Intuicom Environmental and Structural Monitoring Case Studies
AUTOMATIC DEFORMATION MONITORING AT CONSTRUCTION AND TUNNELING PROJECT
Situation: A major expansion effort at Washington DC’s Dulles International Airport included new parking facilities, terminals, towers, runways and an underground train system to transport passengers throughout the airport. The extensive tunneling and construction was taking place in close proximity to active taxiways and airport buildings that were to remain operational throughout the construction project. It was decided that a real-time deformation monitoring system was required to insure that the project was completed safely and without disruption to existing infrastructure. Leica Geosystems provide a deformation monitoring systems that utilized robot total stations that took continuous real-time measurements to strategic locations throughout the facility. These measurements and additional data utilized an Intuicom wireless network to consistently and reliably manage the mission critical data transport across the project area.
Communication Solution: Leica Geosystem’s deformation monitoring system took continuous real-time measurements of strategic locations throughout the facility. These measurements and the data generated utilized an Intuicom wireless network based upon Navigator II transceivers to consistently and reliably manage the communications across the project area. Data was processed and monitored at a central location where it could be accessed by airport, construction or engineering personnel. In addition, the system provided automated alarms when movement exceeded pre-determined thresholds.
Discussion: Each Navigator II carries the commands from the software to the robotic instrument and then returns the instrument’s measurement data in real-time back across the network to the processing location up to several miles away. The process is then continued at this instrument while it is also simultaneously taking place at several other instruments simultaneously. The Navigator II utilizes its proprietary Adaptive Multipoint Protocol™ to efficiently manage the data transport across the network. The robust RF performance of the Navigator II provides for effective data transport despite the airport’s challenging RF environment and does so without interfering with any of the airports other communications or instruments.
Situation: Researchers at the Oklahoma Mesonet needed a wireless solution to replace communications at remote weather sensor stations where existing licensed UHF communications were being interrupted by interference with other users who share the same frequencies. They needed a long-range solution that was compatible with the existing remote equipment, while providing easy integration with existing networked data systems.
Communication Solution: Intuicom provided a solution that employs Intuicom Navigator™ wireless data transceivers at the remote stations and a Communicator™ based master/repeater infrastructure. The multiple remote instrument stations make up sub-networks that were centered within 60 miles of the master station that served as the gateway to a hardwired IP based network. From the gateway, real-time data is backhauled to the central processing center. The multiport capability of the Navigator was necessary to connect to multiple dataloggers and instruments at each station. Communications between the Mesonet data system and remote stations are facilitated using Intuicom's network server software, which provides access to remote devices using standard Internet protocols and supports network configuration, performance monitoring and troubleshooting.
Discussion: At each station, multiple sensors provide measurement of various parameters including atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, precipitation, solar radiation and soil temperature. Still or video imagery are also collected at some stations to provide visual information. Campbell Scientific Dataloggers served as the primary interfaces at the weather stations.
NETWORKED GPS and SEISMOMETERS for VOLCANO MONITORING
Situation: The Alaskan Volcano Observatory (AVO) is a consortium assembled to predict and record eruptive activity, and to mitigate volcanic hazards to life and property. Tasked with monitoring several volcanoes in the Aleutian Islands, the AVO were challenged with providing real-time data from dual frequency GPS receivers as well as digital seismometers. The considerable amount of data generated needed to be sent over distances up to 90 km while enduring the extreme arctic conditions.
Communication Solution: Intuicom provided a wireless network solution utilizing Intuicom NavigatorsTM wireless transceivers at the remote locations within and surrounding the volcanoes. The data was sent from these sites to a repeater location on the volcanic island where it is transported back across the open ocean to the Master stations at Dutch Harbor. From the Master location it was handed off to a Communication link to Anchorage for processing and storage. The Network deployed utilizes Intuicom’s Adaptive MultipointTM technology to effectively manage the data while offering diagnostics that were critical when weather challenged aspects of the system.
Discussion: Each station consisted of a Trimble 5700 GPS receiver and a Guralp Seismometer. The instrument data is being sent back for logging and monitoring of the seismic activity at the designated station. The real-time results are used to detect and determine seismic and volcanic activity across the Aleutian Islands.
Situation: Researchers at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) needed a wireless network solution that would provide high bandwidth for networking multiple next-generation seismometers as part of the Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS). The ANSS is currently under development to improve urban disaster response time in instances of large seismic events.
