SENSOR DEVICE FOR REMOTE MONITORING

摘要

A sensor device used in remote monitoring of waste within a waste container includes a sensor arrangement for monitoring the waste and for generating a corresponding waste-indicative signal, a data processing arrangement for receiving the waste-indicative signal, a wireless interface coupled to the data processing arrangement for enabling the data processing device to emit wireless signals including information derived from the waste-indicative signal, and a power source for providing power to operate the sensor device. The sensor arrangement additionally includes a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of at least the power source, and the data processing arrangement is operable to be switched from the second reduced-power mode to the first activated mode as a function of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor. This enables power saving and increased service life of the sensor, battery, and the waste container.

主权项

1. A sensor device for use in remote monitoring of waste within a waste container, wherein the sensor device includes a sensor arrangement for monitoring the waste and for generating a corresponding waste-indicative signal, a data processing arrangement for receiving the waste-indicative signal, a wireless interface coupled to the data processing arrangement for enabling the data processing device to emit wireless signals including information derived from the waste-indicative signal, housing and a power source for providing power to operate the sensor device, wherein:
(i) the power source includes one or more batteries; (ii) the data processing arrangement including a processor unit having a low power functioning side, the data processing arrangement including an ultrasonic transceiver for measuring waste-indicative signal within the waste container, the data processing arrangement is capable of operating in a first activated mode wherein it is energized to be capable of supporting wireless communication via the wireless interface, and a second reduced-power mode wherein the data processing arrangement is operable to consume less power in comparison to the first activated mode; (ii) the housing is filled with a filler material which is capable of thermally insulating at least some of the components and; (iii) the sensor arrangement additionally includes a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of at least the power source, and the data processing arrangement is operable to be switched from the second reduced-power mode to the first activated mode as a function of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor.