Data monitoring device and system of sewage treatment facility
By integrating the enclosure design and using wireless transmission technology, the problems of low integration and poor environmental adaptability of wastewater treatment facility data monitoring devices have been solved, enabling rapid data acquisition and stable transmission, and improving the operating efficiency and reliability of the monitoring system.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing wastewater treatment facility data monitoring devices suffer from low equipment integration, transmission delays, and poor environmental adaptability, resulting in complex installation and commissioning, poor compatibility, frequent signal interference, data loss, high equipment failure rate, and high operation and maintenance costs.
Adopting an integrated enclosure design, the data acquisition module and communication module are integrated into a sealed space. Through wireless transmission technology and direct contact signal conversion, combined with high-protection materials and rail mounting, it can achieve rapid data acquisition, transmission and stable monitoring.
It improves the environmental adaptability and operational stability of the equipment, reduces operation and maintenance costs, ensures the real-time nature and integrity of data, and enhances the monitoring efficiency and reliability of wastewater treatment facilities.
Smart Images
Figure CN224083718U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of data monitoring technology for wastewater treatment, and in particular to data monitoring devices and systems for wastewater treatment facilities. Background Technology
[0002] In the current context of rapid development in the wastewater treatment industry, the stable operation and efficient management of wastewater treatment facilities are crucial for environmental protection and resource utilization. However, the field of data monitoring for wastewater treatment facilities still faces many technical bottlenecks, hindering further improvements in the level of facility intelligence.
[0003] Traditional data monitoring devices generally suffer from low integration. Most monitoring equipment on the market adopts a distributed layout, with data acquisition units, signal conversion devices, and communication modules operating independently, requiring connections via complex cables. This design not only increases the workload of equipment installation and debugging, leading to longer on-site implementation cycles, but also frequently causes compatibility issues between different devices, easily resulting in signal interference and data loss, seriously affecting the overall stability of the monitoring system.
[0004] Data transmission latency is another major problem in existing monitoring systems. Limited by the physical characteristics of wired transmission technology, traditional devices often face challenges such as high wiring costs, rapid line aging, and high maintenance difficulty during data transmission. This limitation becomes even more pronounced in scenarios like wastewater treatment plants, where pumps are widely distributed and equipment locations are dynamically adjusted. The real-time nature of data transmission is difficult to guarantee, causing the monitoring system to fail to respond promptly to facility malfunctions and miss the optimal time for intervention.
[0005] In addition, poor environmental adaptability is a key factor restricting the long-term operation of monitoring equipment. Wastewater treatment plants operate under complex conditions such as high humidity, highly corrosive gases, and electromagnetic interference. Existing monitoring devices lack targeted optimization in terms of protection levels, material selection, and circuit design, resulting in a persistently high equipment failure rate. For example, conventional electronic components are prone to short circuits in humid environments, corrosive gases cause poor contact, and electromagnetic interference frequently leads to data distortion, directly shortening equipment lifespan and increasing operation and maintenance costs. Utility Model Content
[0006] The main purpose of this application is to provide a data monitoring device and system for wastewater treatment facilities, which aims to solve the technical problems of low equipment integration, transmission delay and poor environmental adaptability of existing data monitoring devices for wastewater treatment facilities.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this application proposes a data monitoring device for a wastewater treatment facility. The data monitoring device includes: a housing, a data acquisition module, and a communication module; both the data acquisition module and the communication module are located inside the housing; the data receiving end of the data acquisition module is located on the wastewater treatment facility; the data transmitting end of the data acquisition module is connected to the communication module; the data acquisition module is used to acquire electrical signals from the wastewater treatment facility, convert them into digital signals, and transmit them to the communication module; the communication module is used to output the digital signals to a local area network via wireless transmission.
[0008] In one embodiment, the data acquisition module includes a current transformer and a current transmitter; the current transformer has an opening through which it is attached to the power line of the wastewater treatment facility to collect the current signal of the power line and transmit it to the current transmitter; the current transmitter converts the current signal into a digital signal and transmits it to the communication module.