Communication Solution: Intuicom implemented a secure, private wireless network system to provide real-time access to station data. The seismometers, arranged in dense arrays throughout high seismic risk communities, provide high frequency data from remote monitoring locations to measure ground shaking amplitudes and potential damage. In addition to remote, low power operation, the system required long range links in a difficult urban environment and IP access to the seismometers, data loggers and other station equipment.
Discussion: The high interference potential of urban installations presented unique challenge requiring super high-performance communications. Multiple seismic network operators for multiple deployments in several cities where the ANSS is establishing prototype networks have used the Intuicom system.
Intuicom Defense Systems and Homeland Security Case Studies
MOBILE ANTENNA POSITIONING SYSTEM
Situation: A military communications research & development center was tasked with improving an “air to ground” microwave communications link (spanning 20 miles) between an in-flight aircraft and a mobile ground vehicle. While in motion, both the air and ground stations utilized dynamically positioned antennas to sustain the RF microwave link but were susceptible to communication “drop-outs” due to inaccurate antenna pointing. This original system had inherent flaws as it utilized the RF signal strength of the microwave link itself to incrementally reposition the antennas. Should an unpredicted change in position of either the air or ground station occur, the microwave link would be completely disrupted and the system would initialize a random scanning mode (lasting up to 30 seconds) until the antennas would re-lock onto each other.
Communication Solution: To consistently and accurately aim the antenna at each mobile station, a wireless GPS based tracking system would be required. Both the air and ground vehicles would employ an autonomous 900 MHz FHSS wireless link to not only report their own local GPS position but also that of the remote station. A pair of Navigator II units with embedded GPS-WAAS were configured in “tracker mode” with two external serial ports enabled. Repeater “relay” stations were not needed as the Navigator II has a LOS range up to 60 miles which far exceeds the 20 mile limit of the microwave link that it is supporting.
Discussion: Each Navigator II wirelessly transmits its GPS position (GGA & RMC messages) at a 1 Hz rate to the companion remote Navigator II. At each station, the Navigator II will output its own GPS data on Serial Port “A” as well as outputting the remote station’s GPS position on Serial Port “B”. The antenna pointing system at each station processes both the local and remote GPS positions in real-time to generate an “on the fly” aiming algorithim used to precisely point each antenna. Because the GPS positions are updated at 1Hz, the potential maximum “drop-out” time has been reduced from 30 seconds (original system) to 1 second (Intuicom solution).
Situation: A robotic systems developer was awarded a contract to extend the range of remotely controlled unmanned ground vehicles without increasing battery power consumption. The existing design employed a single channel, 1W UHF data transceiver operating at 38,400 kbps (“over the air”) with an RS232 interface.
The customer’s design engineers logically attacked the problem by focusing on improved antennas so as to increase the propagation range without impacting power consumption. However, this resulted in large antennas that were easily damaged when traveling under low clearance obstacles such as tree limbs and cavern ceilings. Adding an RF power amplifier was not an option due to the excessive power requirements.
Communication Solution: The Military Navigator II was selected as it was capable of operating from 225-400 MHz and would be “out of the box” compatible with the UGV’s on-board RS232 processor. The Military Navigator II was configured to frequency hop on 112 channels from 380 to 400 MHz so the original short antennas could still be utilized. By optimizing the “over the air” data rate and setting the RF power output to 4W, overall power consumption would not increase.
Discussion: Without question, the Military Navigator II would predictably provide greater range because of its higher power output and superior receiver performance. In addition, the ability to frequency hop would afford connectivity even in noisy RF environments. Field trials confirmed the developer’s expectations and the range doubled as compared to the original performance statistics.
The Military Navigator II is capable of transmitting RF data at speeds in excess of 170 kbps in contrast to the original, slower transmitter rate of 38.4 kbps. Although the 4W transmitter consumes approximately 4 times as much power than the original 1W transmitter, the Military Navigator II will transmit the data in approximately 1/4 the time. Therefore, overall battery consumption was essentially unchanged and satisfied the situation objectives.
Situation: A US Navy communications support activity was impressed with the Navigator II’s performance, reliability, and capacity to wirelessly track numerous vehicles on base and test ranges. Having fielded many Intuicom units in the past, this customer requested a smaller version of the Navigator II for manpack applications.
Communication Solution: Called the Navigator IIm, this custom designed “mini” variant of the Navigator II features a lightweight yet rugged aluminum enclosure with provisions for an external battery mount. A GPS-WAAS enabled receiver is embedded and wirelessly reports position in real-time. In addition, a copy of the GPS data is also outputted on a serial port that can be interfaced with a user supplied PDA, pocket PC, or other RS232 device for local viewing, mapping or processing.
