Remote sensor network powered inductively from data lines
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorDaniel N. Harres
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A computer implemented method and apparatus for a sensor network. The sensor network comprises a set of cables, a set of sensor units, and a central processor unit. The set of cables is capable of conducting an electrical current. The set of sensor units is coupled to the set of cables without physical contact to a wire in the set of cables, wherein the set of sensor units is capable of being powered by the electrical current and transmitting data in the electrical current. The central processor unit is connected to the set of cables and is capable of receiving the data from the set of sensor units in the electrical current.
Claims21
A sensor network comprising:
- a set of cables capable of conducting an electrical current;
- a set of sensor units coupled to the set of cables without physical contact to a wire located within the set of cables, wherein the set of sensor units comprises an inductive coupler capable of being fastened to a cable in the set of cables, and wherein the set of sensor units is capable of being powered by the electrical current and transmitting data in the electrical current;
- a sensor processor connected to the inductive coupler;
- a rectifier connecting the inductive coupler to the signal processor;
- and
- a central processor unit connected to the set of cables wherein the central processor unit is capable of receiving the data from the set of sensor units in the electrical current.
An apparatus comprising:
- a set of cables capable of conducting an electrical current;
- and
- a set of sensor units coupled to the set of cables without physical contact to a wire in the set of cables, wherein the set of sensor units comprises an inductive coupler capable of being fastened to a cable in the set of cables, and wherein the set of sensor units is capable of being powered by the electrical current and transmitting data in the electrical current;
- a sensor processor connected to the inductive coupler;
- and
- a rectifier connecting the inductive coupler to the signal processor.
A method for managing a plurality of inductively coupled sensor units, the method comprising:
- receiving data on a cable from a plurality of sensor units that is inductively coupled to the cable by an inductive coupler capable of being fastened to a cable in the set of cables, the inductive coupler being connected to a sensor processor and a rectifier connecting the inductive coupler to the signal processor, and wherein the plurality of sensor units is powered by current in the cable;
- and
- storing the data in a storage device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.