GB2587798A

GB2587798A - Monitoring system

Info

Publication number: GB2587798A
Application number: GB1913686.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sargent Ian
Original assignee: Sargent Electrical Services Ltd
Current assignee: Sargent Electrical Services Ltd
Priority date: 2019-09-23
Filing date: 2019-09-23
Publication date: 2021-04-14
Also published as: GB201913686D0

Abstract

A modular monitoring system 1 having a plurality of sensing modules and a central hub 100 and/or a cloud server 110, the sensing modules collecting and transmitting sensing data to the central hub/cloud server via wireless communication, and the sensing modules 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 configured to monitor different types of regions and/or assets within the enterprise. The sensing modules may communicate via long range, LoRa, wireless communication. The system may process sensing data to generate information and the data/information can be transmitted to a user terminal 120, 121, 123. A sensing module may have a location sensor. The sensing modules may be crop monitoring modules 200; storage monitoring modules 300, to sense stored product information; animal welfare modules 600, to monitor housing conditions of animals; equipment monitoring modules 500; and/or security modules 400, to monitor areas/perimeters of an enterprise. The crop monitoring module 200 may detect soil properties (210; Fig 2), environmental conditions (220; Fig 2), canopy conditions (230; Fig 2), and/or crop conditions (for pests and/or spores – 240; Fig 2). The enables monitoring of different assets and/or regions by the same system for improved user convenience and cost-effectiveness, as well as potential health/safety and environmental benefits.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GII1913686.0 RTM Date:18 February 2020 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Bluetooth (page 2) WiFi (page 2) ZigBee (page 2) Met Office (page 7) Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo Monitoring System [0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring system, in particular an agricultural or horticultural monitoring system.

[0002] Providing a monitoring system in a rural enterprise can be a challenge due to the large areas of land that a rural enterprise typically covers. Furthermore, a rural enterprise may have many different types of assets, and monitoring these different types of assets can be complex and expensive. A lack of a solution for monitoring a whole rural enterprise can lead to increased levels of rural crime.

[0003] According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a modular monitoring system for an enterprise, the modular monitoring system comprising a plurality of sensing modules and at least one of a central hub and a cloud connection, wherein the plurality of sensing modules are configured to collect sensing data and to transmit the sensing data to the cloud and/or the central hub via wireless communication, and wherein the plurality of sensing modules are configured to monitor different types of regions and/or assets within the enterprise.

[0005] The modular monitoring system may provide an integrated system for monitoring different regions of an enterprise and/or assets within an enterprise, using the different sensing modules, wherein the sensing data from across the different sensing modules may be collected together at the hub. Different types of assets and/or regions may thereby be monitored using the same system. This may provide improved user convenience because the user is able to gather information about a plurality of different regions and/or assets within the enterprise using one system.

[0006] The use of an integrated system may provide a cost-effective solution to monitoring different regions and assets within an enterprise. A whole enterprise solution can also provide health and safety benefits, reduced running costs, as well as environmental benefits.

[0007] The enterprise may be a rural enterprise, for example a farm. The monitoring system may be used in land or estate management, and may be used in ancillary activities such as wineries, breweries and animal welfare.

[0008] The sensing modules may be connectable direct to the cloud or to the central hub by long range (LoRa) or radio wireless communication. The sensing module may be connectable to the central hub by at least one of Bluetooth, WiFi or Zigbee. Preferably, the wireless communication is encrypted.

[0009] The sensing modules may each comprise at least one sensing suite for sensing characteristics related to the enterprise. A sensing module of the plurality of sensing modules may comprise a plurality of sensing suites. Each sensing suite may be configured to sense at least one characteristic of a region or asset of the enterprise. At least one of the sensing suites may be a self-contained sensing suite.

[0010] Each sensing suite may comprise a sensor or a combination of sensors. One or more sensing suites may comprise the same type of sensor or combination of sensors. One or more sensing suites may comprise different sensors or combinations of sensors.

