Integrated user interface for status and control of a submersible multi-parameter sonde
Provided are multi-parameter sonde systems having a unique integrated user interface for ease of set-up and control, service and maintenance, even in the field and without accessory controllers. The necessary components, such as central processing unit, display and accelerometer are positioned in a water-tight housing, with the display configured for convenient observability and readability. A plurality of sensors provide electronic signals to the CPU, such as by a measurement subsystem. Upon a controlled change in orientation or a force application to the sonde, the display via the accelerometer provides a desired output display configuration.
1. A method for displaying status and diagnostic information of a submersible multi-parameter sonde on an outer-facing surface of the submersible multi-parameter sonde, the method comprising the steps of:
exerting a force on a three-axis digital accelerometer in a submersible multi-parameter sonde;
outputting to a processor a signal from said three-axis digital accelerometer based on said exerted force;
processing said signal with said processor to determine a force parameter; and
generating with a display an output display on the outer-facing surface of the submersible multi-parameter sonde based on said force parameter;
wherein said accelerometer, said processor and said display are contained in a water-tight housing and said output display provides sonde status, diagnostic information, sonde status, diagnostic information, or any combination thereof;
thereby displaying status and diagnostic information of the submersible multi-parameter sonde on the outer facing surface of the submersible multi-parameter sonde.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said exerted force comprises:
tapping or double tapping said submersible multi-parameter sonde; or
changing an orientation of said submersible multi-parameter sonde between an upward and downward facing directions.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein said changing the orientation step changes a state of said sonde from a sleep mode to an active mode that provides said output display.
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein said tapping provides user-control over a sonde function.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein:
said output display comprises one or more of:
sonde deployment readiness;
watertight status of an accessory port;
operational status of all data logging functions;
battery condition;
external power connection; or
readings from connected sensors;
said sonde function comprises user control of one or more of:
operation mode;
data log configuration;
starting and stopping of data logs; or
sensor calibration.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein said output display is provided without external connection to a controller or a display.
7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising the step of:
configuring modes of operation;
configuring data logs;
starting and stopping data logs;
calibrating sensors, and
controlling the output display.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the submersible multi-parameter sonde comprises: a plurality of sonde sensors operably connected to the display.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein said water-tight housing is formed from a unitary material that is optically transparent.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein said unitary material comprises a clear plastic housing that is cylindrically shaped.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein said water-tight housing comprises an optically transparent portion and a non-optically transparent portion, said optically transparent portion aligned with said display and configured to allow a user to view said display through said water-tight housing.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein said display comprises a liquid crystal display having a back light.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein said water-tight housing is water-tight to a maximum depth that is greater than or equal to 600 feet.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein said output display comprises a plurality of display values having graphical representations, selected from the group consisting of: port status of all available ports, data logging status, data capacity, battery capacity, external power connection, battery compartment status, sonde readiness status and any combination thereof.