MX2008004535A - A method and system for remotely monitoring and controlling field devices with a street lamp elevated mesh network - Google Patents

Abstract

An elevated mesh network supported and operably coupled to street lamps can be used to remotely monitor and control field devices. The packet transceiver modules of the mesh network can also be coupled to sensors that monitor operation of a street lamp as well as environmental conditions. The elevated mesh network supported by street lamps can use RF links to couple with one or more remote field devices that also have packet transceiver modules. The elevated mesh network can also include a communications gateway that couples the elevated mesh network to an asynchronous communications system. The communications gateway is a store and forward system that can periodically connect to the asynchronous communications system in order to upload compressed data derived from the remote field devices. The asynchronous communications system can connect the elevated mesh network to a back-end computer system that may monitor, diagnose, and control theremote field devices.

Description

A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING IN A WAY REMOTES FIELD DEVICES WITH AN ELEVATED MESH NETWORK OF STREET LAMP FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a high mesh network in lights or street lamps that provides connectivity between wireless packet radios in field devices and back end computing systems. More particularly, the invention relates to a system and method for establishing communications between remote field devices without light operating in proximity to the high mesh network and back end computing systems through the establishment of wireless links between the high mesh network and field devices without light.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many companies, municipalities and local governments must employ a significant number of workers to monitor and maintain equipment that can operate in distant locations in relation to the operations center of a company, municipality or government. local. For example, utility companies, such as utilities, must employ workers to go out and collect data from electrical meters so that an electric utility can accurately measure consumption by their consumers for billing purposes. Frequently, the workers of the electric companies go out into the field and must read the analog or digital meters in a physical way to collect data regarding the consumption of electricity by a client. In other cases, service meters, such as electric meters, can be provided with low power radios which can be interrogated with vehicle-mounted or manual reading units. In such cases, workers with these vehicle-mounted reading units or manuals must be in close proximity to the low-power radios in order to interrogate the low-power radios and collect that data from a meter. Although low power radios in meters increase the speed and accuracy with which data can be collected by a worker, this conventional solution still requires that a worker be placed in the field in close physical proximity to the meters, generally within the Fifteen meters range to any particular meter. Frequently, because the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that low power radios operate with such low power and because meters are often obstructed by buildings and other physical objects, it is necessary for a worker to establish a line of sight coupling with the low power radius in order to perform the interrogation and reading. Another problem that service companies face, such as power companies, is the monitoring and control of residential equipment such as air conditioners. According to some conventional programs, customers of electric companies can voluntarily give up control of their air conditioning unit so that the electric company can turn on or turn off the air conditioning unit of a particular client, depending on the loads of peak power monitored by the electric company. Many utilities use existing power lines as the means of communication to control the operation of such air conditioning units. There are problems associated with the use of existing power lines as the means of communications to control the air conditioning units. One such problem is the amount of hardware and its costs associated to support this type of communications medium that uses power lines. Also, the reliability of power line carriers (PLCs) is generally low because PLCs are more susceptible to noisy electromagnetic environments compared to other media., such as radio frequency communications over air. In addition to the problems faced by utility companies with respect to the control of residential equipment from a distance and the use of workers to acquire data from meters, there are other problems associated with other types of equipment that can be remotely located in relation to the organization that controls and maintains the equipment. For example, municipalities usually need to employ workers to monitor and maintain parking meters. A worker is required to collect money received by a meter and verify that a parking meter is functioning properly. If information is collected from a parking meter, such as the number of vehicles parked in space per day / hour or if a vehicle is present near the meter, then it would be required that such information is also collected by the worker during their data collection. meters For other equipment, such as traffic control devices, municipalities often employ workers to perform routine equipment checks for malfunctions and to increase the operating efficiency of the equipment. As an example, municipalities and local governments employ staff to maintain and monitor traffic lights. In general, such personnel must observe traffic lights at first hand in order to optimize the performance and detect any malfunction of the traffic lights. Also, usually the staff must observe traffic patterns first hand in order to establish the timing of the traffic lights. As another example, municipalities and / or companies also employ personnel to monitor and maintain automated barriers and doors for railroad crossings and mobile bridges. In general, automated barriers and doors have no way of communicating their operation nor can environmental conditions, such as weather and traffic flow, return to a central location. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a method and system that can collect information from, and provide control to, remote field devices in relation to a central location. Further, there is a need in the art for a method and system that can establish communications with a remote field device without using significant communications hardware, such as wires, cables and / or new radio equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A method and system for remote monitoring and control of devices in the field can include a high mesh network comprising a plurality of packet tranceptor modules that are supported and coupled to street lamps. Package tranceptor modules can also be coupled to sensors that monitor the operations of a street lamp as well as environmental conditions, such as ambient light and / or weather conditions relative to a street lamp. The combination of packet tranceptor modules and any sensors can be referred to as a node. A plurality of nodes can form the high mesh network. In addition to the monitoring and control operation of a street lamp, each packet tranceptor module of a node can be coupled to a remote field device through a wireless link, such as through a radiofrequency (RF) channel supported by the high mesh network. However, other wireless links and non-RF communication channels are not beyond the invention, such as, but not limited to magnetic, optical, acoustic, as well as other similar wireless links. Each remote field device can receive commands from, as well as send operation data to the elevated mesh network through the wireless link. Each remote field device can receive its commands and transmit data through the use of a packet tranceptor module that is attached to the remote field device and coupled to one or more packet tranceptor modules of the elevated mesh network through the wireless link The packet tranceptor module of each remote field device may also be coupled to one or more sensors that provide operation data for a respective remote field device. A remote field device can be any of several types or classes of devices. Remote field devices may include, but are not limited to, service meters such as gas, electricity, water, fuel, and other similar meters, as well as any type of monitor or building gauge such as a security system; a parking meter; a traffic control device such as a red light, movable door, mobile bridge, and other similar traffic control devices; pumps, generators and other similar machinery. A remote field device is usually a device that is placed between the ground and the raised mesh network. Nevertheless, remote ground field devices or remote field devices placed in the atmosphere of the earth or in space are not beyond the invention. The elevated mesh network can link the remote field devices to an asynchronous intermediate support communications system. To link the elevated mesh network with the asynchronous intermediate support communications system, at least one node of the elevated mesh network may include a communications gate. The communications gate may be coupled to the asynchronous intermediate support communications system through a wireless or wired link. The communications gate is a storage and forwarding system that connects to the asynchronous intermediate support communications system on a periodic basis. The asynchronous intermediate support communications system can be coupled to an application of back end or computer system. The back end application or computer system can diagnose and control remote field devices as well as archive data received from remote field devices. The communications gate usually includes all the hardware, software and functionality of a regular node that is part of the elevated mesh network. That is, the communications gate can operate and behave like a regular node by being coupled to one or more nodes by means of a wireless link. In addition to the hardware and software of a regular node, the communications gate may also include a microcontroller, memory and separate tranceptor module dedicated to managing the data received from, and to detect commands addressed to remote field devices. In other words, the communications gateway may have two or more microcontrollers (CPUs), memories and tranceptor modules: one designed for normal node operations and one dedicated to establishing the link to the asynchronous intermediate support communications system. A first tranceptor module of the communications gate that is dedicated to establishing a link with the asynchronous communications gate can operate on a frequency or frequency band completely different in relation to a second tranceptor module having another dedicated frequency for high mesh network communications. For example, in accordance with an exemplary aspect, the first tranceptor node dedicated to establishing a link with the asynchronous intermediate support communications system can operate in a cellular phone frequency band while the second tranceptor node dedicated to operations of Node can operate in a different frequency band. The communications gate may be designed to compress and store data that is received from the remote field devices coupled to the