GB2512028A - In-built temperature monitors - Google Patents
In-built temperature monitors Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2512028A GB2512028A GB1301024.4A GB201301024A GB2512028A GB 2512028 A GB2512028 A GB 2512028A GB 201301024 A GB201301024 A GB 201301024A GB 2512028 A GB2512028 A GB 2512028A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- temperature
- communication unit
- setpoint
- mobile telephone
- transmit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01K—MEASURING TEMPERATURE; MEASURING QUANTITY OF HEAT; THERMALLY-SENSITIVE ELEMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01K1/00—Details of thermometers not specially adapted for particular types of thermometer
- G01K1/02—Means for indicating or recording specially adapted for thermometers
- G01K1/024—Means for indicating or recording specially adapted for thermometers for remote indication
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01K—MEASURING TEMPERATURE; MEASURING QUANTITY OF HEAT; THERMALLY-SENSITIVE ELEMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01K3/00—Thermometers giving results other than momentary value of temperature
- G01K3/005—Circuits arrangements for indicating a predetermined temperature
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/21—Combinations with auxiliary equipment, e.g. with clocks or memoranda pads
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
- H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
- H04M1/72403—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
- H04M1/72409—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories
- H04M1/72412—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
- H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
- H04M1/72403—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
- H04M1/7243—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality with interactive means for internal management of messages
- H04M1/72436—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality with interactive means for internal management of messages for text messaging, e.g. SMS or e-mail
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M2250/00—Details of telephonic subscriber devices
- H04M2250/12—Details of telephonic subscriber devices including a sensor for measuring a physical value, e.g. temperature or motion
Abstract
An in-built temperature monitor 1 for remote temperature monitoring is provided. The temperature monitor is incorporated into a device such as a motor vehicle and includes a display screen 4 and at least one user-operable key or switch 2. A communication unit 10, typically in the form of a mobile telephone module or modem, is provided for transmitting and receiving signals. A temperature sensor 8 measures temperature. A processor unit 6 is programmable with an upper temperature setpoint and a lower temperature setpoint and these are stored in the processor unit and compared against the measured temperature. The processor unit controls the communication unit 10 to transmit an alarm signal to a mobile telephone or other portable electronic device 12 if the measured temperature is above the upper temperature setpoint or below the lower temperature setpoint. The processor unit 6 also controls the communication unit 10 to transmit a status signal when the communication unit receives a demand signal, typically from a mobile telephone or other portable electronic device 12.
Description
TITLE
In-built temperature monitors
DESCRIPTION
Technical Field
The present invention relates to in-built temperature monitors for monitoring temperature.
Summary of the invention
The present invention provides an item incorporating an in-built temperature monitor, the temperature monitor comprising: at least one user-operable key; a communication unit for transmitting and receiving signals; a temperature sensor for measuring temperature; and a processor unit programmable with an upper temperature setpoint and/or a lower temperature setpoint; wherein the processor unit controls the communication unit to transmit an alarm signal containing data indicative of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor if the temperature reaches or exceeds the upper temperature setpoint or the lower temperature setpoint; and wherein the processor unit controls the communication unit to transmit a status signal containing data indicative of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor when the communication unit receives a demand signal.
The item can further include a display screen on which one or more of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, the upper temperature setpoint and the tower temperature setpoint can optionaHy be disp'ayed at the appropriate time, typically in the temperature unit (e.g. °C or °F) selected by the user.
