Method and system for updating a sensor station

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for updating a sensor station. The method includes transporting an updater device to within a wireless communication range of the sensor station using an unmanned vehicle. The updater device comprises a wireless communication interface and a memory storing an update software for the sensor station. The method further includes dropping the updater device from the unmanned vehicle within the wireless communication range of the sensor station and the updater device wirelessly transmitting the update software from the updater device to the sensor station. Furthermore, the method includes updating the sensor station based on the update software.

Description

[0001] METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR UPDATING A SENSOR STATION

[0002] Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to updating a sensor station. In particular, examples relate to a method and a system for updating a sensor station by transporting an updater device by an unmanned vehicle.

[0004] Background

[0005] Many sensor stations have been installed in remote locations with limited online presence to enable functionality with limited energy resources. Despite being limited in communication, the sensor stations are valuable for collecting sensor data from the remote location and still need to have its software or firmware periodically updated. Established methods for updating a remote sensor station usually involve transporting an unmanned aerial vehicle with updates to the remote sensor station and directly establishing a communication link for transfer. This, however, demands more energy for the unmanned vehicle since it must travel to each sensor node and remain in its vicinity until the update is completed. This is often a challenge since typical drones can only fly for short durations before requiring a recharging of its battery.

[0006] Thus, there is a demand for a method and system for updating a sensor station, particularly for sensor stations in a remote location.

[0007] Summary

[0008] This demand is met by a method and system for updating a sensor station using an unmanned vehicle and an updater device. Advantageous embodiments are addressed by the dependent claims.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure proposes a method for updating a sensor station. The method includes transporting an updater device to within a wireless communication range of the sensor station using an unmanned vehicle. The updater device comprises a wireless communication interface and a memory storing an update software for the sensor station. The method further includes dropping the updater device from the unmanned vehicle within the wireless communication range of the sensor station and the updater device wirelessly transmitting the update software from the updater device to the sensor station. Furthermore, the method includes updating the sensor station based on the update software.

[0010] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure proposes a system for updating a sensor station. The system comprises a sensor station configured to wirelessly receive software updates. The system further comprises an updater device comprising a wireless communication interface and a memory storing an update software to be provided to the sensor station. The system further comprises an unmanned vehicle configured to transport the updater device to within a wireless communication range of the sensor station and drop the updater device within the wireless communication range of the sensor station. The updater device is configured to wirelessly transmit the update software to the sensor station after being dropped by the unmanned vehicle within the wireless communication range of the sensor station.

[0011] Brief description of the Figures

[0012] Some examples of apparatuses and / or methods will be described in the following by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which

[0013] Fig. 1 depicts a system for updating a sensor station using an updater device and an unmanned vehicle;

[0014] Fig. 2A depicts a system including a probing signal and a beacon signal for establishing a wireless communication link between an updater device and a sensor station according to an embodiment;

[0015] Fig. 2B depicts a system with an established wireless communication link for transferring an update software from an updater device to a sensor station according to a further embodiment;

[0016] Fig. 3 A depicts a system including a probing signal and a beacon signal for establishing a wireless communication link between an updater device and a sensor station according to a further embodiment; Fig. 3B depicts a system with an established wireless communication link for transferring an update software from an updater device to a sensor station according to a further embodiment;

[0017] Fig. 4 depicts a system for a sensor station to communicate with a central network;

[0018] Fig. 5 depicts a system for updating a plurality of sensor stations using a plurality of updater devices and an unmanned vehicle; and

[0019] Fig. 6 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for updating a sensor station using an updater device and an unmanned vehicle.

[0020] Detailed Description

[0021] Some examples are now described in more detail with reference to the enclosed figures. However, other possible examples are not limited to the features of these embodiments described in detail. Other examples may include modifications of the features as well as equivalents and alternatives to the features. Furthermore, the terminology used herein to describe certain examples should not be restrictive of further possible examples.

[0022] Throughout the description of the figures same or similar reference numerals refer to same or similar elements and / or features, which may be identical or implemented in a modified form while providing the same or a similar function. The thickness of lines, layers and / or areas in the figures may also be exaggerated for clarification.

[0023] When two elements A and B are combined using an “or”, this is to be understood as disclosing all possible combinations, i.e. only A, only B as well as A and B, unless expressly defined otherwise in the individual case. As an alternative wording for the same combinations, "at least one of A and B" or "A and / or B" may be used. This applies equivalently to combinations of more than two elements.

[0024] If a singular form, such as “a”, “an” and “the” is used and the use of only a single element is not defined as mandatory either explicitly or implicitly, further examples may also use several elements to implement the same function. If a function is described below as implemented using multiple elements, further examples may implement the same function using a single element or a single processing entity. It is further understood that the terms "include", "including", "comprise" and / or "comprising", when used, describe the presence of the specified features, integers, steps, operations, processes, elements, components and / or a group thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, processes, elements, components and / or a group thereof.

