Patent Publication Number: US-2021182569-A1

Title: System and method for debris detection and integrity validation for right-of-way based infrastructure

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/948,071, filed on Dec. 13, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/948,078, filed on Dec. 13, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/948,081, filed on Dec. 13, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/067,169, filed on Aug. 18, 2020, in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     Aspects of embodiments of the present invention relate to system and method of debris detection and integrity validation for right-of-way based infrastructure. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In recent years, the reliability of services provided by right-of-way (ROW) based infrastructure such as power lines, pipelines, railroad lines, and/or the like has become increasingly difficult to maintain as existing infrastructure ages, expands, and is exposed to a variety of environmental conditions. Generally, to restore an existing service, operators, technicians, engineers, and/or the like may diagnose and resolve problems, and perform safety checks. 
     However, diagnosing and resolving problems, and performing safety checks may be difficult and time-consuming if information regarding the ROW-based infrastructure relies solely on the perspective of on-site workers. Remote inspection techniques, for example through the use of camera equipped drones, are also time-consuming and suffer from ease of comparison to pre-outage conditions. Further, incomplete information based on the perception of the workers may lead to mistakes or errors that may threaten the health and safety of the workers and/or the public while resulting in further delays of service. 
     The above information disclosed in this Background section is for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present disclosure, and therefore, it may contain information that does not constitute prior art. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an aspect of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for debris detection and integrity validation for ROW-based infrastructures are provided. 
     According to another aspect of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, an imaging device for capturing “before” and “after” image sets of portions of an object of interest under a variety of conditions is provided. 
     According to another aspect of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods of reviewing image data sets from one or more imaging devices via a user interface on an electronic device are provided. 
     According to another aspect of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for detection of electrical arcs associated with utility electrical equipment are provided. 
     According to another aspect of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for fire detection are provided. 
     According to another aspect of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for detection of weather conditions are provided. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other features and aspects will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by describing in further detail some example embodiments of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a block diagram of an imaging device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1B  is a block diagram of an electronic communication system including one or more imaging devices according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of an imaging device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective view including blocks indicating components of an imaging device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a view of a user interface provided to an electronic device available to a user according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a device for detection of electrical arcs according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a device for fire detection according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a device for detection of weather conditions according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  shows a fire weather condition monitor with sensors, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram of components and their connections of a fire weather condition monitor, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is an illustration of a fire weather condition monitor and an accompanying solar panel-power source mounted to a high voltage transmission tower, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged view of a region of the fire weather condition monitor and the accompanying solar-panel power source of  FIG. 9 , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is an illustration of a fire weather condition monitor and an accompanying solar-panel power source mounted to a wooden distribution pole, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged view of a region of the fire weather condition monitor and the accompanying solar-panel power source of  FIG. 11 , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  shows a network of fire weather condition monitors, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart showing a method of dynamic real time fire weather condition monitoring, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  shows a graphical depiction of the status of fire weather condition monitors in a network of such monitors, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Herein, some example embodiments will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout. The present disclosure, however, may be embodied in various different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to only the illustrated embodiments herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the aspects and features of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, processes, elements, and techniques that are not necessary to those having ordinary skill in the art for a complete understanding of the aspects and features of the present disclosure may not be described. Unless otherwise noted, like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the attached drawings and the written description, and, thus, descriptions thereof may not be repeated. 
     In the drawings, relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated and/or simplified for clarity. 
     It is to be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections are not limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section described below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
     It is to be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is to be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and “including,” “has,” “have,” and “having,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It is to be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and/or the present specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein. 
     Generally, prior to restarting ROW-based infrastructures that have previously been temporarily removed from service, it may be desirable to perform safety checks and confirm that any problems that may cause or have caused failure of the ROW-based infrastructure have been addressed. However, because ROW-based infrastructure are often very lengthy and meandering in nature, operators, technicians, engineers, and/or the like, may not be aware of the status of the entire ROW-based infrastructure and may not be aware of the previous operational condition of the infrastructure which may be helpful for assessing the current condition of the infrastructure. Time consuming physical or drone-based inspections of the entire ROW infrastructure may be required. 
     According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, an imaging device is provided which captures “before” images and/or video sequences for comparison with “after” images and/or video sequences. Based on the comparison, users such as operators, technicians, engineers, and/or the like may be better able to determine, for example, whether to re-energize an electric power line that has been de-energized. For example, in the case of an electric power line, the users may be able to determine that the power line is both intact (e.g., it has not broken and fallen to the ground) and is not fouled by debris (e.g., tree branches) that would cause an electrical fault upon re-energization. 
       FIG. 1A  is a block diagram of an imaging device  100  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1A , according to one or more example embodiments, an imaging device  100  includes a first detection system  102  configured to capture images of an environment surrounding the imaging device  100 , and a second detection system  104  configured to capture images of an environment surrounding the imaging device  100 . As used herein, “images” may refer to images, video sequences, and/or any other suitable format. 
     Each of the first detection system  102  and the second detection system  104  may be a camera imaging system including one or more cameras  106 ,  108  coupled to the exterior of or housed with the imaging device  100 . The one or more cameras  106 ,  108  may be configured to capture still and/or video images. The one or more cameras  106  of the first detection system  102  and the one or more cameras  108  of the second detection system  104  may capture overlapping images from the same or different perspectives to create a single, merged image of one or more areas of interest. Third, fourth, or nth detection systems similar to  102  and  104  may be included to match a particular ROW infrastructure. 
     In one or more embodiments, the one or more areas of interest may include one or more objects of interest such as, for example, portions of a power line and/or components attached to the power line. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and, in other embodiments, areas of interest and associated objects of interest may be areas and objects of other ROW-based infrastructures, such as pipelines, railroad lines, and/or the like. 
