Infrastructure monitoring devices, systems, and methods.

(54) Title: INFRASTRUCTURE MONITORING DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS. (54) Title: INFRASTRUCTURE MONITORING DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS.

(57) Summary

An infrastructure monitoring system and method is provided that includes multiple communication devices. At least one of the communication devices is coupled to an element of the infrastructure.

(57) Abstract

An infrastructure monitoring system and method inelude multiple Communications devices. At least one Communications device is coupled to an element of the infrastructure.

INFRASTRUCTURE MONITORING DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS

REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS

This request claims the benefit of the Provisional Request of the States

States 61 / 355,468 filed on June 16, 2010, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The description is directed to devices, systems, and methods related to the monitoring and control of an infrastructure such as, but not limited to, the supply and use of water, gas, and / or commercial, industrial, or residential electrical services, and, in In particular, a devices, methods, and systems for monitoring and controlling a municipality and alerting a user to potential failures and required actions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Municipalities manage and / or subcontract numerous public service and security systems within each municipality. Such systems are usually complex infrastructures and include but are not limited to water distribution, gas distribution, electricity distribution, garbage management, traffic control, fire departments, police departments, and emergency response departments. Each of these systems needs to be monitored for use (authorized or unauthorized), failures, alteration, events, interruptions or blockages, leaks, contamination, and / or other issues.

In order to gain an understanding of the status of any system, or for ordinary use, billing, or repair purposes, personnel within the municipality should commonly be dispatched to manually verify problems within the system.

This process is slow, laborious, and can lead to neglected problems. In addition, preferred aspects of the system can be evaluated irregularly or infrequently, thereby allowing a problem to be unverified for extended periods. As an example, a leak in a main water pipeline can cost a water distribution company a significant amount of money in wasted water, energy use, and chemical treatment, particularly if the leak is not discovered for a relatively long period of time. dragged on. Also, a leak can lead to underground structural erosion. Interference with a system can go unnoticed unless it is reported to a central facility.

Another problem and disadvantage associated with current systems is the lack of sufficient property rights to maintain a network of monitors and device drivers capable of creating a transmission infrastructure that can adapt multiple monitors and controllers and form an information network to provide information about the system to the public service that monitors the network. For example, certain networks require the erection of new posts or towers for the placement of communication devices. Municipalities may have to rent space on the posts of a public service company for the placement of these devices.

Also, a problem on one system can cause a problem on another system. For example, a fire reported by the fire department may require the gas company to shut off gas flow to the vicinity of the fire and may require the water company to redirect the water or provide additional water pressure to the nearby area. However, many current systems are not interoperable.

Therefore, it is desirable to have an individual system that can monitor 5 different aspects of at least one municipal system continuously and communicate with several entities at the same time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The methods, systems, and devices described overcome the problems and disadvantages associated with current strategies and systems and provide new systems and methods for monitoring municipal infrastructure.

One modality is aimed at an infrastructure monitoring system. The system includes an operations center and two or more communication devices communicatively coupled to the operations center. At least one communication device of the plurality of communication devices is coupled to one component of the infrastructure, and at least two communication devices are monitoring devices. The first monitoring device monitors a first aspect or location of the infrastructure and the second monitoring device monitors a second aspect or location of the infrastructure.

In one embodiment, each monitoring device includes at least one sensor that detects at least one condition within the infrastructure, at least one data storage device that stores the data detected by said at least one sensor, at least one transceiver device adapted to transmit and receive data, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to at least one sensor, data storage device, and transceiver device.

In one embodiment, the operations center and the plurality of communication devices are wirelessly paired. At least one communication device is an output device. The output device includes a transceiver device adapted to receive or transmit data, at least one output port, and a processor communicatively coupled to at least one of the transceiver device and at least one output port.

In one embodiment, the operations center and at least one output device are wirelessly communicatively coupled. Each communication device is adapted to receive transmissions for a second communication device and to retransmit the transmission to the second communication device. Each communication device is adapted to receive transmissions to the operations center and to retransmit the transmission to the operations center.

In one embodiment, at least one output device is coupled to at least one trigger control device, an alarm, a Radio Frequency Identification device, and an alteration prevention device.

In one embodiment, a monitoring device and an output device are contained within the same unit. The monitoring device and the output device share at least one of a power source, a transceiver device, and a processor.

The infrastructure can be at least one of a water distribution system, an electricity distribution system, a gas distribution system, a traffic control, and an emergency response system. The system can monitor at least one of gas usage, water usage, electricity usage, alteration, leakage, GPS location, proximity, tilt, smoke, temperature, oxidation, corrosion, fluid flow, pressure, water quality, air quality, pollution, radiation, pH, infrastructure status, and movement.

In one mode, the system produces an alert when at least one monitoring device records an event. In one embodiment, at least one monitoring device is coupled to a visual or acoustic device. The operations center may include multiple operations centers. Each operations center has a unique location. The operations center can monitor a plurality of infrastructures concurrently.

The plurality of infrastructures is selected from the group comprising water systems, electrical systems, gas systems, emergency response systems, traffic control systems, and combinations thereof. An infrastructure component is one of a fire hydrant, a utility meter, a manhole cover, a utility pole, a valve, a pipeline, a traffic light, water tower, water tank, box valve, valve box cover, meter box, meter box cover, and a smoke detector. In various embodiments when the infrastructure component is a fire hydrant, the communication device coupled to the fire hydrant is a repeater. At least a portion of the fire hydrant may be comprised of a material that does not interfere with the communications of the communications device.

In addition, the fire hydrant-coupled communication device can be placed within one of a nozzle cap, a pump nozzle, a hose nozzle, a fire truck connection system, a fire truck connection system, and a motor cover.