[0009] In one embodiment, the data acquisition module includes: a discharge outlet detection device; the discharge outlet detection device is connected to the communication module; the discharge outlet detection device is used to acquire sewage discharge flow rate in real time, convert it into a digital signal, and transmit it to the communication module.
[0010] In one embodiment, the data monitoring device further includes: a power module; the power module is connected to the data acquisition module, the communication module, and the wastewater treatment site power supply respectively; the power module is used to rectify the AC power from the wastewater treatment site power supply and supply DC power to the data acquisition module and the communication module.
[0011] In one embodiment, both the data acquisition module and the communication module are provided with a 485 interface; the data acquisition module transmits digital information to the communication module through the 485 interface.
[0012] In one embodiment, when the current transformer is collecting the current signal of the booster pump of the three-phase power supply, it is connected to any phase line of the three-phase power supply through the opening; when the current transformer is collecting the current signal of the booster pump of the single-phase power supply, it is connected to the live wire through the opening.
[0013] In one embodiment, the current transmitter is configured with multiple independent input channels, each of which corresponds to the power supply of multiple booster pumps.
[0014] In one embodiment, the communication module includes a LoRa transmission submodule and an antenna; the LoRa transmission submodule is connected to the data acquisition module and the antenna respectively; the LoRa transmission submodule transmits digital signals to a local area network through the antenna.
[0015] In one embodiment, the data monitoring device further includes: a guide rail; the guide rail is disposed inside the housing; the data acquisition module, the power module and the communication module are all disposed on the guide rail for quick installation and disassembly.
[0016] Furthermore, to achieve the above objectives, this application also proposes a data monitoring system for a wastewater treatment facility. The data monitoring system includes multiple data monitoring devices as described above, a host computer, and a host computer communication module. The host computer is connected to the host computer communication module. The data monitoring devices transmit digital signals to the host computer communication module via a local area network. The host computer is used to process and analyze the digital signals received by the host computer communication module.
[0017] One or more technical solutions proposed in this application have at least the following technical effects:
[0018] This application integrates the data acquisition module and communication module within a sealed enclosure through an integrated enclosure design, effectively mitigating the risk of corrosion to electronic components from the complex outdoor environment, while facilitating rapid on-site deployment and maintenance. Utilizing direct-contact signal conversion technology in the data acquisition module, key electrical signals such as pump current and pipeline flow rate in wastewater treatment facilities can be captured in real time and converted into digital signals, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the raw data. Wireless transmission technology implemented through the communication module ensures stable data transmission while reducing operation and maintenance costs. It is specifically optimized for complex operating conditions such as multi-pump coordination and high-flow monitoring in wastewater treatment plants, significantly improving the operational monitoring efficiency and reliability of wastewater treatment facilities through continuous and stable data acquisition and transmission. Attached Figure Description
[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.
[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0021] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram provided for Embodiment 1 of the data monitoring device of this application;
[0022] Figure 2 This is another structural block diagram provided in Embodiment 1 of the data monitoring device of this application;
[0023] Figure 3 This is an equipment selection diagram provided for Embodiment 1 of the data monitoring device of this application;
[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the data acquisition and installation provided in Embodiment 1 of the data monitoring device of this application;
[0025] Figure 5 This is yet another equipment selection diagram provided for Embodiment 1 of the data monitoring device of this application;
[0026] Figure 6 This is a structural block diagram provided for Embodiment 2 of the data monitoring system of this application.
[0027] Explanation of icon numbers:
[0028] label illustrate label illustrate 10 Box 30 Communication module 20 Data acquisition module 31 LoRa transmission submodule 21 Current transformer 32 antenna 22 Current transducer 40 Power module 23 Outlet testing equipment 50 guide
[0029] The purpose, features, and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0030] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit this application.
[0031] To better understand the technical solution of this application, a detailed description will be provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.
