TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to internet of things (IoT) communication circuits. More particularly it is related to multiprotocol communication IoT device with dual intelligence and dual power.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the present disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Conventional internet of things (IoT) communication circuits available in the market for IoT application and data transfer generally offer only one or two connectivity technologies. “Particle” is a platform that offers solution for cellular, Wi-fi and mesh connectivity with integrated programmable microcontroller unit (MCU). They consume relatively high current in their sleep mode. Lack of watchdog timer makes them susceptible to failure in critical conditions. Also, no one solution provided by Particle Electron offers all four connectivity protocols (i.e. Cellular, Bluetooth, WiFi and LPWAN). “PyCom” provides modules which could connect to LPWAN, Bluetooth and Wi-fi networks but lack cellular connectivity. It includes unreliable analog ports, and no inertial accelerometer/measurement unit IMU.
[0004] “LowPowerLab” provides dedicated modules for different wireless communications. These wireless communication modules could be integrated with other MCUs. It has different modules for different communication technologies (LPWAN, WiFi).
[0005] All above-mentioned devices focus only on either low power or high reliability, only one or two mode of communications and above-mentioned devices are less resilient compare to proposed device in varied climatic conditions that requires minimal field maintenance (e.g. low power consumption feature ensures less frequent manual intervention for replacing batteries). Devices are installed in remote locations are logistically difficult to access, and site visits are expensive. In a few cases, physical visits to remote locations may pose a risk to human life.
[0006] There is, therefore, a need to provide to an electronic circuit that facilitates highly reliable remote monitoring and control, through multiple wireless communication protocols, bipartite/dual intelligence and dual/bipartite power source. Further, there is a need to provide an electronic circuit that facilitates handling of technical failures with limited physical intervention and with the least of human assistance. For example, during adverse weather conditions and during failure of cellular network, the device data could be manually retrieved using short-range modes of communication.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0007] A general objective of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic circuit that facilitates highly reliable remote monitoring and control, through multiple wireless communication protocols, dual/bipartite intelligence and bipartite power source.
[0008] A general objective of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic circuit that interchangeably uses long range protocols (Cellular and LPWAN) to achieve the optimal network and battery performance.
[0009] A general objective of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic circuit in which short range protocols (Bluetooth and WiFi) are used for configuring the device during deployment and for retrieving data during poor long-range signal conditions.

SUMMARY
[0010] The present disclosure relates to internet of things (IoT) communication circuits. More particularly it is related to multiprotocol communication IoT device with dual intelligence and dual power.
[0011] The present disclosure provides a monitoring device, said device comprising: a first processing unit is configured to remain in an active mode; a second processing unit configured to be switched between said active mode and a sleep mode; wherein said first processing unit is configured to switch said second processing unit to said active mode through a first switch, and after performing a designated task said first processing unit is configured to switch said second processing unit to said sleep mode; a first power source PS1 configured to provide power to said first and second processing units; at least one communication module configured to be triggered by said second processing unit through a second switch; a second power source PS2 configured to provide power to said at least one communication module.
[0012] In an embodiment, said second processing unit is in bidirectional communication with said at least one communication module.
[0013] In an embodiment, said first power source PS1 provides power to said first processing unit through a first regulator, and said first power source PS1 provides power to said second processing unit through said first switch and a second regulator.
[0014] In an embodiment, said second power source PS2 is configured to provide power to said at least one communication module through said second switch and a third regulator, said at least one communication module comprise a transceiver.
[0015] In an embodiment, said at least one communication module is a long range communication module.
[0016] In an embodiment, said long range communication module comprises any or combination of a cellular module and a low power wide area network (LPWAN) module.
[0017] In an embodiment, said device comprises at least one of short-range communication module, wherein said short range communication module comprises any or combination of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Infrared.
[0018] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a block principle diagram of a monitoring device according to an embodiment of present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 2 shows another exemplary block diagram of the monitoring device according to an embodiment of present disclosure.
[0022] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present present disclosure may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[0024] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0025] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0026] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the present disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the present disclosure.
[0027] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.
[0028] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).
[0029] The present disclosure relates to internet of things (IoT) communication circuits. More particularly it is related to multiprotocol communication IoT device with dual intelligence and dual power.
[0030] Invention discloses an electronic circuit with dual intelligence, dual power source and multiple wireless channels. The invention is developed with a focus on environmental monitoring at remote locations although the utility of the invention exceeds this purview. According to an embodiment, the invention could be used to measure environmental parameters (e.g. atmospheric pressure, wind speed, soil moisture etc.) by means of external sensors, store the measurements and/or transmit the measured data to a server through one of the communication modules embedded on the circuit. Similarly, under other embodiments, the invention could be used for monitoring, measurement, control and communication-related applications. The invention uses long range protocols (Cellular and LPWAN but not limited to it) interchangeably to achieve the optimal network, highest real-time data availability, and battery performance. Short range protocols (e.g. Bluetooth and WiFi) are helpful for configuring the device during deployment and for retrieving data manually during poor long-range signal conditions or in cases of failure/depletion of power source.