The temperature monitor can be incorporated into many different items as illustrated by the following (non-exhaustive) list: animal baskets, cages or containers for housing or transporting animals, hutches, kcnncls, fish tanks and aquariums; containers for storing and/or transporting products; devices such as electronic devices; heating and cooling systems; central heating systems; fridges, freezers and other domestic appliances; motor vehicles such as cars, vans, buses and lorries; marine vessels; airborne vessels; trailers, including those that are specifically designed for transporting animals or livestoclç caravans; structures such as sheds, stores, greenhouses and cold frames; plant propagators and clothes. In general terms the item can be anything where it would be desirable to know a temperature associated with the item (e.g. a temperature within the item, in a space in which the item is located, or an operating temperature of the item itself) by incorporating an in-built temperature monitor into the item and where it might be advantageous for a user at a remote location!br that tempcrature to be monitored against upper and/or lower temperature setpoints. It will be readily appreciated that items that might be particularly suitable would include those that could be adversely affected by extremes of temperature, or those which can contain, transport, protect or store something which could be adversely affected, e.g. animals, livestock, plants, perishable goods and foodstuffs, electronic items, medicines and medication such as pills, tablets and capsules etc. In some cases, the temperature monitor can be integrated into another item, optionally an electronic device, which is intended to maintain another item or space within a pre-defined temperature range. The temperature monitor would transmit an alarm signal if the device failed to maintain the temperature within the pre-defined temperature range.
Some or all of the various component parts of the in-built temperature monitor can co-located, e.g. in a single housing or enclosure that!brms an integral part of the item, or can be dispersed throughout the item and might be connected together by any suitable wired or wireless means. Components such as a display screen and the at least one user-operable key might have thnctionality associated with the item in addition to being used to control and/or program the temperature monitor. For example, if the temperature monitor is integrated into a motor vehicle then the display screen might be an existing part of the motor vehicle display and the at least one user-operable key might be an existing switch, button, knob, or even part of a touch screen display, which controls other functions of the motor vehicle such as the cruise control system, sound system, or navigation system. The temperature monitor might use an existing temperature sensor that is also used by the motor vehicle as part of its climate control system, for example, or a separate temperature sensor might be provided at a suitable location for the temperature monitor. More than one temperature sensor might be used. The temperature monitor might use an existing communication unit that allows the motor vehicle to transmit and receive signals (e.g., over a GSM network), or a separate communication unit might be provided. The processor unit of the temperature monitor might be integrated with the processor unit or on-board computer of the motor vehicle.
In one arrangement the temperature monitor is programmed with both upper and lower temperature setpoints.
The temperature setpoint(s) can be programmed using one or more user-operable keys. The temperature monitor can be provided with a first user-operable key that can be used to increase a temperature setpoint and a second user-operable key that can be used to decrease a temperature setpoint. Alternatively, the temperature monitor can be provided with a user-operable key that allows the user to selectively increase or decrease a temperature setpoint depending on how it is pressed or manipulated. The temperature sctpoint that is being programmed will typically be increased or decreased by a predetermined amount (e.g., by 0.5 or 1°C or by L-2°F) each time a user-operable key is pressed or manipulated.
The temperature monitor can further include indicators for indicating different operating modes or conditions of the temperature monitor.
The temperature monitor can be powered from an external power source, its own dedicated battery, or a power source associated with the item (e.g., the vehicle battery).
The processor unit can control the communication unit to transmit an alarm signal if a low battery condition is detected.
The communication unit can further include an aerial and a mobile telephone module that can receive a subscriber identity module (SIM) card. In practice, the communication unit can be adapted to operate on any suitable wireless communication network.
The temperature monitor can further include a microphone and/or a camera of any suitable type. If the item is a motor vehicle then the microphone might also be used for hands free' communication, for example. The processor unit can control the communication unit to transmit a signal containing sound data provided by the microphone and/or image data provided by the camera when the communication unit receives a demand signal.
The temperature monitor can further include a loudspeaker. If the item is a motor vehicle then the loudspeaker might also be part of the sound system for the motor vehicle, for example. The loudspeaker can optionally be used to provide an audible alarm or to enable the user to talk to an individual, e.g., a member of the emergency services. If the temperature monitor also includes a microphone then the user can use their mobile telephone or portable electronic device to have two-way communication with the individual located at, in or near the item in which the built-in temperature monitor is incoporated. In other words, the temperature monitor can be adapted to function as a communication device over the GSM (or any other suitable wireless communication) network.