Discussion: Fully functional Navigator IIm prototypes were delivered in 6 weeks with full rate production quantities shipping several weeks thereafter. Meeting the customer’s objectives and expectations, the space saving Navigator IIm easily fits in a small pack that can be worn by dismounted troops during training exercises. Depending upon the duration of the exercise or mission, the customer equips the Navigator IIm with a camcorder style “slide-on” rechargeable battery pack that has sufficient capacity to provide continuous operation from days to several weeks.
Completely compatible with the customer’s existing Intuicom Navigator II vehicle tracking network, the Navigator IIm extends the ability to wirelessly track all deployed resources by integrating each foot soldier’s position on the battlespace.
MILITARY VEHICLE and DISMOUNTED TROOP TRACKING and NOTIFICATION NETWORK
Situation: A major test range needed an economical method to wirelessly track various military vehicles and dismounted troops to prevent them from entering “hot” zones during live ordinance exercises. As a vehicle or troop nears a “hot” zone, the wireless communications device must also be cable of activating an audible warning system to alert the driver or foot soldier.
Communication Solution: A large multipoint network of license-free Intuicom Navigator II data links with embedded WAAS enabled GPS was deployed. One of the three unused RS232 serial ports on each rover radio was converted to a discrete channel I/O port via the user-friendly configuration set-up menu. Because of the flexibility of the Navigator II data link, only one model needed to be procured and inventoried since any radio can function as a “master”, “slave”, “repeater”, or “slave/repeater”. Fixed “repeaters” were placed on mountain tops to enable communications with roving remote “slaves” located over 150 miles from the “master” radio. “Slave” units were installed permanently in some vehicles while others were equipped with power adapters and magnetic mount antennas to be exchanged between vehicles as needed. Others were placed in portable manpacks with customer supplied battery packs for the mobile dismounted soldier.
Discussion: Real-time GPS position data from each Navigator II roving “slave” unit is transmitted back to the “master” radio either across the networks set up across the facility. Running Intuicom’s gateway server software at the “master” radio command site, the inbound GPS data streams are uniquely identified and are made available as TCP/IP sockets. A third party moving map application easily connects to the TCP/IP sockets and the position of each remote rover is plotted and monitored. Should a rover “slave” approach a dangerous “hot” zone, the “master” radio specifically addresses the potentially vulnerable rover and sends an outbound command to turn “on” the appropriate discrete line output on the Navigator II. At the rover, the discrete “on” signal acts as a switch closure to activate an audible alarm previously installed in the vehicle or in the manpack.
Situation: A training, test and evaluation center needed a way for pilots to receive their target scoring results in real-time so they could make the necessary in-flight adjustments and improve their accuracy on subsequent bombing runs. The training exercises were conducted in all weather conditions and the system was exposed to harsh elements in various outdoor environments. (Often night-time exercises)
Communication Solution: Because of the outdoor, high vibration and shock environment as well as the requirement for the datalink to operate on military frequencies, the weatherproof Military Navigator was selected. Capable of operating from 225-400 MHz, the Military Navigator’s 4-Watt output would easily establish the required communications links in addition to providing GPS position and time-stamping information.
Discussion: The TTE center deployed seismic impact detection and scoring system comprising a network of seismometers and an off-site processing unit. When munitions impact the target area, the resulting data streams from the remote seismometers are fed to the fielded Military Navigator II datalinks and are transmitted to the “master” radio located at the processing center. In addition to the seismic data, the Military Navigator provides both the sensor’s location and time-stamping information via the embedded WAAS enabled GPS unit. At the processing center, the “hit” location is plotted relative to the training target and is communicated to the pilot. The pilot then makes the necessary corrections to improve his accuracy on subsequent bombing runs.
Situation: As part of an exercise for detecting and destroying small submarines near a coastline using aerial assault tactics, simulators equipped with tethered, floating, tracking datalinks were required. Because the datalinks will be destroyed in the exercise, low-cost is a primary concern. To lower the overall system cost, the prime contractor will seal the datalink and other integrated electronics in a waterproof housing.
Communication Solution: Since a rugged (though not waterproof) datalink with embedded GPS was required, the economical COTS Navigator II datalink provided the ideal solution. This solution provides a definable position and data update to be communicated form the simulators back to the command and control center. The network was configured using Intuicom’s Adaptive MultipointTM technology to ensure guaranteed data delivery.