[0032] In the field of data monitoring for wastewater treatment facilities, existing technologies have significant shortcomings. Traditional monitoring devices suffer from low integration, and their distributed layout leads to complex installation and commissioning, poor compatibility, and susceptibility to signal interference and data loss. Data transmission relies on wired methods, which face problems such as high cabling costs, difficult maintenance, and poor real-time performance, especially in scenarios where pump units are widely distributed and equipment positions are dynamically adjusted, resulting in severe latency. Furthermore, monitoring devices have poor environmental adaptability and are unable to withstand the humidity, highly corrosive gases, and electromagnetic interference of wastewater treatment plants, leading to high equipment failure rates and short lifespans. These problems hinder the intelligent upgrading of monitoring systems, necessitating the development of new solutions.
[0033] Based on this, this application proposes a data monitoring device for wastewater treatment facilities, please refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram provided for Embodiment 1 of the data monitoring device of this application.
[0034] In this embodiment, the data monitoring device includes: a housing 10, a data acquisition module 20, and a communication module 30. Both the data acquisition module 20 and the communication module 30 are located inside the housing.
[0035] It should be noted that the enclosure 10 serves as the outer shell of the entire data monitoring device, protecting the internal modules. The enclosure 10 can be made of materials with a high protection rating, such as IP68, providing excellent sealing and effectively preventing the effects of external high humidity, highly corrosive gases, and electromagnetic interference on the internal modules.
[0036] In this embodiment, the data receiving end of the data acquisition module 20 is installed on the sewage treatment facility; the data sending end of the data acquisition module 20 is connected to the communication module 30; the data acquisition module 20 is used to collect the electrical signals of the sewage treatment facility, convert them into digital signals, and transmit them to the communication module 30.
[0037] It should be noted that the data receiving end is placed on the wastewater treatment facility. This means that corresponding sensors will be installed at key locations in the wastewater treatment facility, such as pump sets, aeration tanks, and sedimentation tanks. These sensors are connected to the data receiving end of the data acquisition module 20 via cables or other connection methods to acquire various electrical signals generated during the operation of the wastewater treatment facility in real time.
[0038] It should be noted that the data transmitting end of the data acquisition module 20 is connected to the communication module 30. This connection method typically uses a wired connection, such as a serial cable or Ethernet cable, to ensure that the data acquisition module 20 can stably and reliably transmit the acquired data to the communication module 30.
[0039] It should be noted that the main function of the data acquisition module 20 is to collect electrical signals from the wastewater treatment facility and convert them into digital signals. Various sensors in the wastewater treatment facility, such as level sensors, flow sensors, and water quality sensors, generate analog electrical signals. The data acquisition module 20 has the ability to sample, quantize, and encode these analog signals, converting them into digital signals for subsequent processing and transmission.
[0040] In this embodiment, the communication module 30 is used to output the digital signal to the local area network via wireless transmission.
[0041] Understandably, the function of the communication module 30 is to transmit the digital signals received from the data acquisition module 20 to a local area network (LAN). A LAN typically refers to a computer network within a certain area, such as the area of a wastewater treatment plant, which provides a platform for further data processing, storage, and sharing.
[0042] It should be noted that wireless transmission offers numerous advantages over traditional wired transmission. It eliminates the need for extensive cabling, reducing wiring costs and construction complexity. Furthermore, wireless transmission provides greater flexibility, facilitating device movement and adjustment. In this embodiment, common wireless communication technologies such as WiFi and ZigBee can be employed. These technologies possess different characteristics and can be selected based on actual needs. For example, WiFi offers high transmission rates, making it suitable for transmitting large amounts of data; ZigBee, on the other hand, boasts low power consumption and strong self-organizing capabilities, making it suitable for building large-scale sensor networks.
[0043] Understandably, the communication module 30 needs to convert digital signals into a format suitable for wireless transmission, and package and send them according to the corresponding communication protocol to ensure that the signals can be transmitted accurately and stably in the local area network.
[0044] Specifically, this application provides the following installation process: First, thoroughly understand the specific situation of the wastewater treatment facility, including the facility scale, treatment process, key monitoring points, etc., clarify the types of data to be collected and the accuracy requirements, thereby determining the types and quantities of sensors required, as well as the performance parameters of the data acquisition module 20.
