A communication system

Abstract

The application relates to the field of communication technology and discloses a communication system which comprises a sensor module for collecting analog signals in the underground or water, the distance between the sensor module and the ground or water surface is L meters, L is a constant not equal to 0; a wired module for connecting the sensor module and transmitting the analog signals collected by the sensor module to a place with a distance of M meters from the ground or water surface; wherein M is a constant not equal to 0 and M < L; a collecting and emitting module arranged at a place with a distance of M meters from the ground or water surface for connecting the wired module and emitting the received analog signals; an energy module for supplying energy to the sensor module and the collecting and emitting module; and a receiving module for receiving the analog signals emitted by the collecting and emitting module and sending control signals to the collecting and emitting module. The application has the advantages that the wired and wireless modes are comprehensively utilized for communication, the signal attenuation during the signal transmission in the water or underground is greatly reduced, and the quality of long-distance communication is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of communication technology, and more particularly to a communication system. Background Technology

[0002] For environmental protection, scientific research, pipeline monitoring, and other applications, it is often necessary to collect and store information such as temperature, pressure, and vibration in underground or underwater environments using sensor modules to provide accurate and reliable data for analysis.

[0003] However, the placement of underground or underwater sensor modules can significantly limit signal transmission:

[0004] Using wired transmission increases deployment costs and causes signal loss over long distances, making the collected signals susceptible to noise and affecting the accuracy of the received data. Using wireless communication means that the dielectric constant and dielectric loss factor of soil or water are much greater than those of air, which greatly limits the transmission distance underground or underwater and severely degrades the transmission quality.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a communication system to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a communication system that integrates wired and wireless communication methods, significantly reducing signal attenuation during underwater or underground signal transmission and improving communication quality.

[0007] This invention provides a communication system for long-distance sensor communication when wireless transmission quality is limited and / or wired transmission distance is limited, comprising:

[0008] A sensor module is used to collect analog signals located underground or in water. The distance between the sensor module and the ground or water surface is L meters, where L is a non-zero constant.

[0009] A wired module is used to connect to the sensor module and transmit the analog signals collected by the sensor module to a distance of M meters from the ground or water surface; where M is a non-zero constant and M < L;

[0010] The acquisition and transmission module is set at a distance of M meters from the ground or water surface. It is used to connect to the wired module and transmit the received analog signals.

[0011] The power module is used to power the sensor module and the data acquisition and transmission module.

[0012] The receiving module is used to receive analog signals transmitted by the acquisition and transmission modules and send control signals to the acquisition and transmission modules.

[0013] Furthermore, the acquisition and transmission module includes an energy module interface, an analog-to-digital converter, a microcontroller unit, a power management unit, a sensor module interface, and a transceiver device;

[0014] The input terminal of the energy module interface is connected to the energy module, and the output terminal of the energy module interface is connected to the power management unit. The power management unit supplies power to the analog-to-digital converter, the microcontroller unit, and the transceiver. The output terminal of the microcontroller unit is connected to the input terminal of the power management unit, and the microcontroller unit controls the power supply status of the power management unit.

[0015] The input terminal of the sensor module interface is connected to the sensor module, and the output terminal of the sensor module interface is connected to the analog-to-digital converter. The analog-to-digital converter converts the analog signal received from the sensor module into a digital signal.

[0016] The output of the analog-to-digital converter is connected to the input of the microcontroller unit, and the output of the microcontroller unit is connected to the input of the transceiver device. The microcontroller unit receives the digital signal from the analog-to-digital converter and controls the transceiver device to transmit the digital signal. The transceiver device receives the control signal and transmits it to the microcontroller module for processing.

[0017] Furthermore, the sensor module includes a sensor and a housing.

[0018] Furthermore, the wired module is an optical fiber or a cable.

[0019] Furthermore, the energy module includes at least one of a battery, a power source, a light source, a mechanical energy harvesting device, a thermoelectric energy harvesting device, and a wind energy harvesting device.

[0020] Furthermore, the antenna of the acquisition and transmission module extends out of the ground or water surface.

