Remote Sensor Monitoring System with Data Compression and Wireless Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current monitoring systems for remote locations are unreliable due to the need for constant personnel presence, limited access to traditional power and communication lines, and inefficiencies in data collection and transmission, particularly with analog sensors that only allow one-way communication and incur high costs for cellular data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A wireless remote site monitoring system that uses a processor to collect data from various sensors, including digital and analog types, compresses the data into packets, and transmits it to a central server via a wireless system, allowing for real-time access and analysis via the Internet, with features like unique sensor identifiers and alarm settings for timely alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If personnel are used to monitor remote conditions on a schedule, then the system is simpler to operate, but the monitoring reliability decreases and time delays occur between malfunctions being detected
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system performs self-service by automatically detecting malfunctions and transmitting alerts without requiring human personnel to physically visit remote sites. The sensor network autonomously monitors conditions and the system self-manages data collection and transmission, eliminating the need for scheduled personnel visits while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of personnel physically visiting sites with an electronic/digital system. Sensors, microcontrollers, and wireless communication modules substitute for human inspectors, enabling continuous monitoring without the time delays and reliability issues associated with scheduled manual checks.
2Ease of manufacture
If analog sensors are used for data collection, then the system is easier to manufacture, but communication capability is limited to one-way transmission and cellular data costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating both analog and digital sensor capabilities within a unified system. The microcontroller can interface with various sensor types (analog, digital, I2C, SPI) and the system supports multiple communication protocols (cellular, satellite, radio), making it universally adaptable to different monitoring needs while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the communication parameter from purely analog one-way transmission to digital two-way communication. By incorporating microcontrollers that can process and transmit data digitally, the system enables bidirectional communication between sensors and the central server, reducing cellular data costs through efficient packet transmission and enabling remote system configuration and diagnostics.
3Speed
If data is transmitted frequently from remote sensors, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by transmitting data at optimized intervals rather than continuously. The system can be configured to transmit data periodically based on monitoring needs, and can enter low-power sleep modes between transmissions. This approach maintains real-time monitoring capability while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action through efficient data buffering and batch transmission. Sensors continuously collect data in memory, and the microcontroller transmits accumulated data packets efficiently when power is available, ensuring no monitoring gaps while minimizing transmission frequency to reduce power consumption.
4Reliability
If on-site power sources like generators are deployed, then monitoring reliability is improved, but operational costs and resource requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source from the remote monitoring site by utilizing existing power infrastructure at distant locations. Instead of deploying generators at each remote sensor site, the system transmits power remotely via electrical transmission lines from centralized power sources, eliminating the need for on-site fuel storage, generator maintenance, and associated resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary - electrical transmission lines - to bridge the power gap between centralized power sources and remote monitoring locations. This intermediary enables reliable power delivery over distance without requiring physical power generation at the remote site, reducing resource requirements while maintaining monitoring reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for efficiently collecting data at a remote device with a device that is able to use both analog and digital signals, especially those that are compliant with serial data interface twelve (SDI-12) protocol. The collected data is compressed into a packet and sent to a base station where it is made available. Additionally, the present invention is able to produce alarms in response to the detection of an alarm condition. This data is able to be viewed from virtually anywhere.