[0025] Fig. 1 depicts a system 10 for updating a sensor station 100 using an updater device 200 and an unmanned vehicle 300. In the system 10, the updater device 200 is transported by the unmanned vehicle 300 to within a wireless communication range of the sensor station 100 and then dropped. The updater device 200 comprises a wireless communication interface 202 and a memory 208 for storing an update software 220, which is to be provided to the sensor station 100. Once within the wireless communication range, the updater device 200 then wirelessly transmits the update software 220 to the sensor station 100 and the sensor station is updated based on the update software 220. More specifically, the sensor station 100 comprises a communication interface 102 to receive the update software 220 and processing circuitry 104 to run an update using the update software 220 for a pre-specified software and / or firmware to be updated 122.

[0026] The updater device 200 may be transported inside the unmanned vehicle 300 or externally attached to it. The unmanned vehicle may use a variety of mechanisms for transporting and dropping the updater device 200, such as a payload compartment with a latching or lock mechanism to ensure that the updater device 200 remains secure and in place during transportation. The unmanned vehicle 300 may release the latch or lock to drop the updater device 200. This may include a claw or gripper mechanism for latch and release or a magnetic latch and release mechanism, among others. The updater device may also be dropped within a pod or container in order to provide protection from environmental conditions. The pod or container may optionally open at a chosen time. The updater device 200 may optionally be deployed with a parachute mechanism or with an attached weight to control a planned trajectory toward a landing spot as desired. The unmanned vehicle 300 may drop the updater device 200 while moving or after coming to a complete stop within a planned route, depicted by the arrows around the unmanned vehicle 300. The above-listed features may be used in any combination for controlling the transporting and dropping of the updater device 200 as desired. The system 10 may use various forms of wireless communication between the updater device 200 and the sensor station 100. The signals used for communication and / or data transfer may be electromagnetic signals or optical signals, which may be exchanged in continuous form or pulsed form. Other forms of signal may also be used, such as sound waves or pressure waves or vibrational or pneumatic signals. In some embodiments, the wireless communication may follow protocols using Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Near Field Communication (NFC), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), or a form of infrared communication, among others. Protocols used for communication may include ZigBee, Z-Wave, 6L0WPAN, Thread, WiFi-ah (HaLow), LTE, Narrowband loT, ANT, DigiMesh, EnOcean, Dash7, and WirelessHART, among others. Additionally the wireless communication may include the use of various optical signals, which may include light beams. This may apply an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) protocol using line-of-sight infrared beams for wireless connectivity between devices, among others. Furthermore, wireless communication may be performed using protocols for sound waves or similar communication forms for data exchange.

[0027] The sensor station 100 and the updater device 200 may each be configured to perform a low- power wide-area network protocol, LPWAN, for wireless communication between each other. For example, the LPWAN may be a long-range wide-area network, LoRaWAN, which is designed for long range wireless communication with low power consumption and may be performed across a distance of several kilometers. For such cases, low power consumption may be enabled by maintaining a data transfer rate of a few kilobits per second. Alternatively, the LPWAN may be a Sigfox network, which is also designed for low-power wide-area wireless communication. The Sigfox network may be used for lower data transfer rates of around 100 bits per second, which may provide an even wider range of communication. A Sigfox network may apply ultra-narrowband (UNB) technology that may be particularly useful for Internet of Things (loT) applications, such as a network comprising sensor stations. LPWAN protocols may include Weightless-N, Weightless-P, or Weightless-W, among others. The LPWAN protocols may generally enable the battery life of the updater device 200 and the sensor station 100 to be used appropriately for updating the software 122 of the sensor station 100, as well as other considerations of the system 10 as necessary.

[0028] The update software 220 may be prepared and stored in the memory 208 in a way that it is ready for immediate transfer from the updater device 200 to the sensor station 100. Furthermore, the sensor station 100 may also be prepared to receive and process the update software 220 before establishing a wireless communication link with the updater device 200. The processing circuitry 104 of the sensor station 100 may immediately run the update software 220 upon receiving it for the pre-specified software to update 122. The update software 220 may be used for updating firmware and / or software 122 of the sensor station 100.

[0029] Sensor stations may generally be positioned in remote locations to obtain sensor data that can otherwise not be collected in less remote locations. The sensor station 100 may be equipped with any form of sensing equipment and / or devices to obtain sensor data. In order to maintain operation, the sensor station 100 may be equipped with a means for obtaining energy, such as by solar power or wind power. The obtained energy may also be stored in a battery to ensure operation at all times. The sensor data may be collected and also shared with a central network. For this, the sensor station 100 may be configured to communicate with the central network via the station communication interface 102. This may also be a wireless connection. For example, the station communication interface 102 may be configured to transmit sensor data within a signal to a satellite within a communication range of the sensor station 100, which may relay the signal to the central network. The sensor station 100 may be a valuable part of a sensor network with multiple sensor stations, each collecting similar forms of data in various remote or inaccessible locations. The sensor station 100 may be limited in its means of communication for ensuring operation with a low energy budget. For example, beyond recording sensor data, the sensor station 100 may be configured to send data only to the central network and may be configured to receive data related to software only from the updater device 200.

