Patent Publication Number: US-2020300207-A1

Title: Remote generator controller system and devices

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/047,886, filed Jul. 27, 2018 entitled “Remote Generator Controller Systems and Devices,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including but not limited to those portions that specifically appear hereinafter, the incorporation by reference being made with the following exception: In the event that any portion of the above-referenced application is inconsistent with this application, this application supersedes said portion of said above-referenced application. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     This disclosure relates generally to a system for transmitting generator operation information to a monitoring location for processing and monitoring the data. More specifically, the system disclosed herein may both transmit and receive information representative of generator operation information from a generator controller and receive information at a control center to provide generator operation information to a remote user. The system may include one or more devices which facilitate transmitting generator operation information from a generator and receiving the generator operation information at a control center. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Throughout history, the spread of access to electricity has changed the way humans live faster and more drastically than virtually any other discovery arguably since man mastered the use of fire. So great was the demand for electricity, that dams were built in previously unthinkable places to power electrical turbines to produce electricity. Electrical wires were soon strung or buried across virtually every continent. Even so, electrical power from an electrical grid is still not available everywhere it is desired. 
     Today, electrical power is still not available in remote locations, where quarries, mines, logging, cement plants, ranches, farms, and other similar activities take place. Further, even if electrical power is available, it is not available in high enough amperages to power electrically powered equipment associated with quarries, mines, logging, cement plants, ranches, farms, and other similar activities take place. Due to the desire for electricity in remote locations, fuel based electrical generators were developed to generate electricity from fuel. 
     Today, diesel fuel generators are ubiquitous in remote locations. That is electrical generators have been developed with internal fuel tanks that operate a fuel based engine to create the necessary rotation to generate electricity via an alternator, or similar device. Diesel fuel has been determined to be a cost efficient way of generating electrical power in generators because diesel engines tend to have a significant serviceable lifespan, diesel fuel is readily available, and the ratio of electricity produced to fuel consumed is relatively lower for diesel fuel than for other types of fuels. 
     Thus, generators, particularly diesel generators, have become the backbone of many remote locations providing electricity for not only the equipment necessary to perform a particular job, but also for the workers to have light in their shelters, cook their food, and run pumps that provide drinking water. Unfortunately, diesel generators, as reliable as they are, sometimes fail, often at inopportune times. Further, due to the remoteness of the locations where diesel generators are frequently used, obtaining new parts, and finding a technician to install them can be a long, time consuming, and expensive process. Also, many of the breakdowns that do occur in generators could have been prevented if someone knew that a potential problem was developing. 
     Conventional maintenance for fuel based generators is performed on an “engine hours” basis. That is, for every so many hours of operation the generator (engine hours), certain maintenance must be performed. For example, a manufacturer may suggest replacing a generator air filter every 100 engine hours to ensure that the generator has adequate air flow to facilitate chemical combustion in the engine. In some circumstances, a technician may be able to use an OBD II scanner to connect to a generator and obtain coded information about engine operation. Some late model generators include gauges which provide information about the motor and electrical output of the generator. However, obtaining coded information through an OBD II scanner or from the generator itself is largely impractical for a variety of reasons. First, information retrieved from an OBD II scanner is coded and must be decoded to be interpreted, which takes significant time and cost. Second, it is impractical for a technician to visually monitor the gauges on the generator during use. Many generators are run twenty four hours a day, seven days a week for months at a time, only shutting down for routine maintenance or occasional refueling. Moreover, many generators are placed at a location that is relatively distant from other machines to reduce exposure to dust and to reduce noise in a certain locality. It is equally impractical for a technician to travel from one generator to the next constantly on a site to determine if any of the gauges or the OBD II scanner reveals that the generator is about to malfunction. 
     Finally, when generators fail without warning, operators experience high costs in downtime. For example, in a cement plant, various generators may provide electrical power to conveyor belts which move rocks of a larger size into rock crushers to create successively smaller rocks for use in concrete. However, when one generator fails, one of the conveyor belts may lose electrical power and also fail. However, since other generators are still operating, a previous conveyor belt or a rock crusher may still be depositing rocks into a hopper of the disabled conveyor belt. This accumulation of rocks may prevent the conveyor belt from restarting because of the weight of the rocks in the hopper. In other words, the conveyor belt may be jammed due to excessive weight on the conveyor belt. Even if the generator requires only a simple fix which can be performed in mere minutes, it may take hours to manually unload the hopper on the generator. An entire production line may be shut down for a day, or longer, because a generator unexpectedly failed. Tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars, in some cases, can be lost because of a generator failure. 
