CA2783045A1 - Adaptive bandwidth consumption in remote temperature monitoring applications - Google Patents
Adaptive bandwidth consumption in remote temperature monitoring applications Download PDFInfo
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- CA2783045A1 CA2783045A1 CA2783045A CA2783045A CA2783045A1 CA 2783045 A1 CA2783045 A1 CA 2783045A1 CA 2783045 A CA2783045 A CA 2783045A CA 2783045 A CA2783045 A CA 2783045A CA 2783045 A1 CA2783045 A1 CA 2783045A1
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- Prior art keywords
- transceiver
- temperature
- central monitoring
- bin
- monitoring system
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- 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.)
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Classifications
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- 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
-
- 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
Abstract
Individual storage bins at a remote location are each equipped with a temperature sensor in communication with a location-based transceiver, which in turn communicates with a central monitoring system. The transceiver will monitor data received from the bin sensors and in accordance with predetermined notification conditions will send a signal to the central monitoring system only when a notification condition, such as an elevated temperature reading, is detected. By only communicating when a notification condition is detected, transmission bandwidth requirements between the transceiver and the central monitoring system are minimized. Further transmission bandwidth reductions can be achieved by limiting the notification condition parameters, or limiting the contents of the transceiver packet.
Description
ADAPTIVE BANDWIDTH CONSUMPTION IN
REMOTE TEMPERATURE MONITORING APPLICATIONS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the storage of grain and other organic material in bins, and more particularly relates to the monitoring of the contents of such particulate material storage bins for elevated temperatures which may cause spoilage of the organic material stored therein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
An issue of concern in agricultural industries, where grains are stored in storage bins, is the heating of the contents of those bins. Grain heating in storage bins can cause spoilage of the grain, resulting in diminished quality or full spoilage of the grain. Storage and high moisture or high heat environments can degrade or completely spoil these crops. Many efforts are made by farmers to minimize this possibility, and to maximize the price of their grain by enhancing and maintaining its top quality.
REMOTE TEMPERATURE MONITORING APPLICATIONS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the storage of grain and other organic material in bins, and more particularly relates to the monitoring of the contents of such particulate material storage bins for elevated temperatures which may cause spoilage of the organic material stored therein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
An issue of concern in agricultural industries, where grains are stored in storage bins, is the heating of the contents of those bins. Grain heating in storage bins can cause spoilage of the grain, resulting in diminished quality or full spoilage of the grain. Storage and high moisture or high heat environments can degrade or completely spoil these crops. Many efforts are made by farmers to minimize this possibility, and to maximize the price of their grain by enhancing and maintaining its top quality.
2 Storage bins are often located in close proximity to the fields where the crops are grown. In this way the grain can be stored until transport is required to a remote handling or dispatch facility, with minimum cost and time requirements during harvest.
One of the traditional approaches to monitoring grain bin temperature conditions has been to travel to each bin and manually inspect the conditions of its contents. However where bins are geographically distributed, there are excessive costs and time commitments involved in traveling to each storage bin location. As well, given the distance and time involved in such travel, often the contents of the storage bins may not be checked as frequently as they should be to guarantee optimal storage of the product.
The use of remote monitoring solutions that employ in bin sensors is known. For example, United States Patent No.
4,293,854 to Gookins et al. teaches a system in which in-bin sensors communicate bin conditions to a remote display device.
However, the systems that have been created in this area to date have a significant limitation in terms of their ongoing operating costs insofar as if they use hardwired communications
One of the traditional approaches to monitoring grain bin temperature conditions has been to travel to each bin and manually inspect the conditions of its contents. However where bins are geographically distributed, there are excessive costs and time commitments involved in traveling to each storage bin location. As well, given the distance and time involved in such travel, often the contents of the storage bins may not be checked as frequently as they should be to guarantee optimal storage of the product.
The use of remote monitoring solutions that employ in bin sensors is known. For example, United States Patent No.
4,293,854 to Gookins et al. teaches a system in which in-bin sensors communicate bin conditions to a remote display device.
However, the systems that have been created in this area to date have a significant limitation in terms of their ongoing operating costs insofar as if they use hardwired communications
3 infrastructure to communicate with the central monitoring station this introduces a significant limitation in the locations that can be used [since hardwired communications infrastructure such as a telephone line or the like is required at that location].
While prior art systems are known that employ wireless technology to transmit grain bin conditions derived from in-bin sensors, the cost of such systems particularly in more remote locations can be prohibitive. Prior art systems teach constant sensing of bin conditions, and constant or at least periodic transmission of such data to a remote monitoring location. The result is a requirement for a substantial amount of transmission bandwidth, which can be very costly for the individual farmer or a company providing bin monitoring services, which cost can increase significantly in the case of more remote bin locations.
What is needed, therefore, is a method and system for remote monitoring of grain bin storage conditions that reduces the amount of bandwidth required for sensor data transmission when the bin heating condition exists, so that the farmer can take appropriate action to deal with the heating issue.
While prior art systems are known that employ wireless technology to transmit grain bin conditions derived from in-bin sensors, the cost of such systems particularly in more remote locations can be prohibitive. Prior art systems teach constant sensing of bin conditions, and constant or at least periodic transmission of such data to a remote monitoring location. The result is a requirement for a substantial amount of transmission bandwidth, which can be very costly for the individual farmer or a company providing bin monitoring services, which cost can increase significantly in the case of more remote bin locations.
What is needed, therefore, is a method and system for remote monitoring of grain bin storage conditions that reduces the amount of bandwidth required for sensor data transmission when the bin heating condition exists, so that the farmer can take appropriate action to deal with the heating issue.
4 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to provide a method and system for remote monitoring of storage bin conditions that reduces the amount of transmission bandwidth that would be required for central monitoring of bin temperature sensors. By minimizing the amount of required transmission bandwidth, the economy of the system and method of the present invention is maximized.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for remotely monitoring internal temperature of a storage bin, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a sensor on the storage bin for sensing the internal temperature;
(b) allowing the sensor to transmit the sensed internal temperature to a transceiver; (c) allowing the transceiver to compare the sensed internal temperature to a set threshold level; and (d) if the sensed internal temperature meets or exceeds the set threshold level, allowing the transceiver to transmit a signal to a central monitoring system. The method can be used with multiple bins and sensors, and the transceiver can receive data from all connected sensors.
The connection between the sensor and the transceiver can be either wired or wireless.
The transceiver, upon receiving a sensed internal temperature from one sensor that meets or exceeds the set threshold level, is preferably capable of generating a transmission packet that combines the sensed temperature data and a location indicator for the particular sensor, such that any output could be limited to the particular sensor and enable
The present invention seeks to provide a method and system for remote monitoring of storage bin conditions that reduces the amount of transmission bandwidth that would be required for central monitoring of bin temperature sensors. By minimizing the amount of required transmission bandwidth, the economy of the system and method of the present invention is maximized.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for remotely monitoring internal temperature of a storage bin, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a sensor on the storage bin for sensing the internal temperature;
(b) allowing the sensor to transmit the sensed internal temperature to a transceiver; (c) allowing the transceiver to compare the sensed internal temperature to a set threshold level; and (d) if the sensed internal temperature meets or exceeds the set threshold level, allowing the transceiver to transmit a signal to a central monitoring system. The method can be used with multiple bins and sensors, and the transceiver can receive data from all connected sensors.
The connection between the sensor and the transceiver can be either wired or wireless.
The transceiver, upon receiving a sensed internal temperature from one sensor that meets or exceeds the set threshold level, is preferably capable of generating a transmission packet that combines the sensed temperature data and a location indicator for the particular sensor, such that any output could be limited to the particular sensor and enable
5 both a reduced transmission bandwidth use and a more efficient on-site follow-up to address the adverse bin conditions.
