Data processing: measuring – calibrating – or testing – Measurement system in a specific environment – Earth science
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-24
2001-09-04
McElheny, Jr., Donald E. (Department: 2862)
Data processing: measuring, calibrating, or testing
Measurement system in a specific environment
Earth science
Reexamination Certificate
active
06285955
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to data loggers that are implemented either down hole or above ground. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a data logger that can be used with any sensors or probes while the switching is implemented on a circuit board in the data logger using a computer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Recording data has been around for hundreds of years. People first recorded data manually using some type of measuring device, pencil, and paper. Thereafter, chart recorders were commonly used in lieu of the pencil and paper method for recording data. In recent times, however, data loggers are being used as substitutes for chart recorders.
A data logger is basically an electronic device that records measurements such as temperature, relative humidity, light intensity, wind direction, wind speed, visibility, precipitation, depth, current, voltage, pulse, events, etc. at regular time intervals. Other environmental parameters such as stream flow, water quality, topography, and terrestrial habitat can also be measured using the data logger. Data loggers are used in many remote areas or anywhere that a user would want the convenience of battery power to record measurements. For example, data loggers are ideal devices for those involved with field studies, transportation monitoring, HVAC tests, quality studies, troubleshooting, general research, and the like. Thus, it is easy to understand why data loggers are commonly used in a wide variety of applications.
The first data loggers were quite large, heavy, and required a great amount of power. Thus, they were very inconvenient and expensive to use. However, current data loggers come in various sizes, but typically, they are small to medium size, battery powered devices that include a microcontroller, data memory, and one or more sensors.
The data recorded by the data logger is generally stored in some type of data memory within the data logger. In many instances, a non-volatile memory is used to ensure that the data stored in the data logger is saved even after the battery is removed or the data logger is damaged.
Calibration adjustments to data loggers are generally required during each data collection cycle. When calibration adjustments are needed, implementing such calibrations require retrieval of the data logger.
For set-up, a conventional data logger is typically connected to a personal computer. Then, software running on the personal computer is activated to select logging parameters such as sampling intervals and start time in order to initiate the data logger. The data logger is then disconnected from the computer and placed in a desired location for recording data, which location is typically remote. The data logger records each measurement and stores it in its data memory along with the corresponding time and date. Thus, at this stage, the data logger is operated independently on its own battery until the user desires to retrieve the recorded data from the data logger.
When the user desires to retrieve the recorded data, the data logger is retrieved from the remote location, and then reconnected to the personal computer. The running software on the personal computer is used to read the data from the data logger. The data can then be used to create a table or a graph. The tabulated data can be further exported to a spreadsheet program or other programs for additional data manipulation or processing.
Although conventional data loggers are widely used, problems remain. For example, conventional data loggers are not easily adaptable to using different type of sensors or probes to measure different parameters. For instance, whenever a new sensor or probe is implemented with a conventional data logger, manual switching within the data logger is necessary. This process can be very time consuming and inconvenient for the user.
Another problem associated with many types of conventional data loggers is that the user must physically go out to the field to retrieve the recorded data from the data loggers. Again, this process can be very time-consuming, burdensome, and inconvenient for the user, particularly when the weather is bad (rain, snow, wind, etc.). Further, most data loggers are not designed such that they can be installed or deployed in small openings. Accordingly, there is a need for a data logger that provides more convenience and accuracy in recording data. Thus, the present invention overcomes these and other disadvantages of conventional data loggers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a data logger that is easy to use, reliable, and accurate.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a data logger that is user friendly, cost efficient, and feature rich.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a data logger that can provide instant access to real time and historical data without the user being out in the field.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a data logger that can provide instant access to real time and historical data without the user needing additional equipment or a computer.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a down hole data logger that is capable of being disposed in small openings.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a data logger that can be used with any sensors or probes while the switching is implemented on a circuit board in the data logger using an external device.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a data logger that can send data to an external device via hard wire or radio frequency.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a data logger that can send data using unlicensed, low power radio frequency in the 900 to 928 MHz range.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a down hole data logger is disclosed that is capable of being installed or deployed in small openings. In another embodiment, an above ground data logger is disclosed. In both embodiments, the data loggers can record analog and discrete data and can send the recorded data to a base station using radio frequency signals, preferably in the unlicensed or free frequency range. An external device can be used to set up the data logger such that all the hardware switching is done via software commands. The present invention provides advantages over prior art data loggers by accurately and conveniently recording data.
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McElheny Jr. Donald E.
Mountain Energy, Inc.
Pillsbury & Winthrop LLP
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