[0011] In a sensing module, individual sensing suites may be configured to communicate with a main sensing suite. The main sensing suite may be configured to communicate with the central hub and/or directly with the cloud. This may provide a network of sensing suites within the sensing module. The sensing suites may thereby be suitable for distributing over a large area, for example in a field, whilst being able to communicate with the main sensing suite.

[0012] The central hub may be a gateway that is connectable to a cloud server. The central hub may be configured to transmit sensing data to the cloud server and the sensing data transmitted by the central hub to the cloud server may be encrypted. The cloud server may provide long term secure data storage for the data received from the monitoring modules. The central hub may be connectable by wired internet connection or GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) using a roaming data SIM.

[0013] The system may comprise a processor configured to process sensing data transmitted by a sensing module. The processor may be configured to generate information related to the sensing data.

[0014] The system may be configured to transmit the sensing data and/or the information related to the sensing data to a management terminal and/or at least one user terminal. For example, the central hub and/or the cloud server may be configured to transmit information processed by the processor to a user's mobile phone. In another example, the cloud server may be configured to transmit information to a software application that may be accessible on a user terminal. A user may thereby be able to receive real-time information about regions and/or assets within the enterprise. This may enable the user to understand live conditions within the enterprise, which can assist with decision making.

[0015] The system may be configured to control a function in response to a portion of the collected sensing data. The processor may be configured to generate a control instruction according to the processed sensing data. The central hub may be configured to transmit the control instruction to a sensing module. The sensing module may perform a function in response to receiving the control instruction.

[0016] For example, the system may be configured to control an output of a sensing module. A sensing module may be configured to output a warning signal, such as an alarm, in response to receiving a control instruction.

[0017] At least one of the plurality of sensing modules may comprise a location sensor. Each of the plurality of sensing modules may comprise a location sensor. Each of the sensing suites may comprise a location sensor. At least one of the plurality of sensing modules may be configured to provide location information collected by the location sensor to the central hub. This may assist the user in understanding a location in the enterprise from which the sensing data originates and may assist the user in determining a location of an asset.

[0018] The plurality of sensing modules may comprise a crop monitoring module. The crop monitoring module may be configured to detect crop information. The crop monitoring module may comprise at least one sensing suite. One or more of the crop monitoring sensing suites may be configured to be charged by solar charging.

[0019] The crop monitoring module may comprise a ground sensing suite. The ground sensing suite may be configured to detect soil properties. The ground sensing suite may comprise a sensor for sensing soil temperature. The ground sensing suite may comprise a sensor for sensing soil acidity (pH). The ground sensing suite may comprise a sensor for sensing soil moisture.

[0020] The crop monitoring module may comprise a crop environment sensing suite. The crop environment sensing suite may be configured to detect environmental conditions of crops, for example environmental conditions in a field. The crop environment sensing suite may comprise a sensor for sensing air temperature. The crop environment sensing suite may comprise a barometric sensor for sensing atmospheric pressure. The crop environment sensing suite may comprise a sensor for sensing humidity. The crop environment sensing suite may comprise a sensor for sensing wind speed and/or wind direction. The crop environment sensing suite may comprise a sensor for sensing rain fall. The crop environment sensing suite may comprise a sensor for sensing light level.

[0021] The crop monitoring module may comprise a canopy sensing suite, for sensing conditions in a growing canopy. The canopy sensing suite may comprise a sensor for sensing leaf wetness. The canopy sensing suite may comprise a sensor for sensing humidity. The canopy sensing suite may comprise a sensor for sensing light level. The canopy sensing suite may comprise a sensor for detecting air temperature.

[0022] The crop monitoring module may comprise a pest and/or spore sensing suite, for sensing conditions of a crop. The pest and/or spore sensing suite may comprise at least one sensor to sense at least one of insects and/or pests, pollen and spores [0023] The crop monitoring module may transmit the detected crop information to the central hub. The crop information may be beneficial in providing to a user live conditions of the crops and their environment that can be used to assist in determining actions to take in relation to the crops, such as frost protection and spraying. The information may be used to determine characteristics of the crops, for example spore or fungal determination. The information may be combined with historical information to determine factors that may influence the crop yield. The monitoring system may thereby enable an increase in crop yield.

