FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present application relates generally to a sensor and a method of autonomous regulation of a sensor.

BACKGROUND

[0003] This section provides background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It should be understood that the statements in this section of this document are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0004] Effectively monitoring assets can be challenging, particularly when a variety of assets with different traits, properties and uses are being monitored. Many systems rely on users to interpret results and respond to alerts when changes to environment are detected by sensors put in place to monitor assets.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] There is provided a sensor that has an outer housing that houses at least one sensing mechanism. The outer housing has a front face, a rear face and peripheral side faces that define a hollow interior. A microcontroller is provided for controlling the at least one sensing mechanism and a power source. The power source provides power to the at least one sensing mechanism and the microcontroller. At least one sensing mechanism and the microcontroller communicate with a database

[0006] In one embodiment, a communication module is provided within the hollow interior.

[0007] In one embodiment, the communication module creates a wireless connection between the sensor and the database. [0008] In one embodiment, the communication module creates a wireless connection between a first sensor and a second sensor.

[0009] In one embodiment, the wireless connection is a Bluetooth connection.

[0010] In one embodiment, a wired connection is provided between the sensor and the database.

[0011] In one embodiment, the at least sensing mechanism is a time-of-flight sensor. The time-of-flight sensor has an infrared light emitter and an infrared light receiver. The infrared light emitter emits an infrared light through a window in the outer housing, the infrared light receiver receiving infrared light returning through the window in the outer housing. The microcontroller is provided for controlling a frequency and a focal point for the infrared light being emitted from the infrared light emitter. The microcontroller includes a timer.

[0012] In one embodiment, the at least one sensing mechanism is an accelerometer.

[0013] In one embodiment, the at least one sensing mechanism is a temperature sensor such as a thermistor.

[0014] In one embodiment, the sensor includes a heater that is activated when the temperature sensor reads a predetermined temperature.

[0015] There is also provided a method of autonomous regulation of a sensor. A first sensor is provided and positioned in a user determined position. The sensor has an outer housing that has a front face, a rear face and peripheral side faces that define a hollow interior. At least one sensing mechanism is provided for sensing an event. A communication module allows communication between the first sensor and at least one compatible device. A microcontroller is provided for controlling the at least one sensing mechanism, the communication module and a power source. The power source powers the at least one sensing mechanism, the communication module and the microcontroller. The power source having an on mode, an off mode and a standby mode. In the standby mode, the power source provides power to the at least one sensing mechanism. The power source enters the on mode to provide power to the microcontroller and the communication module when the event is detected. A database is provided in communication with the at least one sensing mechanism and the microcontroller for storing and analyzing at least one data set. The at least one data set from the at least one sensing mechanism is received by the database. The at least one data set is analyzed to determine whether a significant change to an environment has been detected. This creates at least one analyzed data set. The at least one analyzed data set is send to the at least one compatible device when the significant change to the environment has been detected utilizing the communication module.

[0016] In one embodiment, the significant change to the environmental is based upon a predetermined user value.

[0017] In another embodiment, the significant change to the environment is based upon a library of information in the database.

[0018] In another embodiment, the significant change to the environment is based upon a machine learning response created through the analysis of multiple data sets by the database.

[0019] In one embodiment, the at least one compatible device is a second sensor. The first sensor and the second sensor may share the at least one database or may each have their own databases.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first sensor and the second sensor communicate with each other such that the at least one data set from each of the first sensor and the second sensor are accessible from the database of both the first sensor and the second sensor.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first sensor is programmed to complete a first task and the second sensor is programmed to complete a second task. The first sensor and the second sensor share the at least one data set to arrive at a combined analyzed data set.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first sensor and the second sensor are connected in series.

[0023] In one embodiment, the at least one compatible device is a remote server.

