Patent ID: 12215831

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. Nevertheless it will be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended; any alterations and further modifications of the described or illustrated embodiments and any further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

Aspects of this disclosure relate to a trending mode (“trend mode”) system and method whereby data of interest is automatically pushed to a user in response to an alarm condition. Moreover, the trend mode system and method may select and vary the types of data and the transmission intervals for the data based on user-defined conditions, intervals, and preferences. As described more fully below, the automatic “data pushing” trend mode operation systems and methods of the present disclosure offer a number of advantages over existing data “pull” systems and schemes. For example, data pull systems require on-location sensors and equipment to use their limited power supplies to first receive a request from a user, identify the data requested, and transmit the data back to the user. In contrast, the trend mode system and methods allow for the on-location sensors and equipment to remain in low-power “sleep” modes for greater periods and then transmit data in response to predetermined conditions, such that the sensors and equipment may save energy and conserve their limited power supplies.

In one embodiment, the trend mode system10uses endpoint intelligence embodied in software, code, or other instructions executable by a processor or controller at endpoint hardware to automatically select the appropriate communication interval and data granularity. Typically, the endpoint hardware is located in the field, at one or more remote locations, and in communication with other systems, hardware, and software located at a user facility (e.g., utility company facility).

FIG.1shows a block diagram of one embodiment of the trend mode system10. The trend mode10system includes endpoint hardware100in communication with a data collection unit (DCU)130that is also in communication with a headend system140located at an office or other facility of a utility company. In one aspect, the endpoint hardware100may include a sensory unit (SU110and a telemetry unit (TU)120. The sensory unit gathers data from the utility distribution system (e.g., a pipeline) and generates alarms, if necessary, based on the gathered data. The sensory unit110may be any monitoring equipment suitable for monitoring at least a portion of a utility distribution or transportation network. In one example, the sensory unit measures the temperature water level, waste level, and flow rates, among others for utility networks including but not limited to distribution or transport networks for gas, water, and waste among others. The sensory unit110is in communication with the telemetry unit120, which includes a first transceiver to interface with the sensory unit110. A second transceiver (of the telemetry unit120) transmits the sensor data to the data collection unit130. Typically, each data collection unit130receives data from one or more telemetry units120, each associated with one or more sensory units110, as shown inFIG.2. In one aspect, the sensory units110are in wired communication with a corresponding telemetry unit12Q. Alternatively, one or more sensory units110may be in wireless communication with a telemetry unit120. Typically, the telemetry unit(s)120communicate with the data collecting unit(s130using wireless communication, including but not limited to radio frequency communications, however, other communication means may be used. As such, a single data collecting unit may be positioned to receive data from telemetry units120over a wide area. Typically the data collecting unit(s)130also communicate using wireless communication with the headend systems140; however, this usually relies on cellular or microwave communications to transmit data over long distances. In operation, the system10automatically changes the transmission frequency and, optionally, the type of sensor data, transmitted by the telemetry unit120. For example, the telemetry unit120automatically switches from a typical mode of operation where pre-recorded data registers or, tables containing stored sensor data are transmitted hourly, to a live transmission mode where the telemetry unit transmits data from the sensory unit110, at user-defined intervals upon receiving a specific type of alarm from the sensory unit.

Under ordinary circumstances, as shown inFIG.1, the telemetry unit120operates in a standard mode, waking up to read and send pre-recorded register reads every hour then resuming sleep mode to conserve battery, generally indicated as150. Fan alarm condition is detected by the sensory unit110, the sensory unit generates a trigger alarm signal160that is sent to the telemetry unit. In one aspect, the alarm signal is a pulse signal.

In response to the alarm signal160; a processor of the telemetry unit120wakes up from the sleep mode, or continues a standard data transmission and automatically switches to a trend mode of operation, generally indicated as170, and begins to poll the sensory unit110for live, real-time, or near real time sensor data, indicated as180, simultaneously. The telemetry unit120transmits the live sensor data at user-defined trend mode intervals. The trend mode intervals are shorter than the typical hourly intervals of the standard mode150. For example, the trend mode intervals may be 6 minutes, however other duration intervals may be used as the trend mode interval is defined and configurable by a user of the system.

