U.S. patent application number 14/105142 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-10 for data collection method and apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Weather Telematics Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Weather Telematics Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert J. Moran, Malcolm Leslie Rook, Darryl Smith.
Application Number | 20140190248 14/105142 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51059937 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140190248 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moran; Robert J. ; et
al. |
July 10, 2014 |
Data Collection Method and Apparatus
Abstract
An illustrative embodiment of a data collection method and
apparatus comprises at least one sensor that may be configured as a
mobile data collection apparatus, which sensor may be in
communication with a controller. The data collection apparatus may
include one or more sensors, including but not limited to air
pressure, air humidity, air temperature, road surface temperature,
lightning distance, light level, precipitation rate, ozone level,
carbon dioxide level, nitrous oxide level, and methane level; all
of which may be in communication with a controller. One or more
sensors may be positioned on or within a main assembly.
Inventors: |
Moran; Robert J.; (Nepean,
CA) ; Rook; Malcolm Leslie; (Wold Newton, GB)
; Smith; Darryl; (Ottawa, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Weather Telematics Inc. |
Ottawa |
|
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
Weather Telematics Inc.
Ottawa
CA
|
Family ID: |
51059937 |
Appl. No.: |
14/105142 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13972513 |
Aug 21, 2013 |
|
|
|
14105142 |
|
|
|
|
61691757 |
Aug 21, 2012 |
|
|
|
61736511 |
Dec 12, 2012 |
|
|
|
61736519 |
Dec 12, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
73/170.17 ;
73/170.16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01W 2001/006 20130101;
G01W 1/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
73/170.17 ;
73/170.16 |
International
Class: |
G01W 1/02 20060101
G01W001/02 |
Claims
1. A data collection apparatus comprising: a. a main assembly; b. a
controller in communication with said main assembly; c. a surface
temperature sensor in communication with said controller; and, d.
an air temperature sensor positioned within said main assembly,
wherein said air temperature sensor is in communication with said
controller, and wherein main assembly is configured for a mobile
application.
2. The data collection apparatus according to claim 1 further
comprising a barometric pressure sensor positioned within said
controller, wherein said barometric pressure sensor is in
communication with said controller.
3. The data collection apparatus according to claim 2 further
comprising an air humidity sensor positioned within said main
assembly, wherein said air humidity sensor is in communication with
said controller.
4. The data collection apparatus according to claim 3 further
comprising an ozone sensor positioned within said main assembly,
wherein said air pressure sensor is in communication with said
controller.
5. The data collection apparatus according to claim 4 further
comprising an pyranometer positioned on said main assembly, wherein
said pyranometer is in communication with said controller.
6. The data collection apparatus according to claim 5 further
comprising a precipitation sensor engaged with said main assembly,
wherein said precipitation sensor is in communication with said
controller.
7. The data collection apparatus according to claim 6 further
comprising a wind sensor engaged with said main assembly, wherein
said wind sensor is in communication with said controller.
8. The data collection apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said
main assembly further comprises an inlet, an outlet, and a fan
positioned within said main assembly, and wherein said fan is
configured to move ambient air from said inlet to said outlet.
9. The data collection apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said
data collection unit is further defined as being configured to be
in wired communication with a standard vehicle telematics
interface.
10. A data collection method comprising the steps: a. engaging a
data collection apparatus with a vehicle, wherein said data
collection apparatus comprises: i. a main assembly; ii. a
controller in communication with said main assembly; iii. a surface
temperature sensor in communication with said controller; and, iv.
an air temperature sensor positioned within said main assembly,
wherein said air temperature sensor is in communication with said
controller, and wherein said data collection apparatus is
configured for a mobile application b. programming said controller
to cause said air temperature sensor to take a measurement at a
specific time interval; c. programming said controller to cause
said surface temperature sensor to take a measurement at a specific
time interval; d. allowing said data collection apparatus to
communicate with an existing telematics unit within said vehicle;
and, e. storing data from said air temperature sensor and said
surface temperature sensor.
11. The method according to claim 10 wherein said data collection
apparatus further comprises a barometric pressure sensor positioned
within controller, wherein said barometric pressure sensor is in
communication with said controller, and wherein said method further
comprises the step of programming said controller to cause said
barometric pressure sensor to take a measurement at a specific time
interval.
12. The method according to claim 11 wherein said data collection
apparatus further comprises an air humidity sensor positioned
within said main assembly, wherein said air humidity sensor is in
communication with said controller, and wherein said method further
comprises the step of programming said controller to cause said air
humidity sensor to take a measurement at a specific time
interval.
13. The method according to claim 12 wherein said data collection
apparatus comprises a buffer, wherein said controller is configured
to cause a first portion of data from said measurement of said
surface temperature sensor and said air temperature sensor to be
stored in said buffer, and wherein said controller is configured to
analyze at least said first portion of data from said measurement
of said surface temperature sensor and said air temperature sensor
in real-time such that said controller is able to identify an
anomaly in said first portion of data.
14. The method according to claim 13 wherein said central
controller is configured to cause said specific time interval for
said road surface temperature sensor and said specific time
interval for air temperature sensor to change depending on said
anomaly.
15. A main assembly comprising: a. an exterior housing having an
inlet and an outlet; b. a base engaged with said exterior housing;
c. an interior member engaged with said base, wherein said interior
member is positioned between said base and said exterior housing,
wherein said interior member is configured with a main sensing
chamber, and wherein a primary circuitry is engaged with said
interior member; and, d. a temperature/humidity sensor positioned
in said main sensing chamber, wherein said temperature/humidity
sensor is in communication with said primary circuitry.
16. The main assembly according to claim 15 further comprising a
lightning sensor positioned in said main sensing chamber, wherein
said lightning sensor is in communication with said primary
circuitry.
17. The main assembly according to claim 16 further comprising an
ozone sensor positioned in said main sensing chamber, wherein said
ozone sensor is in communication with said primary circuitry.
18. The main assembly according to claim 17 wherein said exterior
housing further comprises an inlet, an outlet, and a slope, wherein
said slope is positioned on a leading edge of said main
assembly.
19. The main assembly according to claim 17 wherein said main
assembly further comprises an interstitial area positioned between
an exterior surface of said interior member and an interior surface
of said exterior housing.
20. An adaptive interval sensing method comprising: a. monitoring a
first type of data from at least one sensor at a first time
interval; b. recording a first value of said first type of data at
a second time interval, wherein said second time interval is
greater than said first time interval; c. transmitting said first
value of said first type of data at a third time interval, wherein
said third time interval is equal to or greater than said second
time interval; d. recording a second value of said first type of
data at said second time interval; e. comparing said first value of
said first type of data to said second value of said first type of
data; f. detecting a first difference in said first and second
values of said first type of data; and g. recording a third value
of said first type of data at a fourth time interval, wherein said
fourth time interval is less than said first time interval.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the filing benefit of and is a
continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/972,513
filed on Aug. 21, 2013, which application claimed the filing
benefit of provisional U.S. Pat. App. No. 61/691,757 filed on Aug.
21, 2012 and 61/736,511 filed on Dec. 12, 2012, and this
application also claims the filing benefit of provisional U.S. Pat.
App. No. 61/736,511 filed on Dec. 12, 2012, all of which are
incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to weather measurements, and
more specifically, to mobile weather measurement systems that may
be integrated with existing, on-board vehicle electronics.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0003] No federal funds were used to develop or create the
invention disclosed and described in the patent application.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM
LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX
[0004] Not Applicable
AUTHORIZATION PURSUANT TO 37 C.F.R. .sctn.1.171 (d)
[0005] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which is subject to copyright and trademark protection.
The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction
by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it
appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records,
but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND
[0006] Weather monitoring and forecasting is improved by increased
granularity in data sampling. Traditional fixed-site sampling is
done at airports and in some cases road weather stations (small
weather stations along a highway); however, these fixed sites are
usually separated by dozens of kilometers. Significant weather
often goes undetected between fixed sites.
[0007] Telemetry and/or telematics as related to vehicles are
growing fields, as evidenced by U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,706,965;
7,813,870; 7,831,380; 7,899,611; 7,908,076; 7,912,627; 7,912,628;
8,014,936; 8,065,073; 8,090,524; 8,160,805; and 8,190,362, all of
which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
[0008] Precipitation sensors such as those used to detect rain
falling on a vehicle windscreen measure changes in reflectance or
capacitance at that surface. Unless there is a mechanism in place
to remove accumulated moisture, the precipitation level detected
does not give a reliable indication that precipitation is
continuing due to mobility of the accumulation. Such sensors are
also particularly poor at detecting dry snow and hail as individual
particles may not even contact the sensing elements.
[0009] Detection of approaching storm fronts is particularly
difficult. Weather radars can give an indication, but this is
generally over a large geographical area and do not give a good
indication within smaller areas. It is generally accepted that
electrical discharges are associated with active storm fronts.
These may manifest themselves as discharges between clouds and
earth or within the storm clouds. Discharges within clouds may, or
may not, be visible or audible from the ground. Both types of
discharge do produce characteristic bursts of broad-band electrical
interference which may be detected by a radio receiver. Algorithms
have been developed to convert such bursts into an estimation of
distance between receiver and discharge location. The majority of
discharges are associated with the leading edge of the storm system
and the distance estimation of the discharge is therefore and
estimation of the distance to the storm front. When measurements
are made over a period of time from multiple vehicles, or a single
vehicle at multiple locations, it is possible to use such data to
triangulate the location and heading of the storm front.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0010] In order that the advantages of the invention will be
readily understood, a more particular description of the invention
briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific
embodiments illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding
that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the
invention and are not therefore to be considered limited of its
scope, the invention will be described and explained with
additional specificity and detail through the use of the
accompanying drawings.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a data
collection apparatus.
[0012] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
telematics unit that may be used with various embodiments of a data
collection apparatus.
[0013] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of one embodiment of a central
controller that may be used with various embodiments of a data
collection apparatus.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a road
surface temperature sensor that may be used with various
embodiments of a data collection apparatus.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a main
assembly that may be used with various embodiments of a data
collection apparatus.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a wind
sensor that may be used with various embodiments of a data
collection apparatus.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a block schematic of one embodiment how various
elements of one embodiment of a data collection apparatus may
communicate with one another.