Another modality is directed to another infrastructure monitoring system. The system includes an operations center and a plurality of communication devices communicatively coupled to the operations center. At least one communication device of the plurality of communication devices is coupled to a fire hydrant, a valve, a valve box, a valve box cover, a meter, a meter box, a meter, a water tower, a water tank, a pump nozzle, a hose nozzle, or a manhole cover.

In one embodiment, the fire hydrant-coupled communication device is one of a monitoring device, an output device, and a repeater. At least a portion of the fire hydrant is comprised of a material that does not interfere with communications. In one embodiment, the fire hydrant-coupled communication device is placed within one of the nozzle cap, pump nozzle, hose nozzle, fire truck connection system, and engine cover.

Another modality is directed to a fire hydrant. The fire hydrant includes an engine cover and a communication device attached to the engine cover. The communication device is an element of an infrastructure monitoring system.

Other modalities and advantages are set forth in part in the following description, and in part, may be obvious from this description, or may be learned based on practice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures shown and described in greater detail are provided only by way of

Ί example.

FIGURE 1 is a schematic of one embodiment of the described system.

FIGURE 2 is a schematic of a modality of a monitoring device.

FIGURE 3 is a schematic of one embodiment of a control device.

FIGURE 4A is an exploded view of one embodiment of a device of the description as housed within a Fire hydrant.

FIGURE 4B is a perspective view of a device of the description attached to a fire hydrant.

FIGURE 5A is a perspective view of one embodiment of an insulating device 10 for sealing the engine cover of the fire hydrant from the water within the fire hydrant.

FIGURE 5B is a perspective view of one embodiment of an insulating device and motor cover.

FIGURE 6A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a nozzle cap for attachment to a fire hydrant.

FIGURE 6B is a sectional view of one embodiment of the nozzle cap of FIGURE 6A.

FIGURE 6C is a sectional view of one embodiment of the nozzle cap of FIGURE 6A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As presented and broadly described herein, the descriptions herein provide illustrative embodiments of the disclosed systems, methods, and devices.

Features can be presented in several alternative ways. Therefore, specific structural and functional details are not intended to be limiting, but are intended to provide a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching someone skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure. .

A problem in the technique that can be solved by the described modalities is the monitoring and maintenance of an Infrastructure. It has been discovered that monitoring devices with one or two communication capabilities can be used to detect faults in municipal systems and provide device status by request, in real time or near real time, maintenance, and control over the systems.

A network of monitoring devices is capable of providing a system administrator with a complete picture of the actual state of the system. The network includes an arrangement of different monitoring devices each capable of detecting at least one condition. Monitoring devices may be able to send data to and receive data from at least one operations center. Communication from the remote monitoring device can be directed to a central monitoring facility, to one of a regional monitoring center number, to a user, and / or to a Research facility. In addition, the system includes at least one control device. Each control device is adapted to control a different aspect of the system. Control devices can be part of monitoring devices or can be separate units. Communication is over the Internet, although it can be a private network, a local area network, or a wide area network. Communication involves a wireless component, starting from, for example, the remote monitoring device and / or the control device for a regional monitoring facility or for distributed monitors. Also, communications are secured or encrypted so that the communication system cannot be monitored by an unknown party. Access to the system is granted through user names and passwords, although additional and / or alternate encryption methods can be used.

One modality is directed at water infrastructure systems. In such systems, monitoring devices may be located throughout the system, for example, as fixtures to component parts, for feedback to a network that can provide real-time information to the public service operating the network. Network operators may use the transmitted information to activate control devices on the network, or to dispatch repair or other services as indicated by the information provided by the network. For example, if the water pressure monitors on a water meter indicate a variation between locations, a water leak can be reported using the network, and control devices can divert the water. Pressure gauges can be attached to the fire hydrant to monitor and report pressure losses through the system, providing real-time information for the benefit of fire hydrant users (fire departments who need to ensure pressure adequate), the users of the system (water consumers that will be affected by the lower pressure), and system operators (who suffer a loss of assets as a result of the lack of real-time information about the losses).

FIGURE 1 shows a system 100 for monitoring, controlling, and communicating with at least one monitoring device 110 and / or at least one control device.

111. System 100 includes an operations center 105 in communication with at least one monitoring device 110 and / or a control device 111. In the preferred embodiment, there is bi-directional communication between the operations center 105 and devices 110 and 111. Communications can be single or double. Communication can occur over any communication network 115 known in the art, Including, but not limited to, wired networks, wireless networks, Zigbee networks, Bluetooth networks, Z-wave networks, WiFi networks, WIMax networks, RF networks , local area networks (LAN), Internet networks, wide area networks (WAN), cellular telephone network, wired telephone networks, 900 MHz Wireless networks, and satellite networks. In one embodiment, the network is a fixed network. For example, the fixed network can be a mesh network or a star network. Additionally, devices 110 and 111 and operations center 105 may be in direct communication or may communicate through an intermediary device, such as a relay, repeater, bridge, or other device capable of receiving and retransmitting a message.

Each monitoring device 110 monitors at least one aspect of the infrastructure. The monitored aspect may be one or more of the components of the Infrastructure (for example, pipeline conditions, valve conditions, Fire hydrant conditions, service line conditions, meter conditions, power line conditions, and conditions battery), product conditions (eg, fluid or gas flow, fluid or gas pressure, fluid or gas temperature, and fluid or gas contaminants), or combinations thereof. Additionally, each monitoring device 110 can be self-monitoring. For example, monitoring devices 110 determine if there is a loss of communication, low battery levels, and / or internal damage (eg short circuits due to water damage). Additionally, each monitoring device 110 may be structurally stable (eg, attached to a valve, pipeline, utility pole, a hydrant, a valve box, a valve box cover, a meter, a meter, a meter box cover, a water tower, a water tank, a pump nozzle, a hose nozzle, or a manhole cover) or mobile (for example authorized for movement with or within the flow of water or gas in the pipes).