The present invention thither provides a method of using an in-built temperature monitor as described above, comprising the steps of using a mobile telephone or other portable electronic device to transmit a demand signal to the temperature monitor, and wherein the processor unit controls the communication unit to transmit a status signal coiltaining data indicative of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor to the mobile telephone or other portable electronic device when the communication unit receives the demand signal.
The present invention further provides a method of using an in-built temperature monitor as described above and with a microphone and/or a camera, comprising the steps of using a mobile telephone or other portable electronic device to transmit a demand signal to the temperature monitor, and wherein the processor unit controls the communication unit to transmit a signal containing sound data provided by the microphone and/or image data provided by the camera to the mobile telephone or other portable electronic device when the communication unit receives the demand signal.
The data contained within the signals transmitted by the temperature monitor (e.g., the alarm signals and status signals with data indicativc of thc measured temperature, the alarm signals for a low battery condition, and signals containing other data such as sound or image data) is intended to be displayed on (or listened to using) the mobile telephone or portable electronic device. For example, if an alarm signal or status signal is received by the mobile telephone or other portable electronic device then the measured temperature can be displayed on a display screen of the mobile telephone or other portable electronic device, optionally together with other suitable text such as a warning that a temperature setpoint has been reached or exceeded. The user is therefore informed of the measured temperature at the remote location where the item that incorporates the built-in temperature monitor is located.
The present invention further provides a temperature monitoring and notification systcm comprising: a mobile telephone or other portable electronic device; and an item (e.g. a motor vehicle or other item as described above) incorporating an in-built temperature monitor, the temperature monitor comprising: at least one user-operable key, a comrmmication unit for transmitting and receiving signals, a temperature sensor for measuring temperature, and a processor unit programmable with an upper temperature sctpoint and/or a lower temperature sctpoint; wherein the processor unit coiltrols the communication unit to transmit to the mobile telephone or other portable electronic device an alarm signal containing data indicative of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor if the temperature reaches or exceeds the upper temperature setpoint or the lower temperature setpoint; and wherein the processor unit controls the communication unit to transmit to the mobile telephone or other portable electronic device a status signal containing data indicative of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor when the communication unit receives a demand signal from the mobile telephone or other portable electronic device.
The present invention further provides a method of monitoring temperature using an in-built temperature monitor that is incorporated into an item (e.g. a motor vehicle or other item as described above), the temperature monitor comprising: at least one user-operable key, a communication unit for transmitting and receiving signals, a tempcraturc sensor for measuring temperature, and a programmablc processor unit; wherein the method comprises the steps of: using the at least one user-operable key to program the temperature monitor with an upper temperature setpoint and/or a lower temperature setpoint; controlling the communication unit to transmit an alarm signal to a mobile telephone or other portable electronic device, the alarm signal containing data indicative of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor if the temperature reaches or exceeds the upper temperature setpoint or the lower temperature setpoint; and controlling the communication unit to transmit a status signal to a mobile telephone or other portable electronic device, the status signal containing data indicative of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, when the communication unit receives a demand signal from the mobile telephone or other portable electronic device.
Further alarm signals containing data indicative of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor can be sent if the temperature continues to exceed the upper or lower temperature setpoint. Such further alarm signals can be transmitted periodically (e.g. every 2 minutes) for as long as the upper or lower temperature sctpoint is exceeded. Alternatively, further alarm signals might be transmitted if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor continues to increase after the upper temperature setpoint has been reached, or continues to decrease after the lower temperature setpoint has been reached. An alarm signal can be transmitted each time the measured temperature exceeds the upper or lower temperature sctpoint by a predetermined interval (e.g. 1°C or 2°F). For example, if the upper temperature setpoint is set to 25°C or 77°F then a first alarm signal would be transmitted if the measured temperature reaches the upper temperature setpoint of 25°C or 77°F, a second alarm signal would be transmitted if the measured temperature reaches 26°C or 79°F, a third alarm signal would be transmitted if the measured temperature reaches 27°C or 8 1°F, and so on. The temperature monitor can be adapted to transmit further alarm signals only if the measured temperature continues to increase above the upper temperature threshold or continues to decrease below the lower temperature threshold. In some arrangements then further alarm signals can also be transmitted if the measured temperature starts to decrease when the upper temperature setpoint is still being exceeded or if the measured temperature starts to increase when the lower temperature setpoint is still being exceeded. For example, in the above example, a fourth alarm signal would then be transmitted if the measured temperature falls from 27°C to 26°C or from 81°F to 79°F.
