JP2015532472A - Wireless sensing device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A wireless sensing device is disclosed that includes a vibration sensor configured to detect mechanical vibration and generate an electrical signal in response to the mechanical vibration. The device also includes a transceiver that is suitable for establishing a wireless connection between the wireless sensing device and the remote device. The transceiver is configured to receive at least a portion of the electrical signal from the vibration sensor, turn on, and transmit a wireless signal to the remote device depending on the strength of the portion of the electrical signal. The radio signal is suitable for triggering the resulting action at the remote device.

Description

  The present invention relates to the field of wireless sensor networks. In particular, the invention relates to a wireless sensing device for a wireless sensor network, a method for operating such a device, and a wireless sensor network comprising such a device.

  As is known, wireless sensor networks (simply WSNs) comprise a plurality of spatially distributed wireless sensing devices, each of which has one or more Sensors and one or more short-range wireless transceivers (eg, Bluetooth transceivers) are provided that allow the node to communicate with other nodes of the WSN.

  The sensors provided in WSN's wireless sensing devices monitor physical or environmental conditions such as vibration, temperature, pressure, light, noise, contaminants, energy, etc., depending on the type of WSN application. Suitable for The most common applications of WSN include traffic monitoring, home monitoring, industrial process or industrial plant monitoring, infrastructure or building structural monitoring, and the like.

  In the WSN, each wireless sensing device provides data related to physical or environmental conditions detected by its own sensor (s). Each device may then send its own data to the central station, possibly via other devices (depending on the topology in which the devices are arranged). The device may voluntarily transmit its data to the central station, or alternatively data transmission by the device may be triggered by a query generated by the central station. At the central station, information provided by various wireless sensing devices is collected and processed in a centralized manner.

  Each wireless sensing device typically draws the required power from the power trunk or from a local power source such as a battery. The power consumption of a wireless sensing device is mainly due to the power consumed by the sensor (s) and the wireless transceiver (s).

US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0074162

  The inventors of the present invention have found that the power trunk wireless sensing device requires the WSN provider to seek approval from the local authority that distributes the power to connect the device to the power trunk. I noticed that power supply to was inconvenient. However, obtaining such approval can be a very expensive and time consuming task.

  On the other hand, using a battery to power a wireless sensing device is disadvantageous in that it discharges and thus has a limited lifetime. When the battery that powers the device is discharged, it needs to be replaced. However, this work is very time consuming (especially when the WSN is composed of multiple devices spread over a large area), thus increasing the maintenance cost of the WSN. Furthermore, accessing a wireless sensing device to replace its battery can be inconvenient or impossible if the device location is remote and / or nearly inaccessible. There can even be. In addition, batteries contain chemicals that can pollute the environment.

  In view of the above, the inventors of the present invention faced the challenge of providing a wireless sensing device (particularly a wireless vibration sensing device) that overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks.

  In particular, it does not require charging or replacement over a long period of time, can supply a potentially unlimited amount of power, and is an environmentally friendly wireless sensing device with an autonomous power source (especially, It is desired to provide a wireless vibration sensing device.

  Any use of the term “mechanical vibration” herein should be understood to mean vibration caused by the presence or occurrence of a physical phenomenon external to the wireless sensing device. Therefore, intrinsic vibrations that can be caused by the operation of the device itself in a real device are considered negligible and are not included in the meaning of the term “mechanical vibration” in the context of this specification.

According to a first aspect, a wireless sensing device comprising:
A vibration sensor configured to detect mechanical vibration and generate an electrical signal in response to the mechanical vibration;
A transceiver suitable for establishing a wireless connection between a wireless sensing device and a remote device;
A wireless sensing device configured to receive at least a portion of an electrical signal, turn on and transmit a radio signal to a remote device in response to the strength of at least a portion of the electrical signal Is provided.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the vibration sensor comprises a vibration energy harvester.

  More preferably, the vibration energy harvester comprises a housing, first and second mass elements arranged within the housing, and an energy transducer coupled to the second mass element. The energy transducer is arranged to be activated by relative movement between the housing and the second mass element, the relative movement being transferred from the first mass element to the second mass element by a collision. Excited by at least part of the kinetic energy.

  According to a first embodiment, the sensor is configured to automatically supply at least part of the electrical signal to the transceiver.

  Preferably, the transceiver is further configured to automatically transmit a wireless signal to the remote device when switched on.