[0018] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle
with which various embodiments of a data collection apparatus may
be engaged.
[0019] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the vehicle shown in FIG.
7A with one embodiment of a main assembly engaged with the
vehicle.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 7
showing where various cables and/or conduits may be placed.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the vehicle shown in FIGS.
7&8 showing where various cables and/or conduits may be
placed.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the vehicle shown in FIGS.
7-9 showing where one embodiment of a road surface temperature
sensor may be engaged with the vehicle.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the vehicle shown in FIGS.
7-10 showing where one embodiment of a central controller may be
engaged with the vehicle.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the vehicle shown in FIGS.
7-11 showing where one embodiment of an antenna in communication
with the data collection apparatus may be engaged with the
vehicle.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the vehicle shown in FIGS.
7-12 showing where another element of one embodiment of a data
collection apparatus may be engaged with the vehicle.
[0026] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the interior of the vehicle
shown in FIGS. 7-13.
[0027] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the vehicle shown in FIGS.
7-14 showing where various electrical connections may be made on
the vehicle.
[0028] FIG. 16A is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of a
main assembly that may be used with various embodiments of the data
collection method and apparatus.
[0029] FIG. 16B is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of a
main assembly shown in FIG. 16A wherein the exterior housing has
been made transparent.
[0030] FIG. 16C is a side view of the embodiment of a main assembly
shown in FIGS. 16A & 16B wherein the exterior housing has been
made transparent.
[0031] FIG. 16D is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of a
main assembly shown in FIGS. 16A-16C wherein the exterior housing
and filter have been removed.
[0032] FIG. 16E is a front perspective view of the embodiment of a
main assembly shown in FIGS. 16A-16D wherein the exterior housing
and filter have been removed.
[0033] FIG. 16F is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of a
main assembly shown in FIGS. 16A-16E wherein the exterior housing,
filter, and precipitation sensor have been removed and the interior
member has been made transparent.
[0034] FIG. 16G is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of a
main assembly shown in FIGS. 16A-16F wherein the exterior housing,
filter, and precipitation sensor have been removed and the base has
been made transparent.
[0035] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
precipitation sensor that may be used with various embodiments of
the data collection method and apparatus.
[0036] FIG. 18A is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a
wind sensor that may be used with various embodiments of the data
collection method and apparatus.
[0037] FIG. 18B is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a
wind sensor shown in FIG. 18A.
[0038] FIG. 18C is a top perspective view of the embodiment of the
wind sensor shown in FIGS. 18A & 18B wherein the bottom portion
cover has been removed.
[0039] FIG. 18D is a side view of the embodiment of the wind sensor
shown in FIGS. 18A-18C wherein the cup of the bottom portion cover
have been made transparent.
[0040] FIG. 19A is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a
surface temperature sensor that may be used with various
embodiments of the data collection method and apparatus.
[0041] FIG. 19B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of a
surface temperature sensor shown in FIG. 19A wherein the cover has
been removed and the base has been made transparent.
[0042] FIG. 20A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
controller that may be used with various embodiments of the data
collection method and apparatus.
[0043] FIG. 20B is a perspective view of the embodiment of a
controller shown in FIG. 20A wherein the controller housing has
been removed.
[0044] FIG. 21 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a
surface temperature sensor that may be used with various
embodiments of the data collection method and apparatus.
[0045] FIG. 22 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a main
assembly that may be used with various embodiments of the data
collection method and apparatus.
[0046] FIG. 23 is a block schematic of one embodiment of a data
collection unit.
[0047] FIG. 24 is a block schematic of one embodiment of the data,
communication, and/or circuitry components of a main sensor
unit.
[0048] FIG. 25 is a block schematic of one embodiment of the data,
communication, and/or circuitry components of a road surface
temperature sensor.
[0049] FIG. 26 is a block schematic of one embodiment of the data,
communication, and/or circuitry components of a precipitation
sensor.
[0050] FIG. 27 is a block schematic of one embodiment of the data,
communication, and/or circuitry components of a pyranometer.
[0051] FIG. 28 is a block schematic of one embodiment of the data,
communication, and/or circuitry components of an ultrasonic wind
sensor.
[0052] FIG. 29 is a block schematic of one embodiment of the data,
communication, and/or circuitry components of a sensor read and
report program flow.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
TABLE-US-00001 [0053] ELEMENT DESCRIPTION ELEMENT # Data collection
apparatus 10 Antenna 11 Vehicle 12 Cab 12a Deflector 12b Step board
12c Dash 13 Seal 14 Telematics unit 15 Conduit 16 Vehicle
communication/power interface 17 Wind sensor 40 Top portion 41 Top
portion cover 41a Top portion base 41b Spacer 42 Void 43 Bottom
portion 44 Bottom portion cover 44a Ultrasonic circuitry 44b Cup
44c Ultrasonic sensor 45 Communication/power interface 46
GPS/communication circuitry 48 Surface temperature sensor 50 Cover
52 Base 54 Mounting bracket 54a Hood 54b Thermometer 55
Communication/power interface 56 Lens 57 Surface temperature sensor
circuitry 58 Main assembly 100 Interstitial area 102 Fastener 104
Exterior housing 110 Inlet 112 Outlet 114 Slope 116 Filter 118 Base
120 Extension 122 Baffle 124 Communication/power interface 126
Interior member 130 Entrance zone 132 Main sensing chamber 134
Temperature/humidity sensor 135a Lightning sensor 135b Ozone sensor
135c Side wall 136 Top wall 138 Primary circuitry 138a Front
opening 139 Exhaust fan housing 140 Exit zone 142 Fan 144 Side wall
146 End wall 147 Top wall 148 Fan inlet 148a Precipitation sensor
150 Precipitation sensor circuitry 151 IR transmitter housing 152
IR receiver housing 154 Power and data conduit 156 Precipitation
sensor base 158 Pyranometer 160 Pyranometer circuitry 162 Cover 164
Controller 170 Controller housing 172 Fuse 173 Base 174
Communication/power interface 175 Controller circuitry 176
Barometric pressure sensor 177
[0054] Before the various embodiments of the data collection method
and apparatus are explained in detail, it is to be understood that
the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the
details of construction and the arrangements of components set
forth in the following description. The data collection method and
apparatus is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or
of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood
that phraseology and terminology used herein with reference to
device or element orientation (such as, for example, terms like
"front", "back", "up", "down", "top", "bottom", and the like) are
only used to simplify description of the figures, and do not alone
indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have
a particular orientation. In addition, terms such as "first",
"second", and "third" are used herein and in the appended claims
for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or
imply relative importance or significance. As used herein, the term
"sensor" may indicate the specific sensing unit of a given sensor
or the sensing unit and other components (e.g., circuitry, logic
controllers, etc.) needed to allow the sensing unit to perform as
desired.
[0055] The following detailed description is of the best currently
contemplated modes of carrying out illustrative embodiments of the
data collection method and apparatus 10. The description is not to
be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of
illustrating the general principles of the data collection method
and apparatus 20, since the scope thereof is best defined by the
appending claims. Various inventive features are described below
herein that can each be used independently of one another or in
combination with other features.
[0056] Before the various embodiments of the present methods are
explained in detail, it is to be understood that the methods are
not limited in their application to the details of applications
and/or parameters set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The methods are capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways. Operational parameters included herein are for
illustrative purposes only, and in no way limit the scope of the
present methods.
[0057] The illustrative embodiments of a data collection method and
apparatus 10 may provide a mobile data collection system for
various uses, including but not limited to weather monitoring and
forecasting. The data collection method and apparatus 10 and/or
resulting data collection system may be in communication with the
existing electrical and/or communication circuitry on a vehicle
(e.g., via CAN, D2B, wirelessly, etc.).
[0058] Initial proof-of-concept testing involved siting individual
sensors, such as a temperature sensor, on the front of a commercial
vehicle, then establishing a connection through the vehicle's
telemetry to pass an `observation` to a central computer with which
the vehicle communicated. This approach was conducted for three
specific sensors: air temperature, road-surface temperature, and
relative humidity. After this proof-of-concept testing, the
inventor bundled the instruments/sensors into an enclosure ("data
collection unit") that would be mounted at least one meter above
the road surface. Because the instruments/sensors were positioned
in an enclosure, they were sheltered from air rushing past (as was
the case during proof-of-concept with instruments in the front of
the vehicle). Accordingly, the data collection unit may require
aspiration so that fresh ambient air was always circulating into
the enclosure and registering with the instruments/sensors. The
road-surface temperature sensor may remain separate, placed near
the bottom of the vehicle, relatively close to the road surface,
for optimal sensing. The instruments/sensors inside the enclosure
may be increased and/or decreased in number. In addition to sensing
of air temperature and relative humidity, other sensors may be
added, including but not limited to those for sensing barometric
pressure, light, precipitation, lightning distance detection, and
ozone.
[0059] Mobile platforms offer a way to increase meteorological and
environmental data sampling between fixed sites. The data obtained
by mobile platforms provides information in areas never or
infrequently sampled, which may improve meteorological predictive
capability, as well as potentially alert the traveling public about
a danger that exists, which danger would not be uncovered by
fixed-site sampling.
[0060] Variable speed and/or movement of the data collection
apparatus 10 can produce turbulence around the enclosure, which
turbulence can produce variations in the pressure. Exposure to
direct sunlight can produce localized heating. It is contemplated,
therefore, that the enclosure be aerodynamically profiled to
minimize pressure variation and the airflows may be engineered to
ensure that the air temperature measured by the instrument unit is
a true reflection of the actual value of the surrounding air
resulting in true meteorologically approved data.
[0061] Generally, the illustrative embodiment of a data collection
method and apparatus 10 comprises one or more data collection units
(which may be simply configured as a sensor or as a plurality of
sensors integrated into a single enclosure or other structure) and
one or more databases. Each data collection unit may be configured
to collect various types of data and relay that data to a database
in real time (or near real time), or store the data on the data
collection unit (or other device having data storage capability)
for later download.
