Automated status indicating monitoring and control node
An automated monitoring status indicating node includes a body, a status indicator assembly, a memory and processor operable to activate the status indicator based on the status of a device being monitored. Related methods are disclosed.
1 . An automated monitoring node for indicating status of one or more sensors in an agricultural setting, the node comprising:
an enclosure comprising a rigid tubular-shaped body and an endcap, wherein the body and endcap form a liquid tight seal;
a main circuit board housed within the enclosure;
a radio communication and central processing unit module supported by the main circuit board and operable with an antenna to provide Bluetooth and WIFI connectivity; and
a programmable status indicator arranged on an exterior of the enclosure, the status indicator comprising at least one light source operable to emit a plurality of different user-chosen light patterns, motion, intensities and color; and wherein the radio communication and central processing unit module is operable to:
receive, from a remote server, instructions for monitoring the sensors, wherein the instructions include user-chosen status indicator actions and a mapping of sensor inputs and outputs, and conditions to corresponding user-chosen status indicator actions;
store the instructions in logic arrays in a local storage on the node,
check the local storage for updates to instructions and update the logic arrays according to the instructions if an update was received by the node; and
check the logic arrays for a matching sensor input and output, and instruct the status indicator to perform a status indicator action according to the logic arrays if a failed sensor is detected, and if there is a matching input and output, then
check the logic arrays for a matching condition based on data received by the sensor, and instruct the status indicator to perform a status indicator action according to the logic arrays if a sensor condition is matched by data received from the sensor; and
wherein the status indicator action comprises a user-chosen light pattern, motion, intensity, and color for each condition for each sensor.
2 . The node as recited in claim 1 , wherein the radio communication and central processing unit module is multi-functional and operable to communicate using different types of wireless platforms selected from the group comprising Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cellular, Satellite, and RF.
3 . The node as recited in claim 1 , wherein the sensor data is communicated via the radio communication and central processing unit module to a cloud based application server, an on-premise server, or to any node connected to the same network.
4 . The node as recited in claim 1 , wherein the node is operable to be programmatically controlled, in-field using a configuration interface through mobile phone, or computer, or remotely using a cloud connected application.
5 . The node as recited in claim 1 , wherein, when the node is powered up, the local storage is checked for updates.
6 . The node as recited in claim 1 , comprising a first logic array containing the instructions, whereby if data received by a sensor is below a threshold value, the status indicator shall flash in a circular pattern rotating about the body of the node.
7 . The node as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a cloud connection to remotely monitor and control the node.
8 . The node as recited in claim 1 , wherein the node is adapted to be operable as a stand-alone device and independent of a cloud connection, WAN, LAN, or mesh network.
9 . The node as recited in claim 1 , wherein the node is adapted and operable to allow a user to re-program the operation of the status indicator by a directly connected computer using a programming port, remote wireless interface, or a cloud connected application from a mobile device or desktop application.
10 . The node as recited in claim 1 , wherein the node is operable to provide feedback for a combination of sensors and their corresponding values.
11 . The node as recited in claim 10 , wherein the feedback is based on sensing irrigation flow and pump status.
12 . The node as recited in claim 1 , wherein the instructions comprise instructions for temperature and humidity sensors to visually alert a user of impending dangers which could damage a crop.
13 . The node as recited in claim 12 , wherein the node provides the visual alert immediately in the field.