METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING COMMODITY NETWORKS THROUGH RADIOFREQUENCY SCANNING

摘要

In the method and system of the present invention, a monitoring device (or monitor) is positioned at a predetermined location for monitoring a pipeline or other component of a network for supply, transfer, or demand of a commodity. A radio receiver of the monitor is used to receive radiofrequency waves from one or more supervisory (or control) devices associated with the network. Then, the radiofrequency waves are demodulated and converted into a digital data stream. The digital data stream is then separated into discrete data packets, with reference being made to a database in order to identify and decode the discrete data packets. The discrete data packets are then processed to determine information about the commodity relative to the component, such as the flow rate of the commodity through a pipeline. Such information is then communicated to interested parties.

主权项

1. A method for monitoring a component of a network for a commodity, comprising the steps of:
positioning a monitor at a predetermined location, said monitor including a radio receiver; using the radio receiver to receive radiofrequency waves from a supervisory device associated with the component of the network; demodulating the radiofrequency waves and converting them into a digital data stream; separating the digital data stream into discrete data packets; processing the discrete data packets to determine information about the commodity relative to the component; and communicating the information about the commodity to an interested party.