[0024] The plurality of sensing modules may comprise a storage monitodng module. The storage monitoring module may be configured to sense one or more characteristic of a stored product, and the environment of the stored product.

[0025] The storage monitoring module may comprise a storage environment sensing suite. The storage environment sensing suite may comprise at least one sensor configured to sense at least one of air temperature, light level and humidity. The storage environment sensing suite may comprise a gas sensor, which may be configured to sense at least one of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide. The gas sensor may detect potentially dangerous levels of gas build up; the system may provide positive indication of safety both remotely and directly before entering a location.

[0026] The storage monitoring module may comprise a grain sensing suite. The grain sensing suite may be configured to sense a grain temperature. The grain sensing suite may be configured to sense grain moisture. The grain sensing suite may be configured to sense a grain level.

[0027] The storage monitoring module may comprise a tank sensing suite. The tank sensing suite may be configured to sense a temperature within a tank. The tank sensing suite may be configured to sense a liquid level within a tank.

[0028] The storage monitoring module may be configured to control an output according to the sensing data collected by the sensing suites of the storage monitoring module. The storage monitoring module may comprise an alarm configured to output audible and/or visual warnings. For example, the processor may be configured to generate a control instruction to output warning if the sensing data from the storage environment sensing suite indicates that a dangerous level of a gas is present in a storage area; the storage monitoring module may be configured to receive the control instruction and may control operation of the alarm according to the control instruction. The storage monitoring module may comprise a fan and/or heater, and the storage monitoring module may be configured to control the fan and/or heater in response to receiving a control instruction, for example if the processor determines that sensed data from the air temperature sensor indicates that the temperature in the storage area is too high or too low. The storage monitoring module may provide feedback to allow a user to ensure products are stored in optimum conditions, to enhance quality of the products and avoid spoilage.

[0029] The plurality of sensing modules may comprise an animal welfare module. The animal welfare module may be configured to monitor conditions within a housing for animals.

[0030] The animal welfare module may comprise an environment sensing suite. The environment sensing suite may be configured to sense conditions of an environment in an animal housing area, for example a barn. The animal welfare module may comprise at least one sensor configured to sense at least one of noise, air temperature, humidity, smoke and light level. The environment sensing suite may comprise a gas sensor. The gas sensor may be configured to sense at least one of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and methane.

[0031] The plurality of sensing modules may comprise an equipment monitoring module. The equipment module may be configured to monitor enterprise equipment. For example, the equipment module may be configured to determine a location and movement of enterprise equipment.

[0032] The equipment module may comprise a vehicle sensing suite, for an engine-powered vehicle, for example a tractor, a telehandler or a combined harvester. The vehicle sensing suite may interface with vehicle electronics to provide information on location and tracking.

[0033] The vehicle sensing suite may comprise a tilt sensor, configured to sense a tilting movement of the vehicle. The vehicle sensing suite may comprise a movement sensor, configured to sense movement of the vehicle. The vehicle sensing suite may be configured to sense a battery disconnect in the vehicle. The vehicle sensing suite may be configured to sense whether the engine of the vehicle is running. The vehicle sensing suite may be configured to collect data from a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus in the vehicle. The vehicle sensing suite may comprise a key sensor, for determining whether a key for the vehicle is present.

[0034] The equipment module may comprise a non-powered equipment sensing suite, for monitoring non-powered equipment, for example for a seed drill, power harrow or plough. The non-powered equipment sensing suite may comprise a movement sensor. The non-powered equipment sensing suite may comprise a tilt sensor.

[0035] The non-powered equipment sensing suite may be a covert unit for installing on the non-powered equipment. For example, the non-powered equipment sensing suite may be provided in the same colour as the piece of equipment at which it is installed.

[0036] The non-powered equipment sensing suite may be self-powered, for example battery-powered.

[0037] Using the equipment monitoring module, the system may be able to monitor where vehicles and other enterprise equipment is at any point, which may be particularly beneficial at an enterprise, wherein different equipment may be spread over a large area of land. The monitoring system may be configured to provide frequent reports to the user terminal, indicating a location and/or status of equipment. This may allow a user to manage work scheduling and time management. The monitoring system may also assist with lone worker monitoring and safety. For example, sensed data from the tilt sensor may indicate whether a vehicle has been in an accident.