     In one or more embodiments, the first detection system  102  may be facing a first direction, and the second detection system  104  may be facing a second direction opposite to the first direction. Therefore, the first detection system  102  and the second detection system  104  of the imaging device  100  may capture images in, for example, a forward direction and a rearward direction. In this case, the first detection system  102  and the second detection system  104  may capture images of a structure (e.g., a power line, a pipeline, a railroad track, and the like) along a flow direction (e.g., electrical flow, fluid flow, rail transport, and the like). For example the imaging device  100  may be positioned at, on, above, or below a power line such that the first detection system  102  and the second detection system  104  capture images of the power line extending away from opposite ends of the imaging device  100 . However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments, the imaging device  100  may include additional detection systems with one or more cameras set to capture images in any suitable direction desired, such as, for example, a forward direction, a rearward direction, a rightward direction, a leftward direction, a downward direction, an upward direction, and/or the like, such that one or more objects of interest are captured by the imaging device  100  in still and/or video images. 
     In an embodiment, the first detection system  102  may include a first light source  110  configured to emit light toward a first area of interest (e.g., an area of interest in the first direction) and a first camera  106  configured to detect ambient light (e.g., ambient light including natural light and/or artificial light emitted by, for example, the first light source  110 ) from the first area of interest. The second detection system  104  may include a second light source  112  configured to emit light toward a second area of interest (e.g., an area in the second direction opposite to the first direction) and a second camera  108  configured to detect ambient light (e.g., ambient light including natural light and/or artificial light emitted by, for example, the second light source  112 ) from the second area of interest. In one or more embodiments, the first light source  110  and the second light source  112  may be integral with (e.g., housed with) the first camera  106  and the second camera  108 , respectively. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and, in other embodiments, the first light source  110  and/or the second light source  112  may be external light sources separate from (e.g., not housed with) the first camera  106  and/or the second camera  108 , respectively. 
     In one or more embodiments, the first light source  110  and the second light source  112  may emit light to facilitate image capture by the first camera  106  and/or the second camera  108 , respectively, during low visibility conditions (e.g., nighttime conditions). The first light source  110  and the second light source  112  may emit any suitable wavelength of light for detection by the first camera  106  and the second camera  108 , respectively. For example, in one or more embodiments, the first light source  110  and/or the second light source  112  may emit light in the visible wavelength spectrum, and, in other embodiments, the first light source  110  and/or the second light source  112  may emit light in an infrared, ultraviolet, or other non-visible wavelength spectrum. Light in the non-visible wavelength spectrum may be more conducive for detection by the first camera  106  and/or the second camera  108  under certain lighting conditions (e.g., nighttime), physical conditions, weather, and/or expected debris type (e.g., the type of debris that may undesirably affect the integrity of or interfere with operation of the one or more objects of interest). 
     Although the first light source  110  and the second light source  112  are described with reference to  FIG. 1 , in one or more embodiments, the first light source  110  and/or the second light source  112  may be omitted. For example, the first light source  110  and/or the second light source  112  may not be included to save power, cost, or to provide a smaller form factor. 
     In one or more embodiments, the imaging device  100  includes a processing circuit  114  in communication with the first detection system  102  and the second detection system  104 . The processing circuit  114  may control the first detection system  102  and the second detection system  104 , and may manage storage of video sequences and/or images captured by the first detection system  102  and the second detection system  104 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the processing circuit  114  of the storage device includes a processor  116  and memory  118 . The processor  116  may be implemented as a general purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or any other suitable electronic processing components. The memory  118  (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, and/or the like) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage, and/or the like) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes described in the present application. The memory  118  may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The memory  118  may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present application. According to one or more embodiments, the memory  118  may be communicably connected to the processor  116  via the processing circuit  114 , and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by the processing circuit  114  and/or the processor  116 ) one or more processes described herein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , in one or more embodiments, the processing circuit  114  may be implemented within the imaging device  100  as an internal processing circuit of the imaging device  100 . However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, (as indicated by the dotted rectangular block shown in  FIG. 1A ), the processing circuit  114  or one or more components thereof (e.g., components executing instructions in memory to perform the methods described in the present disclosure) may be distributed across multiple servers or computers that may exist in distributed locations. 
     In one or more embodiments, the processing circuit  114  may execute instructions in memory  118  to function as a detection system controller  120  and/or an image processor  122 . The detection system controller  120  may activate and deactivate the first detection system  102  and/or the second detection system  104  based on set (e.g., predetermined) logic and/or user input via an external signal. The image processor  122  may prepare the images provided by the first detection system  102  and the second detection system  104  for storage and upload to one or more electronic devices  132  (see  FIG. 1B ) such as, for example, a personal computer, a server, and/or the like. 
     In one or more embodiments, the detection system controller  120  may be set to activate the one or more cameras of the first detection system  102  and/or the one or more cameras of the second detection system  104  at set times throughout the day to capture images of the first area of interest and/or the second area of interest. The set times throughout the day may be based on the appearance of an object of interest (e.g., a portion of a power line) in the first area of interest and/or the second area of interest under a variety of ambient lighting conditions (e.g., ambient light conditions including natural lighting and/or artificial lighting from a light source). 
     The images capturing the one or more objects of interest in a desired configuration (e.g., a configuration including an arrangement of the one or more objects of interest operating as desired) may be designated by the image processor  122  as “before” images when storing the storage images in memory  118 . For example, images of an operational power line (e.g., an energized power line) may be captured by the imaging device  100  to be used as “before” images. The image processor  122  may store the “before” images with an actual time period and a representative time period. The representative time period may be greater than the actual time period and range from minutes to days depending on the attributes of the object of interest (e.g., the portion of a power line) and the conditions that the object of interest may be subject to, such as lighting conditions (e.g., nighttime), physical conditions, weather, and/or expected debris type (e.g., the type of debris that may affect the integrity of or interfere with operation of the one or more objects of interest). 
