EP3271638A1 - A method of transmitting cylinder data - Google Patents

A method of transmitting cylinder data

Info

Publication number
EP3271638A1
EP3271638A1 EP16710247.4A EP16710247A EP3271638A1 EP 3271638 A1 EP3271638 A1 EP 3271638A1 EP 16710247 A EP16710247 A EP 16710247A EP 3271638 A1 EP3271638 A1 EP 3271638A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
data
cylinder
charge
communication device
transmission means
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP16710247.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Christopher John COWLES
Derrick Ernest Hilton
Christine KANDZIORA
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Linde GmbH
Original Assignee
Linde GmbH
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Linde GmbH filed Critical Linde GmbH
Publication of EP3271638A1 publication Critical patent/EP3271638A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/02—Special adaptations of indicating, measuring, or monitoring equipment
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0104—Shape cylindrical
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0326—Valves electrically actuated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/05—Vessel or content identifications, e.g. labels
    • F17C2205/057—Vessel or content identifications, e.g. labels by chips
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/05—Vessel or content identifications, e.g. labels
    • F17C2205/058—Vessel or content identifications, e.g. labels by Radio Frequency Identification
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/03—Control means
    • F17C2250/034—Control means using wireless transmissions
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0408—Level of content in the vessel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/043—Pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2265/00—Effects achieved by gas storage or gas handling
    • F17C2265/04—Effects achieved by gas storage or gas handling using an independent energy source, e.g. battery