[0038] The key sensor and movement sensor may indicate whether the vehicle is moved with or without the keys, and the monitoring system may alert a user, for example using the user terminal, to indicate that the vehicle is moving without the keys, or if the vehicle breaks a geofence.

[0039] The plurality of sensing modules may comprise a security module. The security module may be for monitoring areas within an enterprise. The security module may be for monitoring the perimeters of an enterprise, to identify a breach, for example.

[0040] The security module may comprise an enterprise security suite, for security monitoring within the enterprise. The enterprise security suite may comprise at least one motion detector, for example a passive infrared (FIR) sensor. The enterprise security suite may comprise at least one door switch. The enterprise security suite may comprise at least one smoke detector. The enterprise security suite may comprise an imaging sensor, for example a camera.

[0041] The security module may comprise an external security suite, for security at the perimeter of the enterprise. The external security suite may comprise an entry sensor, for example a door or gate switch. The external security suite may comprise a motion detector, for example a FIR sensor or a microwave sensor. The external security suite may comprise an imaging sensor, for example a camera.

[0042] The use of a modular system may provide the advantage that the monitoring system may be scalable, and may be applied in different areas of a enterprise, according to a user's needs. Different types of modules of the plurality of sensing modules may be applied, and further modules may be added to the system according to a user's needs.

[0043] The sensing data may be combined with historical data, to determine trends, for example conditions for crop growth. The sensing data may be augmented with live data, for example Met Office weather data, to provide further information to the user.

[0044] Although a few preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[0045] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: [0046] Figure 1 shows an example of an enterprise monitoring system; [0047] Figure 2 shows a crop monitoring module of the enterprise monitoring system; [0048] Figure 3 shows a storage monitoring module of the enterprise monitoring system; [0049] Figure 4 shows a farm security module of the enterprise monitoring system; [0050] Figure 5 shows equipment monitoring modules of the enterprise monitoring system; 20 and [0051] Figure 6 shows an animal welfare monitoring module of the enterprise monitoring system.

[0052] An example monitoring system for an enterprise is shown in figure 1. The monitoring system 1 comprises a central hub 100 that is connectable to a cloud server 110 via an internet connection or GSM. The monitoring system 1 is wirelessly connected via LoRa to a plurality of monitoring modules that are situated around an enterprise. The hub 100 is configured to receive encrypted sensing data from the plurality of monitoring modules and is configured to transmit encrypted data to the cloud server 110. In another example, the plurality of monitoring modules may be configured to communicate directly with the cloud server. The cloud server 110 is configured to connect to at least one user terminal and is configured to transmit information to the user terminal, for example alerts related to the sensing data. The at least one user terminal may be a mobile phone 120, a PC 121 or a laptop 123.

B

[0053] The plurality of monitoring modules comprises a crop monitoring module 200, a storage monitoring module 300, an enterprise security module 400, an equipment monitoring module 500 and an animal welfare monitoring module 600. In other examples, a monitoring system may comprise only some of these monitoring modules, and in some examples, a monitoring system may comprise more than one of the same types of monitoring module. For example, in an enterprise having crops covering a large area of land, the monitoring system may comprise a plurality of crop monitoring modules.

[0054] As shown in figure 2, the crop monitoring module 200 comprises a plurality of sensing suites, namely a ground sensing suite 210, a crop environment sensing suite 220, a canopy sensing suite 230 and a pest and/or spore sensing suite 240. In other examples, the crop monitoring module 200 may comprise only some of these sensing suites. In some examples, the crop monitoring module 200 may comprise more than one of the same type of sensing suite. The ground sensing suite 210 comprises combination of sensors 212A-E for sensing air temperature, light level, soil moisture, soil temperature and soil acidity. The crop environment sensing suite 220 comprises a combination of sensors 222A-G for sensing wind speed and/or direction, rain fall, light level, air temperature, humidity and barometric pressure. The canopy sensing suite 230 comprises a combination of sensors 232A-D for sensing air temperature, light level, humidity and leaf wetness. The pest and/or spore sensing suite 240 comprises a combination of sensors 242A-D for sensing insects or pests, pollen and spores. Each of the sensing suites is configured to charge by solar charging. Each of the sensing suites may comprise a GPS sensor (not shown). In other examples, at least one of the sensing suites may have a hard-set location.

