Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR OBTAINING DATA RELATING TO
CONDITION AND PERFORMANCE OF CONCRETE MIXTURES
Technical Field
This specification relates to a systems, methods, and
apparatus for obtaining data relating to condition and
= performance of concrete.
Background =
Concrete is a composite material including coarse granular
materials such as sands and stones embedded in a hard matrix of
materials such as hydrated cements. Concrete production is
performed by mixing these ingredients with water to make a fluid
concrete. Typically, the fluid concrete is transported and put
in place before it is hardened.
After the ingredients are mixed with water,-the fluid =
concrete is continuously mixed during transportation by a mixer
truck in order to maintain a quality of the concrete. However,
there is no way to monitor the quality of the transported fluid
= concrete in real time. In addition, there is no way, in real .
time, of knowing the location where, in a given project, the
fluid concrete is poured and what its mixture proportions and
physical properties are at that location. Nor is it possible to
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track the progress of a poured volume, automatically and in real
time in order to achieve better economics and improved
construction efficiency.
After the fluid concrete is poured at an intended location,
the concrete and the concrete construction industries generally
use compression strength and other destructive tests to
determine the quality of concrete placed at various projects in
accordance to different engineering and mix design
specifications. In most instances, the strength of the concrete
is specified to reach certain strength at a Curing age of 28
days. This is because the needed hardening or curing time for
concrete is traditionally considered to be 28 days.
Accordingly, in this day of instantaneous information and
communications, the concrete industry still waits 28 days before
knowing concrete quality.
Summary
Embodiments of the present invention comprise a wireless
device, and systems and methods for measuring a property of a
concrete, both a fluid concrete inside a drum of a mixer truck,
and hardened or hardening concrete in a structure, and
transmitting data relating to the measurement. Embodiments of
the present invention are specifically adapted for managing or
controlling in real time the quality of a fluid concrete after
it is made, during transportation, placement in a structure, and
curing and hardening in the structure.
In European practice and sometimes in the United States,
wet mixing is practiced, which means that complete mixing occurs
at the plant and the truck mixer's function is agitation. In
contrast, in the United States, concrete is dry-batched into the
truck and the truck mixer does the mixing.
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In accordance with an embodiment, the wireless device can
he defined as comprising:
a shell;
at least one sensor inside the shell for measuring a
property of a fluid concrete;
a transmitter connected to the sensor for transmitting data
from the sensor; and
a power source inside the shell and connected to the sensor
and the transmitter,
the device having a weight less than a buoyancy of the
device such that the device floats at the surface of the fluid
concrete.
Suitably, the shell is spherical.
Suitably, the shell has a diameter between about 1 and 10
cm.
Suitably, the shell is made of a metal or plastic.
Suitably, the sensor includes at least one of a temperature
sensor, an accelerometer, a pH sensor, an inductance sensor, an
impedance or resistivity sensor, a sonic sensor, a pressure
sensor, or an elevation sensor.
Suitably, the device further includes a Global Positioning
System unit.
Suitably, the device further includes a passive or active
radio frequency identification tag inside the shell.
Suitably, the device further includes a date and time
recorder inside the shell.
Suitably, the device further includes a data storage
component inside the shell.
Suitably, the shell includes a layer of a form plastic.
Suitably, an upper half of the device is lighter than a
lower half of the device.
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Suitably, the transmitter is placed in the upper half of
the device and the sensor is placed in the lower half of the
device.
In accordance with another embodiment, a system for
measuring a property of a fluid concrete in a mixer truck can be
defined as comprising:
the device; and
an antenna mounted in a side of a drum of a mixer truck for
transmitting data from the device inside the drum to outside the
drum.
Suitably, the system further includes a data receiving
device receiving the date from the antenna.
Suitably, the data receiving device is connected to a
database storing the data.
In accordance with another embodiment, a method for
measuring a property of a fluid concrete in a mixer truck can be
defined as comprising:
putting a wireless measuring device in a drum of a mixer
truck;
pouring a fluid concrete into the drum of the mixer truck;
and
collecting data for a property of the fluid concrete by the
wireless measuring device.
Suitably, the method further includes:
transmitting the data from the wireless measuring device;
and
receiving the data from the wireless measuring device.
In accordance with another embodiment, a method for
determining a property of a fluid concrete mixture can be
defined as comprising;
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receiving data from a device floating in a concrete mixture
inside a truck; and
determining a property of the concrete mixture, based on
the data received from the device.
Suitably, the data comprises an indicator of a motion of
the device, and the method further comprises:
determining a slump of the concrete mixture, based on
the data.
Suitably, the data comprises one of a temperature
measurement, a pH measurement, an inductance measurement, an
impedance measurement, a resistivity measurement, a sonic
measurement, a conductivity measure, a pressure measurement, and
an elevation measurement.
In accordance with another embodiment, a method of
manufacturing a measuring device can be defined an comprising:
softening a selected material;
pressing the softened material into a mold to form a first
hemisphere;
depositing sensors into the first hemisphere;
joining a second hemisphere to the first hemisphere to form
a sphere;
sealing a connection between the second hemisphere and the
first hemisphere; and
injecting a selected gas into the sphere,
Suitably, the selected material comprises one of a metal, a
plastic resin, and a polymer.
Suitably, the selected gas comprises nitrogen.
In accordance with an embodiment, a sensing device includes
a shell comprising an elastomeric material, the shell including
a first portion having a first end and a second portion having a
second end. The shell may be egg-shaped or another shape. The
CA 02919626 2015-10-28
first portion includes a thermally and electrically conducting
disc, and a plate attached to the disc, the plate including a
temperature sensor, a location sensor, and a micro-fiber
composite sensor adapted to generate a measure of deformation,
and an antenna, and a first electrode attached to the disc, the
electrode extending through a first hole in the first portion of
the shell. The second portion includes a predetermined quantity
of a selected metallic substance embedded on the inside surface
of an end of the second portion, and a second electrode
connected to the metallic substance, ths second electrode
extending through a second hole in the second portion of the
shell.
On another embodiment, the plate further includes one of an
impedance/conductivity sensor, a pH sensor, an accelerometer, an
elevation sensor, a RFID device, and a humidity sensor.
In another embodiment, the selected metallic substance
comprises one of copper and brass.
In another embodiment, the thermally and electrically
conducting disc is disposed perpendicular to an axis of the
sensing device.
In another embodiment, the plate is perpendicular to the
thermally and electrically conducting disc.
In accordance with another embodiment, a plurality of
sensing devices are inserted into a concrete mixture at a
production facility, first data is received from the plurality
of sensing devices while the plurality of sensing devices are in
the concrete mixture at the production facility, second data is
received from the plurality of sensing devices while the
plurality of sensing devices are in the concrete mixture in a
vehicle transporting the concrete mixture to a construction
site, third data is received from the plurality of sensing
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devices while the plurality of sensing devices are in the
concrete mixture after the concrete mixture has been laid at a
construction site, the first, second and third data are stored
in a memory, and a prediction of a characteristic of the
concrete mixture is generated based on the first, second and
third data.
In one embodiment, the method also includes causing the
concrete mixture and the plurality of sensing devices to be
transported on a vehicle.