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of digital valves.
  • the invention is concerned with reducing the energy usage of such a device.
  • digital valves on gas cylinders.
  • the term digital valve encompasses at least manual valves with electronic sensors,
  • valves with or without sensors, and valves comprising locating and communication devices.
  • the various types of digital valve have in common the need for the devices (sensors, actuators, locating devices, and/or communication devices) to be powered electrically.
  • the present invention is concerned with digital valves powered by a store of charge on the device, such as a battery or capacitor.
  • Digital valves on cylinders require small batteries in order to keep the weight of the assembly (valve and cylinder) to a minimum, and the cylinders may be retained for a long time, in some cases in cold environments. There is therefore a technical pressure to conserve the charge of a battery.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a plurality of cylinders in accordance with the invention
  • Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a component of the cylinders of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 shows a flow chart of steps of a method in
  • Figures 1 depicts a first embodiment of the invention.
  • a plurality of cylinders 5 are shown (for example, for storing compressed fluid) .
  • Each of the gas cylinders 5 includes a store of charge 10 such as, for instance, a battery or capacitor.
  • cylinder 5b has a battery 10b with a greater level of charge than the
  • Each of the gas cylinders 5 includes a digital valve 20, which has a communications device.
  • cylinder 5 as used herein includes the structural body in which fluid may be stored, the store of charge 10, and the digital valve 20. However, it is unimportant whether the cylinder 5, any sensors, valves, processors, or stores of charge 10 form a unitary body or separate bodies that may collectively form an assembly. Similarly, the store of charge 10 may form part of, or be separate from, the digital valve 20.
  • Figure 2 depicts a digital valve 20.
  • the digital valve 20 comprises: a processor 21; a memory 22; at least one sensor 23, 24 for generating sensor data; a first transmission means 40; a second transmission means 50; and a receiver 60 for receiving transmissions from a first transmission means.
  • the digital valve may comprise a bus 25 over which the above-listed components may communicate.
  • the one or more sensors 23, 24 may collect sensor data, which may be stored in the memory 22 for later transmission.
  • the second transmission means 50 is suitable for long-range transmission of data (i.e., for transmission of data over distances greater than a first range) .
  • the first transmission means 40 is suitable for short-range transmission of data (i.e., for transmission over distances less than the first range) .
  • the second transmission means 50 may be capable of
  • the second transmission means 50 is capable of transmitting data of a greater range than the first transmission means 40.
  • usage of the second transmission means 50 is capable of transmitting data of a greater range than the first transmission means 40.
  • transmission means 50 incurs a greater energy cost than usage of the first transmission means 40.
  • the first transmission means 40 may comprises one or more of: a bluetooth transmitter; a WiFi transmitter; an NFC transmitter; and/or an RFID transmitter.
  • the second transmission means 50 may comprise one or more of: a GSM transmitter; and/or a UHF transmitter.
  • the receiver 60 is arranged to receive data transmitted by a first transmission means 40 on another cylinder 5. In this way, cylinders 5 that are within range of their respective first transmission means 40 (i.e. spaced apart by a distance less than the first range) may exchange data.
  • the processor 21 is arranged to control the first
  • transmission means 40 to transmit data such as charge data representing the charge stored on the store of charge 10, or sensor data received from the sensors 23, 24.
  • the processor 21 is also arranged to control the first transmission means 40 to transmit charge data or sensor data received from other cylinders 5 using the receiver 60.
  • the processor 21 may also be arranged to identify a set of communication devices within the range of the first
  • transmission means 40 This can be done, for example, by an initiating processor 21 commanding the first transmission means 40 to send a short transmission requesting a reply.
  • Each processor 21 that receives the transmission via the corresponding receiver 60 may be programmed to transmit a reply using the first transmission means 40.
  • the initiating processor 21 can monitor the received replies to identify the set of
  • the set of cylinders 5 within range may be extended to those within range of the first
  • transmission means 40 of any cylinder 5 in the set This can be done by each cylinder 5 in the set sending the short transmission and monitoring the received replies in the manner described above.
  • the results may be passed to the first initiating processor 21 to form a full list.
  • Such a method can be iteratively carried out to identify the full set of cylinders via which communication can be carried out using only the first transmission means 40 of the cylinders 5.
  • the cylinders 5 not within reach of the cylinder 5 having the initiating processor 21 can send data to that cylinder 5 via intermediate cylinders 5 that are within range.
  • the intermediate cylinders 5 can receive and retransmit data from other cylinders 5 using the receiver 60 and the first transmission means 40.
  • the cylinders 5 in the identified set can send charge data to the cylinder 5 having the initiating processor 21 (either directly or via intermediate cylinders 5 if they are not within range) .
  • the processor 21 is arranged to compare the charge stored in the store of charge 10 with charge data received by the receiver 60 from one or more other cylinders 5 of the identified set to identify which cylinder 5 has a store of charge 10 having the greater stored charge.
  • the processor 21 is arranged to send identifying data to the other cylinders 5 of the set to identify the cylinder having the greatest charge stored in its store of charge 10.