[0045] Secondly, based on the requirements analysis results, select appropriate sensors, data acquisition module 20, and communication module 30. The sensors should possess good accuracy, stability, and environmental adaptability; the data acquisition module 20 should have functions such as multi-channel input, high-precision sampling, and data conversion; the communication module 30 should select appropriate wireless communication technologies based on actual needs, such as LoRa, NB-IoT, or 5G, to ensure the stability and real-time performance of data transmission.
[0046] Finally, based on the equipment dimensions and installation requirements, enclosure 10 was designed and manufactured. Enclosure 10 is made of high-protection-level materials, possessing excellent sealing and heat dissipation performance, effectively protecting the internal modules from the influence of the external environment.
[0047] In addition, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is another structural block diagram provided for Embodiment 1 of the data monitoring device of this application. In this embodiment, the data monitoring device further includes a power supply module 40. The power supply module 40 is connected to the data acquisition module 20, the communication module 30, and the power supply at the wastewater treatment site.
[0048] It should be noted that the power module 40 is used to rectify the AC power supply at the sewage treatment site and to supply DC power to the data acquisition module 20 and the communication module 30.
[0049] Understandably, in wastewater treatment plants, equipment is often distributed widely. Traditional distributed power supply methods require numerous power cables, increasing wiring costs and potentially creating safety hazards. The integrated power module 40, however, can draw power from the on-site power supply via a single cable to power multiple modules, significantly simplifying wiring.
[0050] In addition, wastewater treatment sites typically provide AC power, while data acquisition module 20 and communication module 30 generally require stable DC power to function properly. Power module 40 needs to convert AC to DC through a rectifier circuit to provide a suitable power supply for these two modules.
[0051] Furthermore, the data monitoring device also includes a guide rail 50. The guide rail 50 is disposed inside the housing 10. The data acquisition module 20, communication module 30, and power module 40 are all mounted on the guide rail 50.
[0052] Understandably, the guide rail 50 serves as the mounting base for the data acquisition module 20, communication module 30, and power module 40, providing stable support for these modules. In wastewater treatment plants, data monitoring devices may be subjected to external forces such as vibration and impact. The guide rail 50 ensures that the modules are securely fixed inside the housing 10, preventing them from loosening or shifting due to external forces and ensuring the normal operation of the equipment. For example, vibrations may occur during the operation of mechanical equipment in wastewater treatment plants. The fixing effect of the guide rail 50 prevents damage or poor contact to the modules due to vibration, ensuring the stability of data acquisition and communication.
[0053] In addition, traditional installation methods may require a large number of screws, nuts, and other fasteners, making the installation and disassembly process cumbersome and time-consuming. However, with the rail 50 installation method, installation is completed simply by sliding the module along the rail to the designated position; disassembly is as simple as sliding the module off the rail.
[0054] Understandably, this quick-installation and disassembly design significantly improves equipment maintenance efficiency. When equipment malfunctions, maintenance personnel can quickly remove the faulty module from the rail and replace it with a spare, reducing downtime and increasing equipment availability.
[0055] Based on the above, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is an equipment selection diagram provided for Embodiment 1 of the data monitoring device of this application.
[0056] Specifically, for the electrical box design, a 12-15 bay PZ30 electrical box can be selected for easy observation. A surface-mounted PZ30 electrical box is also available, and it features an internal C45 DIN rail. A 16A single-phase circuit breaker with leakage protection should be selected. A 12V 30W DC switching power supply is used, supporting DIN rail mounting and conforming to the dimensions of the PZ30 electrical box.
[0057] Specifically, select LoRa transmission submodule 31. LoRa transmission submodule 31 has a 485 communication interface, supports internal networking, and supports repeater functionality. LoRa transmission submodule 31 supports DIN rail mounting and its size allows it to be installed in a PZ30 electrical enclosure. Then, use a serial port tool and a computer to configure LoRa transmission submodule 31, setting the specific local area network ID and relevant wireless parameters. All other LoRa transmission submodules 31 at this location should be configured identically. It should be noted that different local area network IDs and relevant wireless parameters will prevent communication between them. The antenna connected to LoRa transmission submodule 31 must support 433MHz band wireless signals.
