Remote monitoring
View Patent ↗Remote monitoring and inspection of measurement devices, emergency equipment, parking spaces, and other items is accomplished by using a digital image sensor (e.g., a CMOS sensor) to capture a digital image containing information about the monitored item. A signal containing information about the digital image (e.g., data representing the captured digital image or data indicating the state of the captured digital image) is transmitted to a remote central station.
1. Apparatus for detection of presence of an obstruction blocking access to or viewing of an item, the apparatus comprising:
a digital image sensor positioned to face an access area to the item and configured to capture a digital image of the access area;
an image recognition module configured to recognize at least whether the access area is obstructed, thereby providing an obstructed state; and
communications circuitry configured to transmit to a remote central station a signal including information indicative of the obstructed state of the item provided by the captured digital image.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the digital image sensor is configured to periodically capture a digital image of the access area.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the signal including information about the captured digital image comprises data indicating whether the access area is obstructed.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the item is an exit way.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the item is a piece of emergency equipment.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the item is an automobile in a parking space.