  • the processor 21 is arranged to transmit sensor data to the cylinder 5 identified by the identifying data (either directly or via intermediate cylinders 5 if they are not within range) .
  • the processor 21 is arranged to control the second
  • transmission means 50 to transmit sensor data from the sensor 23, 24 and/or or sensor data received from at least one further cylinder 5 if it has been identified as the cylinder having the greatest charge stored in its store of charge 10.
  • a remote server (not shown) will receive the transmitted data from the second transmission means 50.
  • the set of cylinders 5 will communicate with each other via each first transmission means 40, and will transmit sensor data (from a plurality of the cylinders) to the remote server via a selected second transmission means 50.
  • sensor data from a plurality of the cylinders
  • the single second transmission means 50 can be selected to correspond with the cylinder 5 having the greatest charge stored on its store of charge 10.
  • Figure 3 shows a method of transmitting data from at least one of a plurality of gas cylinders 5.
  • a cylinder 5 is triggered to send sensor data to a remote server (not shown) .
  • the trigger may be, for example, a parameter (such as the amount of fluid in the cylinder 5 or the pressure in the cylinder 5) sensed by one or more sensors 23, 24 exceeding or dropping below a threshold.
  • the trigger could be a period of time expiring.
  • This cylinder 5 can be referred to as the initiating cylinder 5.
  • the method may comprise identifying a set of a plurality of gas cylinders 5 that can communicate with the initiating cylinder 5 using the first transmission means 40 and receivers 60.
  • the first transmission means 40 can transmit to receivers within a first range, and so the set may be all cylinders 5 within the first range of the
  • the step 210 of identifying a set of a plurality of gas cylinders 5 may be carried out, for example, by an
  • initiating processor 21 commanding the first transmission means 40 to send a short transmission requesting a reply.
  • a processor 21 receives the transmission via the corresponding receiver 60 it may transmit a reply using the first transmission means 40.
  • the initiating processor 21 may receive the replies and thereby identify the set of
  • step 210 comprises identifying the set of a plurality of gas cylinders 5 that can communicate with each other either directly or via intermediate cylinders 5 of the set.
  • the set will be all cylinders 5 within the first range of another cylinder 5 of the set.
  • the set of cylinders 5 within range may be extended to those within range of the first transmission means 40 of any cylinder 5 in the set. This can be done by each cylinder 5 in the set sending the short transmission and receiving any replies in the manner described above.
  • the results may be passed to the first initiating processor 21 to form a full list.
  • Such steps can be iteratively carried out to identify the full set of cylinders 5 via which communication can be carried out using only the first transmission means 40 of the cylinders 5.
  • the initiating processor 21 may establish whether other devices have been found with which to
  • the initiating processor 21 can transmit sensor data to the remote server using the second transmission means 50 of the cylinder 5 having the initiating processor 21. If one or more other cylinders 5 have been found, then in step 225 the initiating processor 21 nominates one of the one or more cylinders 5 for transmitting sensor data.
  • the nominating step 225 may comprise determining as a nominated cylinder the cylinder of the identified gas cylinders which has the greatest stored charge.
  • This step 225 may comprise each of the cylinders 5 in the identified set sending charge data to the cylinder 5 having the initiating processor 21 (either directly or via
  • Step 225 may than comprise comparing with the initiating processor 21 the charge stored in the store of charge 10 on that cylinder 5 with charge data received by the receiver 60 from the other cylinders 5 of the identified set, the initiating processor 21 thereby identifying which cylinder 5 has a store of charge 10 that has the greater stored charge.
  • the initiating processor 21 may poll the cylinders 5 of the set using the first transmission means 40 to establish whether any of those cylinders have data to send to the remote server.
  • sensor data may be deemed ready for
  • the first period will be shorter than the period for triggering the method in step 205) .
  • sensor data may be deemed ready for
  • Such an event could be a parameter (such as the amount of fluid in the cylinder 5 or the pressure in the cylinder 5) sensed by one or more sensors 23, 24 exceeding or dropping below a threshold .
  • the initiating processor 21 may accumulate, from all of the cylinders 5 of the set, the data deemed ready to be sent to the remote server. In step 235, the initiating processor 21 instructs the second transmission means to transmit the accumulated data to the remote server.
  • the sensor data discussed above may represent a measured parameter of at least one of: the gas cylinder; the store of charge; the contents of the gas cylinder; or the environment surrounding the gas cylinder.
  • first and second transmission means 40, 50 may be, or may be replaced by, a single transmitter that is operable to transmit data at a selected one of a first power output and a second power output, the second power output being greater than the first power output.
  • the initiating processor 21 carries out the step of comparing charge data, this can, of course, be done on any cylinder 5.
  • the step of identifying a plurality of gas cylinders is carried out by sending a short message from a first cylinder 5 and awaiting responses, this is not essential, and the step of identifying a plurality of gas cylinders may be carried out by simply loading a stored list of cylinders from a memory 22 on the cylinder 5.
  • the memory 22 may have been previously programmed with a list of cylinders 5.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
  • Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)