     In one or more embodiments, the detection system controller  120  may deactivate (or turn off) the one or more cameras of the first detection system  102  and the one or more cameras of the second detection system  104  in response to set (e.g., predetermined logic) and/or user input via external signals to avoid capturing “before” images including debris, undesirable conditions, and the like. For example, the one or more cameras of the first detection system  102  and the one or more cameras of the second detection system  104  may be turned off by any suitable mechanism including a communication signal sent to the imaging device  100 , a signal from an integral or separate power line current sensor to indicate the line is de-energized, a signal from an integral or separate weather sensor (e.g., a wind speed sensor) that may indicate stormy conditions exist where windborne debris may be present, and/or remote removal of power to the imaging device  100  (e.g., the one or more cameras of the imaging device  100 ). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. 
     For example, in one or more embodiments, the detection system may not disable the one or more cameras of the first detection system  102  and the one or more cameras of the second detection system  104  in response to adverse conditions (e.g., stormy conditions and the like). In this case, any of the captured images by either detection system may be transmitted to a user for troubleshooting purposes. 
     If the one or more cameras are deactivated, the detection system controller  120  may activate (or turn on) the one or more cameras of the first detection system  102  and the one or more cameras of the second detection system  104  prior to operating the ROW-based infrastructure. For example, after a power line is de-energized and before a utility re-energizes the power line, the detection system controller  120  may activate the one or more cameras of the first detection system  102  and the one or more cameras of the second detection system  104  to capture new images. The image processor  122  may designate the new images as “after” images when storing the new images in memory  118 . In one or more embodiments, the “after” designation may be applied by the image processor  122  in response to user input or being powered on. 
     In one or more embodiments, the image processor  122  may associate the “before” images with corresponding “after” images based on the actual time period or the representative time period of the “before” images. In other words, the “after” images may be associated with “before” images captured at a similar time of day and/or under similar conditions. The image processor  122  may transmit “before” images with the associated “after” images to a user (e.g., an operator) or a server for later retrieval and longer term storage as described in further detail with reference to  FIG. 1B . Accordingly, the user (e.g., the operator) may compare the “before” and “after” images to determine if the comparison indicates a sufficient difference in appearance that would suggest that the integrity of one or more objects of interest has been violated. For example, the integrity of a power line may be violated when, for example, a conductor is broken or fouling debris may be present (e.g., tree branches lying across one or more conductors of the power line). 
     Although the image processor  122  of the imaging device  100  is described as associating the “before” and “after” images, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the association may be done manually by a user based on time, date, location data, and the like, or may be performed by the server and/or one or more electronic devices  132  receiving the “before” and “after” images from the imaging device  100 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the imaging device  100  and components thereof may be supplied with power from any suitable power source  124 . For example, an external alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) power source, solar panels, a magnetic field harvesting power supply, and/or the like, and may contain a battery or other source such as a fuel cell to ensure operation for a period of time in the event the power source  124  ceases to function. For example, the battery may provide power at night in conjunction with a solar panel-based power source  124 . 
       FIG. 1B  is a block diagram of an electronic communication system  126  including one or more imaging devices  100  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1B , the one or more imaging devices  100  may be part of an electronic communication system  126  for processing, communicating, and/or reviewing (e.g., annotating) an image data set  130  including images from the one or more imaging devices  100  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the electronic communication system  126  may include a server  128 , one or more electronic devices  132  operated by one or more corresponding users  146 , and one or more imaging devices  100 . 
     The one or more users  146  may be, for example, operators, technicians, engineers, and/or the like. The one or more users  146  may operate the one or more electronic devices  132  to view images from the one or more imaging devices  100 . Depending on the privileges of the one or more users  146 , the users  146  may annotate the image data set  130  including images from the one or more imaging devices  100 . For example, the one or more users  146  may provide custom notes associated with any of the images, an indication of whether any of the images has been reviewed, and/or an indication of whether any of the images indicates conditions in which an in-person or other suitable inspection (field check) is desired or required to validate whether the ROW infrastructure location requires repair, replacement, restoration, clearing, etc., as annotated by a user  146 . Although two electronic devices  132 , two imaging devices  100 , and one server  128  are shown in  FIG. 1B , the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, any suitable number of electronic devices  132 , imaging devices  100 , and/or servers  128  may be communicably connected with each other via the electronic communication system  126 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the server  128  may be connected to (i.e. in electronic communication with) the one or more electronic devices  132  and the one or more imaging devices  100  over a data network  134 , such as, for example, a local area network or a wide area network (e.g., a public Internet). The server  128  may include a software module  138  for coordinating electronic communications between the users  146 , one or more imaging devices  100 , and a database  136  of the server to provide the functions described throughout the application. 
     In one or more embodiments, the server  128  may include a mass storage device or database  136 , such as, for example, a disk drive, drive array, flash memory, magnetic tape, or other suitable mass storage device for storing information used by the server  128 . For example, the database  136  may store images, attributes of the images including location data, time, date, designation (e.g., “before,” “after,” or no designation), annotations, and the like. The database  136  may also store imaging device settings, such as camera settings and/or an identification or group associated with one or more imaging devices  100 , and the like. The database  136  may also store data associated with any of the image or device attributes, but collected from other sources. For example, the database  136  may store wind speed, wind direction, or other weather data associated with the location of a imaging device  100  as collected from other sensors or third party services at the time an image was captured. Although the database  136  is included in the server  128  as illustrated in  FIG. 1B , the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the server  128  may be connected to an external database that is not a part of the server  128 , in which case, the database  136  may be used in addition to the external database or may be omitted entirely. 
     The server  128  may include a processor  140  which executes program instructions from memory  142  to perform the functions of the software module  138 . The processor  140  may be implemented as a general purpose processor  140 , an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. The memory  142  (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, and/or the like) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage, and/or the like) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes described for the software module  138 . The memory  142  may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The memory  142  may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described for the software module  138 . According to one or more embodiments, the memory  142  may be communicably connected to the processor  140  via the server  128 , and may include computer code for executing one or more processes described for the software module  138 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the one or more electronic devices  132  and the one or more imaging devices  100  may be connected to the electronic communication system  126  via a telephone connection, satellite connection, cable connection, radio frequency communication, mesh network, or any other suitable wired or wireless data communication mechanism. In one or more embodiments, the electronic devices  132  may take the form of, for example, a personal computer (PC), hand-held personal computer (HPC), personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet or touch screen computer system, telephone, cellular telephone, smartphone, or any other suitable electronic device. 