[0062] One embodiment of a data collection apparatus 10 as shown in
FIG. 1 comprises a main sensor assembly 100, a surface temperature
sensor 50, and a data receiver/transmitter (transponder), which may
be in communication with an antenna 11, all of which may be
integrated with one another or which may be distinct but in
communication with one another. Another embodiment of a data
collection apparatus 10 comprises a central controller 170,
transponder, main sensor assembly 100, and a surface temperature
sensor 50. Additional sensors may also be connected to the
controller 170 to measure climatic, environmental, and/or
application-specific parameters. In the illustrative embodiments,
the data collection apparatus 10 or a portion thereof may be
mounted to a land vehicle. However, in other embodiments the data
collection apparatus 10 or a portion thereof may be configured to
be mounted to other vehicles or mobile platforms, such as water
vehicles, air vehicles, and/or combinations thereof. A perspective
view of a first embodiment of a telematics unit 15 that may be used
with various embodiments of the data collection method and
apparatus 10 is shown in FIG. 2A. A perspective view of a first
embodiment of a controller 170 that may be used with various
embodiments of the data collection method and apparatus 10 is shown
in FIG. 2B. A first embodiment of a surface temperature sensor 50
and associated conduit 16 that may be used with various embodiments
of the data collection method and apparatus 10 is shown in FIG. 3.
A perspective view of a first embodiment of a main assembly 100
that may be used with various embodiments of a data collection
method and apparatus 10 is shown in FIG. 4. A perspective view of a
first embodiment of an antenna 11 that may be used with various
embodiments of a data collection method and apparatus 10 is shown
in FIG. 5.
[0063] A simplified schematic of the communication and/or power
configuration for a first illustrative embodiment of a data
collection method and apparatus is shown in FIG. 6. As shown,
various sensors may be in communication with a receiver unit. The
receiver unit, in turn, may be in communication with a telematics
unit 15, which telematics unit 15 may also be in communication with
existing devices on the vehicle, which may be accomplished via the
vehicle CANbus connection, as shown in FIG. 6.
[0064] Various sensors may be positioned in or on the main sensor
assembly 100, including but not limited to air pressure, air
humidity, air temperature, light level and/or irradiance,
precipitation rate, ozone level, carbon dioxide and/or monoxide
level, nitrous oxide level, and methane level. Alternatively, the
air quality sensors may be incorporated into a separate housing to
optimize placement. The optimal combination of sensors will vary
from one application to the next, and therefore the combination
thereof is in no way limiting to the scope of the data collection
method and apparatus. A surface temperature sensor 50 may be
mounted external to the main sensor assembly 100, or it may be
mounted external thereto to achieve relatively close proximity to
the road, ground, and/or water surface, depending on the embodiment
of the data collection apparatus 10.
[0065] The main sensor assembly 100 may be designed to achieve a
smooth laminar airflow with minimal turbulence at inlet and exhaust
vents. This minimizes the creation of a low pressure area at those
ports that could adversely affect pressure measurements. The main
sensor assembly 100 may include baffles 124 to minimize intake of
undesired matter (e.g., water, debris, foreign matter) and/or to
minimize heating of internal sensors by radiant energy from the
sun. A fan 144 may be fitted to the main sensor assembly 100 for
continual exchange of air being sensed to increase the accuracy of
temperature, humidity, ozone levels, and/or any other air parameter
sensor, if such sensors are included in that particular embodiment.
The air flow rate may be selected to minimize evaporative cooling
effects, and the fan 144 may be placed in the exhaust stream to
avoid heating of the air passing over the sensors. Layout of the
printed circuit boards supporting the sensors may be engineered to
minimize power consumption and to avoid localized heating of
sensors from heat generated by the circuit elements.
[0066] All sensors engaged with the main sensor assembly 100 may be
in communication with a data transponder (which may integrated with
a controller 170), which may in turn be in communication with a
vehicle telematics unit 15 or a telematics unit 15 integrated into
the data collection apparatus 10 and/or a component thereof (such
as one illustrative embodiment of a wind sensor 40 described and
pictured herein). In one embodiment, a standard 1 Mb/s CANBUS may
be used for the various sensors to communicate with one another
and/or the transponder, and for the transponder to communicate with
the vehicle telematics unit 15. Other structures and/or methods for
facilitating this communication may be used between the system
units, or between system units and external devices. The telematics
unit 15 may provide GPS location data, time, and/or other data
(e.g., vehicle speed, throttle position, etc.) to the data from the
data collection apparatus 10 to create a complete data packet.
Alternatively, GPS location data, time, and/or other data may be
provided via a separate GPS unit positioned elsewhere within the
data collection apparatus 10. A complete data packet may be stored
locally or it may be transmitted to an external location.
[0067] It is contemplated that one embodiment of a precipitation
sensor 150 may be configured as a sensor integral with the main
sensor assembly 100, wherein the electrical resistance of that
sensor changes according to precipitation levels to give an
indication of rain intensity. Properly calibrated, this
precipitation sensor 150 may be accurate and precise enough to
respond to foggy conditions. Alternatively the precipitation sensor
150 may embody a transmissive or reflective system whereby a beam
of light, having a wavelength in the visible or infra-red range, is
detected at a level that varies according to whether droplets of
moisture affect the properties of the path from emitter to
detector, as described in further detail below.
[0068] It is contemplated that one embodiment of an ambient light
sensor may be positioned under a clear cover such that the sensor
may respond to all light levels normally encountered from full
sunlight (up to 200,000 lux) down to complete absence of visible
light (0 lux). To achieve such a range, one embodiment of an
ambient light sensor uses a digital sensor with a maximum
sensitivity of 100,000 lux and a full spectrum filter to double its
range, wherein the resolution may be from 1 to 100 lux.
Alternatively a pyranometer 160 may be included wherein the sensing
element is a thermopile or cosine compensated silicon photodiode.
Such an embodiment would have the capability of measuring
irradiance over the range of 0 Watts/m.sup.2 to at least the
maximum generally accepted value of 1400 Watts/m.sup.2 for full
sunlight at altitude with the sun directly overhead. The resolution
of such a device may be 0.1 Watts/m.sup.2.
[0069] It is contemplated that one embodiment of a barometric
pressure sensor 177 may be digital and may have an operating range
of 300 hPa to 1100 hPa. This allows for accurate pressure
measurements, and may have a resolution of 0.01 hPa.
[0070] It is contemplated that one embodiment of a
temperature/humidity sensor 135a may be digital and may have an
operating range of 5% Rh to 100% Rh with a resolution of 0.01% Rh.
This sensor 135a may be temperature-compensated for increased
accuracy and may be fitted with a filter that allows it to function
even if small droplets of water are deposited upon its surface from
the measurement air stream.
[0071] It is contemplated that one embodiment of a
temperature/humidity sensor 135a may be digital and may have an
operating range of -40.degree. C. to +80.degree. C. and a
resolution of 0.0625.degree. C., which allows accurate temperature
measurements. Such a device may be integral with the humidity
and/or barometric pressure sensor. 177.
[0072] It is contemplated that one embodiment of a lightning sensor
135b may be digital and may have an operating range of 0 to 40
kilometers. Such a sensor 135b may incorporate hardware or software
algorithms to discriminate against false indications caused by
impulse or burst-type electrical interference commonly experienced
with vehicle electrical systems.
[0073] It is contemplated that one embodiment of an ozone sensor
135c may be analogue and may have an operating range of 0 to 1000
ppb and a resolution of 1 ppb.
[0074] In the illustrative embodiment, all sensors may be
controlled by one or more automotive grade microprocessors that may
have analogue inputs, an I2C interface for communication to the
digital sensors, and a CANBUS interface for communication to the
other units in the system. Power may be supplied from the vehicle
battery system and sophisticated switched mode regulators may
provide stable low voltage supplies from inputs of 6 to 28 volts DC
or such a range as may be found on commercial and/or private-use
vehicles.
[0075] One illustrative embodiment of a surface temperature sensor
50 may incorporate a narrow angle infra-red thermometer 55 at the
proximal end of a hood 54b. This thermometer 55 may have an
operating range of -40.degree. C. to +100.degree. C. with a
resolution of 0.01.degree. C. The configuration of the hood 54b and
thermometer 55 may have at least two main functions. Firstly it may
prevent ambient sunlight from striking the sensing element either
directly or by reflection, and secondly the air column formed in
the hood 54b may effectively block contamination of the sensing
element by dirt and moisture from the road surface.
[0076] The thermometer 55 may measure the average temperature of
all objects impinging into a cone described by subtending an
included angle of 10.degree. from the sensing element. The hood 54b
may be sized such that no part impinges on the cone of measurement.
When fitted to the vehicle 12, the surface temperature sensor 50
may be positioned so that no part of the vehicle structure impinges
into the measurement cone. Under these conditions the surface
temperature sensor 50 effectively measures the average temperature
of a disc on the surface underneath the vehicle 12 to which the
surface temperature sensor 50 is engaged. Under ideal circumstances
this disc is 100-200 mm diameter, and specifically approximately
105 mm with the sensing element positioned between 200-1000 mm
above the road surface, and specifically approximately 600 mm.
[0077] The surface temperature sensor 50 may be controlled by an
automotive grade microprocessor, which may have an I2C interface
for communication to the digital sensor and a CANBUS interface or
other communications interface for communication to the other units
in the system. Power may be provided from the vehicle battery
system and a sophisticated switched mode regulator may provide
stable low voltage supplies from inputs of 6 to 28 volts DC or such
a range as may be found on commercial and/or private-use
vehicles.
[0078] A controller 170 may provide a central communications hub
for the data collection apparatus 10. An automotive grade
microprocessor with CANBUS or other bus-type interface and serial
interfaces may monitor bus activity and route messages according to
the address header. Upon receipt of certain predefined messages,
the controller may forward the data via the serial interface to the
vehicle telematics unit 15 or other communications system where it
may be stored, compressed, analysed, and/or transmitted (e.g., via
a radio modem) to a central data server. Power may be derived from
the vehicle battery system or other power source (e.g., wind and/or
solar generators). A sophisticated switched-mode regulator may
provide stable low voltage supplies from inputs of 6 to 28 volts DC
or such a range as may be found on commercial and/or private-use
vehicles.
[0079] To further improve accuracy, the sensors and their
associated microprocessors and/or circuitry may be configured to
store calibration parameters to offset or modify measurements. Such
parameters may be read or updated by physical connection to the
sensor units and/or data collection apparatus 10, or via an
over-the-air communications system from a remote location. Such
updating may be provided in real-time with no resets necessary to
incorporate the revised settings.