[0024] In one embodiment, a wireless base station is provided. The wireless base station has a station database such that the at least one data set and the at least one analyzed data set from the first sensor is transmittable to the wireless base station. [0025] In one embodiment, the wireless base station acts as a digital geofence with the first sensor and the at least one compatible devices such that each of the first sensor and the at least one compatible devices within range of the wireless base station are wirelessly connectable to the wireless base station such that information from each of the first sensor and the at least one compatible device are transmitted to the station database.

[0026] In one embodiment, the at least one sensing mechanism is a time-of-flight sensor positioned within the hollow interior of the first sensor. The time-of-flight sensor has an infrared light emitter and an infrared light receiver. The infrared light emitter emits an infrared light through a window in the outer housing. The infrared light received receives the infrared light returning through the window in the outer housing. The microcontroller controls a frequency and a focal point for the infrared light being emitted from the infrared light emitter. The microcontroller includes a timer.

[0027] In one embodiment, a further step of controlling a secondary action when the event is detected. The secondary action may be alerting a user, deactivating a machine or any other suitable action based upon user preference.

[0028] In one embodiment, the at least one sensing mechanism is an accelerometer.

[0029] In one embodiment, a predetermined number of accelerometer readings causes the accelerometer to sense the event.

[0030] In one embodiment, a sound profile can be captured by the accelerometer and the sound profile is included in the at least one data set.

[0031] In one embodiment, the at least one sensing mechanism is a temperature sensor such as a thermistor.

[0032] In one embodiment, the first sensor further comprises a heater that is activated when the temperature sensor reads a predetermined temperature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] These and other features will become more apparent from the following description in which references are made to the following drawings, in which numerical references denote like parts. The drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiments shown.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a sensor.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sensor.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the sensor.

[0037] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the sensor.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a plurality of sensors, a remote computer and a handheld device.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a plurality of sensors and a wireless base station.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a plurality of sensors, a wireless base station and an external database.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the printed circuit board.

[0042] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the printed circuit board

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] A sensor, generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 9.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 4, a sensor 10 has an outer housing 12. Outer housing 12 has a front face 14, a rear face 16, and peripheral side faces 18 that define a hollow interior 20. In the embodiment shown, front face 14 and rear face 16 are generally rectangular in shape and outer housing 12 has four peripheral side faces 18, however it will be understood by a person skilled in the art that front face 14 and rear face 16 may be of any shape. At least one sensing mechanism is positioned on sensor 10. At least one sensing mechanism may include, but is not limited to, a time-of -flight sensor 22, an accelerometer 40, a temperature sensor 42 or any other suitable sensor known to a person skilled in the art. Other suitable sensors may include microphones, gas sensors, pressure sensors, light sensors and any other type of sensor known in the art. In one embodiment, temperature sensor 42 is a thermistor, however it will be understood by a person skilled in the art that different types of known temperature sensors may also be used. A microcontroller 30 controls sensing mechanisms and power source 34. In the embodiment shown, a battery connector 13 connects power source 34 to a printed circuit board 50. Power source 34 provides power to sensing mechanisms and microcontroller 30. In the embodiment shown, power source 34 is a battery, however it will be understood that different power sources such as generators, AC power or any other suitable power source known to a person skilled in the art could be used. A database 36 is provided in communication with sensing mechanisms and microcontroller 30. Data sets are provided to, stored and analyzed by database 36.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, communication modules may be included with sensor 10. In the embodiment shown, multiple communication modules are provided and include a cellular module 46, an NFC module 47 and a Bluetooth module 49. It will be understand by a person skilled in the art that a single module or multiple modules may be used. A communication module may be replaced by a radio modulation technology for wireless LAN networks (LoRa) or any other suitable wireless connections known to persons skilled in the art. Referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 4, communication modules sends out a signal and creates a wireless connection between sensor 10 and its components, such as sensing mechanisms, with database 36. Referring to FIG. 6, communication modules may also be used to create a wireless connection between sensors 10. This can be beneficial for the transfer of data where cellular and Bluetooth connections are not available, such as in an underground mine. Data sets can be passed from one sensor 10 to another to above ground sensors that are able to establish cellular connections. When computing, a sensor 10 may farm out computational tasks to other sensors 10. This allows for greater computing power than could be achieved by a single sensor on its own. This allows for complex artificial intelligence algorithms to be used without a connection to an outside network. This may be of particular importance when regulating critical primary and subsystems in remove locations, such as mines, where server-side analysis is not feasible. Farming out computational tasks to other sensors 10 can also help to reduce the load on an individual power source 34. This becomes particularly important when power source 34 is a battery with a limited life span.

[0046] Communication modules may create a wireless connection between a sensor 10 and a remote server, a remote computer or handheld devices 48, shown in FIG. 5. This allows for the continuous streaming of real-time data sets from a sensor or sensors. This can be beneficial in situations where workers may not be able to see the level of a vessel that is being filled and can prevent overfilling which can cause significant damage or loss of product. An example would be the filling of a reservoir with a specific product such as water, gasoline or other liquid products. Communication modules may also serve as an electronic identifier for a sensor 10. As an example, a vehicle and its associated driver can be identified based upon the sensor that is positioned on or in the vehicle. Sensors 10 are also able to identify when they are within a predetermined distance, such as 100 meters, of each other. This is done by storing the identification of preauthorized devices within microcontroller 30 of sensors 10. In the alternative, sensor 10 and its components, such as sensing mechanisms, may have a wired connection with database 36.

[0047] Communication modules signals being sent by sensors 10 allow them to be counted by other sensors 10 and any other compatible device. Sensors 10 are able to parse through the available connections and generate a list of all available connections. This can be used to generate a list of current inventory without incurring the cost of transmitting over a cellular network.

[0048] Sensor 10 can detect network conditions and regulate transmission in response to the power requirements associated with those conditions. This can be beneficial when there are multiple network options. Sensor 10 can self-evaluate the possibilities using programmed or learned information and does not require human input to balance connectivity with battery life.

[0049] Sensor 10 may include a GPS module 49. Sensors 10 can utilize communication modules to triangulate their location relative to other sensors by utilizing the signal strength between multiple communication modules. For example, in a row of portable toilets, the strongest signal will come from two neighboring toilets. Sensor identification numbers can be used to identify specific sensors and "sort" what order they are in. This continues until the two end portable toilets are reached. The GPS coordinates of these two end portable toilets are then used to orient the row from left to right on a digital map. Because communication modules can have an exceptionally long range, the physical location of objects can be oriented on a map using GPS coordinates from two sensors. This saves on power and allows for geolocation in areas where GNSS is unavailable such as in insulated or underground facilities.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, a printed circuit board 50 is provided in sensor 10. In the embodiment shown, printed circuit board 50 contains Bluetooth module 49, cellular module 46, NFC module 47, battery connector 13, microcontroller 30, temperature sensor 42 in the form of a thermistor, heater 44, time-of-flight sensor 22, and accelerometer 40. It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that these elements may be included on a single printed circuit board 50, multiple printed circuit boards connected together or in any other way known to a person skilled in the art.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 6 and 7 , a wireless base station 64 may be provided to act as a digital geofence. Wireless base station 64 is generally placed in a stationary location, however it will be understood that wireless base station 64 may be moved as needed. Each sensor 10 located within range of wireless base station 64 that has a communication module or modules can be wirelessly connected to wireless base station 64. Data sets of information can be transmitted to wireless base station 64. Wireless base station 64 has a station database 66 and/or relays data sets to an external database 68, shown in FIG. 7.

[0052] Adaptive transmission regulation is the sensor's ability to regulate when it transmits information to an external database 68 autonomously. A passive environmental monitoring environment is the foundation of transmission regulation. Sensor 10 may only transmit when the percent value of a metric has changed significantly enough to warrant a transmission to external database 68. Sensor is able to determine whether a significant change to the environment has occurred by relying on predetermined user values, a pre-existing library of information in the database or upon machine learning responses created through the analysis of multiple data sets by database 36. A significant change may also be detecting by analyzing the difference between the current and previous value with a null value. The null value may be the first value obtained by sensor 10. A user can set the sensitivity of sensor 10.