     It is therefore one object of this disclosure to provide an interface and transmitter device which may receive generator operation information from a generator and transmit the generator operation information to a control device. It is another object of this disclosure to provide a receiver device which receives generator operation information from the interface and transmitter device. It is another object of this disclosure to provide a control device which processes generator operation information received by the receiver device and communicated to the control device. It is a further object of this disclosure to provide the processed generator operation information on a display for user monitoring and interaction. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed herein is a system is disclosed which includes a remote generator interface controller and a generator interface device. The generator interface device receives generator operation information and transmits the generator operation information to the remote generator interface controller. 
     Further disclosed herein is a remote generator controller device. The remote generator controller device includes a processor, a screen, and a wireless receiver connected wirelessly to receive generator operation information from the generator interface device connected to a generator. 
     Also disclosed herein is a generator interface device. The generator interface device includes a processor connected to a generator which receives generator operation information from at least one of a generator computer and a generator sensor and a transmitter connected wirelessly to transmit the generator operation information wirelessly from the generator interface device to the remote generator controller device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the remote generator dashboard system and devices. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary implementation of a remote generator dashboard system operating in an exemplary cement plant environment. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary system level implementation of a remote generator dashboard system. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates various elements of a control device and receiver transmitter/device associated with the remote generator dashboard system. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates various elements of a generator interface device and information transmitter device. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary user interface for the control device. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a second exemplary user interface for the control device. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a third exemplary user interface for the control device. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates various hardware elements of the control device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific techniques and embodiments are set forth, such as particular techniques and configurations, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the device disclosed herein. While the techniques and embodiments will primarily be described in context with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the techniques and embodiments may also be practiced in other similar devices. 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. It is further noted that elements disclosed with respect to particular embodiments are not restricted to only those embodiments in which they are described. For example, an element described in reference to one embodiment or figure, may be alternatively included in another embodiment or figure regardless of whether or not those elements are shown or described in another embodiment or figure. In other words, elements in the figures may be interchangeable between various embodiments disclosed herein, whether shown or not. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary implementation of a remote generator dashboard system  100  operating in an exemplary cement plant environment. A cement plant may include, for example, a first conveyor belt  102  which includes a hopper  104  for receiving rocks  120  of a first size. Conveyor belt  102  may include a conveyor control device  106  which may control various functionalities of the conveyor belt, e.g., belt speed, on/off, etc. Conveyor belt  102  is typically operates using electricity provided by generator  108 . 
     Generator  108  may generate electricity by converting chemical fuel into electricity by, for example, a diesel motor stored in compartment  110 . Generator  108  may provide an emergency shutoff button  112  and may include one or more interface elements  114  which allow a user to control various functionalities of the generator. Generator  108  may include an interface device  116  which may retrieve generator operation information from generator  108  and a transmitter device  118  which transmits the generator operation information from generator  108  to a remote generator controller device, which will be discussed below. 
     Interface device  116  may be connected to generator  108  using any suitable connection. Interface device  116  may obtain generator operation information from generator  108  that includes information such as operational status (on/off), engine hours, average rotations per minute of a motor, current rotations per minute of a motor, electrical output frequency, generator load, average output voltage, fuel pressure, fuel storage level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, oil level, battery voltage, current output, motor temperature, airflow, and any other information that may be relevant to operation of generator  108 . Interface device  116  may provide the generator operation information to transmitter device  118  which may transmit the generator operation information from generator  108  to a remote generator device, as will be discussed below. 
     As conveyor belt  102  receives electricity generated by generator  108 , via electrical connection  124 , conveyor belt  102  carries rocks  120  of a first size up the conveyor  102  by successively higher supports  122 . It is noted that conveyor  102  may simply carry rocks of a first size  120  from one location to another without raising the level of conveyor  102  by successively higher supports  122 . Conveyor  102  may be flat or angled down. However, merely for purposes of description, conveyor  102  includes supports  122  which raise conveyor  102  from a first end to a second end which is raised higher than the first end. Rocks of a first size  120  are carried by conveyor into hopper  126  which feeds a rock crusher  128 . Rock crusher  128  may also operate by receiving electrical power and using a variety of mill wheels, grinding wheels, hammers, or other devices to break rocks of a first size  120  into rocks  144  of a second size, smaller than rocks of a first size  120 . 
     Generator  132  may be similar to generator  108 , discussed above, and generate electricity by converting chemical fuel into electricity by, for example, a diesel motor stored in compartment  134 . Generator  132  may provide an emergency shutoff button  136  and may include one or more interface elements  138  which allow a user to control various functionalities of the generator. Generator  132  may include an interface device  140  which may retrieve generator operation information from generator  132  and a transmitter device  142  which transmits the generator operation information from generator  132  to a remote generator controller device, which will be discussed below. 