[0080] Any sensor in the data collection apparatus 10 may take
frequent observations at a programmable interval (e.g., 10
seconds). The reporting interval may be read or updated by physical
connection to the sensor units and/or data collection apparatus 10,
or via an over-the-air communications system from a remote
location. The observations include but are not limited to air
temperature, surface (e.g., road) temperature, relative humidity,
barometric pressure, ambient light, precipitation rate, wind speed,
and ozone. This rate of frequency of observation provides the
ability to detect meteorological or environmental phenomenon at a
spatial interval of 275 meters (at typical highway speed). The data
can help identify local hazards including but not limited to black
icing, precipitation, or fog. The microscale resolution of the
observations is helpful to meteorologists who need to determine
weather conditions between fixed sites. The pavement temperature
attribute can help meteorologists or transportation officials
determine where pavement conditions are a potential hazard and
areas that subsequently might require anti-ice treatment.
[0081] The CANBUS interface may be especially useful in various
embodiments of the data collection method and apparatus 10 due to
its widespread adoption for this type of application. Alternatively
any other protocol may be used such as serial or I2C or wireless
communications using Bluetooth, Zigbee or any other serial
communications protocol. These would be low power and preferably,
but not exclusively, utilise frequencies within ISM bands. This
creates a road weather information system for any territory in
which a data collection apparatus 10 is deployed. This takes
advantage of the weather information from at least a 0-2000 foot
range. Additionally, the various elements of the data collection
method and apparatus 10 as disclosed herein may be in communication
with one another (e.g., sensor-to-sensor, sensor-to-controller,
controller-to-transponder, etc.) or with external circuitry (e.g.,
transponder-to-external computer, controller-to-external computer,
etc.) either wired or wirelessly, or using any other suitable
method and/or conduit 16 appropriate for the specific application
of the data collection method and apparatus 10.
[0082] In certain embodiments of the data collection method and
apparatus 10, the data collected via a plurality of sensors may be
aggregated and analysed using self-learning, artificial
intelligence. In such an embodiment, the accuracy of any weather
predictions may be increased via subsequent data analysis based on
historical patterns given the enormous amount of data the present
disclosure may provide. It is contemplated that a predictive model
employing such a self-teaching analysis program, which would become
more accurate after each analysis, will be much more accurate and
efficient than current weather prediction models.
[0083] Certain embodiments of the data collection method and
apparatus 10 as disclosed herein may be configured to operate via
interval sensing or via adaptive interval sensing. If configured to
operate via interval sensing, the sensor observations may be
collected every n seconds, and may be buffered and sent back to a
collection point at a predetermined frequency. It is contemplated
that in certain situations, this method of operation may miss
anomalies in the observations if such anomalies occur between the
sensing intervals.
[0084] If configured to operate via adaptive interval sensing, the
sensor equipment may be configured to poll at much faster
intervals, which may be as fast as multiple times per second
depending at least upon the type of sensor used. The controller 170
(or any other component of a data collection method and apparatus
10 having the necessary hardware and/or software) may be configured
to analyze this data in real-time and buffer observations every n
seconds (emulating regular interval sensing). As part of the
real-time analysis, the telematics box also may be configured to
identify/detect anomalies and/or patterns in the data, which
identification/detection may trigger out-of-band observation
buffering for as long as an anomaly is detected. Utilizing these
various techniques, the data collection method and apparatus 10 may
be capable of capturing all anomalistic observations while
simultaneously keeping data usage within practical limits. The data
collection method and apparatus 10 may be configured so that one
may adapt the interval during non-anomalistic conditions to account
for the extra data usage from data used during anomalistic
observations. The interval may be continuously in flux as
anomalistic conditions are detected and then accounted for (based
on total data used) by increasing interval length during the
non-anomalistic observation periods, eventually returning to the n
second intervals. The data collection method and apparatus 10 may
be configured to always to try to return to the n second
observation interval.
[0085] In one illustrative embodiment, the various sensors take a
reading every 10 seconds, and 2-minutes worth of the data from
those sensors is stored in a buffer prior to transmission. However,
when configured to operate via adaptive interval sensing, the
controller 170 (or other component of the data collection method
and apparatus 10 having the necessary hardware and/or software) may
be configured to identify anomalies, abnormalities, highs, and/or
lows in data from a given sensor, and/or other specific weather
event and/or environmental condition or potential therefor. When
the controller 170 (or other component capable of such
identification) identifies such an event, the controller 170 (or
other component configured with the necessary capability) may
command the sensor experiencing the event to take a reading every 1
second or such lesser interval as may be considered suitable having
regard to the parameter being sensed. Additionally, the controller
170 (or other component configured with the necessary capability)
may be configured to allow the data from this event to be
transmitted immediately rather than stored in a buffer.
[0086] In an illustrative embodiment of the data collection method
and apparatus 10, the various sensors may be continually sensing
(e.g., taking a reading every 1 second), and each sensor may have
the inherent capability of identifying an anomaly, abnormality,
high, and/or low in data which that sensor is reading, or other
specific weather event and/or environmental condition or potential
therefor. This capability may be through a microprocessor
integrated with the sensor or via the communication between the
sensor and the controller 170 (or other component of the data
collection method and apparatus 10 capable of such identification).
Accordingly, the sensor experiencing such an event, or a component
in communication with the sensor, may alert the controller 170 (or
other relevant component of the data collection method and
apparatus 10), which may in turn increase the rate at which data
from that sensor is recorded, and/or increase the rate at which
data from that sensor is transmitted to a database and/or
analyzed.
[0087] For example, if a surface temperature sensor 50 senses a
decrease in the surface temperature of a road at an abnormal rate
(e.g., 3 degree temperature decrease in 5 seconds), the controller
170 (or other relevant component of the data collection method and
apparatus 10) may increase the rate at which data from the surface
temperature sensor 50 is recorded (e.g., from 10 seconds to 1
second) and/or increase the rate at which that data is transmitted
to a database and/or analyzed (e.g., from 2 minutes to 1 second).
In this example, adaptive interval sensing may allow the data
collection method and apparatus 10 to detect a potentially slippery
road surface and/or provide alerts thereof. However, as is apparent
to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present
disclosure, a data collection method and apparatus 10 configured
for adaptive interval sensing may provide an infinite number of
benefits related to detecting various environmental and/or
meteorological conditions without limitation.
[0088] Additionally, in a data collection method and apparatus 10
configured with adaptive interval sensing, one or more components
of the data collection apparatus 10 (e.g., controller 170, surface
temperature sensor 50, precipitation sensor 30, etc.) may be
accounted for simultaneously to create cases for different types of
conditions. In such an embodiment the combination of different data
from more than one sensor over a given period of time may give rise
to the identification of and anomaly, abnormality, high, and/or low
in data which that sensor is reading, or other specific weather
event and/or environmental condition or potential therefor.
[0089] A perspective view of a vehicle having a cab 12a and a
deflector 12b mounted on top thereof with which certain embodiments
of a data collection method and apparatus 10 may be used is shown
in FIG. 7A. FIG. 7B provides a view of that same vehicle with a
main assembly 100 mounted on the top of the cab 12a adjacent the
deflector 12b using mechanical fasteners. Other mounting positions
and/or methods may be used without limitation. That same cab 12a is
shown from the back in FIG. 8 providing and illustrative route for
the conduit 16 from the main assembly 100. FIG. 9 provides a
perspective view of the bottom of a door opening of the same cab
12a providing an illustrative route for the conduit 16 through a
portion of the cab 12a. A perspective view of that same cab 12a
from a different vantage is shown in FIG. 10, wherein a step board
12c is shown. A surface temperature sensor 50 may be positioned
behind the step board. FIG. 11 provides a perspective view of an
interior portion of the same cab 12a showing how an illustrative
embodiment of a controller 170 may be mounted thereto. FIG. 12
provides an perspective view of that same cab 12a adjacent a fender
onto which an antenna 11 may be mounted. FIG. 13 provides a
perspective view an interior portion of the dash 13 of that same
vehicle 12. As shown, the illustrative embodiment of a telematics
unit 15 may be positioned in an interior portion of the dash 13. An
indicator (not shown) may be positioned in a portion of the dash 13
shown in FIG. 14 to alert the operator of the vehicle to various
conditions, such as a malfunction of the data collection method and
apparatus 10 and/or any component thereof FIG. 15 provides an
illustrative embodiment of a vehicle communication/power interface
17 on an existing vehicle with which the data collection method and
apparatus 10 and/or various components thereof may communicate.
[0090] Other embodiments of the data collection method and
apparatus 10 and components thereof are disclosed below, as are
different communication methods and structure therefor, as well as
different mounting positions for the various components of the data
collection method and apparatus 10. Accordingly, the scope of the
data collection method and apparatus 10 as disclosed herein is in
no way limited by the method and/or structure used to allow for
communication between the various components of the data collection
method and apparatus 10 and/or between the data collection method
and apparatus 10 and an external device, nor is the scope limited
by the mounting methods, structure used therefor, and/or positions
of any component of the data collection method and apparatus
10.
Illustrative Embodiment of a Main Assembly
[0091] FIGS. 16A-16G provide different views of an illustrative
embodiment of a main assembly 100 that may be used with various
embodiments of the data collection method and apparatus 10. This
embodiment of a main assembly 100 may be configured to house
multiple sensors for certain embodiments of the data collection
method and apparatus 10. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16A-16E,
a precipitation sensor 150 and pyranometer 160 may be engaged with
the main assembly 100 and one or more other sensors may be
positioned in the interior of the main assembly 100. For example,
the illustrative embodiment may include a temperature/humidity
sensor 135a, lightning sensor 135b, ozone sensor 134c, and/or
barometric pressure sensor 177. However, different sensors,
combinations, and/or arrangements thereof may be used with the main
assembly 100 without departing from the spirit and scope of the
preset disclosure. For example, for certain applications of the
data collection method and apparatus 10, it may be beneficial to
position a barometric pressure sensor 177 in the controller 170
rather than the main assembly 100 to ensure the data is not
corrupted due to airflow caused by the fan 144.