[0031] According to an embodiment, real-time data is required for many operational management and decisions (like flood forecast), for which data needs to be transmitted effectively and timely. The invention has very low average power consumption with a sleep current of approximately 10 µA as compared to “Particle Electron” that has a sleep current of approximately 130 µA and LoPy has 25 µA. Disclosed efficient design of the invention ensures that it runs reliably and effectively for longer durations for given battery power, which is a crucial aspect for IoT nodes and devices. The choice and use of multiple wireless channels is to guarantee acquisition/retrieval of data via long or short range wireless communication. The invention is able to connect and send data through four different communication technologies. Therefore, it could be employed for any application which requires data to be sent through any of the communication technologies available on the board namely Cellular, LPWAN, WiFi, and Bluetooth.
[0032] According to an embodiment, the invention implements a dual-intelligence model, with a “gatekeeper microcontroller (MCU)”/first processing unit and a “keymaster microcontroller (MCU)”/second processing unit. The Gatekeeper MCU consumes less power and is responsible for critical but simple tasks like regulating the low power mode of the invention. The Keymaster MCU consumes more power, and is responsible for complex tasks like controlling the sensors, data cleaning, transmitting the data, monitoring circuit health and taking autonomous decisions in adverse or preset conditions. The invention is powered through two power sources in such a manner that ensures precedence of data gathering over long range communication thus ensuring data reliability even during communication failure.
[0033] FIG. 1 shows a block principle diagram of a monitoring device according to an embodiment of present disclosure.
[0034] As shown in FIG.1, the monitoring device can implement a dual-intelligence model, with a gatekeeper MCU/first processing unit and a keymaster MCU/second processing unit. The Gatekeeper MCU can consume less power and can be responsible for critical but simple tasks like regulating the low power mode of the present disclosure. The Keymaster MCU can consumes more power, and can be responsible for complex tasks like controlling the sensors, data cleaning, transmitting the data, monitoring circuit health and taking autonomous decisions in adverse or preset conditions. The present disclosure can be powered through two power sources in such a manner which ensures precedence of data gathering over long range communication.
[0035] According to an embodiment, the monitoring device can include a short-range communication module (14) and long-range communication module (1). The long-range communication module can be but not limited to a cellular module and an LPWAN module. The short range communication module can be but not limited to Bluetooth, WiFi, and Infrared. In an embodiment, the monitoring device can include a first power source (8) can provide power to the gatekeeper MCU (9) through a first regulator (10), and to Keymaster MCU (5) through a first switch (7) and a second regulator (6). The gatekeeper microcontroller can be configured to control operation of the Keymaster microcontroller through the first switch (7). In an embodiment, the Gatekeeper MCU remains on all the time, whereas the Keymaster MCU can be switched on and off (as required) by the Gatekeeper MCU (9). This eliminates the need for a system watchdog. The Gatekeeper MCU can be equipped with dual real time clock (RTC) crystals so the system can work even if one fails. The Keymaster MCU (5), when woken-up by the Gatekeeper MCU (9), records sensor data and can log it in its flash. After a predefined number of saved logs, it can initiate its long-range wireless connection and can transmit all the saved logs, and also can check for any configuration changes issued for it on the server.
[0036] The proposed monitoring device can be powered by two batteries, and when switched on, can maintain two modes: (i) active mode (ii) low power sleep mode/sleep mode. The active mode is the state when the Gatekeeper MCU can triggers the Keymaster MCU on through the first switch (7). Once switched on, the Keymaster MCU can perform the designated tasks. The designated tasks can be but not limited to sensor interfacing, data logging, data processing, and wireless data communication through the appropriate mode. After the Keymaster MCU (5) is done performing tasks, it can inform the Gatekeeper MCU (9). The Gatekeeper MCU (9) then can switch off the Keymaster MCU, which concludes the active mode and commences the sleep mode of the present disclosure.
[0037] In an embodiment, a second power source (4) PS2 can provide power to a long range communication module (1) through a second switch (3) and a third regulator (2). The keymaster MCU (5) can be configured to control operation of the long range communication module (1) through the second switch (3). An output of said first power source PS1 can be coupled to a fourth regulator (11), and an output of said fourth regulator can be connected to a fifth regulator (12), an output of said fifth regulator can be coupled a sensor (13) external to monitoring device, and the sensor (13) can be in bidirectional communication with the keymaster MCU (5). The keymaster MCU (9) can be in bidirectional communication with long range communication module (1).