[0053] Multiple sensors 10 may provide data sets of information and additional data sets of information to database 36. Sensors 10 may be wired together or utilize communication modules to communicate with each other to allow data sets to be transferred between sensors. This is particularly valuable when a large area is being mapped and all sensors 10 are not in communicating range with wireless base station 64 or where one sensor 10 has a malfunctioning component and needs to be replaced with a new sensor 10. It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that other situations may benefit from the ability of sensors 10 to communicate with each other. Sensors 10 may be connected in series. The information from hundreds of sensors 10 may be collected and transmitted over a network from a single sensor 10. This can reduce battery consumption by limiting network transmissions and saving on connecting multiple sensors 10. The sensor that transmits the data from all of the sensors can change based upon user preference. In one embodiment, utilizing a different sensor 10 to transmit data sets every month helps to prevent the sensor being used from having a compromised battery. [0054] Referring to FIG. 4, sensor 10 is designed to monitor and respond to changes in its environment continually. Activity and movement is detected most often by accelerometer 40, which allows microcontroller 30 to regulate other sensing mechanisms such as time-of-flight sensor 22 and temperature sensor 42, communication modules, including cellular module 46, NFC module 47 and Bluetooth module 49, GPS module 49 and any other elements that are power-intensive. When activity or movement is detected, sensor 10 is able to learn how it affects the area being mapped, fluid levels, location of sensor 10 and other items. This includes learning how many events equate to a meaningful percent change in level or location. This helps to conserve power because it ensures most components of sensor 10 are only activated when there is a significant change detected.

[0055] Time-of-flight sensor 22 is useful for mapping an area, detecting fill level of containers, and identifying movement within an environment. Time-of-flight sensor 22 is positioned within hollow interior 20. Time-of-flight sensor 22 has an infrared light emitter and an infrared light receiver. Infrared light emitter emits an infrared light through a window 28 in outer housing 12. Window 28 is generally positioned on front face 14, however it will be understood by a person skilled in the art that window 28 can be positioned on front face 14, rear face 16 or one of peripheral side faces 18. Microcontroller 30 controls a frequency and a focal point for the infrared light being emitted from infrared light emitter. Microcontroller 30 has a timer 32.

[0056] Sensor 10 is positioned within an area or container by a user. The positioning of sensor 10 is determined by the user and may be altered as needed to obtain useful readings. A person of skill will understand where to place sensor 10 based upon the type of sensors being used and the information being gathered. When a time-of-flight sensor 22 is used, sensor 10 may be positioned to create a preferred view or 3-dimensional map of a specific area or interior of a container. Placing sensor 10 in a top corner of a container may allow for the greatest mapping area for an individual sensor 10. When a container or area is being mapped, a first infrared light pulse or stream is emitted from infrared light emitter. First infrared light pulse or stream passes through window 28 of outer housing 12 and continues along a substantially straight line until it interacts with an object. It should be understood that object, may be a surface of any item or liquid or any item known to a person skilled in the art that could be mapped by sensor 10. When contact with object is made, first infrared light pulse or stream is reflected back towards sensor 10 as a reflection of first infrared light pulse or stream. Reflection of first infrared light pulse or stream passes through window 28 of outer housing 12 and is received by infrared light receiver. A data set of information that includes a strength of reflection of first infrared light pulse or stream , a reflectance of object , a scattering of reflection of first infrared light pulse or stream , and the time is takes from emitting first infrared light pulse or stream to receiving first reflection of first infrared light pulse or stream is sent to database 36. This information can provide insight into the distance of object from sensor 10, the type of material object is made of, texture, shape, thickness, state of matter, density, viscosity of objects and other valuable information concerning object.