Abstract

A method of transmitting data from one or more gas cylinders each having a store of charge. The method comprises identifying a number of gas cylinders and nominating one of them for transmitting the data. Data is transmitted at a first power output to the nominated cylinder from at least one of the other, identified, cylinders. The data is then transmitted from the nominated cylinder at a second power output, the second power output being greater than the first power output.

Description

A method of transmitting cylinder data
The invention relates to the field of digital valves.
Specifically, the invention is concerned with reducing the energy usage of such a device.
The provision of digital valves on gas cylinders is a recent development in the field. The term digital valve encompasses at least manual valves with electronic sensors,
electrically-actuated valves with or without sensors, and valves comprising locating and communication devices.
The various types of digital valve have in common the need for the devices (sensors, actuators, locating devices, and/or communication devices) to be powered electrically. The present invention is concerned with digital valves powered by a store of charge on the device, such as a battery or capacitor. Digital valves on cylinders require small batteries in order to keep the weight of the assembly (valve and cylinder) to a minimum, and the cylinders may be retained for a long time, in some cases in cold environments. There is therefore a technical pressure to conserve the charge of a battery.
Although reference is made to a "cylinder", it will be understood that the invention is applicable broadly to all portable pressurised gas containers whether they are
strictly in the form of a cylinder or not. Such cylinders are used to supply gas for a range of applications including welding and cutting hoses and torches, gas packaging machines and laboratory equipment. Accordingly, there is provided a method and a communication device defined by the appended claims.
For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be put into effect, reference is now made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a plurality of cylinders in accordance with the invention;
Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a component of the cylinders of Figure 1; and
Figure 3 shows a flow chart of steps of a method in
accordance with the invention.
Figures 1 depicts a first embodiment of the invention. A plurality of cylinders 5 are shown (for example, for storing compressed fluid) .
Each of the gas cylinders 5 includes a store of charge 10 such as, for instance, a battery or capacitor. As can be seen from the figure, in this example, cylinder 5b has a battery 10b with a greater level of charge than the
batteries 10a, 10c, lOd on the other cylinders 5a, 5c, 5d.
Each of the gas cylinders 5 includes a digital valve 20, which has a communications device. It should be noted that the term cylinder 5 as used herein includes the structural body in which fluid may be stored, the store of charge 10, and the digital valve 20. However, it is unimportant whether the cylinder 5, any sensors, valves, processors, or stores of charge 10 form a unitary body or separate bodies that may collectively form an assembly. Similarly, the store of charge 10 may form part of, or be separate from, the digital valve 20. Figure 2 depicts a digital valve 20.
The digital valve 20 comprises: a processor 21; a memory 22; at least one sensor 23, 24 for generating sensor data; a first transmission means 40; a second transmission means 50; and a receiver 60 for receiving transmissions from a first transmission means. The digital valve may comprise a bus 25 over which the above-listed components may communicate.
The one or more sensors 23, 24 may collect sensor data, which may be stored in the memory 22 for later transmission.
The second transmission means 50 is suitable for long-range transmission of data (i.e., for transmission of data over distances greater than a first range) .
The first transmission means 40 is suitable for short-range transmission of data (i.e., for transmission over distances less than the first range) . The second transmission means 50 may be capable of
transmitting data at a greater power output than the first transmission means 40. In other words, the second transmission means 50 is capable of transmitting data of a greater range than the first transmission means 40. However, usage of the second
transmission means 50 incurs a greater energy cost than usage of the first transmission means 40.
For example, the first transmission means 40 may comprises one or more of: a bluetooth transmitter; a WiFi transmitter; an NFC transmitter; and/or an RFID transmitter.