[0038] According to an embodiment, Gatekeeper MCU and Keymaster MCU can be optimally partitioned with tasks, such that basic, yet highly critical, tasks are assigned to the Gatekeeper MCU and advanced tasks are assigned to the Keymaster MCU. According to another embodiment, the invention can be powered through dual power sources (PS1 and PS2) such that the highest power consuming components i.e. long-range communication modules are powered through one source, PS2, and the rest of the circuitry is powered through another source, PS1.
[0039] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure can have edge intelligence which allows it to take smart decisions in cases of failures, like network outage, sensor misalignment, power depletion etc. A separate, low-power Gatekeeper MCU is embedded on the circuit to achieve high reliability and recuperation in cases of failure. Extremely low power consumption is achieved by optimizing hardware components and by an internal algorithm programmed in the circuit. The programmed algorithm in the invention optimizes the power consumption by implementation of dual mode operation achieved through dual MCU design. The core circuitry and the long-range transmission circuitry are powered separately, so that even if cellular transmission ceases after depletion of power source PS2, the instrument would continue to record data and would be able to transmit it using short-range modes of communication like Bluetooth and WiFi. When a long-range communication network (Cellular and/or LPWAN) has intermittent or poor connectivity, the invention would cease transmission of data and send the saved data when the network is better or available again. The invention is a device with a small form factor that enables it to be transported easily and also be deployed in inaccessible locations to prevent theft. It also performs basic evaluation of circuit health or recuperation during failure. The invention is programmable through wireless or a wired computer interface.
[0040] FIG. 2 shows another exemplary block diagram of the monitoring device according to an embodiment of present disclosure.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, in an embodiment, the monitoring device can includes a short range communication module embedded in to a Keymaster MCU/ second processing unit (5) and can have two long range communication modules. The short range communication module can be but not limited to Bluetooth, WiFi, and Infrared. The long range module can be but not limited to a cellular module/MODEM1 (1) and LPWAN module/MODEM2 (14). The monitoring device can include a bipartite intelligence with two microcontrollers. The two microcontrollers can be a Gatekeeper MCU (9) and a Keymaster/second MCU (5). The Gatekeeper MCU/first processing unit consumes very less power, remains always on and takes care of the basic tasks for the present disclosure like maintaining sleep cycle of the Keymaster MCU, rebooting the circuit in case of failure, etc. The Keymaster MCU performs more advanced tasks and remains in sleep mode for most of the time. The Keymaster MCU is awoken by the Gatekeeper MCU and consumes more power than Gatekeeper MCU for performing the crucial tasks.
[0042] In an embodiment, a first power source (8) PS1 can provide power to the Gatekeeper MCU through a first regulator (10), and to Keymaster MCU (5) through a first switch (7) and a second regulator (6). The Gatekeeper MCU can be configured to control operation of the Keymaster MCU through the first switch (7). In the present disclosure, the Gatekeeper MCU can remains on all the time, whereas the Keymaster MCU can be switched on and off (as required) by the Gatekeeper MCU (9). This eliminates the need for a system watchdog. The Gatekeeper MCU can be equipped with dual real time clock (RTC) crystals so the system can work even when one fails. The Keymaster MCU (5) when awoken by the Gatekeeper MCU (9), records sensor data and can log it in its flash. After a predefined number of saved logs, it can initiate its long-range wireless connection and can transmit all the saved logs, and also can check for any configuration changes issued for it on the server.
[0043] In an embodiment, a second power source (4) PS2 can provide power to a LPWAN module (14) through a switch (16) and a regulator (15).The Keymaster MCU (5) can be configured to control operation of the LPWAN module (1) through the switch (16) and the regulator (15). The second power source (4) PS2 can provide power to a cellular module (1) through a switch (3) and a regulator (2).The Keymaster MCU (5) can be configured to control operation of the cellular module (1) through the switch (3) and the regulator (2). The proposed monitoring device can be powered by two batteries, and when switched on, can maintain two modes: (i) active mode (ii) low power sleep mode/sleep mode. The active mode is the state when the Gatekeeper MCU can triggers the Keymaster MCU on through the first switch (7). Once switched on, the Keymaster MCU can perform the designated tasks (eg. sensor interfacing, data logging, data processing, wireless data communication through the appropriate mode). After the Keymaster MCU (5) is done performing tasks, it can inform the Gatekeeper MCU (9). The Gatekeeper MCU (9) then can switch off the Keymaster MCU, which concludes the active mode and commences the sleep mode of the present disclosure. An output of said first power source PS1 can be coupled to a fourth regulator (11), and an output of said fourth regulator can be connected to a fifth regulator (12), an output of said fifth regulator can be coupled a sensor (13) external to monitoring device, and the sensor (13) can be in bidirectional communication with the keymaster MCU (5). The keymaster MCU (9) can be in bidirectional communication with LPWAN module and with the cellular module (1).