In another embodiment, the characteristic includes one of
concrete strength and slump.
In another embodiment, fourth data representing a
deformation is received from the MFC sensor, and an estimate of
a slump of the concrete mixture is determined based on the
fourth data.
In accordance with another embodiment, a method of managing
a closed-loop production and delivery system is provided. An
order for a product is received, wherein the order defines a
formulation that specifies a plurality of components of the
product and a quantity of sensing devices. In response to the
order, the product is produced based on the formulation. The
specified quantity of sensing devices are inserted into the
product. Data is received from the sensing devices at one or
more stages of production and delivery. A characteristic of the
product is determined based on the data.
In one embodiment, the product is a concrete mixture.
In another embodiment, each sensing devices includes an egg
shaped sensing device that includes a temperature sensor and an
antenna.
In another embodiment, the characteristic includes one of
concrete strength and slump.
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In another embodiment, the product is one of a food
products, a paint product, a petroleum-based product, and a
chemical product.
Brief Description of the Drawings
These and other aspects of the present Invention will be
more fully understood by reference to one of the following
drawings.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
floating wireless measuring device in accordance
with an embodiment;
Figure 2 is a cross-section view of one embodiment of the
floating wireless measuring device in accordance
with an embodiment;
Figure 3 is an overview of one embodiment of the system
for measuring a property of a fluid concrete in a
mixer truck in accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method of determining a
property of a concrete mixture in accordance with
an embodiment;
Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method of associating a batch
of a fluid concrete mixture with a section of a
structure at a construction site in accordance
with an embodiment;
Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method of manufacturing a
measuring device in accordance with an
embodiment;
Figure 7 shows a cross section of a mold in which a
softened material has been pressed in accordance
with an embodiment;
8
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Figures 8A-8B show a side view and a top view, respectively,
of a hemisphere formed of a material layer, after
removal from a mold in accordance with an
embodiment;
Figure 9 shows a second hemisphere attached to a first
hemisphere in accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 10 shows a sphere comprising a first hemisphere, a
second hemisphere, and a connection in accordance
with an embodiment;
Figure 11 shows components of a sensing device in
accordance with another embodiment;
Figure 12 shows a sensing device in accordance with an
embodiment;
Figure 13 shows a plurality of sensing devices disposed in
a concrete mixture while the mixture is in a bin
at a concrete production facility in accordance
with an embodiment;
Figure 14A shows a plurality of sensing devices disposed in
a concrete mixture while the mixture is in a drum
of a mixing truck in accordance with an
embodiment;
Figure 14B shows a plurality of sensing devices disposed in
a concrete mixture while the mixture is in a drum
of a mixing truck in accordance with an
embodiment;
Figure 15 shows a construction site in accordance with an
embodiment;
Figure 16 shows a closed-loop production system in
accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 17 shows a sensing device made of a first portion
and a second portion;
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Figure 18 is a flowchart of a method of managing a closed-
loop production system in accordance with an
embodiment;
Figure 19 shows a web page showing information related to a
construction site in accordance with an
embodiment;
Figure 20 shows a flowchart of a method of managing a
production management system in accordance with
an embodiment; and
Figure 21 shows components of an exemplary computer that
may be used to implement embodiments of the
invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a
floating wireless measuring device 10. The floating wireless
measuring device 10 in Figure 1 is illustrated having a shell
100 and a transmitter 101. In Figure 1, the floating wireless
measuring device 10 floats at the surface of a fluid concrete 11
because the device 10 has a weight leas than a buoyancy of the
device 10.
When the device 10 floats at the surface of the fluid
concrete 11, at least a part of an upper half 10a is above the
surface of the concrete 11. Preferably, the transmitter 101 is
placed in the upper half 10a of the device 10 above the surface
of the concrete 11. The upper half 10a of the device 10 can be
lighter than a lower surface 10b to stabilize the device 10 at
the surface of the concrete 11.
The shell 100 can have any suitable diameter. Preferably,
the diameter of the shell 100 is smaller than the diameter of an
outlet of a drum of a concrete mixer truck. For example, the
CA 02919626 2015-10-28
diameter of the shell 100 can be between about 1 cm and 10 cm,
preferably about 3 cm and 8 cm, or more preferably about 4 cm
and 6 cm. Alternatively, the diameter of the shell 100 can be
at most about 5 cm, for example between about 3 cm and 5 cm.
The shell 100 can be made of any suitable material which
can survive agitations of a concrete mixer truck and pumping of
a fluid concrete or pouring the fluid concrete into structure by
conventional methods. Preferably, the shell 100 is made of at
least one of a metal such as steel, stainless steel, titanium,
or aluminum; a plastic resin such as a tough plastic resin or a
reinforced plastic resin; or any combination thereof.
The shell 100 can additionally include a foam resin layer.
The form resin layer can be made of any appropriate polymer such
as polystyrene. The foam resin layer can cover the entire
surface of the shell 100, but alternatively the foam resin layer
can partially cover the shell 100. For example, the foam resin
layer can cover only the upper half 10a of the device 10. The
foam resin layer can be formed to protect the device 10 from an
impact or help the device 10 float at the surface of the fluid
concrete.
Although the floating wireless measuring device 10 is
illustrated having the spherical shape, the device 10 can be any
suitable shape to be floated at the surface of the fluid
concrete 11. Accordingly, the device 10 can be polyhedral, for
example, cubic.
Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a vertical cross-section
view of the floating wireless measuring device 10 illustrated in
Figure 1. The floating wireless measuring device 10 includes a
sensor 103 for measuring a property of a fluid concrete, a
transmitter 101 connected to the sensor 103 for transmitting
data from the sensor 103, a power source 102 connected to the
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sensor 103 and the transmitter 101, and an additional component
104 connected to the transmitter 101, the sensor 103 and the
power source 102.
The sensor 103 can be any kind of sensors that can be
installed inside the shell 100 and measure a property of a fluid
concrete. For example, the sensor 103 can be at least one of a
temperature sensor, an accelerometer, a pH sensor, an inductance
sensor, an impedance or resistivity sensor, a sonic sensor, a
pressure sensor, a conductivity sensor, or an elevation sensor.
One example of the temperature sensor is a miniature-sized
temperature logger "SMARTBUTTON" (ACR SYSTEMS INC.).
Concrete's temperature measured by the temperature sensor
can be converted to maturity and real time concrete setting and
strength estimation in combination with real time data relating
to mixture proportions, and materials items batched, and by
reference to calibration data in a central database. The
accelerometer can inform of whether the device 10 is in motion
or stationary. The elevation sensor can inform how high the
device 10 is elevated after a fluid concrete is poured at a
construction site. The inductance sensor and the impedance or
resistivity sensor can give data about the strength and setting,
as well as its water-cement ratio. For example, before a fluid
concrete sets, the pores of the concrete are full of water with
electrolytes such as Na, K, Ca, and the like rendering the pure
solution conducting and thus appearing as a secondary coil. The
measurements by these sensors can be used for in-situ reporting
of mixture proportions.
The transmitter 101 can be any commercially-available
transmitter which can be installed in the shell 100 and transmit
data obtained from the sensor 103. For example, the transmitter
101 is a wireless chip for short distance transmission.