[0092] An illustrative embodiment of a main assembly 100 is shown
from an elevated, rear perspective in FIG. 16A. As shown, an
exterior housing 110 may include an inlet 112 and an outlet 114,
both of which may be formed as a grille in one end of the exterior
housing 110. A slope 116 may be formed in the exterior housing 110
opposite the inlet 112 and outlet 114. It is contemplated that for
most applications it will be advantageous to position the main
assembly 100 so that the slope 116 is oriented as the leading edge
and the end of the exterior housing 110 configured with the inlet
112 and/or outlet 114 may be oriented as the trailing edge. It is
contemplated that this configuration will mitigate the likelihood
of erroneous readings for sensors positioned within the main
assembly 100, such as a temperature/humidity sensor 135a, a
lightning sensor 135b, an ozone sensor 135c, and/or an air quality
sensor. Additionally, for land vehicles it is contemplated that in
certain applications it may be optimal to position the main
assembly 100 on the roof of the vehicle, approximately 0.5 m behind
the intersection of the roof and wind screen in an area where the
fluid flow over the vehicle is less turbulent.
[0093] In FIG. 16B, the exterior housing 110 has been made
transparent. Accordingly, a filter 118 is shown in FIG. 16B, which
filter 118 may be constructed of a stainless steel mesh having
small apertures therein, or any other material suitable for the
particular application of the main assembly 100 without limitation,
which material includes but is not limited to polymers or other
synthetic materials, cellulosic or other natural materials, metals
and their alloys, and/or combinations thereof. The filter 118 may
be configured to prevent water droplets, debris, dirt, or any other
potential contaminant from affecting the sensors within the main
assembly 100. Any other type of filter 118 suitable for the
particular application of the main assembly 100 may be used without
limitation.
[0094] As shown in FIG. 16B, the exterior housing 110 may engage a
base 120, such that the area internal to the exterior housing 110
is protected from the external environment, with the only
ingress/egress thereto via the inlet 112 and/or outlet 114. It is
contemplated that for some embodiments of the main housing 100, the
base 120 may provide the engagement and/or attachment point to the
vehicle. However, other configurations may be used without
limitation. The base 120 may be formed with one or more extensions
122 extending upward therefrom to provide an engagement point
and/or structural support to an interior member 130, as described
in detail below. The base 120 may also include a baffle 124
extending upward therefrom, wherein the baffle 124 may be
positioned adjacent the inlet 112 in the exterior housing 120.
Accordingly, in the illustrative embodiment of a main assembly 100
shown in FIG. 16B, the baffle 124 may serve to remove any water,
debris, dirt, and/or other potential contaminant that passed
through the inlet 112 and/or filter 118. Finally, a
communication/power interface 126 may be positioned on the exterior
of the base 120 near the center thereof. The communication/power
interface 126 may be configured to provide a socket to connect the
main assembly 100 to a power source, conduit 16 thereto,
communication component (e.g., wireless transponder), and/or
conduit 16 thereto.
[0095] A precipitation sensor 150 may be engaged with the exterior
housing 110 on a top surface thereof. FIG. 16C provides a side view
of an illustrative embodiment of a main assembly 100 wherein an
illustrative embodiment of a precipitation sensor 150 may be
engaged with the exterior housing 110 via an aperture or apertures
formed in the exterior housing 110 and specifically configured for
the precipitation sensor 150 such that the precipitation sensor
circuitry 151 (or at least a portion thereof) may be interior with
respect to the exterior housing 110. Such a configuration may
protect the precipitation sensor circuitry 151 from various
environmental hazards. As shown, the precipitation sensor circuitry
151 may be engaged with one or more power and data conduits 156 to
allow for a power and/or communication interface between various
components of the precipitation sensor 150 and/or other components
of the main assembly 100. An illustrative embodiment of a
precipitation sensor 150 is shown in perspective in FIG. 17 and
described in detail below.
[0096] Still referring to FIG. 16C, a pyranometer 160 may also be
engaged with the exterior housing 110 on a top surface thereof as
shown for the illustrative embodiment of a main assembly 100. The
pyranometer 160 may be engaged with the exterior housing 110 via an
aperture or apertures formed in the exterior housing 110 and
specifically configured for the pyranometer 160 such that the
pyranometer circuitry 162 (or a portion thereof) may be interior
with respect to the exterior housing 110. Such a configuration may
protect the pyranometer circuitry 162 from various environmental
hazards. The pyranometer 160 may be configured to sense the amount
of ambient light experienced by the main assembly 100. A
transparent cover 164 may be positioned exterior to the sensing
unit of the pyranometer 160 to protect the sensing unit from
various environmental hazards. Any suitable pyranometer 160 or
other device capable of adequately measuring the amount of ambient
light experienced the main assembly 100 may be used with the main
assembly 100 without limitation.
[0097] The main assembly 100 may include an interior member 130
positioned internally with respect to the exterior housing 110.
FIG. 16D provides a rear perspective view of an illustrative
embodiment of a main assembly with the exterior housing 110 and
filter 118 removed for clarity, and FIG. 16E provides a front
perspective view thereof. The interior member 130 may be formed
with an entrance zone 132 adjacent the distal end of the baffle
124. The entrance zone 132 may lead to a main sensing chamber 134
generally along the length of the interior member 130. The main
sensing chamber 134 may be fluidly connected to the entrance zone
132 and inlet 112 such that ambient air external to the main
assembly 100 may enter the main sensing chamber 134.
[0098] The main sensing chamber 134 may be bound on either side by
a side wall 136, on top by a top wall 138, and on the bottom by the
interior surface of the base 120. The back surface of the main
sensing chamber 134 opposite the entrance zone 132 may be bound by
an exhaust fan housing 140, and a front opening 139 may be
configured at the leading edge of the interior member 130. The
front of the main sensing chamber 134 may be open and in fluid
communication with an interstitial area 102 between the external
surface of the interior member 130 and the internal surface of
exterior housing 110. The interstitial area 102 may extend along
the exterior of the sides walls 136 and top wall 138. It is
contemplated that the optimal distance, relative shape, and/or
configuration between the external surface of the interior member
130 and the internal surface of exterior housing 110 may vary from
one application of the main assembly 100 to the next, and is
therefore in no way limiting to the scope of the present
disclosure. However, for some applications it may be optimal to
configure the interstitial space 102 as generally rectangular,
wherein the distance between the external surface of the interior
member 130 and the internal surface of exterior housing 110 is
between 2 and 8 mm along the side walls 136 and between 3 and 12 mm
along the top wall 138. Along with serving as a duct for air
passing through the main assembly 100 (as described in detail
below), the interstitial area 102 may also provide insulation
and/or a thermal break between the exterior housing 110 and the
interior member 130. Accordingly, if the exterior housing 110
experiences heating (e.g., from solar radiation), any transmission
of that heat to the main sensing chamber 134 is minimized,
which
[0099] Primary circuitry 138a for the main assembly 100 and various
sensors positioned therein may be positioned on a printed circuit
board (PCB) engaged with the interior of the top wall 138. The
various sensors within the main assembly 100 may be engaged with
this primary circuitry 138a and may be mounted directly on the PCB.
As clearly shown in FIG. 16G, a temperature/humidity sensor 135a, a
lightning sensor 135b, an ozone sensor 135c, and/or an air quality
sensor (not shown) may be engaged with the primary circuitry 138a
in the main assembly 100. This configuration allows moisture and/or
other contaminants in the air to drop away from the primary
circuitry 138a due to gravity. The primary circuitry 138a and/or
other electronic and/or electrical components within the main
assembly 100 and/or data collection apparatus 10 may be configured
with a conformal coating.
[0100] The interior member 130 may be engaged with the extensions
122 of the base 120. A fastener 104 may pass through each extension
and serve to engage the interior member 130 and/or exterior housing
110 with the base 120. However, any other engagement methods and/or
structures therefor may be used with the data collection method and
apparatus 10 without limitation, including but not limited to
plastic tabs and corresponding recesses, bolts, chemical adhesives,
and/or combinations thereof.
[0101] An exhaust fan housing 140 may be configured in the interior
member 130 at the rear end of the main assembly 100 opposite the
baffle 124. The exhaust fan housing 140 may be bound by a side wall
146 on either side, an end wall 147 adjacent the main sensing
chamber 134. An exit zone 142 may be formed opposite the end wall
147 such that the exhaust fan housing 140 may be in fluid
communication with the exterior of the main assembly 100 via the
outlet 114 formed in the exterior housing 110. The filter 118
previously described may extend to the outlet 114 to mitigate
contamination of the exhaust fan housing 140. A fan 140 may be
engaged with the top wall 148 adjacent a fan inlet 148a that may be
formed in the top wall 148. The fan 144 may be configured to
provide fluid and/or air circulation to the main assembly 100 by
drawing air from the interstitial area 102, through the fan inlet
148a, and out of the main assembly 100 via the exit zone 142 and
outlet 114. In such a configuration, the fan 144 may be configured
to provide aspiration to the entire main assembly 100, as air
and/or fluid drawn from the interstitial area 102 may be
replenished by air and/or fluid exiting the main sensing chamber
134 at the front opening 139, air and/or fluid drawn from the main
sensing chamber 134 may be replenished by air and/or fluid entering
the main sensing chamber 134 at the entrance zone 132, and air
and/or fluid drawn from the entrance zone 132 may be replenished by
ambient external air and/or fluid entering the main assembly 100
through the inlet 112 and filter 118.
[0102] Another illustrative embodiment of a main assembly 100 is
shown in an exploded view in FIG. 22. This embodiment may function
in a manner similar to that as previously described for the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 16A-16G. The embodiment in FIG. 22 may
include an exterior housing 110 having a slope 116 on the leading
edge opposite an inlet 112 and outlet 114 on the trailing edge. The
exterior housing 110 may engage a base 120 configured with one or
more extensions 122 and a communication/power interface 126. A fan
144 may be positioned adjacent the outlet 114, and an interior
member 130 and the base 120 may be configured to provide a main
sensing chamber 134 within the main assembly 100. One or more
sensors positioned in the main sensing chamber 134, and a
pyranometer 160 may be engaged with the exterior housing 110 in a
manner similar to that previously described.
