Telemetry system comprising array of sensor stations and air data collection system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a telemetry system comprising an array of sensor stations arranged in a spaced-apart arrangement wherein a respective sensor station comprises: a respective sensor for generating respective sensor data regarding a respective sensing parameter; a respective sensor station memory for storing the respective sensor data; a corresponding sensor station antenna; a corresponding sensor station wireless transmitter; and a respective sensor station processor for periodically activating the respective sensor station wireless transmitter to transmit the respective sensor data via the respective sensor station antenna. The telemetry system comprises an air data collection system comprising: an air data collection system antenna; and an air data collection system receiver for receiving the respective sensor data transmitted by the respective sensor station antenna.

Description

[0001] Related patent applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to jointly owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 540,684, filed on September 27, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to telemetry systems, and more specifically to a telemetry system comprising an array of sensor stations and an aerial data collection system. Background Technology

[0004] Telemetry refers to the use of sensors and other devices to collect data, thereby automatically collecting, transmitting, and analyzing data from remote sources. Telemetry systems typically include multiple sensors that transmit their respective sensor data back to a central location for analysis.

[0005] Telemetry systems are used in many industries and applications, such as agriculture, construction, mining, and renewable energy. Conventional telemetry systems are often hampered by physical obstacles or other undesirable limitations on wireless transmission, which typically makes the design of effective communication for sensor data expensive.

[0006] In agriculture, telemetry systems are used to collect sensor data on various soil parameters, such as humidity, temperature, and pH, to manage the use of land, water, and chemicals for crop growth. However, transmitting sensor data in agricultural environments using existing telemetry systems can be challenging. Some systems involve distributed arrays of sensor stations in crop fields, each with an antenna to transmit sensor data to a central base station or gateway. However, "vegetation attenuation" often limits the usable location of sensor stations and requires expensive solutions. Vegetation attenuation refers to the attenuation effect of vegetation (plants), especially properly hydrated vegetation, within the wireless communication path of a wireless system. Vegetation attenuation is cumulative over distance and can significantly reduce link margins in related systems.

[0007] To avoid this problem, agricultural antennas in agricultural environments are typically raised (to allow unobstructed communication over relevant vegetation), which usually requires an expensive, permanently installed structure. For example, raised antennas can transmit corresponding sensor data laterally to dedicated sub-GHz networks (e.g., LoRa) or traditional cellular networks. Additionally, cellular coverage is often unavailable or unreliable in agricultural settings.

[0008] Therefore, an improved telemetry system is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This disclosure provides a telemetry system including, for example, an aerial data collection system capable of being carried by a drone, to collect sensor data from an array of sensor stations distributed (spaced apart) in a given environment (e.g., an agricultural environment). As used herein, "drone" refers to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

[0010] In some examples, the telemetry system includes an array of sensor stations and an aerial data collection system. The sensor stations are arranged in a spaced-apart configuration. Each sensor station may be located at or near at least one object of interest to be monitored. An "object of interest" may include a physical object, a location or area in space (e.g., air at a specific location), or any other entity having at least one senseable (i.e., detectable by a sensor) characteristic.

[0011] In some examples, a corresponding sensor station may include (among other components): at least one sensor for generating sensor data about a corresponding object of interest; a sensor station memory for storing the corresponding sensor data; a sensor station antenna; a sensor station wireless transmitter for transmitting the sensor data (e.g., for collection by an airborne data collection system); and a sensor station processor for executing logical instructions and performing various functions, including periodically activating the wireless transmitter to transmit sensor data via the antenna.

[0012] An aerial data collection system may include, among other components, an aerial data collection system antenna and an aerial data collection system receiver for receiving corresponding sensor data transmitted by the antennas of corresponding sensor stations in a sensor station array. The aerial data collection system may be carried by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and is therefore referred to herein as an "UAV-based aerial data collection system." An "UAV-capable" aerial data collection system may include, for example, an aerial data collection system manufactured or otherwise provided as part of a UAV, or an aerial data collection system manufactured separately from the UAV and capable of being attached to the UAV in any suitable manner (e.g., during the manufacture of the UAV or during the retrofitting of an existing UAV). In some examples, the UAV may be a Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) UAV, and the aerial data collection system may be housed in a housing compatible with gimbaled camera mounts mounted on COTS UAVs.

[0013] Telemetry systems can utilize Bluetooth, radio frequency (RF) or any other suitable wireless communication protocol to communicate between the respective sensor station and the airborne data collection system, including the transfer of data (e.g., sensor data and / or sensor station identification data) from the respective sensor station to the airborne data collection system and / or the transfer of data (e.g., drone identification data) from the airborne data collection system to the respective sensor station.

[0014] In some examples, the telemetry system can utilize features of the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol, known as "announcement packets," to transmit sensor data from the respective sensor station to the airborne data collection system. This avoids the need for pairing or handshaking between the respective sensor station and the airborne data collection system. In some examples, the respective sensor station can periodically or in response to a defined triggering event (e.g., detecting the airborne data collection system flying overhead) transmit sensor data (e.g., encoded in BLE announcement packets).

[0015] In some examples, the sensor station antenna of the respective sensor station includes an upward-oriented directional antenna for communicating with UAV-based aerial data collection systems. In some examples, the respective sensor station may include a Yagi-Uda printed circuit board (PCB) antenna or other directional antenna (or other high-gain antenna) connected to a BLE transmitter, thereby transmitting sensor data (encoded in BLE announcement packets) vertically (i.e., upward) with high gain. Vertical transmission can reduce or eliminate potential signal attenuation caused by nearby objects or structures. For example, in an agricultural implementation where the sensor station is positioned within a crop field, vertical transmission can reduce signal attenuation caused by vegetation extending above the height of the respective sensor station.

[0016] A UAV-based aerial data collection system may include a corresponding BLE receiver and a high-gain antenna, and may be programmed to fly above an array of sensor stations along a predefined flight path (e.g., a zigzag flight path). In some implementations, the predefined flight path may include serial waypoints established during the installation or deployment of the respective sensor stations (e.g., using a mobile device) and associated GNSS data of the waypoints to be loaded subsequently for use by the aerial data collection system. Along the predefined flight path, the aerial data collection system may listen for BLE announcement packets from the respective underlying sensor stations and correlate the received sensor data with the respective sensor station identification information (e.g., the unique sensor station identifier and / or GNSS location data of the respective sensor station). Upon the UAV's return to its home base location, the aerial data collection system may upload the collected sensor data, along with the corresponding sensor station identification information (and timestamp information), to a backend system, such as, but not limited to, an application on a mobile device, a BLE gateway, a cellular network, or an internet-connected network (e.g., a WiFi network or other internet-connected network).