[0030] The system 10 may be particularly useful in a case of the sensor station 100 being positioned at a remote location. This may be a location that is inaccessible to a means of human transport, such as a location without any road or trail. For example, the sensor station may be located in a place that is inaccessible to a transport vehicle or in terrain that is unsuitable or inconvenient to reach using a transport vehicle. Another possibility is that the sensor station 100 is located in a place that is dangerous for humans to enter. For example, the sensor station 100 may be located near an active volcano, an unstable rock / cliff formation, wildlife habitats with predators, or in environments with extreme temperatures, among other examples. Other sites may not be remote, but may be known to be dangerous. Such sites may include hazardous substances or radiation, such as a nuclear power plant or chemical plant. Also, the sensor station 100 may be located in a site that may not be remote, yet may still take a long time to reach, or which may require navigating a network of tunnels or various dangerous objects. In general, the sensor station 100 may be at a location that is dangerous, unreachable, or very difficult to reach by conventional means of transportation.

[0031] The unmanned vehicle 300 may enable reaching such locations in a way that may be easier and faster and while also using less energy than if a human were to be transported. This may also enable transporting the updater device 200 through a greater range of environments. The unmanned vehicle 300 may be configured to function as an unmanned aerial vehicle through the air, an unmanned surface vehicle on a ground surface, an unmanned surface vehicle on a water surface and / or an unmanned vehicle underwater. The unmanned vehicle may also comprise a particular structure and / or size for effectively navigating challenging environments. Generally, the unmanned vehicle 300 may be any means of transportation used to carry objects or cargo (e.g., a payload) from one place to another. The vehicle may be powered by various means, such as motors, engines, or a hybrid propulsion system applying both, among other possibilities.

[0032] In a particular example, the sensor station 100 may be located on an island off-shore and the unmanned vehicle 300 may comprise a battery as an energy source to power a motor for reaching the island. For extending the possible duration of battery usage, the unmanned vehicle 300 may function as an unmanned surface vehicle on a water surface (e.g., a boat) to reach the island, since it may be less energy-intensive than flying over the same area. Furthermore, once the island is reached, the unmanned vehicle 300 may function as an unmanned aerial vehicle (e.g., a flying drone) through the air to reach its destination. For this, the unmanned vehicle 300 may comprise propellers for flying and / or moving across a water surface. The propellers may be connected to a respective motor, which may be powered by the energy source. If the terrain on the island allows for it, the unmanned vehicle may also function as an unmanned surface vehicle on a ground surface. For this, the unmanned vehicle may comprise wheels, belts, tracks, and / or mechanical legs powered by the energy source to enable transportation on the surface. In another particular example, the sensor station 100 may be located offshore and underwater. The unmanned vehicle 300 may function as an aerial vehicle and / or unmanned surface vehicle on a water surface to reach a location above a water level and thus, above the sensor station 100. The unmanned vehicle 300 may then function as an unmanned vehicle underwater to reach the wireless communication range of the sensor station 100.

[0033] For greater efficiency and convenience, the unmanned vehicle 300 may be an autonomous drone. The autonomous drone may be configured to receive a pre-specified route and a prespecified point of delivery for dropping the updater device 200. For this, the autonomous drone may comprise a GPS and / or navigation system to track and navigate toward the location of the sensor station 100 with an optimal route for dropping the updater device 200. The autonomous drone may comprise cameras and / or LiDAR sensors for object detection and object avoidance. The autonomous drone may be equipped with a system of motors and propellers that is connected to the navigation system to enable the drone to move along an optimal route according to object detection. A control system may receive environmental data generated by the cameras and / or LiDAR sensors from a surrounding area of the drone and may generate control signals for the motors. The autonomous drone may comprise a machine learning model trained with a trained object detection module. The machine learning model may be trained with ground truth information according to a specific environment surrounding the sensor station 100 and / or on a route toward the sensor station 100 for efficient navigation to within the wireless communication range.

[0034] Beyond its use for sensor stations in dangerous or inaccessible locations, the system 10 may provide a means of saving time and energy, as well as cost. Generally, using the unmanned vehicle 300 for transportation may drain its energy source (i.e. battery) rather quickly. Instead of having the unmanned vehicle 300 arrive at an acceptable proximity of the sensor station 100 and then using further energy to wirelessly transmit the update software 220, the unmanned vehicle 300 may simply drop the updater device 200 within the wireless range of the sensor station 100 and then directly fly to its next destination. For this, the updater device 200, including its components and packaging, may be decomposable. This may enable the system 10 as described above to function in a way that does not violate environmental regulations and / or meets pre-specified environmental standards.