For example, the second transmission means 50 may comprise one or more of: a GSM transmitter; and/or a UHF transmitter. The receiver 60 is arranged to receive data transmitted by a first transmission means 40 on another cylinder 5. In this way, cylinders 5 that are within range of their respective first transmission means 40 (i.e. spaced apart by a distance less than the first range) may exchange data.
The processor 21 is arranged to control the first
transmission means 40 to transmit data such as charge data representing the charge stored on the store of charge 10, or sensor data received from the sensors 23, 24.
The processor 21 is also arranged to control the first transmission means 40 to transmit charge data or sensor data received from other cylinders 5 using the receiver 60. The processor 21 may also be arranged to identify a set of communication devices within the range of the first
transmission means 40. This can be done, for example, by an initiating processor 21 commanding the first transmission means 40 to send a short transmission requesting a reply. Each processor 21 that receives the transmission via the corresponding receiver 60 may be programmed to transmit a reply using the first transmission means 40. The initiating processor 21 can monitor the received replies to identify the set of
cylinders 5 within range of its first transmission means 40.
In a further example, the set of cylinders 5 within range may be extended to those within range of the first
transmission means 40 of any cylinder 5 in the set. This can be done by each cylinder 5 in the set sending the short transmission and monitoring the received replies in the manner described above. The results may be passed to the first initiating processor 21 to form a full list. Such a method can be iteratively carried out to identify the full set of cylinders via which communication can be carried out using only the first transmission means 40 of the cylinders 5.
In this extended example, the cylinders 5 not within reach of the cylinder 5 having the initiating processor 21 can send data to that cylinder 5 via intermediate cylinders 5 that are within range. The intermediate cylinders 5 can receive and retransmit data from other cylinders 5 using the receiver 60 and the first transmission means 40. The cylinders 5 in the identified set can send charge data to the cylinder 5 having the initiating processor 21 (either directly or via intermediate cylinders 5 if they are not within range) .
The processor 21 is arranged to compare the charge stored in the store of charge 10 with charge data received by the receiver 60 from one or more other cylinders 5 of the identified set to identify which cylinder 5 has a store of charge 10 having the greater stored charge. The processor 21 is arranged to send identifying data to the other cylinders 5 of the set to identify the cylinder having the greatest charge stored in its store of charge 10.
The processor 21 is arranged to transmit sensor data to the cylinder 5 identified by the identifying data (either directly or via intermediate cylinders 5 if they are not within range) .
The processor 21 is arranged to control the second
transmission means 50 to transmit sensor data from the sensor 23, 24 and/or or sensor data received from at least one further cylinder 5 if it has been identified as the cylinder having the greatest charge stored in its store of charge 10.
A remote server (not shown) will receive the transmitted data from the second transmission means 50.
In this way, the set of cylinders 5 will communicate with each other via each first transmission means 40, and will transmit sensor data (from a plurality of the cylinders) to the remote server via a selected second transmission means 50. Using the charge data the single second transmission means 50 can be selected to correspond with the cylinder 5 having the greatest charge stored on its store of charge 10. Figure 3 shows a method of transmitting data from at least one of a plurality of gas cylinders 5.
In a first step 205, a cylinder 5 is triggered to send sensor data to a remote server (not shown) . The trigger may be, for example, a parameter (such as the amount of fluid in the cylinder 5 or the pressure in the cylinder 5) sensed by one or more sensors 23, 24 exceeding or dropping below a threshold. Alternatively, the trigger could be a period of time expiring. This cylinder 5 can be referred to as the initiating cylinder 5.
In step 210, the method may comprise identifying a set of a plurality of gas cylinders 5 that can communicate with the initiating cylinder 5 using the first transmission means 40 and receivers 60. The first transmission means 40 can transmit to receivers within a first range, and so the set may be all cylinders 5 within the first range of the
initiating cylinder 5. The step 210 of identifying a set of a plurality of gas cylinders 5 may be carried out, for example, by an