[0017] In some examples, the respective sensor stations perform sensor measurements (i.e., generate sensor data) at a first frequency (e.g., hourly) and transmit the sensor data at a lower second frequency (e.g., daily) for collection by a drone-based aerial data collection system. In some examples, the timing of sensor data transmission from the sensor station to the aerial data collection system can be correlated with the local sunset by using a photodetector (photodiode) at least located at the respective sensor station. In other examples, a clock (e.g., a corresponding real-time clock located at the respective sensor station and the aerial data collection system) can be used to synchronize the timing of sensor data transmission from the respective sensor station with the flight time or location of the aerial data collection system.

[0018] In some examples, telemetry systems like those disclosed herein can be implemented in agricultural environments, such as areas where surrounding vegetation and / or topography attenuate or otherwise impede conventional lateral surface emission. In practical agricultural implementation, farmers can enjoy greater yields by having better data on actual soil conditions and making more informed investments in their crops. Agricultural seed / chemical companies can access better soil data to evaluate the outcomes of various treatment solutions. Crop insurance providers can access better data on historical soil conditions, for example, to adjust premiums and claim compensation based on the corresponding farmer's soil care practices.

[0019] In other examples, the telemetry systems disclosed herein can be implemented in any other type of environment, such as for monitoring built environments, mining environments, large recreational areas (e.g., golf courses), geological or environmental data, telemetry for large-scale renewable energy installations, for utility metering, for surveillance purposes, or for military, space, or interplanetary applications, but not limited thereto.

[0020] One aspect provides a telemetry system comprising an array of sensor stations arranged at intervals, and an airborne data collection system. Each sensor station in the sensor station array includes: a corresponding sensor for generating corresponding sensor data about an object of interest; a corresponding sensor station memory for storing the corresponding sensor data; a corresponding sensor station antenna; a corresponding sensor station wireless transmitter; and a corresponding sensor station processor for periodically activating the corresponding sensor station wireless transmitter to transmit the corresponding sensor data via the corresponding sensor station antenna. The airborne data collection system includes an airborne data collection system antenna and an airborne data collection system receiver for receiving the corresponding sensor data transmitted by the corresponding sensor station antenna.

[0021] In some examples, the airborne data collection system includes an airborne data collection system memory and an airborne data collection system processor, the airborne data collection system processor being used to store corresponding sensor data received by the airborne data collection system receiver in the airborne data collection system memory.

[0022] In some examples, aerial data collection systems can be carried by drones.

[0023] In some examples, a corresponding sensor station in a sensor station array includes: a corresponding sensor station photodetector for detecting visible radiation; and logic instructions that can be executed by a corresponding sensor station processor to periodically activate a corresponding sensor station wireless transmitter in response to radiation detected by the corresponding sensor station photodetector.

[0024] In some examples, for a given sensor station in the sensor station array, the given sensor station memory stores a given sensor station identifier associated with the given sensor station, and the given sensor station wireless transmitter transmits the first sensor station identifier and first sensor data via a first sensor station antenna, and the airborne data collection system receiver receives the given sensor data and associated given sensor station identifier transmitted by the given sensor station in the sensor station array.

[0025] In some examples, the corresponding sensor station wireless transmitter includes a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) transmitter, and the over-the-air data collection system receiver includes a BLE receiver.

[0026] In some examples, the telemetry system includes logical instructions that can be executed by the processor of the first sensor station to encode first sensor data in BLE announcement packets.

[0027] In some examples, the sensor station array is arranged at ground level.

[0028] In some examples, the first sensor station includes logical instructions executable by the first sensor station processor to selectively switch the first sensor station between a plurality of sensor station operating states, including: (a) a sleep state in which the first sensor and the first sensor station wireless transmitter are deactivated; (b) a periodic sensing state in which (i) the first sensor is activated to generate first sensor data, wherein the first sensor data is stored in the first sensor station memory; and (ii) the first sensor station wireless transmitter is deactivated; and (c) a periodic wireless communication state in which the first sensor station wireless transmitter is activated to transmit the first sensor data stored in the first sensor station memory via the first sensor station antenna.

[0029] In some examples, the first sensor station antenna includes a directional antenna arranged to emit vertically.

[0030] In some examples, the sensor station array includes a first sensor station and a second sensor station, the first sensor station including a first sensor for generating second sensor data about a first object of interest, the second sensor station including a second sensor for generating second sensor data about a second object of interest, and an airborne data collection system receiver for receiving (a) the first sensor data from the first sensor station and (b) the second sensor data from the second sensor station.

[0031] One aspect provides a sensor station comprising: a sensor for generating first sensor data about a first object of interest; a memory for storing the first sensor data; an antenna; a wireless transmitter; a processor for periodically activating the wireless transmitter to transmit the sensor data via the antenna; and logic instructions executable by the processor to selectively switch the sensor station between multiple sensor station operating states, the multiple sensor station operating states including: (a) a sleep state, wherein the sensor and the wireless transmitter are deactivated; (b) a periodic sensing state, wherein (i) the sensor is activated to generate sensor data, wherein the generated sensor data is stored in the memory, and (ii) the wireless transmitter is deactivated; and (c) a periodic wireless communication state, wherein the wireless transmitter is activated to access and transmit the sensor data stored in the memory via the antenna. The sensor station also includes logic instructions executable by the processor to selectively switch the sensor station to the periodic wireless communication state in response to detecting the presence of an unmanned aerial vehicle-based aerial data collection system.

[0032] In some examples, the sensor station includes: a wireless transceiver including a wireless transmitter; and logic instructions that can be executed by a processor to detect the presence of the UAV-based aerial data collection system based on signals received at the wireless transceiver from the UAV-based aerial data collection system.

[0033] In some examples, the sensor station includes: a light detector for detecting radiation; and logic instructions that can be executed by a processor to periodically activate a wireless transmitter in response to radiation detected by the light detector.

[0034] In some examples, the first sensor station wireless transmitter includes a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) transmitter, and the sensor station includes logical instructions that can be executed by a processor to encode sensor data in BLE announcement packets.

[0035] In some examples, logic instructions can be executed by a processor to switch the sensor station to a periodic sensing state according to a first frequency, and to switch the sensor station to a periodic wireless communication state according to a second frequency lower than the first frequency.

[0036] In some examples, the sensor station includes: a wireless receiver for receiving and identifying communications from an airborne data collection system; and logical instructions that can be executed by a processor to activate a wireless transmitter in response to identifying communications from the airborne data collection system.

[0037] One aspect provides a sensor station comprising: a sensor for generating sensor data about a sensed entity; an antenna; a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) transmitter; and a processor for encoding the sensor data in BLE announcement packets and periodically activating the BLE transmitter to transmit the sensor data via the antenna.

[0038] In some examples, the sensor station includes: a memory for storing sensor data generated by the sensor; and logical instructions executable by a processor to selectively switch the sensor station between multiple sensor station operating states, including: (a) a sleep state in which the sensor and BLE transmitter are deactivated; (b) a periodic sensing state in which (i) the sensor is activated to generate sensor data, wherein the generated sensor data is stored in the memory, and (ii) the BLE transmitter is deactivated; and (c) a periodic wireless communication state in which the BLE transmitter is activated to access and transmit the sensor data stored in the memory via an antenna.