[0035] In other words, all parts of the updater device 200, including the required circuitry that fulfill its described functions, as well as the substrate on which the circuitry is located, may be decomposable. The updater device 200 being decomposable may include having properties that allow it to break down or degrade over time through natural processes. The natural processes enabling decomposition may include exposure to environmental elements, such as sunlight, moisture, and oxygen or other atmospheric gases. The updater device 200 may also be biodegradable, with the natural processes of microorganisms leading to decomposing of the updater device 200, such as by microbial decay. The microbial decay may include the use of specific enzymes produced by microorganisms, which may be used in aerobic or anaerobic decomposition.

[0036] Electronic components of the updater device 200 may be made from a decomposable polymer, such as a biodegradable form of polyvinyl chloride. Electronic components of the updater device 200 may also be integrated into a decomposable substrate or packaging, such as a biodegradable cork tile or biodegradable mushrooms. In an embodiment in which the updater device 200 is dropped within a pod or container, the pod or container may also be made of a decomposable material. The updater device 200 may also comprise a decomposable battery. For example, the battery may be a biofilm. More specifically, the battery may be made of a layer of cellulose fiber (i.e. paper) and may be plastered with bacteria, which can transfer electrons through a cell membrane and touch anodes on the fiber surface to generate electricity. In general, there are many possible forms of the updater device 200 to enable to it function as a data transmitter in the system 10, and so that it is decomposable. The various components may vary in rate of decomposition, with decomposition achieved over a scale of days, months, or years.

[0037] The system 10 may enable a saving of costs associated with updating the sensor station 100. Features of the updater device 200 may particularly be chosen so that it is held to a low cost, since a new updater device 200 is to be provided for each iteration of the above described method. While being manufactured with low cost and possibly decomposable materials, the updater device 200 may still be highly customized for the system 10 in relation to the unmanned vehicle and particularly to the sensor station 100. Examples of this will explained in greater detail in the following.

[0038] Figs. 2A and 2B depict a system 20 that includes broadcasting a beacon signal 140 by the sensor station 100 and emitting a probing signal 250 by the updater device 200 (depicted in Fig. 2A) for establishing a wireless communication link 800 between the updater device 200 and the sensor station 100 (depicted in Fig. 2B). As the sensor station broadcasts the beacon signal 140, the updater device 200 may correspondingly scan for the presence of the wireless station 100. Scanning for the presence of the wireless station 100 by the updater device 200 may include actively searching for signals or indicators to determine if the sensor station 100 is within a certain proximity, such as within a wireless communication range for data exchange. For this, the updater device 200 may emit the probing signal 250. The broadcasting of the beacon signal 140 by the sensor station 100 and the emitting of the probing signal 250 by the updater device 200 may be done in a way using features that complement one another.

[0039] In some embodiments, the sensor station 100 may be configured to broadcast the beacon signal 140 at pre-determined time periods. The sensor station 100 may continuously broadcast the beacon signal 140 for a pre-specified time duration for each pre-determined time period. For example, the sensor station 100 may broadcast the beacon signal 140 for a pre-determined number of seconds or minutes, which may be done every pre-determined number of days, weeks, or months. In this way, the sensor station 100 may use little energy of its energy source (i.e. battery) to ensure that it is up to date without having to receive and process a notification message. Any time scale for the duration of broadcasting may be used and it may also be varied for different iterations. Also, the time periods for how often the beacon signal 140 is broadcasted may also vary. Alternatively, the sensor station 100 may receive a message from a central network notifying that the updater device 200 has been delivered to within the wireless communication range of the sensor station 100. This may be particularly useful for a case, in which updating the software is more urgent. The updater device 200 may continuously emit the probing signal 250 continuously or only within pre-determined time periods after being dropped.

[0040] In further embodiments of the system 20, the beacon signal 140 includes limited location information, such as coordinates. This may enable long-range broadcasting and probing to a range that extends farther beyond the wireless communication range 800 used for transmitting the update software 220. In such a case, the beacon signal 140 may be used for assisting the unmanned vehicle 300 to arrive more efficiently to within the wireless communication range 800 of the sensor station 100. The unmanned vehicle 300 may also detect the signal strength of the beacon signal 140 and follow a path that leads to an increase in the beacon signal 140 until an acceptable strength of the beacon signal 140 is detected that is adequate for transfer of the update software 220. To assist the unmanned vehicle 300, the beacon signal 140 may be broadcasted by the sensor station 100 for extended time periods. For example, the extended time periods may be for the entire duration of time of flight of the unmanned vehicle 300, or a significant portion thereof, and may be prompted from a notification from a central network.

[0041] The sensor station 100 may also be configured to broadcast the beacon signal 140 within one or more predefined frequency ranges. Correspondingly, the updater device 200 may be configured to scan for the beacon signal 140 within at least one frequency range used for broadcasting the beacon signal 140. The common frequency ranges may be part of a common modulation scheme used by both the updater device 200 and the sensor station 100. As such, the updater device 200 may be configured to emit a probing signal 250 within a common frequency range and with a common modulation scheme that matches the beacon signal 140. The common modulation schemes may use amplitude shift keying, frequency shift keying, or phase shift keying. Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing may be used for dividing an available frequency spectrum into multiple orthogonal subcarriers. In such a case, beacon and / or probing signals can transmit data simultaneously on multiple subcarriers, which may increase resistance to interfering signals. Furthermore, certain techniques, may use a spread spectrum modulation, such as direct sequence spread spectrum or frequency hopping spread spectrum, which may be applied to spread signal energy over a wide frequency band to enhance robustness and security against interfering signals.