Illustrative Embodiment of Precipitation Sensor
[0103] A perspective view of one illustrative embodiment of a
precipitation sensor 150 is shown in FIG. 17. This is the same
embodiment of a precipitation sensor 150 shown engaged with the
main assembly 100 in FIGS. 16A-16E. The embodiment shown in FIG. 17
may include an infrared transmitter housing 152 and an infrared
receiver housing 154 opposite one another. It is contemplated that
both housings 152, 154 may be transparent to IR-spectrum light.
Both housings 152, 154 may be attached to or integrally formed with
a precipitation sensor base 158. The precipitation sensor base 158
may provide a housing for the precipitation sensor circuitry 151
required for operation of the precipitation sensor 150, which
circuitry 151 is described in detail below. Additionally, a portion
of the precipitation sensor circuitry 151 may be protected by the
exterior housing 110 of the main assembly 100 as previously
described. As described below, the illustrative embodiment of a
precipitation sensor 150 obviates the need for a clearing mechanism
(e.g., wiper blade, etc.) to accurately detect current
precipitation by detecting the transient effect of droplets passing
through a beam.
[0104] The illustrative embodiment of a precipitation sensor 150
may include a clear precipitation sensor base 158 with two raised
areas protruding therefrom--an IR transmitter housing 152 with a
transmitter positioned therein and an IR receiver housing 154 with
a receiver positioned therein. The housings 152, 154 may be
configured such that there is an open channel therebetween. The
transmitter may be configured to emit a narrow beam of infrared
light directly at the receiver. The receiver may detect and filter
the signal level from the receiver before being processed by a
microprocessor, which may be located precipitation sensor circuitry
151, which may be positioned in or near the precipitation sensor
base 158. A system of automatic adjustment of emitter power may be
incorporated to compensate for any build-up of dirt, which could
influence the received intensity of the IR beam in the absence of
any precipitation.
[0105] Moisture droplets passing through the beam will produce a
reduction in received signal. This reduction may be used to provide
an indication of precipitation level. It has been observed that
moisture in the form of single large droplets produces a different
characteristic signal to that from small, dispersed droplets. The
precipitation sensor 150 is thus able to provide an indication of
the precipitation type as well as intensity. Infrared light may be
used rather than visible light to minimize the potential
interference caused by sunlight incident on the receiver. The
microprocessor may be configured with built-in calibration routines
to counter long-term degradation in function and/or reliability of
the transmitter and/or receiver, and/or reduction in the levels of
light the receiver detects caused by surface degradation of the IR
transmitter housing 152 and/or IR receiver housing 154 and/or
accumulations of surface contamination on the precipitation sensor
150.
[0106] The precipitation sensor base 158, IR transmitter housing
152, and IR receiver housing 154 may be constructed of a material
with high transparency to the transmitted wavelength and may, or
may not, be transparent to other wavelengths of light. The
illustrative embodiment of the precipitation sensor 150, and
specifically the use of IR-spectrum wavelengths, has evolved from
multiple studies of the problems associated with contact-type
precipitation sensors such as contact bridging by ice or airborne
debris. Reflectance type sensors are similarly affected. Various
transmitter wavelengths were explored and the use of visible
wavelengths discarded due to susceptibility to interference from
sunlight incident on the receiver and the obvious visibility of the
beam.
Illustrative Embodiment of Wind Sensor
[0107] A perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a wind
sensor 40 is shown from the top in FIG. 18A and the bottom in FIG.
18B. Generally, the illustrative embodiment of a wind sensor 40 may
include a top portion 41 and a bottom portion 44. The top portion
41 may be engaged with one or more spacers 42 at a first end of the
spacer 42 and the bottom portion 44 may be engaged with one or more
spacers 42 at a second end of the spacer 42 to create a void 43
between the top portion 41 and bottom portion 44. A
communication/power interface 46 may be positioned on the bottom
side of the bottom portion 44, which is clearly shown in FIG.
18B.
[0108] The top portion 41 may include a top portion cover 41a and a
top portion base 41b, which may be engaged with one another. The
bottom portion 44 may include a bottom portion cover 44a and a cup
44c, which also may be engaged with one another. The illustrative
embodiment of a wind sensor 40 is shown with the bottom portion
cover 44a removed in FIG. 18C, and FIG. 18D provides a side view of
that embodiment with the cup shown as transparent. One or more
ultrasonic sensors 45 may be positioned on the bottom portion cover
44a, and the illustrative embodiment of the wind sensor 40 includes
four ultrasonic sensors 45 arranged in two pairs. As shown in FIG.
18D, GPS/communication circuitry 48 may be positioned within the
cup 44c and positioned above ultrasonic circuitry 44b to ensure GPS
coordinates are accurate and minimize potential interference. It is
contemplated that for some applications, the optimal position of
the wind sensor 40 will be on the roof of a vehicle 12. However,
the location of the wind sensor 40 does not limit the scope of the
present disclosure in any way.
[0109] One problem with conventional rotating cup and wind
direction vane sensors is that they will not function correctly
when placed on a mobile platform once the speed of the platform
exceeds a few meters per second. Ultrasonic wind speed and
direction sensors exist but they rely on the transit time for a
sound wave to travel from source to receiver. The faster the wind
speed the shorter the time. To keep the path length short and
minimize sensor size there is an effective top limit of 70 m/s on
measured speed. This may be satisfactory for a fixed station, but a
mobile weather system must function when a vehicle is travelling at
40 m/s into a head wind of 50 m/s, which produces a relative speed
of at least 90 m/s. This wind sensor 40 may utilize the change in
frequency of a sound wave at a receiver with speed to determine the
wind speed and direction.
[0110] The illustrative embodiment of a wind sensor 40 comprises a
bottom portion 44 housing ultrasonic sensors 45 configured as
transmitter and receiver pairs. One pair may be arrange parallel to
the axis of the vehicle and the other pair may be normal thereto.
The transmitter may emit a known frequency, which may be received
by the receiver. The received frequency may be compared with that
emitted and the difference therein may be determined via the
ultrasonic circuitry 44b. Movement of the wind sensor 40 and wind
speed may affect the time taken for a single cycle of the
transmitted signal to be received and produce a shift in frequency
known as Doppler Shift. Two frequency shifts, one in the direction
of travel, and one normal to it, may be determined via the
ultrasonic sensor 45 configuration using the ultrasonic circuitry
44b. To determine the wind speed and direction it may be necessary
to know the vehicle speed and magnetic heading. This may be
obtained by utilization of a built in (or separate) GPS receiver,
which may be integrated into the GPS/communication circuitry 48 in
the illustrative embodiment. Alternatively an electronic compass
may be utilized to obtain the heading, and data from the vehicle
systems used to determine the speed. These two sets of data may be
used to determine the actual wind speed and direction. Data may be
validated and scaled within the wind sensor 40 via the ultrasonic
circuitry 44b to minimize data errors. Data from the wind sensor 40
may be relayed to a telematics unit 15, which may be integrated
into the wind sensor 40 or which may be an external device, where
GPS location and time of collected data may be added and the full
data packets may transmitted to another location for further
processing and/or storage.
Illustrative Embodiment of a Road Temperature Sensor
[0111] An elevated perspective view of a first illustrative
embodiment of a surface temperature sensor is shown in FIG. 19A and
a bottom perspective view thereof is shown in FIG. 19B. The first
illustrative embodiment of a surface temperature sensor 50 may
include a cover 52 and a base 54, which may be selectively
engageable with one another. A seal 14 may be positioned between
the cover 52 and base 54 to ensure no contaminants enter the
interior of the surface temperature sensor 50 at the interface
therebetween. The cover 52 may be formed with a communication/power
interface 56.
[0112] The base 54 may include a mounting bracket 54a and a hood
54b, both of which may be integrally formed with the base 54 or
which may be separately formed and later engaged with the base 54.
It is contemplated that the mounting bracket 54a may provide a
convenient place to attach the surface temperature sensor 50 to a
vehicle, but any attachment method and/or structure may be used
without limitation. Surface temperature sensor circuitry 58 may be
positioned within the base 54, which is clearly shown in FIG. 19B
in which the base has been made transparent.
[0113] A thermometer 55 may be positioned adjacent the proximal end
of the hood 54b and engaged with the surface temperature sensor
circuitry 58. It is contemplated that the hood 54b may have a
slight taper (e.g., one degree) along its length in certain
embodiments depending on the method of manufacture of the hood 54b,
which taper may ease removal of the hood 54b from a mold. One or
more lenses 57 may be positioned in the hood 54b distally with
respect to the thermometer 55 to minimize any sunlight reaching the
thermometer 55. Additionally, if a lens 57 is positioned between
the thermometer 55 and the distal end of the hood 54b, the amount
of contaminants reaching the lens 57 may be reduced, yielding a
more accurate reading. A seal 14 may be positioned around the
periphery of the lens 57 to ensure no contaminants pass between the
periphery of the lens 57 and the hood 54b.
[0114] It is contemplated that for some applications it may be
optimal to mount the surface temperature sensor 50 approximately
0.5 m above the surface toward which the thermometer is directed,
as this distance results in the thermometer 55 measuring a disk of
approximately 100 mm in diameter. In land vehicles this surface
would oftentimes be a road surface, which may be pavement, brick,
gravel, dirt, concrete, asphalt, rock, combinations thereof, and/or
any other surface that a vehicle may traverse. It is also
contemplated that a length of 55 mm may be optimal for the hood 54b
in certain applications.
[0115] Another embodiment of a surface temperature sensor 50 is
shown in FIG. 21, which provides an exploded view of that
embodiment. As with the first embodiment, the second embodiment of
a surface temperature sensor 50 may include a cover 52 and base 54
selectively engageable with one another. The cover 52 may be formed
with a communication/power interface 56 therein, and the base 54
may be formed with a mounting bracket 54a and a hood 54b. Surface
temperature circuitry 58 may be positioned in the base 54, and a
thermometer 55 and one or more lenses 57 may be positioned adjacent
the proximal end of the hood 54b.