In one aspect, the telemetry unit120automatically ceases the trend mode operation and continues the standard operation mode150when the alarm condition is cleared and the sensory unit110transmits a clear alarm signal. Alternatively, the trend mode of operation170may be cancelled by a command or signal that is received from the headend140. In one embodiment, the telemetry unit120is programmed to return to the standard mode150after a pre-defined period (e.g., 30 min) if a cancel command has not been received. In various embodiments, the parameters and features of the trend mode system10, are customizable and may be configured to the needs and desires of the utility company. For example, the alarm conditions that cause an alarm signal160and trend mode intervals, among others, can be enabled or disabled in the field at the endpoint hardware by configuring data and instructions stored in memory of the telemetry unit120. As a result, the utility operator may determine which conditions cause an alarm. In one aspect, alarm conditions and alarm thresholds may be added, removed, or modified remotely by instructions generated at the headend140. These changes may become effective immediately or at a subsequent time. The granularity of the data transmitted during the trend mode170may also be configured in the field or remotely. For example, the trend mode170may be configured such that the telemetry unit120transmits one minute worth of live data reads every six minutes in a fast trend mode, or may transmit five minutes worth of live data reads every thirty minutes in a slow trend mode. Other combinations of data volume and transmission intervals may be used.

In another aspect, communications for the initiation or cancellation of the trend mode may be generated at the headend140and received at the telemetry unit120. Similarly, the telemetry unit120may send a communication to the headend140that the trend mode180is concluding by indicating that a transmitted data set is the penultimate or the final data set.

FIG.3Ais an example data table20illustrating one embodiment of the data communications transmitted from the telemetry unit120when operating in the trend mode170. As shown in the data table, the left hand column200identifies the progression of time in minutes. The remaining columns210labeled “0” to “11” identify the twelve live data reads180transmitted in every telemetry unit120transmission. The right hand column220identifies the alarm signal160, if any received at the telemetry unit120from the sensory unit110. As shown, the trend mode operation was initiated in response to an initial “over pressure signal” alarm signal160.

In one embodiment of the trend mode170, a new data read is collected every one minute. At six-minute intervals, the telemetry unit120transmits a communication230,240,250,260,270, and280to the headend140. The telemetry unit120transmissions230-280include six new live data reads gathered since the last transmission230-270, if any, as well as the six most recent old live data reads.

As shown, while in trend mode, the telemetry unit120missed two data reads290at minute “2” and minute “17.” As shown in the alarm signal column220, the missed data reads corresponded to a disconnected wire, or other broken communication link, between the sensory unit110and the telemetry unit120. Also shown, communication between the sensory unit and the telemetry unit was reestablished prior to the subsequent telemetry unit120transmissions230and260.

FIG.3Bis another example data table illustrating data communications containing missing data reads that may be transmitted from the telemetry unit120when operating in the trend mode170. Conversely,FIG.3Cis example data table illustrating data communications transmitted from the telemetry unit120operating in trend mode where no data reads are missing.

FIGS.4-6and9are example graphical user interface (GUI)30-50displays that may be generated at the headend140according to one embodiment. As shown, the GUIs include indications as to whether trend mode is currently enabled in general and whether for one or more specific telemetry units120are operating in trend mode, as well as the live data read interval. The GUIs may also include one or more interactive buttons32-36to receive input from a user to initiate trend mode operation for the entire network or for particular telemetry units120. Furthermore, the GUIs may also display the data gathered and generated at the sensory units110, including read data and alarm data.

In one embodiment, trend mode data from a telemetry unit120may be viewed via a readings GUI, shown inFIG.9. In one example, as shown, a telemetry unit120entered a trend mode of operation in response to a high-pressure alarm condition triggered after a pressure spike. Since the alarm condition cleared within 30 minutes, the trend mode data transmissions were halted after 30 minutes of data had been transmitted.

FIG.7is a flowchart of a method70of live monitoring the system under a trend mode of operation according to one embodiment. At700, the sensory unit monitors a portion of the utility network and generates an alarm signal as determined by pre-set alarm conditions or data thresholds at701. At702, the alarm is received at the telemetry unit that wakes from a sleep mode, if necessary, and determines if the alarm signal meets user-defined criteria to initiate a trend mode of operation. If the alarm signal does not meet the criteria, then the telemetry unit continues standard operation at704. If the alarm signal does meet the criteria, the telemetry unit automatically begins operating in trend mode at706. The telemetry unit polls the sensory unit at the trend mode intervals to gather live data reads at708, while compiling the live reads and transmitting the data to the data collection unit at710. At712, the telemetry unit determines if it should continue operation in trend mode. In one aspect, the telemetry unit remains in trend mode operation until the alarm signal from the sensory unit is terminated, a command to terminate trend mode operation is received from the headend, or a user-defined period of trend mode operation has expired. If the conditions to terminate trend mode operation are not present at712, the telemetry unit continues to poll the sensory unit for live data reads.FIG.8illustrates an exemplary computing system800that may be used to implement an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the computing system800may be present within the sensory unit110, the telemetry unit120, the data collection unit130, and the headend140.