  According to a second embodiment, the wireless sensing device further comprises a control module inserted between the vibration sensor and the transceiver, wherein the control module has one or more predetermined requirements for the electrical signal. It is configured to check for satisfaction and to provide at least a portion of the electrical signal to the transceiver if one or more predetermined requirements are satisfied.

  Preferably, the control module is further configured to instruct the transceiver to transmit a wireless signal to the remote device.

  Optionally, the transceiver is further configured to include information related to the electrical signal in the wireless signal.

According to a second aspect, a method for operating a wireless sensing device, the wireless sensing device establishing a wireless connection between a vibration sensor and a wireless sensing device and a remote device With a transceiver that is suitable for
a) detecting a mechanical vibration in a vibration sensor and generating an electrical signal in response to the mechanical vibration;
b) receiving at least a portion of the electrical signal at the transceiver, turning on and transmitting the wireless signal to the remote device depending on the strength of the at least a portion of the electrical signal;
Is provided in a vibration sensor.

  According to a first embodiment, step b) includes automatically receiving at least part of the electrical signal to the transceiver when the vibration sensor generates an electrical signal.

  Preferably, step b) further comprises the step of automatically transmitting a wireless signal to the remote device when the transceiver is switched on at the transceiver.

  According to a second embodiment, step b) comprises checking whether the electrical signal meets one or more predetermined requirements before receiving at least part of the electrical signal at the transceiver. Or receiving at least a portion of the electrical signal at the transceiver if a plurality of predetermined requirements are met.

  Preferably, step b) further comprises instructing the transceiver to transmit a wireless signal to the remote device.

  Preferably, step b) further comprises the step of including in the wireless signal information related to the electrical signal.

  According to a third aspect, there is provided a wireless sensor network comprising at least one wireless sensing device as described above.

  The invention will become clearer by reading the detailed description given by way of example and not by way of limitation, which should be read with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless sensing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the operation of the device of FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a wireless sensing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart of the operation of the device of FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a wireless sensor network comprising a plurality of wireless sensing devices according to the first or second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram of an exemplary application of the device of FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram of an exemplary application of the device of FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram of an exemplary application of the device of FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram of an exemplary application of the device of FIG.

  FIG. 1 shows a wireless sensing device WSD according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  The wireless sensing device WSD preferably comprises one or more vibration sensors and one or more wireless transceivers. By way of non-limiting illustration, the device WSD shown in FIG. 1 comprises one vibration sensor S and one short-range wireless transceiver TRX.

  The vibration sensor S includes a sensor configured to detect vibration using a one-degree-of-freedom-based vibration detector and / or a multiple-degree-of-freedom-based vibration detector. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the vibration sensor S comprises a vibration energy harvester configured to convert the mechanical vibration V into an electrical signal I, i.e. current or voltage. The vibration sensor S has an output OUT that produces an electrical signal I via it.

  More preferably, the vibration sensor S comprises a vibration energy harvester as described in US 2011/0074162, which is incorporated herein by reference. Such a vibration energy harvester comprises a first mass element with a larger mass and a second mass element with a smaller mass, which are separated by a low friction induction rod. Ballistically move along a constrained linear path ("elastically" means that the motion of mass elements is governed by their own momentum, gravity, pseudo-gravity Meaning that it is not governed by friction and applied force). The mass element and the guide rod are contained inside a housing to which the guide rod is fixed. Spring elements are provided to prevent inelastic energy loss in the collision between the mass elements and between each mass element and the housing. The energy conversion is provided by a solenoid coil concentric with the displacement axis of the mass element. The second mass element is composed of a permanent magnet. When the second mass element begins to move, an output voltage is generated by electromagnetic induction. During operation, the housing is in contact with an external source of mechanical disturbance. When the housing is in a state of mechanical agitation, kinetic energy is transferred by collision from the first mass to the second mass according to the principle of velocity multiplication. Since the coil is fixed with respect to the housing, the relative motion between the second mass element and the housing is equivalent to the relative motion between the second mass element and the coil. This relative motion induces an output voltage. Such vibration energy harvesters are particularly superior in that they provide a wide range of operating frequency bandwidth and are therefore particularly suitable for practical applications where mechanical vibrations can exist over a wide range of frequencies.