[0042] In some embodiments, the beacon signal 140 may include information relevant for the wireless communication protocol to be used for data transfer from the updater device 200 to the sensor station 100. For example, the beacon signal 140 may include a service set identifier (SSID), or a string of characters representing the sensor station 100 or its sensor network. The SSID may be included in the beacon signal 140 for assisting the unmanned vehicle 300 to reach the wireless communication range for data exchange and / or to notify that it is within such range.

[0043] The updater device 200 may be configured to activate its wireless communication interface 202 based on a detection of the sensor station 100. Furthermore, the sensor station 100 may also activate its wireless communication interface 102 to enable receiving the update software 220. Thus, the emission of the beacon signal 140 and the probing signal 250 may enable the updater device 200 and the sensor station 100 to establish a wireless communication link 800 between each other. Using the wireless communication link 800, the updater device may wirelessly transmit the update software 220 to the sensor station 100. Figs. 3A and 3B depict a system 30 for establishing a wireless communication link between an updater device and a sensor station according to a further embodiment. Whereas the sensor station 100 was previously described as emitting the beacon signal 140, it is depicted in Fig. 3 A as emitting a probing signal 150. Furthermore, whereas the updater device 200 was previously described as emitting the probing signal 250, it is depicted in Fig. 3A as emitting a beacon signal 240.

[0044] In essence, the roles of the sensor station 100 and updater device 200 with respect to the beacon signal 140; 240 and the probing signal 150; 250 may simply be reversed in further embodiments of the system 10; 20; 30 to establish the wireless communication link 800. Independent of how the wireless communication link 800 is established, the updater device 200 may then wirelessly transmit the update software 220 to the sensor station 100 for updating of the sensor station software 122 by the processing circuitry 104 of the sensor station 100.

[0045] This principle may be applied with many different forms of the beacon signal 140; 240 and the probing signal 150; 250. In a particular embodiment, the updater device 200 and sensor station 100 may establish communication using RFID tags and RFID readers. The updater device 200 may be an RFID tag, which may be a small electronic device comprising an integrated circuit and an antenna, while the sensor station 100 may comprise an RFID reader. The RFID reader may emit an RF signal or initiate a query command to activate a nearby RFID tag, which may be the updater device 200. In response, the activated RFID tag, or activated updater device 200, may then transfer the update software 220 to the sensor station 100. The roles of RFID tag and RFID reader may also be reversed for the sensor station 100 to act as the RFID tag and for the updater device 200 to act as the RFID reader. Independent of the roles used for establishing the wireless communication link 800, the updater device 200 may transfer the update software 220 to the sensor station 10 once the wireless communication link 800 is established.

[0046] Fig. 4 depicts a system 40 for the sensor station to communicate with a central network 400. As previously described, the sensor station 100 may be configured to communicate with the central network 400 (depicted only in Fig. 4) via the station communication interface 102 and via the central network communication interface 402, which may be via a wireless connection. For example, the station communication interface 102 may be configured to send sensor data within a signal to a relay station 710 within a communication range of the sensor station 100. The relay station 710 may be a satellite, tower, or another structure used to relay the signal to the central network 400. The relay station 710 may enable communication beyond direct line- of-sight communication to expand the range of the network.

[0047] The central network 400 may collect sensor data from the sensor stations, as previously described. In some embodiments, the central network 400 may also assist the system 40 using the unmanned vehicle 300 and the updater device 200 to update the software 122 of the sensor station 100. For example, the central network 400 may be configured to send a message to the sensor station 100 that the updater device 200 has been delivered (i.e. dropped) within the wireless communication range of the sensor station 100. The sensor station 100 may be configured to receive the message from the central network 400, which may be by means of the relay station 710. In response to receiving the message, the sensor station 100 may emit the beacon signal 140 and the updater device 200 may emit the probing signal 250 or vice versa.

[0048] The system 40 may be formed in a way for the central network 400 to receive a confirmation of the intended software update since there are various ways in which an update may not be successful. The updater device 200 may have become faulty after examination and delivered with a faulty condition. Furthermore, since the updater device 200 is dropped into an external environment, it may occur that the updater device 200 is damaged or re-located outside of the wireless communication range before it is able to establish the wireless communication link 800 with the sensor station 100. The system 40 including a confirmation of the intended software update may ensure the sensor station 100 receives the update or receives it in a timely manner.