Discussion: In preparation for the exercise, an array of target submarines was submerged near the surface for training in littoral warfare conditions. Each target released a tethered unit that contained a Navigator II “slave” which floated on the surface. Once every second, the Navigator II transmitted the WAAS enabled GPS position of each submarine to a command helo containing the “master” datalink. Attack aircraft then targeted the location of each sub for destruction.
Intuicom Traffic and Intelligent Transportation Case Studies
LARGE CITY TRAFFIC SIGNAL CONTROL (ECONOLITE)
Situation: The City of Denver with more than 1200 traffic signals needed an economical method to interconnect traffic signal communications utilizing fiber cables and other hardwire methods not requiring right of way studies or actions. The Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) required continuous monitoring of system performance to analyze progression and coordination along routes. Wireless was considered as an alternative to their current communication but required scalable capability of bi-directional dataflow (second by second basis) and minimal maintenance.
Communication Solution: Several multipoint networks of Intuicom Communicator II transceivers were quickly deployed to cover key corridors where environmental and budget factors had prevented automated communications. The flexibility of the Communicator II enables any single radio to function as a “master”, “slave”, “repeater”, or “slave/repeater”. Integrated centralized hybrid control and management is very important; central system may poll each traffic controller at up to once per second to collect real time data for manual or traffic responsive modes.
Discussion: Interconnecting traffic signals provides a means of communication between the traffic signals in the street and the central signal system in the traffic management center (TMC). Large agencies have found spread spectrum wireless interconnect to be very cost-effective. Intuicom’s license-free wireless data networks are proven effective for traffic signal monitoring and control (170, 2070, NEMA controllers). Communicator II shelf-mount and Communicator-T rack-mount radios deliver reliable communications. The city is taking steps to optimally manage its vehicle traffic. Additional data may include traffic volume, occupancy, and speed information.
Situation: Growth had caused many small US cities to evaluate ways to best utilize existing infrastructure while maintaining adopted acceptable transportation level of service (LOS). Traffic professionals of one growing city, approximately 50,000 people and about 70 traffic signals, sought to manage traffic signals and coordinate traffic flows throughout the day utilizing wireless communications.
Communication Solution: Intuicom provided several multipoint network zones of license-free, 900 MHz Communicator II transceivers as primary components of a wireless communication system to connect to existing traffic signals. Communicator II enables any single radio to function as a “master”, “slave”, “repeater”, or “slave/repeater” within the network. The Intuicom network connected the Safetran 170 controllers to optimize traffic control system for time of day (TOD) operations and manual modes for typical hierarchy of arterial, collector, and local streets. The resulting solution is a wireless network that is scaleable and flexible that meets the growing needs today and into the future.
Discussion: The resulting solution is a wireless network that is scaleable and flexible to meet the growing city needs today and into the future. Intuicom’s license-free wireless data networks are proven effective for traffic signal monitoring and control (170, 2070, NEMA controllers).
Situation: A US DOT needed an economical, feasible way to wirelessly communicate with ramp metering to best manage the interstate freeway flow of traffic and keep it where it should be (rather than causing upset motorists moving off to use arterials and traveling through neighborhoods). Proper ramp metering was seen as a key element to manager traffic as part of the complete traffic management system.
Communication Solution: Communicator II radios were selected for their proven diverse operating temperature performance, rugged metal enclosure, and long range line of sight reliable communications. Proper operation of the Communicator II multipoint networks for ramp meter data was shown to have a positive impact on traffic flows. Control software, operating back at DOT office and connected to the Intuicom Communicator II by telephone and other copper lines, is actively polling and running command/control with the ramp meter controllers. Data, set at scheduled different time intervals, may contain equipment status, volume, occupancy, and speed information.
Discussion: Ramp metering systems consist of traffic signals located along highway entrance ramps to allow traffic to enter a highway at a rate dependent on current highway conditions. Ramp metering, having been used since 1969, must be implemented correctly to not receive unfair complaints from the traveling public. Highway speeds and overall travel times - through enabling drivers to travel at speeds of several miles per hour faster once allowed to enter highway - are improved simultaneously while some motorists may experience delay at the meter. Properly metered ramps also can greatly reduce unexpected delay times and emission volumes.
One MN/DOT study showed that ramp metering yielded 40 million dollars annual savings to the Twin Cities traveling public. Cost to benefit ratio point out benefits are approximately five times greater than the cost of the entire management system and over 15 time greater than ramp metering system costs alone.