high mesh network. At predetermined intervals, the communications gate can establish a link with the asynchronous intermediate support communications system. In accordance with another exemplary aspect, the communications gate may establish the link with the asynchronous intermediate support communications system when it receives a request for information from the asynchronous intermediate support communications system. The communications gate can also establish the link with the asynchronous intermediate support communications system after a quantity of predetermined time Alternatively, the communications gate can establish the link when it receives special values in the data received from the remote field devices. For example, a remote field device that needs repair can send a special message that can request the communication gate to establish a link with the asynchronous communication system. In other cases, remote field devices could send a code of change in their data that can be requested from the communications gate to establish a link. Regardless of the condition that causes the communications gate to establish a link with the asynchronous intermediate support communications system, the communications gate is designed to establish the link on a periodic basis in order to conserve resources and in opposition to a link that would provide constant communication to the asynchronous intermediate support communications system. In accordance with an exemplary aspect, by establishing a link to the asynchronous intermediate support communications system on a periodic basis, the communications gate can substantially reduce operating costs and increase efficiency especially in environments where utility networks are used. cellular telephony based on rates as the link to the system of asynchronous intermediate support communications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of some core architecture components for a high mesh network that couples remote field devices operating in a high mesh network radio frequency range with an asynchronous intermediate support communication system. according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating some core architecture components of a packet tranceptor module that can be coupled to a remote field device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating some core architecture components of a packet tranceptor module that forms a node of a high mesh network in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The. Figure 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating some core architecture components of a communications gate that can couple a high mesh network with an intermediate support system asynchronous according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of some core architecture components for an asynchronous intermediate support system that communicates data between a high mesh network, and particularly a communications gate, and a back end computing system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 6 is a logical flow diagram illustrating, an exemplary method for remotely monitoring and controlling field devices with a high mesh network in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 7 is a logical flow diagram illustrating an exemplary sub-method for transmitting data from an asynchronous intermediate support communications system over a high mesh network and to a remote field device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY MODALITIES The inventive method and system for remote monitoring and control of field devices can include an elevated mesh network having packaged tranceptor modules supported and operatively coupled to street lamps. Package tranceptor modules can also be coupled to sensors that monitor the operation of a street lamp as well as environmental conditions, such as ambient light and weather conditions relative to a street lamp. Each street lamp with a tranceptor module can form a node and a plurality of nodes can form a high mesh network. The high mesh network supported by the street lamps can use RF links for coupling with one or more remote field devices that also have packaged tranceptor modules. The raised mesh network may also include a communications gate that couples the raised mesh network to an asynchronous communication system. The communications gate is a storage and forwarding system that can periodically be connected to the asynchronous communication system in order to load compressed data that is derived from the remote field devices. While connected to the asynchronous communications system, the communications door can also receive data from the asynchronous communication system. The communications system Asynchronous can connect the elevated mesh network to the back end computing system that can monitor, diagnose and control remote field devices. Referring now to the figures, in which similar numbers represent similar elements in the various figures, aspects of the invention and the illustrative operating environment will be described. Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of some core architecture components of a high mesh network 160 that couples remote field devices 150 operating in the radiofrequency range of the high mesh network 160 with an intermediate support communication system asynchronous 112 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As noted above, a remote field device 150 may be any of several types or classes of devices. Remote field devices 150 may include, but are not limited to, service meters 150B such as gas, electric, water, fuel, and other similar meters, as well as any type of building or gauge monitor such as a system of security; a parking meter 150A; a 150D traffic control device such as a high light, movable door, bridge mobile, and other similar traffic control devices 150D; pumps, generators and other similar machinery. A remote field device 150E is usually a device that can be placed between the ground and the raised mesh network 100. However, other spatial positions are not beyond the scope of the invention. For example, the remote field device 150E could be underground or it could be above the 100 mesh grid in the earth's atmosphere. The remote field device 150E is generally in proximity with the elevated mesh network 100 so that radio frequency communications can be established between the device 150E and the elevated mesh network 100. Each remote field device 150E can be equipped with a package tranceptor module (not illustrated in Figure 1, but shown in Figure 2). For the illustrated parking meters 150A, in addition to tracking the money deposited in a meter 150A, each parking meter can be equipped with one or more sensors such as a vehicle presence sensor and an ambient climate sensor. Each water and gas meter can measure the volumetric flow of product while each electric meter can measure the energy consumption in hours of kilowatts or fractions thereof, by volume or based on the time of day, or any other unit of similar energy measurement. Similar to the parking meter 150A, each service meter 150B may include additional sensors (not illustrated in Figure 1, but shown in Figure 2) that measure external environmental conditions. In Figure 1, a service meter 150B is illustrated separately from a service controller 150C. The service meter 150B is designed to load data that it receives through the use of a package tranceptor module. One skilled in the art recognizes that these two remote field devices 150B, C may be coupled to the same remote field device 150. Furthermore, these two remote field devices 150B, C may be combined in a single device. Each service controller 150C may include a switch, load reducer or some other form of active control that can be monitored and activated from a remote location. Although not illustrated in detail in Figure 1, each remote field device 150 has a packet tranceptor module (not shown) with an antenna 153A-E. Each remote field device 150 can use its antenna 153 to be coupled over a link wireless 173, such as an RF link, to the high mesh network 160. Although the RF links 173 are the preferred form of wireless connection between each remote field device 150 and the high mesh network 160, one skilled in the art recognizes that other wireless connections, such as infrared, acoustic, magnetic, are not beyond the scope of the invention. The RF link can be any single frequency or a frequency band and can operate in accordance with standards, such as 802. XX, to include 802.15 for Personal Area Networks (PAN), such as Bluetooth. The raised mesh network 160 may include one or more nodes 155 which are usually placed above a street light 157. Each street light 157 is usually supported by a service pole 159. Each node 155 may include a package tranceptor module (not illustrated in Figure 1, but illustrated in Figure 3) that establishes an RF communications link between a node 155 and a remote field device 150 as well as between other nodes 155 that are part of the elevated mesh network 160. Further details of the packet tranceptor node are discussed below in Figure 2. Each node 155 may be contained within a cylindrically shaped housing that is connected to the housing of a respective street light 157. Without However, the inventive system is not limited to the size and shape of the node housings illustrated in Figure 1. Other sizes, color patterns, compositions of material and shapes, such as circular, rectangular and many other simple or complex shapes are not beyond the invention. Although the raised mesh network 160 is preferably formed by nodes 155 which are coupled to street lights or lamps 157 and which are elevated above the ground, the inventive system is not limited to the nodes 155 which are coupled to lamps of street 157. The nodes 155 can be placed without a connection to a street lamp 157 on any type of service pole 159 so that they are elevated above the ground. When the nodes 155 are raised above the ground, they can provide a natural unobstructed line of sight coupling between remote field devices 150 and each node 155. The inventive system can utilize existing raised mesh networks 160 that can be designed only to control the lamps 157. The existing mesh networks 160 may be modified to operate in accordance with the inventive system. One modification includes providing at least one communications gate 103 that is located in the raised mesh network 160 similar to any other node. The communications gate 103 can be designed to operate and operate like any other node 155. That is, the communications gate 103, like the other nodes 155, can transmit, receive and retransmit information from a node 155 to another node 155 However, the communications gate 103 can be provided with additional functionality. The communications gate 103 can be designed to compress and store data that is received from the remote field devices 150 coupled to the elevated mesh network 160. Additional hardware details for the communication gate 103 will be discussed below with reference to the Figure 4. At predetermined intervals, the communications gate 103 can establish a link 106 with the asynchronous intermediate support communications system. Link 106 can be wired or wireless. According to a preferred and exemplary embodiment, the link 106 with the asynchronous intermediate support communications system 112 is wireless and usually is a radio frequency (RF) link. The wireless link 106 may include a frequency or frequency band that is different from the frequency or frequency band of the 160 mesh high network.