If an alarm signal has been transmitted and the measured temperature falls back below the upper temperature setpoint or rises back above the lower temperature setpoint (i.e., so that the temperature setpoint is no longer being exceeded) then a status signal can be transmitted. For example, in the above example, if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor continued to fall then a status signal would be transmitted if the temperature reached 24.9°C or 76.9°F so that the user is informed that the upper temperature setpoint is no longer being exceeded, It will be readily appreciated that a user can normally request a status signal from the temperature monitor at any time by sending a demand signal from their mobile telephone or other portable electrical device. However, in some cases it may be possible to transition the temperature monitor into an economy mode where an alarm signal is sent if the measured temperature reaches or exceeds the upper or lower temperature setpoint but where the temperature monitor will not transmit status signals in response to a demand signal.
The method can further include the step of controlling the communication unit to transmit an alarm signal to a mobile telephone or other portable electronic device if a low battery condition is detected.
If the temperature monitor further includes a microphone and/or a camera then the method can further comprise the step of controlling the communication unit to transmit a signal to a mobile telephone or other portable electronic device, the signal containing sound data provided by the microphone and/or image data provided by the camera, when the communication unit receives a demand signal from the mobile telephone or other portable electronic device.
The alarm signal, status signal, sound data and image data can be transmitted using any suitable wireless communication protocol, e.g. in the case of alarm and status signals, the short messaging service (SMS) protocol which allows the sending and receiving of short text messages between communication devices. The alarm signal, status signal, sound data, and image data can be transmitted to one or more mobile telephone or other portable electronic device. In other words, the temperature monitor can be programmed with only one nominated telephone number or with two or more nominated telephone numbers which can also be used to check if a demand signal has been received from an authorised mobile telephone or other portable electronic device. One or more mobile telephones or other portable electronic devices can be paired' with the temperature monitor by sending a signal to the temperature monitor, e.g. by sending a short text message using the SMS protocol. The temperature monitor can also be adapted to send a status signal to any mobile telephone or other portable electronic device from which it receives a demand signal, not just the mobile telephone or other portable electronic device that it is paired with. In other words, the status signal can be sent to a telephone number associated with the mobile telephone or other portable electronic device that sends a demand signal and not just to a nominated telephone number.
All functionality of the temperature monitor, including the programming of upper and/or lower temperature setpoints, for example, can optionally be controlled remotely using a mobile application (or mobile app'), i.e., a software application that is specifically designed to run on smartphones, computers, tablets, and similar devices. As well as providing a remote control ifinction, the mobile application can optionally provide additional features including: data collection, data analysis (e.g. trends), the graphic display of temperature fluctuations over different time periods, the maximum and minimum measured temperatures over different time periods, and a real-time temperature display.
Drawings Figure 1 is a schematic showing the component parts of a temperature monitor according to the present invention.
Figure 1 shows the various component parts of a temperature monitor 1 which can be dispersed throughout an item such as a motor vehicle, for example.
The temperature monitor I includes a communication unit 10 that allows it to send alarm and status signals to a mobile telephone 12 (or other portable electronic device) and receive demand signals.
The temperature monitor is used as follows: Setting up A nominated mobile telephone number is programmed into the temperature monitor 1. This may be done by transmitting a SMS text message from a mobile telephone 12 (or other portable electronic device) to the temperature monitor, optionally including a code that is assigned to the temperature monitor. The temperature monitor 1 will then transmit all siguals, whether SMS text messages, telephone calls, or other data transfers, to the nominated mobile telephone number.