[0039] One aspect provides an airborne data collection system comprising: a navigation system for navigating an airborne device carrying the airborne data collection system along a defined air route above an array of sensor stations; an antenna; and a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) receiver for receiving BLE transmissions from the array of sensor stations via the antenna, wherein a corresponding BLE transmission from a corresponding sensor station in the array of sensor stations includes corresponding sensor data encoded in a BLE announcement packet.

[0040] In some examples, the airborne data collection system includes a memory, a processor, and logic instructions that can be executed by the processor to identify corresponding sensor data encoded in the corresponding BLE announcement packets received by the BLE receiver and to store the identified corresponding sensor data in the memory. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Example aspects of this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] Figure 1 An example telemetry system, including an array of sensor stations and an aerial data collection system that can be carried by a drone, is shown.

[0043] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The example sensor station of the example telemetry system shown is shown.

[0044] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1The example telemetry system shown is an example of an aerial data collection system;

[0045] Figure 4 It shows the use of Figure 1 Another example sensor station of the example telemetry system shown includes a BLE transceiver.

[0046] Figure 5 It shows the use of Figure 1 Another example of an airborne data collection system shown in the example telemetry system includes a BLE transceiver;

[0047] Figures 6A to 6D Timing diagrams for two example operating protocols that can be implemented by the corresponding sensor stations are shown; and

[0048] Figures 7A to 7C Timing diagrams of two example operational protocols that can be implemented by an example UAV-borne aerial data collection system are shown.

[0049] It should be understood that reference numerals for any illustrated element appearing in multiple different figures have the same meaning in all figures, and any illustrated element mentioned or discussed herein in the context of any particular figure also applies to every other figure (if any) in which the same illustrated element is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Figure 1 An example telemetry system 100 for monitoring an environment E is shown. The example telemetry system 100 includes a sensor station array 102 and an aerial data collection (ADC) system 106. The sensor station array includes an array of sensor stations 104 spaced apart in the environment E. The aerial data collection (ADC) system can be carried by a drone D, for example, to periodically fly above the sensor station array 102 to wirelessly collect sensor data generated by the respective sensor stations 104. The respective sensor stations 104 may be located at or near at least one corresponding object of interest “O” to be monitored. As mentioned above, the object of interest O (or simply “object O” for convenience) may include a physical object, a location or area in space (e.g., air at a specific location), or any other entity having at least one senseable (i.e., detectable by a sensor) characteristic. In some examples, as discussed in more detail below, the respective sensor station 104 may be mounted or arranged at the ground plane and include antennas for directional transmission in an upward direction, for example, to reduce attenuation caused by nearby structures or growth and / or otherwise increase signal gain.

[0051] In an example embodiment in which the telemetry system 100 is set in an agricultural environment (referred to herein as the “agricultural embodiment”), the object O in the environment E may include, for example, (a) a soil area (where the corresponding sensor station 104 measures various soil parameters, such as, but not limited to, humidity, temperature and / or pH), (b) a nearby air area (where the corresponding sensor station 104 measures various characteristics of the local air, such as, but not limited to, humidity, temperature and / or wind speed and wind direction), (c) nearby vegetation (such as, but not limited to, humidity, vegetation density and / or “greenness”), and / or any other suitable sensor-detectable parameters.

[0052] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The example sensor station 104 of the sensor station array 102 of the example telemetry system 100 is shown. As shown, the sensor station 104 may include (among other components) at least one sensor 200 for generating corresponding sensor data 202 with respect to at least one corresponding sensed parameter of at least one object O; a sensor station memory 206 for storing the corresponding sensor data 202; a sensor station antenna 208; a sensor station wireless transmitter 210 communicatively connected to the sensor station antenna 208; and a sensor station processor 212 communicatively connected to the sensor station memory 206 and the sensor station wireless transmitter 210.

[0053] Sensor 200 may include one or more types of sensors, such as analog and / or digital sensors, to measure one or more senseable parameters of at least one object O. Example types of sensor 200 may include proximity sensors, temperature sensors (e.g., thermocouples), moisture / humidity sensors, pH sensors, audio sensors (e.g., microphones), light detectors, density sensors, pressure sensors, voltage sensors, current sensors, capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, resistive sensors, infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, gas sensors, color sensors, flow sensors, smoke sensors, or any other type of sensor.

[0054] In some examples, sensor station antenna 208 may include an upward-oriented directional antenna for communicating with the ADC system 106 flying overhead. In some examples, sensor station antenna 208 may include a Yagi-Uda printed circuit board (PCB) antenna or other directional antenna, or other high-gain antenna. Sensor station wireless transmitter 210 connected to sensor station antenna 208 may include circuitry for transmitting data (including sensor data 202 and / or other data) via sensor station antenna 208 according to any communication protocol. For example, sensor station wireless transmitter 210 may include circuitry for transmitting data via the Bluetooth protocol. In one example, sensor station wireless transmitter 210 includes a BLE transmitter that includes circuitry for transmitting sensor data 202 and / or other data to the ADC system 106 using BLE announcement packets. The BLE transmitter may encode sensor data 202 and / or other data in the payload segment of the corresponding BLE announcement packet.

[0055] In some examples, in addition to transmitting data to the ADC system 106, the sensor station 104 may also receive data transmitted by the ADC system 106. In such examples, for instance, as discussed below... Figure 4 As illustrated in the example, sensor station 104 may include a wireless transceiver connected to sensor station antenna 208, wherein sensor station wireless transmitter 210 includes transmitter circuitry for the wireless transceiver, and the wireless transceiver also includes receiver circuitry for receiving data transmitted by ADC system 106. Alternatively, sensor station 104 may include a separate wireless receiver (e.g., separate from wireless transmitter 210) that may be connected to sensor station antenna 208 or a separate antenna.

[0056] The sensor station processor 212 can execute corresponding logical instructions (e.g., software and / or firmware implementations stored in computer-readable memory) to perform various functions of the sensor station 104, including: (a) periodically activating the corresponding sensor (2) 200 to perform the corresponding sensor measurement (i.e., generating the corresponding sensor data 202); (b) periodically activating the sensor station wireless transmitter 210 to transmit the sensor data 202 via the sensor station antenna 208, for example, for reception by the ADC system 106; and / or (c) any other various functions of the sensor station 104.

[0057] In some examples, the sensor station processor 212 may execute corresponding logical instructions to selectively switch the sensor station 104 between different operating states (also referred to as "sensor station operating states"), such as including: (a) a "sleep state" in which the corresponding sensor 200 and the sensor station wireless transmitter 210 are deactivated; (b) a "periodic sensing state" in which (i) the corresponding sensor 200 is activated to generate corresponding sensor data 202 (which may be stored in the sensor station memory 206), and (ii) the sensor station wireless transmitter 210 is deactivated; and (c) a "periodic wireless communication state" in which the sensor station wireless transmitter 210 is activated to access and transmit the sensor data 202 stored in the sensor station memory 206 via the sensor station antenna 208, for example, for reception by the ADC system 106.