In accordance with another preferred and exemplary embodiment, the wireless link 106 is established using a cellular telephone network. By establishing the wireless link 106 with the asynchronous intermediate support communication system 112, only if certain conditions are met, this provides the inventive system with a tremendous benefit and advantage over conventional technology that may require a constant link or connection to establish communication with a back end computing system 121. In the non-limiting example of cellular telephony, when establishing the link 106 with the asynchronous intermediate support communication system 112, only periodically and through the use of contained data, the communications gate 103 can significantly conserve resources, such as bandwidth and connection time. Frequently, communication transfer rates over a cellular telephone network are based on the time or duration of the connection. By making connections infrequently and for short periods in a cellular network, the communications gate 103 can substantially reduce operating costs and extend the mean time between failures (MTBF) for components of the inventive system. In other words, programming only periodic links 106 can also retain costs that are associated with wireless and "airtime" networks. Periodic links 106 can also support enhanced system MTBF transfer rates for system components.

Condition of the wireless link 106 of Figure 1: Authorized Request or Control Signal (or both) of the Asynchronous Communications System 112 In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the communication gate 103 can establish the link 160 with the supporting communications system asynchronous intermediate 100 when it receives a request for authorized information from the asynchronous intermediate support communications system 112. For example, a back end computing system 121, such as a legacy main board of the asynchronous communication system 112, may wish to a question is asked to the remote field devices 150 to determine the operating status of each remote field device 150 for diagnostic purposes. These questions can be asked to determine which remote field device might require a repair. However, the inventive system is not limited to this type of request for authorized information made by the computer system back end 121. Other requests for authoritative information may include, assess environmental conditions and / or charge a remote field device 150 through its sensors (not illustrated in Figure 1)., but which are illustrated in Figure 2). The assessment of the environmental conditions of a remote field device 150 could include the assessment of climatic conditions including temperature, precipitation or lack of precipitation. Other environmental conditions may include, but are not limited to, conditions of environmental use, assessment of energy use and loading conditions. Load conditions that can be monitored for 150A parking meters can include the number of vehicles currently paying for a meter, the presence or absence of vehicles in parking spaces, and the year date corresponding to the volume of vehicles. The loading conditions for a 150B service meter may include monitoring the product consumption and comparing these conditions with environmental conditions and the consumption of the product measured by other meters in a predefined geographical location. Loading conditions for 150D traffic control devices may include the volume measurement of traffic adjacent to a 150D traffic control device. In addition to monitoring the remote field devices 150, the back end computing system 121 can control the remote field devices 150 in response to the load conditions present in a remote field device 150. For parking meters 150A, the computer system Rear end 121 can control the prices charged by parking depending on demand. The demand for parking can fluctuate based on weather conditions as well as based on the date of the year (holiday shopping, back to school date, etc.). The rear end computing system 121 can raise or lower the price in the parking meters 150 depending on the demand. Similarly, the back end computing system 121 can adjust the service product consumed by the customers by activating a service controller 150C such as a switch to cut the energy, gas, fuel or water. A service controller 150C could also include controls for large residential services, such as a switch or load reducer coupled to an air conditioner, heat pump, furnace, water heater, water irrigation system, and the like. He Rear end computing system 121 can also control remote field devices 150 which are coupled to alarm systems, such as fire alarms, security systems and the like.

Wireless Link Condition 106 of Figure 1: Predetermined Time Intervals The communication gate 103 may also establish link 106 with the asynchronous intermediate support communication system 112 after a predetermined amount of time. The back end computing system 121 can set this time period that is measured and monitored by the communications gate 103. This time period can be set for any configured time period: seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, etc. The period of time will often be a function of the type of field device 150 that is being monitored and controlled by the back end computing system 121. For example, a back end computing system 121 can establish the period of time in hour increments to establish link 106 when the data is taken from 150A meters and 150B service meters. Meanwhile, the rear end computing system 121 You can set the period of time in daily increments to establish link 106 when the data has been taken from 150D traffic control devices.

Wireless Link Condition 106 of Figure 1: Special Data or Delta Change Code received from Remote Field Devices 150 Alternatively, communication gate 103 may establish the link when it receives special values in data received from remote field devices 150. For example, a remote field device 150 in need of repair may send a special message that may request communication port 103 to establish link 106 with the asynchronous intermediate support communication system 112. In other cases, the devices Remote Fields 150 could send a change code message in their data regarding that they can request communication port 103 to establish a link 106 with the asynchronous intermediate support communication system 112.

Synopsis for Periodic Link 106 with System Asynchronous Intermediate Support Communications 112 of Figure 1. Without considering the condition that causes the communications gateway 103 to establish a link with the asynchronous intermediate support communications system 112, the communications gateway is designed to establish the link 106 on a periodic basis in order to conserve resources and in opposition to a link (not shown) that provide constant communication to the asynchronous intermediate support communications system 112. In accordance with an exemplary aspect, by establishing a link 106 with the asynchronous intermediate support communication system 112 on a periodic basis, the communications gate 103 can substantially reduce operating costs and increase the efficiency of the inventive system, especially in environments in which utility networks are used. cellular telephony based on rates such as link 106 with the asynchronous intermediate support communication system 112.

Intermediate Support Communications System Asynchronous 112 of Figure 1 The asynchronous intermediate support communication system 112 can be any type of communication system that provides a connection between the elevated mesh network 160 and a back end computing system 121. According to a preferred and exemplary embodiment, the asynchronous intermediate support communication system 112 may comprise the focused Telemetric Monitoring ™ ( ETM) which includes the RedRover ™ data transport architecture, which is described in the US Patent Application Co-pending and Commonly Issued with Serial No. 11 / 317,646, entitled "System and Method for Communicating Data Between a Door" Wireless and a Rear End Computer System ", filed December 23, 2005. The entire content of patent application 11 / 317,646 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The asynchronous intermediate support communication system 112 The term "asynchronous" is used to describe the intermediate support communication system 112 because the intermediate support system 112 can preprocess information that is intended for and that is received from the communication gate 103 when the communications gate 103 is not coupled, or is out of line relative to the back end computing system 121. The asynchronous intermediate support system 112 can support one or more data, file and communication transport protocols. Such protocols may include, but are not limited to FTP, HTTPS, TCIP, MESH, 802.11, 802.15, GSM, GPRSM, TDMA, etc. The asynchronous intermediate support system 112 can anticipate and process needs of the communication door 103 when the door 103 is not "synchronized" with the back end computing system 121. The intermediate support system can prepare information for downloading the post-gate end computation 103 much in advance of a communication link 106 established while gate 103 is not "synchronized", ie, it is not coupled with the back end computing system 121. When the communication link 106 is set, the gate 103 is coupled to, or is in line with, or "is synchronized with" the back end computing system 121 so that the back end computing system 121 can send data to, and receive data from the communication gate 103 of the elevated mesh network 160. The asynchronous intermediate support communication system 112 can also simply 3 O receiving information loaded from the communications gate 103 during a communication link 106 without adding time to the communication link 106. The asynchronous intermediate support communication system 112 can reduce or eliminate extra communications that are often associated with the processing of information when the information is uploaded to the asynchronous intermediate support communications system from the gate 103 of the high mesh network 160. In other words, the asynchronous intermediate support communication system 112 can maintain communications between it and the gate 103 simply in order to of promoting the efficient and rapid transfer of information between the intermediate support system 112 and the gate 103 during a periodic communication link 106. The simplicity in communications between the intermediate support system 112 and the gate 103 can reduce the duration of a communication link. As an example of simple communications between the asynchronous intermediate support communication system 112 and the gate 103 of the elevated mesh network 160 during a communication link 106, the intermediate support system 112 usually does not perform any rigorous authentication of the gate 103. Rather, the intermediate support system 112 can usually be authenticate the gate 103 by comparing a door identifier which is unique to the gate 103 and which is stored by the intermediate support system 112 with the identifier that is transmitted by the gate 103. If these two identifiers match, the gate 103 it can be authenticated by the intermediate support system. Further details of the asynchronous intermediate support communication system 112 will be discussed below in relation to Figure 5. However, one skilled in the art recognizes that one or more additional security layers could be implemented by the intermediate support system 112 without Significantly affect the simple communications that are established between the gate 103 and the intermediate support system 112. For example, the security of information that contains defense in depth and that is oriented to the best design practices, such as access controls based on function (RBAC), to strengthen confidentiality, availability and integrity, in accordance with existing standards, such as ISO 17799 as well as future standards not yet developed, can be implemented without significantly affecting the performance of the entire system 101.

