Remote Sensor Monitoring via WAN-to-LAN Control Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monitoring systems for infrastructure and assets, especially in remote or difficult-to-reach locations, are impractical and costly, often requiring complex wiring and frequent site visits, and lack efficient mechanisms for real-time status monitoring and incident reporting.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring system comprising individual signal units with transceivers, power supplies, logic circuits, and event sensors that communicate with a central control facility via any communication network, allowing for predefined responses to be executed remotely, including asset monitoring and alerting owners to incidents, with features like bidirectional data flow and integration with external sensors and output devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If regular inspection of remote infrastructure is implemented, then detection of malfunctions and incidents is improved, but the cost and complexity of frequent site visits and complex wiring increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual inspection mechanisms with automated electronic monitoring systems. Sensors detect incidents remotely and transmit data via communication networks, eliminating the need for physical site visits and complex wiring infrastructure. The system uses wireless or network-based communication to substitute mechanical inspection routes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces communication networks as intermediaries between remote sensors and central monitoring facilities. This intermediary layer enables data transmission without requiring direct physical connection or frequent site access, reducing wiring complexity while maintaining reliable incident detection.
2Productivity
If monitoring systems are set up for remote areas, then real-time status monitoring is improved, but the complexity involving complex wiring and site visits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal communication protocols and standardized sensor interfaces that can be deployed across multiple locations without custom wiring for each site. The system is designed to work with various sensor types and communication networks, reducing installation complexity while enabling real-time monitoring productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If professional personnel site visits are conducted for monitoring setup, then system configuration is improved, but the expense and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service configuration through automated system setup procedures. Sensors and monitoring devices automatically configure themselves upon installation, and the system provides self-diagnostic capabilities that reduce or eliminate the need for professional personnel site visits, thereby reducing setup time while maintaining configuration accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An individual signal unit; each said individual signal unit including;(a) a transceiver module,(b) a power supply,(c) a logic circuit,(d) at least one of a number of external event sensors,and wherein a signal from a said individual signal unit to a central control facility causes said central control facility to execute one or more predefined steps; at least some of said predefined steps configured or reconfigurable by an owner of said individual signal unit; at least some of the predefined steps provided by one or more independent parties; at least some predetermined steps configured or reconfigurable by said independent parties.