Patent ID: 9128202
Filing Date: 2015-09-08
Classification: G01V

Abstract:
1. A method of collecting data from wireless sensor units arranged in a network, the method comprising: initiating distribution of control signals to the wireless sensor units; acquiring data with the wireless sensor units by sensing one or more physical parameters over a sensing period of time; and transmitting, by each of the wireless sensor units, the data acquired by the respective wireless sensor unit, in response to the control signals; wherein each wireless sensor unit selects a first portion of the data acquired by the respective wireless sensor unit and a second portion of the data acquired by the respective wireless sensor unit according to a prioritizing algorithm associated with each respective wireless sensor unit, the first portion of the data acquired by the respective wireless unit providing a first resolution, and the second portion of the data acquired by the respective wireless unit being combinable with the first portion of the data to provide a second resolution greater than the first resolution, wherein each respective wireless sensor unit transmits the first portion of the data acquired by the respective wireless sensor unit before transmitting the second portion of the data acquired by the respective wireless sensor unit, and wherein a first wireless sensor unit completes transmission of the first portion of the data acquired by the first wireless sensor unit before a second wireless sensor unit begins transmission of the first portion of the data acquired by the second wireless sensor unit, and the first wireless sensor unit begins transmission of the second portion of the data acquired by the first wireless sensor unit after the second wireless sensor unit completes transmission of the first portion of the data acquired by the second wireless sensor unit, at least the transmission of the second portion of the data acquired by the first wireless sensor unit beginning after the sensing period of time.