Rear End Computer System 112 of Figure 1 The asynchronous intermediate support communication system 112 couples the high-mesh network 160 with the rear end computing systems 121. The rear end computing systems 121 may also comprise various software of specific application and sometimes include legacy software and / or hardware that can run on larger computers, such as server-like computers. For example, a back end computing system 121 may include, but is not limited to, application software that is specific to an industry or local government such as services, municipalities, construction, large-scale contracting, and / or other industries. Similar. In a service application, as noted above, the back end computing system 121 can monitor and control service meters 150B and service controllers 150C. In a municipality application, the rear end computing system 121 can monitor and control 150A parking meters and 150D traffic control devices. For example, the rear end computing system 121 can raise or lower parking meter rates depending on consumer demand as well as You can adjust the timing and frequency of traffic lights, traffic gates, and other similar equipment. Expert systems can be used in the system 101 from the back end computing system 121 for logic incorporated in the remote field devices 150 and the nodes 155 of the 160 mesh network. 200A Packet Transceiver Modules of Figure 2 coupled to Remote Field Devices 150 Referring now to Figure 2, this figure is a functional block diagram illustrating some core architecture components of a 200A packet tranceptor module that is it can be coupled to a remote field device 150 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The packet tranceptor module 200A may comprise a microcontroller 202A, a radio transceiver 205A, a memory module 207A, and a battery 209A. The packet tranceptor module 200A can support packet switched communications and can support amateur radio packet as well as General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). However, other protocols are not beyond the scope of the invention. In addition, the 200A packet tranceptor module can support communications that do not require specific protocols or formats. He 200A package tranceptor module can work with X.25 set to recently emerging standards, such as the box relay with respect to this document. The microcontroller 202A may include other subcomponents. The microcontroller 202A may comprise a program controller 213, a diagnostic processor 216, and control logic 219. The program controller 213 can execute embedded software code that can control operations of the packet tranceptor module 200A. The program controller 213 may be programmed to initiate radio communications in order to establish the link 173 with the elevated mesh network 160. The diagnostic processor 216 may manage the signals received from the output lines 211A coupled to the device 150 as well as the signals received from the environmental sensors 161. The control logic 219 can manage the signals sent through the input lines 211A to the device 150 and sent to the environmental sensors 161. The control logic 219 can be responsible for the control of the actuators, switches and other elements of a device 150 that can be activated. The aforementioned elements are known to those skilled in the art.

The microcontroller 202A can be coupled to the tranceptor 205A. The tranceptor 205A may also include a radio frequency (RF) signal generator. The microcontroller 202A can also be coupled to the remote field device 150 through the input and output lines 211A. The input and output lines 211A may be connected to the sensors or circuitry that monitor and / or control the operation of the remote field device 150. The CPU 202A may also be coupled to a memory 207A as well as to one or more environmental sensors 161 The environmental sensors 161 can provide data on external environmental conditions relative to the remote field device 150. For example, the sensors 161 can detect temperature, precipitation, ambient light and other similar parameters. The memory 207A can be any type of hardware that can store digital information and that can be updated. The memory 207A may take the form of random access memory (RAM) such as SRAM or DRAM. However, other memory hardware such as EEPROM and ERPROM is not beyond the scope of the invention. The memory 207A can also store any software programs that are used to operate the packet tranceptor module 200A.

The microcontroller 202A and other remaining elements of the packet tranceptor module 200A can be energized by a source, such as a battery 209A. The 209A battery can comprise any type and can be rechargeable. Some types of battery include, but are not limited to, acid copper, lithium ions, lithium ion polymer, nickel-cadmium, nickel metal hydride, and molten salt batteries. However, other types of battery not identified are not beyond the invention. In addition, built-in logic and expert system analysis as part of the design of the system that can detect the end of the life of the battery and automatically schedule the renewal and / or replacement programming controls are not beyond the invention. Alternatively, the packet tranceptor module 209A can be energized by electricity. However, it is contemplated that the package tranceptor module will be coupled to existing devices 150 long after they have been constructed as an accessory and after market. For example, the 200A packet tranceptor module can be attached to existing service meters or gauges that may not be designed to have electrical power in close proximity to the meters or calibrators. In these after-market accessory situations, direct electrical connections to energize the 200A packet tranceptor module may not be available or not possible. Therefore, energizing the 200A packet tranceptor module with a 209A battery can be the simplest and most efficient power source solution. The packet tranceptor module 200A may further comprise an antenna scan controller 211A. The antenna scan controller 211A can be coupled to a motor (not shown) that physically rotates the antenna 153 for scanning so that the fingerprint or RF beam produced by the antenna 153 can be adjusted or configured. Alternatively, instead of mechanical scanning, the antenna 153 may comprise multiple elements (not illustrated) that can be activated in a predefined manner, such as through phase, by the antenna scanning controller 211A. This phase of elements of the antenna 153 can provide electrical scanning where the fingerprint or RF beam produced by the antenna 153 is oriented and / or configured. In addition, the material composition of the housings for the packet tranceptor module 200 can be designed to configure the radiation footprint produced by the antenna 153. Said composition of material may also be important when a housing for a remote field device 150, the gate 103, or a node 155 is used to function as an antenna. The packet tranceptor module 200A can be mechanically configured on a single printed circuit board (PCB) and can be contained in any number of housings known to those skilled in the art. For example, as illustrated in Figure 1, the cylindrical housings used for the nodes 155 can be used for the packet tranceptor module 200A.