In preferred embodiments, the method comprises the further step of enabling access to the transmitted data, through data display at the central monitoring system, a warning signal indicating a high temperature level and/or data access at other locations.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for remotely monitoring internal temperature of a storage bin, the system comprising: at least one sensor for provision on a bin, the sensor configured to sense the internal temperature; a transceiver configured to receive a signal from the at least one sensor indicating the sensed internal temperature; the transceiver comprising a memory storage for storing a set threshold level; the transceiver comprising a processor coupled to the memory storage to enable a comparison of the sensed internal temperature and the set threshold level;
and the transceiver configured to communicate the sensed internal temperature through a communication network to a central monitoring system when the sensed internal temperature
In preferred embodiments, the method comprises the further step of enabling access to the transmitted data, through data display at the central monitoring system, a warning signal indicating a high temperature level and/or data access at other locations.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for remotely monitoring internal temperature of a storage bin, the system comprising: at least one sensor for provision on a bin, the sensor configured to sense the internal temperature; a transceiver configured to receive a signal from the at least one sensor indicating the sensed internal temperature; the transceiver comprising a memory storage for storing a set threshold level; the transceiver comprising a processor coupled to the memory storage to enable a comparison of the sensed internal temperature and the set threshold level;
and the transceiver configured to communicate the sensed internal temperature through a communication network to a central monitoring system when the sensed internal temperature
6 is determined to be at or above the set threshold level. In preferred embodiments, the system includes multiple bins and sensors, and the processor is further capable, when the sensed internal temperature is determined to be at or above the set threshold level, of forming a transmission packet comprising the sensed internal temperature and sensor location information. In preferred embodiments, the system also comprises means to enable access to the transmitted data through data display at the central monitoring system, a warning signal indicating a high temperature level and/or data access at other locations through the communication network.
A detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are given in the following. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not to be construed as being limited to these embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention:
A detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are given in the following. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not to be construed as being limited to these embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention:
7 Figure 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a first system in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of a second system in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a first exemplary method in accordance with the present invention;
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of a method and system according to the present invention are illustrated.
Overview As outlined above, the general concept of the present invention is to provide a method, and related apparatus, for remote
Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a first exemplary method in accordance with the present invention;
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of a method and system according to the present invention are illustrated.
Overview As outlined above, the general concept of the present invention is to provide a method, and related apparatus, for remote
8 temperature monitoring of organic particulate material storage bins - grain bins in particular - which can be centrally monitored, and which method and apparatus optimize the amount of communications bandwidth required so that the remote sites can connect to the central monitoring location wirelessly, at a reasonable economic cost.
At each remote monitoring location, one or more grain bins is each fitted with a temperature sensor for the purpose of monitoring and reporting the temperature within that bin. These temperature sensors are each connected to a transceiver capable of receiving temperature readings from the grain bin temperature sensors, and upon detection of a notification condition communicating with a central monitoring station. The transceiver will basically monitor periodic temperature reports from the individual sensors, and upon detection of a change in temperature which might constitute a threat to the product stored within the storage bin [being the preprogrammed notification condition or notification parameters] triggering a communication to the central monitoring station from the transceiver, identifying the bin and related temperature details. The central monitoring station could in turn notify a user or third party upon receipt of such notification.
At each remote monitoring location, one or more grain bins is each fitted with a temperature sensor for the purpose of monitoring and reporting the temperature within that bin. These temperature sensors are each connected to a transceiver capable of receiving temperature readings from the grain bin temperature sensors, and upon detection of a notification condition communicating with a central monitoring station. The transceiver will basically monitor periodic temperature reports from the individual sensors, and upon detection of a change in temperature which might constitute a threat to the product stored within the storage bin [being the preprogrammed notification condition or notification parameters] triggering a communication to the central monitoring station from the transceiver, identifying the bin and related temperature details. The central monitoring station could in turn notify a user or third party upon receipt of such notification.
9 The method of the present invention would be implemented by a system comprising several components. These components would include, at each remote monitoring location which was desired to be equipped or monitored in accordance with the method of the present invention, a temperature sensor within each storage bin which was desired to be monitored. The temperature sensors would in turn be operatively connected to a transceiver located at the remote monitoring location, which was capable of monitoring the temperature in the storage bins via the interface with the temperature sensors. In addition to a communication bus which would enable communication with the temperature sensors located within individual storage bins, the transceiver would also be equipped to communicate with a central monitoring system and central monitoring location, such that when the transceiver detected a trigger event in terms of the temperature change within the bin connected thereto, it could dispatch a notification to the central monitoring system for subsequent handling.
The central monitoring system at the central monitoring location would be capable of receiving notifications from one or more transceivers each located at remote monitoring locations and operatively connected to one or more storage bins. The central monitoring system would then also be capable of dispatching outgoing communication to users when a trigger event was detected and/or a notification was required - the central monitoring system is contemplated to incorporate a website user 5 interface, although other types of user interaction can be contemplated, and the user and location database would likely also be required in the context of the central monitoring system to store the necessary information to properly receive and process notifications and to provide whatever reporting was
The central monitoring system at the central monitoring location would be capable of receiving notifications from one or more transceivers each located at remote monitoring locations and operatively connected to one or more storage bins. The central monitoring system would then also be capable of dispatching outgoing communication to users when a trigger event was detected and/or a notification was required - the central monitoring system is contemplated to incorporate a website user 5 interface, although other types of user interaction can be contemplated, and the user and location database would likely also be required in the context of the central monitoring system to store the necessary information to properly receive and process notifications and to provide whatever reporting was
10 desired or programmed within the system. The following provides some additional detail with respect to each of the system components.
Temperature sensors:
Many types of temperature sensors which are capable of detecting the temperature within a storage bin have been used in the past in grain bin temperature monitoring applications. It is contemplated that these pre-existing types of temperature sensors could be used, or a purpose built sensor could be used -the key for the temperature sensors of the present invention would be that they were capable of connection and communication with the transceiver. In fact it is desired to provide a
Temperature sensors:
Many types of temperature sensors which are capable of detecting the temperature within a storage bin have been used in the past in grain bin temperature monitoring applications. It is contemplated that these pre-existing types of temperature sensors could be used, or a purpose built sensor could be used -the key for the temperature sensors of the present invention would be that they were capable of connection and communication with the transceiver. In fact it is desired to provide a
11 transceiver and the remainder of the present system an invention in a way that it could be interchangeably used with pre-existing grain bin temperature sensors - this would simply require that the transceiver be capable of the proper communications protocol to read those prior art sensors and perhaps also the provision of adapters or a communications interface which was physically capable of connection to those pre-existing temperature connectors and sensors within the bins.
The temperature sensors would be located within each storage bin that was desired to be monitored at the remote monitoring location. The temperature sensors could be connected either wirelessly or in a hardwired fashion to the transceiver.
Some grain bin temperature sensors have been developed in the past which actually allow for the detection of temperature within individual zones within the bin, and it will be understood that the necessary modifications to the programming on the transceiver in the central monitoring system could be made to allow for the use of those types of Raymond temperature sensors and to allow for the reporting and notification based upon temperatures within particular zones of a storage bin rather than using only a single temperature detection zone
The temperature sensors would be located within each storage bin that was desired to be monitored at the remote monitoring location. The temperature sensors could be connected either wirelessly or in a hardwired fashion to the transceiver.
Some grain bin temperature sensors have been developed in the past which actually allow for the detection of temperature within individual zones within the bin, and it will be understood that the necessary modifications to the programming on the transceiver in the central monitoring system could be made to allow for the use of those types of Raymond temperature sensors and to allow for the reporting and notification based upon temperatures within particular zones of a storage bin rather than using only a single temperature detection zone
12 within a single bin. Both such approaches are contemplated within the scope hereof.
Transceiver:
The transceiver of the present invention would be the remote site hardware that was responsible for aggregation and monitoring of the temperature levels within the various storage bins at that location, for the purpose of detection of trigger events and otherwise potentially subsequently providing notification to the central monitoring system. The transceiver would be any combination of hardware and software capable of connection and communication with the grain bin temperature sensors in use at that location, monitoring and detection based upon the temperature levels within the storage bins and then at appropriate times initiating communication from the transceiver to the central monitoring system via a communications interface as well.
The specific hardware configuration of the transceiver of the present invention could take many formats, so long as the transceiver was capable of communication with and monitoring of the grain bin temperature sensors at the remote location, and
Transceiver:
The transceiver of the present invention would be the remote site hardware that was responsible for aggregation and monitoring of the temperature levels within the various storage bins at that location, for the purpose of detection of trigger events and otherwise potentially subsequently providing notification to the central monitoring system. The transceiver would be any combination of hardware and software capable of connection and communication with the grain bin temperature sensors in use at that location, monitoring and detection based upon the temperature levels within the storage bins and then at appropriate times initiating communication from the transceiver to the central monitoring system via a communications interface as well.