initiating processor 21 commanding the first transmission means 40 to send a short transmission requesting a reply. When a processor 21 receives the transmission via the corresponding receiver 60 it may transmit a reply using the first transmission means 40. The initiating processor 21 may receive the replies and thereby identify the set of
cylinders 5 within range of its first transmission means 40.
Preferably, step 210 comprises identifying the set of a plurality of gas cylinders 5 that can communicate with each other either directly or via intermediate cylinders 5 of the set. In which case, the set will be all cylinders 5 within the first range of another cylinder 5 of the set. In this example, the set of cylinders 5 within range may be extended to those within range of the first transmission means 40 of any cylinder 5 in the set. This can be done by each cylinder 5 in the set sending the short transmission and receiving any replies in the manner described above. The results may be passed to the first initiating processor 21 to form a full list. Such steps can be iteratively carried out to identify the full set of cylinders 5 via which communication can be carried out using only the first transmission means 40 of the cylinders 5.
At step 215, the initiating processor 21 may establish whether other devices have been found with which to
communicate via the first transmission means 40 of the cylinders 5.
If another cylinder 5 has not been found, then the
initiating processor 21 can transmit sensor data to the remote server using the second transmission means 50 of the cylinder 5 having the initiating processor 21. If one or more other cylinders 5 have been found, then in step 225 the initiating processor 21 nominates one of the one or more cylinders 5 for transmitting sensor data. The nominating step 225 may comprise determining as a nominated cylinder the cylinder of the identified gas cylinders which has the greatest stored charge.
This step 225 may comprise each of the cylinders 5 in the identified set sending charge data to the cylinder 5 having the initiating processor 21 (either directly or via
intermediate cylinders 5 if they are not within range) .
Step 225 may than comprise comparing with the initiating processor 21 the charge stored in the store of charge 10 on that cylinder 5 with charge data received by the receiver 60 from the other cylinders 5 of the identified set, the initiating processor 21 thereby identifying which cylinder 5 has a store of charge 10 that has the greater stored charge.
At step 230, the initiating processor 21 may poll the cylinders 5 of the set using the first transmission means 40 to establish whether any of those cylinders have data to send to the remote server.
For example, if a predetermined first period of time has passed, then sensor data may be deemed ready for
transmission (when the method is triggered in step 205 by a period of time expiring, the first period will be shorter than the period for triggering the method in step 205) .
Alternatively, sensor data may be deemed ready for
transmission after a monitored event has occurred. Such an event, could be a parameter (such as the amount of fluid in the cylinder 5 or the pressure in the cylinder 5) sensed by one or more sensors 23, 24 exceeding or dropping below a threshold .
The initiating processor 21 may accumulate, from all of the cylinders 5 of the set, the data deemed ready to be sent to the remote server. In step 235, the initiating processor 21 instructs the second transmission means to transmit the accumulated data to the remote server.
The sensor data discussed above may represent a measured parameter of at least one of: the gas cylinder; the store of charge; the contents of the gas cylinder; or the environment surrounding the gas cylinder.
Whereas in the description above, the first and second transmission means 40, 50 have been described as if
distinct, in fact, the first and second transmission means 40, 50 may be, or may be replaced by, a single transmitter that is operable to transmit data at a selected one of a first power output and a second power output, the second power output being greater than the first power output.
Thus, the transmitter would be considered the first
transmission means 40 when transmitting at the first power output, and would be considered the second transmission means 50 when transmitting at the second power output. Whereas in the description above, the initiating processor 21 carries out the step of comparing charge data, this can, of course, be done on any cylinder 5. Whereas in the description above, the step of identifying a plurality of gas cylinders is carried out by sending a short message from a first cylinder 5 and awaiting responses, this is not essential, and the step of identifying a plurality of gas cylinders may be carried out by simply loading a stored list of cylinders from a memory 22 on the cylinder 5. The memory 22 may have been previously programmed with a list of cylinders 5.