     Interface device  140  may be connected to generator  132  using any suitable connection. Interface device  140  may obtain generator operation information from generator  132  that includes information such as operational status (on/off), engine hours, average rotations per minute of a motor, current rotations per minute of a motor, electrical output frequency, generator load, average output voltage, fuel pressure, fuel storage level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, oil level, battery voltage, current output, motor temperature, airflow, and any other information that may be relevant to operation of generator  132 . Interface device  140  may provide the generator operation information to transmitter device  142  which may transmit the generator operation information from generator  132  to a remote generator device, as will be discussed below. 
     Rock crusher  128  receives electricity generated by generator  132 , via electrical connection  130 , and mills, grinds, or breaks rocks of a first size  120  into rocks of a second size  144 , smaller than rocks of a first size  120 . Rocks of a second size  144  may be disposed onto a conveyor belt  150  which includes a conveyor control device  146  which may be used to control various functionality of conveyor  150 . Conveyor  150  may carry rocks of a second size  144  up conveyor  150  by successively higher supports  148 , although supports  148  need not be successively higher and may simply be equal in height or may be implemented as successively lower supports  148 . However, for purposes of description in  FIG. 1 , conveyor belt  150  is shown as including successively higher supports  150  to carry rocks of a second size out of rock crusher  128 . 
     As before with conveyor  102 , conveyor  150  requires electrical power to operate. Thus, conveyor  150  is connected to generator  154  by electrical connection  152 . Generator  154  may be similar to generator  108  and generator  132 , discussed above, and generate electricity by converting chemical fuel into electricity by, for example, a diesel motor stored in compartment  156 . Generator  154  may provide an emergency shutoff button  158  and may include one or more interface elements  160  which allow a user to control various functionalities of the generator. Generator  154  may include an interface device  162  which may retrieve generator operation information from generator  154  and a transmitter device  164  which transmits the generator operation information from generator  154  to a remote generator controller device, which will be discussed below. 
     Interface device  162  may be connected to generator  154  using any suitable connection. Interface device  162  may obtain generator operation information from generator  154  that includes information such as operational status (on/off), engine hours, average rotations per minute of a motor, current rotations per minute of a motor, electrical output frequency, generator load, average output voltage, fuel pressure, fuel storage level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, oil level, battery voltage, current output, motor temperature, airflow, and any other information that may be relevant to operation of generator  154 . Interface device  162  may provide the generator operation information to transmitter device  164  which may transmit the generator operation information from generator  154  to a remote generator controller device, as will be discussed below. 
     Conveyor belt  150  may move rocks of a second size  144  into a hopper  166  that may feed a second rock crusher, another conveyor belt or another device as necessary to create cement in the cement plant.  FIG. 1  illustrates three consecutive dots which identify that further devices may be implemented as necessary. Further, various different sites performing various different activities may have different mechanical and electrical needs. Mines, logging sites, farms, ranches, and other locations may require the use of different electrically operated equipment that is generated by one or more generators.  FIG. 1  merely illustrates a simple example of a cement plant for explanatory purposes. 
     The cement plant illustrated in  FIG. 1 , or any other similar sites, may provide a control center  168  which allows a user to monitor the progress of material through, for example, conveyor belt  102 , rock crusher  128 , and conveyor belt  150 . In many situations, controls for conveyor belt  102 , rock crusher  128 , and conveyor belt  150  may be connected to a remote controller, such as controller  176 , controller  178 , and controller  180 , by wire  170 , wire  172 , and wire  174 . Remote controller  176  may, for example, be connected to conveyor control device  106  by wire  170  and allow a user to adjust a speed, turn conveyor  150  on/off, or include an emergency stop. Remote controller  178  may, for example, be connected to rock crusher  128  by wire  172  and allow a user to turn rock crusher  128  on/off or include an emergency stop. Remote controller  180  may, for example, be connected to conveyor control device  146  by wire  174  and allow a user to adjust a speed, turn conveyor  150  on/off, or include an emergency stop. 