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The transmitter 101 can be installed to an upper half 10a
of the device 10, while the sensor 103 can be installed to a
lower half 10b of the device 10. Preferably, at least a part of
the upper half 10a is above the surface of a fluid concrete,
while at least a part of the lower surface 10b of the device 10
contacts the fluid concrete. Accordingly, it is preferable that
the sensor 103 is installed in the lower half 10b to measure a
property of the fluid concrete, and the transmitter 101 is
installed in the upper half 10a above the surface of the
concrete to transmit data from the sensor 103.
The additional component 104 is, for example, a Global
Positioning System (GPS) unit, a Radio Frequency Identification
(RFID) tag, a time and date recorder, a data storage component,
or any combination thereof. The additional component 104 can
appropriately connect the transmitter 101, the power source 102,
and the sensor 103. When two or more additional components are
used, they can appropriately connect each other. However, it is
possible that the additional component 104 is not included in
the device 10.
The GPS unit can inform where the device 10 is during
transporting a fluid concrete and when the concrete is poured at
= a construction site. The RFID tag can be read by a tag reader.
The RFID tag can be another way of tracking concrete pours and
the location of each pour. RFID tags may be used to uniquely
link and identify each device 10 with a batch ticket associated
with a truck load, for example. Thus, the device may be linked
to its mix parent and physical batch result within a closed loop
production system.
The location of the additional component 104 inside the
shell 100 can be appropriately decided. Whether the additional
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component 104 is placed in the upper half 10a or the lower half
10b of the device 10 can be suitably decided.
The transmitter 101, the power source 102, the sensor 103,
and the additional component 104 can be conneeted by any known
means.
Figure 3 shows a system for measuring a property of a fluid
concrete 11 in a mixer truck 16. The system includes the
floating wireless measuring device 10 and an antenna 12 mounted
in a side of a drum 15 of the mixer truck 16. The antenna 21
transmits data from the device 10 inside the drum 15 to outside
the drum 15.
The device 10 can he put in the drum 15 before or at
hatching time, or after the truck 16 is loaded with the fluid
concrete 16. For example, the device 10 can be shot into the
drum 15 by a gun device. When the device 10 is shot into the
truck at batching time, for example, an accelerometer in the
device 10 can start a date and time recorder in the device 10
for measuring concrete age and recording when each type of
measuring is transmitted.
When the fluid concrete 11 is not agitated in the drum 15,
the device 10 floats at the surface of the concrete 11 and can
transmit data.
The antenna 12 can comprise an outward looking wireless
transmitter 12a and an inward looking wireless receiver 12b.
The inward looking wireless receiver 12b can receive data from
the device 10. The outward looking wireless transmitter 12a can
transmit data from the device to a receiving device 13. The
receiving device 13 can be a mobile device such as a cell phone.
The receiving device 13 can send the data to a database 14. The
database 14 can connect with the receiving device 13 with any
know means such as a wireless connection.
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The floating capability of the floating wireless measuring
device 10 and the antenna 12 placed in a side of the drum 15
overcome the issues of not being able to transmit from within a
conducting medium such as the fluid concrete 11 and the Faraday
cage effect of the drum 15 of the mixer truck 16.
The method for measuring a property of a concrete will now
be explained. As shown in Figure 3, a property of the fluid
concrete 11 in the mixer truck 16 can be measured by putting the
wireless measuring device 10 in the drum 15 of the mixer truck
16; pouring the fluid concrete 11 into the drum 15 of the mixer
truck 16; and correcting data for a property of the fluid
concrete 11 by the wireless measuring device 10. This method
can further include transmitting the data from the wireless
measuring device 10; and receiving the data from the wireless
measuring device 10. After pouring the fluid concrete 11 at a
construction site, the device 10 can be poured with the concrete
11. The device 10 can measure in real time a property of the
poured fluid concrete 11 during its hardening.
Advantageously, device 10 may be used to determine
properties of the fluid concrete mixture while the concrete is
inside of a truck. This capability may provide to a producer,
or to a manager at a construction site, valuable information
about the concrete prior to laying down the concrete.
For example, in an illustrative embodiment, device 10 may
be used to determine a property, such as the slump, of a fluid
concrete mixture while the concrete is inside of a truck.
Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method of determining a property of
a fluid concrete mixture in accordance with an embodiment. At
step 410, a wireless measuring device is put in a drum of a
mixer truck. At step 420, a fluid concrete mixture is poured
into the drum of the mixer truck. As described above, device 10
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is put inside drum 15 of truck 16, and fluid concrete 11 is
poured into the drum. As the drum 15 is agitated, the fluid
concrete 11 moves and device 10 moves in the fluid concrete.
In other embodiments, dry components of concrete (instead
of fluid concrete) are inserted into the drum of the mixer
truck. Water is then added into the drum to produce fluid
concrete. Device 10 may be added into the drum at any time
during this process. Device 10 may be added to dry components
of concrete or to fluid concrete.
In the illustrative embodiment, device 10 comprises an
accelerometer and generates data indicating certain aspects of
the device's motion. Device 10 may also include a GPS unit
capable of generating location data. In other embodiments,
other types of data, concerning various parameters relating to
the device itself, or relating to the truck 16, or relating to
the properties of the fluid concrete 11 inside the truck 16, may
be obtained from a device floating in the fluid concrete 11
inside the truck 16.
At step 430, data is received via a signal transmitted by a
device floating in a concrete mixture in a truck. In the
illustrative embodiment, device 10 transmits signals containing
motion data. The signals may also contain location data
produced using the device's GPS capabilities. As described
above, the signals are detected by antenna 12 and transmitted to
receiving device 13 outside of the truck 16.
Device 13 receives the signals and extracts the motion data
and location data from the signal. The motion data and location
data may be stored in database 14, for example.
At step 440, a property of the concrete mixture is
determined based on the data received from the device.= In the
illustrative embodiment, device 13 determines the slump of the
CA 02919626 2015-10-28
fluid concrete 11 based on the motion data and location data
received from device 10. The slump of a fluid concrete mixture
may be determined from the motion data and location data using
well-known methods.
In other embodiments, other properties of a fluid concrete
mixture may be determined based on data received from device 10.
For example, data from device 10 may be used to determine the
water/cementitious ratio of a concrete mixture inside a truck.
In another embodiment, a plurality of devices similar to
device 10 may be Shot into drum 15, and float in the fluid
concrete mixture inside the truck 16. Any number of devices may
be shot into drum 15. In one embodiment, about one hundred
(100) devices may be shot into the drum 15. When the concrete
mixture is laid down at a construction site, the devices are
allowed to remain in the mixture; the devices remain in the
concrete as the concrete hardens, and thereafter. Each device
continues to transmit data concerning various measurements as
long as possible (e.g., until transmission is no longer possible
or until the device's power source fails). For example, each
device may transmit location data, temperature readings, pH
measurements, inductance measurements, impedance measurements,
resistivity measurements, sonic measurements, pressure
measurements, conductivity measurements, elevation measurements,
etc.
Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method in accordance with an
embodiment. Suppose, in an illustrative example, that a
plurality of devices (such as device 10) are shot into drum 15
and subsequently remain in the fluid concrete 11 as the concrete
is laid down. Suppose further that the construction project
requires ten truckloads of concrete. For convenience, in this
example, each truckload represents one batch. Data received
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from the devices may be used to keep track of where each
respective batch is laid. Thus, at step 510, data is received
from a measuring device embedded in a concrete mixture laid down
at a construction site. Data including location data, elevation
data, etc., is received from one or more devices embedded in the
concrete that has been laid down. At step 520, a location of
the device is identified based on the data. The location data
from a particular device may indicate that the device is located
in a particular section of a parking lot, for example. At step
530, a particular batch of concrete produced at a production
facility is identified based on the data. The device may
provide identifying information from which it may be determined
which truck the device was in For example, each device may
transmit a unique identifier. Knowledge of which truck the
device was in may be used to determine the batch of concrete
that the device is in. At step 540, a section of a structure at
the construction site is associated with the particular batch,
based on the location; for example, a linkage may be established
between an RFID tag of a device and the batch when the device is
= introduced into concrete at the production facility, discharge
chute or pump, or manually thrown into a structural element.
The batch of concrete may then be associated with the identified
section of the structure at the construction site (e.g., the
section of the parking lot). Data associating respective
batches with respective locations at a construction site may be
stored for future use.
Using a plurality of devices in this manner advantageously
enables a producer, or the manager of the construction site, to
monitor the progress of a construction project. Leaving one or
more devices in the concrete at the worksite also advantageously
enables a producer or site manager to monitor when and where
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each particular hatch or truckload of concrete is laid down.
Possession of such information may enable a producer to monitor
the performance of each batch of concrete produced, and thereby
to achieve better control over the quality of the final product.
In another embodiment, a device similar to device 10 may
store measurement data in a memory within the device without
transmitting the data. The device may be retrieved at a later
time, for example, when the concrete mixture is laid down, and
the data retrieved from the device's memory.
In accordance with another embodiment, a method of
manufacturing a measuring device such as device 10 is provided.
Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method of manufacturing a measuring
device in accordance with an embodiment. At step 610, a
selected material is softened by heating and/or by use of
chemical treatment. For example, in an embodiment in which a
polystyrene material is used, the polystyrene is heated, causing
the material to soften.
At step 620, the softened material is pressed into a mold
to form a first hemisphere. Figure 7 shows a cross section of a
mold 725 in which a softened material 710 has been pressed in
accordance with an embodiment. The mold forms a hemispherical
shape.
At step 630, sensors are deposited into the first
hemisphere. In the illustrative embodiment of Figure 7, sensors
760 are embedded in the exposed internal surface of softened
material layer 710, while the material is in the mold.
After the material hardens, the hemisphere may be removed
from mold 725. Figures 8A-8B show a side view and a top view,
respectively, of a hemisphere 800 formed of material layer 710,
after removal from mold 725 in accordance with an embodiment.
Sensors 760 are embedded on the inside surface of hemisphere 800.
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At step 640, a second hemisphere is fitted onto the first
hemisphere, creating a sphere. In an illustrative embodiment
shown in FIGS. 9-10, a second hemisphere 915 is fitted onto
first hemisphere 800, forming a shell 1050 which is in the form
of a sphere. Second hemisphere 915 may a hemisphere
manufactured in a manner similar to that described above;
however, second hemisphere 915 may, or may not, comprise sensors.
Hemispheres 800 and 915 are joined at a connection 1025.
At step 650, the connection between the first hemisphere
and the second hemisphere is sealed. In the illustrative
embodiment, connection 1025 is sealed, for example, by using an
appropriate glue.
At step 660, nitrogen (N2) is injected into the sphere.
Known techniques may be used to pump nitrogen into spherical
shell 1050. In other embodiments, other gases may be used.
, FIG. 11 shows components of a sensing device in accordance
with another embodiment. Sensing device 1100 includes a
temperature sensor 1110, an impedance/conductivity sensor 1120,
a pH sensor 1130, a micro fiber composite (MFC) sensor 1140, an
accelerometer 1150, an elevation sensor 1160, a radio frequency
identification (REID) device 1170, a battery 1180, a humidity
sensor 1190, a GPO-based geolocation sensor 1195, and an antenna
1197.
Temperature sensor 1110 detects the temperature of a
concrete mixture or of another fluid in which the sensing device
is floating. Temperature information can be used to analyze
concrete maturity. For example, curing rate temperature
dependency may be analyzed using the ASTM C74 method. In-place,
in-structure strength may be estimated probabilistically as a
function of curing age. Because concrete gains strength by
CA 02919626 2015-10-28
maturity, it is valuable to builders to be able determine its
curing age at a standard reference temperature.
Impedance/conductivity sensor 1120 measures the impedance
and conductivity of concrete. Impedance and conductivity
measurements may be used to determine real-time strength
estimates, for example. Real-time strength estimates may be
corrected for unrecorded water additions on the basis of real-
time conductivity measurements. Conductivity of a concrete
mixture decreases with age and correlates with the degree of
hydration. DC conductivity may be measured. Alternatively, AC
conductivity may be measured.
pH sensor 1130 measures the pH of a concrete mixture. pH
measurements may capture unexpected overly retarded or
accelerated setting due to concrete/chemical admix mismatches.
pR measurements may be used in estimating concrete setting
behavior, placeability, and pumpability performance.
Micro fiber composite (MFC) sensor 1140 measures a
cumulative deformational voltage. MFC sensor 1140 may include a
piezoelectric substance that generates a voltage when strained,
for example. As NEC sensor 1140 is deformed, a voltage is
generated indicating the degree of deformation. This voltage
information may be used to determine a degree of concrete
agitation, a measure of viscous drag forces experienced by
sensor device 1100, for example. Such information may be used
to determine characteristics of the concrete mixture, for
example, estimates of mixing energy, slump, etc. Such
information may be used in conjunction with data obtained by
accelerometer 1150 to determine characteristics of the concrete
mixture such as slump, mixing energy, etc.
NEC sensor 1140 may be calibrated for concrete based on,
for example, measurements in water.
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Accelerometer 1150 obtains data relating to the motion of
sensing device 1100. For example, accelerometer 1150 may measure
a degree of acceleration due to mixing of concrete in a truck,
transport of the concrete, and placement of the concrete.
"Accelerometer 1150 may measure non-steady motion, a degree of
fluid drag resisting motion as compared to water, etc. Data
from accelerometer 1150 may be used to determine a measure of
slump, flowability, etc. For example, in a spinning tank
containing concrete having a high water content, accelerometer
1150 may indicate a relatively low drag; in a spinning tank
containing concrete having a low water content, accelerometer
1150 may indicate a high drag.
Elevation sensor 1160 detects the elevation of sensing
device 1100. For example, this may allow an operator to
determine where the sensing device is located in a structure
after the concrete has been poured. In some embodiments, a
large number of sensing devices may be distributed throughout
the poured concrete and, consequently, sensing devices may be
distributed throughout different locations and different levels
of the structure being constructed. An operator may continue to
receive data from each of the sensing devices and use the data
to monitor the drying and performance of the concrete.