For example, a monitoring device 110 or 111 can be coupled to a fire hydrant 405, as seen in FIGURE 4B. The monitoring device 110 or 111 may be located within a nozzle cap 600 (i.e., in the pump nozzle, hose nozzle, or in the fire truck connection system), within a hydrant body for Fire, inside an engine cover, attached to the outside of the fire hydrant, or at another location in or within the fire hydrant. A housing for the 110 or 111 monitoring device is made of plastic, nylon, other synthetic or natural materials, or any other material that does not block transmissions to and from the 110 or 111 monitoring device. For example, as shown in In FIGURE 4A, the fire hydrant motor cover 400 may contain a monitoring device 110 and a waterproof container 420 for the monitoring device 110. In certain embodiments, the engine cover of the fire hydrant 400 may also contain a power source 425.

In another example, as shown in FIGURE 4B, the monitoring device 110 can be attached to the exterior of a fire hydrant 405. In another embodiment, shown in FIGURES 5A and 5B, the engine cover 500 of a hydrant for 505 fire may be isolated from the flow of water within the 505 fire hydrant. For example, it may be a disc of plastic, metallic, or other material 530 that seals a portion of the fire hydrant 505 to prevent water from reaching the internal regions of the engine cover 500.

In another embodiment, a monitoring device 110 or control device 111 is placed within a nozzle cap 600 of a fire hydrant. A fire hydrant 600 nozzle cap is a device attached to an external nozzle and covers a nozzle opening. The nozzle cap 600 is provided with a nut 605 or other device to allow the application of force to firmly fix the nozzle cap 600 to or remove it from the outlet nozzle. FIGURE 6A shows an isometric view of one embodiment of the nozzle cap 600. In one embodiment, the nozzle cap 600 is made of composite, plastic, nylon, other synthetic or natural materials, or any other material that does not block the transmissions to and from monitoring device 110 or control device 111. The material has the same fading characteristics of the paint used on the exterior of the fire hydrant. For example, the material may have the same resistance to water, UV rays, corrosion, oxidation, or other causes of fading. Therefore, the paint and the nozzle cap 600 appear to be of the same material.

FIGURES 6B and 6C show cutaway views of one embodiment of the nozzle cap 600. The nozzle cap 600 has an enclosure 610 that creates a cavity within which the monitoring device 110 or control device 111 may be located. The cavity is enclosed by a cover 615. Enclosure 610 and cover 615 create a watertight seal capable of withstanding water pressures exceeding 400 psi. In various embodiments, other pressures can be used. Additionally, in one embodiment, the mouthpiece cap 600 has an antenna cover 620. The antenna cover 620 may be made of the same material as the mouthpiece cap 600 or of a different material. The location of the antenna is kept away from the metal for greater efficiency.

Threading of 625 nozzle hydrant is provided as a means of connection between the nozzle cap 600 and the fire hydrant. Nozzle cap 600 also includes enclosure threading 630 as a connecting means for enclosure 610 for connecting to nozzle cap 600. Enclosure 610 also includes connecting threading

640 designed to mate with 630 enclosure threading. 650 antenna shown.

Each node in network 115 detects transmission errors. Error detection can use cyclic redundancy codes that employ a table based on a defined polynomial or other error detection method. In alternative modes, transmissions can be redirected if the primary route is blocked or otherwise unavailable. Furthermore, devices 110 and 111 can confirm the reception of a message, for example through a transfer protocol. In cases where the confirmation was not received, the message can be forwarded via the same route or redirected.

In various embodiments, each monitoring device 110 and each control device 111 is assigned a unique identifier. The unique identifier may be related to the geographical locations of the devices, home addresses, order of installation, or any other method of identifying the devices 110,

111. Also, different types of devices 110 and 111 may have unique identifiers that include keys that are unique to that type of device. For example, the identifier for all water meters can start with WM, while the identifier for all leak detectors can start with LD. Each communication to and from a monitoring device 110 and control device 111 may include the unique identifier so that the message is received by the correct monitoring device 110 or control device 111, or so that operations center 105 can determine where the message was sent from.

Each monitoring device 110 and each control device 111 can be adapted to an existing system 100 or device 110, 111, can be coupled to a new system 100 or device 110,111, or can be integrated into a new system 100 or device 110 , 111. For example, system 100 may be connected to, work with, or work independently of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisitlon (SCAD A) network. In one embodiment, each monitoring device 110 and each control device 111 has a set of adapters to facilitate coupling of the monitoring device 110 or control device 111 to a new or existing system 100 or device 110, 111.

In one embodiment, system 100 is divided into sectors with each sector having at least one monitoring device 110 and / or at least one control device 111. Each sector can communicate directly with the operations center 105 or Each sector can have at least one intermediary communication device that is in communication with the monitoring device 110 and / or control device 111 and operations center 105. In one modality, the sectors are divided by geographic location. For example, all devices in an area can be in an Individual sector and there is a sector for each area. In one modality, an Intermediary communication device can serve multiple sectors.

In alternative embodiments, each monitoring device 110 and / or control device 111 can communicate with adjacent monitoring devices 110 and / or control devices 111. In such modes, each monitoring device 110 and / or control device 111 can act as a transceiver or relay by receiving messages destined for another device 110,111 or for the operations center 105 and sending the message. In modes where system 100 is divided into sectors, monitoring devices 110 and control devices 111 can only communicate within their sector. In other embodiments, monitoring device 110 and control device 111 can communicate with devices 110, 111 in other sectors. Each monitoring device 110, control device 111, and / or the operations center 105 may be able to determine if a transmitted message was received by the intended device 110, 111 and, if not, may be able to redirect the message until it is properly received. Additionally, relay devices can be implemented in the system to further extend the communication range. For example, relay devices can be placed on utility poles, in municipal buildings, inside fire hydrants, and / or under manhole covers. In alternative modes, devices 110 and 111 communicate over a mesh network. In the mesh network, devices 110 and 111 can communicate with other devices 110 and 111 within the mesh network. Operations center 105 can establish specified communication paths derived from route tables.