[0058] In some examples, sensor station processor 212 switches sensor station 104 to a periodic sensing state according to a first frequency (e.g., hourly) and to a periodic wireless communication state according to a lower second frequency (e.g., daily). In some examples, sensor station processor 212 coordinates with the flight of UAV-based ADC system 106 on sensor station array 102 to switch sensor station 104 to the periodic wireless communication state, as discussed below. For example, see reference below. Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6C , Figure 6D and Figure 7C As discussed, the sensor station processor 212 and the ADC system 106 can, for example, use corresponding real-time clocks (RTCs) set in the ADC system 106 and the sensor station 104 to perform clock-based coordination of the corresponding UAV flight and the transmission of sensor data 202 from the sensor station 104. As another example, see the following reference... Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 7A and Figure 7B As discussed, sensor station 104 may include a photodetector to detect the local sunset time and synchronize the corresponding transmission of sensor data 202 from sensor station 104 with the detection of the local sunset. ADC system 106 may similarly be equipped with a photodetector, or may be timed to collect data at the local sunset.

[0059] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1The example telemetry system 100 shown is an example airborne data collection (ADC) system 106. As shown, the UAV-based ADC system 106 may include (among other components) an ADC system antenna 308 (or, for convenience, antenna 308) and an ADC system wireless receiver 310 (or, for convenience, wireless receiver 310) connected to the antenna 308 to receive corresponding sensor data 202 transmitted by the corresponding sensor station antenna 208 of the corresponding sensor station 104.

[0060] The wireless receiver 310 connected to antenna 308 may include circuitry for receiving data (e.g., sensor data 202 and / or other data transmitted by the respective sensor station 104) via antenna 308 according to any communication protocol. For example, the wireless receiver 310 may include circuitry for receiving data via a Bluetooth protocol (e.g., BLE communication). In some examples, in addition to receiving data transmitted by sensor station 104, ADC system 106 may also wirelessly transmit data for reception by the respective sensor station 104, such as, but not limited to, data identifying the presence of ADC system 106 flying above the respective sensor station 104 and / or identification information identifying ADC system 106 or a drone carrying ADC system 106. In such examples, for example, as discussed below... Figure 5 As illustrated in the example, the ADC system 106 may include a wireless transceiver connected to the antenna 308, wherein the wireless receiver 310 includes receiver circuitry for the wireless transceiver, and the wireless transceiver also includes transmitter circuitry for transmitting data for reception by the respective sensor station 104. Alternatively, the ADC system 106 may include a separate wireless transmitter (e.g., separate from the wireless receiver 310), which may be connected to the antenna 308 or a separate antenna.

[0061] In some examples, the ADC system 106 may be manufactured or otherwise supplied as part of the drone. In other examples, the ADC system 106 may be manufactured separately from the drone and can be attached to the drone in any suitable manner (e.g., during the manufacture of the drone or the retrofitting of an existing drone). In some examples, the drone may be a Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) drone, and the ADC system 106 may be attached to a camera mounting connector disposed on the drone, or housed in a housing compatible with a gimbal camera mounting connector disposed on the drone. In some examples, the ADC system 106 may be attached to the drone in other ways.

[0062] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 Another example sensor station 104 of the sensor station array 102 of the example telemetry system 100 shown. As shown in the figure. Figure 4The illustrated sensor station 104 may include a plurality of sensors 200 for generating corresponding sensor data 202 about at least one corresponding sensed parameter of at least one object O, a sensor station memory 206, a sensor station antenna 208, a BLE transceiver 410 (including transmitter and receiver circuitry), a processor 212, logic instructions 414, a real-time clock (RTC) 415, a power supply 416, and an optional photodetector 420. In this example, the processor 212, logic instructions 414, and RTC 415 may be implemented in a microcontroller 426 provided with the BLE transceiver 410 in a system-on-chip (SoC) 424. The logic instructions 414 may be embodied in software and / or firmware stored in computer-readable memory. Without going beyond the scope, the BLE transceiver 410 may be replaced by another RF transceiver. As used herein, "transceiver" includes both transmitting and receiving circuitry, which may be provided in a combined transceiver device or as separate transmitter and receiver devices.

[0063] Sensor 200 may include any type of sensor for measuring any senseable parameter of at least one object O, such as any sensor type discussed above regarding sensor 200. In this example, sensor 200 includes one or more analog sensors 200a and one or more digital sensors 200b.

[0064] The sensor station memory 206 may include a non-volatile memory device (e.g., at least one ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or flash memory) to store sensor data 202 generated by the sensor 200, (optional) sensor station ID data 430, (optional) sensor station Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data 432, (optional) UAV ID data 434, and / or any other data.

[0065] Sensor station ID data 430 may include, for example, (a) a unique identifier for identifying the corresponding sensor station 104 (e.g., unique compared to other sensor stations in sensor station array 102) and / or (b) information identifying the sensor station array 102 which includes the corresponding sensor station 104. Sensor station GNSS data 432 may include GNSS location data identifying the location of the corresponding sensor station 104, for example, this GNSS data 432 may be recorded and stored in sensor station memory 206 during the installation of the corresponding sensor station 104 in sensor station array 102. The corresponding sensor station 104 may wirelessly transmit sensor data 202, sensor station ID data 430, and / or sensor station GNSS data 432 (e.g., encoded in BLE announcement packets) for reception by ADC system 106. The ADC system 106 (or the back-end computer system to which the ADC system 106 uploads the data it collects) can link the sensor data 202 received from the corresponding sensor station 104 with the corresponding sensor station ID data 430 and / or the sensor station GNSS data 432 associated with the corresponding sensor station 104.

[0066] The drone ID data 434 may include identification information for one or more ADC systems or drones. The corresponding sensor station 104 may compare the information received from the corresponding ADC system 106 with the stored drone ID data 434 to identify and / or authenticate the ADC system 106, for example, to trigger or authorize the transmission of sensor data 202 to the ADC system 106.

[0067] In this example, sensor station antenna 208 may include a Yagi-Uda printed circuit board (PCB) antenna or other directional antenna (or other high-gain antenna) connected to BLE transceiver 410. BLE transceiver 410 may wirelessly transmit sensor data 202, sensor station ID data 430 and / or sensor station GNSS data 432 (encoded in BLE announcement packets) via antenna 208; and (b) wirelessly receive announcement beacons indicating the presence of overhead of ADC system 106 and / or UAV ID data 534 (discussed below) for identifying and / or authenticating the detected ADC system 106 (e.g., by comparing the received UAV ID data 534 with locally stored UAV ID data 434).

[0068] The power supply 416 for the corresponding sensor station 104 may include a battery, solar cell, mains power or any other suitable power source.