  The short-range wireless transceiver TRX is preferably a wireless sensing device, such as a further wireless sensing device or a remote central office configured to operate based on information received from the device WSD. It is configured to implement a wireless connection between the WSD and the remote device. The transceiver TRX may comprise, for example, a Bluetooth transceiver or a Wi-Fi transceiver. The transceiver TRX preferably comprises an input IN connected to the output OUT of the vibration sensor S, through which the electricity emitted by the vibration sensor S is passed, as will be described in detail later. Signal I is supplied.

  The device WSD may comprise other components, but they are not shown in FIG. 1 because they are not relevant to the present invention. Furthermore, according to an embodiment not shown in the drawings, the device WSD comprises a voltage actuator (eg a DC-DC converter) inserted between the output OUT of the sensor S and the input IN of the transceiver TRX. This voltage actuator is suitable for processing the electrical signal I so as to be suitable for supply to the transceiver TRX.

  Here, the operation of the device WSD will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  If there is no mechanical vibration in the environment surrounding the device WSD, the vibration sensor S will not be subjected to any mechanical vibration and therefore will not generate any electrical signal (step 21). The transceiver TRX is therefore not supplied with any power and consequently remains switched off (step 22).

  When a mechanical vibration V occurs in the environment around the device WSD, the vibration sensor S converts the mechanical vibration V into an electric signal I, that is, in other words, generates an electric signal I in response to the mechanical vibration V. (Step 23). The vibration sensor S then supplies an electrical signal I to the transceiver TRX. If the strength of the electrical signal I is sufficient to power the transceiver TRX, the transceiver TRX is switched on (step 24). If the strength of the electrical signal I is not sufficient to power the transceiver TRX, the transceiver TRX remains switched off (this step is not shown).

  Once switched on, the transceiver TRX preferably automatically transmits a radio signal RS to the remote device described above (step 25). The radio signal RS indicates the presence of the mechanical signal V and is preferably suitable for triggering an appropriate reaction at the remote device. The content of the radio signal RS and the resulting response of the remote device depend on the application of the wireless sensor device WSD, as will be described in detail later in this specification. For example, when received at a remote device, the radio signal RS may include an alarm message that leads the remote device to an alert state, leads to an awake state, or changes its function.

  Thus, in the device WSD, the vibration sensor S acts as a local power source for the device itself and in particular for the transceiver TRX. In the absence of mechanical vibrations, the vibration sensor S does not generate any power and therefore the device WSD remains switched off. If mechanical vibrations are present, the vibration sensor S triggers the switch on and transmission of the radio signal RS by converting the vibrations into power that can be fed to the transceiver TRX.

  Using the vibration sensor S as a local source of power is superior in that the vibration sensor, unlike a battery, can supply a potentially unlimited amount of power without requiring any charging or replacement. Yes. Maintenance costs due to battery charging and replacement are therefore advantageously avoided. As used herein, the term “unlimited” means that charging or replacement of a power source is not required as in the case of a battery, for example, and power can be supplied whenever necessary.

  Furthermore, the vibration sensor S is an environmentally friendly energy source because it does not contain any chemicals that can pollute the environment.

  Furthermore, the device WSD is switched on only when needed, i.e. when an event that must be reported to the remote device occurs (i.e. when a mechanical vibration V occurs). Thus, the power consumption of the device WSD is advantageously minimized. Otherwise, the device WSD remains switched off and therefore consumes no power. In addition, the device WSD triggers a switch-on, i.e., a switch from sleep mode to operation mode, only when needed, as will be described in more detail later in this document. -The power consumption of the device is also advantageously minimized.

  The sensing function and the power supply function are integrated into the same component, that is, integrated into the vibration sensor S that detects the mechanical vibration V and simultaneously converts it into the power supplied to the transceiver TRX. Therefore, the device WSD is also excellent and efficient.

  FIG. 3 shows a wireless sensing device WSD 'according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

  Similar to the wireless sensing device WSD of FIG. 1, the wireless sensing device WSD 'preferably comprises one or more vibration sensors and one or more wireless transceivers. By way of non-limiting example, the device WSD 'of FIG. 3 also includes one vibration sensor S' and one short range wireless transceiver TRX '.