The operations center 105 may be located in a municipal office, a private or public company, a fire station, a police station, or any other entity that monitors the operations center 105. In other modalities, the operations center 105 It may be remotely hosted and accessible via the Internet. In such embodiments, operations center 105 can take advantage of cloud computing (eg, a network of remotely hosted computers, servers, and data storage devices). Compared to remotely hosted computer networks, cloud computing can increase ease of use, increase access, increase security, reduce costs, adapt, and provide an unrestricted expansion of storage space.

Additionally, in various embodiments, there are a plurality of operations centers 105. One or more operations centers 105 may be in different entities and each operation center 105 may monitor a different aspect of system 100. For example, in modalities where one monitoring device 110 monitors water use and another monitors gas leaks, the aspect of water use can be monitored by a public water utility and gas leaks can be monitored by the public gas service company and / or the fire department. In certain embodiments, there are redundant operations centers 105, where at least two operations centers 105 monitor the same aspect of system 100. Operations center 105 can send transmissions to update the firmware of devices 110 and 111.

FIGURE 2 is a schematic of a monitoring unit device 200. Monitoring unit device 200 includes a processor 205. Processor 205 is coupled to at least one input port 210 to receive data from the sensors.

215. Processor 205 is also coupled to transceiver 220 to send and receive signals. Processor 205 is coupled to a data storage unit 230. Data storage unit 230 may contain a predetermined amount of data received from sensors 215. For example, data storage unit 230 may contain data for a predetermined amount of time (eg, one day, one week, or one month), it may contain a predetermined number of reads (eg, 10 reads, 100 reads, 1000 readings), or may contain data until instructed to purge the data through the operations center 105. Additionally, data storage unit 230 may contain instructions for processor 205 for execution upon indication from operations center 105.

Processor 205 compiles at least some of the data stored in data storage unit 230 for transmission to operations center 105.

Each monitoring device unit 200 can collect data and / or transmit data continuously, at specific intervals or randomly. In modes where the monitoring device unit 200 collects and transmits data in a non-continuous configuration, the monitoring device unit 200 can be turned off or reduce power consumption during non-data collection periods to save energy. Processor 205 is coupled to a power source 235. Power source 235 may be a unit capable of supplying processor 205 and devices attached to processor 205. For example, power source 235 may be a battery, a solar panel arrangement, a wind turbine, a water turbine, power lines, or combinations thereof. In preferred embodiments, there is also a backup power source, such as a battery. Energy can be derived from the operation of system 100.

In one embodiment, processor 205 is coupled to at least one sensor 215 that monitors at least one condition associated with the monitoring device. Sensors 215 can determine the status of a device. Sensors 215 can be directly wired to processor 205 or can use wireless communication to send and receive signals from processor 205. Sensors 215 may be located within the monitoring device or be external to the monitoring device. In alternative modes, sensors 215 are placed remote from the monitoring device. For example, a sensor can be placed in a fire hydrant, in a nearby building, or on a utility pole. In the modalities in which sensors 215 and processor 205 communicate wirelessly, the same communications protocol can be used in the sensor / processor communication as in the processor / operations center communication, or different communication protocols can be used. communications in the sensor / processor communication of those in the processor / control center communication. For example, sensor / processor communications may use RF protocols while processor / control center communications may be over a wired network.

In one embodiment, sensor 215 is a usage monitor. In such mode, the usage monitor records the amount of water, gas, electricity, or other product that is used by a customer during a specified period. The usage monitor can continuously record the used amount of the product or the usage monitor can provide a signal to processor 205 that the product is in use. Processor 205 may transmit a signal to operations control to alert operations center 105 that monitoring device 110 is being used and / or that much of the product is flowing through sensor 215. Operations center 105 may request a reading from the usage monitor by request. Processor 205 or Operations Center 105 can determine on the basis of use, whether there is unauthorized use of the product. Upon detection of unauthorized use, at least one of processor 205 or operations center 105 may generate an alarm that there is unauthorized use. For example, in modes where the usage monitor is coupled to a 405 fire hydrant, if the usage monitor indicates that the 405 fire hydrant is in use, even though there is no reported fire, Operations Center 105 may distribute a alerts that there is potential misuse of the fire hydrant

405.

In various embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is a tamper sensor. The alteration sensor can be a motion detector, a contact sensor, a rotation sensor, a touch sensor, a proximity sensor, a biofeedback sensor, a temperature sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor or any other sensor that is capable of detecting the presence of an object. The tamper sensor can send a message to processor 205 when the tamper sensor detects an event. Processor 205 will evaluate the event to determine if a device being monitored is being tampered with or will relay the message to operations center 105 for evaluation. The monitored device may be a fire hydrant, utility meter, valve, manhole cover, pump, or any other device that may be tampered with. Upon detection of a tampering event, at least one of processor 205 and operations center 105 may generate an alarm that the device is being tampered with. The monitoring device can activate an alteration prevention device (described below). Operations center 105 will send a transmission to processor 205 instructing processor 205 to discard messages from the tamper sensor for a predetermined time or until another message is received from operations center 105 directing processor 205 to resume monitoring for alteration events. For example, if a fire department needs to use a fire hydrant, operations center 105 will send a message to processor 205 to temporarily discard any tamper events. Once the fire department has finished using the fire hydrant, Operations Center 105 will send a message to Processor 205 to restart monitoring of tamper events.