     In one or more embodiments, the image data set  130  may be transmitted to the one or more electronic devices  132  and/or the server  128  upon receipt, by one or more imaging devices  100 , of the command or trigger to stop capturing or designating “before” images of the image data set  130 . By preemptively transmitting a portion of the image data set  130  (e.g., the “before” images), an image data set  130  including the “before” and “after” images may be more quickly available for review by a user  146  because the one or more imaging devices  100  may only need to transmit the “after” images in response to capturing the “after” images. Accordingly, the one or more imaging devices  100  may transmit the “before” and “after” images of the image data set  130  separately. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and, in other embodiments, the “before” images of the image data set  130  may be sent concurrently with the command or trigger to send “after” images of the image data set  130 . 
     In one or more embodiments, one or more imaging devices  100  may be grouped together as desired. For example, one or more imaging devices  100  viewing or installed on the same power line may be part of a group. The detection system controller  120  of each of the one or more imaging devices  100  of the group may receive a stop command or be triggered to stop capturing or designating “before” and/or “after” images. Upon receipt of the stop command sent to the group or trigger applied to the group, an image data set  130  from each of the one or more imaging devices  100  in the group may be transmitted to the one or more electronic devices  132  and/or server  128 . By stopping one group at a time, the user  146  may review the image data sets  130  of one group at a time instead of waiting to receive and review image data sets  130  associated with imaging devices  100  of multiple groups. In other words, by grouping one or more imaging devices  100  according to a set scheme (e.g., by power line), the review process may be sped up because the user  146  may review, for example, one power line at a time instead of waiting for data from imaging devices of multiple groups corresponding to multiple power lines at once. 
       FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of an imaging device  100  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2A , an imaging device  100  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a first detection system  102  and a second detection system  104 . The first detection system  102  may include a first camera  106  and a first light source  110 , and the second detection system  104  may include a second camera  108  and a second light source  112 . In an embodiment, the first camera  106 , the first light source  110 , the second camera  108 , and the second light source  112  may be integral with (e.g., housed with) each other. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2A , in one or more embodiments, the imaging device  100  may include a housing  148  which is mountable on (e.g., directly mountable on) a conductor  144 , or power line, such that the first camera  106  and the second camera  108  capture images of the conductor  144  at opposite sides of the imaging device  100 . As such, the imaging device  100  may capture “before” and “after” images of the conductor  144 . The “before” and “after” images may be transmitted to the electronic device  132  and/or the server  128  through the data network  134  for review and storage, respectively. In one or more embodiments, the housing  148  of the imaging device  100  may accommodate radio or hardware communication circuitry, an integral or external magnetic field harvesting power supply, a solar panel power supply, and/or a battery. 
       FIG. 2B  is a perspective view including blocks indicating components of an imaging device  100  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2B , an imaging device  100  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a first detection system including a first camera  106  and a second detection system including a second camera  108 . The first camera  106  may not be integral with (e.g., may not share a housing with) other components of the imaging device  100 . For example, the first camera  106  may be mounted on a surface of a housing  148  enclosing radio or hardware communication circuitry, a solar panel power supply, and/or a battery. In one or more embodiments, the second camera  108  may be integral with (e.g., may share a housing with) the imaging device  100 . However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any cameras and/or light sources may be integral with (e.g., housed with) or separate from (e.g., spaced apart from or mounted on a surface of) other components of the imaging device  100 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the first camera  106  and the second camera  108  may be oriented such that the first camera  106  and the second camera  108  capture images of the conductor  144  from opposite sides of the imaging device  100 , or at fixed angles with respect to each other, or installed on a locally or remotely adjustable mounting, to better capture images of the conductor  144  at a location (e.g., a location where a power line makes a change in angle to follow its easement). As such, the imaging device  100  may capture “before” and “after” images including portions of the conductor  144 . The “before” and “after” images may be transmitted to an electronic device and/or a server for review and storage, respectively. 
     Although a conductor  144  of a power line is captured by the imaging device  100  in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments, the imaging device  100  may be used with other ROW-based infrastructures, such as pipelines, railroad lines, and/or the like in a similar manner. 
       FIG. 3  is a view of a user interface provided to an electronic device  132  available to a user according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     In one or more embodiments, a user  146  may manually view image data sets  130  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1B ) including images from one or more imaging devices  100  via a user interface. Each image data set  130  may include a “before” image set and an “after” image set based on the designation of “before” or “after” set by the imaging device  100  (e.g., the image processor) capturing the images stored in the image data set. In one or more embodiments, the user interface may be a computer- or internet-based user interface that simplifies the visual comparison of the “before” and “after” image sets. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a “before” image set  5  and an “after” image set  6  may be viewed side-by-side for ease of comparison. Controls  10  may allow the user  146  to view images taken previously or later in time from the currently viewed “before” image set  5  and the “after” image set  6 . In one or more embodiments, controls  9  may allow the user  146  to capture and transmit new images from the imaging device  100  to be displayed as new “after” images adjacent to the currently viewed “before” image set  5  as desired. In other words, the user  146  may manually operate the first detection system  102  and/or the second detection remotely to capture and transmit new images (e.g., “after” images). 
     In one or more embodiments, a set of review controls  7  may allow the user  146  to indicate the results of the review (e.g., “reviewed; needs field check,” “reviewed; line clear,” or “not reviewed,” as shown in  FIG. 3 ). In one or more embodiments, navigation controls  8  may allow the user  146  to easily move to other image data sets  130  from another imaging device  100  installed on the next location of the power line (e.g., the same or a different conductor), and/or to the next device  100 , which has already been tagged as “needs field check,” and/or a different power line as desired. 
