초록 ▼

A wireless machine monitoring and communication system includes one or more machine monitors which attach to one or more machines to sense a physical characteristic of the machine, such as vibration or temperature, and to produce wireless transmissions corresponding to the sensed characteristic. A c

A wireless machine monitoring and communication system includes one or more machine monitors which attach to one or more machines to sense a physical characteristic of the machine, such as vibration or temperature, and to produce wireless transmissions corresponding to the sensed characteristic. A command station executes machine status polling in accordance with a time-division communication protocol and processes machine status data obtained during polling to determine the status of the machine. The machine monitor incorporates a wireless transmitter for transmitting at least status information, and the command station incorporates a wireless receiver for receiving monitor transmissions. To conserve power, the machine monitors are turned on only at preprogrammed times in accordance with the time-division communication protocol. Each machine monitor includes a receiver and the command station includes a transmitter to enable the command station to send commands to each machine monitor. A microcomputer in each monitor analyzes sensor data and a memory stores the analyzed sensor data. Repeaters are employed as necessary to assist in propagating wireless transmissions throughout the system. A tachometer sensor is employed at each machine to provide monitors and sensors with information relating to machine speed. A computer network is connected to the command station for transferring data and for controlling the overall operation of the system.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A communication system for monitoring the status of a machine and communicating the machine's status through wireless signals, the system comprising:a plurality of machine monitors positioned to monitor operational characteristics of a machine, each machine monitor includ

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A communication system for monitoring the status of a machine and communicating the machine's status through wireless signals, the system comprising:a plurality of machine monitors positioned to monitor operational characteristics of a machine, each machine monitor including:a receiver for receiving wireless signals, including command signals;at least one sensor for sensing a characteristic of the machine and generating a sensor signal corresponding to the machine characteristic that was sensed;a data processor for receiving and processing the sensor signals to produce status data and for storing status data;a transmitter for transmitting wireless status signals corresponding to the status of the machine as represented by status data;a protocol stored in said data processor;said data processor for communicating with and controlling said receiver, transmitter, and sensor and for selectively producing power-on and power-off signals for selectively powering said receiver, transmitter, and sensor signal in accordance with said protocol;an electrical power source and control circuitry responsive to said power-on and power-off signals to selectively power said receiver, transmitter and sensor; anda command station including a transceiver for transmitting wireless command signals and receiving said wireless status signals.