  The vibration sensor S 'and the short-range wireless transceiver TRX' are substantially similar to the vibration sensor S and the wireless transceiver TRX of FIG. Therefore, detailed description will not be repeated. It is only mentioned that the vibration sensor S 'is configured to convert the mechanical vibration V' into an electrical signal I 'and produce it through its output OUT'. In particular, the vibration sensor S ′ is preferably a vibration energy barvester based on a vibration energy harvester of one or more degrees of freedom, more preferably the vibration described in US 2011/0074162. It has an energy harvester. On the other hand, the transceiver TRX 'has an input IN'. As will be described in detail later in this specification, a portion of the electrical signal I 'generated by the vibration sensor S' through this input IN 'can be supplied under certain conditions.

  In addition to the vibration sensor S 'and the transceiver TRX', the device WSD 'also comprises a control module CM'. The control module CM ′ is preferably placed between the vibration sensor S ′ and the transceiver TRX ′, ie the input connected to the output OUT ′ of the vibration sensor S ′ and the input IN ′ of the transceiver TRX ′. And an output connected to the. The control module CM 'and the transceiver TRX' are also connected to each other by a data link DL '.

  The control module CM ′ may comprise one or more hardware components and one or more software components, but the hardware components cooperate with the appropriate software components. Software can be executed. The control module CM 'may comprise one or more dedicated processors. Further, the control module CM ′ may include, but is not limited to, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, network processors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field programmable gate arrays. (FPGA), read only memory (ROM) for storing software, random access memory (RAM), and non-volatile storage devices.

  Next, the operation of the device WSD 'will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  If there is no mechanical vibration in the environment surrounding the device WSD ', the vibration sensor S' does not receive any mechanical vibration and therefore does not generate any electrical signal (step 21 '). The control module CM 'and the transceiver TRX' are therefore not supplied with any power and as a result remain switched off (step 22 ').

  When a mechanical vibration V ′ occurs in the environment around the device WSD ′, the vibration sensor S ′ converts the mechanical vibration V ′ into an electrical signal I ′, in other words, in response to the mechanical vibration V ′. An electric signal I ′ is generated (step 23 ′). Next, the vibration sensor S 'supplies the electric signal I' to the control module CM ', and the control module CM' is turned on accordingly (step 23a ').

  Then, the control module CM ′ preferably checks whether the electrical signal I ′ satisfies one or more predetermined requirements for triggering the transceiver TRX ′ to be switched on and the transmission of the radio signal. (Step 23b ').

  This predetermined requirement depends on the type of application, as will be described in detail later herein. For example, the control module CM 'may check whether the intensity of the electrical signal I' indicative of the amplitude of the mechanical vibration V 'exceeds a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the control module CM 'may check whether the frequency spectrum of the electrical signal I' indicating the frequency spectrum of the mechanical vibration V 'meets certain shape requirements.

  If one or more predetermined requirements checked in step 23b ′ are fulfilled, the control module CM ′ is preferably one of the electrical signals I ′ (not used to supply the control module CM ′). The part I1 ′ is supplied to the transceiver TRX ′. If the intensity of the part I1 'of the electrical signal is sufficient, the transceiver TRX' is switched on (step 24 '). Otherwise, the transceiver TRX ′ is switched off until the intensity of the part I1 ′ of the electrical signal is sufficient to power it (eg, due to an increase in vibration intensity). Stay on.

  When the transceiver TRX 'is switched on, the control module CM' preferably instructs the transceiver TRX 'to transmit the radio signal RS' to the remote device described above (step 25 '). Preferably, step 25 'comprises sending an appropriate command signal CS' from the control module CM 'via the data link DL' to the transceiver TRX '.

  The radio signal RS 'indicates the fact that the predetermined requirements for the electrical signal I' are met and is preferably suitable for triggering an appropriate reaction at the remote device. The content of the wireless signal RS 'and the resulting response of the remote device depend on the application of the wireless sensor device WSD', as will be described in detail later in this specification.

  For example, when received at the remote device, the radio signal RS 'may include an alarm message that leads the remote device to an alert state, leads to an awake state, or changes its function. Alternatively or in addition, the radio signal RS 'may include information related to the electrical signal I' (eg, frequency spectrum and / or amplitude). Such information relating to the part I 'of the electrical signal can be provided by the control module CM' as a result of the processing performed in step 23b '. Further, such information can be stored in a memory included in the device WSD 'until the control module CM' determines that the transceiver TRX 'is switched on. They are preferably included in a command signal CS 'transmitted from the control module CM' to the transceiver TRX '.

