Wireless instrumentation system and power management scheme therefore

US7274907B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA · US

Inventors

• Jose M. Perotti · Merritt Island, US
• Angel Lucena · Orlando, US
• Anthony Eckhoff · Cocoa, US
• Carlos T. Mata · Titusville, US
• Norman N. Blalock · Rockledge, US
• Pedro J. Medelius · Merritt Island, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 19, 2003
• Grant date: Sep 25, 2007
• Expiry date: Jul 23, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02D30/70
• WIPO field: Telecommunications
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A wireless instrumentation system enables a plurality of low power wireless transceivers to transmit measurement data from a plurality of remote station sensors to a central data station accurately and reliably. The system employs a relay based communications scheme where remote stations that cannot communicate directly with the central station due to interference, poor signal strength, etc., are instructed to communicate with other of the remote stations that act as relays to the central station. A unique power management scheme is also employed to minimize power usage at each remote station and thereby maximize battery life. Each of the remote stations preferably employs a modular design to facilitate easy reconfiguration of the stations as required.