[0057] At least one additional infrared light pulse or stream is emitted from infrared light emitter. The at least one additional infrared light pulse or stream passes through window 28 of outer housing 12 and continues along a substantially straight line until it interacts with object. When contact with object is made, the at least one additional infrared light pulse or stream is reflected back towards sensor 10 as a reflection of the at least one additional infrared light pulse or stream. The at least one additional infrared light pulse of stream and the at least one additional reflection create an overlap between successive additional reflections so that an entire area can be mapped. The at least one additional reflection of first infrared light pulse or stream passes through window 28 of outer housing 12 and is received by infrared light receiver. At least one additional data set of information that includes a strength of reflection of the at least one additional infrared light pulse or stream, a reflectance of object , a scattering of reflection of the at least one additional infrared light pulse or stream , and the time is takes from emitting the at least one additional infrared light pulse or stream to receiving the at least one additional reflection of the at least one infrared light pulse or stream is sent to database 36. First data set of information and the at least one additional data sets of information are compiled in database 36 to create a three-dimensional rendering of an area.

[0058] Database 36 may utilize pre-programmed data to identify object based on data set of information and additional data sets of information. The pre-programmed data may include information related to object size, material reflectance, scattering of infrared light that occurs dependent upon object material, calculations, rate of changing object's size, derived parameters from the reflectance, such as average of last 50 readings, standard deviation of last 100 readings, or average of last 24 hours, and any other suitable information known to a person skilled in the art. Database 36 may also use machine-learning and historical data sets to assist in the identification of object . Machine-learning can provide significant benefits to sensor 10 as it allows sensor 10 to learn. As example of this would be sensor 10 learning to ignore a recurring motion that has no impact on objects being measured such as the swaying motion on a ship. Data set of information and additional data sets of information may be sent to database 36 only after a significant change of a percent value of a metric is identified. The significant change may be predetermined by a user.

[0059] By taking multiple readings with varying depths and focal points between sequential readings, the aggregate values can be combined to create the three-dimensional rendering. The focal point's location is altered just enough that there is an overlap between two back-to-back readings. Overlap between additional reflections of the at least one additional infrared light pulse or stream is processed to generate an average that lies between a nearest and a farthest reflection. To obtain a more accurate mapping of an area, additional infrared light pulses or streams and additional reflections of the additional infrared light pulses or streams are repeated until further repetitions do not result in a significant variance of additional data sets of information. The number of additional infrared light pulses or streams and reflections of the additional infrared light pulse or stream may be determined by a user or may be determined by the standard deviation of a sample set of averages created using the artificial intelligence including simple averages, mean to complex multi-parameter decision making algorithm. The calculated average is then added to the nearest reading and transmitted to database 36. Once the maximum number of permutations has been taken and data sets have been collected, microcontroller 30 utilizes information from database 36 to process data sets. The difference between readings is processed to generate an average that lies between the nearest and farthest readings. With every reading in a set, there are X and Y co-ordinates that represent the relative location of each reading on a plane. The reading itself acts as a Z co-ordinate. These co-ordinates are then used to generate a digital three-dimensional contour of the object's surface. As an example, a normal reading is 100. The predetermined response point is 30% of the normal value. When a change of more than 30% (100+30=130 or 100-30=70) is made, the set of averages is sent to the database.