[0021] Furthermore, 0.5≤L≤0.5, 0.05≤M≤0.15.

[0022] The embodiments of the present invention have the following technical effects:

[0023] This application sets up a wired module and a data acquisition and transmission module to realize long-distance communication when wireless quality is limited or wired transmission distance is limited. The sensor module is located underwater or underground. The sensor module and the wired module are connected. The acquired signal is first transported to a near-ground location through the wired module, and then transmitted through the designed data acquisition and transmission module. The received signal from the data acquisition and transmission module is converted into a 4G signal by the receiving module for transmission to base stations, users, etc.

[0024] This application combines the advantages of low signal attenuation in wired communication and convenient wireless communication, improving the quality and convenience of long-distance communication. The acquisition and transmission module utilizes a transceiver to achieve long-distance wireless transmission, enabling connection with other Internet devices to share data and reduce power consumption. The acquisition and transmission module also uses an analog-to-digital converter to process the acquired data, and uses a microcontroller unit and a power management unit to control the working or standby states of other modules.

[0025] In this application, the energy module is equipped with a mechanical energy harvesting device, a thermoelectric energy harvesting device, or a wind energy harvesting device, which greatly reduces costs and further extends the service life of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the acquisition and transmission module provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of communication transmission provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0031] Example 1

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present invention. See also... Figure 1 This application specifically includes long-range sensor communication when wireless transmission quality is limited and / or wired transmission distance is limited, including:

[0033] The sensor module is used to collect analog signals located underground or underwater, and convert the physical quantity to be measured into an electrical signal; the distance between the sensor module and the ground or water surface is L meters, where L is a non-zero constant;

[0034] A wired module is used to connect to the sensor module and transmit the analog signals collected by the sensor module to a distance of M meters from the ground or water surface; where M is a non-zero constant and M < L;

[0035] The acquisition and transmission module is set at a distance of M meters from the ground or water surface. It is used to connect to the wired module and transmit the received analog signals.

[0036] The power module is used to power the sensor module and the data acquisition and transmission module.

[0037] The receiving module is used to receive analog signals transmitted by the acquisition and transmission modules and send control signals to the acquisition and transmission modules.

[0038] Specifically, a sensor module consists of a sensor and a housing. The sensor measures physical quantities such as vibration, pressure, or temperature, and converts these quantities into electrical or optical signals. For passive sensors, the sensor module only needs to connect to a wired module to transmit signals; for active sensors, the sensor module also requires a power module to provide power or a light source. In practical applications, self-powered sensors are often used to reduce complexity and maintenance / modification workload, which will not be elaborated upon here. For sensors used underground or underwater, to prevent corrosion, a protective housing made of special materials is designed around the sensor to resist high temperatures and corrosion, increasing its service life.

[0039] The wired module can be made of optical fiber or electrical cable, and can be designed according to the transmission requirements of the sensors in the sensor module. This application does not impose any specific limitations.

[0040] It should be noted that the sensor module may be installed underground or underwater as needed, and may be fixed by means of adhesive or threaded connection, etc., which will not be elaborated on in this application.

[0041] See Figure 2 The acquisition and transmission module includes an energy module interface, an analog-to-digital converter, a microcontroller unit, a power management unit, a sensor module interface, and a transceiver device.

[0042] The input terminal of the energy module interface is connected to the energy module, and the output terminal of the energy module interface is connected to the power management unit. The power management unit supplies power to the analog-to-digital converter, microcontroller unit, and transceiver. The power management unit includes a voltage regulator to ensure energy stability. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 The green dashed arrows in the diagram indicate the direction of energy flow.

[0043] The output terminal of the microcontroller unit is connected to the input terminal of the power management unit. The microcontroller unit controls the power supply status of the power management unit, thereby determining the working and standby states of each module. (See also...) Figure 2 The purple arrow part in the image.

[0044] The input terminal of the sensor module interface is connected to the sensor module, see [link / reference]. Figure 2 The red arrow in the diagram indicates that the output of the sensor module interface is connected to an analog-to-digital converter, which converts the analog signal received from the sensor module into a digital signal.

