How the SenSource Sensor Server Works

Overview of Operation

Sensor Communication: The sensors can consist of any combination of SenSource wired and/or wireless directional and/or non-directional sensors (i.e. thermal imaging, photoelectric, passive infrared or proximity sensors). In the example above the sensors transmit their count values and operating status at random intervals (between 5 and 20 seconds to the Sensor Server through a simple wired RS485 serial connection or a proprietary 900 MHz or 418 MHz wireless signal. The wireless signal is strictly for data communication from the sensors to the sensor server and is NOT compatible with any networking protocols such as 802.11 standards in order to prevent any security concerns.

Data Logging On the Sensor Server: One sensor server is located at each facility ready to receive counts from remotely wired and/or wireless sensors. Each Sensor Server is network configurable with a static IP address and connected to the network through a wired Ethernet port (RJ-45). The Sensor Server receives the latest count value and status (approximately every 5 - 10 seconds) from each sensor then stores it in a temporary memory location that is viewable via its integrated web page on any standard web browser or by querying the Sensor Server using Server Manager Software or by user issued ASCII commands. At user defined logging intervals the Sensor Server will store and time stamp the current counter values, counter ID and status to its historical log. The Sensor Server will also store event occurrences predefined by the user such as communication problems, counter status or configuration changes. The historical log remains on the Sensor Server until it is full (15,000 records) at which time the Sensor Server will begin purging the oldest record as each new record is stored. Approximately 208 days of historical data with one hour logging intervals from one sensor can be stored on each Sensor Server.

Pulling Data from the Sensor Server: The historical log and/or event log can be exported manually or automatically at any time from the Sensor Server using Server Manager Software or user issued ASCII commands. The data and/or event log can be stored in a user specified local or network folder in one of the following formats; CSV, Tab-Delimited, MS-Excel or it can be stored to an SQL Database(The SQL database option is only available when using Server Manager Enterprise Software). The user can define how the files are generated when using the CSV, TAB-Delimited or MS-Excel exports.

Pushing Data from the Sensor Server: The Sensor Server can push data in XML format to a Web Server or an XML Server. This utility is installed on a PC or server and runs in the background controlling the flow of XML data from all Sensor Servers. In this configuration each Sensor Server pushes new data to the specified URL path at predetermined time intervals.

Data Content: Each line of data contains the following information – Server ID, Sensor ID, Differential Count Value IN, Differential Count Value OUT, Time, Date, Sensor State, and Sensor Type.

Automatic Email Triggers: A pc running Server Manager Software in the background through Windows Scheduler can automatically send email to one or more addresses to notify individuals about specific events such as communication problems, specific sensor values, or sensor status. This feature is only available when using Server Manager Enterprise Software.

Reporting: Sever Manager Software can be used to generate graphs and charts for historical data. Data can also be viewed in tabular form or exported to a variety of formats including CSV, TAB-Delimited and MS-Excel. If desired a user can easily combine traffic data with POS data for further reporting