In certain embodiments at least two of the sensors 215 are leak detectors. Each leak detector may include a pipeline leak detector and / or an external leak detector. In gas applications, leak detectors are vapor sensors. While in liquid applications, leak detectors use acoustic monitoring to determine the presence and location of a leak. The energy generated from a leak is transmitted within a pipeline through the product as well as through the pipe wall. Each leak detector can detect vibrations made by the leak in the product or the wall of the pipe, union or service line. In order to determine the location of a leak, at least two detectors must detect the same leak. Based on the speed of the sound that travels through the pipe (V), the distance between the two detectors (D) and the delay between the times that each detector detects the sound (T), the location of the leak (L) by means of the following equation:

L = (D - (V x T)) / 2

When using the equation above, the typical speed of sound in water is approximately 1500 m / s, while the common speed of sound through an iron pipe is 5100 m / s. velocity can be measured empirically. For example, if the leak is exactly halfway between the two detectors, the sound would reach both detectors at the same time. Each detector can monitor continuously or at predetermined periods. Leak detectors can send a message to processor 205 when leak detectors detect an event. Processor 205 can evaluate the event to determine if there is a leak and how severe the leak is, or can forward the message to operations center 105 for evaluation. Upon detection of a leak event, at least one from processor 205 or operations center 105 can generate an alert that there is a leak if the leak is determined to be severe enough to warrant attention.

In various embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is a smoke detector. The smoke detector could be a photoelectric detector, an ionization detector, or any other device that can detect the presence of smoke. The smoke detector can be located inside the monitoring device or outside the monitoring device. The smoke detector continuously monitors the smoke. The smoke detector can send a message to processor 205 when the smoke detector detects an event. Processor 205 can evaluate the event to determine if there is smoke or can forward the message to operations center 105 for evaluation. Upon detection of smoke, at least one from processor 205 or operations center 105 can generate an alert that there is smoke.

In certain embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor can be a contact sensor (for example, thermocouples, thermistors, liquid-in-glass thermometers, resistance temperature detectors, thermometers that operate by the filling principle, bimetal thermometers, semiconductor temperature sensors, and indicators phase change) or a non-contact sensor (for example, radiation thermometers, thermal imagers, ratio thermometers, optical pyrometers, and fiber optic thermometers). The temperature sensor can be located inside the monitoring device or outside the monitoring device. In one mode, the temperature sensor continuously monitors whether the temperature rises above or falls below a predetermined threshold. The temperature sensor can send a message to processor 205 when the temperature sensor detects a temperature beyond the thresholds. Processor 205 can evaluate the event to determine if temperature is a problem (such as freezing pipes or fire) or can forward the message to operations center 105 for evaluation. Upon detection of undesirable temperatures, at least one of processor 205 or operations center 105 can generate an alert that an undesirable temperature condition exists.

In various embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is an oxidation and / or corrosion sensor. The corrosion sensor can detect oxidation and / or corrosion using any method known in the art, including but not limited to Liquid Penetration Inspection, Magnetic Particle Inspection, Radiographic Inspection, Visual Inspection, Eddy Current Inspection, Ultrasonic Inspection , and thermographic inspection. The corrosion sensor can send a message to the processor 205 when the corrosion sensor detects an oxidation or corrosion beyond a threshold value.

Processor 205 may then evaluate oxidation or corrosion to determine if there is a problem, or may forward the message to operations center 105 for evaluation. Upon detection of undesirable oxidation or corrosion, at least one of processor 205 or operations center 105 may generate an alert that an undesirable amount of oxidation or corrosion exists.

In various embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is a fluid flow sensor. The fluid flow sensor can be used in gas systems or in liquid systems. The fluid flow sensor can detect the direction of flow, turbidity of flow, velocity of flow, density of flow, viscosity of flow, and / or any other aspect of flow. The fluid flow sensor can be a speedometer, a laser based interferometer, a vane, a rotary potentiometer, a Hall effect sensor, a device to measure the heat transfer caused by the flowing fluid, or any other device known in the art for measuring fluid flow. The fluid flow sensor can send a message to processor 205 when the fluid flow sensor detects a flow abnormality. Processor 205 can evaluate the event to determine if the failure is a problem or can forward the message to operations center 105 for evaluation. Upon detection of a failure, at least one of processor 205 and operations center 105 may generate an alert that a failure exists.

In various embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is a pressure sensor. In one embodiment, the pressure sensor is placed within the fluid flow or area in which the pressure is being detected. For example, the pressure sensor can be placed at the base of a fire hydrant and in the water to determine the pressure of the water within the water system, in a pipe to determine the pressure of the gas or water within the water system. gas or water, or in a room to determine the air pressure inside the room. The pressure sensor may be a piezoresistive voltage meter, a capacitance meter, an electromagnetic meter, a piezoelectric device, or any other device known in the art for measuring pressure. The pressure sensor can send a message to processor 205 when the pressure sensor detects a pressure abnormality. Processor 205 can evaluate the event to determine if the failure is a problem or can forward the message to operations center 105 for evaluation. Upon detection of an anomaly, at least one of processor 205 or operations center 105 may generate an alert that an anomaly exists.

In various embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is a water quality monitor. The water quality monitor can monitor an individual aspect of the water flowing through the system 100 or multiple aspects of the water. For example, the water quality monitor can monitor one or more of the bacteria levels in the water, pharmaceutical levels, alkalinity, chlorine and / or chloramine levels, hardness, pH levels, peroxide content, iron levels, levels nitrate levels, nitrite levels, arsenic levels, contamination levels, oxygen levels, biomass levels, and / or any other contaminants regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA). In modes where there are multiple monitoring devices, all devices can monitor the same aspects, each device can monitor a different aspect, or a combination of both. In one modality, water quality monitors test water continuously, although in alternative modalities, water quality monitors test water at predetermined intervals (for example, once every hour, once a day, once a week, etc.). Each water quality monitor transmits data to processor 205. Processor 205 can store the data in data storage unit 230 or transmit the data to operations center 105. Either processor 205 or operations center 5 105 can monitor the data received from the water quality monitors to determine if there is a change in the levels of the contaminants or if the levels of the contaminants are increased above a threshold level. Upon detection of unsafe contamination levels, at least one of processor 205 or operations center 105 can generate an alert that contamination exists in the water system.