[0045] The output of the analog-to-digital converter is connected to the input of the microcontroller unit, which is connected to the transceiver. The microcontroller unit receives the digital signal from the analog-to-digital converter and controls the transceiver unit to transmit the digital signal. The transceiver unit receives the control signal and transmits it to the microcontroller module for processing. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 The blue arrow in the image.

[0046] The microcontroller unit includes a data acquisition unit, a storage unit, etc., and processes the received digital signals.

[0047] The transceiver can be a LoRa transceiver, or it can transmit and receive signals via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc. This application does not specifically limit the transceiver. The following description uses a LoRa transceiver as an example:

[0048] LoRa transceivers incorporate amplifiers and antennas to enhance the wireless signal. Using LoRa transceivers enables long-distance data transmission, wide coverage, and low power consumption. They can seamlessly connect with other IoT devices for data sharing and interoperability. Furthermore, LoRa signal enhancers can be added to further improve communication quality by extending the LoRa signal coverage and transmission distance.

[0049] It should be noted that the acquisition and transmission modules should be placed in a safe space with good communication signals. The antennas of the acquisition and transmission modules should extend out of the ground or water surface to minimize the impact of soil or water on wireless transmission.

[0050] The energy module includes at least one of a battery, a power supply, a light source, a mechanical energy harvesting device, a thermoelectric energy harvesting device, and a wind energy harvesting device. The battery is a high-capacity battery, ensuring it doesn't need replacement for a considerable period. The light source is provided to power sensors requiring light. The inclusion of a mechanical energy harvesting device, a thermoelectric energy harvesting device, or a wind energy harvesting device allows for replacement if the power supply runs out, extending the operating time. The energy module can be selected based on actual needs; this application does not impose specific limitations. The energy module and the data acquisition and transmission module can be connected via wiring. The energy module can be positioned at the same level as the data acquisition and transmission module, or closer to the ground or water surface, facilitating battery replacement and maintenance.

[0051] The receiving module receives analog signals transmitted by the acquisition and transmission modules and sends control signals to the acquisition and transmission modules. If the transceiver is a LoRa transceiver, the corresponding transmitted signals can be received by the LoRa gateway.

[0052] The LoRa transceiver is 100mW, therefore the transmission and reception distance of each acquisition and transmission module is 5km. Theoretically, each LoRa gateway can acquire or receive signals transmitted by 100 acquisition and transmission modules. Considering network uncertainties and the impact of weather on base stations, the receiving module in this application specifically uses a 32-channel LoRa gateway to acquire the wireless signals of each sensor node and convert the wireless signals into 4G signals for transmission to 4G base stations or user terminals. It can also send control signals to the acquisition and transmission modules to control whether the acquisition and transmission modules transmit analog signals. This application does not limit the number of LoRa gateways, the number of acquisition and transmission modules received by each gateway, or the type of wireless signal output by the gateway (including 3G, 4G, or 5G, etc.), but rather to meet actual needs.

[0053] Based on the above technical solution, a wired module and a data acquisition and transmission module are set up to realize long-distance communication when wireless quality is limited or wired transmission distance is limited. The sensor module is located underwater or underground. The sensor module and the wired module are connected. The acquired signal is first transported to the near ground through the wired module, and then the signal is transmitted out through the designed data acquisition and transmission module. The received signal from the data acquisition and transmission module is converted into a 4G signal by the receiving module for transmission to base stations, users, etc.

[0054] This application combines the advantages of low signal attenuation in wired communication and convenient wireless communication, improving the quality and convenience of long-distance communication. The acquisition and transmission module utilizes a transceiver to achieve long-distance wireless transmission, enabling connection with other Internet devices to share data and reduce power consumption. The acquisition and transmission module also uses an analog-to-digital converter to process the acquired data, and uses a microcontroller unit and a power management unit to control the working or standby states of other modules.

[0055] In this application, the energy module is equipped with a mechanical energy harvesting device, a thermoelectric energy harvesting device, or a wind energy harvesting device, which greatly reduces costs and further extends the service life of the equipment.