Nodes 155 of Figure 3 Referring now to Figure 3, this figure is a functional block diagram illustrating some core architecture components of a packet tranceptor module 200A that forms a node 155 of a high mesh network 160 of according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The architecture of each node 155 is substantially similar to the architecture of the packet tranceptor modules 200A that are coupled to the remote field devices 150 that are illustrated in Figure 2. Therefore, only the differences will now be described below. between the figure 2 and Figure 3. The input and output lines 211B of the node 155 forming part of the elevated mesh network 160 can be connected to sensors such as transducers and switches that monitor and control the operations of a street lamp 157. Similar to the packet tranceptor module 200A illustrated in Figure 2, node 155 may also include a microcontroller 202B having subcomponents such as program controller 213, diagnostic processor 216, and control logic 219. Without However, the node 155 may additionally have elements to support operations of the high mesh network 160. Unlike and in contrast to the packet tranceptor modules 200A which are designed to operate independently and in an autonomous manner with respect to others packet tranceptor modules 200A which are coupled to other devices, the packet tranceptor modules 200B forming the nodes 155 are designed to operate in conjunction with other 200B package tranceptor modules. Therefore, to support the operation and functionality of the high mesh network 160, the microcontroller 202B may further comprise a packet transfer driver 303. The packet transfer controller 303 may 4 O determine how to handle input and output messages that are modulated in a radiofrequency (RF) carrier generated by the radio tracer 205A. The packet transfer driver 303 can determine whether a message is repeated or retransmitted; if a message should be discarded; if the message is passed through the program controller; or if the message is maintained in case a neighboring node 155 is not available. Each node 155 is designed to transmit messages to neighboring nodes along predetermined paths of the high mesh network 160. The design and operation of the packet transfer controller 303 as well as other components of a microcontroller 202B, such as the controller of program 213B, diagnostic controller 216B, and control logic 219, of a node 155 in a high-mesh network 160 are known to those skilled in the art. Each node 155 may operate in a manner similar to the nodes 155 of the 160 mesh network described in US Patent No. 7,050,808, issued May 23, 2006, based on the Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 09 / 875,529, titled, "Method and System for Transmitting, Receiving and Collecting Information Related to a Plurality of Components in Operation", filed on June 6, 2001. All the contents of this patent reference is incorporated in the present invention.

Communications Gate 103 of Figure 4 Referring now to Figure 4, this figure is a functional block diagram illustrating some core architecture components of a communications gate 103 that can couple a high mesh network 160 to a gate system. asynchronous intermediate support 112 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The architecture of the communications gate 103 is substantially similar to the architecture of the nodes 155 that are illustrated in Figure 3. Therefore, only the differences between Figure 3 and the figure will be described below. Because the communications gate 103 has all the elements of a node 155, the device operates in a manner similar to any other node 155 of the elevated mesh network 160 in case the communications gate 103 is only functioning as a node 155. However, if the communications gate 103 needs to forward information to, or receive information from, the asynchronous intermediate support communications system 112, then additional components of the gate 103 may be used.

The gate 103 may comprise a second packet tranceptor module 200C relative to its first packet tranceptor module 200B which supports communications of the high mesh network 160. However, the second packet tranceptor module 200C is designed for establishing the communication link 106 with the asynchronous intermediate support communication system 112. Like the first packet tranceptor module 200B of the gate 103, the second packet tranceptor module 200C may comprise a microcontroller 202C, a memory 207C , and a radio tracer 205C. Although the communication link 106 established on a periodic basis with the asynchronous intermediate support communications system 112 in a preferred exemplary embodiment is a wireless link, the communication link 106 may be a wired link in case the direct wiring of the gate Communications 103 is more feasible and easily available in a particular circumstance. As noted above, the communication link 106 can be established by the communications gate 103 in case one, or a combination of conditions, is met: the gate 103 has received an authorized request or control signal (or both) from the system of asynchronous intermediate support communications 112; after a predetermined time interval; and the gate 103 receives at least one of special data or a delta change code from one or more remote field devices 150. One of the key features of the communications gate 103 is the capacity of the microcontroller 202C of the second tranceptor module. in packet for compressing and storing data received from the remote field devices 150. Any or a combination of data compression techniques known to those skilled in the art may be employed. The second memory 207C of the second packet tranceptor module 200C may also comprise more RAM, EEPROM and / or EPROM. The second memory 207 may also comprise any of a magnetic storage device (such as hard disk or tape drives), magnetic-optical, optical (WROM), or any other known memory storage device. By compressing the data received from the remote field devices 150, the communications gate 103 can send data to the asynchronous intermediate support communication system 112 with short RF transmission bursts in accordance with an exemplary wireless mode. As observed above, through the establishment of the communication link 106 with the asynchronous intermediate support communication system 122, only periodically and for short durations using RF bursts, the communications gate 103 can conserve resources and especially reduce costs when used a cellular telephone network as part of the communication link 106 for the asynchronous intermediate support communications system 112. Although the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 has two antennas 153B and 153C, one skilled in the art recognizes that it could be use an antenna 153 in case the first and second radio trancers 205B and 205C share the use of a single antenna 153. Similarly, one skilled in the art recognizes that the first and second microcontrollers 202B, 202C could also share the use of a single-radius tranceptor 205. However, in the exemplary mode of the single tranceptor 20 5 (not illustrated), the simple tranceptor would need to support two completely separate frequency bands, such as the frequency band for the 160 mesh network and create the communication link 106, which in some cases can be created using a cell phone service.

