We have developed a low cost embedded unit that utilises the latest GSM and wireless technology to collect data from mobile/harsh environments, called MiniMon:

MiniMon Focus:

  • Minimon is a customised low cost, embedded monitoring unit.
  • The unit collects data from various types of sensors and transmits it via Ethernet/232/485 ,3G ,GPRS or HDPSa to a central server for storage viewing.

Diagram 1 MiniMon Web Interface

Diagram 2 MiniMon Map Web Interface

Clients:

  • SPAR Distribution Centre

Application:

  • The software is customised to meet each deployments requirements.
  • It can read in most digital and analogue values using interface equipment such as the 485 Modbus units and some sensors can be directly connected to the unit .
  • The data is stored into a hosted SQL database.
  • The data is used to generate maps, charts and alerts in the web application (see diagram 1 above).
  • Reports can be printed from the displayed graphs. Customised reports can be developed for each client as required.
  • Alerts can be set on the server using simple web pages and will be generated when data is received from the unit above a preset threshold.
  • MiniMon can interface to standard Nema GPS units as well as use GSM data such as GSM tower info to triangulate the position of the unit .This location information can then be displayed on a map showing routes and current positions. 
  • Access can be made to the mobile web portal using mobile browsers installed on most standard GSM cellular phones.

Interfaces:

  • MiniMon can interface to temperature sensors such as PT100 temperature , pressure sensors , humidity, counters, speed, rotation, analogue, digital and status values.
  • MiniMon has also been interfaced to 1-wire devices for low cost temperature, humidity and dew point readings.
  • MiniMon has a few built in digital inputs and outputs and a relay output that can be used to interface to sensor devises directly.

Target Market:

  • Monitoring in confined or harsh environments.
  • Mobile monitoring soutions such as Cold Chain Monitoring .Cold storage monitoring. 

Technology:

  • Embedded device collects data from sensors.
  • Microsoft Windows based Internet server with an ASP 2.0 .net web application stores and serves the data.
  • Database stored in an Microsoft SQL 2005 .
  • Customised reports are manually/automatically generated by users as needed.