[0056] Example 2

[0057] Based on the content of Embodiment 1, this application provides a specific embodiment:

[0058] A pipeline is located approximately 2.1 meters underground. It is necessary to detect whether it is leaking and to issue an early warning. This can be determined by measuring the vibration frequency of the underground pipeline or by measuring its temperature.

[0059] The sensor module employs a vibration sensor, which is based on electrostatic self-generation technology and a spring-oscillator model design, with a frequency response range of 0.1–1000 Hz. The sensor module can be directly fixed to the outside of the pipe, either by threaded connection or adhesive.

[0060] The wired module uses a cable to transmit the vibration signals collected by the vibration sensor to the acquisition and transmission module; the cable is 2 meters long.

[0061] The acquisition and transmission module receives the vibration signal from the wired module and transmits it; the acquisition and transmission module is set at a height of 0.1 meters above the ground.

[0062] The energy module is equipped with a power supply and mechanical energy harvesting device to power the sensor module and the acquisition and transmission module. The mechanical energy sensor module can collect vibration energy and convert it into electrical energy for power supply.

[0063] The receiving module converts the signals received from the acquisition and transmission modules into 4G signals and transmits them to the base station. See [link / reference]. Figure 3 Each gateway is designed to collect signals transmitted by 30 acquisition and transmission modules and transmit the signals to the base station.

[0064] Based on the above settings, the vibration signal received by the detection base station showed negligible attenuation, and there was no leakage in the pipeline.

[0065] Pipes at different depths were set up for verification. The acquisition and transmission modules were set up in the range of 0.05 to 0.15 meters above the ground, while the sensor modules were set up in the range of 0.5 to 100 meters above the ground. After testing, the attenuation was within the acceptable range.

[0066] It should be noted that the terminology used in this invention is for describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. As shown in this specification, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, words such as "a," "an," "an," and / or "the" do not specifically refer to the singular and may include the plural. The terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0067] It should also be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "linked," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0068] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A communication system for long-distance sensor communication when wireless transmission quality is limited and / or wired transmission distance is limited, characterized in that, include: A sensor module is used to collect analog signals located underground or in water. The distance between the sensor module and the ground or water surface is L meters, where L is a non-zero constant. A wired module is used to connect to the sensor module and transmit the analog signals collected by the sensor module to a distance of M meters from the ground or water surface; where M is a non-zero constant and M < L; The acquisition and transmission module is set at a distance of M meters from the ground or water surface. It is used to connect to the wired module and transmit the received analog signals. The power module is used to power the sensor module and the data acquisition and transmission module. The receiving module is used to receive analog signals transmitted by the acquisition and transmission modules and send control signals to the acquisition and transmission modules.

2. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The acquisition and transmission module includes an energy module interface, an analog-to-digital converter, a microcontroller unit, a power management unit, a sensor module interface, and a transceiver device; The input terminal of the energy module interface is connected to the energy module, and the output terminal of the energy module interface is connected to the power management unit. The power management unit supplies power to the analog-to-digital converter, the microcontroller unit, and the transceiver. The output terminal of the microcontroller unit is connected to the input terminal of the power management unit, and the microcontroller unit controls the power supply status of the power management unit. The input terminal of the sensor module interface is connected to the sensor module, and the output terminal of the sensor module interface is connected to the analog-to-digital converter. The analog-to-digital converter converts the analog signal received from the sensor module into a digital signal. The output of the analog-to-digital converter is connected to the input of the microcontroller unit, which is connected to the transceiver. The microcontroller unit receives the digital signal from the analog-to-digital converter and controls the transceiver unit to transmit the digital signal. The transceiver unit receives the control signal and transmits it to the microcontroller module for processing.

3. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor module includes a sensor and a housing.

4. A communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wired module is an optical fiber or a cable.

5. A communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy module includes at least one of a battery, a power source, a light source, a mechanical energy harvesting device, a thermoelectric energy harvesting device, and a wind energy harvesting device.

6. A communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The antenna of the acquisition and transmission module extends out of the ground or water surface.

7. A communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that, 0.5≤L≤100, 0.05≤M≤0.15.

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