[0049] For this, the sensor station 100 may be configured to send a message to the central network 400 to communicate whether the update software 220 was successfully received by the sensor station 100. The sensor station 100 may also be configured to send a message of whether an attempted update using the update 220 software by the sensor station was successfully performed. In a successful case, the sensor station 100 will have been successfully updated and a message may be received by the central network 400. In an unsuccessful case, the central network 400 may receive the information, so that a new updater device may be sent or it may be investigated why the update was not successful. Furthermore, if an update is expected, but no updater device 200 is detected after a pre-determined time period, the central network 400 may be informed and a new iteration of the procedure may begin.

[0050] Fig. 5 depicts a system 50 for the updating a plurality of sensor stations 100-1; 100-2 using a plurality of updater devices 200-1; 200-2 and an unmanned vehicle 300. More specifically, Fig. 5 depicts the unmanned vehicle 300 having first dropped a first updater device 200-1 in a wireless communication range of a first sensor station 100-1 and having then dropped a second updater device 200-2 in a wireless communication range of a second sensor station 100-2. While two sensor stations 100-1; 100-2 with respective updater devices 200-1; 200-2 are depicted, any number of sensor stations and updater devices may be part of the system 50. The system 50 may generally include transporting the unmanned vehicle 300 sequentially to a plurality of sensor stations 100-1; 100-2 and dropping one or more respective updater devices 200-1; 200-2 within a respective wireless communication range of each sensor station 100-1; 100-2.

[0051] In other words, the system 50 may be an expanded form of the previously depicted systems 10; 20; 30; 40 from Figs. 1 to 4. Whereas the unmanned vehicle 300 may travel a route that involves transporting the updater device 200 and then directly return to its point of origin or directly travel to a resting point, the system 50 of Fig. 5 may involve the unmanned vehicle 300 traveling a route that includes a plurality of sensor stations 100-1; 100-2. This may enable a network of sensor stations that require software updates to be performed in an efficient manner. This may also be particularly efficient for a plurality of sensor stations that are positioned in remote or inaccessible locations.

[0052] To further increase efficiency of the system 50, the unmanned vehicle 300 may drop either one or a plurality of respective updater devices 200-1; 200-2 within a single respective wireless communication range of a respective sensor station. For example, if only an approximate location of the sensor station 100 is known or it is not desirable to use resources to determine a precise location, the unmanned vehicle 300 may drop a respective updater device 200-1; 200-2 in strategically chosen dropping points within the same wireless communication range. This may increase the probability that at least one of the respective updater devices 200-1; 200-2 will be within the wireless communication range of the sensor station 100, as planned. In a particular example, a sensor network may comprise a first group of sensors stations 100- 1; 100-2 located in a first environment, such as a terrain environment, and a second group of sensor stations located in a second environment, such as an underwater environment. Since the underwater environment is very different from the terrain environment, the system 50 as depicted may also be expanded to incorporate a respective unmanned vehicle 300-1; 300-2 (not depicted) to maintain an efficient procedure for updating the software of each of the sensor stations 100-1; 100-2.

[0053] In an embodiment with several wireless sensor stations 100-1; 100-2, the central network 400 of Fig. 4 may be configured to send a message to prompt each of the sensor stations 100-1; 100-2 to transmit a beacon signal in its vicinity to search for a respective updater device 200- 1; 200-2. The central network 400 may also customize the message to include time information or send the message at varying times, depending on when the respective updater device 200-1; 200-2 has been delivered to the respective sensor station 100-1; 100-2.

[0054] Such examples serve to demonstrate that the principles disclosed herein may be combined in various ways for enabling a high level of efficiency in the methods for each use case, particularly related to energy use and time. For example, the LoRaWAN protocol, which may be performed over several kilometers, may be performed by a single updater device 200 to multiple sensor stations 100-1; 100-2 if the sensor stations are located in close enough proximity.

[0055] Some embodiments may include further features involving the beacon signal 140 and / or probing signal 250. For example, the beacon signal 140 may comprise an indication that the sensor station 100 is to be updated by the updater device 200. Including such an indication in the beacon signal 140; 240 may be particularly useful in a more complex network of multiple sensor stations 100-1; 100-2 and multiple updater devices 200-1; 200-2, since performing the same update multiple times would unnecessarily use limited energy resources. The sensor station 100 may also be configured to perform a check that the update software 220 is authentic or does not pose a security risk before applying to the software to update 122.

[0056] The previously described features in various embodiments for the sensor station 100, updater device 200, and unmanned vehicle 300 have been described to demonstrate that the system 10; 20; 30; 40; 50 may be configured in many different ways according to each use case. Each of the disclosed features may enable a saving of time, energy, and cost to enable maintaining the sensor station 100 or a network of sensor stations 100-1; 100-2 so that it may reliably record sensor data as planned and for long durations of time.

[0057] Fig- 6 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method 600 for updating a sensor station using an updater device and an unmanned vehicle.

[0058] The method 600 comprises transporting 610 an updater device to within a wireless communication range of the sensor station using an unmanned vehicle. The updater device comprises a wireless communication interface and a memory storing an update software for the sensor station. The method further comprises dropping 620 the updater device from the unmanned vehicle within the wireless communication range of the sensor station and wirelessly transmitting 630 the update software from the updater device to the sensor station. Furthermore, the method comprises updating 640 the sensor station based on the update software.