[0069] In some examples, an optional photodetector 420 may be provided to synchronize the transmission of sensor data 202 with the flight of the UAV-based ADC system 106 at the corresponding sensor station 104, for example, as an alternative to or supplement to clock-based synchronization using RTC 415 and / or RTC 515 of the ADC system 106. For example, the corresponding sensor station 104 may use photodetector 420, and the ADC system 106 may use corresponding photodetector 520 (in... Figure 5 As shown in the diagram (discussed below), to detect defined levels of sunlight (e.g., sunset), and to use such detected light levels to coordinate the flight of the UAV-based ADC system 106 with the transmission of sensor data 202 from the corresponding sensor station 104, for example, as referenced below. Figures 6A to 6B and Figures 7A to 7B As discussed above, alternatively, the corresponding sensor station 104 may use a photodetector 420 to detect defined levels of sunlight (e.g., sunset) and use such detected light levels to initiate the transmission of sensor data 202 for a predetermined amount of time.

[0070] In some examples, sensor station 104 may include an indicator / locator 428 to facilitate the location or locating of sensor station 104 by humans or other automated systems, such as to deactivate, remove, relocate, or program / reprogram sensor station 104. For example, indicator / locator 428 may help a user locate sensor station 104 if it is visually obstructed (e.g., by vegetation in an agricultural implementation). Indicator / locator 428 may include a light, audio speaker, or other device to output visual, auditory, or other senseable outputs.

[0071] See below for reference Figure 5 In some examples discussed, the ADC system 106 may include circuitry (e.g., embodied in logic instruction 514) to transmit signals to the corresponding sensor station 104 (e.g., encoded in BLE notification packets) to activate the indicator / positioner 428 of the corresponding sensor station 104. Additionally or alternatively, the ADC system 106 may include circuitry (e.g., embodied in logic instruction 514) to transmit signals to the corresponding sensor station 104 (e.g., encoded in BLE notification packets) to otherwise control or adjust the operation of the corresponding sensor station 104, such as controlling or adjusting the measurement protocol implemented by the corresponding sensor 200, or controlling or adjusting the timing or frequency of sensor measurements or other operations of the corresponding sensor station 104 (e.g., controlling or adjusting the timing or frequency of activating the corresponding sensor 200, enabling or disabling the BLE transceiver 410, or transmitting the corresponding sensor data 202 by the corresponding sensor station 104).

[0072] In some examples, the local ground-based system may use the angle of arrival (AoA) and / or angle of departure (AoD) provided in the BLE protocol, or use ultra-wideband (UWB) signaling or other signaling to locate the corresponding sensor station 104. Therefore, in some examples, the corresponding sensor station 104 may include, for example... Figure 4 The UWB transceiver 429 is shown. The ADC system 106 may include circuitry (e.g., embodied in logic instruction 514) to transmit signals to the corresponding sensor station 104 (e.g., encoded in BLE announcement packets) to activate or control the corresponding transceiver (e.g., BLE transceiver 410 or UWB transceiver 429), thereby allowing the ground system to locate the corresponding sensor station 104 (e.g., at the end of the useful life of the corresponding sensor station 104).

[0073] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 Another example ADC system 106 of the example telemetry system 100 is shown. As shown, the example ADC system 106 can be carried by a UAV 500. The ADC system 106 may include an ADC system memory 506, an ADC system antenna 308, a BLE transceiver 510 (including transmitter and receiver circuitry), a processor 512, logic instructions 514, a real-time clock (RTC) 515, a power supply 516, optional battery charging circuitry 518, optional photosensor 520, and a user interface 524. In this example, the processor 512, logic instructions 514, and RTC 515 can be implemented in a microcontroller 526 provided with the BLE transceiver 510 in a system-on-a-chip (SoC) 528. The logic instructions 514 may be embodied in software and / or firmware stored in computer-readable memory. Without going beyond the scope, the BLE transceiver 510 can be replaced with another RF transceiver.

[0074] As referenced above Figure 4 In some examples, the ADC system 106 may include circuitry (e.g., embodied in logic instruction 514) to transmit signals to the corresponding sensor station 104 (e.g., encoded in a BLE notification packet) to activate the indicator / locator 428 of the corresponding sensor station 104 to locate or find the corresponding sensor station 104.

[0075] As referenced above Figure 4 As further discussed, in some examples, the ADC system 106 may include circuitry (e.g., embodied in logic instruction 514) to transmit signals to the corresponding sensor station 104 (e.g., encoded in BLE notification packets) to activate or control the corresponding transceiver in the corresponding sensor station 104 (e.g., BLE transceiver 410 or UWB transceiver 429), thereby allowing the land-based system to locate the corresponding sensor station 104.

[0076] The ADC system memory 506 may include a non-volatile memory device (e.g., at least one ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or flash memory) to store UAV ID data 534 and data received from the corresponding sensor station 104, including sensor data 202, sensor station ID data 430, and / or sensor station GNSS data 432, as well as any other data. As shown, the ADC system 106 may link the corresponding sensor station ID data 430 and / or sensor station GNSS data 432 corresponding to the corresponding sensor data 202 received from the corresponding sensor station 104.

[0077] The drone ID data 534 may include unique identification information for the ADC system 106 or the drone 500. The ADC system 106 may transmit the drone ID data 534 for reception by a corresponding sensor station 104, which may compare such drone ID data 534 with locally stored drone ID data 434 to identify and / or authenticate the ADC system 106, for example, to trigger or authorize the transmission of corresponding sensor data 202 to the ADC system 106.

[0078] The ADC antenna 308 may include a Yagi-Uda printed circuit board (PCB) antenna or other directional antenna, for example, oriented in the downward direction. Alternatively, the ADC antenna 308 may include an omnidirectional antenna. The BLE transceiver 510 may, via the antenna 308, (a) wirelessly transmit an announcement beacon (indicating the presence of the ADC system 106 to the corresponding sensor station 104), UAV ID data 534, and / or other data (e.g., encoded in BLE announcement packets); and (b) wirelessly receive data from the corresponding sensor station 104, including corresponding sensor data 202, sensor station ID data 430, and / or sensor station GNSS data 432 (e.g., encoded in BLE announcement packets).

[0079] The power supply 516 for the corresponding sensor station 104 may include a battery, a solar cell, or any other suitable power source. Optional battery charging circuitry 518 may include circuitry for charging the power supply 516, for example, by connecting to mains power (the grid).

[0080] In some examples, an optional photodetector 520 may be provided to synchronize the flight of the UAV-based ADC system 106 on the sensor station array 102 with the transmission of sensor data 202 by the corresponding sensor station 104, for example, as an alternative to or supplement to clock-based synchronization using RTC 515 and / or the corresponding RTC 415 of the corresponding sensor station 104. See, for example, the following references... Figures 6A to 6B and Figures 7A to 7BAs discussed, the ADC system 106 and the corresponding sensor station 104 can use photodetectors 520 and 420 respectively to detect defined daylight levels (e.g., sunset), and use such detected light levels to coordinate the flight of the UAV-based ADC system 106 with the transmission of sensor data 202 from the corresponding sensor station 104.