RFID device 1170 transmits a signal containing one or more
identifiers. The identifier may he associated with a batch, a
mixture, a structure, a project, etc. The identifier may
include a pod serial number, for example. The identifier may be
used to link data generated by the sensing device during
manufacturing, transportation, placement, and data generated
while in the structure to a specific batch, mixture, project,
etc. As a result, each sensing device may have access to other
data already obtained and stored in a closed-loop system
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database, such as batched performance specifications such as
slump, strength, batched materials contents such as water,
cementitious, water/cm ratio, expected strength at point of
delivery if lab cured at 20 dC, etc.
In one embodiment, sensing device 1100 transmits location
coordinates and its RFID serial number or identifier. Each
sensing device has a unique RFID serial number/identifier. When
a sensing device is inserted into a concrete mixture, a batch
ticket associated with the concrete batch is linked in a one-to-
one relationship to the RFID serial number.
Battery 1180 may be any suitable battery or other type of
power device. Battery 1180 may be a watch-type battery, for
example.
Humidity sensor 1190 measures the humidity of a concrete
mixture. Humidity sensor 1190 may measure concrete pore
humidity, for example. In many instances, concrete needs close
to 100% humidity to cure and develop strength. When humidity
drops below 80% concrete curing and hydration may cease. In-
place concrete strength may be modeled by delivering probable
strength as a baseline, analyzing historical humidity and
temperature measurements from sensing device 1100, etc.
Delivered probable strength as a baseline may be corrected for
on-location water additions using conductivity measurements.
GPS based geolocation sensor 1195 uses GPS measurements to
detect the location of sensing device 1100. Location
measurements may be used to determine where the sensing device
is located and thus be used to determine where concrete-related
activities such as transportation, pouring, etc., occur.
22oltenna 1197 transmits data, and may receive data. Antenna
1197 may be Bluetooth and/or WI Pi capable. Antenna 1197 may be
integrated with GPS sensor 1195.
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FIG. 12 shows a sensing device 1200 in accordance with an
embodiment. Sensing device 1200 includes a shell 1210. Shell
1210 has an egg shape and includes a narrower end 1202 and a
flatter end 1204. In other embodiments, shell 1210 may have a
different shape. Shell 1210 is made of an elastomeric Material
such as silicone rubber, neoprene, a thermoplastic elastomer, or
a similar material. Shell 1210 may be approximately 2-3 mm
thick, for example, and have an aspect ratio between about 1.4
to 2.0, for example. The diameter of shell 1210 may be between
about 0.10 inch and 2.0 inch, for example. The height of shell
1210 may be between about 0.25 inch and 3.0 inches, for example.
Sensing device 1200 has a low center of gravity. Sensing
device 1200 has an effective specific gravity between about 0.9
to 1.5.
Sensing device 1200 may be pressurized with nitrogen gas at
about 2-3 atmospheres.
Sensing device 1200 includes a disc 1220, which provides
structure. Disc 1220 may function as a thermally and
electrically conducting disc. Disc 1220 may therefore function
as a temperature measuring disc. Disc 1220 is a circular disc
disposed perpendicular to the axis of the sensing device (the
axis being defined as the line between the narrower end 1202 and
the flatter end 1204).
Sensing device 1200 also includes a metallic and
electrically conducting substance 1240 at the flatter end 1204
to provide a weight at the flatter end 1204; the additional
weight causes sensing device 1200 to float with an orientation
such that the narrower end 1202 remains above the water-line or
fluid-line while the flatter end 1204 remains submerged.
Substance 1240 may be embedded in the inside surface of shell
1210 at the flatter end 1204, or otherwise attached to the
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inside surface of shell 1210 at flatter end 1204. Substance 1240
may include a predetermined amount of a metallic and conducting
substance, for example. Substance 1240 may be copper or brass,
for example. The end of sensing device 1200 with flatter end
1204 is heavier than the end of sensing device 1200 with
narrower end 1020. Substance 1240 weighs down the flatter end
1204 for controlled buoyancy.
Due to the structure of sensing device 1200, and substance
1240 in particular, sensing device 1200 is buoyant and floats in
liquid or fluid (such as fluid concrete) with flatter end 1204
submerged and narrower end 1202 remaining above the liquid/fluid.
Narrower end 1202 remains "above water" while flatter end 1204
remains submerged.
Sensing device 1200 includes a first electrode 1255-A and a
second electrode 1255-B. Electrode 1255-1 includes a conductive
material fitted through a hole in the side of shell 1210.
Electrode 1255-A is connected to disc 1220. Second electrode
1255-B includes a conductive material fitted through a hole in
shell 1210. Second electrode 1255-B is connected to substance
1240. First and second electrodes 1255-A, 1255-B may be used to
obtain pH measurements, impedance measurements, conductivity
measurements, measurements of dielectric properties, etc.
A wire 1283 or other conducting connection may connect
substance 1240 to disc 1220.
Sensing device 1200 also includes a plate 1230. In the
illustrative embodiment, plate 1230 is disposed perpendicular to
disc 1220. Plate 1230 may include circuitry/electronics. Plate
1230 may include an integrated chip set, for example.
Accordingly, plate 1230 may include electronics/circuitry to
implement antenna 1197, for example and GPS-based location
sensor 1195, for example. Plate 1230 may also include
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circuitry/electronics implementing all or a portion of one or
more of the following components: temperature sensor 1110,
impedance/conductivity sensor 1120, pH sensor 1130, micro fiber
composite (MFC) sensor 1140, accelerometer 1150, elevation
sensor 1160, radio frequency identification (REID) device 1170,
humidity sensor 1190, etc.
In some embodiments, plate 1230 may be plugged into disc
1220 to facilitate manufacturing of sensing device 1200.
One or more sensing devices such as sensing device 1100 or
1200 may be added to a concrete mixture at various stages of a
manufacturing and delivery system. Referring to FIG. 13, in one
embodiment, for example, one or more sensing devices 1200 may be
added to a concrete mixture 1320 while the mixture is in a bin
1310 at a concrete production facility. Referring to FIG. 14A,
in another embodiment, one or more sensing devices 1200 may be
added to a concrete mixture 1460 while the mixture is in a drum
1410 of a concrete mixing truck 1400. In this illustrative
example, an antenna 1435 is located on drum 1410. Antenna 1435
may include a Bluetooth antenna, for example. Antenna 1435 may
receive signals from sensing devices 1200 which are disposed in
the mixture 1460 within drum 1410.
Signals from antenna 1435 may be transmitted to a
processing device (not shown) in the cab of truck 1400. For
example, the driver of the truck may operate a laptop computer
that receives the data from antenna 1435 and transmits it via
the Internet (e.g., to master database module 1611 shown in FIG.
16).
FIG. 146 shows a view along an axis of drum 1410 as the
drum spins. Concrete mixture 1460 spins within drum 1410.
Sensing device(s) 1200 float within the concrete mixture.
Sensing device(s) 1200 may spin around the inside of drum 1410
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within the concrete due to centripetal and other forces. The
narrow end of each sensing device 1200 remains above the fluid
level of the concrete. Sensing device 1200 may transmit data
from time to time; such data is received by antenna 1435 (which
is located on drum 1410).