The specific hardware configuration of the transceiver of the present invention could take many formats, so long as the transceiver was capable of communication with and monitoring of the grain bin temperature sensors at the remote location, and
13 outgoing communication between the transceiver and the central monitoring system. The hardware and software of the transceiver would also have programmed or flashable therein, the precise software or parameters required for monitoring and detection of a particular trigger event in terms of a temperature change in a grain bin connected thereto, which would occasion the triggering of the notification and the remainder of the method of the present invention.
The transceiver would include at least one sensor interface capable of connection to at least one temperature sensor located within a storage bin.
It is specifically contemplated that either hardwired or wireless temperature sensors could be used and on that basis it may be necessary for the transceiver to include multiple sensor interfaces, to read the temperatures of those sensors as required - incorporation of multiple sensor interfaces into a transceiver in accordance with the remainder of the present invention would be understandable to those skilled in the art of circuit on electronics design in this field and all such modifications or enhancements are contemplated within the scope hereof.
As outlined above, it is particularly contemplated that the grain bin temperature sensors could either be connected to the
The transceiver would include at least one sensor interface capable of connection to at least one temperature sensor located within a storage bin.
It is specifically contemplated that either hardwired or wireless temperature sensors could be used and on that basis it may be necessary for the transceiver to include multiple sensor interfaces, to read the temperatures of those sensors as required - incorporation of multiple sensor interfaces into a transceiver in accordance with the remainder of the present invention would be understandable to those skilled in the art of circuit on electronics design in this field and all such modifications or enhancements are contemplated within the scope hereof.
As outlined above, it is particularly contemplated that the grain bin temperature sensors could either be connected to the
14 transceiver on a wireless basis or alternatively in a hardwired fashion - or a combination thereof with respect to a single transceiver. While perhaps the simplest implementation or installation of a new system according to the present invention would be the use of wireless grain bin temperature sensors which would wirelessly handshake and communicate with a transceiver at the location, the incorporation of a hardwired interface would be particularly useful to allow for the operability of the transceiver and the remainder of the method of the present invention with previously installed hardwired grain bin temperature sensors.
In addition to the at least one sensor interface, the transceiver of the present invention would also include at least one external network interface. The external network interface would be any combination of circuitry and software operatively integrated with the remainder of the transceiver which was capable of sending and/or receiving communications from a central monitoring station in accordance with the remainder of the present invention.
The communications interface from the transceiver to the central monitoring system would need to at least be one way communication such that communication could be initiated from the transceiver to the central monitoring system. It may also be the case however that it was desired to have the ability for two-way communication such that the central monitoring system could as required query the transceiver for more detailed 5 temperature data from the site, flash the firmware on the transceiver as may be required, or otherwise download from the central monitoring system to the transceiver necessary location parameters and detection data etc.
10 It is most specifically contemplated that the transceiver would communicate wirelessly and it is the wireless communication between the transceiver and the central monitoring system which is desired to be optimized at the heart of the present invention. It is specifically contemplated that the transceiver
In addition to the at least one sensor interface, the transceiver of the present invention would also include at least one external network interface. The external network interface would be any combination of circuitry and software operatively integrated with the remainder of the transceiver which was capable of sending and/or receiving communications from a central monitoring station in accordance with the remainder of the present invention.
The communications interface from the transceiver to the central monitoring system would need to at least be one way communication such that communication could be initiated from the transceiver to the central monitoring system. It may also be the case however that it was desired to have the ability for two-way communication such that the central monitoring system could as required query the transceiver for more detailed 5 temperature data from the site, flash the firmware on the transceiver as may be required, or otherwise download from the central monitoring system to the transceiver necessary location parameters and detection data etc.
10 It is most specifically contemplated that the transceiver would communicate wirelessly and it is the wireless communication between the transceiver and the central monitoring system which is desired to be optimized at the heart of the present invention. It is specifically contemplated that the transceiver
15 would incorporate a cellular modem which was capable of communication via a wireless IP network such that using that.
It is particularly contemplated that the external network interface could comprise a wireless modem, such as a cellular modem or the like, which was capable then of sending and/or in a two-way communications embodiment receiving IP communications to and from the central monitoring station for that transceiver.
Various other types of communication interfaces and protocols between the transceiver and the central monitoring system might
It is particularly contemplated that the external network interface could comprise a wireless modem, such as a cellular modem or the like, which was capable then of sending and/or in a two-way communications embodiment receiving IP communications to and from the central monitoring station for that transceiver.
Various other types of communication interfaces and protocols between the transceiver and the central monitoring system might
16 be understood to those skilled in the art which would not depart from the scope and intention of the present invention and insofar as those are available those are also contemplated within the scope hereof.
It is conceivable that in certain embodiments it may be desired to provide multiple external network interfaces for an added level of redundancy in the monitoring application.
Incorporation of multiple external network interfaces for communication with the central monitoring station of the present invention, and the necessary modifications to the remainder of the transceiver software or hardware, will also be understood by those skilled in the art and are contemplated within the scope hereof.
Dependent upon the number of channels which the transceiver was capable of monitoring it may be the case that more than one transceiver was required in a particular remote monitoring location.
Central monitoring system:
It is conceivable that in certain embodiments it may be desired to provide multiple external network interfaces for an added level of redundancy in the monitoring application.
Incorporation of multiple external network interfaces for communication with the central monitoring station of the present invention, and the necessary modifications to the remainder of the transceiver software or hardware, will also be understood by those skilled in the art and are contemplated within the scope hereof.
Dependent upon the number of channels which the transceiver was capable of monitoring it may be the case that more than one transceiver was required in a particular remote monitoring location.
Central monitoring system:
17 The system and method of the present invention relates to or relies upon communication of temperature change in remotely located storage bins when an appropriate temperature change is detected, to a central monitoring system. The central monitoring system would then be programmed with further conditions or parameters as to how to action the receipt of a particular temperature change notification from a remote monitoring site -a user or third party for example could be notified by way of a text message, e-mail, telephone message or otherwise.
The central monitoring system of the present invention could take many specific forms but what is contemplated or required is that the central monitoring system would generally speaking comprise a hardware and software combination which was capable of receiving communication packets from transceivers located at remote monitoring sites, as well as capable of dispatching communications to users or third parties to provide notifications of temperature changes at the appropriate time. In terms of communications infrastructure the central monitoring system would require the necessary hardware and software combination to receive notification messages from the remote transceivers at the remote monitoring sites - which could likely be a wireless IP network interface, but dependent upon the type of modems or other communication hardware used on the
The central monitoring system of the present invention could take many specific forms but what is contemplated or required is that the central monitoring system would generally speaking comprise a hardware and software combination which was capable of receiving communication packets from transceivers located at remote monitoring sites, as well as capable of dispatching communications to users or third parties to provide notifications of temperature changes at the appropriate time. In terms of communications infrastructure the central monitoring system would require the necessary hardware and software combination to receive notification messages from the remote transceivers at the remote monitoring sites - which could likely be a wireless IP network interface, but dependent upon the type of modems or other communication hardware used on the
18 transceivers could also comprise any number of other different communication interfaces all of which will be obvious to those skilled in the art and are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
The second communications interface required by the central monitoring station would be the ability and interface to communicate on an outgoing basis with users on notifications of temperature changes, when notification of a trigger event was received by the central monitoring system from a transceiver operatively connected for communication therewith. The central monitoring system might actually include more than one outgoing communications interface if it was desired to provide maximized flexibility to users thereof - for example the system might be capable of dispatching notification messages by SMS text message and or by e-mail message and the necessary hardware and software combination to work in conjunction with the remainder of the infrastructure of the central monitoring system to provide these outgoing communications abilities will be understood by those skilled in the art and again are all obviously contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
User interface and interaction with the central monitoring system, either for the sake of setting customized user level
The second communications interface required by the central monitoring station would be the ability and interface to communicate on an outgoing basis with users on notifications of temperature changes, when notification of a trigger event was received by the central monitoring system from a transceiver operatively connected for communication therewith. The central monitoring system might actually include more than one outgoing communications interface if it was desired to provide maximized flexibility to users thereof - for example the system might be capable of dispatching notification messages by SMS text message and or by e-mail message and the necessary hardware and software combination to work in conjunction with the remainder of the infrastructure of the central monitoring system to provide these outgoing communications abilities will be understood by those skilled in the art and again are all obviously contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
User interface and interaction with the central monitoring system, either for the sake of setting customized user level
19 notification parameters were otherwise receiving reporting or other information could be done in many ways. It is specifically contemplated that the central monitoring system of the present invention would comprise or include a website system which would allow the user to configure any various notification parameters or conditions of the user level that were enabled to be done on this basis as well as to potentially capture and/or provide reporting to the user upon detection of a trigger event or otherwise. Programming of a database interface which would allow for the entry or configuration of user level notification parameters in the remainder of the system of the present invention, as well as providing reporting of various types, will all be understood by those skilled in the art of website design and all necessary adjustments or inclusions to the central monitoring system of the present invention to accomplish these objectives are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
User and location database:
The central monitoring system of the present invention where would likely be hosted, could include a user and location database, which could take a specific format of any particular data structure or format which was capable' of being read, written and interfaced with by the central monitoring system of the present invention. The key aspects of that database would be to maintain the necessary information to generate notifications 5 on behalf of the user if a particular bin sensor and transceiver detected a trigger event occasioning a notification to the user about a temperature change in that bin. Other data related to the user or the various remote bins and locations of the user could also be stored within such a database to allow for more 10 elaborate or customized reporting.