     Generator  108 , generator  132 , and generator  154  may connect by wireless connection  188 , wireless connection  190 , and wireless connection  192  to remote generator controller device  182 . Remote generator controller device  182  may include controller/receiver  184  (which will be discussed in more detail below) and receive generator operation information from transmitter device  118 , transmitter device  142 , and transmitter device  164  of generator  108 , generator  132 , and generator  154 , respectively. Generator operation information received by remote generator controller device  182  may be provided to a user via remote generator controller device  182 . Remote generator controller device  182  may include a power input  186  to provide power for operation of remote generator controller device  182 . It should be noted that remote generator controller device  182  may be located in any convenient location. For example, remote generator controller device  154  may be located in a front-end loader (or any other piece of equipment) which is loading material into a hopper, such as hopper  104 , to allow an operator of the front end loader to monitor the operational condition of one or more generators (such as generator  108 , generator  132 , and generator  154 ) while loading material into hopper  104 . 
     As will be further discussed below, remote generator controller device  182  may detect problems in generator  108 , generator  132 , and generator  154  before a generator is forced to shut down by, for example, a current limiter circuit, and manually stop other parts of the system such that material does not jam conveyor belt  102 , rock crusher  128 , and conveyor belt  150 , for example. 
     In one exemplary circumstance, for purposes of illustration and description only, remote generator controller device  182  may detect an excess current draw in generator  132  and immediately shut down conveyor belt  102 , rock crusher  128 , and conveyor belt  150  to identify the cause of the excess current draw. Upon examination, for example, a user may determine that a broken iron tool became lodged between milling wheels, causing rock crusher  128  to draw additional current from generator  132  in an attempt to continue spinning milling wheels. However, since the user was able to shut down conveyor belt  102 , rock crusher  128 , and conveyor belt  150 , none of hopper  104 , hopper  126 , or hopper  166  became jammed with excess material. Thus, once the broken tool is removed from rock crusher  128 , conveyor belt  102 , rock crusher  128 , and conveyor belt  150  may be restarted without significant downtime for the cement plant. If hopper  104 , hopper  126 , or hopper  166  became jammed by material, such as rocks or dirt, a substantial amount of manual labor and time may be required to dislodge the jam. A costly delay in concrete production may be so avoided because early information that a problem existed in generator  132  was identified before the problem could cause generator  132  to automatically shut down. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary system level implementation of a remote generator dashboard system  200 . Remote generator dashboard system  200  includes a generator controller device  202  which interfaces with generator  204 . Generator controller device  202  may include a screen  206  which may provide generator operation information to a user and allow the user to interact with generator controller device  202 . Remote generator controller device  202  may further include a receiver/transmitter  208  to receive and transmit information from remote generator controller device  202  to generator  204 , as will be described below. Remote generator controller device  202  may further include one or more electrical components  210  to regulate input voltage and input current received through wire  212  and 120V (or 240V) AC plug  214 . Electrical components  210  may be implemented as necessary to receive power using standard input power available in different countries (e.g. 120V or 240V power). While remote generator controller device  202  is shown in  FIG. 2  as receiving AC power, remote generator controller device  202  may be battery powered, using appropriate batteries. 
     Generator  204  includes a base  216  which may be implemented in a manner that allows generator  204  to be dragged from one position to another. For example, various connection points may be installed in base  216  which may be chained to, for example, an excavator, a front end loader, a bull dozer, a truck, or other vehicle to drag generator  204  from one location to another. Generator  204  may include an access door  218  which provides access to an internal motor, a fuel storage, and other components of generator  204 . Access door  218  may include vents  220  to allow fresh air to be drawn into generator  204 . Access door  218  may further include a latch  222  which may secure access door  218  in a closed position or which may release to allow a user to open access door  218 . Generator  204  may further include a controller door  224  which provides access to various generator controls. Controller door  224  may include an opening to provide interface elements  226  for providing a user with control over generator  204 . Interface elements  226  may include a screen, screen interface buttons and a keyhole  228  for receiving a key in a key switch to start and stop generator  204 . Alternatively, interface elements, such as screen  226  may be provided only by opening controller door  224  via latch  230 . 
     Regardless, disposed within controller door  224  of generator  204 , are a generator interface device  234  and a receiver/transmitter  232 . Generator interface device  234  may connect to one or more information ports (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) provided by generator  204  or generator sensors (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) to receive generator operation information from generator  204 . As before, generator operation information may include information such as operational status (on/off), engine hours, average rotations per minute of a motor, current rotations per minute of a motor, electrical output frequency, generator load, average output voltage, fuel pressure, fuel storage level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, oil level, battery voltage, current output, motor temperature, airflow, and any other information that may be relevant to operation of generator  204 . Generator operation information may be transmitted via transmitter/receiver  232  to generator controller device  202  to be provided to a user at a remote location via screen  206 . Generator  204  may further include an emergency shut down button  236 . 