FIG. 15 shows a construction site in accordance with an
embodiment. The concrete mixture 1460 is poured along a chute
1508 from inside the drum 1410 of the truck. Concrete mixture
1460 is poured into a form to create a structure 1535. Sensing
devices 1200 flow with the concrete mixture from the drum 1410
down along chute 1508 and into structure 1535. Sensing devices
1200 continue to transmit data from inside drum 1410, transmit
data as the devices travel along chute 1508, and transmit data
after placement within structure 1535. After the concrete
mixture sets to form structure 1535, sensing devices 1200
(disposed at different levels within the structure) continue to
transmit data. The data may be received by a receiving device
at the site, for example, and/or transmitted via the Internet or
via a cellular network.
In other embodiments, one or more sensing devices may he
added to a concrete mixture at other stages in the production,
transport, and delivery process. For example, workers at a
construction site may place a sensing device into a concrete
mixture after the mixture has been laid at the site. Workers
may drop a sensing device into the chute containing concrete as
the concrete is being poured from the truck. Sensing devices
may be added at other stages not discussed herein. A sensing
device such as sensing device 1100 or 1200 may be added to dry
components of concrete or to fluid concrete.
In another embodiment, sensing devices such as sensing
device 1100 or 1200 may function within a closed-loop production
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and delivery system. FIG. 16 shows a closed-loop production
system in accordance with an embodiment. Product management
system 1600 includes a master database module 1611, an input
module 1612, a sales module 1613, a production module 1614, a
transport module 1615, a site module 1616, an alert module 1617
and a purchasing module 1618. Production management system 1600
also includes a sensing device 1130, which may be similar to
sensing device 1100 illustrated in FIG. 11 or sensing device
1200 illustrated in FIG. 12. Production management system 1600
also includes an analysis & prediction module 1610.
System 1600 may include more than one sensing device 1130.
Sensing device(s) 1130 transmit data representing various
measurements obtained by sensors, such measurements obtained by
various sensors illustrated in FIG. 11, to master database
module 1611 via a network 1605.
Production management system 1600 also includes a user
device 1660, which may be a processing device sueh as a laptop
computer, a cell phone, a personal computer, etc., employed by a
user to communicate with production management system 1600.
Master database module 1611 may be implemented using a
server computer equipped with a processor, a memory and/or
storage, a screen and a keyboard, for example. Modules 1610-
1618 may he implemented by suitable computers or other
processing devices with screens for displaying and keep
displaying data and keyboards for inputting data to the module.
Master database module 1611 maintains one or more product
formulations associated with respective products. In the
illustrative embodiment, formulations are stored in a database;
however, in other embodiments, formulations may be stored in
another type of data structure. Master database module 1611
also stores other data related to various aspects of production
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management system 1600. For example, master database module
1611 may store information concerning acceptable tolerances for
various components, mixtures, production processes, etc., that
may be used in system 1610 to produce various products. Stored
tolerance information may include tolerances regarding
technical/physical aspects of components and processes, and may
also include tolerances related to costs. Master database
module 1611 may also store cost data for various components and
processes that may be used in system 1600.
Each module 1610-1618, as well as sensing device 1130 and
user device 1660, transmit data to, and may receive data from,
master database module 1611 via network 1605, which may include
the Internet and/or other types of networks such as a wireless
network, a wide area network, a local area network, an Ethernet
network, etc.
Master database module 1611 stores data inputted from
modules 1610-1618, sensing device 1130, and user device 1660.
Master database module 1611 stores data in a memory or storage
using a suitable data structure such as a database. In other
embodiments, other data structures may be used. In some
embodiments, master database module 1611 may store data
remotely, for example, in a cloud-based storage network.
Analysis & prediction module 1610 analyzes data stored in
master database module 1611 and generates calculations and
predictions based on such information. For example, analysis &
prediction module 1610 may analyze certain measurements stored
in master database module 1611, such as measurements of a
concrete mixture's conductivity, temperature, humidity, motion,
location, elevation, etc., and generate a value of or prediction
of a characteristic of a concrete mixture, such as the concrete
mixture's strength, setting behavior, slump, age, maturity, etc.
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Input module 1612 transmits to master database module 1611
data for storage in the form of mixture formulations associated
with respective mixtures, procedures for making the mixtures,
individual ingredients or components used to make the mixture,
specifics about the components, the theoretical costs for each
component, the costs associated with mixing the components so as
to make the product or mixture, the theoretical characteristics
of the product, acceptable tolerances for variations in the
components used to make the product, the time for making and
delivering the product to the site and costs associated shipping
the product.
Sales module 1613, production module 1614, transport module
1615, and site module 1616 communicate various items of
information relating to orders received from customers for
specified concrete mixtures, schedules for production of the
mixtures, completion of production, transport of the mixtures
from production facilities to delivery sites, delivery of
concrete mixtures to specified sites, use of mixtures in
construction at sites, etc. Such information is stored at
master database module 1611. Alert module 1617 transmits alerts
to master database module 1611, to customers, and/or to others.
Production management system 1600 also includes sensing
device(s) 1130. Sensing device(s) 1130 may be added to a
Concrete mixture at any stage of production, transport or
delivery. Sensing device 1130 generates and transmits data
relating to various characteristics of the concrete mixture,
measurements of the environment, etc. These measurements are
received by and stored at master database module 1611.
The terms "product" and "mixture" are used interchangeably
herein.
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Data transmitted by input module 1612 to master database
module 1611 and stored in master database module 1611 may be
historical in nature. Such historical data may be used by the
sales personnel through sales module 1613 to make sales of a
product.
In one embodiment, sales module 1613 receives product data
from master database module 1611 relating to various products or
mixtures that are managed by system 1600, the components that
make up those products/mixtures, the theoretical costs
associates with the components, making the mixture and delivery
of the mixture, times for delivery of the mixture and
theoretical characteristics and performance specifications of
the product.
In one embodiment, a sensing device similar to sensing
device 1100 or 1200 may have two portions. Referring to FIG. 17,
' sensing device 1700 includes a first portion 1720 of the shell
associated with a narrower end 1702, and a second portion 1740
of the shell associated with a flatter end 1704. The two
portions of the shell may be manufactured, the plate 1230 and
electronics inserted into first portion 1720, and substance 1240
inserted into second portion 1740. Electrode 1255-A is inserted
in first portion 1720; electrode 1255-B is inserted in second
portion 1740. The two portions 1720 and 1740 may then be joined
and sealed to create a sensing device. In some embodiments,
pressurized nitrogen gas may be injected into the sensing device.
In the illustrative embodiment, second portion 1740 is
heavier than first portion 1720; as a result, when placed in a
liquid or fluid, sensing device 1700 floats with flatter end
1704 submerged and narrower end 1702 remaining above the fluid
level. In one embodiment, the second portion of the shell 1740
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(having the flatter end1704) is heavier than the first portion
1720 (having the narrower end 1702).
In other embodiments, both electrodes may be disposed in
first portion 1720, or in second portion 1740.