[0081] User interface 524 may include an onboard interface that allows a user to view data related to or collected by the ADC system 106 and / or input commands, program the ADC system 106, or otherwise control the operation of the ADC system 106. For example, user interface 524 includes at least one display element (e.g., a discrete LED or LED display screen) and at least one user input device, such as a touch screen display or discrete buttons, switches, or other actuators. In some examples, in addition to or as an alternative to the airborne interface discussed above, the user interface 524 may include a wired or wireless connectivity interface for communicatively connecting an external computer (e.g., but not limited to, a laptop computer, tablet computer, smartphone, server, or cloud-based storage device) to the ADC system 106, for example, allowing the user to: (a) download collected sensor data 202 (with associated sensor station ID data 430 and / or sensor station GNSS data 432) to an external computer or another external computer (e.g., for analyzing the collected sensor data 202); and / or (b) program the ADC system 106 or otherwise control the operation of the ADC system 106.

[0082] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some examples, the corresponding actions of the respective sensor station 104 and ADC system 106 can be coordinated or synchronized to transmit sensor data 202 from the respective sensor station 104 to the ADC system 106 at a selected time. In some examples, the respective sensor station 104 and ADC system 106 can use respective photodetectors 420 and 520 to detect local sunset (or other light-related events). The ADC system 106 (in particular, the processor 512 executing the corresponding logic instructions 514) can initiate a data collection flight of the UAV 500 carrying the ADC system 106 in response to the sunset light level detected by the photodetector 520 (e.g., at the time the sunset light level is detected or after a predetermined time delay). The data collection flight can follow a predefined flight path on the sensor station array 102, for example, passing through the respective sensor station 104 according to a defined pattern.

[0083] The corresponding sensor station 104 can initiate the transmission of sensor data 202 in response to the sunset light level detected by the corresponding photodetector 420. For example, upon detecting sunset, the corresponding sensor station 104 can: (a) switch the corresponding sensor station 104 to a periodic wireless communication state by enabling the BLE transceiver 410; and (b) initiate periodic transmission of the corresponding sensor data 202 stored in the sensor station memory 206 (e.g., repeating once every 10 seconds); and (c) continue such periodic transmission of sensor data 202 for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 10 minutes), or alternatively until a notification is received from the ADC system 106 that the corresponding sensor data 202 has been received by the ADC system 106.

[0084] For example, upon detecting sunset, the corresponding sensor station 104 may: (a) switch the corresponding sensor station 104 to a periodic wireless communication state by enabling the BLE transceiver 410; (b) initiate periodic transmission of the corresponding sensor data 202 stored in the sensor station memory 206 (e.g., repeating every 10 seconds) after a predefined time delay (e.g., corresponding to an estimated time for the UAV-based ADC system 106 to travel from its home base location to a position above the corresponding sensor station 104); and (c) continue such periodic transmission of the sensor data 202 for a predetermined time period (e.g., 10 minutes), or alternatively until a defined notification is received from the ADC system 106 (e.g., indicating that the ADC system 106 has received the corresponding sensor data 202 from the corresponding sensor station 104).

[0085] For example, upon detecting a sunset, the corresponding sensor station 104 may: (a) switch the corresponding sensor station 104 to a periodic wireless communication state by enabling the BLE transceiver 410; (b) operate the enabled BLE transceiver 410 to detect the ADC system 106 flying overhead (e.g., by receiving an announcement signal including drone ID data 534 and comparing it with the stored drone ID data 434 to identify or authenticate the ADC system 106); (c) upon detecting the ADC system 106, initiate periodic transmission of the corresponding sensor data 202 stored in the sensor station memory 206 (e.g., repeating every 10 seconds); and (d) continue such periodic transmission of sensor data 202 for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 10 minutes), or alternatively until a defined notification is received from the ADC system 106 (e.g., indicating that the ADC system 106 has received the corresponding sensor data 202 from the corresponding sensor station 104).

[0086] In other examples, for instance, see the references below. Figure 6C , Figure 6D and Figure 7CThe UAV-based ADC system 106 and corresponding sensor station 104 discussed herein can perform clock-based coordination of UAV flight (using corresponding RTCs 415 and 515), wherein the corresponding BLE transceiver 410 is enabled and the corresponding sensor data 202 is transmitted by the corresponding sensor station 104.

[0087] Figures 6A to 6D Timing diagrams for two example operating protocols 600a to 600d, which can be implemented by the respective sensor station 104, are shown. The following discussion involves the use of Figure 4 The example sensor station 104 shown is a specific implementation.

[0088] Example operating protocols 600a to 600d define the corresponding progression of different operating states of the corresponding sensor station 104 discussed above, namely, the sleep state ("ss"), periodic sensing state ("PSS"), and periodic wireless communication state ("PWCS") of an example day ("Day 1"). Figures 6A to 6D Example times are shown, such as the transitions between the operating states of the corresponding sensor station 104. Example operating protocols 600a to 600d can be implemented by the sensor station processor 212, which executes the corresponding logic instructions 414, respectively.

[0089] In the corresponding operating protocols 600a to 600d, sensor station 104 can remain in sleep mode (SS) unless it switches to periodic sensing mode (PSS) or periodic wireless communication mode (PWCS), for example, to conserve battery power. According to the corresponding operating protocols 600a to 600d, sensor station 104 can switch to periodic sensing mode (PSS) every hour (in the illustrated example, after 15 minutes of the hour), during which time the corresponding sensor 200 can generate sensor data 202 (by performing sensor measurements), and the generated sensor data 202 can be stored, for example, in sensor station memory 206 along with a corresponding timestamp. After completing the sensor measurements, sensor station 104 can switch back to sleep mode (SS).

[0090] Different example operating protocols 600a to 600d differ from transmitting sensor data 202 to ADC system 106. As discussed below, example operating protocols 600a and 600b utilize an optional photodetector 420 to trigger corresponding actions of sensor station 104, while example operating protocols 600c and 600d utilize an RTC 415 to trigger corresponding actions of sensor station 104.

[0091] according to Figure 6AAccording to the operating protocol 600a shown, sensor station 104 switches to a periodic wireless communication state (“PWCS”) (by enabling BLE transceiver 410) when photodetector 420 detects a defined sunset light level, and then switches back to a sleep state (ss) (by disabling BLE transceiver 410) after a predefined period of time (15 minutes in this example). During the PWCS period, i.e., when BLE transceiver 410 is enabled, BLE transceiver 410 can transmit corresponding sensor data 202 encoded in BLE announcement packets at a defined frequency (e.g., sensor data 202 generated in the past 24 hours, past 48 hours, or other time periods), such as... Figure 6A As indicated by "BLE Tx (15 minutes)".