[0059] The method 600 may optionally comprise one or more further features described above (e.g. Fig. 1 to Fig. 5). For example, the method 600 may comprise detecting a presence of the sensor station within a scanning range of the updater device, activating the wireless communication interface of the updater device based on the detection of the sensor station, and establishing a wireless communication link between the updater device and the sensor station. The method 600 may also comprise broadcasting a beacon signal by the sensor station, scanning for the beacon signal of the sensor station by the updater device to detect a presence of the sensor station; and wirelessly transmitting the update software based on a detection of the sensor station. In further embodiments, the method 600 may comprise broadcasting the beacon signal at pre-determined time-periods and / or based on a received notification from a central network. In other embodiments, the method 600 may include scanning for the beacon signal at pre-determined time-periods that match the pre-determined time periods of the beacon signal broadcast. The method 600 may also include broadcasting the beacon signal within one or more predefined frequency ranges and scanning for the beacon signal within at least one frequency range used for the broadcasting of the beacon signal. In some embodiments, the method 600 may include emitting a probing signal within a common frequency range and with a common modulation scheme that matches the beacon signal. In further embodiments, the method 600 may include performing a low-power wide-area network protocol for wireless communication between the updater device and wireless station. The method 600 may also include sending a message to a central network to communicate whether the update software was successfully received by the sensor station and / or whether an attempted update using the update software by the sensor station was successfully performed. In other embodiments, the method 600 may also include transporting the unmanned vehicle sequentially to a plurality of sensor stations and dropping one or more respective updater devices within a respective wireless communication range of each sensor station.

[0060] The following examples pertain to further embodiments:

[0061] (1) A method for updating a sensor station, the method comprising: transporting an updater device to within a wireless communication range of the sensor station using an unmanned vehicle, the updater device comprising a wireless communication interface and a memory storing an update software for the sensor station; dropping the updater device from the unmanned vehicle within the wireless communication range of the sensor station; wirelessly transmitting the update software from the updater device to the sensor station; and updating the sensor station based on the update software.

[0062] (2) The method of (1), further comprising: detecting a presence of the sensor station within a scanning range of the updater device, activating the wireless communication interface of the updater device based on the detection of the sensor station, and establishing a wireless communication link between the updater device and the sensor station.

[0063] (3) The method of (1) or (2), further comprising: broadcasting a beacon signal by the sensor station; scanning for the beacon signal of the sensor station by the updater device to detect a presence of the sensor station; and wirelessly transmitting the update software based on a detection of the sensor station.

[0064] (4) The method of (3), wherein the sensor station is configured to broadcast the beacon signal at pre-determined time-periods and / or based on a received notification from a central network. (5) The method of (4), wherein the updater device is configured to scan for the beacon signal at pre-determined time-periods matching the pre-determined time periods of the beacon signal broadcast.

[0065] (6) The method of any one of (3) to (5), wherein the sensor station is configured to broadcast the beacon signal within one or more predefined frequency ranges, and wherein the updater device is configured to scan for the beacon signal within at least one frequency range used for the broadcasting of the beacon signal.

[0066] (7) The method of any one of (3) to (6), wherein the beacon signal comprises an indication that the sensor station is to be updated by the updater device.

[0067] (8) The method of any one of (3) to (7), wherein the updater device is configured to emit a probing signal within a common frequency range and with a common modulation scheme that matches the beacon signal.

[0068] (9) The method of any one of (1) to (8), wherein the updater device and sensor station are each configured to perform a low-power wide-area network protocol for wireless communication between each other.

[0069] (10) The method of any one of (1) to (9), wherein the updater device is decomposable.

[0070] (11). The method of any one of (1) to (10), wherein the sensor station is configured to send a message to a central network to communicate whether the update software was successfully received by the sensor station and / or whether an attempted update using the update software by the sensor station was successfully performed.

[0071] (12) The method of any one of (1) to (11), wherein the unmanned vehicle is configured to function as an unmanned aerial vehicle through the air, an unmanned surface vehicle on a ground surface, an unmanned surface vehicle on a water surface and / or an unmanned vehicle underwater.

[0072] (13) The method of any one of (1) to (12), wherein the unmanned vehicle is an autonomous drone. (14) The method of any one of (1) to (13), further comprising transporting the unmanned vehicle sequentially to a plurality of sensor stations and dropping one or more respective updater devices within a respective wireless communication range of each sensor station.

[0073] (15) A system for updating a sensor station, the system comprising a sensor station configured to wirelessly receive software updates; an updater device comprising a wireless communication interface and a memory storing an update software for the sensor station; an unmanned vehicle configured to transport the updater device to within a wireless communication range of the sensor station and drop the updater device within the wireless communication range of the sensor station; wherein the updater device is configured to wirelessly transmit the update software to the sensor station after being dropped by the unmanned vehicle within the wireless communication range of the sensor station.