Finally and as outlined elsewhere above, if the system was configured such that it was desired to allow the user to specify the notification parameters or the detection parameters around 15 trigger events either for individual bins or at their own "user account" level, the database of the central monitoring system could include the necessary structure or components for the user to indicate and store these settings with relation to their user account. In a case such as this where the user was allowed to
User and location database:
The central monitoring system of the present invention where would likely be hosted, could include a user and location database, which could take a specific format of any particular data structure or format which was capable' of being read, written and interfaced with by the central monitoring system of the present invention. The key aspects of that database would be to maintain the necessary information to generate notifications 5 on behalf of the user if a particular bin sensor and transceiver detected a trigger event occasioning a notification to the user about a temperature change in that bin. Other data related to the user or the various remote bins and locations of the user could also be stored within such a database to allow for more 10 elaborate or customized reporting.
Finally and as outlined elsewhere above, if the system was configured such that it was desired to allow the user to specify the notification parameters or the detection parameters around 15 trigger events either for individual bins or at their own "user account" level, the database of the central monitoring system could include the necessary structure or components for the user to indicate and store these settings with relation to their user account. In a case such as this where the user was allowed to
20 adjust the notification or detection parameters, it would also be desirable for the central monitoring system of the present invention to be able to send communication to the transceivers at specific remote locations, in addition to receiving trigger notifications therefrom, since adjustments to the detection
21 parameters would likely in an optimized fashion be communicated to and hosted on the transceiver so as to maintain and maximize the optimization of bandwidth consumption in the dispatch of trigger notifications from the transceiver(s). All of these requirements would be understood and met by those skilled in the art of database design and any data structure or database which would store this type of information in a fashion that it was communicably accessible to the remainder of the central monitoring system of the present invention are contemplated within the scope hereof.
Trigger event and notification parameters:
As outlined the general concept of the method of the present invention is to provide a notification of a temperature change within a storage bin for grain or other organic particulate material when a temperature change of a magnitude to indicate a heating issue in the bin is detected. The requisite temperature delta which would constitute a notification condition and fire a trigger event, so to speak, resulting in a notification from the remote site transceiver to the central monitoring station, could either be hardcoded into the system and the transceiver as a whole, or on a user by user or remote site by remote site basis
Trigger event and notification parameters:
As outlined the general concept of the method of the present invention is to provide a notification of a temperature change within a storage bin for grain or other organic particulate material when a temperature change of a magnitude to indicate a heating issue in the bin is detected. The requisite temperature delta which would constitute a notification condition and fire a trigger event, so to speak, resulting in a notification from the remote site transceiver to the central monitoring station, could either be hardcoded into the system and the transceiver as a whole, or on a user by user or remote site by remote site basis
22 this notification parameter could be programmed by the user or for the user. Either approach, namely that of a hardcoded temperature delta which would occasion a notification, or a user adjustable set of user notification parameters is contemplated within the scope of the present invention. Implementation of either approach would be possible for those skilled in the art and as such any general modifications required to the overarching system or protocol of the present invention to accommodate these different notification approaches are all contemplated within the scope thereof as well. The threshold level at which a trigger event would be sensor detected is the primary parameter which would need to be programmed are maintained, accessible to the transceiver, with respect to each bin.
The threshold level could vary between storage bins based upon the contents thereof. It is specifically contemplated that the transceiver could be programmed either with the same threshold level for each grain bin temperature sensor which was being monitored, or the threshold level or other notification parameters including the trigger temperature and/or the necessary delta which would occasion a notification could be adjusted on the bin by being or sensor by sensor basis and both
The threshold level could vary between storage bins based upon the contents thereof. It is specifically contemplated that the transceiver could be programmed either with the same threshold level for each grain bin temperature sensor which was being monitored, or the threshold level or other notification parameters including the trigger temperature and/or the necessary delta which would occasion a notification could be adjusted on the bin by being or sensor by sensor basis and both
23 such approaches are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
The threshold level which could be used for detection of a trigger event, could either be a preset temperature level, or dependent upon the nature of the programming, without departing from the scope and intention hereof, might also be set as a certain change in temperature over time - such that the trigger event might be detecting that the temperature within the BN had reached a particular level, or alternatively the threshold level determination and detection of a trigger event rather than detecting reaching a certain fixed temperature number could be to seek to detect a particular rate of temperature change within the bin. Both such approaches are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
While operationally the key parameter which needs to be maintained on the memory store of the transceiver for the purpose of operation of the detection portion of the method of the present invention is the threshold level with respect to each bin, it is also necessary to, again either on a hardcoded or user adjustable basis, maintain notification parameters within the system such that when a trigger event is detected with respect to a certain bin that a certain site or location, a
The threshold level which could be used for detection of a trigger event, could either be a preset temperature level, or dependent upon the nature of the programming, without departing from the scope and intention hereof, might also be set as a certain change in temperature over time - such that the trigger event might be detecting that the temperature within the BN had reached a particular level, or alternatively the threshold level determination and detection of a trigger event rather than detecting reaching a certain fixed temperature number could be to seek to detect a particular rate of temperature change within the bin. Both such approaches are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
While operationally the key parameter which needs to be maintained on the memory store of the transceiver for the purpose of operation of the detection portion of the method of the present invention is the threshold level with respect to each bin, it is also necessary to, again either on a hardcoded or user adjustable basis, maintain notification parameters within the system such that when a trigger event is detected with respect to a certain bin that a certain site or location, a
24 notification can be dispatched to the relevant parties.
For example an e-mail address, and SMS text number or the like, might be the necessary parameters which needed to be stored, likely in the user database upon the central monitoring system rather than at the transceiver level, and which would need to be used by the system at the central monitoring station to dispatch the appropriate notifications of the existence of a trigger event that a particular storage bin at a particular storage site.
These notification parameters might vary by bin, by transceiver or by user, and these varying levels of flexibility in the notification process are all contemplated within the scope of the present invention as well. It is specifically contemplated that where the central monitoring system incorporates a website or other related user interface for reporting purposes, that website system might also allow the user to access and program the threshold level settings for particular bins and transceivers within their implementation of the method as well as the notification parameters associated either at the user level with their account or down to more specific transceivers, sites or bins. Where a website system or similar user interface was used to allow the user to customize their settings for the hardware of the present system, and the user entered alternate threshold data with respect to particular bins on particular transceivers associated with their user account on the system, the central monitoring system could in a two-way communication environment, flash those threshold level changes back to the 5 necessary transceivers for storage and use thereon.
Operation of the system:
10 Turning to Figures 1 and 2, two exemplary embodiments of systems according to the present invention are illustrated.
In Figure 1, a system 60 is illustrated that includes a single bin 62. The bin 62 is provided with a sensor 64 for detecting 15 the temperature within the bin 62. As outlined above, various temperature sensors that can serve this function are commercially available, and one skilled in the art would be able to identify numerous appropriate products. It is believed that the determination of appropriate specific hardware for 20 implementing the present invention is within the common general knowledge of one skilled in the art.