Illustrative Embodiment of a Controller
[0116] An illustrative embodiment of a controller that may be used
with certain embodiments of a data collection method and apparatus
10 is shown in perspective in FIG. 20A. The controller 170 may
include a controller housing 172, which may be engaged with a base
174. The illustrative embodiment of the controller 170 is shown in
FIG. 20B with the controller housing 172 removed. It is
contemplated that in many applications it may be optimal to power
the controller 170 with electrical power from the vehicle. The
controller 170 may be configured as a data hub for the data
collection method and apparatus 10, such that all data flows
through the controller 170. Alternatively, data from only certain
components of the data collection apparatus 10 may pass through the
controller 170, and other components of the data collection
apparatus 10 may be autonomous or semi-autonomous. In either
configuration, the controller 170 may be in communication (either
wired or wirelessly) with all or some of the sensors present in
that specific embodiment of a data collection apparatus 10. It is
contemplated that the controller 170 may be configured with all the
necessary vehicle interference suppression devices and/or programs
to ensure data is accurate.
[0117] The controller 170 may include controller circuitry 176,
which may comprise a microprocessor, to provide the desired
functionality of the controller 170 for the specific embodiment of
a data collection apparatus 10. A barometric pressure sensor 177
may also be engaged with the controller circuitry 176 to sense
and/or read the atmospheric pressure experienced by the controller
170. It is contemplated that this data will be useful in most
embodiments of the data collection method and apparatus 10.
[0118] The controller 170 may be configured to control various
other components of the data collection apparatus 10. For example,
the controller 170 and main assembly 100 may be configured so that
the controller 170 dictates when and at what rate the
temperature/humidity sensor 135a in the main assembly 100 makes a
reading and which of and at what rate those readings are recorded.
The controller 170 may be configured to dictates these operational
parameters to any other component in the data collection apparatus
10, or certain components (e.g., surface temperature sensor 50,
wind sensor 40, etc.) may be configured to control the rate at
which they make a reading and which of and at what rate those
readings are recorded. Alternatively, different components may
operate independently from the controller 170 under normal
conditions, and operate under the direction of the controller 170
in the event of an abnormality, anomaly, malfunction, and/or other
uncommon event. Each individual component may be configured to
monitor the data that it reads, and it may be configured to notify
the controller 170 is any uncommon event is likely to occur, is
occurring, or has occurred.
[0119] The illustrative embodiment of a controller 170 shown in
FIGS. 20A and 20B may include one or more communication/power
interfaces 175 along one or more sides thereof. The embodiment
pictured herein comprises six communication/power interfaces 175
along the length of a first side. It is contemplated that these
communication/power interfaces 175 may be optimally used to
communicate data and/or provide power between the controller 170
and various sensors, including but not limited to the sensors
positioned in the main assembly 100, a wind sensor 40, a surface
temperature sensor 540, a pyranometer 160, and/or a precipitation
sensor 150. The embodiment pictured herein also comprises a
communication/power interface 175 on one end thereof adjacent a
fuse 173. It is contemplated that this communication/power
interface may be optimally used to communication data and/or
provide power between the controller and a telematics unit 15
and/or existing devices on a vehicle.
[0120] The controller 170 may be in communication with a telematics
unit 15 on the vehicle 12. A telematics unit 15 may be in
communication with the existing vehicle information and/or
diagnostic system, and it may use data therefrom to increase the
accuracy of atmospheric data or make corrections thereto.
Alternatively, if the data collection apparatus 10 includes a wind
sensor 40 such as the illustrative embodiment previously described
herein, the controller 170 may employ the wind sensor 40 and
associated GPS/communication circuitry 48 therein to receive data
that would typically come from a telematics unit 15 (e.g., GPS
location data, time, speed, altitude, etc.) and to communicate data
remotely. It is contemplated that the remote data communication may
be performed via any suitable method using any structure suitable
for the method chosen, including but not limited to 2G, 4G, or LTE
wireless communication methods.
[0121] Regardless of whether the data collection apparatus 10 is in
communication with an existing telematics unit 15 or if the data
collection apparatus 10 employs a component therein having the
necessary functionality of a telematics unit 15 (e.g., through
GPS/communication circuitry 48 in a wind sensor 40), the controller
170 may direct a telematics unit 15 (or similarly functional
component) to communicate data (to an external device, including
but not limited to a database) from one or more components of the
data collection apparatus 10 (e.g., wind sensor 40, surface
temperature sensor 50, barometric pressure sensor 177,
temperature/humidity sensor 135a, lightning sensor 135b, ozone
sensor 135c, etc.) outside the regular reporting schedule and/or
reporting intervals for which the controller 170 and/or telematics
unit 15 is configured. It is contemplated that this change of
reporting schedule and/or reporting intervals may be triggered via
adaptive interval sensing as previously described herein.
[0122] In an illustrative embodiment of a data collection apparatus
10, the main sensor assembly 100 may include a temperature/humidity
sensor 135a, a lightning sensor 135b, an ozone sensor 135c, and an
air quality sensor; the controller 170 may include a barometric
pressure sensor 177 as described above, and a surface temperature
sensor 50 and a wind sensor 40 may be included as distinct
structures. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not so
limited and extends to different combinations of various sensors in
one or more housings without limitation.
Illustrative Embodiments of Communication/Power/Control Schemes
[0123] An illustrative embodiment of one method of providing power
and/or data connections to the illustrative embodiment of a
controller 170 shown in FIGS. 20A & 20B and various components
thereof is shown schematically in FIG. 23. As shown, this
embodiment of a controller 170 may be configured to receive power
from an external source, which source may include but is not
limited to existing devices and/or systems of a vehicle. However,
other sources of power and/or other communication methods may be
used without limitation. A switching regulator may be required to
remove power spikes and other irregularities from the power source
and to provide electricity at a lower voltage, which lower voltage
may be required for the controller circuitry 176. A fuse 173 may be
employed to protect other components of the data collection
apparatus 10 (e.g., main assembly 100, surface temperature sensor
50, wind sensor 40, etc.) from over voltage, over current, reverse
polarity, and/or other undesirable conditions. As shown, the
controller 170 and controller circuitry 176 may be configured to
provide regulated power and a data bus to a plurality of
communication/power interfaces 175, which communication/power
interface 175 may be configured as a sensor connection port.
[0124] An illustrative embodiment of one method of providing power
and/or data connections to the illustrative embodiment of a main
assembly 100 shown in FIGS. 16A-16G and various components thereof
is shown schematically in FIG. 24. As shown, this embodiment of a
main assembly 100 and primary circuitry 138a may be configured to
receive power from another source, which source may include but is
not limited to existing devices and/or systems of a vehicle.
However, other sources of power and/or other communication methods
may be used without limitation. A switching regulator may be
required to remove power spikes and other irregularities from the
power source and to provide electricity at a lower voltage, which
lower voltage may be required for the primary circuitry 138a. The
main assembly 100 may also be configured to receive power from the
controller 170 and communicate therewith via suitable conduit 16
and/or wirelessly.
[0125] As shown, the main assembly 100 may be configured with
primary circuitry 138a comprising a microprocessor, which
microprocessor may be in communication with, including but not
limited to, any sensor within the main assembly 100 (e.g.,
temperature/humidity sensor 135a, lightning sensor 135b, ozone
sensor 135c, air quality sensor), any sensor engaged with the
exterior housing 110 (e.g., pyranometer 160, precipitation sensor
150), or any other sensor in that specific embodiment of a data
collection apparatus 10. The microprocessor in the main assembly
100 and the microprocessor in the controller 170 may be configured
such that the microprocessor in the main assembly 100 is a slave to
that in the controller 170. The microprocessor and primary
circuitry 138a may be configured to continuously monitor the
sensors engaged with or positioned within the main assembly 100
and/or any other sensors in the data collection apparatus 10. If
the microprocessor in the main assembly 100 detects any data of
special significance (e.g., abnormalities, maximums, minimums,
etc.), which special significance may be predetermined and
programmed into a computer executable method residing on the data
collection apparatus 10, the microprocessor may be configured to
send that data to the controller 170 immediately with instructions
to pass that data on to the telematics unit 15 immediately, and
with instructions for the telematics unit 15 to communicate it
immediately with an external database or another external device
(e.g., via providing a message header indicating a communication
priority for that data). In some embodiments, the controller 170
may be configured to also serve as a telematics unit 15, or another
component of the data collection apparatus 10 may be configured as
a telematics unit 15 (e.g., a wind sensor 40), in which case fewer
steps may be required for the data collection apparatus 10 to
communicate the data to a database or other external device. In
either embodiment, the data collection apparatus 10 may be
configured with a memory unit to record and save data prior to
transmission to an external device.
[0126] An illustrative embodiment of one method of providing power
and/or data connections to the illustrative embodiment of a surface
temperature sensor 50 shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B is shown
schematically in FIG. 25. As shown, this embodiment of a surface
temperature sensor 50 and surface temperature sensor circuitry 58
may be configured to receive power via a regulated power bus from a
communication/power interface 175 on the controller 170, which
controller 170 may comprise a data collection unit. However, other
sources of power and/or other communication methods may be used
without limitation. The surface temperature sensor circuitry 58 may
comprise a voltage regulator in communication with the thermometer
55, which may be configured as a narrow angle infrared thermometer,
as shown in FIG. 25. Data from the surface temperature sensor 50
may be relayed to the controller 170 in accordance with the present
disclosure via a data bus as shown schematically in FIGS. 23 &
25.
[0127] An illustrative embodiment of one method of providing power
and/or data connections to the illustrative embodiment of a
precipitation sensor 150 shown in FIGS. 16A-16E and 17 is shown
schematically in FIG. 26. As shown, this embodiment of a
precipitation sensor 150 and precipitation sensor circuitry 151 may
be configured to receive power from a regulated power bus coming
from the primary circuitry 138a of the main assembly 100, and may
be in direct communication therewith via a data bus. However, other
sources of power and/or other communication methods may be used
without limitation.
[0128] The illustrative embodiment of a precipitation sensor 150
shown in FIGS. 16A-16E and 17 may require relatively extensive
processing. Accordingly, the precipitation sensor circuitry 151 may
include a dedicated microprocessor. An infrared emitter and photo
transistor may be in communication with the microprocessor of the
precipitation sensor circuitry 151 (in cooperation with an
automatic drive level control and amplifier) to detect
precipitation in the manner previously described above. The
microprocessor in the precipitation sensor circuitry 151 may be in
a master/slave arrangement such that the precipitation sensor 150
and precipitation sensor circuitry 151 may be ultimately controlled
by the primary circuitry 138a in the main assembly 100 such that
data with special significance from the precipitation sensor 150 is
handled in a manner similarly to that described above for the
surface temperature sensor 50.