Claims

CLAIMS :
1. A method of transmitting data from at least one of a plurality of gas cylinders each having a store of charge, the method comprising:
identifying a plurality of gas cylinders;
nominating one of the plurality of gas cylinders for transmitting data;
transmitting data at a first power output to the nominated cylinder from at least one of the identified gas cylinders ;
transmitting from the nominated cylinder the data received at a second power output, the second power output being greater than the first power output.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the nominating step comprises determining as a nominated cylinder the cylinder of the identified gas cylinders which has the greatest stored charge.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of receiving at a first cylinder of the identified cylinders charge data from the other cylinders of the identified cylinders .
4. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the step of identifying a plurality of gas cylinders comprises
identifying at a first cylinder:
a first plurality of gas cylinders within range of a transmission means on the first cylinder operating at the first power output.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of identifying a plurality of gas cylinders further comprises identifying at each of the first plurality of gas cylinders:
a further plurality of gas cylinders within range of a transmission means on that cylinder operating at the first power output.
6. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the step of transmitting data at a second power output comprises receiving data from a plurality of the identified gas cylinders and transmitting the received data.
7. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the data represents a measured parameter of at least one of: the gas cylinder; the contents of the gas cylinder; the charge stored by the gas cylinder; and/or the environment
surrounding the gas cylinder.
8. A communication device for a cylinder, comprising:
a processor;
at least one sensor for generating sensor data;
a store of charge arranged to power the processor;
a transmission means for transmitting data at either a first power or a second power, the first power for
transmission over distances less than a first range, the second power for transmission of data over distances greater than the first range; and
a receiver for receiving transmissions,
wherein the communication device is arranged to receive data via the receiver and re-transmit that data using the second transmission means.
9. The communication device of claim 8, wherein the transmission means comprises:
a first transmission means for transmission of data at the first power output; and
a second transmission means for transmission of data at the second power output.
10. The communication device of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the processor is arranged to use the data received by the receiver to identify a set of further communication devices within the first range.
11. The communication device of any one of claims 8 or claim 9, wherein:
the transmission means is arranged to transmit charge data and sensor data at the first power;
the charge data represents a level of stored charge; and
the sensor data representing a parameter sensed by the sensor.
12. The communication device of claim 11, wherein the processor is arranged to compare the charge stored on the store of charge with charge data received by the receiver for identifying whether the communication device has a greater stored charge than at least one further
communication device.
13. The communication device of claim 12, wherein the transmission means is arranged to transmit at the second power output charge data and/or sensor data from the sensor and/or received by the receiver when the communication device has a greater stored charge than any one of the at least one further communication devices.
14. The communication device of claim 13, wherein the transmission means is arranged to transmit at the second power output sensor data from the sensor and received from each of the further communication devices within the first range when the communication device has a greater stored charge than any of the further communication devices.
15. The communication device of any one of claims 10 to 14 as dependent upon claim 9, wherein the first transmission means comprises one or more of: a bluetooth transmitter; a WiFi transmitter; an NFC transmitter; and/or an RFID transmitter.
16. The communication device of any one of claims 10 to 15 as dependent upon claim 9, wherein the second transmission means comprises one or more of: a GSM transmitter; and/or a UHF transmitter.
17. The communication device of any one of claims 8 to 16, wherein the store of charge is a battery or a capacitor.
18. A digital valve for controlling the flow to and/or from a gas cylinder, comprising the communication device of any preceding claim.
19. A gas cylinder, comprising the communication device of any one of claims 8 to 17.
20. A plurality of communication devices as defined by any one of claims 8 to 17, wherein the communication devices ar< arranged to identify which communication device has the lowest stored charge and to transmit sensor data using the identified communication device.
EP16710247.4A 2015-03-17 2016-03-17 A method of transmitting cylinder data Withdrawn EP3271638A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB201504458A GB201504458D0 (en) 2015-03-17 2015-03-17 A method of transmitting cylinder data
PCT/EP2016/055888 WO2016146787A1 (en) 2015-03-17 2016-03-17 A method of transmitting cylinder data

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EP3271638A1 true EP3271638A1 (en) 2018-01-24

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EP (1) EP3271638A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2016232176A1 (en)
CA (1) CA2979595A1 (en)
GB (1) GB201504458D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2016146787A1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7174783B2 (en) * 1996-01-23 2007-02-13 Mija Industries, Inc. Remote monitoring of fluid containers
GB0004919D0 (en) * 2000-03-02 2000-04-19 Koninkl Philips Electronics Nv Ad-hoc radio communication system
FI120923B (en) * 2008-11-26 2010-04-30 Suunto Oy Procedure in connection with a wrist computer for divers and system for a wrist computer for divers
WO2014126910A1 (en) * 2013-02-15 2014-08-21 Cygnus Broadband, Inc. Smart grid portal election
FI125009B (en) * 2013-09-10 2015-04-30 Suunto Oy Underwater communication systems and associated communication methods and devices

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AU2016232176A1 (en) 2017-10-05
CA2979595A1 (en) 2016-09-22
WO2016146787A1 (en) 2016-09-22

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