     Generator interface device  234  and transmitter/receiver  232  may include hardware components may include a combination of Central Processing Units (“CPUs”), buses, volatile and non-volatile memory devices, storage units, non-transitory computer-readable media, data processors, processing devices, control devices transmitters, receivers, antennas, transceivers, input devices, output devices, network interface devices, and other types of components that are apparent to those skilled in the art. Generator interface device  234  and transmitter/receiver  232  may also include software and hardware modules, sequences of instructions, routines, data structures, display interfaces, and other types of structures that execute interface operations. In one embodiment, transmitter/receiver  232  may transmit and receive information by a wireless connection  238  established between transmitter/receiver  232  in generator  204  and transmitter/receiver  208  in remote generator controller  202 . In one embodiment, transmitter/receiver  232  in generator  204  and transmitter/receiver  208  in remote generator controller  202  may have a wireless communication range of approximately 4 miles (approximately 6.4 km). Transmitter/receiver  232  in generator  204  and transmitter/receiver  208  in remote generator controller  202  may communicate using radio frequency communication. However, any suitable communication connection may be implemented including any wired, wireless, cellular based, or internet based connections. Examples of these various communication connections include internet based communication protocols Wi-Fi, ZigBee, Z-Wave, RF4CE, Ethernet, telephone line, cellular channels, or others that operate in accordance with protocols defined in IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11, 801.11a, 801.11b, 801.11e, 802.11g, 802.11h, 802.11i, 802.11n, 802.16, 802.16d, 802.16e, or 802.16m using any network type including a wide-area network (“WAN”), a local-area network (“LAN”), a 2G network, a 3G network, a 4G network, a Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) network, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) network, any type of satellite or cellular network, or any other appropriate protocol to facilitate communication between transmitter/receiver  232  in generator  204  and transmitter/receiver  208  in remote generator control device  202  or vice versa. 
     In one example, generator interface device  234  may detect a fault in generator  204  which may be transmitted to remote generator control device  202  for display on screen  206 . In response, a user may interact with screen  206  to send an emergency stop command to generator  204  via transmitter/receiver  208  in remote generator control device  202  to transmitter/receiver  232  in generator  204 . Transmitter/receiver  232  in generator  204  may provide the emergency stop command to generator  204  via generator interface device  234  which causes generator  204  to shut down virtually instantaneously. A technician may then review generator operation information provided to remote generator control device  202  and inspect generator  204 , or associated devices, to determine the cause of the fault. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates various elements of a control device  306  and transmitter/receiver device  314  associated with the remote generator controller device  300  of a remote generator dashboard system, such as remote generator dashboard system  200 , shown in  FIG. 2 . Remote generator controller device  300  may be implemented as a hinged box which may have a top portion  302  and a bottom portion  304 . Top portion  302  may include a controller  306 . Controller  306  may include power connectors and information connectors  308  in addition to other connectors for interfacing with a screen (not shown in  FIG. 3 ). Controller  306  may include hardware components may include a combination of Central Processing Units (“CPUs”), buses, volatile and non-volatile memory devices, storage units, non-transitory computer-readable media, data processors, processing devices, control devices transmitters, receivers, antennas, transceivers, input devices, output devices, network interface devices, and other types of components that are apparent to those skilled in the art. In addition, controller  306  may provide a screen accessible to a user. Wire  310  may connect controller  306  to both power and information from bottom portion  304 , as will be described below. 
     Bottom portion  304  may include transmitter/receiver device  314  which may communicate with other devices, which will be shown and described below with respect to  FIG. 4 , transmitter/receiver device  314  may transmit received information to controller  306  via wire  310 . Further, transmitter/receiver device  314  may receive power in appropriate voltages through power regulator  318 . Power regulator  318  may receive AC (alternating current) electricity via a power port  324  which connects to wire  326  and receives AC electricity via plug  328 . Power regulator  318  may be implemented as a circuit breaker device, a fuse, a power supply, or any other device known in the art. Further, while power regulator  318  is illustrated in  FIG. 3  as being connected by wire  320  to rectifier/DC voltage regulator  312 , rectifier/DC voltage regulator  312  and power regulator  312  may be implemented together in a single housing of electrical components. Power regulator  318  may receive AC electricity and ensure that a current input is below an acceptable threshold for rectifier/DC voltage regulator  312 . Power regulator  318  may then provide electricity to rectifier/DC voltage regulator  312  which may be converted from AC electricity to DC (direct current) electricity and regulated to an appropriate voltage level to operate controller  306  and transmitter/receiver  314 . 