In modalities where at least two monitoring devices are monitoring the same aspect of water, Operations Center 105 can determine if there is a change in the appearance of water from the location of from the location of a monitoring device to the location of the other. If there is a change, Operations Center 105 can generate an alert that there is a change in the water system and issues the approximate location of the change in the water system.

In various embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is an air quality monitor. The air quality monitor can monitor a single aspect of air or multiple aspects of air. In addition, the air quality monitor can monitor the air within an environment or facility. For example, the air quality monitor can monitor control one or more of benzene levels, carbon disulfide levels, urethane levels, formaldehyde levels, phosphorus levels, naphthalene levels, parathion levels, levels of quinoline, trifluralin levels in the air, and / or any of the other contaminants whose acceptable levels have been established by the Environmental Protection Agency. In modes where there are multiple monitoring devices, all devices can monitor the same aspects or each device can monitor a different aspect or a combination of them. In one mode, air quality monitors test the air continuously, although in preferred modes, air quality monitors test the air at predetermined intervals (for example, once an hour, once a day, once a week, etc.). Each air quality monitor transmits data to processor 205. Processor 205 can store the data in data storage unit 230 or transmit the data to operations center 105. Either processor 205 or operations center 105 can monitor the data received from the air quality monitors to Determine if there is a change in contaminant levels or if the contaminant levels rise above a threshold level. Upon detection of Unsafe contamination levels, at least one from processor 205 or operations center 105 can generate an alert that there is contamination in the air.

In modes where at least two monitoring devices are monitoring the same aspect of air, Operations Center 105 can determine if there is a change in the appearance of air from the location of one monitoring device to the location of the other. IF there is a change, the operations center 105 can generate an alert that there is a change in the air and issues the approximate location of the change in the appearance of the air. In addition, in embodiments where there is a timestamp associated with each reading, the operations center 105 can determine the approximate direction and speed at which the contaminant moves.

In various embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is a radiation detector. The radiation detector can distinguish between natural radiation sources and artificial radiation sources, or it can distinguish between normal radiation levels and abnormal radiation levels. The radiation detector detects radiation by ionization. Ionization radiation consists of subatomic particles or electromagnetic waves that are energetic enough to separate electrons from atoms or molecules, ionizing them. Examples of ionization particles are energetic alpha particles, beta particles, and neutrons. The ability of an electromagnetic wave (photons) to ionize an atom or molecule depends on its frequency. The short-wavelength radiation of the electromagnetic spectrum — high-frequency ultraviolet light, X-rays, and gamma rays — is ionizing. The radiation detector is one of a dosimeter, Geiger counters, or scintillation counters. Dosimeters measure an absolute dose received over a period. Ion chamber dosimeters resemble pens and can be attached to a person's clothing. Personal photographic dosimeters enclose a piece of photographic film, which will be exposed as radiation passes through it. The ion chamber dosimeters must be recharged periodically, and the result recorded. Personal photographic dosimeters should be developed as a photographic emulsion so that exposures can be counted and recorded; once developed, they are discarded. Another type of dosimeter is the TLD (Thermoluminescent Dosimeter). Those dosimeters contain crystals that emit visible light when they are quiet, in direct proportion to their exposure to total radiation. Like ion chamber dosimeters, TLDs can be reused after they have been 'read'. Geiger counters and scintillation counters measure the rate of radiation dose by ionization directly. Preferably, the radiation detector is a solid state device.

Upon radiation detection, the radiation detector can transmit the detection to the processor 205. The processor 205 can save the detection in the data storage unit 230 or transmit a message regarding the detection to the operations center 105. The processor 205 or operations center 105 can evaluate the detection and act in accordance with the purpose of the radiation detector. For example, if the radiation detector detects radiation above a threshold level, processor 205 or operations center 105 may generate an alert that unsafe radiation levels exist.

In various embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is a motion detector.

The motion detector can be a radar based motion detector, a photo-sensor motion detector, a passive infrared motion detector, a magnetic motion detector, a pressure sensitive motion detector, or any other capable device to detect the movement of objects. The motion detector can be used, for example, to count the number of vehicles passing through an intersection to control a traffic light, to prevent tampering as described above, for security purposes, and / or to control public lighting. The motion detector can be placed inside the monitoring device or outside the monitoring device. Upon motion detection, the motion detector may transmit the detection to processor 205. Processor 205 may store the detection in data storage unit 230 or transmit a message regarding the detection to operations center 105.

The processor 205 or the operations center 105 can evaluate the detection and act according to the purpose of the motion detector. For example, if the motion detector detects a predetermined number of vehicles that have passed the monitoring device, processor 205 or operations center 105 may cause a traffic light to change from green to red. As a second example, if the motion detector detects motion after the predetermined time, for example after sunset, the processor 205 or the operations center 105 may cause the street lights near the monitoring device to light for a predetermined period. .

In various embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is a tilt meter. The tilt meter can be a pendulum, a water pipe, a spirit level meter, and / or an electronic MEMS meter. The tilt meter may be located on devices within the system, such as, but not limited to, pipes, fire hydrants, gauges, valves, utility poles, manhole covers, and light poles. The incline meter can send a message to the processor

205 when the sensor detects an inclination beyond a threshold value. Processor 205 can then evaluate the incline to determine if there is a problem or can forward the message to operations center 105 for evaluation. Upon detection of undesirable tilt, at least one of processor 205 or operations center 105 may generate an alert that an undesirable tilt exists. For example, if a utility pole is struck by a vehicle, the tilt gauge will indicate that the utility pole is tilted to an undesirable level, and Operations Center 105 may alert the municipality to send in a repair crew to assess the situation and repair the utility pole.