In another embodiment, a sensing device such as sensing
device 1100 or 1200 may be manufactured using three-dimensional
printing technology. For example, two portions of the shell may
be designed to have two portions - an upper portion associated
with narrow end 1202 and a lower portion associated with flatter
end 1204. Each portion may be mathematically modeled and the
mathematical model then provided to a 3D printing device for
production. For example, the upper portion may be
mathematically defined based on an ellipsoid curve. The lower
portion may be defined based on an ellipsoid curve (different
from the ellipsoid curve used for the upper portion), Or defined
based on a circle. Other curves, or other types of mathematical
formulations may be used.
In another embodiment, a production system such as that
shown in FIG. 16 may maintain and offer to customers a
formulation for a concrete mixture that includes several
components for manufacturing concrete. The formulation may also
specify a desired quantity of (i.e., one or more) sensing
devices as an optional component. The formulation may also
specify a stage of the manufacturing cycle (e.g., at the
production plant, when the mixture is in the truck, at the
construction site, etc.) at which the sensing devices are to be
inserted into the mixture. If the customer orders a formulation
that includes a predetermined number of sensing devices, then
the concrete mixture is manufactured according to the
formulation, and the predetermined number of sensing devices are
added to the mixture at the specified stage in the manufacturing
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1
process (e.g., at the production facility, inserted into the
mixing truck, added at the construction site, etc.)
rIG. 18 is a flowchart of a method of managing a closed-
loop production system in accordance with an embodiment. At
step 1810, a plurality of sensing devices are inserted into a
concrete mixture at a production facility. Thus, as illustrated
in FIG. 13, for example, a plurality of sensing devices 1200 are
inserted into a concrete mixture at a production facility. In
some embodiments, one or more sensing devices may be added to a
dry mixture at the production facility. In other embodiments,
sensing devices may be added to a wet mixture at the production
facility.
At step 1820, first data is received from the plurality of
sensing devices while the plurality of sensing devices are in
the concrete mixture at the production facility. Sensing
devices 1200 may begin to obtain measurements and transmit data
immediately upon being inserted into the mixture. The data may
be received by wireless receivers (not shown in FIG. 13) and
transmitted to master database module 1611. At step 1830,
second data is received from the plurality of sensing devices
while the plurality of sensing devices are in the concrete
mixture in a vehicle transporting the concrete mixture to a
construction site. As illustrated in FIG. 14B, sensing devices
1200 may continue to transmit data while floating in the
concrete mixture inside the drum of a mixing truck. The data is
received by antenna 1435, which in turn may transmit it to
master database module 1611 (or to another device in the truck
which transmits it to master database module 1611.) At step
1840, third data is received from the plurality of sensing
devices while the plurality of sensing devices are in the
concrete mixture after the concrete mixture has been laid at a
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construction site. As illustrated in FIG. 15, sensing devices
1200 remain in concrete mixture 1460 while the concrete is
poured at a construction site. After the concrete has been laid
to form a structure 1535, sensing devices 1200 remain in the
concrete and continue to transmit data. The data received from
sensing devices is received by master database module 1611. At
step 1850, the first, second and third data are stored in a
memory. Master database module 1611 stores he data received
from sensing devices at different stages of the production cycle
in a memory, for example, in a database or other data structure.
At step 1860, a prediction of a characteristic of the
concrete mixture is generated based on the first, second and
third data. For example, analysis & prediction module 1610 may
access the data generated by sensing devices 1200 and generate
predictions concerning the strength, maturity, age, slump, etc.,
of the concrete mixture, or predictions of other
characteristics. The predictions may be provided to master
database module 1611 and stored, for example.
In accordance with another embodiment, data received from a
plurality of sensing devices distributed throughout concrete in
a building or other structure being built at a construction site
as part of a project may be used to provide real-time data
concerning the project. Suppose, for example, that a plurality
of sensing devices are embedded in the concrete laid at
different floors or levels of a building. After the concrete
sets, data received from the sensing devices throughout the
structure may continue to provide data concerning performance of
the concrete in the structure. Such data may then be used as a
basis for determining various items of information such as the
strength of the concrete used in different sections of the
structure, the cost of materials in different sections of the
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structure, the pour rate for concrete in different sections of
the structure, and the pour rate cost per hour for different
sections of the structure, and/or other characteristics. The
data from the sensing devices may be combined with other data to
generate some or all of such information. Master database
module 1611 may then allow a user employing user device 1660 to
access the information.
For example, master database module 1611 may generate a web
page such as that shown in FIG, 19. Web page 1900 shows a
construction site that includes a building under construction.
Several sections of building are defined. A user may select (by
clicking on a section of the image, for example) a desired
section of the structure to obtain information relating to the
section. In the illustrative embodiment, the user has selected
a Section 6 (1920) and a Section 8 (1930) of the structure.
When the user selects a section of the structure, master
database module 1611 causes a bar graph representing selected
items of information relevant to the selected section to appear
over the selected section in the image. In this example, a bar
graph indicating strength, cost of materials, pour rate, and
pour time cost per hour is displayed over the respective
section. Other types of information may be displayed.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a method of managing a production
management system in accordance with another embodiment. At
step 2010, an order for a product is received, wherein the order
defines a formulation that specifies a plurality of components
of the product and a quantity of sensing devices. Thus, a
customer may submit an order for a concrete mixture having
desired components. The customer may also specify in the order
a desired quantity of sensing devices to be inserted into the
mixture. The order may be transmitted by sales module 1613 to
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master database module 1611, for example. At step 2020, in
response to the order, the product is produced based on the
formulation at a production facility. For example, master
database module 1611 may transmit the order to a selected
production facility, which receives the order and produces the
product. At step 2030, the specified quantity of sensing
devices are inserted into the product. Master database module
1611 may cause the specified quantity of sensing devices to be
inserted into the mixture at a specified stage of
production/delivery. The order may specify when and where to
insert the sensing devices into the mixture. At step 2040, data
is received from the sensing devices at one or more stages of
production and delivery. As discussed herein, the sensing
devices generate one or more measurements, which may be
transmitted to master database module 1611. Master database
module 1611 receives and stores the data. At step 2050, a
characteristic of the product is determined based on the data.
Master database module 1611 or another module may generate an
estimate of strength, slump, maturity, or another
characteristic, based on the data received.
In another embodiment, a sensing device similar to sensing
device 1100 may function as a signal booster/retransmitter for
signals received from other sensing devices. Such a sensing
device may be dedicated to receiving data from other sensing
devices located nearby (e.g., within a predetermined distance)
and transmitting the data to the outside world (e.g., to a
Bluetooth receiver, to a cellular network, etc.). In an
illustrative embodiment, a predetermined percentage of sensing
devices within a plurality of sensing devices (e.g., one out of
five sensing devices, one out of ten sensing devices, etc.) may
be adapted and/or programmed to perform a signal
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booster/retransmitter function. Thus, such a
booster/retransmitter sensing device may receive signals from
other sensing devices, optionally boost the signals, and
retransmit the signals. Because wireless transmission consumes
significant power, the stronger the wireless signal (longer
distance) is, the more power is required. A sensing device
functioning as a signal booster/retransmitter may use all or
nearly all of its battery power to transmit signals over
significant distances to a Bluetooth receiver or other type of
receiver or network. Optionally, other sensing devices may
conserve power through short haul transmission to a
booster/retransmitter sensing device located within a short
distance, e.g., 0.2 to 5 meters. Booster/retransmitter sensing
devices may be shaped in a manner to optimize antenna
efficiency.