The system 60 further comprises a transceiver 66 that is configured to receive a signal from at least one sensor 64 indicating the internal temperature of a bin 62.
The transceiver 66 is further configured to communicate in a wired or wireless fashion with a communication network 70 such as the Internet through, for example, a cellular modem, and in turn via the communications networks 70 with a central monitoring station or system 72.
The transceiver 66 is provided with both a memory storage and a processor.
The memory storage will contain notification parameters, being a customized threshold temperature detection level, in respect of each sensor 64 connected thereto, for access by the processor. The processor is coupled to the memory storage in a manner known to those skilled in the art, and the processor compares the sensed temperature data against the threshold temperature detection level for that bin saved in the memory storage. If the sensed temperature is at or above the threshold level - a trigger event - then the processor causes the transceiver to send a transmission packet 68 through the communication network 70 to the central monitoring system 72.
This discrete transmission packet 68, as described in detail above, is indicated by the circle symbol on the transmission line. At the central monitoring system 72, an indication 74 of the trigger event is displayed.
Although not shown, the system 60 can also include a means for enabling third party access to the received data once it has been sent to the central monitoring system 72. For example the central monitoring system 72 as outlined elsewhere herein might include a website system or other similar user interface, whereby a user or another third party could access the data through the communication network 70 with the use of a password or other security mechanism.
Referring now in detail to Figure 2, an exemplary system 80 is illustrated that incorporates a plurality of bins 82 and sensors 84. Each of the bins 82 is illustrated with a matched sensor 84, e.g. bin 82a and sensor 84a, bin 82b and sensor 84b, etc.
As indicated above, various temperature sensors that can serve this function are commercially available, and one skilled in the art would be able to identify numerous appropriate products and their application without undue effort.
The system 80 further comprises a transceiver 86 for each grouping of bins 82 and sensors 84. The transceiver 86a is configured to receive signals from the sensors 84a, 84b and 84c with respect to internal temperature conditions in the bins 82a, 82b and 82c, respectively. The transceiver 86b is configured to receive signals from the sensors 84d, 84e and 84f with respect to internal temperature conditions in the bins 82d, 82e and 82f, respectively.
The transceiver 86c is configured to receive signals from the sensors 84g, 84h and 84i with respect to internal temperature conditions in the bins 82g, 82h and 82i, respectively. It is known in the art to use wired or wireless communication means between temperature sensors and the receiving device, and either wired or wireless communication means are appropriate with the exemplary system 80.
The transceivers 86a, 86b and 86c are further configured to communicate in a wired or wireless fashion with a communication network 90 such as the Internet through, for example, a cellular modem.
Each of the transceivers 86 is provided with both a memory storage and a processor. A
customized threshold level (as discussed above) is saved in the memory storage for access by the processor. The processor is coupled to the memory storage in a manner known to those skilled in the art, and the processor compares the sensed temperature data against the threshold level saved in the memory storage. The processor is further capable, when the sensed internal temperature is determined to be at or above the set threshold level, of forming a transmission packet comprising the sensed internal temperature and sensor location information.
If the sensed temperature is at or above the threshold level - a trigger event - then the processor causes the transceiver 86 to send a transmission packet 88 through the communication network 90 to the central monitoring system 92, in the same manner as described with regard to the embodiment of Figure 3. As can be seen in Figure 4, not every sensor 84 detects an elevated internal bin temperature, and accordingly the number of transmission packets 88 is reduced.
In the illustrated embodiment, of the nine bins being monitored, only the bins 82e, 82g and 82i manifest elevated internal temperatures, which temperatures are sensed by the sensors 84e, 84g and 84i, respectively. Whereas the transceiver 86a receives no signal requiring the formation and transmission of a transmission packet, the transceiver 86b receives one elevated temperature indication (indicated by a circle symbol) and the transceiver 86c receives two elevated temperature indications (indicated by the square and triangle symbols).
The transceiver 86b accordingly transmits a transmission packet 88a through the communication network 90 to the central monitoring system 92, and the transceiver 86c transmits transmission packets 88b and 88c through the communication network 90 to the central monitoring system 92. While separate transmission packets 88b and 88c are sent, it may be desirable and more cost-effective to transmit both packets together in a single transmission. At the central monitoring system 92, indications 94 of the trigger events are displayed (shown as circle, square and triangle symbols).
In this way, sensor activity on nine bins only 5 requires bandwidth use for three (or possibly two) transmissions to the central monitoring system.
Method Having now outlined the transceiver hardware of the present invention as well as the system of the present invention which includes at least one transceiver connectable to at least one temperature sensor in a storage bin, and at least one central monitoring system in communication therewith, it is now desired to in some detail discuss the actual monitoring method of the present invention.
Figure 3 demonstrates a first embodiment of the method of the present invention. In this method, at least one storage bin this provided for the storage of grain or other organic material and is fitted with a temperature sensor configured to communicate with the transceiver in accordance with the present invention.
The transceiver, as outlined in further detail elsewhere herein is adapted to be connectable to at least one temperature sensor fitted to a storage bin, and has an external network interface allowing them to communicate at the appropriate time with a central monitoring system.
Although with the within description specifically discusses temperature sensors due to the impact of elevated temperatures in grain spoilage, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that other types of sensors for other types of environmental readings could also be employed with the present invention and such are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.
The flow chart of Figure 3 demonstrates a first embodiment of the method of the present invention. Shown at step 3A is the initialization of the bin temperature sensor and transceiver system. What is contemplated in this particular embodiment is the periodic monitoring of the temperature readings in the storage bins, by periodically polling the temperature sensors in the bins from the transceiver. A periodic monitoring loop for a polling frequency is shown at 3B. At Step 3C, the transceiver would poll or read the value of the at least one temperature sensor operatively connected thereto, and compare the reading from the at least one temperature sensor to the threshold values stored within the memory of the transceiver with respect to that particular bins sensor or sensors. The threshold comparison of the acquired temperature values is shown at 3D.
If a temperature delta or reading exceeding the threshold value with respect to its particular related in and sensor was not detected, the detection decision step being shown in the flow chart at 3E, the method would loop back to the commencement of another periodic polling interval.
Alternatively, if the readings acquired from one or more of the attached bin temperature sensors exceeded the respective threshold values therefore stored within the memory of the transceiver, this would constitute the detection of a trigger event. If a trigger event was detected, the transceiver would form and transmit a transmission packet containing the sensor temperature data and also data identifying the particular sensor and its location, via the external network interface of the transceiver, to the central monitoring system, shown at 3F. the transmission packet only includes information on the sensed temperature level and the sensor identifier/location and hence is of relatively modest size.
The central monitoring system, upon receipt of a transmission packet from a transceiver, would parse that packet to determine the appropriate user notification parameters from the user database or other information stored or accessible thereto, and the necessary notifications to the users would be dispatched (3G).
In the method of Figure 3, while there is a periodic monitoring frequency assigned, within which the transceiver would poll or otherwise read the values from the various temperature sensors associated their with, it can be seen that a data transmission from the transceiver to the central monitoring system would only take place if a trigger event, meaning in these particular embodiments an unacceptable temperature delta in a storage bin, was detected.
By limiting the transmission from the transceiver to the central monitoring system to the discrete transmission packet, transmission bandwidth use is reduced and the cost is accordingly reduced.
Also, the discrete transmission packet includes an identification of the sensor and its location, which enables a more efficient on-site follow-up to address the adverse bin conditions.
In addition, a user can disable the monitoring once a trigger event has occurred and only reinitiate monitoring once the issue has been corrected on-site, to further reduce transmission costs.
The remote temperature monitoring method demonstrated in Figure 3 can also be further modified if ongoing basic temperature reporting is required from the remote monitoring site by combining the trigger event monitoring method of the present invention with the occasional periodic transmissions from the transceiver of a complete set of temperature readings from the temperature sensors connected thereto. It may be desirable for an ongoing reporting or monitoring method to occasionally poll or report the temperature readings from all of the bins operatively connected to the transceivers at a particular remote monitoring site, but given the incorporation of occasional periodic reporting with the exception detection method of the remainder of the present invention, the periodic time frame for acquiring all of the temperatures of all of the bins connected at the remote monitoring site can be significantly reduced - for example rather than needing to poll the temperature sensors within all of the bins for monitoring purposes and transmit all of that information to the central monitoring system each time it is pulled, for example every hour, it may not be the case that an hourly periodic monitoring frequency is used on site by the transceiver, with transmissions of exception or trigger event packets to the central monitoring system only when required, and then for example it may be the case that the transceiver of the present invention was programmed to still send a complete set of bin temperature sensor data every 48 hours to the central monitoring system for capture and reporting purposes, or something along those lines.