[0129] An illustrative embodiment of one method of providing power
and/or data connections to the illustrative embodiment of a
pyranometer 160 shown in FIGS. 16A-16F is shown schematically in
FIG. 27. As shown, this embodiment of a pyranometer 160 and
pyranometer circuitry 162 may be configured to receive power from a
regulated power bus coming from the primary circuitry 138a of the
main assembly 100, and may be in direct communication therewith via
a data bus. However, other sources of power and/or other
communication methods may be used without limitation. As shown, the
pyranometer 160 may include pyranometer circuitry 162 comprising a
silicon photodiode in communication with a cosine compensated
amplifier. Both the cosine compensated amplifier and a 12-bit
analogue-to-digital converter may be in communication with the main
assembly 100 via the data bus previously described. Accordingly, in
the illustrative embodiment it is contemplated that the pyranometer
may be controlled via the microprocessor in the main circuitry 138a
of the main assembly 100.
[0130] An illustrative embodiment of one method of providing power
and/or data connections to the illustrative embodiment of a wind
sensor 40 shown in FIGS. 18A-18D is shown schematically in FIG. 28.
As shown, this embodiment of a wind sensor 40 and ultrasonic
circuitry 44b and/or GPS/communication circuitry 48 may be
configured to receive power via a regulated power bus from a
communication/power interface 175 on the controller 170, which
controller 170 may comprise a data collection unit. However, other
sources of power and/or other communication methods may be used
without limitation.
[0131] Generally, it is contemplated that a portion of the
illustrative embodiment of a wind sensor 40 may function in a
manner similar to that in which prior art ultrasonic wind sensors
function. As shown, the wind sensor 40 may include four ultrasonic
transceivers oriented in a cross pattern. Each transceiver may be
in communication with an amplifier and a driver. Each amplifier may
be in communication with a multiplexer, and a distinct amplifier
may be employed. All components of the ultrasonic circuitry 44b may
be in communication with and/or controlled by a microprocessor.
[0132] It is contemplated that a GPS unit (not shown, but which may
be included in a telematics unit 15) and GPS/communication
circuitry 48 may be employed to correct data from the wind sensor
40 for the direction and speed of the vehicle to which it is
mounted. Accordingly, in an embodiment of a data collection
apparatus 10 having an embodiment wind sensor 40 such as that shown
in FIGS. 18A-18D, the wind sensor 40 may also serve as a telematics
unit 15 providing the necessary data and communications
functionality for the data collection apparatus 10. In such an
embodiment of a wind sensor 40, it is contemplated that data from
the on-board systems of the vehicle may be used to ensure the data
from the wind sensor 40 is properly corrected. For example,
relevant data for properly correcting wind speed data may include
but is not limited to braking information, throttle position,
engine speed, etc. If such data is not needed for correcting wind
speed data, it may have other uses, such as vehicle diagnostics.
Additionally, the controller 170 may be configured to communicate
and/or record such data. Accordingly, the scope of the present
disclosure is not limited by the data that may be communicated to
an external device via any component of the data collection
apparatus 10.
[0133] All sensors included in a particular embodiment of a data
collection method and apparatus 10 may be monitored constantly for
out-of-range data or non-existent data, which monitoring may be
done via a computer executable method residing on the controller
170, circuitry on the sensor itself, or another component of the
data collection apparatus 10. In the event that such data is
detected, the controller 170 may be configured such that the
microprocessor in the controller circuitry 177 includes in-built
recovery routines in a computer executable method that attempt to
restore correct operation without the need for physical resets of
any component of the data collection apparatus 10. This
configuration may also allow components of the data collection
apparatus 10 to be hot "pluggable" with respect to the controller
170, and accordingly with respect to the data collection apparatus
10. It is contemplated that an I2C bus may provide optimal
functionality in such a configuration, which may allow
addressability and accessability among all components of that
embodiment of a data collection apparatus 10. An example of such a
scheme is shown in the process flow of FIG. 29, which is described
in further detail below.
[0134] An illustrative embodiment of one computer executable method
that may be used with certain embodiments of the data collection
method and apparatus 10 is shown schematically in FIG. 29. The
illustrative embodiment of the method shown in FIG. 29 may be
configured such that the method comprises a list of all sensor that
could be included in the data collection apparatus 10. The method
may then perform a search for which sensor are actually present in
that embodiment of a data collection apparatus 10.
[0135] The illustrative embodiment of the method may repeat in a
loop-like fashion for all active sensors, in which the method
monitors data and/or specific parameters of all active sensors. The
method may be configured to monitor the time required for each
active sensor to take a reading. As shown, if the read time is
normal, the method may validate and scale the data and then add the
resulting value to a data array. The data in the data array may be
stored locally indefinitely, the data may be placed in a buffer and
communicated to an external device at predetermined periods, or the
data may be communicated to an external device in real time or near
real time.
[0136] The method may also monitor the value of the data from an
individual sensor to monitor if that value triggers a predetermined
alert (e.g., maximum, minimum, change from last value, etc.). If
the value triggers such an alert, the method may include
instructions for that data to be communicated to other components
of the data collection apparatus 10 and/or an external device
immediately. The method shown in the rectangle in FIG. 29 may
repeat continuously for all active sensors in the data collection
apparatus 10. The illustrative method shown schematically in FIG.
29 may also be configured to recognize non-existent and/or
erroneous values. If the method encounters such a value, the method
may be configured to attempt to reinitialize the sensor from which
that value originated.
[0137] Any individual sensor and/or component of a specific
embodiment of a data collection apparatus 10 may be formed with a
communication/power interface for wired communication via a
suitable conduit 16 with another device and/or to receive
electrical power from another device using any method and/or
structure suitable for the particular application of the data
collection apparatus 10. The specific location and/or mounting
point of the communication/power interface is not limited by the
illustrative embodiments pictured and described herein, and the
scope of the present disclosure is in no way limited thereby. In
other embodiments, any individual sensor and/or component of a
specific embodiment of a data collection apparatus 10 may also be
configured to communicate wirelessly with other devices without
limitation, in which case a power interface may be required for
that specific individual and/or component.
[0138] Any individual sensor and/or component (e.g., controller
170, main assembly 100, telematics unit 15, etc.) of the data
collection apparatus 10 may be configured with a predetermined
amount of memory. Any microprocessor and/or properly configured
circuitry in communication with the memory may be configured to
record specific data on that memory. The controller 170 may be
configured with a central memory unit. Any of the microprocessors
and/or properly configured circuitry in any embodiment of the data
collection method and apparatus 10 may be configured to receive
instructions in the form of one or more computer executable
methods. It is contemplated that the computer executable methods
may be updated and/or changed at any time the user desires in a
wired or wireless manner, without limitation. It is further
contemplated that the computer executable methods may be configured
to employ all the functionality desired for the specific embodiment
of the data collection apparatus 10, including but not limited to
interval sensing instructions, adaptive interval sensing
instructions, monitoring of data, functionality, and power draw of
various sensors, start-up routines, and/or diagnostic instructions
for any component in the data collection apparatus 10.
[0139] As used herein, the term "circuitry" is meant in its
broadest sense, and includes any type of electrical and/or
electronic components and/or feature that is required or may be
useful for use with the data collection method and apparatus,
including but not limited to resistors, RAM, PCB, transistors,
diodes, receivers, transmitters, transponders, wiring,
microprocessors, microchips, and microelectromechanical systems. It
is contemplated that many sensors that are configured to detect an
analogue signals but convert those signals to digital may require a
microprocessor. Any of the various elements of the various
components of a specific embodiment of a data collection apparatus
10 may be engaged with one another and/or secured to one another
using any suitable method and/or structure. Accordingly, the
various elements may be engaged with one another and/or secured to
one another with method including but not limited to mechanical
fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.), chemical adhesives, welding,
thermoforming and/or molding, and/or combinations thereof, and the
specific method and/or structure used to engage and/or secure one
element to another in no way limits the scope of the data
collection method and apparatus 10.
[0140] The data collection method and apparatus 10 and various
components thereof are not limited by the means of construction or
the materials chosen. Any suitable material may be used in the
construction of the data collection apparatus 10 and various
components thereof including but not limited to polymers, metal or
metallic alloys, natural materials, and/or combinations
thereof.
[0141] The preceding constraints and illustrative embodiments in
any of the examples included herein (e.g., specific operating
ranges, communication protocols, operational parameters,
dimensions, orientations, etc.) and relationships between the
various components as disclosed and described herein are for
illustrative purposes only, and are in no way limiting to the scope
of any of the apparatuses and/or methods as disclosed and claimed
herein. Furthermore, the various solutions, processes, methods,
modules, apparatuses and/or embodiments disclosed or described
herein may be implemented in conjunction with one another or
independently from one another, depending on the specific
embodiment and implementation of the data collection apparatus 10
and method. Accordingly, the presence or absence of other subject
matter that may be complementary to the present method and
apparatus in no way limits the scope of the present method and/or
apparatus.
[0142] It should be noted that the data collection method and
apparatus 10 are not limited to the specific embodiments described
herein, but is intended to apply to all similar method and/or
apparatuses for data collection and subsequent analyzing and/or
processing thereof. Modifications and alterations from the
described embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art
without departure from the spirit and scope of the data collection
methods and/or apparatuses 10 disclosed herein. Modifications and
alterations from the described embodiments will occur to those
skilled in the art without departure from the spirit and scope of
the data collection method and apparatus 10. Furthermore,
variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope
of the data collection method and apparatus 10. It is understood
that the data collection method and apparatus 10 as disclosed
herein extends to all alternative combinations of one or more of
the individual features mentioned, evident from the text and/or
drawings, and/or inherently disclosed. All of these different
combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the data
collection method and apparatus 10 and/or components thereof. The
embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for
practicing the data collection method and apparatus 10 and/or
components thereof and will enable others skilled in the art to
utilize the same. The claims are to be construed to include
alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior
art.
* * * * *