[0044] According to an embodiment, the gatekeeper MCU can be an under-powered MCU and the keymaster MCU can be an over-powered MCU. The two micro-controller units are can be optimally partitioned with tasks such that more basic but highly critical tasks are assigned to the gatekeeper MCU and advanced tasks are assigned to the keymaster MCU. According to present disclosure, dual/bipartite power source such that the highest power-consuming component (the cellular transceiver) is powered through one source and the rest of the circuit is powered through another source.
[0045] According to an embodiment, a regulator (6) can be coupled to switch (19), and and the switch (19) can be coupled to an accelerometer (19). Keymaster MCU (5) can be coupled to the switch (19) and can be in bidirectional communication with the accelerometer. Gatekeeper MCU (9) can be connected to a switch (7).
[0046] According to an embodiment, an edge Intelligence can be enabled by high memory ICs. This feature makes our device capable of independent decision making in cases of failures, like network outage, sensor misalignment, etc. A separate, low-power Gatekeeper MCU can be fit on the circuit to achieve high reliability and recuperation in cases of failure. Extremely low power consumption can be achieved by optimizing hardware components and by an internal algorithm embedded in the circuit. The embedded algorithm in the present disclosure can optimizes the power consumption by implementation of dual mode operation achieved through dual MCU design. A core circuitry and a transmission circuitry can be powered separately, so that even if cellular transmission ceases after battery drains, instrument can continue to record data and can transmit it using short-range modes of communication like Bluetooth and Wifi. In case wireless network is spotty/intermittent, the present disclosure would cease transmission of measurement data on-board and sends the saved data when the network is better or available again.
[0047] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a device with a small form factor that enables it to be transported easily and also be deployed in inaccessible locations to prevent theft and also performs basic evaluation of circuit health or recuperation during failure. The proposed monitoring device is programmable using WiFi, cellular interface or a wired computer interface. As the proposed monitoring device has both Cellular and LPWAN modes of communication, it can act as a LPWAN Node or a complete LPWAN Gateway as well.
[0048] An exemplary application of the present disclosure: a water level instrument can be installed over water bodies like streams, lakes and wells and use non-contact ultrasonic sensors to record the water level. During normal operation for the most part the water level instrument would remain in sleep mode and would enter active mode at a predefined time interval (e.g. once every 15 minutes for data logging and once every hour to transmit the data). During the operation, the device will power up the sensor, receive data from sensor, filter the data using data processing algorithms and log the data in its flash memory. If a predefined number of logs have been saved, it transmits the logged data using long-range wireless communication, and finally go to sleep.
[0049] Thus, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying the present disclosure. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing the present disclosure. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named.
[0050] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as described in the claim.
[0051] In the foregoing description, numerous details are set forth. It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure, that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, to avoid obscuring the present disclosure.
[0052] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other)and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Within the context of this document terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are also used euphemistically to mean “communicatively coupled with” over a network, where two or more devices are able to exchange data with each other over the network, possibly via one or more intermediary device.
[0053] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C …. N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
[0054] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is determined by the claims that follow. The present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the present disclosure when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0055] The present disclosure provides an electronic circuit that facilitates highly reliable remote monitoring and control, through multiple wireless communication protocols, bipartite intelligence and dual/bipartite power source.
[0056] The present disclosure provides an electronic circuit that interchangeably uses long range protocols (Cellular and LPWAN) to achieve the optimal network and battery performance.
[0057] The present disclosure provides an electronic circuit in which short range protocols (Bluetooth and WiFi) are used for configuring the device during deployment and for retrieving data during poor long-range signal conditions.

Claims:

1.A monitoring device, said device comprising:
a first processing unit is configured to remain in an active mode;
a second processing unit configured to be switched between said active mode and a sleep mode;
wherein said first processing unit is configured to switch said second processing unit to said active mode through a first switch, and after performing a designated task said first processing unit is configured to switch said second processing unit to said sleep mode;
a first power source PS1 configured to provide power to said first and second processing units;
at least one communication module configured to be triggered by said second processing unit through a second switch;
a second power source PS2 configured to provide power to said at least one communication module.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second processing unit is in bidirectional communication with said at least one communication module.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first power source PS1 provides power to said first processing unit through a first regulator, and said first power source PS1 provides power to said second processing unit through said first switch and a second regulator.
4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second power source PS2 is configured to provide power to said at least one communication module through said second switch and a third regulator, said at least one communication module comprise a transceiver.
5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one communication module is a long range communication module.
6. The device as claimed in claim 7, wherein said long range communication module comprises any or combination of a cellular module and a low power wide area network (LPWAN) module.
7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device comprises at least one of short-range communication module, wherein said short range communication module comprises any or combination of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Infrared.