In various embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor can use electromagnetic technology, electrostatic technology, infrared technology, or a touch switch. The proximity sensor can detect if the devices are properly closed if the devices are in improper contact. The proximity sensor can send a message to processor 205 when the proximity sensor detects proximity beyond a threshold value. Processor 205 can then evaluate proximity to determine if a problem exists or can forward the message to operations center 105 for evaluation. Upon detection of undesirable proximity, at least one of processor 205 or operations center 105 may generate an alert that undesirable proximity exists. For example, if a valve is improperly closed, the proximity sensor will indicate that the valve is not closed, and processor 205 can alert the municipality to take appropriate action to close the valve.

In various embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is an audio or visual device. The device may be an infrared camera, a video camera, a fixed camera, a digital camera, a film camera, a mobile vision device, a microphone, a vibration detector, combinations thereof, or any other device capable of acquire an image or sound. In one embodiment, the device is a digital video camera that takes video images continuously. In another embodiment, the device is a digital still camera that takes still images at regular intervals or by instruction from processor 205. In alternative embodiments, the device may be a traffic camera and takes an image when prompted by processor 205, for example, the determination that a vehicle passed a red light. In other modalities, the device is used to perform visual inspections of the system infrastructure. For example, the device's field of view may include a device within the system that is susceptible to corrosion, and the camera may provide an easy method of visually inspecting any degradation of the device. The device can send image data to processor 205 where the data is stored in data storage unit 230 or transmitted to operations center 105. In various embodiments, Image or sound data is continuously transmitted from the device to processor 205 and from processor 205 to operations center 105. The data stream may be immediate or delayed. The device may be located in the monitoring device, close to the monitoring device, or within the monitoring device with a portion of the device extending outside the monitoring device or with a hole in the monitoring device through which the device can get images or sounds. In certain embodiments, the device is placed on an activator. The activator can be moved to reposition the field of view of the device. The activator can move by indication from processor 205 or it can move autonomously. In modalities where the activator moves autonomously, the movement can be continuous or sporadic.

In various embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. In one embodiment, the GPS receiver is located in devices within system 100, such as, but not limited to, pipes, fire hydrants, meters, valves, utility poles, manhole covers, and streetlights. The GPS receiver can send a message to processor 205 indicating the GPS location. Processor 205 can transmit the message to operations center 105 for evaluation, conformation, and documentation. Upon unexpected GPS detection, at least one from processor 205 or operations center 105 may generate an alert that the GPS receiver has moved, possibly indicating that the device has been displaced, tampered with, or stolen. Additionally, the GPS location can be used, for example, by emergency services personnel to locate fire hydrants, or repair crews to determine the location of a buried device. In such modalities, operations center 105 can distribute the information to emergency services personnel or repair crews to easily locate the device. Distribution can occur through any method, including but not limited to, verbally, through a telecommunication network (eg, for a smartphone or laptop), or via shortwave radio. In modes where the monitoring device is moving with the fluid flow, the sensor can provide updated locations of the monitoring device to track, for example, the flow or level of contamination within the flow.

Other possible sensors 215 connected to the monitoring device unit

200 They may include, but are not limited to, flow rate meters, backflow meters, system status monitors, and power level monitors.

Figure 3 is a schematic of a control device 300. Control device 300 includes a processor 305. Processor 305 is coupled to at least one output port 310 to control an output device 340. Processor 305 is coupled also to a transceiver 320 for sending and receiving signals. Processor 305 is communicatively coupled to output port 310. Output port 310 is connected to at least one output device 340. Each output device 340 may have the same purpose, or each output device 340 may have a different purpose, or combinations thereof. Output devices 340 can be located within control device 300 or external to control device 300, as shown. Furthermore, the output devices 340 can be attached to the control device 300 or can be remote from the control device 300. Output devices 340 communicate with output port 310 through wired or wireless communication channels. In various embodiments, the output devices 340 are susceptible to bi-directional communication. In various embodiments, the control device 300 is an integral part of a monitoring device. In such embodiments, the control device 300 and the monitoring device can share the same processor and / or transceiver.

In various embodiments, processor 305 is coupled to a data storage unit 330, which may be a database in certain embodiments. Data storage unit 330 can store instructions from processor 305 on how to control output devices 340. In various embodiments, processor 305 is coupled to a power source 335. Power source 335 can be any device capable of powering processor 305 and any devices attached to processor 305. For example, power source 335 can be a battery, solar panel arrangement, wind turbine, water turbine, lines electrical or combinations thereof. In various embodiments, there is also a backup power source, such as a battery.

In various embodiments, at least one output device 340 is a trigger control device. The trigger control device can control any type of trigger, including, but not limited to, a tamper prevention device, a locking device, a camera movement device, a fire hydrant nut opening device , or a valve. The trigger control device may control the trigger autonomously or by indication from processor 305. For example, upon receipt of a signal that a particular event has been detected, processor 305 may send an instruction to the control device. activator to act in a particular way. Similarly, in certain modalities the control signal can come from the operations center 105. The activator can be mechanical, electrical, or a combination thereof.

In various embodiments, at least one output device 340 is an alarm. The alarm can be a visual alarm, an audible alarm, a tactile (i.e., vibration) alarm, or a combination of these. The alarm may be located inside the monitoring device, outside the monitoring device, in the operations center

105, away from the system, or any other location sufficient to alert. Also, there may be more than one alarm at different locations. For example, in modes where there is a smoke detector, there may be an audible alarm located inside the fire detector to alert people around the monitoring device of a potential fire, there may be an audible alarm at the fire station to alert the fire department to the potential fire, and there may be a visual alarm at the gas utility company to indicate that the gas flow will be closed in the vicinity of the potential fire. In various modes the alarm is controlled by processor 305, while in other modes the alarm is controlled by operations center 105. In various modes, the alarm has a locally controllable on / off switch.