[0060] A filtering algorithm may process first data set of information and additional data sets of information that are collected by components of sensor 10. This algorithm is specific to each data type, and it helps to ensure that first data set of information and additional data sets of information are accurate and precise before they are transmitted from sensor 10. Because transmitting information is the most power-intensive activity, checking for errors in sensor 10 helps to prevent sensor 10 from wasting transmission power on inaccurate data. For time-of -flight sensor 22, this involves emitting multiple infrared light pulses or streams at various points on the target object and receiving multiple reflections of infrared light pulses or streams to compute an average. Multiple averages are used to create a distribution of averages, and the standard deviation is used to determine precision. The accuracy of time-of-flight sensor 22 is ensured by taking multiple readings and varying the field of view at each point on the target object. These readings from one point are compiled and averaged. Any outliers are discarded. The target object is also verified through reflectance, strength of return, and scattering patterns. Because different target objects return different values, sensor 10 can detect when there is an anomaly and disregard this result as erroneous or generate an alert. GPS location is verified through a complex analysis of the movement that occurred before GPS module 49 was activated. Using accelerometer 40, the acceleration and deceleration in the XY direction can be used to affirm that the new coordinates are offset by the appropriate amount.

[0061] An accelerometer 40 may be used to identify an event. Accelerometer relays data to database 36. Accelerometer may be used to identify if sensor 10 is being moved or if a container or object to which it is attached is moved. Every physical activity that accelerometer 40 detects provides a data set with a unique profile to database 36. The data sets that are created can be analyzed and labelled as distinct events. For example, if the door of a portable toilet is opened, accelerometer 40 generates a unique data set. The act of sitting down on the portable toilet also generated a unique data set. These two events are distinct enough that sensor 10 can be taught to recognize each action as a separate event. Correlations between these two events could be identified and used to provide additional information to the asset's owner. A predetermined number of door openings but no sit down signal could be an indication that the portable toilet needs to be restocked with supplies or cleaned. Sensor 10 is able to use data sets from accelerometer 40 to count the number of actions and infer the number of people utilizing the portable toilet. Accelerometer 40 can be set up such that a predetermined number of accelerometer readings is determinative of an event which causes the power source 34 of sensor 10 to turn on. A time-of-flight sensor 22 in sensor 10 could be activated to cause infrared light emitter to send out the first infrared light pulse or stream. When power source 34 is a battery, this can result in an elongated battery life. When machine-learning is utilized, accelerometer 40 functions may be self regulated to improve battery life. As an example only, if accelerometer 40 recognizes a recurring motion that has no impact on GPS or fluid levels in a tank, it can filter these signals so that GPS and infrared light emitter are not activated by microcontroller 30. As a further example, if sensor 10 learns that a particular action, such as filling a fuel tank, is associated with a large increase in fluid volume, accelerometer 40 may cause microcontroller 30 to activate infrared light emitter to measure the fluid level. This can maximize battery life by minimizing the inefficiency of static count schedules.

[0062] Loud sounds may also trigger accelerometer 40 and different sound profiles are interpreted differently. This can provide value for applications where sound profiles can be used as an accurate indicator of an event. Car crashes, vandalism, and machinery run time can all be recognized by accelerometer 40. An application for this type of information could include a densely populated area where gun violence is common. Although the primary use of the sensor could be completely unrelated, such as monitoring dumpster bin fill levels, recognition of a gunshot, and the associated location, opens up new revenue streams. If there are a sufficient number of sensors within proximity of the gunshot, the location can be accurately determined.

[0063] Accelerometer 40 may be used to determine the orientation of sensor 10 relative to the ground. This is because gravity is constantly registering as 1G of acceleration perpendicular to the ground. This ability alone is generally not considered useful, however when used in combination with calibration algorithms, sensor 10 can self-calibrate for registering surfaces when mounted at an angle. Without this feature, sensor 10 would work best only when installed perfectly perpendicular to the ground to get accurate readings as the surface detected by time-of -flight sensor 22 would appear to be slanted. This may also be useful for characterizing the direction that movement is occurring. As an example, moving a portable toilet up and down on an elevator, such as at a construction site, does not change its GPS coordinates. Without the ability to recognize that the portable toilet is moving up and down, a GPS could be activated and battery life could be needlessly lost.