     Accordingly, as disclosed herein, one or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide an imaging device  100  which captures “before” images for comparison with “after” images. Based on the comparison, users  146 , such as operators, technicians, engineers, and/or the like, may be better able to determine, for example, whether to re-energize a power line that has been de-energized. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a device  200  for detection of electrical arcs according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     Wildfires may be caused by electrical arcs associated with utility electrical equipment. This is often the result of wind-related conductor movement whereby conductors either come in contact with each other, or the movement reduces the electrical clearance between them, or the presence of an animal which reduces the electrical clearance, or between a conductor and its metallic support structure whereby an electrical arc jumps between the conductors or the conductor and the structure, or by an electrical equipment failure. The resulting arc can be blown by the wind and come in contact with a flammable material (e.g., brush, trees, grass, etc.) thereby starting a wildfire. Detection of external environmental phenomena associated with electrical arcs can be used to alert electric utility or fire-fighting personnel of a possible fire. Such detection can also be used to place other wildfire detection sensing equipment into higher alert states (e.g., more frequent sensing cycles or lowered sensing thresholds). 
     In an embodiment, the device  200  for detection of electrical arcs may include a combination of one or more cameras  206 ,  208 , an RF detector included at a housing  248 , one or more microphones  230 , and an ozone detector  220 . The device  200  may be mounted on a utility power line  244 , or installed on a stand-alone structure or support. The various sensor outputs are configured to continuously monitor for the optical signatures associated with electrical arc flashes, the slow front RF waves associated with power frequency arcs, the audio signatures associated with the crackle and buzzing associated with arcs, and an increase in the level of detected ozone, a byproduct of arcs. In an embodiment, the one or more cameras  206 ,  208 , the RF detector, the one or more microphones  230 , and the ozone detector  220  may be integral with (e.g., housed with) each other. 
     In an embodiment, algorithms in an onboard microprocessor provide processing for the suitable arc-related interpretation of each sensor output. Detection of two or more arc-related phenomena will result in the declaration of a possible arc event. This declaration may result in the device  200  to communicate the condition to personnel or entities interested in this condition, including, but not limited to, electric utility and wildfire command center personnel or systems. The declaration may also cause other systems in the device  200  to change an operating state. For example, one or more of the cameras  206 ,  208  may be triggered to capture images or video and store or transmit the same to interested personnel or systems. Also, in an embodiment, the device  200  may include heat detectors which may be set to poll at a higher frequency in order to detect heat from a fire. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , in one or more embodiments, the device  200  for detection of electrical arcs may include the housing  248  which is mountable on (e.g., directly mountable on) a conductor  244 , or power line. The output from the one or more cameras and sensors may be transmitted to an electronic device and/or a server through a data network for review and storage, respectively. In one or more embodiments, the housing  248  of the device  200  for detection of electrical arcs may accommodate radio or hardware communication circuitry, an integral or external magnetic field harvesting power supply, a solar panel power supply, and/or a battery. 
     In one or more embodiments, the device  200  for detection of electrical arcs may include a processing circuit that is the same or similar to the processing circuit  114  described above with respect to the imaging device  100 . Further, in one or more embodiments, one or more of the device  200  for detection of electrical arcs may be part of an electronic communication system that is the same or similar to the electronic communication system  126  described above with respect to the imaging device  100 . Therefore, further description of the processing circuit and the electronic communication system associated with the device  200  for detection of electrical arcs will not be provided. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a device  300  for fire detection according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     The device  300  for fire detection may be similar to the device  200  for detection of electrical arcs and may include similar components. In an embodiment, the device  300  for fire detection may include one or more cameras  306 ,  308 , one or more infrared (IR) sensors  310 ,  312 , and an external magnetic field harvesting power supply  370 , such as to obtain power from a conductor  344 , or power line, on which the device  300  for fire detection is mounted. In an example embodiment, the IR sensors may be of a 32×32 array type, and the cameras may be of an 8-megapixel type, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the device  300  for fire detection may also include one or more thermal sensors (e.g., thermopiles). In an embodiment, the one or more cameras, sensor, and other components may be integral with (e.g., housed with) each other. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , in one or more embodiments, the device  300  for fire detection may include a housing  348  which is mountable on (e.g., directly mountable on) a conductor  344 , or power line. The outputs from the one or more cameras, one or more IR sensors, and other sensors may be transmitted to an electronic device and/or a server through a data network for review and storage, respectively. In one or more embodiments, the housing  348  of the device  300  for fire detection may accommodate radio or hardware communication circuitry, an integral or external magnetic field harvesting power supply, a solar panel power supply, and/or a battery. 
     In one or more embodiments, the device  300  for fire detection may include a processing circuit that is the same or similar to the processing circuit  114  described above with respect to the imaging device  100 . In one embodiment, the device  300  for fire detection may include a first microprocessor to receive and process data from the one or more cameras, and a second microprocessor to receive and process data from the one or more IR sensors. Further, in an embodiment, the first microprocessor may obtain and process data from the thermal sensors and may require a lower amount of power than the second microprocessor. In an embodiment, the first microprocessor may be powered by the battery, such as at night. In an embodiment, the second microprocessor may be turned on so as to take and process images when a certain condition is detected by the first microprocessor. Further, in one or more embodiments, one or more of the device  300  for fire detection may be part of an electronic communication system that is the same or similar to the electronic communication system  126  described above with respect to the imaging device  100 . Therefore, further description of the processing circuit and the electronic communication system associated with the device  300  for fire detection will not be provided. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a device  400  for detection of weather conditions according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     Fire-fighting and monitoring agencies depend upon a combination of weather monitoring services that depend on airport-based weather stations, and miscellaneous local weather stations to determine the prevailing weather conditions during an active wildfire. 
     Red flag wildfire warnings are declared when a combination of high winds and low humidity exists, during which, if a fire ignites, it can quickly turn into a devastating wildfire. Such conditions lead to quick spreading of the wildfire if not extinguished promptly while it may be still small in areas. 