In various embodiments, at least one output device 340 is a tamper prevention device. The alteration prevention device can be a mechanical seal, an alarm, a light, an electric shock generator, a retention device, an electrical closure, or any other device capable of preventing the alteration. The tamper prevention device may only deter tampering or may incapacitate the person trying to tamper with the device, depending on the level of security. In certain embodiments, the tamper prevention device is controlled by processor 305, while in other embodiments, the tamper prevention device is controlled by operations center 105.

In various embodiments, at least one output device 340 is a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device. The RFID device can transmit information about the device to which it is attached. For example, the RFID device can transmit manufacturer information, location information, last service date, device information (for example, manufacture, model, and / or year), current status (for example, a valve can transmit if it is open or closed), etc. In certain modalities, the RFID device is upgradeable through processor 305 or through operations center 105. The RFID device can be an active device (for example battery powered) or passive (for example that requires an external source to cause signal transmission.

EXAMPLES:

A description system is monitoring a water distribution infrastructure. The system is used to autonomously control the water pressure within the system. Said system includes a number of water meters distributed through the Infrastructure transmitting usage information in real time to a control center. Upon determination by the operations center that there is a low utilization of the system (for example, at night) based on the Information received by a predetermined number of water meters, the operations center causes the pumps that supply the pressure within the system reduce or stop pumping. In this way the electricity used by the pumps is cut while maintaining sufficient pressure through the infrastructure to satisfy any water needs. The determination to reduce or stop pumping will also be based on the information received from the pressure sensors distributed through the infrastructure. For example, if the pressure within the Infrastructure exceeds a threshold value, the operations center causes the pumps to reduce or stop pumping.

In another example, the system is used to help maintain the infrastructure. Water pipes and valves are often buried making it difficult to locate, assess the status of the devices, and repair them if necessary. Using an example of the system described above, each device is equipped with device monitoring. The monitoring device, for example, can monitor corrosion using a corrosion monitor, geographic location using a GPS receiver, and leaks using a leak detector. Upon detection of corrosion and / or leakage, the monitoring device sends a message to the operations center where the information is analyzed. The operations center is capable of making a determination of whether corrosion and / or leakage is severe enough to warrant repair, whether corrosion and / or leakage will be observed to determine if it worsens, or whether corrosion and / or can be ignored or leak. The operations center will also alert a person to the situation for further evaluation.

If it is determined that corrosion and / or leakage will be repaired, the operations center distributes the information to a repair crew and redirects the flow of water away from the device. Such information may include location of the device, based on data received by the GPS receiver, problem associated with the device, device information (eg, manufacture, model, and / or year), and so on. The monitoring device may also be equipped with an RFID transmitter, which transmits at least part of the above information. The repair crew receives the information on a smartphone, laptop, or other device capable of receiving such information. At the completion of the repair, the operations center updates the system to indicate a new last repair date for the device.

In another example, the system is monitored by various entities within a municipality at the same time. For example, a fire department, a public gas service, a public water service, a public electricity service, and a traffic control center monitor the system concurrently. Upon detection of smoke by means of a monitoring device, the control center alerts each entity of a potential fire. The location of the potential fire is determined by cross-referencing the ID number of the monitoring device with a lookup table or based on information received from a GPS receiver. The fire department uses the Location Information to send emergency service personnel to the vicinity of the potential Fire. The gas company uses the Location Information to divert or cut off the flow of gas to the vicinity of the potential Fire. The public water service uses the location information to divert the water towards or increase the water pressure in the vicinity of the potential Fire and also determines if any fire hydrant in the vicinity of the potential Fire is potentially damaged (for example it is Inclined in An unusual angle, you are receiving little or no water pressure, or has been altered) based on the information received from the monitoring devices attached to the fire hydrant. The location of the fire hydrant is determined by cross-referencing the ID number of the monitoring device with a lookup table or based on information received from a GPS receiver. The public water service automatically alerts the fire department about which fire hydrant to use. The public water service also disables any alteration prevention devices associated with the fire hydrant. The public electricity service receives a signal that additional pressure may be required within the water system and provides an increased electrical load for the water pumps. Additionally, the Traffic Control Center adjusts traffic lights en route from the fire station to the vicinity of the potential fire to help fire trucks get there quickly and safely.

In another example, the system is used to monitor contamination of the fluid flowing through the system. The system includes pressure sensors, leak detectors, and contamination detectors. Leaks within the system can cause a pressure drop across the system which can lead to contaminants being entrained within the system. For example, if a pipe is under water and the pressure inside the pipe drops below the pressure outside the pipe, the external water will flow into the pipe. Therefore, the system has various monitoring devices to verify such potential or actual contamination. Pressure sensors will indicate if the pressure within the system falls below a threshold level at which contaminants can be entrained within the system. Leak detectors will indicate that there is a leak through which contaminants can enter the system. While the contamination detectors will indicate if there is contamination within the system, indicating a possible alteration of the system infrastructure.

Other modalities and uses of the described systems, methods, and devices will be apparent to those of skill in the art from consideration of the specification and practice described herein. All references cited here, including all publications, patents and patent applications of the States

United and foreign, are specifically and fully incorporated by reference. The specification and examples are intended to be considered as illustrative only in the true spirit and scope of the description indicated by the following claims. Furthermore, the term "comprising" includes the terms consisting of "and consisting essentially of. All the examples illustrate possible modalities although they should not be considered as limiting the scope of the description.