  If the one or more predetermined requirements checked in step 23b 'are not met, the control module CM' preferably does not perform any other action. Transceiver TRX 'is not supplied with any current and therefore remains switched off.

  Thus, according to the second embodiment of the invention, the vibration sensor S ′ acts as a local power source for the device WSD ′ itself and in particular for the control module CM ′ and the transceiver TRX ′. . In the absence of mechanical vibrations, the vibration sensor S 'does not generate any power and therefore the device WSD' remains switched off. When mechanical vibration exists, the vibration sensor S 'converts the vibration into electric power supplied to the control module CM'. The control module CM ′ then checks whether the predetermined requirement (s) are met and, if so, is supplied to the transceiver TRX ′ to switch it on. And transmission of the radio signal RS ′.

  Thus, according to the first embodiment, the transceiver TRX automatically detects when the vibration V is detected (assuming that the strength of the electrical signal I is sufficient to feed it). However, according to the second embodiment, the wireless sensing device WSD ′ autonomously processes information related to the detected vibration V ′, and based on the result of the processing. It has the ability to determine if the transceiver TRX ′ should be powered.

  The device WSD 'according to the second embodiment provides the same advantages as the device WSD. That is, the amount of green power provided by the vibration sensor is potentially unlimited, and the power consumption between the device WSD 'itself and the remote device is minimized (control modules and transceivers are required) Provided) and device efficiency (sensing and power supply functions are integrated into the same component).

  The wireless sensing devices WSD and WSD 'described above can advantageously be included in a wireless sensor network for various applications.

  FIG. 5 shows a wireless sensor network WSN comprising a plurality (four as a non-limiting example) of wireless sensor devices WSD1, WSD2, WSD3, WSD4. The wireless sensor devices WSD1, WSD2, WSD3, WSD4 may be similar to the device WSD of FIG. 1 or the device WSD ′ of FIG. 3, depending on the type of application. Devices WSD1, WSD2, WSD3, WSD4 are preferably interconnected with each other via wireless links according to a tree topology whose root is device WD1. This is merely an example since the devices WSD1, WSD2, WSD3, WSD4 can be connected according to any known network topology (star, mesh, bus, etc.).

  The wireless sensor network WSN also comprises a network management system NMS connected to the device WSD1 (preferably via a wired link).

  Device WSD1 preferably acts as a concentrator or gateway, but it collects information from other devices WSD2, WSD3, WDS4 and optionally performs processing of the collected information, They are sent to the network management system NMS. The network management system NMS preferably receives information from the device WSD1 and processes them to perform the resulting management actions such as sending alarms.

  An exemplary application of the device WSD according to the first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 6a and 6b.

  FIG. 6a shows a traffic monitoring device 200 located on one side of a road and configured to provide real-time traffic information related to the road (eg, road congestion or travel time). The traffic monitoring device 200 is preferably configured to receive information from a vehicle passing along the monitored road and a wireless transceiver (such as a Bluetooth transceiver) and to process the information. And a processing module.

  The wireless vibration sensing device WSD according to the first embodiment of the present invention is preferably located beside the road in the vicinity of the traffic monitoring device 200. In particular, the device WSD is arranged in front of the traffic monitoring device 200 in a direction along the direction of travel of the vehicle (indicated by the arrow 201 in FIG. 6a). The device WSD may be included in a wireless sensing network that is configured to collect data for different points distributed along the same road or for another road.

  The device WSD is configured to detect ground vibration.

  In particular, as shown in FIG. 6b, when the vehicle does not pass along the road close to the device WSD, the electrical signal I (t) provided by the vibration sensor S included in the device WSD As shown in the time diagram (a) of FIG. The transceiver TRX of the device WSD is therefore still switched off.

  When the automobile 202 passes along a road close to the device WSD, the electrical signal I (t) provided by the vibration sensor S varies with time as shown in the lower time diagram (b). It has a time-varying intensity related to the vibration amplitude. The electrical signal I (i) is supplied to the transceiver TRX of the device WSD, which turns on accordingly and automatically transmits the radio signal RS to the traffic monitoring device 200.

  When the vehicle does not pass along the road, preferably the traffic monitoring device 200 is in sleep mode. In sleep mode, only the wireless transceiver is active, while the processing module and possibly other components remain switched off. As the vehicle passes along the road, the traffic monitoring device 200 receives the radio signal RS transmitted by the device WSD via its wireless transceiver, but upon receipt of the radio signal, the sleep monitoring device 200 Switch from mode to awake mode. In the awake mode, all components of the device 200 (including the processing module) are turned on to process the information received from the vehicle 202.