[0092] according to Figure 6B The operating protocol 600b shown is similar to Figure 6A According to the operating protocol 600a shown, when the photodetector 420 detects a defined sunset light level, the corresponding sensor station 104 switches to a periodic wireless communication state (“PWCS”) (by enabling the BLE transceiver 410). However, unlike the operating protocol 600a discussed above, according to... Figure 6B As shown in the operating protocol 600b, sensor station 104 waits to detect the UAV-based ADC system 106 before initiating the transmission of sensor data 202. Upon detection of the UAV-based ADC system 106 (e.g., by receiving an announcement signal including UAV ID data 534 at BLE transceiver 410 and comparing the UAV ID data 534 with stored UAV ID data 434 to identify or authenticate the ADC system 106), sensor station 104 may initiate the transmission of corresponding sensor data 202 encoded in the BLE announcement packet (e.g., sensor data 202 generated in the past 24 hours, past 48 hours, or other time periods) at a defined frequency (e.g., every 10 seconds), such as... Figure 6B As indicated by "BLE Tx" in the example. In this example, sensor station 104 can continue transmitting until it receives (via BLE transceiver 410) an acknowledgment message from ADC system 106 indicating that ADC system 106 has successfully received the corresponding sensor data 202 transmitted by sensor station 104. Upon receiving such an acknowledgment message from ADC system 106, sensor station 104 switches back to sleep state (ss) by disabling BLE transceiver 410.

[0093] according to Figure 6CThe illustrated operating protocol 600c states that the corresponding sensor station 104 uses RTC 415 to switch to a periodic wireless communication state (“PWCS”) at a first predefined time (by enabling BLE transceiver 410), and then switches back to a sleep state (ss) at a second predefined time (in this example, 12 minutes after switching to PWCS (i.e., 12 minutes after enabling BLE transceiver 410)) (by disabling BLE transceiver 410). The first and second predefined times (for enabling and disabling BLE transceiver 410) can be synchronized with a predefined UAV startup time implemented by ADC system 106 using RTC 515. (See reference...) Figure 6C During the PWCS period, i.e., when the BLE transceiver 410 is enabled, the BLE transceiver 410 can transmit the corresponding sensor data 202 encoded in the BLE announcement packet at a defined frequency (e.g., sensor data 202 generated in the past 24 hours, past 48 hours or other time periods), as indicated by “BLE Tx (12 minutes)”.

[0094] In some examples, the predefined time for enabling BLE transceiver 410 by the corresponding sensor station 104 or the predefined UAV start-up time implemented by ADC system 106 may include a predefined delay (as opposed to synchronizing to the same time), such as the time to allow ADC system 106 to fly from the main base location to a position above the corresponding sensor station 104, or to ensure that the corresponding sensor station 104 has initiated the transmission of corresponding sensor data 202 before ADC system 106 reaches a position above the corresponding sensor station 104, but is not limited thereto.

[0095] according to Figure 6D The operating protocol 600d shown is similar to Figure 6C The operating protocol 600c shown above indicates that the corresponding sensor station 104 uses RTC 415 to switch to a periodic wireless communication state (“PWCS”) at a predefined time (by enabling BLE transceiver 410). However, unlike the operating protocol 600c discussed above, according to... Figure 6C As shown in the operating protocol 600c, sensor station 104 waits to detect the UAV-based ADC system 106 before initiating the transmission of sensor data 202 (similar to the example operating protocol 600b discussed above). Upon detection of the UAV-based ADC system 106 (e.g., by receiving an announcement signal including UAV ID data 534 at BLE transceiver 410 and comparing the UAV ID data 534 with stored UAV ID data 434 to identify or authenticate the ADC system 106), sensor station 104 may initiate the transmission of corresponding sensor data 202 encoded in the BLE announcement packet at a defined frequency (e.g., every 8 seconds), such as... Figure 6DAs indicated by "BLE Tx" in the example. In this example, sensor station 104 can continue transmitting until it receives (via BLE transceiver 410) an acknowledgment message from ADC system 106 indicating that ADC system 106 has successfully received the corresponding sensor data 202 transmitted by sensor station 104. Upon receiving such an acknowledgment message from ADC system 106, sensor station 104 switches back to sleep state (ss) by disabling BLE transceiver 410.

[0096] The predefined time for enabling BLE transceiver 410 may be synchronized with a predefined drone launch time implemented by ADC system 106 using RTC 515, and may include a predefined delay (e.g., where the predefined time for enabling BLE transceiver 410 or the predefined drone launch time implemented by ADC system 106 is delayed by a predefined period), for example, as discussed above with respect to exemplary operating protocol 600c.

[0097] Figures 7A to 7C Timing diagrams for example operating protocols 700a to 700c, which can be implemented by example ADC system 106, are shown respectively. The following discussion involves the use of... Figure 5 The example ADC system 106 is shown in the following specific implementation. As discussed below, example operating protocols 700a and 700b utilize an optional photodetector 520 to trigger flight initiation of the UAV-based ADC system 106, while example operating protocol 700c utilizes an RTC 515 to trigger UAV flight initiation.

[0098] according to Figure 7A The example operation protocol 700a shown indicates that the ADC system 106 initiates flight startup when the photodetector 520 detects a defined sunset light level (this defined sunset light level may not be as described above). Figures 6A to 6B The system (describing the same defined sunset light level) flies above at least one sensor station array 102 according to a defined flight path, collects corresponding sensor data 202 (indicated as "Rx data") from the corresponding sensor station 104, and then returns to land. Figure 7B The example operation protocol 700b shown is similar to Figure 7A The example operating protocol 700a is shown, but includes a current time delay (5 minutes in this example) between sunset detection and flight initiation. This time delay can account for the difference in sunset detection performed by the photodetector 520 and photodetector 420 of the respective sensor station 104, for example, to increase the likelihood that the respective sensor station 104 is in a periodic wireless communication state (PWCS) when the ADC system 106 is flying over the respective sensor station 104.

[0099] according to Figure 7CThe example operation protocol 700c shown describes an ADC system 106 initiating flight initiation using RTC 515 at a first predefined UAV initiation time, flying over at least one sensor station array 102 according to a defined flight path, collecting corresponding sensor data 202 (indicated as "Rx data") from the corresponding sensor station 104, and subsequently returning to land. In some examples, the predefined UAV initiation time may be synchronized with a predefined time implemented by the corresponding sensor station 104 for enabling the corresponding BLE transceiver 410, and in some examples may include a predefined delay (e.g., where the predefined UAV initiation time implemented by the ADC system 106 or the predefined time for enabling the BLE transceiver 410 of the corresponding sensor station 104 is delayed by a predefined period), for example, as discussed above with respect to example operation protocol 600c.

[0100] It should be understood that the above discussion and Figures 6A to 6D and Figures 7A to 7C The various times and time periods shown (e.g., 10-minute, 12-minute, or 15-minute transmission cycles) are merely examples to illustrate the example operation of the example sensor station 104 and the ADC system 106.

[0101] In some examples, the ADC system 106 and / or the corresponding sensor station 104 may, for example, use machine learning models to automatically adjust the timing of corresponding actions over time. For example, the ADC system 106 and / or the corresponding sensor station 104 may automatically adjust the timing of the corresponding sensor station 104 switching to a periodic wireless communication state (PWCS), the corresponding sensor station 104 initiating the transmission of corresponding sensor data 202, or initiating drone flight of the drone-based ADC system 106 based on historical data (e.g., data indicating successful or unsuccessful communication of sensor data 202 from the corresponding sensor station 104 to the ADC system 106), but are not limited to these.