Such periodic reporting may be useful, for example, where a user wishes to 5 access information on temperature fluctuations that fall short of the threshold level.
Optimizing packet contents:
As will be understood from the remainder of the narrative in this document there are a number of different approaches that can be taken to optimize the contents of communication packets from the transceiver of the present invention to the central monitoring site or location and system. Any optimize nation which can be done in terms of the contents and size of communications to be sent from the remote locations to the central monitoring site will result in decreased or optimized bandwidth usage in the communication between the remote sites and the central monitoring station and all of these different approaches to optimizing the contents of these communication packets are contemplated within the scope hereof. The key to the method of the present invention is that the transceiver will only communicate with the central monitoring station when necessary, and will only send the necessary information when communicating.
The first means of optimizing the communications between the remote sites and the central monitoring location, as outlined in detail throughout, is the concept of only triggering a communication from the remote site transceiver to the central monitoring location when a notification condition in terms of the temperature change is detected. Prior art approaches in this area included the dispatch of communications on a periodic time frequency basis and, while those periodic communications would provide an electronic "heartbeat" of sorts in terms of the operability at the remote sites, the periodic communications which reported the temperature status of all of the bins at that location would consume unnecessary communications bandwidth annotation unnecessary communications costs insofar as the only time that notification is really required is when there is an unacceptable temperature delta in the bin.
In terms of an electronic "heartbeat" to indicate or notify to the central monitoring station the operability of the transceiver and the remote site, it may still be desired to do this within the scope of the present invention and insofar as the system would by and large only location a detailed communication from a transceiver to the central monitoring station when a trigger event was detected, it is contemplated that a second layer of communications could be added into the programming such that in the case that no communication has otherwise been dispatched from a transceiver to its central monitoring station in a predetermined period of time, communications packet of some type simply indicating the operability, battery level or otherwise of the transceiver and that the site could be dispatched, such that if that type of a periodic communication was not received another type of a notification to the user could be generated indicating the potential of a problem with the equipment on-site. Even in the case however of a "heartbeat" packet being dispatch from time to time as may be required, the contents of that packet might only include the briefest of communication to indicate the good standing of the equipment and may not include a detailed listing of the temperature settings in the individual bins on-site, so as again to minimize the amount of communications bandwidth consumed in the dispatch of such a communication.
Transmitting on demand, rather than periodic:
The following two figures demonstrate the decreased communications bandwidth which would be required in the dispatch of a communications packet from the transceiver only when a trigger event was detected, versus on a periodic basis. The first figure demonstrates the periodic transmission approach, where a communication would be dispatched from a prior art transceiver every certain number of minutes for example, whereas in the second figure, a communication is shown as only being dispatched upon the detection of a trigger event, after four hours:
PRIOR ART [Periodic reportingl Comm 00 Comm I 00 Comm ---41P Comm 1 Or Comm 1 INVENTION [Reporting only on detection of condition]
= 0i Comm The significant decrease in communication requirements and the second approach outlined above, with the communication packet only being dispatched to the central monitoring system upon detection of a notification condition or a trigger event, rather than on a periodic basis, can be seen in this visible comparison.
Only transmitting exception temperatures:
Another approach to optimizing the length and size of communications from the transceivers to the central monitoring station would be to in addition to only dispatching a detailed communication packet from the transceiver to the central monitoring location when a trigger event was detected, the data which could be sent from the transceiver to the central monitoring location when a trigger event was detected could be limited to providing the temperature reading or details for the particular bin in which a notifiable temperature change was detected, rather than at the time of dispatching a communication providing a temperature update with respect to all of the bins.
This would limit the size of the communication insofar as the only information in this type of the communication packet would likely be the identification or address of the transceiver, the specific bin, and the temperature reading for the specific bin, within which the temperature change has been detected.
The following sample data will be used to demonstrate this second approach to optimizing the length of a data transmission in the method of the present invention, at a remote monitoring site with a single transceiver and seven bins connected thereto.
5 The temperature sensor data, for sample purposes, would be as follows [with the third bin being the only bin with a detected heating condition to be reported]:
Site: 101 Bin 1 30C
Bin 2 29C
Bin 3 41C
Bin 4 28C
Bin 5 30C
Bin 6 30C
Bin 7 29C
10 In a first conventional data transmission which identified and provided the temperature readings from all of the storage bins at the remote site, the data packet might look something like the following - presented visibly for the purpose of outlining the relative size of a data transmission in the two approaches 15 [the actual appearance or contents of the transmission packet might include additional envelope information or the like but these two visual presentations are provided simply for the purpose of demonstrating the shorter length or burst that would be required where transmitting only a detected temperature 20 change or exception on detection of a trigger event, rather than the transmission of all of the bin temperatures for bins connected to the transceiver each time that a communication was sent from the transceiver to the central monitoring system]:
TRANSMIT ALL BIN TEMPERATURES:
TRANSMIT ONLY DETECTED TEMPERATURE CHANGE:
It will be understood by those skilled in the art of programming and communications that there may be other means of further reducing our optimizing the size or frequency of data transmissions from the transceiver of the present invention to the central monitoring system.
All such changes which accomplish the objective of minimizing the required bandwidth and economic or system cost of communication between the transceiver in the central monitoring system are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
Various other modifications or enhancements to the formatting for preparation of a communication packet from the transceiver to the central monitoring station incoming communication interface can be contemplated by those skilled in the art of wireless or electronic communication and all such modifications, which accomplish the goal of maximizing the effectiveness and efficiency of and/or minimizing the bandwidth consumption by, the dispatch of such communications between those components of the system of the present invention are contemplated within the scope thereof. This may even include the incorporation of various encryption or compression technologies on either the central monitoring and or the remote transceiver end and again those are contemplated within the scope of the method as well.
Additional sensors for other environmental conditions within the storage bins at a remote location could also be added and operatively connected to the transceiver such that they could similarly be contemplated and reflected within the method of the present invention.
As can be readily seen, then, the method and system of the present invention present significant advantages over the prior art.
For example, the present invention provides for customizable triggers and remote access, while enabling simpler and more focused on-site action to address adverse temperature conditions.
The use of selected and packetized data transmissions reduces the amount of bandwidth used, and optional periodic reporting can be spread over longer intervals.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Thus, while certain aspects and embodiments of the invention have been described, these have been presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which could for example extend beyond temperature sensors to other types of sensors. Indeed, the invention described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms without departing from the spirit of the invention, which invention is defined solely by the claims below.
For example an e-mail address, and SMS text number or the like, might be the necessary parameters which needed to be stored, likely in the user database upon the central monitoring system rather than at the transceiver level, and which would need to be used by the system at the central monitoring station to dispatch the appropriate notifications of the existence of a trigger event that a particular storage bin at a particular storage site.
These notification parameters might vary by bin, by transceiver or by user, and these varying levels of flexibility in the notification process are all contemplated within the scope of the present invention as well. It is specifically contemplated that where the central monitoring system incorporates a website or other related user interface for reporting purposes, that website system might also allow the user to access and program the threshold level settings for particular bins and transceivers within their implementation of the method as well as the notification parameters associated either at the user level with their account or down to more specific transceivers, sites or bins. Where a website system or similar user interface was used to allow the user to customize their settings for the hardware of the present system, and the user entered alternate threshold data with respect to particular bins on particular transceivers associated with their user account on the system, the central monitoring system could in a two-way communication environment, flash those threshold level changes back to the 5 necessary transceivers for storage and use thereon.
Operation of the system:
10 Turning to Figures 1 and 2, two exemplary embodiments of systems according to the present invention are illustrated.
In Figure 1, a system 60 is illustrated that includes a single bin 62. The bin 62 is provided with a sensor 64 for detecting 15 the temperature within the bin 62. As outlined above, various temperature sensors that can serve this function are commercially available, and one skilled in the art would be able to identify numerous appropriate products. It is believed that the determination of appropriate specific hardware for 20 implementing the present invention is within the common general knowledge of one skilled in the art.