Asynchronous Intermediate Support Communications System of Figure 5 Referring now to Figure 5, this figure is a functional block diagram of some core architecture components for a subsystem 100 comprising the asynchronous intermediate support system 112 that communicates data between a high mesh network 160, and particularly a communications gate 103, and a system rear end computation 121 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In accordance with a preferred and exemplary embodiment, the asynchronous intermediate support communication system 112 may comprise the FocusTrust ™ Telemetric Monitoring (ETM) which includes the RedRover ™ data transport architecture, which is described in the U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application. Co- Pending and Commonly Issued with Serial No. 11 / 317,646, entitled, "System and Method for Communicating Data Between a Wireless Door and a Rear End Computer System", filed on December 23, 2005. All contents of Patent application 11 / 317,646 is incorporated in the present invention by reference. Figure 5 also provides an illustration and description of additional functionality of the communications gate 103 which is generally incorporated in software executed by the second microcontroller 202C of the gate 103. The exemplary computer architecture of the intermediate support system 112 may comprise a listener plane coupled to a computing network 109 and a back end computing system 121. An expert in the The technique recognizes that the raised mesh network 160 as well as the asynchronous intermediate support system 112 can operate in a networked connection environment using logical connections with one or more remote computers. The remote computers can be another personal computer, a server, a client such as a Web browser, a router, a network PC, an even device, or a common network node. The logical connections shown in both Figure 1 and Figure 5 may include additional local area networks (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN) that is not shown. Such networking environments are common in offices, large industrial facilities, large computer networks of companies, intranets, and the Internet. The computers illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 5 can be coupled to a LAN through a network interface or adapter. When used in a WAN network environment, computers usually They may include a modem or other means to establish direct lines of communication over the WAN. In a networked environment, the modules of the program can be stored in remote memory storage devices. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and that other means may be used to establish a communication link between computers other than the connections shown. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in other configurations of computer systems, including other 200-pack tranceptor modules, multiprocessor systems, consumer-programmable or microprocessor-based electronic circuits, personal computers connected in network, minicomputers, central computers, and the like. The invention can be practiced in a distributed computing environment, as illustrated both in Figure 1 and Figure 5, where the tasks can be executed by remote processing devices that are linked through such a communication network. as the distributed computing network 109. The distributed computing network can comprise the Internet or a wide area network (WAN). In a distributed computing environment, the program modules can be located in storage devices, both local and remote. The invention can be practiced in a distributed, intelligent, and operational environment centered on adaptive networks (NCO), where the tasks can be executed by remote processing devices and / or experts. Gate 103 may comprise any general-purpose computer with the ability to run software applications. The communications gate 103 of the elevated mesh network 160 can communicate with the computing network 109 through the communication link 106. The gate can comprise client process engine software 104 running on the gate 103. As it was noted above, the communication link 106 between the gate 103 and the asynchronous communications system 112 can be wired or wireless, depending on the location of the gate 103 and its proximity to a wired connection. In a preferred, although exemplary embodiment, the link 106 may comprise a wireless link. As noted above, typical wireless links 106 include a type of radio frequency where the door 103 can communicate with the asynchronous intermediate support system 112 using radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic waves. Other wireless links 106 that are not beyond the scope of the invention may include, but are not limited to, magnetic, optical, acoustic and other similar wireless links 106. The communication link 106 allows the gate 103 to establish communication with the computing network 109 that may comprise the Internet. As noted above, in accordance with an exemplary aspect, the client processing engine 104 of gate 103 can be programmed to initiate communications link 106 at predetermined times during the day or at predetermined time intervals established. The client processing engine 104 may also initiate the communication link 106 if it is determined to have data that the back end computing system 121 should have before a scheduled communication link 106. Similarly, the computer counting system 10 The back end 121 can initiate the communication link 106 if it is determined to have data that the back end computing system 121 should have before a scheduled communication link 106. communications 106 only when the data is ready to be transmitted, the inventive system 101 (of figure 1) can take advantage of the processing information during any "off" time or time at which the door 103 is "off line" "or not linked to the back end computing system 121. Additionally and as noted above, programming only periodic links 106 may also retain costs that are associated with wireless and" airtime "networks. The computer network 109 may comprise any type of computer network such as a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), or the Internet. The computing network 109 may be coupled to the listener plane of the asynchronous intermediate support communication system 112. The listener plane may comprise first and second articulation motors 115A, 115B and the first and second expression engines 118A, 118B. The listener plane may be designed to transmit data to, and receive data from gate 103 through, the computing network 109. The listener plane may comprise one or more articulation motors 115 and expression engines 118. Each motor is articulation 115 is designed to communicate data between the gate 103 and a respective expression motor 118. The expression motor 118 which is coupled to one or more articulation motors 115 communicates data between a respective articulation motor 115 and the rear end computing system 121. Each articulation motor 115 may comprise a computer server that executes several software applications to establish communication with the gate 103 and the expression engine 118. The expression engine 118 may comprise a computer server, such as a sequential query language (SQL) server that maintains upload and download files for each respective gate 103 that may be assigned to a particular expression motor 118. The expression motor 118 is designed to establish communication between the articulation motor 115 and the rear end computing system 121. Although the door 103 and the articulation motors 115 are illustrated as in communication between yes through the dashed arrows 122, these arrows 122 denote virtual connections between the hinge motors 115 and gate 103 and not direct physical connections. Similarly, the articulation motor 115 and the expression motor 118 are also illustrated as being in communication with each other through the dashed arrows 122, where the arrows 122 denote virtual connections between the articulation motors 115 and the expression engines 118 and not direct physical connections. Each expression motor 118 is connected to one or more articulation motors 115 through the computation network 109 as indicated by the solid direct link lines 125. In addition, although each listener plane comprises a group of articulation motors. 115 and expression engines 118 contained within a rectangular box, one skilled in the art recognizes that this grouping of elements is a logical association instead of a real physical association. For example, the first articulation motor 115A could physically exist in a first geographic location, such as the State of Georgia, while the second articulation motor 115B could exist in a second geographic location, such as the State of Maryland. The physical locations of the expression engines 118 can also be different from each other, as well as different from the articulation motors 115. The expression motors 118 connect the articulation motors 115 to the back end computing systems 121. The rear end computer 121 may also comprise several types of application-specific software that can run on larger computers, such as servers 124. For example, a back end server 124 can execute application software that is specific to an industry, such as fuel, gas, water and electricity services, and municipalities, and the like. In a service application, as noted above, the back end computing system 121 can monitor and control service meters 150B and service controllers 150C. In a municipality application, the rear end computing system 121 can monitor and control the 150A parking meters and 150D traffic control devices. For example, the rear end computing system 121 can increase or lower the rates of the parking meters depending on consumer demand, as well as adjust the timing and frequency of traffic lights, traffic gates and other similar equipment. With the asynchronous intermediate support communication system 112, a balanced communication load and relative ease can be achieved to maintain the entire system 101. Specifically, in accordance with an exemplary aspect, each gate 103 has an identifier 127A which is assigned to a particular group of articulation motors 115. Before establishing a link 106 with the computer communication network 109, 4 the gate 103 through the client processing engine 104 may select one of several compute addresses from a list 130A of counting network addresses. The computer address list 130A may comprise computer addresses of the articulation engines 115 that are assigned to a particular gate 103. The computer addresses may comprise addresses such as Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. For example, the client processing engine 104 could select the first computational network address 133A which is the computing network address for the first articulation motor 115A as illustrated in Figure 1. Similarly, the motor process processor 104 could also select the second compute network address 133B which corresponds to the compute network address for the second articulation motor 115B. The invention could include any number of compute network addresses that are contained in the list 130A. To assist with the balance of communication between respective articulation motors 115, such as the first articulation motor 115A and the second articulation motor 115B, the client processing motor 104 of the manual computer 103 can use a function of scrambler 136 which allows the gate 103 to select its first hinge motor 115 before establishing a link 106 with the computer communication network 109. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the client processing engine 104 may use the function of scrambler 136A in order to select a first counting network address from the list 130A of counting network addresses available for a particular gate 103. This means that if a particular counting network address is first selected by a gate 103 and fails, the client processing engine 104 may then select the next compute network address from the list 130A in sequence instead of using the scrambler function 136A. However, it is not beyond the scope of the invention for the client processing engine 104 to use the scrambler function 136A to select each compute network address from the list of network addresses 130A. The selection of a first computed network address in a random manner and then the selection of a next computer address in sequence from list 130A can help to balance the communication load between respective articulation motors 115 of a control plane. particular listener 112 that can be assigned to a group of gates 103. By allowing each gate 103 to select a respective articulation motor 115 from list 130A of counting network addresses, the stability of the intermediate support communications system is also increased asynchronous 112. For example, if a particular articulation motor 115 requires service, then that particular articulation motor 115 can be taken off-line without interrupting the service for a particular gate 103. In other words, if a gate 103 selects a first computational network address 133A which can be assigned to a first articulation motor 115A, and if the first articulation motor 115A is out of line, then the gate 103 can select the next compute network address from list 130A of the computer network addresses. In this way, the next articulation motor 115 that is selected could be the second articulation motor 1158. Similar to the computation network addresses 130A maintained within the door 103, each articulation motor 115A can also maintain a list 130B of computing network addresses for respective expression engines 118 that are assigned to a particular hinge motor 115. Similarly to gate 103, hinge motor 115A may also use a scrambler function 136B to randomly select its computational network address from list 130B of compute network addresses for their respective expression engines 118. In this way, the balance of the communication load can be achieved between numerous expression engines 118 that can provide service to one or more articulation engines 115. As noted above, it is not beyond the scope of the invention to use the function of scrambler 136B for each selection that is made from list 130B of compute network addresses. And similarly to what was described above, if service or maintenance is required for a particular speech engine 118, a particular unit can be taken offline without affecting the communications due to the ability of the hinge motor 115 to select another expression engine 118 of the list 130B of computing network addresses maintained by a respective articulation motor 115. In summary, the first and second lists 130A, 130B which are maintained in respective doors 103 and respective articulation motors 115 in the plane from The listener increases the performance of the intermediate support system 100 by provisioning of automatic switching recovery in addition to the communication load balance. The ease with which a door 103 can identify an available articulation motor 115 as well as the capacity of the articulation motor 115 that can be found by an available expression motor, offers a highly scalable and durable intermediate support communication system 112. The system intermediate support 112, as illustrated in Figure 5, also provides simple communications between a respective articulation motor 115 and a gate 103. Specifically, the articulation motor 115 typically does not perform any important or rigorous authentication of the respective doors 103 that can be serviced by a particular articulation motor 115. Instead of performing a review through several security layers to determine whether a particular door 103 is allowed to access the rear end computing system 121 , according to an exemplary embodiment, the articulation motor 115 usually ede authenticating a wireless gate 103 by comparing the manual computer identifier 127A which is sent by the gate 103 with the identifier stored only 127B which is maintained in the articulation motor 115. If the two unique identifiers 127A and 127B coincide, then the articulation motor 115 has authenticated the wireless gate 103 and, therefore, the articulation motor 115 can proceed with the establishing communication with the respective door 103. However, one skilled in the art recognizes that one or more additional security layers could be implemented by the hinge motor 115 without significantly affecting the simple communications that are established between the door 103 and a respective articulation motor 115. For example, the security of information that contains defense in depth and is oriented to the best design practices, such as role-based access controls (RBAC), to strengthen confidentiality, availability and integrity, in accordance with existing standards, such as ISO 17799 as well as future standards do not Still further developed, they can be implemented without significantly affecting the performance of the entire system 101. Additional details of the asynchronous intermediate support communication system 112 are described in the U.S. Provisional Patent Application. co-pending and commonly assigned with Serial No. 11 / 317,646, entitled, "System and Method for Communicating Data between a Wireless Door and a Rear End Computing System", filed on December 23, 2005. All the contents of this non-provisional patent application is incorporated by reference in the present invention.