     It should be noted that remote generator controller device  300  may be implemented with a battery back up in case AC electricity supplied to remote generator controller device  300  fails. Further, remote generator controller device  300  may, via transmitter/receiver  314 , interface with one or a plurality of generators simultaneously, or virtually simultaneously (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). In other words, remote generator controller device  300  may receive generator operation information from each generator in intervals of less than  10  seconds, for example, such that a change in generator operation information can be immediately detected and reported to a user. Transmitter/receiver  314  may further include an antenna  316  which may extend a wireless communication range for transmitter/receiver  314  to approximately 4 miles (6.5 km). In another embodiment, a remote generator controller device  300  may be provided for an individual generator individually using a serialized connection to ensure that only the remote generator controller device  300  may be used with remote generator controller device  300 . Wire  322  may receive power from rectifier/DC voltage regulator  312  and provide DC electricity to transmitter/receiver  314 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates various elements of an interface  400  which includes a generator interface device  402  and information transmitter/receiver device  404 . Generator interface device  402  may include a processor  406  and implement a combination of Central Processing Units (“CPUs”), buses, volatile and non-volatile memory devices, storage units, non-transitory computer-readable media, data processors, processing devices, control devices transmitters, receivers, antennas, transceivers, input devices, output devices, network interface devices, and other types of components that are apparent to those skilled in the art. 
     Generator interface device  402  may further include a power connector  408  which may receive electrical power in a variety of ways. As shown in  FIG. 4 , power connector  408  implements ground connection  410 , a positive voltage connection  412 , and a negative voltage connection  414  to receive power in a DC electrical environment. However, a variety of implementations are possible in both a DC electrical environment and an AC electrical environment. Electrical power supplied to connector  408  may be derived from a battery in a generator or may be obtained through an interface connection with the generator. 
     Generator interface device  402  may further include a generator sensor information connector  416 , a generator computer information connector  418 , and an information connector  420  for sending information to transmitter/receiver device  426 . Information connector  416  may receive generator sensor information from a generator sensor  422  which may be provided to processor  406 . Generator sensor information may be any information that is obtained from a sensor in a generator. For example, an over current sensor, a battery voltage sensor, or other sensor in a generator may directly interface with generator interface device  402 . 
     Information connector  418  may receive information from a generator computer  424  which may be provided to processor  406 . Generator computer  424  may provide real time generator operation information to processor  406 . Generator computer  424  may be a computer which controls the operation of a generator. Generator interface device  402  may receive the information from generator sensor  422  and/or generator computer  424  and provide generator operation information (which includes generator sensor information) to transmitter/receiver  404  via a wire disposed between information connector  420  and connector  426  on transmitter/receiver  404 . 
     Transmitter/receiver  404  may include a hardware for transmitting and receiving information wirelessly using any of the information communication and transmission protocols discussed above. Transmitter/receiver  404  receives generator operation information from generator interface device  402  and wirelessly transmits the information to a remote generator controller device, such as remote generator controller device  300 , shown in  FIG. 3 . Transmitter/receiver  404  may further include an antenna  428  which may extend a wireless communication range for transmitter/receiver  404  to approximately 4 miles (6.5 km). 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary user interface  500  for the remote generator controller device  502  which may be similar in implementation and description to other remote generator controller devices disclosed herein. As shown in  FIG. 5 , a remote generator controller device  502  provides a screen  504 . Screen  504  may be implemented as a touch screen or another type of screen that uses a tactile element (e.g., a touch pad) or peripheral device (e.g., a mouse) to interface with a user. 
     User interface  500  includes an engine hours icon  506  and an identifier  508  of “engine hours” to display to a user that a generator, for example, has operated for 3641.4 hours. Additionally, user interface  500  may include button elements  510  which provide a user with an ability to provide input into remote generator controller device  502 . Button element  510  may implement an emergency stop  512  which, when pressed, may send a command to a generator interface device, such as generator interface device  402 , shown in  FIG. 4 , to shut down immediately. User interface  500  may further include information elements, such as information element  514  which provide information to a user about a generator or information currently displayed on a screen. As shown in  FIG. 5 , information element  514  provides information  516  that the screen being shown is a “remote generator dashboard.” Information element  514  may begin to flash, emit sounds, or otherwise notify a user when generator operation information changes in a manner that indicates a potential problem may arise. 