The system 60 further comprises a transceiver 66 that is configured to receive a signal from at least one sensor 64 indicating the internal temperature of a bin 62.
The transceiver 66 is further configured to communicate in a wired or wireless fashion with a communication network 70 such as the Internet through, for example, a cellular modem, and in turn via the communications networks 70 with a central monitoring station or system 72.
The transceiver 66 is provided with both a memory storage and a processor.
The memory storage will contain notification parameters, being a customized threshold temperature detection level, in respect of each sensor 64 connected thereto, for access by the processor. The processor is coupled to the memory storage in a manner known to those skilled in the art, and the processor compares the sensed temperature data against the threshold temperature detection level for that bin saved in the memory storage. If the sensed temperature is at or above the threshold level - a trigger event - then the processor causes the transceiver to send a transmission packet 68 through the communication network 70 to the central monitoring system 72.
This discrete transmission packet 68, as described in detail above, is indicated by the circle symbol on the transmission line. At the central monitoring system 72, an indication 74 of the trigger event is displayed.
Although not shown, the system 60 can also include a means for enabling third party access to the received data once it has been sent to the central monitoring system 72. For example the central monitoring system 72 as outlined elsewhere herein might include a website system or other similar user interface, whereby a user or another third party could access the data through the communication network 70 with the use of a password or other security mechanism.
Referring now in detail to Figure 2, an exemplary system 80 is illustrated that incorporates a plurality of bins 82 and sensors 84. Each of the bins 82 is illustrated with a matched sensor 84, e.g. bin 82a and sensor 84a, bin 82b and sensor 84b, etc.
As indicated above, various temperature sensors that can serve this function are commercially available, and one skilled in the art would be able to identify numerous appropriate products and their application without undue effort.
The system 80 further comprises a transceiver 86 for each grouping of bins 82 and sensors 84. The transceiver 86a is configured to receive signals from the sensors 84a, 84b and 84c with respect to internal temperature conditions in the bins 82a, 82b and 82c, respectively. The transceiver 86b is configured to receive signals from the sensors 84d, 84e and 84f with respect to internal temperature conditions in the bins 82d, 82e and 82f, respectively.
The transceiver 86c is configured to receive signals from the sensors 84g, 84h and 84i with respect to internal temperature conditions in the bins 82g, 82h and 82i, respectively. It is known in the art to use wired or wireless communication means between temperature sensors and the receiving device, and either wired or wireless communication means are appropriate with the exemplary system 80.
The transceivers 86a, 86b and 86c are further configured to communicate in a wired or wireless fashion with a communication network 90 such as the Internet through, for example, a cellular modem.
Each of the transceivers 86 is provided with both a memory storage and a processor. A
customized threshold level (as discussed above) is saved in the memory storage for access by the processor. The processor is coupled to the memory storage in a manner known to those skilled in the art, and the processor compares the sensed temperature data against the threshold level saved in the memory storage. The processor is further capable, when the sensed internal temperature is determined to be at or above the set threshold level, of forming a transmission packet comprising the sensed internal temperature and sensor location information.
If the sensed temperature is at or above the threshold level - a trigger event - then the processor causes the transceiver 86 to send a transmission packet 88 through the communication network 90 to the central monitoring system 92, in the same manner as described with regard to the embodiment of Figure 3. As can be seen in Figure 4, not every sensor 84 detects an elevated internal bin temperature, and accordingly the number of transmission packets 88 is reduced.
In the illustrated embodiment, of the nine bins being monitored, only the bins 82e, 82g and 82i manifest elevated internal temperatures, which temperatures are sensed by the sensors 84e, 84g and 84i, respectively. Whereas the transceiver 86a receives no signal requiring the formation and transmission of a transmission packet, the transceiver 86b receives one elevated temperature indication (indicated by a circle symbol) and the transceiver 86c receives two elevated temperature indications (indicated by the square and triangle symbols).
The transceiver 86b accordingly transmits a transmission packet 88a through the communication network 90 to the central monitoring system 92, and the transceiver 86c transmits transmission packets 88b and 88c through the communication network 90 to the central monitoring system 92. While separate transmission packets 88b and 88c are sent, it may be desirable and more cost-effective to transmit both packets together in a single transmission. At the central monitoring system 92, indications 94 of the trigger events are displayed (shown as circle, square and triangle symbols).
In this way, sensor activity on nine bins only 5 requires bandwidth use for three (or possibly two) transmissions to the central monitoring system.
Method Having now outlined the transceiver hardware of the present invention as well as the system of the present invention which includes at least one transceiver connectable to at least one temperature sensor in a storage bin, and at least one central monitoring system in communication therewith, it is now desired to in some detail discuss the actual monitoring method of the present invention.
Figure 3 demonstrates a first embodiment of the method of the present invention. In this method, at least one storage bin this provided for the storage of grain or other organic material and is fitted with a temperature sensor configured to communicate with the transceiver in accordance with the present invention.
The transceiver, as outlined in further detail elsewhere herein is adapted to be connectable to at least one temperature sensor fitted to a storage bin, and has an external network interface allowing them to communicate at the appropriate time with a central monitoring system.
Although with the within description specifically discusses temperature sensors due to the impact of elevated temperatures in grain spoilage, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that other types of sensors for other types of environmental readings could also be employed with the present invention and such are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.
The flow chart of Figure 3 demonstrates a first embodiment of the method of the present invention. Shown at step 3A is the initialization of the bin temperature sensor and transceiver system. What is contemplated in this particular embodiment is the periodic monitoring of the temperature readings in the storage bins, by periodically polling the temperature sensors in the bins from the transceiver. A periodic monitoring loop for a polling frequency is shown at 3B. At Step 3C, the transceiver would poll or read the value of the at least one temperature sensor operatively connected thereto, and compare the reading from the at least one temperature sensor to the threshold values stored within the memory of the transceiver with respect to that particular bins sensor or sensors. The threshold comparison of the acquired temperature values is shown at 3D.
If a temperature delta or reading exceeding the threshold value with respect to its particular related in and sensor was not detected, the detection decision step being shown in the flow chart at 3E, the method would loop back to the commencement of another periodic polling interval.
Alternatively, if the readings acquired from one or more of the attached bin temperature sensors exceeded the respective threshold values therefore stored within the memory of the transceiver, this would constitute the detection of a trigger event. If a trigger event was detected, the transceiver would form and transmit a transmission packet containing the sensor temperature data and also data identifying the particular sensor and its location, via the external network interface of the transceiver, to the central monitoring system, shown at 3F. the transmission packet only includes information on the sensed temperature level and the sensor identifier/location and hence is of relatively modest size.
The central monitoring system, upon receipt of a transmission packet from a transceiver, would parse that packet to determine the appropriate user notification parameters from the user database or other information stored or accessible thereto, and the necessary notifications to the users would be dispatched (3G).
In the method of Figure 3, while there is a periodic monitoring frequency assigned, within which the transceiver would poll or otherwise read the values from the various temperature sensors associated their with, it can be seen that a data transmission from the transceiver to the central monitoring system would only take place if a trigger event, meaning in these particular embodiments an unacceptable temperature delta in a storage bin, was detected.
By limiting the transmission from the transceiver to the central monitoring system to the discrete transmission packet, transmission bandwidth use is reduced and the cost is accordingly reduced.
Also, the discrete transmission packet includes an identification of the sensor and its location, which enables a more efficient on-site follow-up to address the adverse bin conditions.
In addition, a user can disable the monitoring once a trigger event has occurred and only reinitiate monitoring once the issue has been corrected on-site, to further reduce transmission costs.
The remote temperature monitoring method demonstrated in Figure 3 can also be further modified if ongoing basic temperature reporting is required from the remote monitoring site by combining the trigger event monitoring method of the present invention with the occasional periodic transmissions from the transceiver of a complete set of temperature readings from the temperature sensors connected thereto. It may be desirable for an ongoing reporting or monitoring method to occasionally poll or report the temperature readings from all of the bins operatively connected to the transceivers at a particular remote monitoring site, but given the incorporation of occasional periodic reporting with the exception detection method of the remainder of the present invention, the periodic time frame for acquiring all of the temperatures of all of the bins connected at the remote monitoring site can be significantly reduced - for example rather than needing to poll the temperature sensors within all of the bins for monitoring purposes and transmit all of that information to the central monitoring system each time it is pulled, for example every hour, it may not be the case that an hourly periodic monitoring frequency is used on site by the transceiver, with transmissions of exception or trigger event packets to the central monitoring system only when required, and then for example it may be the case that the transceiver of the present invention was programmed to still send a complete set of bin temperature sensor data every 48 hours to the central monitoring system for capture and reporting purposes, or something along those lines.