[0055] Each of the ground sensing suite 210, canopy sensing suite 230 and pest and/or spore sensing suite 240 is configured to communicate with a main sensing suite, for example via wireless or radio communications. In this case, the main sensing suite is the crop environment sensing suite 220. The crop environment sensing suite, as the main sensing suite, is configured to receive sensing data from the ground sensing suite 210, the canopy sensing suite 230 and the pest and/or spore sensing suite 240, and to transmit this sensing information to the hub, for example via LoRa communication.

[0056] The storage monitoring module 300, shown in figure 3, comprises a storage environment sensing suite 310, as the main sensing suite that is configured to communicate with the hub 100, for example via LoRa communication. The storage monitoring module also comprises a grain sensing suite 320 and a tank sensing suite 330, wherein the grain sensing suite and tank sensing suite are configured to communicate with the main sensing suite, for example by wireless or radio communications.

[0057] The storage environment sensing suite 310 comprises a plurality of sensors 312A-C configured to sense air temperature, light level and humidity, and a gas sensor 312D configured to sense at least one of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide. The storage environment sensing suite is configured to connect to a mains power supply. The storage environment sensing suite also comprises an output for providing a visual and/or sound indication, such as an alarm and/or connection to ventilation controls. The grain sensing suite 320 comprises a plurality of sensor 322A-C configured to sense a grain temperature, grain moisture and a grain level. The tank sensing suite 330 comprises a plurality of sensors 332A, 332B configured to sense a temperature and a liquid level within a tank. The grain sensing suite and the tank sensing suite each comprise an internal battery for power supply.

[0058] As shown in figure 4, the security module 400 comprises an enterprise security suite 410, and an external security suite 420. The enterprise security suite 410 comprises a motion detector 412A, a door switch 412B, a smoke detector 4120 and a camera 412D and may comprise a plurality of any of the motion detector, door switch, smoke detector or camera. The external security suite comprises an entry sensor, a motion detector and a camera. The enterprise security suite and external security suites each comprise an output 414, 424 for a warning, such as an alarm.

[0059] The enterprise security suite 410 and the external security suite 420 are both configured to communicate with the hub 1by LoRa communication. In other examples, the enterprise security suite and/or the external security suite may be configured to communicate with the hub by GSM. The enterprise security suite 410 and external security suite 420 are mains-powered.

[0060] As shown in figure 5, the equipment module comprises a vehicle sensing suite 510, for an engine-powered vehicle and a non-powered equipment sensing suite 520. The vehicle sensing suite 510 interfaces with vehicle electronics to provide information on location and tracking. The vehicle sensing suite comprises a GPS sensor 512A, a tilt sensor 512B, a movement sensor 5120 and a key sensor 512D. The vehicle sensing suite 510 also comprises sensors 512E, 512F configured to sense a battery disconnect in the vehicle and to sense whether the engine of the vehicle is running. The vehicle sensing suite comprises an input (not shown) for collecting data from a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus in the vehicle. The vehicle sensing suite 510 is configured to connect to a power supply in a vehicle and contains an internal battery. The non-powered equipment sensing suite 520 comprises a movement sensor 522A, a tilt sensor 522B and a GPS sensor 522C. The non-powered equipment sensing suite 520 comprises an internal battery (not shown).

[0061] The animal welfare module 600, shown in figure 6, comprises an environment sensing suite 610, for sensing conditions of an environment in an animal housing area. The environment sensing suite 610 comprises a plurality of sensors 612A-E for sensing noise, air temperature, humidity, smoke and light level. The environment sensing suite also comprises a gas sensor. The gas sensor may be configured to sense at least one of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and methane. The environment sensing suite also comprises an output, for example an alarm. The environment sensing suite comprises an output for providing a visual or sound indication, such as an alarm and/or ventilation control. The environment sensing suite is configured to communicate with the central hub via wireless LoRa communication.