     It is well documented that during an active fire, the heat of the fire itself produces its own, highly local, weather conditions, most importantly wind. The result of the relatively broad area weather data provided by existing services is that such weather data is a poor predictor of fire behavior as the highly local weather conditions produced by the fire itself are not known. 
     Monitoring critical weather conditions, such as local wind speed, wind direction, humidity, and temperature, enables the prediction of potential fires under red flag warning periods. Such measurements can assist firefighting agencies in determining how best to attack the fire after it has erupted, and in planning of any evacuations for protection of life. While firefighters are engaged in fighting the fire, such data can also assist firefighters to plan for their own safety while in action. 
     Under red flag warnings, electric utilities often preemptively turn off power to reduce the likelihood that wind-related impacts to the power system do not inadvertently act as a source of wild fire ignition. After the red flag warnings have passed, determination of whether power may be restored is often made on the relatively large scale weather data gathered by the aforementioned prevailing weather data sources. This often delays restoration to customers where local weather conditions are not reflective of the larger scale reported conditions. 
     As overhead electrical power lines are ubiquitous in both rural and urban environments, embodiments of the present invention will provide detection of local wind speed, direction, and temperature along power lines and can provide much more precise and detailed weather information to firefighting agencies regarding possible fire-prone areas, weather conditions in active fires, and for electric utilities to better determine which geographic areas experience power outages and when power restoration can occur. 
     In an embodiment, the device  400  for detection of weather conditions may be mounted on a power line  444  and may include an anemometer  452  of any suitable technology, including, but not limited to, any of ultrasonic and flow through pressure differential sensors for wind speed and wind direction, an ambient temperature sensor  450 , and an ambient humidity sensor  460  to take periodic measurements and communication of the data to electric utility and for warning and updating of worsening weather conditions. In an embodiment, the device  400  for detection of weather conditions is different from other stand-alone weather stations in that it is powered from the current flowing through the power line  444  by a magnetic field harvesting power supply  470  which also charges a battery  480 . The battery  480  may provide power to the device  400  for detection of weather conditions during such time that the power to the power line  444  is off, such as during red flag warning conditions. In an embodiment, the various sensors, the magnetic field harvesting power supply, and the battery may be integral with (e.g., housed with) each other. 
     In an embodiment, a microprocessor included within the device  400  for detection of weather conditions conducts data fusion and keeps track of changing weather conditions. In the presence of the fire around the area, measurements may be taken at higher rates to monitor the intensified weather generated by the fire itself. This may help firefighters maneuver in a fire zone without getting trapped therein with harmful outcomes. In an embodiment, weather data is continuously compared for tracking changes in conditions. 
     The device may send warning signals and data to a wildfire command center preemptively based on data fusion algorithms, or by request. In an embodiment, communications may be made via satellite and cellular communication channels available on board. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , in one or more embodiments, the device  400  for detection of weather conditions may include a housing  448  which is mountable on (e.g., directly mountable on) a conductor  444 , or power line. The sensed information may be transmitted to an electronic device and/or a server through a data network for review and storage, respectively. In one or more embodiments, the housing  448  of the device  400  for detection of weather conditions may accommodate radio or hardware communication circuitry, an integral or external magnetic field harvesting power supply, a solar panel power supply, and/or a battery. 
     In one or more embodiments, the device  400  for detection of weather conditions may include a processing circuit that is the same or similar to the processing circuit  114  described above with respect to the imaging device  100 . Further, in one or more embodiments, one or more of the device  400  for detection of weather conditions may be part of an electronic communication system that is the same or similar to the electronic communication system  126  described above with respect to the imaging device  100 . Therefore, further description of the processing circuit and the electronic communication system associated with the device  400  for detection of weather conditions will not be provided. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a dynamic real time fire weather condition monitor (“monitor”)  500  according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing  502  having an upper housing  540  and a lower housing  520 . The monitor  500  may be mounted to other structures by way of a mounting member (e.g., a mounting arm or mounting brackets)  501 . The monitor  500  may be mounted such that the lower housing  520  is positioned closer to a surface of the ground beneath the monitor  500  than the upper housing  540 . The monitor  500  includes one or more sensors configured to sense in real time at least one of a wind speed, a wind direction, a temperature, a humidity, a position, and a motion. The sensors may be configured to take periodic measurements and communicate the data to a processor. 
     For example, the monitor  500  is shown with four types of external sensors mounted to the housing  502 . First, a wind speed and direction sensor (e.g., an anemometer)  513  configured to measure a wind speed and direction in the vicinity of the monitor  500  may be mounted to the upper housing  540 . The wind speed and direction sensor  513  may be of any suitable type (e.g., an ultrasonic sensor or a flow through pressure differential sensor). An ambient temperature sensor  514  may be mounted to the upper housing  540 . A temperature sensor  514  configured to measure an ambient temperature in the vicinity of the monitor  500  may be mounted to the upper housing  540 . The temperature sensor may include an infrared (IR) temperature sensor and/or a thermometer. An ambient humidity sensor  515  configured to measure a humidity in the vicinity of the monitor  500  may be mounted to the lower housing  520 . The ambient humidity sensor  515  may be of any suitable type (e.g., capacitive, resistive, or thermal conductivity). A motion sensor  516  configured to detect motion of a heat source below the monitor  500  may be mounted to the lower housing  520 . However, in some embodiments, one or more of the above-described sensors may not be present in the monitor  500 . Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described sensors, and, in other embodiments, the monitor  500  may include any other suitable sensors or devices configured to sense, measure, or detect a property of the environment or the monitor  500 . 