  In this way, the wireless vibration sensing device WSD advantageously allows the traffic monitoring device 200 to be put into sleep mode except when necessary, i.e. when the vehicle from which information is to be collected passes. Can be maintained. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the device 200, especially on roads where vehicle traffic is not so frequent, and during off-peak hours.

  In addition to or in addition to the above-described function of switching the traffic monitoring device 200 from sleep mode to wake-up mode, the device WSD can estimate the number of vehicles passing through, or speed cameras from sleep mode. It can also be used for switching to an awakening mode. Instead of the device WSD, the device WSD ′ according to the second embodiment may be provided. This device WSD ′ determines the type of the vehicle (automobile, bus, truck, etc.) and the weight of the vehicle. More advanced functions may be performed, such as determining if a certain threshold is exceeded.

  Yet another wireless vibration sensing device similar to device WSD or WSD 'may be located on vehicle 202. When vehicle vibration is detected, the transceiver of such a device WSD may turn on and transmit a radio signal RS containing information about the vehicle (eg, an identifier, etc.) to the traffic monitoring device 200. When a plurality of devices 200 are distributed along the road, the information about the vehicles collected by the various devices 200 can provide detailed information about the vehicles, such as average speed. Additionally or alternatively, such a device WSD may detect vehicle operating conditions (eg, wheel balance / pressure).

  Next, an exemplary application of the device WSD 'according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7a and 7b.

  FIG. 7 a shows a wind turbine 100 with two turbine blades 101, 102. The wind turbine 100 further comprises an oscillating wireless sensing device WSD 'according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Device WSD 'is preferably located at the end of one 101 of the turbine blade. Device WSD 'is configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote control station (not shown in FIG. 7a). Device WSD 'may be included in a wireless sensing network that is configured to collect data related to a number of wind turbines.

  The device WSD ′ continuously detects the mechanical vibration V ′ experienced by the turbine blade 101.

  As shown in FIG. 7b, when the turbine blade 101 is operating properly, the electrical signal I ′ (t) provided by the vibration sensor S ′ included in the device WSD ′ is known. It has a predetermined shape, which is shown in the upper time diagram (a). When the blade 101 is damaged, the electrical signal I ′ (t) provided by the vibration sensor S ′ is known from the upper diagram (a), as shown in the lower time diagram (b). Deformation occurs when compared with shape.

  The control module CM 'included in the device WSD' preferably determines the presence of a deformation in comparison with the known predetermined shape of the diagram (a) (step 23b 'of the flowchart in FIG. 4). If there is no deformation, no power is supplied to the transceiver TRX 'of the device WSD', so the transceiver TRX 'remains switched off. When the deformation occurs, the control module CM ′ of the device WSD ′ powers the transceiver TRX ′, and accordingly the transceiver TRX ′ is switched on (step 24 ′ in the flowchart in FIG. 4), and the radio signal RS ′ is transmitted to the remote Transmit to the control station (step 25 'of the flowchart in FIG. 4). The remote control station is thereby informed of the fact that the turbine blade 101 has been damaged. This information can be advantageously used to predict future failures of the turbine 100.

  The use of the device WSD 'in this exemplary application is particularly advantageous because wind turbines are often located in remote areas where electric trunks are not This is because it may be unavailable or unreliable. If the power I ′ provided by the vibration sensor S ′ exceeds the power demand of the device WSD ′, the excess power can be advantageously combined with the power generated by the wind turbine 100.

  The wireless sensing devices WSD and WSD 'can be used for several other applications. For example, they can be used to determine whether the intensity of vibration to which an operator is exposed follows relevant rules.

  Alternatively, the wireless sensing device WSD or WSD 'can also be used to protect historical buildings, sports facilities, stadiums, etc. from damage caused by vibrations. In such a case, when vibration occurs or exceeds a given threshold, the transceiver of device WSD or WSD 'sends a radio signal that triggers an emergency call to the remote control station.

  Further, the device WSD can be advantageously used as a door knocker. When someone knocks on the door, the device WSD converts the door vibration into power supplied to the wireless transceiver, which turns on the wireless transceiver and places the activation signal in the apartment Automatically send to remote bell.