The nominated mobile telephone number programmed into the temperature monitor 1 can be changed by transmitting a SMS text message from a different mobile telephone (or other portable electronic device), optionally using the assigned code. In some embodiments the temperature monitor can be programmed with two or more nominated mobile telephone numbers.
Setting the uppcr and lower temperature sctpoints -10 -The upper and lower temperature setpoints are set using the user-operable key(s) 2 and can be shown on the display screen 4. The upper and lower temperature setpoints are stored in the processor unit 6.
The upper and lower temperature setpoints may be varied in predetermined intervals, e.g., 1°C or I 2°F each time the appropriate user-operable key 2 is pressed.
Other ways of setting the upper and lower temperature setpoints are also possible, for example using a mobile application (or mobile app').
If the upper temperature setpoint is programmed below the current measured temperature or the lower temperature setpoint is programmed above the current measured temperature then the temperature monitor will transition to the alarm mode described in more detail after a certain delay, e.g., 2 minutes.
It will not normally be possible to set the lower temperature setpoint above the upper temperature setpoint or vice versa.
Normal modc During use the processor unit 6 will continuously compare the current temperature as measured by the temperature sensor 8 against the upper and lower temperature setpoints. The battery leve' is &so monitored. Depending on where the temperature sensor is positioned, the temperature monitor can be used to measure an outside temperature or the ambient temperature within a space such as a motor vehicle, for example. The temperature sensor can be connected to the temperature monitor I by any suitable wired or wireless means.
The temperature monitor 1 will respond to any incoming demand signals as described in more detail below.
Alarm mode There are three situations in which the temperature monitor 1 will transition to the alarm mode, namely: * If the measured temperature reaches or rises above the upper temperature setpoint * If the measured temperature reaches or falls below the lower temperature setpoint * If a low battery condition is detected In alarm mode the temperature monitor will automatically transmit an alarm signal, preferably a SMS text message, to the nominated mobile telephone number(s).
For a temperature alarm, the SMS text message will include the current temperature, together with a suitable warning, which may state that the upper or lower temperature setpoint has been reached or exceeded: WARNING! Current temperature ??°C -high temperature limit exceeded If the measured temperature remains at or above the upper temperature setpoint or remains at or below the lower temperature setpoint then the temperature monitor can continue to automatically transmit an alarm signal to the nominated mobile telephone number(s) at a certain interval, e.g., every 2 minutes.
An alarm signal can also be automatically sent to the nominated mobile telephone number(s) each time the measured temperature increases or decreases by a certain amount, e.g., 1°C or 1-2°F, while the temperature remains at or above the upper temperature setpoint or remains at or below the lower temperature setpoint. For example, if the upper temperature sctpoint is set to 25°C or 77°F, then a first alarm signal would be transmitted if the temperature reaches 25°C or 77°F, a second alarm -12 -signal would be transmitted if the temperature reaches 26°C or 79°F, a third alarm signal would be transmitted if the temperature reaches 27°C or 8 1°F, and so on.
If the measured temperature falls below the upper temperature setpoint or rises above the lower temperature setpoint then the temperature monitor I will return to the normal mode. A signal (e.g., a status signal) can be automatically sent to the nominated mobile telephone number(s) to inform the user that the temperature monitor is no longer in the alarm mode.
The temperature monitor 1 may provide an audible alert while in the alarm mode.
For a low battery alarm then the SMS text message will include a suitable warning such as: WARNING! Low battery detected Reporting on demand When the temperature monitor is in the normal mode it is possible to make the temperature monitor transmit a status signal, preferably a SMS text message, to the nominated mobile telephone number(s) or to the telephone number associated with any mobile telephone (or other portable electronic device) that transmits a demand signal to the temperature monitor. The status signal will include the current temperature. A status signal (or its equivalent) can also be transmitted if an alarm signal has been transmitted and the temperature falls below the upper temperature scipoini or riscs abovc thc lowcr Ecmpcraturc scipoint so that thc tcmpcraturc monitor transitions from an alarm mode to a normal mode.