     The housing  502  includes an upper housing  540  and a lower housing  520 . In an embodiment, the upper housing  540  may be substantially rectangular, while the lower housing  520  may have a cylindrical portion  520   a  and a hemispherical portion  520   b . The cylindrical portion  520   a  may provide a more ideal mounting surface for sensors positioned to take measurements at different angles around a level of height of the monitor  500 . The hemispherical portion  520   b  may provide a more ideal mounting surface for sensors positioned to take measurements at different angles toward a surface of the ground below the monitor  500 . The housing may be made of a suitable material that can survive harsh wildfire weather conditions (e.g., heat and smoke) and harsh non-wildfire weather conditions (e.g., rain and snow). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 to 13 , in one or more embodiments, internal to the monitor  500  are a transmitter (or transceiver)  615 , a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) sensor  617 , a processor  619 , a power source  726 , and a battery  727 . The transceiver  615  is configured to send and receive messages (e.g., alerts) with, for example, other such monitors (e.g.,  500   a  or  500   x ) and/or a monitoring station (e.g., a wildfire command center)  720 , as described below (see  FIG. 13 ). The monitor  500  may send warning signals and data to intended recipients preemptively, based on data fusion algorithms, or by request. Communications may be via satellite and cellular communication channels available on board. The GNSS sensor (e.g., a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor)  517  is configured to detect the location of the monitor  500 . The processor  619  is configured to control and interpret the sensor readings, send alerts to suitable receivers using the transceiver  615 , and relay alerts from the processors of other monitors. For example, the processor  619  may continuously compare weather data, conduct data fusion, and keep track of changing weather conditions. Further, the processor  619  may control a frequency at which measurements are taken by the sensors. For example, the processor  619  may interpret data to detect when a wildfire  15  may be in the vicinity of the monitor  500 . When a wildfire  15  is in the vicinity of the monitor  500 , the processor  619  may increase a frequency at which measurements are taken by the sensors to monitor the intensified weather generated by the fire itself and help firefighters maneuver within a fire zone without getting trapped inside. The power source  626  supplies power to the components of the monitor  500 , such as the sensors, the transceiver  615 , and the processor  619 . The power source  219  may include, for example, external accompanying solar panels  700  or low voltage distribution lines (e.g., street light power lines). The power source  626  may also charge a battery  627  to provide power for the monitor  500  during periods when power from the power source  626  is unavailable (e.g., due to a lack of sunshine or during red flag warning periods when power to utility lines is off). 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a block diagram of the components and their connections in a fire weather condition monitor, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown. In an embodiment, the components may include a wind speed and direction sensor  513 , a temperature sensor  514  (which may further include an ambient temperature sensor  514   a  configured to measure a temperature of the air in the vicinity of the monitor  500  and/or a board temperature sensor  514   b  configured to measure a temperature of a circuit board internal to the monitor  500 ), an ambient humidity sensor  515 , and other sensors, for example, a motion sensor  516  and/or a GPS sensor  517 . The power source  626  and/or the battery  627  supply power to each of the other components. The processor  619  is also connected to each of the other components, to coordinate their readings, transmissions, etc. 
     Overhead electrical power lines are ubiquitous in both rural and urban environments. Embodiments of the present invention provide for a monitor, method, and network of monitors configured to detect local wind speed, wind direction, humidity, temperature, and other conditions along power lines and elsewhere to report much more precise and detailed weather information regarding possible fire-prone areas and local weather conditions in active fires (e.g., fire weather conditions) than would be possible with broader sources of weather date (e.g., airport-based weather stations). 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, a monitor  500  may be mounted to a high voltage transmission tower (e.g., a lattice tower)  40  along with an accompanying power source, for example, a solar panel  700 . Referring to  FIG. 10 , the monitor  500  may be attached (e.g., fastened or secured) to a mounting member (e.g., a mounting arm)  501  by way of a mounting member bracket  501   a , which may, in turn, be attached to a high voltage transmission tower (e.g., a lattice tower)  40  by way of another mounting member bracket  501   b . Each mounting member bracket  501   a  and  501   b  may have a plurality of mounting holes  531  for fastening (e.g., securing) the mounting member brackets respectively to a lattice tower  40  and the monitor  500 . In an embodiment, an accompanying power source (e.g., solar panels)  700  may be mounted to the same lattice tower  40  as the monitor  500  by a solar panel mounting bracket, which may be secured to the lattice tower  40  by a plurality of mounting holes  533 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , in some embodiments, a monitor  500  may be mounted to a utility pole (e.g., a wood pole supporting distribution lines)  50  along with an accompanying power source, for example, a solar panel  700 . Referring to  FIG. 12 , the monitor  500  may be attached (e.g., fastened or secured) to a mounting member (e.g., a mounting arm)  501  by way of a mounting member bracket  501   a , which may, in turn, be attached to a utility pole  50  by way of another mounting member bracket  501   b . Each mounting member bracket  501   a  and  501   b  may have a plurality of mounting holes  531  for fastening (e.g., securing) the mounting member brackets respectively to a utility pole  50  and the monitor  500 . In an embodiment, an accompanying power source (e.g., solar panels)  700  may be mounted to the same utility pole  50  as the monitor  500  by a solar panel mounting bracket, which may be secured to the utility pole  50  by a plurality of mounting holes  533 . In another embodiment, distribution lines may be tapped to provide power to the monitor  500  (e.g., similar to powering street lights). 
     Although the mounting of fire weather condition monitors has been described with respect to utility line support members (e.g., lattice towers and utility poles), the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in some embodiments a monitor  500  may be mounted to any structure that may provide reasonable support and stability (e.g., any suitable post or other standing structure)  60   x  (see  FIG. 13 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , in some embodiments, the monitor  100  may be configured to send warning signals and data to an intended recipient (e.g., a wildfire command center or monitoring station)  720  based on data fusion algorithms, or by request. In some embodiments, the monitor  500  may send communications via satellite or cellular communication channels available on board. 
     In some embodiments, a transceiver  615  (see  FIG. 8 ) may have a limited broadcast range. For example, when a monitoring station  720  is outside of the transmission range of a transceiver  615  of a monitor  500 , other such monitors may receive the alert with their transceivers and retransmit it. For example, a network (or mesh) of suitably spaced (for example, one-quarter mile apart) monitors can transmit an alert in daisy-chain fashion to neighboring monitors (e.g., along the length of a transmission line) to the monitoring station  720  or another suitable recipient of the alert (e.g., a more powerful transmitter, or a communication line). 