Intuicom Survey, Construction and GeoInformation Case Studies
GROUND SUBSIDENCE MONITORING NETWORK
Situation: The City of Long Beach, CA and prime contractor, Condor Earth Technologies, needed a robust wireless monitoring and control system to provide communications with an array of Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers at remote locations around Long Beach Harbor. Data are used to derive precise station locations to monitor ground subsidence resulting from active oil extraction operations in the area and to monitor compliance with requirements to minimize this deformation by injecting water into the oil fields to re-pressurize them.
Communication Solution: The Long Beach network presented several unique challenges requiring very high capability and performance communications. Long network links had to be established where multiple interference sources exist, including several links through or into the radio busy Long Beach Harbor, one of the busiest commercial ports in the world. Low power consumption was needed to support the use of DC power systems at remote locations. The system had to securely support communications between the remote GPS receivers and Condor's 3-D Tracker GPS processing software to provide error free delivery of GPS data at 5 second intervals. Access to the GPS receivers through the Internet was also required to allow Condor engineers to configure and and control receivers remotely.
Discussion: The network deployed utilized Navigators operating with Intuicom’s Adaptive MultipointTM technology and NavLink Networking Software. This provided the error-free communications required as well as the ability to provide command and control via an IP interface.
Situation: RTK Surveying requires a reliable data link between the base station GPS Receiver that broadcasts the corrections and the Rover GPS receiver that receives those corrections and utilizes them to formulate position accuracy to the centimeter. Field reliability, performance, and increasing range are the key attributes to a successful data link.
Communication Solution: Intuicom provides surveyors and construction engineers a RTK solution for transmitting GPS RTK corrections to improve real-time accuracy. The system provides a license-free alternative to the licensed frequencies commonly used in RTK applications, solving many of the performance and availability problems users may face in areas where many users compete for the same limited set of licensed frequencies. Intuicom RTK solutions are integrated by major GPS equipment manufacturers as well as used by municipal, county and private surveyors needing alternative solutions to their licensed radio systems or telecom providers.
Discussion: Historically, a designated portion of the UHF band has been the choice for this link. However, the FCC requires licensing of these radios and has made it more difficult to attain licenses at the desired bandwidth and power levels preferred for RTK. Converseley, the UHF band has become more crowded and interference has become a significant issue in many regions.
Situation: The City of Danville, VA and Leica Geosystems was looking for a communication solution that would provide community-wide RTK corrections. Danville recently purchased a Leica Reference Station and had it installed at one of the cities facilities. Although an excellent location for a GPS Reference Station, that location was not an ideal location to broadcast corrections from.
Communication Solution: Intuicom worked with Leica and their local representation to establish a communication network to cover the city and the surrounding area. Although the terrain was challenging for wireless communication, a network of several repeater hubs located around the city provide coverage throughout the community. Additionally, once this fixed network was deployed, Intuicom’s diagnostic software was installed to monitor the operation and performance of the network, providing the users real-time feedback on performance characteristics of this communication network.
Discussion: Fixed RTK networks covering 100+ square miles are becoming more common as the benefits to community-wide corrections are recognized by surveyors, GIS and other GPS users. Through the use of a well designed network, corrections can be broadcast through a network of repeater hubs that retransmit the corrections, thus expanding the coverage area over the designated area. Such repeater networks are not practical with UHF radios because of the limited bandwidth.
Intuicom Utilities and Infrastructure Case Studies
WATER DISTRIBUTION SCADA
Situation: Better use of depleted water resources is a main ambition of the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) in Southern California. The CVWD controls distribution of Colorado River water through the 159 mile long Coachella Canal to farmers, businesses and consumers throughout the area. The Coachella Valley Water District needed a robust wireless telemetry system for controlling transmission of water from its sources to users.
Communication Solution: Intuicom provided the Communicator wireless network transceivers for integration within CVWD's existing SCADA system to provide wireless connectivity to flow monitoring equipment and irrigation gates along the Coachella Canal system. Wirelessly connecting to remote microcomputers that control distribution gates allows rapid response to changing needs to be accommodated by the system. Flow and water depths are monitored in real-time, allowing system operators precise control over water distribution and usage. Alarms and automated control are initiated if equipment fails or certain thresholds are exceeded to save precious resources and to aid response time in case of leaks or other safety hazards. The system, enabled by Intuicom transceivers, makes it possible to distribute water based on current needs and availability, providing efficiencies previously unavailable.