[0058] Specifically, the data acquisition module 20 uses a current transformer 21 and a current transmitter 22. The current transformer 21 is an open-type transformer with an opening through which it connects to the power line of the wastewater treatment facility to collect the current signal from the power line and transmit it to the current transmitter 22. The current transmitter 22 is selected with 8 input channels and a 485 communication interface, operating at a voltage of 9 to 24V. The current transmitter 22 is configured using a serial port tool and a computer, setting a specific 485 communication address. The 485 communication parameters and device address of other data acquisition modules related to this location must be different, while other parameters must be set consistently.
[0059] Finally, after selecting and setting up the components, fix each component in sequence inside the PZ30 electrical box and connect them with wires. The assembly of the device is now complete. Fix the assembled device near the sewage lift pump distribution box and connect it to a 220V power supply. Based on the monitoring requirements, locate the power supply location of the sewage lift pump to be monitored, find its power supply line, and connect a current transformer to one of the power lines in sequence. The current transformer installation method is as follows... Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the data acquisition and installation provided in Embodiment 1 of the data monitoring device of this application. When acquiring the current signal of a three-phase power supply booster pump, the current transformer 21 is connected to any phase line of the three-phase power supply through the opening; when acquiring the current signal of a single-phase power supply booster pump, the current transformer 21 is connected to the live wire through the opening. The current transformer 21 is a 0-100A to 0-5A model. After the current transformer 21 is connected, its S1 and S2 lines are connected to the S1 and S2 interfaces of the current transmitter 22 of the monitoring device.
[0060] In addition, please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is another equipment selection diagram provided for Embodiment 1 of the data monitoring device of this application. The data acquisition module 20 can be the outlet detection device 23. In this case, a small-sized PZ30 electrical box with 9-12 slots can be selected. The assembled device is fixed in the outlet online monitoring station and connected to a 220V power supply. According to the monitoring requirements, the 485 communication interface of the outlet detection device 23 to be monitored is connected to the 485 communication monitoring cable of the communication module 30, and the point setting is completed.
[0061] In this embodiment, the data acquisition module and communication module are integrated into a sealed space through an integrated enclosure design, effectively avoiding the risk of corrosion to electronic components caused by the complex outdoor environment, while also facilitating rapid on-site deployment and maintenance. The data acquisition module utilizes direct contact signal conversion technology to capture key electrical signals such as pump current and pipeline flow in the wastewater treatment facility in real time and convert them into digital signals, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the raw data. The communication module employs wireless transmission technology, ensuring stable data transmission while reducing operation and maintenance costs.
[0062] Based on the above, this application proposes a data monitoring system, please refer to... Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a structural block diagram provided for Embodiment 2 of the data monitoring system of this application.
[0063] In this embodiment, the data monitoring system includes multiple data monitoring devices as described above, a host computer, and a host computer communication module. The host computer is connected to the host computer communication module.
[0064] Understandably, the host computer is the core processing unit of the entire data monitoring system, connected to the host computer communication module. The host computer possesses powerful data processing and analysis capabilities, enabling in-depth processing and analysis of digital signals transmitted from various data monitoring devices. For example, the host computer can monitor and analyze collected water quality parameters in real time to determine whether the water quality meets discharge standards; it can also analyze equipment operating parameters to predict equipment failure trends and take proactive maintenance measures.
[0065] Understandably, the host computer communication module acts as a communication bridge between the data monitoring devices and the host computer. It is responsible for receiving digital signals from multiple data monitoring devices and transmitting them to the host computer. Simultaneously, it may also be responsible for sending control commands from the host computer to the data monitoring devices. For example, when the host computer detects abnormal operating parameters of a wastewater treatment device, it can send control commands to the corresponding data monitoring device through the host computer communication module to adjust the device's operating status.
