초록 ▼

An apparatus and method for machine data collection includes a hand-held personal computer (HPC) having route-based machine information data stored therein, and at least one hand-held sensor unit which includes a sensor for sensing an operating characteristic of the machine. The sensor unit includes

An apparatus and method for machine data collection includes a hand-held personal computer (HPC) having route-based machine information data stored therein, and at least one hand-held sensor unit which includes a sensor for sensing an operating characteristic of the machine. The sensor unit includes a microcomputer for controlling the overall operation of the sensor unit, and a wireless communications port for wirelessly communicating with the HPC and/or other peripheral device. Wireless communications between the HPC and the sensor unit include uploading route-based machine information and instructions from the HPC to the sensor unit, and downloading collected sensor data from the sensor unit to the HPC. Data may also be manually input to the HPC, including reading from control panels and process gauges. All LCD visually displays information and instructions to the operator, and a set of headphones aurally informs and instructs the operator with regard to data collection. Data may be transmitted wirelessly from the sensor unit to the HPC as the data is being generated, or data may be stored in the sensor unit over multiple data measurement points and then downloaded to the HPC or other peripheral device. In a distributed database, the sensor unit is configured to read a bar code or memory module positioned adjacent a measurement point of the machine, and each memory module is used to store data corresponding to test point location, sensor unit analysis setup, alarm levels, route-based information, and the like.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A hand-held sensor unit for use by an operator to acquire operating data from a machine and for communicating acquired operating data to a peripheral device capable of wireless communications, the sensor unit comprising:a housing configured for being hand held by an opera

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A hand-held sensor unit for use by an operator to acquire operating data from a machine and for communicating acquired operating data to a peripheral device capable of wireless communications, the sensor unit comprising:a housing configured for being hand held by an operator;a first sensor disposed in said housing for being placed in sensory contact with a machine at a measurement location to sense a first operating characteristic of the machine during data acquisition, producing first sensor signals corresponding to the machine operating characteristic that is sensed;a microcomputer, including memory, disposed in said housing in electrical communication with said first sensor to receive and process sensor signals, producing processed sensor data;a wireless communications port in electrical communication with said microcomputer to provide wireless communications between the microcomputer and the peripheral device; anda power supply disposed in said housing for supplying electrical power to the sensor unit;wherein said housing is dimensioned and configured for being hand-held by an operator during acquisition of data with said first sensor.