     For example, a monitoring station  720  may be within the transmission range of both monitors  500   a  and  500   b , but not of monitors  500   c  and  500   d , which are in the vicinity of a wildfire  15 . However, both monitors  500   a  and  500   b  may be in transmission range of monitors  500   c  and  500   d . Thus, monitors  500   c  and  500   d  could relay a message to the monitoring station  720  by transmitting a message to one or both of monitors  500   a  or  500   b , with one or both of monitors  500   a  or  500   b  receiving and retransmitting the message to the monitoring station  720 . It should be noted that, in this case, the monitors  500   c  and  500   d  can relay a message to the monitoring station  720 , even if one of monitors  500   a  or  500   b  was “offline” (e.g., not capable of retransmitting messages from other monitors). Thus, the network may have a certain amount of redundancy or fault tolerance built into it. In some embodiments, a monitor  500   x  may be mounted to a non-utility standing structure  60   x . If the monitors  500   d  and  500   c  were not in transmission range of the monitors  500   a  and  500   b  (e.g., in addition to not being in transmission range of the monitoring station  720 ), the monitor  500   x  could be allocated to bridge the transmission-range gap between the monitor  500   c  or  500   d  and at least one of the monitoring station  720 , the monitor  500   a , and the monitor  500   b , either permanently or temporarily (e.g., during a red flag warning period). Further, in some embodiments, the transmission range of the monitors may be considerably farther, which may allow room for more redundancy in cases such as transmitter failure, or for variance in transmission ranges (of the transmitters) among the monitors or variance in the distance between monitors, without compromising the network. 
     The message relaying may be controlled and coordinated. For example, each message (e.g., alert) from a monitor can be identified and time-stamped from that monitor. That way, when another monitor in the network receives the message, that receiving monitor can detect if it has received (and retransmitted) that message already and, if not, retransmit the message for other monitors in the network to receive. This promotes distribution of the message throughout the network and without unnecessary retransmissions of the message. Still other protocols (e.g., notifying the sender or other interested monitors of the receipt of a message by an intended recipient) may be built into the communications to make them more robust and ensure that the messages reach their intended recipients and without using excessive communication resources. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , tasks of a method  800  of dynamic real time fire weather condition monitoring according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. In some embodiments, the method  800  of dynamic real time fire weather condition monitoring includes a task  801  of installing a monitor  500  on a mounting structure (e.g., a lattice tower  40 , a utility pole  50 , or another standing structure  60   x ). 
     In some embodiments, the method  800  includes a task  802  of installing an external power source (e.g., solar panels  700  or distribution lines) on the mounting structure in proximity to the monitor  500  for powering the monitor  500 . 
     In some embodiments, the method  800  includes a task  803  of powering the monitor  500  by either the external power source or a battery  627  of the monitor  500 . 
     In some embodiments, the method  800  includes a task  804  of sensing an ambient temperature in the vicinity of the monitor  500 . 
     In some embodiments, the method  800  includes a task  805  of sensing an ambient humidity in the vicinity of the monitor  500 . 
     In some embodiments, the method  800  includes a task  806  of sensing a wind speed and/or wind direction in the vicinity of the monitor  500 . 
     In some embodiments, the method  800  includes a task  807  of sensing a motion of a heat source in the vicinity of the monitor  500 . 
     In some embodiments, the method  800  includes a task  808  of transmitting a signal to a monitoring station  720 . 
     In some embodiments, the method  800  includes a task  809  of transmitting a signal to another monitor  500 . 
     In some embodiments, the method  800  includes a task  810  of monitoring information transmitted to the monitoring station  720 . 
     While in some embodiments, the method  800  of dynamic real time fire weather condition monitoring may include each of the tasks described above and shown in  FIG. 14 , in other embodiments of the present invention, in a method of dynamic real time fire weather condition monitoring, one or more of the tasks described above and shown in  FIG. 14  may be absent and/or additional tasks may be performed. Further, in the method  800  of dynamic real time fire weather condition monitoring according to one embodiment, the tasks may be performed in the order depicted in  FIG. 14 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto and, in a method of dynamic real time fire weather condition monitoring according to other embodiments of the present invention, the tasks described above and shown in  FIG. 14  may be performed in any other suitable sequence. 
       FIG. 15  is an illustration of a graphical depiction of the status of the fire weather condition monitors in an example network of such monitors, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , the monitors are shown on a topographic map as status shapes  1160  corresponding to their locations and status. The statuses can be represented, for example, as different sizes, shapes, shades, or colors (e.g., square=“no fire weather conditions,” circle=“one or more fire weather conditions are met,” triangle=“all fire weather conditions are met”). There may be different displays for different sensors (such as ambient temperature, wind speed and direction, and ambient humidity). For example, a display for ambient humidity may use three different shapes: square for greater than 40% humidity, circle for between 40% and 20%, and triangle for 20% or less. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 15  is an illustration of a graphical depiction  1170  over time of the status of one or more monitors. For example, different types of measurements for multiple monitors may be graphically displayed having one axis (e.g., the horizontal axis) representing time, and another axis (e.g., the vertical axis) representing a sensor measurement (e.g., ambient humidity), with lines connecting the measurements of one device over time and different lines representing different devices. 
     While the imaging device  100 , the device  200  for detection of electrical arcs, the device  300  for fire detection, the device  400  for detection of weather conditions, and the fire weather condition monitor  500  have been shown and described separately herein, in one or more embodiments, one or more of the cameras, sensors, and/or other components of the various embodiments may be combined in a same device. 
     Although some example embodiments have been described herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications are possible in the example embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that descriptions of features or aspects within each embodiment should typically be considered as available for other similar features or aspects in other embodiments, unless otherwise described. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and is not to be construed as limited to the specific example embodiments disclosed herein, and that various modifications to the disclosed example embodiments, as well as other example embodiments, are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims, and their equivalents.