The environment sensing suite is configured to connect to a mains-power supply.

[0062] In use, the central hub 100 may be provided in a central enterprise building and the different sensing modules may be provided at different locations around an enterprise. For example, one or more crop monitoring modules 200 may be provided within crop fields, a storage monitoring module 300 may be provided in a grain store, an animal welfare monitoring module 600 may be provided in an animal barn, enterprise security modules 400 may be provided at gates and at enterprise buildings, and equipment monitoring modules 50 may be provided on enterprise equipment that may move around the enterprise. The plurality of sensing modules may thereby form a network across the large area of the enterprise. The sensing data collected by the sensing modules may be transmitted to the central hub 100, and the central hub 100 may transmit this information to the cloud server 110. A processer on the cloud server 110 may analyse the information and may send alerts to the user terminal 120 related to the sensing data. The user may thereby be able to remotely monitor different types of assets and different regions of the enterprise using one monitoring system.

[0063] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0064] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0065] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0066] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A modular monitoring system for an enterprise, the modular monitoring system comprising a plurality of sensing modules and at least one of a central hub and a cloud server, wherein the plurality of sensing modules are configured to collect sensing data and to transmit the sensing data to the central hub and/or cloud server via wireless communication, and wherein the plurality of sensing modules are configured to monitor different types of regions and/or assets within the enterprise.
2. The modular monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the sensing modules are configured to communicate with the central hub by long range, LoRa, wireless communication.
3. The modular monitoring system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the sensing modules each comprise at least one sensing suite, wherein each sensing suite is configured to sense at least one characteristic of a region or asset of the enterprise and wherein at least one of the sensing suites is a self-contained sensing suite.
4. The modular monitoring system according to claim 3, wherein a sensing module of the plurality of sensing modules comprises a plurality of sensing suites, wherein one of the sensing suites is a main sensing suite and at least one other sensing suite is configured to communicate with the main sensing suite, and the main sensing suite is configured to communicate with the central hub and/or cloud server.
5. The modular monitoring system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a processor configured to process the received sensing data to generate information related to the sensing data and the central hub is configured to transmit the sensing data and/or information related to the sensing data to at least one user terminal.
6. The modular monitoring system according to claim 5, wherein the processor is configured to generate a control instruction according to the processed sensing data and the central hub is configured to transmit the control instruction to a sensing module of the plurality of sensing modules or the user terminal, wherein sensing module or user terminal outputs a function according to the control instruction.
7. The modular monitoring system according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensing modules comprises a location sensor.
8. The modular monitoring system according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of sensing modules includes at least one of a crop monitoring module configured to detect crop information, a storage monitoring module configured to sense characteristics of a stored product, and the environment of the stored product, an animal welfare module configured to monitor conditions within a housing for animals, an equipment monitoring module configured to monitor enterprise equipment, and a security module configured to monitoring areas within an enterprise and perimeters of an enterprise.
9. The modular monitoring system according to claim 8, wherein the crop monitoring module comprises at least one of a ground sensing suite configured to detect soil properties, a crop environment sensing suite configured to detect environmental conditions of crops, a canopy sensing suite configured to detect conditions in a growing canopy, and a pest and/or spore sensing suite, for sensing conditions of a crop.
10. The modular monitoring system according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the storage monitoring module comprises at least one of a storage environment sensing suite, a grain sensing suite and a tank sensing suite.
11. The modular monitoring system according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the animal welfare module comprises an environment sensing suite configured to sense conditions of an environment in an animal housing area.
12. The modular monitoring system according to any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the equipment monitoring module comprises a vehicle sensing suite for monitoring an engine-powered vehicle and a non-powered equipment sensing suite for monitoring a non-powered apparatus.
13. The modular monitoring system according to any of claims 8 to 12, wherein the security module comprises at least one of an enterprise security suite, for security monitoring within the enterprise and an external security suite, for security at the perimeter of the enterprise.