[0102] Although example implementations have been described above, other variations and implementations may be made by this disclosure without departing from the substance and scope of these implementations.

Claims

1. A telemetry system, the telemetry system comprising: A sensor station array, wherein the sensor station array is arranged in a spaced-out manner; The corresponding sensor stations in the sensor station array include: A corresponding sensor, which is used to generate corresponding sensor data about the object of interest; A corresponding sensor station memory, wherein the corresponding sensor station memory is used to store the corresponding sensor data; Corresponding sensor station antenna; Corresponding sensor station wireless transmitter; A corresponding sensor station processor, the corresponding sensor station processor being used to periodically activate the corresponding sensor station wireless transmitter to transmit the corresponding sensor data via the corresponding sensor station antenna; An airborne data collection system, comprising: Airborne data collection system antenna; and An airborne data collection system receiver, the airborne data collection system receiver being used to receive the corresponding sensor data transmitted by the antenna of the corresponding sensor station.

2. The telemetry system of claim 1, wherein the corresponding sensor station wireless transmitter includes a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) transmitter, and the airborne data collection system receiver includes a BLE receiver.

3. The telemetry system according to claim 2, wherein the telemetry system includes logical instructions executable by a first sensor station processor to encode first sensor data in a BLE announcement packet.

4. The telemetry system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the antenna of the first sensor station comprises a directional antenna arranged to transmit vertically.

5. The telemetry system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the aerial data collection system comprises: Airborne data collection system memory; and An airborne data collection system processor is used to store the corresponding sensor data received by the airborne data collection system receiver in the airborne data collection system memory.

6. The telemetry system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the aerial data collection system can be carried by an unmanned aerial vehicle.

7. The telemetry system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the respective sensor stations in the sensor station array comprise: A corresponding sensor station photodetector, wherein the corresponding sensor station photodetector is used to detect visible radiation; and Logic instructions that can be executed by the corresponding sensor station processor to periodically activate the corresponding sensor station wireless transmitter in response to radiation detected by the corresponding sensor station photodetector.

8. The telemetry system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: For the corresponding sensor station in the sensor station array: The corresponding sensor station memory stores the corresponding sensor station identifier associated with the corresponding sensor station; The corresponding sensor station wireless transmitter is used to transmit the first sensor station identifier and the first sensor data via the first sensor station antenna; and The airborne data collection system receiver is used to receive the corresponding sensor data and associated corresponding sensor station identifiers transmitted by the corresponding sensor stations in the sensor station array.

9. The telemetry system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sensor station array is arranged at the ground plane.

10. The telemetry system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first sensor station comprises: Logical instructions, executable by the first sensor station processor, to selectively switch the first sensor station between multiple sensor station operating states, including: The system is in a sleep state, in which the first sensor and the first sensor station wireless transmitter are disabled. A periodic sensing state, wherein (a) the first sensor is activated to generate first sensor data, wherein the first sensor data is stored in the memory of a first sensor station, and (b) the wireless transmitter of the first sensor station is deactivated; and In a periodic wireless communication state, wherein the first sensor station wireless transmitter is activated to transmit the first sensor data stored in the first sensor station memory via the first sensor station antenna.

11. The telemetry system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The sensor station array includes: A first sensor station, the first sensor station including a first sensor to generate second sensor data about a first object of interest; and The second station sensor includes a second sensor to generate second sensor data about a second object of interest; and The airborne data collection system receiver is used to receive (a) first sensor data from the first sensor station and (b) second sensor data from the second sensor station.

12. A sensor station, the sensor station comprising: A sensor, the sensor being used to generate first sensor data about a first object of interest; A memory, wherein the memory is used to store the data from the first sensor; antenna; Wireless transmitter; A processor for periodically activating the wireless transmitter to transmit sensor data via the antenna; and Logical instructions, which can be executed by the processor to: The sensor stations are selectively switched between multiple sensor station operating states, including: In a sleep state, wherein the sensor and the wireless transmitter are deactivated; A periodic sensing state, wherein (a) the sensor is activated to generate sensor data, wherein the generated sensor data is stored in the memory, and (b) the wireless transmitter is deactivated; and A periodic wireless communication state, wherein the wireless transmitter is activated to access and transmit sensor data stored in the memory via the antenna; and In response to the detection of the presence of an unmanned aerial vehicle-based aerial data collection system, the sensor station is selectively switched to the periodic wireless communication state.

13. The sensor station according to claim 12, wherein the sensor station comprises: A wireless transceiver, the wireless transceiver including the wireless transmitter; Logical instructions, which can be executed by the processor, to detect the presence of the UAV-based aerial data collection system based on signals received from the UAV-based aerial data collection system at the wireless transceiver.

14. The sensor station according to any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein the sensor station comprises: A photodetector, used to detect radiation; and Logic instructions that can be executed by the processor to periodically activate the wireless transmitter in response to radiation detected by the photodetector.

15. The sensor station according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the first sensor station wireless transmitter comprises a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) transmitter, and The sensor station includes logic instructions that can be executed by the processor to encode the sensor data in BLE notification packets.

16. The sensor station according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the sensor station comprises: A wireless receiver, the wireless receiver being used to receive and identify communications from an airborne data collection system; and A logical instruction, which can be executed by the processor to activate the wireless transmitter in response to an identifier of the communication from the airborne data collection system.

17. A sensor station, the sensor station comprising: A sensor, used to generate sensor data about the sensed entity; antenna; Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) transmitter; and Processor, the processor being used for: The sensor data is encoded in a BLE notification group; as well as The BLE transmitter is periodically activated to transmit the sensor data via the antenna.

18. The sensor station according to claim 17, wherein the sensor station comprises: A memory for storing the sensor data generated by the sensor; and Logical instructions, executable by the processor, to selectively switch the sensor stations between multiple sensor station operating states, including: In a sleep state, wherein the sensor and the BLE transmitter are deactivated; A periodic sensing state, wherein (a) the sensor is activated to generate sensor data, wherein the generated sensor data is stored in the memory, and (b) the BLE transmitter is deactivated; and A periodic wireless communication state, wherein the BLE transmitter is activated to access and transmit the sensor data stored in the memory via the antenna.

19. An airborne data collection system, the airborne data collection system comprising: A navigation system for navigating an airborne device carrying the airborne data collection system along a defined air route above an array of sensor stations; antenna; A Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) receiver is configured to receive BLE transmissions from the sensor station array via the antenna, wherein a corresponding BLE transmission from a corresponding sensor station in the sensor station array includes corresponding sensor data encoded in a BLE announcement packet.

20. The aerial data collection system according to claim 19, comprising: Memory; processor; and A logic instruction, which can be executed by the processor, to identify the corresponding sensor data encoded in a corresponding BLE notification packet received by the BLE receiver, and to store the identified corresponding sensor data in the memory.

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