Method for Remotely Monitoring and Controlling Field Devices with an Elevated Mesh Network, Figure 6 Referring now to Figure 6, this figure is a logical flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method 600 for remotely monitoring and controlling devices field 150 with a high mesh network 160 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The processes and operations of the remote monitoring and control system 101 described below with respect to all logical flow diagrams may include the manipulation of signals through a processor and the maintenance of these signals within data structures residing in one. or more memory storage devices. For the purposes of this analysis, one can contemplate that a process is usually a sequence of steps executed by computer that lead to a desired result. These steps usually require physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, although not necessarily, these amounts take the form of electrical signals, magnetic, or optical with the ability to be stored, transferred, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated. It is convenient for those skilled in the art to refer to the representations of these signals as bits, bytes, words, information, elements, symbols, characters, numbers, points, data, entries, objects, images, files or the like. However, it should be kept in mind that these terms as well as similar terms are associated with physical quantities appropriate for computing operations, and that these terms are simply conventional labels applied to physical quantities that exist within and during the operation of the computer. It should also be understood that manipulations within the computer are often referred to in terms such as listing, creation, addition, calculation, comparison, movement, reception, determination, configuration, identification, saturation, loading, performance, execution, storage, etcetera, which are often associated with manual operations executed by a human operator. The operations described herein can be machine operations executed in conjunction with various inputs provided by a human operator or user interacting with the computer. In addition, it should be understood that the programs, processes, methods, etc., described herein, are not related or limited to any particular computer or device. Rather, the various types of general-purpose machines can be used with the following process in accordance with the teachings described herein. The present invention may comprise a computer or hardware program or a combination thereof which incorporates the functions described herein and illustrated in the accompanying flowcharts. However, it should be apparent that there could be many different ways of implementing the invention in a hardware design or computer programming and the invention should not be construed as limited to any of these sets of computer program instructions. In addition, an expert programmer could write such a computer program or identify the appropriate hardware circuits to implement the invention described without difficulty based on the flow diagrams and associated description in the text of the application, for example. Therefore, the description of a particular set of detailed program code instructions or hardware devices is not considered necessary for a proper understanding regarding how to make and use the invention. The inventive functionality of the claimed computer-implemented processes will be explained in greater detail in the following description in conjunction with the remaining figures illustrating other flows of the process. In addition, some steps in the processes or process flow described in all the logical flow diagrams below, must naturally precede others for the present invention to work as described. However, the present invention is not limited to the order of the described steps if said order or sequence does not alter the functionality of the present invention. That is, it is recognized that some steps may be executed before, after or in parallel with other steps without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Referring again to Figure 6, step 603 is the first step in the exemplary process 600 in which the packet tranceptor module 200A of a remote field device 150 can receive data from sensors coupled to device 150 or from environmental sensors 161. For example, a packet tranceptor module 200A coupled to a service meter 150B can receive data regarding what amount of a service product has been consumed, as well as external environmental data, such as the average temperature by an environmental sensor 161. Next, in step 606, the packet tranceptor module 200A can transmit the data to the 160 mesh high network. , the radio tranceptor module 205A can modulate the data received in a radiofrequency (RF) carrier that can be received by a node 155 or the gate 103 of the high mesh network 160. In step 609, the data of the device Remote field can be sent from a node 155 to the communications gate 103 in the high-mesh network 160. In this step, the data of the remote field device can be nsferidos between several nodes 155 until the information reaches the communications gate 103. In some cases, if the packet tranceptor module 200A is in close proximity to the communications gate, the data of the remote field device can be received directly by communication gate 103 so that this step may not be necessary or used. In step 612, the data of the remote field device is received by the communications gate 103. In particular, after the RF carrier containing the data of the remote field device is demodulated by the radio transceiver 205B, the first microcontroller 202B of the gate 103 can determine whether the received data refers to the lights 157 or if they refer to the remote field devices. If the data refers to the remote field devices 150, then the first microcontroller 202B can send the remote field data to the second microcontroller 202C of the second packet trance module 200C. In step 615, the second microcontroller 202C of the gate 103 can compress the data of the remote field device using one or more compression algorithms known to those skilled in the art. Next, in step 618, the second microcontroller 202C can store the compressed data of the remote field device in the second memory 207C. The second memory 207C may be volatile or non-volatile memory and may comprise RAM in the form of DRAM or SRAM. Other types of memory, such as Magnetic, magnetic - optical, and optical are not beyond the scope of the invention. Next, in decision step 621, the second microcontroller 202C of gate 103 can determine whether it has received an authorized information request from the asynchronous intermediate support communication system 112. If the query to decision step 621 is positive, then the branch "Yes" is followed for the step 633. If the query to the decision step 621 is negative, then the branch "No" is followed to the decision step 624. In the decision step 624, the second microcontroller 202C of the gate 103 can determine whether a predetermined or preset time interval has expired. This time interval may be established by the microcontroller 202C or the interval may be established by the back end computing system 121. If the query to the decision step 622 is positive, then the branch "Yes" is followed to step 633. If the query to the decision step 624 is negative, then the "No" branch is followed to the decision step 627. In the decision step 627, the second microcontroller 202C of the gate 103 can determine if any of the data received from the device from Remote field contains a special value. For example, if the data of the remote field device contains a value or label indicating that a remote field device 150 needs repair, then said data may constitute a special value. As another non-limiting example, if the data of the remote field device has a magnitude that is above a preselected threshold, such as a maximum consumption rate or operating status of the remote field device 150, then said value in the data of the remote field device can be a special value. One skilled in the art will recognize that special values can be established by the back end computing system 121 depending on the type of remote field device 150 being monitored and controlled. If the query to the decision step 627 is positive, then the branch "Yes" is followed to step 633. If the query to the decision step 627 is negative, then the branch "No" is followed to the decision step 630. In the decision step 630, the second microcontroller 202C of the gate 103 can determine whether the data received from the remote field device contains a delta change code. A delta change code can include a change in operating status, such as a "On" or "Off" condition of a remote field device 150. Alternatively or additionally, a delta change code may comprise a change in an operational condition such as a change from "Normal" to "Fail", and vice versa. The delta change code may comprise a change in an operating value, such as a change in a measured value, similar to a jump from a measurement of 100 watts to 1000 watts of power. Other types of delta change codes are not beyond the invention. If the query to decision step 630 is positive, then the branch "Yes" is followed to step 633. If the query to decision step 630 is negative, then the branch "No" is followed and the process ends. In step 633, the second microcontroller 202C can recover the compressed data from the remote field device of the memory 207C. Next, in step 636, the second microcontroller 202C can send the compressed data retrieved from the remote field device to the radio tracer 205C. In this step is where the communication link 106 can be established with the asynchronous intermediate support communication system 112. As noted above, this link 106 can be wired or wireless depending on the environment of the gate 103.