The temperature monitor can be made to transmit the status signal by calling the temperature monitor or transmitting a SMS text message to the temperature monitor from a mobile telephone (or other portable electronic device). If a call is made then the temperature monitor will recognise the incoming mobile telephone number and -13 -when the call is ended will then transmit a status signal to that mobile telephone number. In some arrangements the temperature monitor will then only send a status signal to a nominated telephone number. If a SMS text message is sent to the temperature monitor then it may optionally include a code to tell the temperature monitor to send the status signal. Different codes may be used to control the temperature monitor remotely, and may even be used to program or vary the upper and lower temperature setpoints and control other operational functions.
Alternatively, and as noted briefly above, the temperature monitor may be controlled and/or programmed remotely by means of a suitable mobile application (or mobile app').
The status signal can also include non-critical information such as battery level remaining, current signal strength, time switched on, and the upper and lower temperature setpoints, for example.
In an alternative version (not shown) the temperature monitor may include a microphone, a camera and/or a loudspeaker. It is possible to make the temperature monitor transmit a signal containing sound data provided by the microphone and/or image data provided by the camera to the nominated mobile telephone number(s).
The user may then listen to the sounds detected by the microphone and/or view the images captured by the camera on their mobile telephone (or portable electronic device). The temperature monitor can be made to transmit the signal by calling the temperature monitor or transmitting a SMS text message to the temperature monitor from a mobile telephone (or other portable electronic device) as described above.
Claims (17)
- -14 -CLAIMS1. An item incorporating an in-built temperature monitor, the temperature monitor comprising: at least one user-operable key; a communication unit for transmitting and receiving signals; a temperature sensor for measuring temperature; and a processor unit programmable with one or both of an upper temperature setpoint and a lower tcmperaturc setpoint; wherein the processor unit controls the communication unit to transmit an alarm signal containing data indicative of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor if the temperature reaches or exceeds the upper temperature setpoint, or reaches or falls b&ow the lower temperature setpoint; and wherein the processor unit controls the communication unit to transmit a status signal containing data indicative of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor when the communication unit receives a demand signal.
- 2. An item according to claim 1, frirther comprising a baftery, wherein the processor unit controls the communication unit to transmit an alarm signal if a low battery condition is detected.
- 3. An item according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a display screen.
- 4. An item according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or both of a microphone and a camera, and wherein the processor unit controls the communication unit to transmit a signal containing one or both of sound data provided by the microphone and image dala provided by the camera when the communication unil receives a demand signal.
- 5. An item according to any preceding claim, wherein the processor unit is programmed with an upper temperature setpoint and a lower temperature setpoint.
- 6. An item according to any preceding claim, being a motor vehicle.-15 -
- 7. A temperature monitoring and notification system comprising: a mobile telephone or other portable electronic device; and an item incorporating an in-built temperature monitor, the temperature monitor comprising: at least one user-operable key; a communication unit for transmitting and receiving signals; a temperature scnsor for measuring tempcraturc; and a processor unit programmable with one or both of an upper temperature setpoint and a lower temperature setpoint; wherein the processor unit controls the communication unit to transmit to the mobile telephone or other portable electronic device an alarm signal containing data indicative of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor if the temperature reaches or exceeds the upper temperature setpoint, or reaches or falls below the lower temperature setpoint; and wherein the processor unit controls the communication unit to transmit to the mobile telephone or other portable electronic device a status signal containing data indicative of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor when the communication unit receives a demand signal from the mobile telephone or other portable electronic device.
- 8. A temperathre monitoring and notification system according to claim 7, wherein the item further comprises a display screen.
- 9. A temperature monitoring and notification system according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the item is a motor vehicle.