[0074] The aspects and features described in relation to a particular one of the previous examples may also be combined with one or more of the further examples to replace an identical or similar feature of that further example or to additionally introduce the features into the further example.

[0075] Examples may further be or relate to a (computer) program including a program code to execute one or more of the above methods when the program is executed on a computer, processor or other programmable hardware component. Thus, steps, operations or processes of different ones of the methods described above may also be executed by programmed computers, processors or other programmable hardware components. Examples may also cover program storage devices, such as digital data storage media, which are machine-, processor- or computer-readable and encode and / or contain machine-executable, processor-executable or computer-executable programs and instructions. Program storage devices may include or be digital storage devices, magnetic storage media such as magnetic disks and magnetic tapes, hard disk drives, or optically readable digital data storage media, for example. Other examples may also include computers, processors, control units, (field) programmable logic arrays ((F)PLAs), (field) programmable gate arrays ((F)PGAs), graphics processor units (GPU), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), integrated circuits (ICs) or system-on-a-chip (SoCs) systems programmed to execute the steps of the methods described above.

[0076] It is further understood that the disclosure of several steps, processes, operations or functions disclosed in the description or claims shall not be construed to imply that these operations are necessarily dependent on the order described, unless explicitly stated in the individual case or necessary for technical reasons. Therefore, the previous description does not limit the execution of several steps or functions to a certain order. Furthermore, in further examples, a single step, function, process or operation may include and / or be broken up into several sub-steps, - functions, -processes or -operations.

[0077] If some aspects have been described in relation to a device or system, these aspects should also be understood as a description of the corresponding method. For example, a block, device or functional aspect of the device or system may correspond to a feature, such as a method step, of the corresponding method. Accordingly, aspects described in relation to a method shall also be understood as a description of a corresponding block, a corresponding element, a property or a functional feature of a corresponding device or a corresponding system.

[0078] The following claims are hereby incorporated in the detailed description, wherein each claim may stand on its own as a separate example. It should also be noted that although in the claims a dependent claim refers to a particular combination with one or more other claims, other examples may also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of any other dependent or independent claim. Such combinations are hereby explicitly proposed, unless it is stated in the individual case that a particular combination is not intended. Furthermore, features of a claim should also be included for any other independent claim, even if that claim is not directly defined as dependent on that other independent claim.

Claims

Claims1. A method for updating a sensor station, the method comprising: transporting an updater device to within a wireless communication range of the sensor station using an unmanned vehicle, the updater device comprising a wireless communication interface and a memory storing an update software for the sensor station; dropping the updater device from the unmanned vehicle within the wireless communication range of the sensor station; wirelessly transmitting the update software from the updater device to the sensor station; and updating the sensor station based on the update software.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: detecting a presence of the sensor station within a scanning range of the updater device, activating the wireless communication interface of the updater device based on the detection of the sensor station, and establishing a wireless communication link between the updater device and the sensor station.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: broadcasting a beacon signal by the sensor station; scanning for the beacon signal of the sensor station by the updater device to detect a presence of the sensor station; and wirelessly transmitting the update software based on a detection of the sensor station.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the sensor station is configured to broadcast the beacon signal at pre-determined time-periods and / or based on a received notification from a central network.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the updater device is configured to scan for the beacon signal at pre-determined time-periods matching the pre-determined time periods of the beacon signal broadcast.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein the sensor station is configured to broadcast the beacon signal within one or more predefined frequency ranges, and wherein the updater device is configured to scan for the beacon signal within at least one frequency range used for the broadcasting of the beacon signal.

7. The method of claim 3, wherein the beacon signal comprises an indication that the sensor station is to be updated by the updater device.

8. The method of claim 3, wherein the updater device is configured to emit a probing signal within a common frequency range and with a common modulation scheme that matches the beacon signal.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the updater device and sensor station are each configured to perform a low-power wide-area network protocol for wireless communication between each other.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the updater device is decomposable.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensor station is configured to send a message to a central network to communicate whether the update software was successfully received by the sensor station and / or whether an attempted update using the update software by the sensor station was successfully performed.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the unmanned vehicle is configured to function as an unmanned aerial vehicle through the air, an unmanned surface vehicle on a ground surface, an unmanned surface vehicle on a water surface and / or an unmanned vehicle underwater.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the unmanned vehicle is an autonomous drone.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising transporting the unmanned vehicle sequentially to a plurality of sensor stations and dropping one or more respective updater devices within a respective wireless communication range of each sensor station.

15. A system for updating a sensor station, the system comprising a sensor station configured to wirelessly receive software updates; an updater device comprising a wireless communication interface and a memory storing an update software for the sensor station;an unmanned vehicle configured to transport the updater device to within a wireless communication range of the sensor station and drop the updater device within the wireless communication range of the sensor station; wherein the updater device is configured to wirelessly transmit the update software to the sensor station after being dropped by the unmanned vehicle within the wireless communication range of the sensor station.

Images