     User interface  500  may further allow a user to select other user interfaces that the user wishes to access. For example, user interface button  518 , when interacted with, may cause remote generator controller device  500  to update graphical user interface  500  with another graphical user interface, such as those that will be discussed below, or others. Button  518  may provide engine information about a generator in a new user interface. Similarly, user interface button  520 , when interacted with, may cause remote generator controller device  500  to update graphical user interface  500  with a second graphical user interface. User interface button  520 , may provide master information about different generators in the system or provide master control over a particular generator, for example. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a second exemplary user interface  600  for the remote generator controller device  602 . Remote generator controller device  602  may be similar in implementation and description to other remote generator controller devices disclosed herein and provide a screen  604 . Screen  604  may be implemented as a touch screen or another type of screen that uses a tactile element (e.g., a touch pad) or peripheral device (e.g., a mouse) to interface with a user. 
     User interface  600  may provide a number of generator electrical information elements such as generator information element  606 . Generator information element  606  provides information related to an average number of rotations per minute for a generator in a bar graph style information graph. Generator information element  608  provides numerical information for a generator&#39;s current average number of rotations per minute. Generator information element  610  provides information related to a frequency of electrical output for a generator in a bar graph style information graph. Generator information element  612  provides numerical information for a generator&#39;s current frequency of electrical output for the generator. Generator information element  614  provides information related to a percentage of generator electrical load that may be output by a generator in a bar graph style information graph. Generator information element  616  provides numerical information for a generator&#39;s current electrical load. Finally, generator information element  618  provides information related to an average voltage output by the generator in a bar graph style information graph. Generator information element  620  provides numerical information for a generator&#39;s average voltage output. In one embodiment, one or more of information elements  606 - 620  may flash or change colors to indicate to a user that a certain electrical characteristic or generator output condition may have the potential to cause a problem or indicate a fault in the generator. 
     User interface  600  may further provide navigation elements, such as navigation element  622  and navigation element  624  which allow a user to scroll through different user interfaces to obtain the desired information. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a third exemplary user interface  700  for remote generator controller device  702 . Remote generator controller device  702  may be similar in implementation and description to other remote generator controller devices disclosed herein and provide a screen  704 . Screen  704  may be implemented as a touch screen or another type of screen that uses a tactile element (e.g., a touch pad) or peripheral device (e.g., a mouse) to interface with a user. 
     User interface  700  may provide a number of generator motor information elements such as generator information element  706 . Generator information element  706  provides information related to a fuel pressure in a bar graph style information graph. Generator information element  708  provides numerical information for a fuel pressure. Generator information element  710  provides information related to a coolant temperature for a motor in a generator in a bar graph style information graph. Generator information element  712  provides numerical information for a coolant temperature for a motor in a generator for the generator. Generator information element  714  provides information related to an oil pressure in a motor of a generator in a bar graph style information graph. Generator information element  716  provides numerical information for an oil pressure in a motor of a generator. Finally, generator information element  718  provides information related to a battery voltage for a generator in a bar graph style information graph. Generator information element  720  provides numerical information for a battery voltage for a generator. In one embodiment, one or more of information elements  706 - 720  may flash or change colors to indicate to a user that a certain electrical characteristic or generator output condition may have the potential to cause a problem or indicate a fault in the generator. 
     User interface  700  may further provide navigation elements, such as navigation element  722  and navigation element  724  which allow a user to scroll through different user interfaces to obtain the desired information. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates various hardware elements of the remote generator controller device  800 , such as those remote generator controller devices disclosed herein. Remote generator controller device  800  may include or utilize a special purpose or general-purpose computer, including computer hardware, such as, for example, one or more processors and system memory, as discussed in greater detail below. Implementations within the scope of the present disclosure may also include physical and other computer-readable media for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and/or data structures. Such computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer system. Computer-readable media that store computer-executable instructions are computer storage media (devices). Computer-readable media that carry computer-executable instructions are transmission media. Thus, by way of example, and not limitation, implementations of the disclosure can comprise at least two distinctly different kinds of computer-readable media: computer storage media (devices) and transmission media. 
     Computer storage media (devices) includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, solid state drives (“SSDs”) (e.g., based on RAM), Flash memory, phase-change memory (“PCM”), other types of memory, other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. 
     A “network” is defined as one or more data links that enable the transport of electronic data between computer systems and/or modules and/or other electronic devices. In an implementation, a remote generator controller device and a generator interface device may be networked in order to communicate with each other, and other components, connected over the network to which they are connected. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection as a transmission medium. Transmissions media can include a network and/or data links, which can be used to carry desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. 
     Further, upon reaching various computer system components, program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures that can be transferred automatically from transmission media to computer storage media (devices) (or vice versa). For example, computer-executable instructions or data structures received over a network or data link can be buffered in RAM within a network interface module (e.g., a “NIC”), and then eventually transferred to computer system RAM and/or to less volatile computer storage media (devices) at a computer system. RAM can also include solid state drives. Thus, it should be understood that computer storage media (devices) can be included in computer system components that also (or even primarily) utilize transmission media. 
     Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which, when executed at a processor, cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. The computer executable instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, or even source code. Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the described features or acts described above. Rather, the described features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the remote generator controller device may be implemented in many types of computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including, personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors, control units, camera control units, hand-held devices, hand pieces, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile telephones, PDAs, tablets, pagers, routers, switches, various storage devices, and the like. The disclosure may also be practiced in distributed system environments where local and remote computer systems, which are linked (either by hardwired data links, wireless data links, or by a combination of hardwired and wireless data links) through a network, both perform tasks. In a distributed system environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices. 
     Further, where appropriate, functions described herein can be performed in one or more of: hardware, software, firmware, digital components, or analog components. For example, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) can be programmed to carry out one or more of the systems and procedures described herein. Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular system components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, components may be referred to by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name, but not function. 
       FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating a remote generator controller device  800 . Remote generator controller device  800  may be used to perform various procedures, such as those discussed herein. Remote generator controller device  800  may function as a server, a client, or any other computing entity. Remote generator controller device  800  can perform various monitoring functions as discussed herein, and can execute one or more application programs, such as the application programs described herein. Remote generator controller device  800  can be any of a wide variety of computing devices, such as a desktop computer, a notebook computer, a server computer, a handheld computer, tablet computer and the like. 
     Remote generator controller device  800  includes one or more processor(s)  804 , one or more memory device(s)  806 , one or more interface(s)  812 , one or more mass storage device(s)  820 , one or more Input/Output (I/O) device(s)  826 , and a display device  828  all of which are coupled to a bus  802 . Processor(s)  804  include one or more processors or controllers that execute instructions stored in memory device(s)  806  and/or mass storage device(s)  820 . Processor(s)  804  may also include various types of computer-readable media, such as cache memory. 
     Memory device(s)  806  include various computer-readable media, such as volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM)  808 ) and/or nonvolatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM)  810 ). Memory device(s)  806  may also include rewritable ROM, such as Flash memory. 
     Mass storage device(s)  820  include various computer readable media, such as magnetic tapes, magnetic disks, optical disks, solid-state memory (e.g., Flash memory), and so forth. Remote generator controller device  800  may include a hard disk drive  822 . Various drives may also be included in mass storage device(s)  820  to enable reading from and/or writing to the various computer readable media. Mass storage device(s)  820  include removable media  824  and/or non-removable media. 
     I/O device(s)  826  include various devices that allow data and/or other information to be input to or retrieved from remote generator controller device  800 . Example I/O device(s)  826  include digital imaging devices, electromagnetic sensors and emitters, cursor control devices, keyboards, keypads, microphones, monitors or other display devices, speakers, printers, network interface cards, modems, lenses, CCDs or other image capture devices, and the like. 
     Display device  828  includes any type of device capable of displaying information to one or more users of remote generator controller device  800 . Examples of display device  828  include a screen, a touch screen, a monitor, a display terminal, a video projection device, and the like. 
     Interface(s)  812  include various interfaces that allow remote generator controller device  800  to interact with other systems, devices, or computing environments. Example interface(s)  812  may include user interface elements  814 . Other exemplary interface(s) may include any number of different network interfaces  816 , such as interfaces to local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wireless networks, and the Internet. Other interface(s) include a peripheral device interface  818 . The interface(s)  812  may also include one or more peripheral interfaces such as interfaces for printers, pointing devices (mice, track pad, etc.), keyboards, and the like. 
     Bus  802  allows processor(s)  804 , memory device(s)  806 , interface(s)  812 , mass storage device(s)  820 , and I/O device(s)  826  to communicate with one another, as well as other devices or components coupled to bus  802 . Bus  802  represents one or more of several types of bus structures, such as a system bus, PCI bus, IEEE 1394 bus, USB bus, and so forth. 
     For purposes of illustration, programs and other executable program components are shown herein as discrete blocks, although it is understood that such programs and components may reside at various times in different storage components of remote generator controller device  800 , and are executed by processor(s)  804 . Alternatively, the systems and procedures described herein can be implemented in hardware, or a combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. For example, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) can be programmed to carry out one or more of the systems and procedures described herein. 
     The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the invention to the precise forms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications and adaptations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed embodiments. For example, components described herein may be removed and other components added without departing from the scope or spirit of the embodiments disclosed herein or the appended claims. 
     Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.