The computing system of MG.8includes one or more processors802and memory804. Main memory804stores, in part, instructions and data for execution by the processor802. Main memory804can store the executable code when in operation. The system ofFIG.8may thither include a mass storage device806, portable storage medium drive(s)808, output devices810, user input devices812, a graphics display814, and peripheral devices816.

The components shown inFIG.8are depicted as being connected via a single bus818. However, the components may be connected through one or more data transport means. For example, the processor unit802and main memory804may be connected via a local microprocessor bus, and the mass storage device806, peripheral device(s)816, portable storage device808, and display system814may be connected via one or more input/output (I/O) buses.

The mass storage device806, which may be implemented with a magnetic disk drive or an optical disk drive, is a non-volatile storage device for storing data and instructions for use by processor unit. The mass storage device806can store the system software for implementing embodiments of the present invention and for purposes of loading that software into main memory804.

The portable storage device808operates in conjunction with a portable non-volatile storage medium, such as a floppy disk, compact disk, flash drive, or digital video disc, to input and output data and code to and from the computer system ofFIG.8. The system software for implementing embodiments of the present invention may be stored on such a portable medium and input to the computer system via the portable storage device808.

Input devices812provide a portion of a user interface. Input devices812may include an alphanumeric keypad, such as a keyboard, for inputting alphanumeric and other information, sir a pointing device, such as a mouse, a trackball, stylus, or cursor direction keys. Additionally, the system800as shown inFIG.8includes output devices810. Examples of suitable output devices810include speakers, printers, network interfaces, and monitors,

The display system814may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) or other suitable display device. The display system814receives textual and graphical information, and processes the information for output to the display device. Peripherals816may include any type of computer support device to add additional functionality to the computer system. For example, peripheral device(s) may include a modem or a router.

The components contained in the computer system800ofFIG.8are those typically found in computer systems that may be suitable for use with embodiments of the present invention and are intended to represent a broad category of such computer components that are well known in the art. Thus, the computer system800ofFIG.8can be a personal computer, hand held computing device, telephone, mobile computing device, workstation, server, minicomputer, mainframe computer, or any other computing device. The computer can also include different bus configurations, networked platforms, multi-processor platforms, etc. Various operating systems can be used including Unix, Linux, Windows, Macintosh OS, Palm OS, and other suitable operating systems.

The present invention may be implemented in an application that may be operable using a variety of devices. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media refer to any medium or media that participate in providing instructions to a central processing unit (CPU) for execution. Such media can take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile and volatile media such as optical or magnetic disks and dynamic memory, respectively. Common forms of non-transitory computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM disk, digital video disk (DVD), any other optical medium, RAM, PROM, EPROM, a FLASH EPROM, and any other memory chip or, cartridge.

Various forms of transmission media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a CPU for execution. A bus carries the data to system RAM, from which a CPU retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by system RAM can optionally be stored on a fixed disk either before or after execution by a CPU. Various forms of storage may likewise be implemented as well as the necessary network interfaces and network topologies to implement the same.

The various computing devices800disclosed herein include computer readable media (CRM) in memory804on which the described applications and software are stored. The computer readable media may include volatile media, nonvolatile media, removable media, non-removable media, and/or another available medium that can be accessed by the processor802. By way of example and not limitation, the computer readable media comprises computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes non-transitory storage memory, volatile media, nonvolatile media, removable media, and/or non-removable media implemented in a method or technology for storage of information, such as computer/machine-readable/executable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media may embody computer/machine-readable/executable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data and include an information delivery media or system, both of which are hardware.

While various flow diagrams provided and described above may show a particular order of operations performed by certain embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that such order is exemplary (e.g., alternative embodiments can perform the operations in a different order, combine certain operations, overlap certain operations, etc.).

The foregoing detailed description of the technology has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The described embodiments were chosen to explain the principles of the technology, its practical application, and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the technology in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the technology be defined by the claim.

It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction, and arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosed subject matter or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form described is merely explanatory, and it is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.