Such periodic reporting may be useful, for example, where a user wishes to 5 access information on temperature fluctuations that fall short of the threshold level.
Optimizing packet contents:
As will be understood from the remainder of the narrative in this document there are a number of different approaches that can be taken to optimize the contents of communication packets from the transceiver of the present invention to the central monitoring site or location and system. Any optimize nation which can be done in terms of the contents and size of communications to be sent from the remote locations to the central monitoring site will result in decreased or optimized bandwidth usage in the communication between the remote sites and the central monitoring station and all of these different approaches to optimizing the contents of these communication packets are contemplated within the scope hereof. The key to the method of the present invention is that the transceiver will only communicate with the central monitoring station when necessary, and will only send the necessary information when communicating.
The first means of optimizing the communications between the remote sites and the central monitoring location, as outlined in detail throughout, is the concept of only triggering a communication from the remote site transceiver to the central monitoring location when a notification condition in terms of the temperature change is detected. Prior art approaches in this area included the dispatch of communications on a periodic time frequency basis and, while those periodic communications would provide an electronic "heartbeat" of sorts in terms of the operability at the remote sites, the periodic communications which reported the temperature status of all of the bins at that location would consume unnecessary communications bandwidth annotation unnecessary communications costs insofar as the only time that notification is really required is when there is an unacceptable temperature delta in the bin.
In terms of an electronic "heartbeat" to indicate or notify to the central monitoring station the operability of the transceiver and the remote site, it may still be desired to do this within the scope of the present invention and insofar as the system would by and large only location a detailed communication from a transceiver to the central monitoring station when a trigger event was detected, it is contemplated that a second layer of communications could be added into the programming such that in the case that no communication has otherwise been dispatched from a transceiver to its central monitoring station in a predetermined period of time, communications packet of some type simply indicating the operability, battery level or otherwise of the transceiver and that the site could be dispatched, such that if that type of a periodic communication was not received another type of a notification to the user could be generated indicating the potential of a problem with the equipment on-site. Even in the case however of a "heartbeat" packet being dispatch from time to time as may be required, the contents of that packet might only include the briefest of communication to indicate the good standing of the equipment and may not include a detailed listing of the temperature settings in the individual bins on-site, so as again to minimize the amount of communications bandwidth consumed in the dispatch of such a communication.
Transmitting on demand, rather than periodic:
The following two figures demonstrate the decreased communications bandwidth which would be required in the dispatch of a communications packet from the transceiver only when a trigger event was detected, versus on a periodic basis. The first figure demonstrates the periodic transmission approach, where a communication would be dispatched from a prior art transceiver every certain number of minutes for example, whereas in the second figure, a communication is shown as only being dispatched upon the detection of a trigger event, after four hours:
PRIOR ART [Periodic reportingl Comm 00 Comm I 00 Comm ---41P Comm 1 Or Comm 1 INVENTION [Reporting only on detection of condition]
= 0i Comm The significant decrease in communication requirements and the second approach outlined above, with the communication packet only being dispatched to the central monitoring system upon detection of a notification condition or a trigger event, rather than on a periodic basis, can be seen in this visible comparison.
Only transmitting exception temperatures:
Another approach to optimizing the length and size of communications from the transceivers to the central monitoring station would be to in addition to only dispatching a detailed communication packet from the transceiver to the central monitoring location when a trigger event was detected, the data which could be sent from the transceiver to the central monitoring location when a trigger event was detected could be limited to providing the temperature reading or details for the particular bin in which a notifiable temperature change was detected, rather than at the time of dispatching a communication providing a temperature update with respect to all of the bins.
This would limit the size of the communication insofar as the only information in this type of the communication packet would likely be the identification or address of the transceiver, the specific bin, and the temperature reading for the specific bin, within which the temperature change has been detected.
The following sample data will be used to demonstrate this second approach to optimizing the length of a data transmission in the method of the present invention, at a remote monitoring site with a single transceiver and seven bins connected thereto.
5 The temperature sensor data, for sample purposes, would be as follows [with the third bin being the only bin with a detected heating condition to be reported]:
Site: 101 Bin 1 30C
Bin 2 29C
Bin 3 41C
Bin 4 28C
Bin 5 30C
Bin 6 30C
Bin 7 29C
10 In a first conventional data transmission which identified and provided the temperature readings from all of the storage bins at the remote site, the data packet might look something like the following - presented visibly for the purpose of outlining the relative size of a data transmission in the two approaches 15 [the actual appearance or contents of the transmission packet might include additional envelope information or the like but these two visual presentations are provided simply for the purpose of demonstrating the shorter length or burst that would be required where transmitting only a detected temperature 20 change or exception on detection of a trigger event, rather than the transmission of all of the bin temperatures for bins connected to the transceiver each time that a communication was sent from the transceiver to the central monitoring system]:
TRANSMIT ALL BIN TEMPERATURES:
TRANSMIT ONLY DETECTED TEMPERATURE CHANGE:
It will be understood by those skilled in the art of programming and communications that there may be other means of further reducing our optimizing the size or frequency of data transmissions from the transceiver of the present invention to the central monitoring system.
All such changes which accomplish the objective of minimizing the required bandwidth and economic or system cost of communication between the transceiver in the central monitoring system are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
Various other modifications or enhancements to the formatting for preparation of a communication packet from the transceiver to the central monitoring station incoming communication interface can be contemplated by those skilled in the art of wireless or electronic communication and all such modifications, which accomplish the goal of maximizing the effectiveness and efficiency of and/or minimizing the bandwidth consumption by, the dispatch of such communications between those components of the system of the present invention are contemplated within the scope thereof. This may even include the incorporation of various encryption or compression technologies on either the central monitoring and or the remote transceiver end and again those are contemplated within the scope of the method as well.
Additional sensors for other environmental conditions within the storage bins at a remote location could also be added and operatively connected to the transceiver such that they could similarly be contemplated and reflected within the method of the present invention.
As can be readily seen, then, the method and system of the present invention present significant advantages over the prior art.
For example, the present invention provides for customizable triggers and remote access, while enabling simpler and more focused on-site action to address adverse temperature conditions.
The use of selected and packetized data transmissions reduces the amount of bandwidth used, and optional periodic reporting can be spread over longer intervals.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Thus, while certain aspects and embodiments of the invention have been described, these have been presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which could for example extend beyond temperature sensors to other types of sensors. Indeed, the invention described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms without departing from the spirit of the invention, which invention is defined solely by the claims below.
Claims
I claim:
Priority Applications (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2783045A CA2783045A1 (en) | 2012-07-16 | 2012-07-16 | Adaptive bandwidth consumption in remote temperature monitoring applications |
| US13/920,379 US9761111B2 (en) | 2012-07-16 | 2013-06-18 | Adaptive bandwidth consumption in remote monitoring of agricultural assets |
| CA2820103A CA2820103C (en) | 2012-07-16 | 2013-06-18 | Adaptive bandwidth consumption in remote monitoring of agricultural assets |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2783045A CA2783045A1 (en) | 2012-07-16 | 2012-07-16 | Adaptive bandwidth consumption in remote temperature monitoring applications |
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| CA2783045A1 true CA2783045A1 (en) | 2014-01-16 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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| CA2783045A Abandoned CA2783045A1 (en) | 2012-07-16 | 2012-07-16 | Adaptive bandwidth consumption in remote temperature monitoring applications |
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Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN110807602A (en) * | 2019-11-12 | 2020-02-18 | 黑龙江电力调度实业有限公司 | Power dispatching system fault detection method based on big data |
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2012
- 2012-07-16 CA CA2783045A patent/CA2783045A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN110807602A (en) * | 2019-11-12 | 2020-02-18 | 黑龙江电力调度实业有限公司 | Power dispatching system fault detection method based on big data |
| CN110807602B (en) * | 2019-11-12 | 2023-10-17 | 黑龙江电力调度实业有限公司 | Power dispatching system fault detection method based on big data |
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