[0066] Specifically, a suitable location is selected to deploy the data receiving, analysis, and storage terminal computer as the host computer. This terminal computer supports RS-485 data access. A wireless LoRa module is installed next to the terminal computer, and the RS-485 communication interface of the terminal computer and the wireless LoRa module are connected using a wire. The wireless LoRa module is then connected to a 433MHz antenna. The host computer communication module, consisting of the wireless LoRa module and the 433MHz antenna, completes the installation for terminal data reception.
[0067] Understandably, the entire wastewater treatment volume balance monitoring system comprises terminal calculations, data monitoring devices for wastewater treatment plant booster pumps, and online monitoring equipment for discharge outlets. By analyzing the balance of current data between each booster pump and the balance between flow monitoring data from each booster pump and the discharge outlet, the system performs interconnected calculations to assess the volume balance between the enterprise's wastewater treatment process and its discharge, assisting in determining whether the enterprise is engaging in illegal discharge or leakage.
[0068] The above description is only a part of the embodiments of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. All equivalent structural transformations made under the technical concept of this application and using the contents of the specification and drawings of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included in the patent protection scope of this application.
Claims
1. A data monitoring device for a wastewater treatment facility, characterized in that, The data monitoring device includes: a housing, a data acquisition module, and a communication module; Both the data acquisition module and the communication module are located inside the housing; The data receiving end of the data acquisition module is installed on the sewage treatment facility; The data sending end of the data acquisition module is connected to the communication module; The data acquisition module is used to collect electrical signals from the sewage treatment facility, convert them into digital signals, and transmit them to the communication module. The communication module is used to output the digital signal to the local area network via wireless transmission.
2. The data monitoring device for a wastewater treatment facility as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The data acquisition module includes: a current transformer and a current transmitter; The current transformer is provided with an opening, through which the current signal of the power line of the sewage treatment facility is collected and transmitted to the current transmitter. The current transmitter converts the current signal into a digital signal and transmits it to the communication module.
3. The data monitoring device for a wastewater treatment facility as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The data acquisition module includes: a discharge outlet detection device; The outlet detection device is connected to the communication module; The discharge outlet detection device is used to acquire sewage discharge flow rate in real time, convert it into a digital signal, and transmit it to the communication module.
4. The data monitoring device for a wastewater treatment facility as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The data monitoring device also includes: a power module; The power module is connected to the data acquisition module, the communication module, and the power supply at the wastewater treatment site. The power module is used to rectify the AC power supply at the wastewater treatment site and supply DC power to the data acquisition module and the communication module.
5. The data monitoring device for a wastewater treatment facility as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the data acquisition module and the communication module are equipped with a 485 interface; The data acquisition module transmits digital information to the communication module through the 485 interface.
6. The data monitoring device for a wastewater treatment facility as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The current transformer, when acquiring the current signal of the booster pump of the three-phase power supply, is connected to any phase line of the three-phase power supply through the opening; The current transformer is connected to the live wire through the opening when collecting the current signal of the booster pump of the single-phase power supply.
7. The data monitoring device for a wastewater treatment facility as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The current transmitter is configured with multiple independent input channels, and each input channel corresponds to the power supply of multiple booster pumps.
8. The data monitoring device for a wastewater treatment facility as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The communication module includes a LoRa transmission submodule and an antenna; The LoRa transmission submodule is connected to the data acquisition module and the antenna, respectively. The LoRa transmission submodule transmits digital signals to the local area network via the antenna.
9. The data monitoring device for a wastewater treatment facility as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The data monitoring device also includes: a guide rail; The guide rail is disposed inside the housing; The data acquisition module, the power supply module, and the communication module are all mounted on a guide rail for quick installation and removal.
10. A data monitoring system for a wastewater treatment facility, characterized in that, The data monitoring system includes multiple data monitoring devices as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, a host computer, and a host computer communication module; the host computer is connected to the host computer communication module; the data monitoring devices transmit digital signals to the host computer communication module via a local area network; the host computer is used to process and analyze the digital signals received by the host computer communication module.