- 10. A method of monitoring temperature using an in-built temperature monitor that is incorporated into an item, the temperature monitor comprising: at least one user-operable key, a communication unit for transmitting and receiving signals, a temperature sensor for measuring temperature, and a programmable processor unit; wherein the method comprises the steps of: -16 -using the at least one user-operable key to program the temperature monitor with one or both of an upper temperature setpoint and a lower temperature setpoint; controlling the communication unit to transmit an alarm signal to a mobile telephone or other portable electronic device, the alarm signal containing data indicative of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor if the temperature reaches or exceeds the upper temperature setpoint, or reaches or falls below the lower temperature setpoint; and controlling the communication unit to transmit a status signal to a mobile telephone or other portable electronic device, the status signal containing data indicative of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, when the communication unit receives a demand signal from the mobile telephone or other portable electronic device.
- 11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the item further comprises a battery and the method further comprises the step of controlling the communication unit to transmit an alarm signal to a mobile telephone or other portable electronic device if a low battery condition is detected.
- 12. A method according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the item further comprises a display screen and the mcthod further compriscs thc step of displaying on the display screen one or more of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, the upper temperature setpoint and the lower temperature setpoint.
- 13. A method according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the temperature monitor further comprises one or both of a microphone and a camera, and the method further comprises the step of controlling the communication unit to transmit, to a mobile telephone or other portable electronic device, a signal containing one or both of sound data provided by the microphone and image data provided by the camera, when the communication unit receives a demand signal from the mobile telephone or other portable electronic device.-17 -
- 14. A method according to any of claims 10 to 13, further comprising the step of controlling the communication unit to transmit a further alarm signal to the mobile telephone or other portable electronic device if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor continues to exceed the upper temperature setpoint or continues to remain below the lower temperature setpoint.
- 15. A method according to any of claims 10 to 14, further comprising the step of controlling the communication unit to transmit a signal to the mobile telephone or other portable electronic device if the temperature measured by the temperature falls below the upper temperature setpoint or rises above the lower temperature setpoint.
- 16. A method according to any of claims 10 to 15, further comprising the step of programming the temperature monitor to be in an economy mode wherein the communication unit can be controlled to transmit an alarm signal but cannot be controlled to transmit a status signal in response to a demand signal.
- 17. A method according to any of claims 10 to 16, wherein the temperature monitor is controlled, programmed, or both, using a mobile application.1.. A method according to any of claims 10 to 17, wherein the item is a motor vehicle.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1301024.4A GB2512028A (en) | 2013-01-21 | 2013-01-21 | In-built temperature monitors |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1301024.4A GB2512028A (en) | 2013-01-21 | 2013-01-21 | In-built temperature monitors |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201301024D0 GB201301024D0 (en) | 2013-03-06 |
| GB2512028A true GB2512028A (en) | 2014-09-24 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1301024.4A Withdrawn GB2512028A (en) | 2013-01-21 | 2013-01-21 | In-built temperature monitors |
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| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2512028A (en) |
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2013
- 2013-01-21 GB GB1301024.4A patent/GB2512028A/en not_active Withdrawn
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE29911794U1 (en) * | 1999-07-07 | 1999-10-07 | Lee Shu Shan | Powerful temperature difference sensor |
| GB2384604A (en) * | 2002-01-23 | 2003-07-30 | Walter Blackburn | Remote property monitoring system using mobile phone text messaging |
| US20100100327A1 (en) * | 2008-10-21 | 2010-04-22 | Paksense, Inc. | Environmental sensing and communication |
| CN201297961Y (en) * | 2008-10-23 | 2009-08-26 | 山东科技大学 | Remote electronic temperature measuring apparatus with ultra-low power consumption |
| US20100291971A1 (en) * | 2009-05-18 | 2010-11-18 | Keld Stougaard | Method and apparatus for providing a card application toolkit command for reporting terminal environmental information |
| CN102137177A (en) * | 2010-01-21 | 2011-07-27 | 李果夫 | Novel mobile phone |
| GB2493174A (en) * | 2011-07-27 | 2013-01-30 | Animaware Ltd | Temperature monitors |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
| Title |
|---|
| http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2180497/AnimAlarm-Text-message-alert-gizmo-gives-peace-mind-dog-owners.html [accessed 16 July 2014] * |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201301024D0 (en) | 2013-03-06 |
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