[0064] A valuable function of accelerometer 40 is the ability to regulate power-intensive activities and prolong the life of power source 34. This is done by associating readings with the data set that is collected from other sources, such as time-of-flight sensor 22 or any other sensor associated with sensor 10. As an example, when sensor 10 is tasked with measuring levels in a portable toilet, the question "how many people have to use the toilet for the level to be raised a meaningful amount?" can be determined by sensor 10. Accelerometer 40 keeps a tally of how many people have sat on the portable toilet while time-of-flight sensor is held in sleep mode by microcontroller 30. Once the tally reaches a predetermined threshold, microcontroller 30 wakes time-of-flight sensor 22 to take a level reading. That reading is compared with the previous reading that was taken. If the two readings are too similar, the threshold is increased and if the change was more than expected, the threshold is decreased. Sensor 10 is able to classify a significant change by converting distance to a percentage of full. This is completed by keeping track of the lowest level that has ever occurred since it was installed and using that information in calculations.

[0065] A temperature sensor 42, such as a thermistor, may be used to identify an event. Temperature sensor 42 relays data to database 36 concerning ambient temperature at sensor 10. Temperature changes can be indicative of a number of different types of events including fires, tampering, extreme weather and any other event known to a person skilled in the art. Referring to FIG. 9, temperature sensor 42 may be used to activate a heater 44 positioned in hollow interion 20 or adjacent sensor 10 to raise a temperature in the event the ambient temperature drops below a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature may vary depending upon the location of sensor 10 and a user preference. When temperature sensor 42 activates heater 44, it raises the temperature of the ambient temperature drops below a predetermined value.

[0066] Movement within an area that is being mapped or an area that has been mapped can be identified using time-of-flight sensor 22. Accelerometer 40 may also provide information that can assist in identifying movement within the area being mapped or that has been mapped. This movement may include movement of a person or objects that causes a shift in object dimensions. Microcontroller 30 can be programmed such that movement within the mapped area can result in a secondary action being taken. Secondary actions can include sending a user an alert when movement is detected or deactivating a machine that has begun moving outside of normal parameters such as a machine being activated and moved outside of normal business hours. As examples only, the movement of opening a door, sitting in the cab of a piece of heavy machinery, such as an excavator, and recognizing the worker's presence are some potential triggers that activate secondary actions. Getting into a vehicle after working hours could trigger an alert to a supervisor's phone. Recognition of a sleeping construction worker could cause equipment to shut down. Texting while an engine is running could trigger equipment to shut down. Sensor 10 does this because it is able to recognize a change to its environment and react to the situation by controlling a secondary system. It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that other secondary actions or multiple secondary actions could also be programmed into microcontroller. Where microcontroller 30 is capable of deactivating a machine, it will be understood that sensor 10 has a communication modules and the corresponding machine has a wireless controller programmed to receive signals from communication modules. [0067] Sensor 10 is capable of detecting the speed of a moving object. This is completed by measuring the change in distance between two data sets on a moving target surface and factoring in the time between those readings. Sound profiles of detected noises and characterizing the material object is made of can provide highly accurate readings. As an example only, as a car passes by sensor 10, it can detect the car's speed using time-of -flight sensor 22. It is also able to generate a point cloud to identify that the target is a vehicle. The surface characterization further refines to recognize surface finishes that are unique to vehicles. As the car passes by the sensor, it will generate a unique sound profile. The doppler effect of the vehicle's sound profile is analyzed to corroborate data sets collected from time-of- flight sensor 22. It is also possible for the sound of the car to activate time-of -flight sensor 22 and trigger a reading. Unique sound profiles such as gunshots, and speeding vehicles can be used to activate time- of-flight sensor 22. This helps to prolong the life of batteries when they are used as power source 34.

[0068] Any use herein of any terms describing an interaction between elements is not meant to limit the interaction to direct interaction between the subject elements, and may also include indirect interaction between the elements such as through secondary or intermediary structure unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0069] In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.

[0070] It will be apparent that changes may be made to the illustrative embodiments, while falling within the scope of the invention. As such, the scope of the following claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples and drawings described above, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.