Today a significant amounts of small polymeric and steel
fibers are used to reinforce concrete and asphalt against micro
cracking, and thereby increase structural longevity for public
sector investments. Fibers are typically less that 1.0 mm in
diameter and are up to several centimeters in length. In one
embodiment, a sensing device such as sensing device 1100 may
provide numerous monitoring and structural integrity related
benefits to road and bridge surfaces. For example, in order to
increase transmission efficiencies, fibers for addition to
concrete may be specially embedded in an antenna of a sensing
device. Typical steel fiber dosage to concrete is on the order
0.5 to 1 kg/m3, and the count is on the order of 2,000 (macro
fiber) to more than 20,000 (micro fiber) per cubic meter. Thus,
an antenna of a sensing device that includes a specially
configured micro steel fiber at the rate of, e.g., 1 in 100, may
result in a many device antennas dispersed through a road or
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bridge structure. This distribution may significantly increase
the wireless transmission efficiencies of the sensing devices.
In various embodiments, the method steps described herein,
including the method steps described in FIG. 4, 5, 6, lE! and/or
20 may be performed in an order different from the particular
order described or shown. In other embodiments, other steps may
be provided, or steps may be eliminated, from the described
methods.
Systems, apparatus, and methods described herein may be
implemented using digital circuitry, or using one or more
computers using well-known computer processors, memory units,
storage devices, computer software, and other components.
Typically, a computer includes a processor for executing
instructions and one or more memories for storing instructions
and data. A computer may also include, or be coupled to, one or
more mass storage devices, such as one or more magnetic disks,
internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical disks,
optical disks, etc.
Systems, apparatus, and methods described herein may be
implemented using computers operating in a client-server
relationship. Typically, in such a system, the client computers
are located remotely from the server computer and interact via a
network. The client-server relationship may be defined and
controlled by computer programs running on the respective client
and server computers.
Systems, apparatus, and methods described herein may be
used within a network-based cloud computing system. In such a
network-based cloud computing system, a server or another
processor that is connected to a network communicates with one
or more client computers via a network. A client computer may
communicate with the server via a network browser application
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residing and operating on the client computer, for example. A
client computer may store data on the server and access the data
via the network. A client computer may transmit requests for
data, or requests for online services, to the server via the
network. The server may perform requested services and provide
data to the client computer(s). The server may also transmit
data adapted to cause a client computer to perform a specified
function, e.g., to perform a calculation, to display specified
data on a screen, etc.
Systems, apparatus, and methods described herein may be
implemented using a computer program product tangibly embodied
in an information carrier, e.g., in a non-transitory machine-
readable storage device, for execution by a programmable
processor; and the method steps described herein, including one
or more of the steps of FIG. 4, 5, 6, 18 and/or 20 may be
implemented using one or more computer programs that are
executable by such a processor. A computer program is a set of
computer program instructions that can be used, directly or
indirectly, in a computer to perform a certain activity or bring
about a certain result. A computer program can be written in
any form of programming language, including compiled or
interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form,
including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component,
subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing
environment.
A high-level block diagram of an exemplary computer that
may be used to implement systems, apparatus and methods
= described herein is illustrated in FIG. 2, Computer 2100
includes a processor 2101 operatively coupled to a data storage
device 2102 and a memory 2103. Processor 2101 controls the
overall operation of computer 2100 by executing computer program
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instructions that define such operations. The computer program
instructions may be stored in data storage device 2102, or other
computer readable medium, and loaded into memory 2103 when
execution of the computer program instructions is desired.
Thus, the method steps of FIG, 4, 5, 6, 18 and/or 20 can be
defined by the computer program instructions stored in memory
2103 and/or data storage device 2102 and controlled by the
processor 2101 executing the computer program instructions. For
example, the computer program instructions can be implemented as
computer executable code programmed by one skilled in the art to
perform an algorithm defined by the method steps of FIG. 4, 5,
6, 18 and/or 20. Accordingly, by executing the computer program
instructions, the processor 2101 executes an algorithm defined
by the method steps of FIG. 4, 5, 6, 18 and/or 20. Computer
2100 also includes one or more network interfaces 2104 for
communicating with other devices via a network. Computer 2100
also includes one or more input/output devices 2105 that enable
user interaction with computer 2100 (e.g., display, keyboard,
mouse, speakers, buttons, etc.).
Processor 2101 may include both general and special purpose
microprocessors, and may be the sole processor or one of
multiple processors of computer 2100. Processor 2101 may
include one or more central processing units (CPUs), for
example. Processor 2101, data storage device 2102, and/or
memory 2103 may include, be supplemented by, or incorporated in,
one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)
and/or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).
Data storage device 2102 and memory 2103 each include a
tangible non-transitory computer readable storage medium. Data
storage device 2102, and memory 2103, may each include high-
speed random access memory, such as dynamic random access memory
CA 02919626 2015-10-28
(DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), double data rate
synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR RAM), or other
random access solid state memory devices, and may include non-
volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage
devices such as internal hard disks and removable disks,
magneto-optical disk storage devices, optical disk storage
devices, flash memory devices, semiconductor memory devices,
such as erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM),
electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM),
compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc
read-only memory (DVD-ROM) disks, or other non-volatile solid
state storage devices.
Input/output devices 2105 may include peripherals, such as
a printer, scanner, display screen, etc. For example,
input/output devices 2105 may include a display device such as a
cathode ray tube (CRT) or liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor
for displaying information to the user, a keyboard, and a
pointing device such as a mouse or a trackball by which the user
can provide input to computer 2100.
Any or all of the systems and apparatus discussed herein,
including master database module 1611, analysis & prediction
module 1610, input module 1612, sales module 1613, production
module 1614, transport module 1615, site module 1616, alert
module 1617, purchase module 1618, and user device 1660, and
components thereof, may be implemented using a computer such as
computer 2100.
One skilled in the art will recognize that an
implementation of an actual computer or computer system may have
other structures and may contain other components as well, and
that FIG. 21 is a high level representation of some of the
components of such a computer for illustrative purposes.
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While systems, apparatus, and methods are described herein
in the context of a concrete mixing truck, in other embodiments,
systems, apparatus and methods described herein may be used in
other industries, in connection with other types of products, in
other types of production facilities, in other types of vehicles
and in other locations. For example, systems, apparatus, and
methods described herein may be used in a vehicle (e.g., a
truck) carrying other materials, including, without limitation,
food products, paint, petroleum-based products, chemicals, etc.
In other embodiments, systems, apparatus, and methods described
herein may be used in other locations, including, without
limitation, waste sites, swimming pools, sewers, culverts, pools
and reservoirs used for drainage, toxic waste sites, etc.
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been described herein, the above description is merely
illustrative. Further modification of the invention herein
disclosed will occur to those skilled in the respective arts and
all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the
invention as defined by the appended claims.
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