclosure of the object have been shown and described with reference to the modalities, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that alterations and / or modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure of the object. Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, p. 38 / 107

Claims

1 / 7 CLAIMS 1. An edge sensor node (12e) of a plurality of sensor nodes (12a-12n) of a detection network having a controller or a host (16), the detection network being configured to monitor a system, the edge sensor node (12e) characterized in that it comprises: one or more of at least one integral sensor element (22) and an interface (40) for communication with at least one external sensor element (42), wherein each of the at least one integral sensor element (22) is internal to the edge sensor node (12e) and is configured to detect a first physical characteristic of the system and emit first associated detection data, and wherein each of the at least one external sensor element (42) is external to the edge sensor node (12e) and is configured to detect a second physical characteristic of the system and emit second associated detection data,wherein at least one external sensor element (42) has access only to communicate with the other sensor nodes of the plurality of sensor nodes (12a-12n) and the controller or host (16) via the edge sensor node (12e); a processing device (20) configured to: be configured with a configuration file selected from a plurality of configuration files, the configuration file defining first and second event detection criteria,first and second event enablements and first and second action sets; acquire at least one of: the first detection data from at least one integral sensor element (22); and the second detection data from at least one external sensor element (42); detect the first event as a function of at least one of the first and second detection data based on the first event detection criterion and conditioned on the first event enablement being configured to enable the detection of the first event, and detect the second event as a function of at least one of the first and second detection data based on the second event detection criterion and conditioned on the second event enablement being configured to enable the detection of the second event; determine if the first event and the first action set are enabled by the configuration file and,when the first event and the first set of actions are enabled by the configuration file, execute the first set of actions from the plurality of sets of actions as a function to detect the first event; and determine if the second event and the second set of actions are enabled by the configuration file and, when the second event and the second set of actions are enabled by the configuration file, execute the second set of actions from the plurality of sets of actions as a function to detect the second event; wherein, once the processing device (20) is configured by the controller or the host (16) with the configuration file,The detection of the first and second events and the execution of either of the first and second sets of actions are performed autonomously by the controller and the host (16) of the detection network; and wherein the processing device (20) is reconfigurable by the controller or the host (16) to be configured with a second configuration file different from the first configuration file at any time during the lifetime of the edge sensor node (12e).

2. Edge sensor node (12e) according to claim 1, characterized in that, the processing device (20) is further configured to initiate an event trigger, the first set of actions is executed only after the start of the event trigger, and Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 40 / 107 3 / 7 the event trigger is initiated whenever the first event is detected.

3. Edge sensor node (12e) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, the processing device (20) is further configured to initiate an event trigger, the first set of actions is executed only after the start of the event trigger, and event trigger detection is a function of at least one logical operation applied to the emission of detection of the first and second events as a function of emitting detection data by at least two sensor elements of at least one integral sensor element (22) and at least one external sensor element (42).

4. Edge sensor node (12e) according to claim 3, characterized in that the emission of detection data by those at least two sensor elements includes the first detection data as outputs by first and second integral sensor elements of the at least one integral sensor element (22).

5. Edge sensor node (12e) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the emission of detection data by those at least two sensor elements includes the first detection data as outputs by a first integral sensor element of that at least one integral sensor element (22) and the second detection data as outputs by a first external sensor element of that at least one external sensor element (42).

6. Edge sensor node (12e) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, the processing device (20) is further configured to initiate at least one event trigger, Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 41 / 107 4 / 7 the first and second sets of actions are executed only in response to the initiation of one of at least one of the event triggers, and before said at least one event trigger is detected, the at least one integral sensor element (22) and the at least one external sensor element (42) operate in a listening mode to continuously retain a limited amount of the respective first and second detection data.

7. Edge sensor node (12e) according to claim 6, characterized in that operation in listening mode by said at least one integral sensor element (22) and said at least one external sensor element (42) further includes continuously scanning before such retention of the limited amount of the respective first and second detection data.

8. Edge sensor node (12e) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the first set of actions includes at least one sensor element, said at least one integral sensor element (22), and said at least one external sensor element (42), exiting listening mode, and exiting listening mode includes retaining an amount of the first or second detection data specified by the first set of actions.

9. Edge sensor node (12e) according to claim 8, characterized in that said at least one sensor element exiting listening mode further includes sending a second specified quantity of first or second detection data for recording by an external recording device, and the second specified quantity including at least one of a third specified quantity of first or second detection data previously retained and a fourth specified quantity of first or second detection data not yet emitted. Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, p. 42 / 107 5 / 7 10. Edge sensor node (12e) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that at least one sensor element operating in listening mode includes continuously monitoring whether at least one event trigger has been initiated.

11. Edge sensor node (12e) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, before the detection of the first and second events, at least one external sensor is switched off, the first set of actions includes controlling power supply to at least one external sensor to provide power to at least one external sensor.

12. Edge sensor node (12e) according to claim 11, characterized in that controlling the power supply to at least one external sensor includes controlling the power supply to be temporary.

13. Method for monitoring events performed by an edge sensor node (12e) as defined in any of claims 1 to 12, the edge sensor node (12e) being one of a plurality of sensor nodes (12a-12n) of a detection network having a controller or a host (16), the detection network being configured to monitor a system, the method characterized in that it comprises: configuring, by the controller or the host (16), a processing device (20) of the edge sensor node (12e) with a configuration file selected from a plurality of configuration files, the configuration file defining first and second event detection criteria, and a plurality of sets of actions to be performed in association with the detection of the respective first and second events;acquire at least one of the first and second detection data associated with the detection of a physical feature of the system, the first detection data being acquired inside the edge sensor node (12e), and the second detection data being acquired outside the edge sensor node (12e) via an interface (40) of the edge sensor node (12e); detect the first and second events as a function of at least one of the first and second detection data based on the first and second event detection criteria; determine that the first event and a first set of actions from the plurality of action sets are enabled by the configuration file and execute the first set of actions from the plurality of action sets as a function of the detection of the first event;and determine that the second event and a second set of actions from the plurality of action sets are enabled by the configuration file and execute the second set of actions from the plurality of action sets as a function of the detection of the second event, wherein the detection of the first and second events and the execution of either of the first and second sets of actions are performed autonomously by the system controller or host (16), after the processing device (20) is configured with the configuration file by the system controller or host (16); and reconfigure the processing device (20) by configuring the processing device (20) with a second configuration file different from the first configuration file.

14. Controller or host (16) of a sensing network, characterized in that the sensing network comprises a plurality of sensor nodes (12a-12n) for monitoring a system, wherein one of the plurality of sensor nodes (12a-12n) is an edge sensor node (12e) as defined in any of claims 1 to 12, the controller or host (16) comprising: a memory (34) configured to store instructions; Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 44 / 107 7 / 7 a processor (30) arranged in communication with the memory (34), wherein the processor (30), after executing the instructions, is configured to: configure the edge sensor node (12e) to execute the method as defined in claim 13.

15. Controller or host (16) according to claim 14, characterized in that said processor (30), after executing the instructions, is further configured to receive data from the edge sensor node (12e) as a result of the edge sensor node (12e) executing one or more of the first set of actions and the second set of actions, regardless of whether the controller or host (16) was coupled to the edge sensor node (12e) when the edge sensor node (12e) has detected one or more of the first and second events. Petition 870260057971, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, p. 45 / 107

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