For the wireless context, the radio transceiver module 205C can modulate the data received from the remote field device in a radiofrequency (RF) carrier that can be received and processed by the computer network 109, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In step 639, the second radio tranceptor module 205C of the gate 103 can receive any data from the asynchronous intermediate support communication system 112 while the communication link 106 is established. As noted above, if a wired link 106 is established instead of a wireless link, then the second microcontroller 2020 of the gate 103 can directly receive the information from the asynchronous intermediate support communication system 112. Such data may include, but are not limited to commands for remote field devices 150, new programs for controllers 202 of packet tranceptor modules 200 coupled to remote field devices 150 as well as packetized tranceptor modules 200 that form nodes 155, new programs for door 103, and other similar information. Next, in routine 642, if the data is received from the communications system of asynchronous intermediate support 112 through the gate 103, then the second controller 202C of the gate 103 can transfer the received data to the first controller 202B of the first packet tranceptor module 200B so that these can be transmitted to other nodes 155 in the network of raised mesh 160. Further details of this routine 642 are described below with reference to FIG. 7. In step 645, the second controller 202C of the gate 103 can clear its memory 207C from the compressed remote field data. Specifically, in step 645, the second controller 202C can clean a copy of the remote field compressed data it has in its memory. Next, in step 648, the second controller 202C can then purge its memory of any remote field data. In this step, the "purge" action can clear any data structures that can be used to keep the remote field compressed data. The process ends then. Sub-method 642 for Transmitting Data from the Asynchronous Intermediate Support Communications System 112 on a High-Grid Network 160 to the Remote Field Devices 150 The sub-method or routine 642 corresponds to the same routine illustrated in Figure 6. Step 703 is the first step of the sub-method in which the first microcontroller 202B of the door can determine the destination of the data received from the asynchronous intermediate support system 112. Once the First microcontroller 202B determines the destination for the data, the first radio tranceptor module 205B of the gate 103 can modulate the data received in a radio frequency (RF) carrier that is supported by the 160 mesh network to a node 155. Alternatively, if the gate 103 provides service to the remote field device 150 which is intended to receive the data, the first radio trance module 205B can transmit the data directly to the intended remote field device 150. Then, in step 706, the remote field device 150 can receive the data from a packet tranceptor module 200B of a node 155 or the gate 103. Specifically, the mobile packet tranceptor module 200A, through its radio tranceptor module 205A, can receive the data from a node 155 or gate 103. Subsequently, in step 709, if the data has commands for the remote field device 150, the control logic 219 can execute the commands and send appropriate signals to the remote field device 150. The process ends then.

Conclusion A method and system for remotely monitoring and controlling field devices including a high mesh network and comprising a plurality of packet tranceptor modules that are supported and coupled to street lamps has been described. Each packet tranceptor module of a node in the high mesh network can be coupled to a remote field device through a wireless link, such as through a radio frequency (RF) channel supported by the high mesh network . Each remote field device can receive commands from, as well as send operation data to the elevated mesh network through the wireless link. A remote field device can be any of several types or classes of devices. Remote field devices may include, but are not limited to service meters such as gas, electric, water, fuel and other similar meters as well as any type of monitor or building calibrator such as a security system; a parking meter; a traffic control device such as a red light, movable door, mobile bridge, and others similar traffic control devices; pumps, generators, and other similar machinery. The elevated mesh network can link the remote field devices to a system of asynchronous intermediate support communications through the use of a communications gate that is part of the elevated mesh network. The communications gate may be coupled to the asynchronous intermediate support communications system through a wired or wireless link. The communications gate is a storage and forwarding system that connects to the asynchronous intermediate support communications system on a periodic basis. The asynchronous intermediate support communications system may be coupled to a computation system or back end application. The computer system or back end application can diagnose and control remote field devices as well as archive the data received from remote field devices. It should be understood that the above refers only to illustrate the embodiments of the invention, and that numerous changes can be made therein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

Claims (14)

4 NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, the content of the following is claimed as a priority: CLAIMS

1. - A method executed by computer to communicate data between a remote field device and a back end computing system comprising: receiving data from a remote field device; transmit the data from the remote field device to a high mesh network; transmit the data through the elevated mesh network to a communications gate; determine if the data should be communicated to the back end computation system; establishing a link between the communication gate and the back end computing system for a predetermined amount of time; and transfer the data from the communications gateway to the back end computing system while the link is active.

2. - The method executed by computer according to claim 1, which further comprises supporting the high mesh network with one or more service poles.

3. - The computer-executed method according to claim 1, further comprising attaching the portions of the raised mesh network to a street lamp.

4. - The method executed by computer according to claim 1, which further comprises compressing the data with the communications gate.

5. - The method executed by computer according to claim 1, which further comprises storing the data with the communications gate.

6. - The computer-executed method according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination as to whether the data should be communicated to the back-end computing system further comprises determining whether a request for information has been received by the communications gate .

7. - The method executed by computer according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination as to whether the data should be communicated to the back end computing system further comprises determining whether a predetermined amount of time has elapsed.

8. - The computer-executed method according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination as to whether the data should be communicated to the back end computation system further comprises determining whether the data received from the remote field device comprises a value special.

9. - The computer-executed method according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination as to whether the data should be communicated to the back end computation system further comprises determining whether the data comprises a delta change code.

10. A system for communicating data between a remote field device and a back end computing system comprising: a remote field device comprising a packet tranceptor module; an elevated mesh network comprising a plurality of nodes, each node comprising a packet tranceptor module, at least one node in communication with the remote field device; Y a communications gate that forms a part of the elevated mesh network and receives data originating from the remote field device from a node in the mesh network and the remote field device, the communications gate determines whether the data should be communicated to a back end computation system and selectively establish a link to the back end computation system on a periodic basis.

11. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the high mesh network is supported by one or more service poles.

12. - The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the high mesh network is supported by one or more poles of light.

13. - The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the communications gate compresses the data originating from the remote field device.

14. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the communications gate stores the data in memory for a period of time while the link to the back end computing system is inactive. 15.- The system in accordance with the claim 10, characterized in that the communications gate operates as a node and transmits information to other nodes in the elevated mesh network. 16. - A computer-implemented method for communicating data between a remote field device and a back end computing system comprising: transmitting data from a remote field device without light to a high mesh network supported by service poles; receive the data with a communications gate that is part of the elevated mesh network and that is supported by a service pole; determine if the data should be communicated to the back end computation system; and establishing a link between the communication gate and the back end computing system for a predetermined amount of time. 17. - The computer-executed method according to claim 16, further comprising transmitting the data through the elevated mesh network to a communications gate. 18. - The computer-executed method according to claim 16, further comprising transferring the data from the communication gate to the back-end computing system while the link is active. 19. - The method executed by computer according to claim 16, which further comprises joining a node of the mesh network to a street lamp. 20. - The method executed by computer according to claim 16, further comprising compressing the data with the communications gate.