  In all such applications, the device WSD or WSD 'offers the following advantages: That is, the amount of green power provided by the vibration sensor is potentially unlimited, power consumption is minimized (the control module and transceiver are switched on only when needed), and the device Efficiency (sensing and power supply functions are integrated into the same component) is provided.

Claims (15)

Wireless sensing devices (WSD, WSD ')
A vibration sensor (S, S ′) configured to detect mechanical vibration (V, V ′) and generate an electrical signal (I, I ′) in response to the mechanical vibration (V, V ′). When,
A transceiver (TRX, TRX ′) suitable for establishing a wireless connection between the wireless sensing device (WSD, WSD ′) and a remote device;
The transceiver (TRX, TRX ′) receives at least a portion (I, I1 ′) of the electrical signal (I, I ′) and the at least a portion (I, I1) of the electrical signal (I, I ′). A wireless sensing device (WSD, WSD ') that turns on and transmits a radio signal (RS) to the remote device depending on the intensity of').   The wireless sensing device (WSD, WSD ') according to claim 1, wherein the vibration sensor (S, S') comprises a vibration energy harvester.   The vibration energy harvester includes a housing, first and second mass elements arranged within the housing, and an energy transducer coupled to the second mass element; The energy transducer is arranged to be activated by relative movement between the housing and the second mass element, the relative movement being from the first mass element to the second mass element. A wireless sensing device (WSD, WSD ') according to claim 2, excited by at least a part of the kinetic energy transferred by a collision.   The sensor (S) is configured to automatically supply the at least part (I) of the electrical signal (I) to the transceiver (TRX). Wireless sensing device (WSD) as described in.   The wireless sensing device (4) of claim 4, wherein the transceiver (TRX) is further configured to automatically transmit the radio signal (RS) to the remote device when switched on. WSD).   The apparatus further includes a control module (CM ′) inserted between the vibration sensor (S ′) and the transceiver (TRX ′). The control module (CM ′) has the electrical signal (I ′) Check whether one or more predetermined requirements are met, and if the one or more predetermined requirements are met, the at least part (I1 ′) of the electrical signal (I ′) The wireless sensing device (WSD ′) according to claim 1, wherein the wireless sensing device is configured to supply the transceiver (TRX ′) to the transceiver (TRX ′).   The wireless of claim 6, wherein the control module (CM ') is further configured to instruct the transceiver (TRX') to transmit the radio signal (RS ') to the remote device. Sensing device (WSD ').   The wireless sensing device (WSD) of claim 7, wherein the transceiver (TRX ') is further configured to include information related to the electrical signal (I') in the radio signal (RS '). ').   The vibration sensor (S) is configured to act as a local power source for the device (WDS, WDD ') by converting the mechanical vibration into electrical power. The wireless sensing device according to claim 1. A method for operating a wireless sensing device (WSD, WSD ′), wherein the wireless sensing device (WSD, WSD ′) includes a vibration sensor (S, S ′) and the wireless sensing device. A transceiver (TRX, TRX ′) suitable for establishing a wireless connection between the device (WSD, WSD ′) and a remote device, the method comprising:
a) a step of detecting mechanical vibration (V, V ′) in the vibration sensor (S, S ′) and generating an electrical signal (I, I ′) in response to the mechanical vibration (V, V ′); When,
b) The transceiver (TRX, TRX ′) receives at least a part (I, I1 ′) of the electrical signal (I, I ′) and the at least part (I, I ′) of the electrical signal (I, I ′). , I1 ′) to turn on and transmit a radio signal (RS) to the remote device,
Including methods.   The step b) may include that the electrical signal (I ′) is one or more predetermined requirements before the transceiver (TRX ′) receives the at least part (I1 ′) of the electrical signal (I ′). And, if the one or more predetermined requirements are met, the transceiver (TRX ′) includes at least a portion of the electrical signal (I ′) ( 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising receiving I1 ′).   12. The method of claim 11, wherein step b) further comprises instructing the transceiver (TRX ') to transmit the radio signal (RS') to the remote device.   The method according to claim 12, wherein said step a) further comprises the step of including in said radio signal (RS ') information related to said electrical signal (I').   The vibration sensor (S) acts as a local power source for the device (WDS, WDS ′) by converting the mechanical vibration into electric power. Method.   A wireless sensor network (WSN) comprising at least one wireless sensing device (WSD1, WSD2, WSD3, WSD4) according to any one of the preceding claims.