Abstract: Remote configuration of a sensor for monitoring the structural integrity of a building involves the sensor, a gateway and a Web server. The gateway transmits configuration changes to the sensor over digital communication links established between the sensor and the gateway for interrogation of structural integrity information. Configuration changes are prompted by a human network administrator remote from the gateway and sensor using a standard Web browser. At the behest of the human network administrator, the Web server instructs the gateway to make specified changes to the sensor.

Abstract: Digital communication system for monitoring structural integrity of a building and sensor therefor. The system includes a sensor that communicates structural integrity information to a gateway via a digital communication link. The digital communication link is preferably a bidirectional wireless link that supports packetized data transfer between the sensor and the gateway. Via the digital communication link, the sensor reports numerous types of structural integrity information upon interrogation by the gateway and may initiate transfer of structural integrity information interstitially upon an alarm threshold being surpassed.

Abstract: A sensor for a system adapted to monitor the structural integrity of a building enters a power conserving sleep mode in which the supply of power is inhibited to nonessential functions, including sensing functions and radio functions. A real time clock on the sensor preferably prompts periodic wake up of the sensor from sleep mode, at which time the supply of power to the sensing functions and radio functions is resumed if indicated to perform monitoring and reporting of structural integrity information.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the structural integrity of a building uses a frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) hunt protocol to establish a digital communication link between a sensor and other nodes of the system. The sensor's role in the FHSS hunt protocol is limited, thereby minimizing the sensor's power consumption and extending its battery life. Installer devices and gateways in the system are adapted to continuously perform a first sequence including transmitting a HELLO signal and listening for an ACK signal responsive to the HELLO signal, while a sensor is adapted to selectively perform a second sequence including listening for the HELLO signal and transmitting the ACK signal.

Abstract: Initialization of a sensor for monitoring the structural integrity of a building involves the sensor, a gateway and an installer device. An automated initialization brings the sensor online and enables the sensor for remote monitoring without requiring on-site manual configuration. Through the automated initialization, the sensor joins a logical communication group and a GPS location associated with the sensor becomes remotely accessible by a human network administrator.