IoT 3D volume measurement sensor using ToF technology

3D volume measurement with a ToF sensor

The device features ToF (Time of Flight) technology for three-dimensional measurement of distance, level and volume.

The operating principle is based on measuring the time taken by the optical signal to reach the object and return to the sensor. From the different distances obtained, spatial information on the supervised area can be generated and parameters such as fill level, distance to the surface or available volume can be determined.

This technology is particularly well suited to remote monitoring of containers, tanks, silos and other storage spaces, where a single-point distance measurement may not be enough to determine the occupied volume correctly.

RISC-V processing architecture

At the core of the system is a RISC-V architecture that controls the sensors, manages storage, runs the measurement algorithms and coordinates communications.

FreeRTOS allows the different functions to be split into independent tasks and the acquisition, storage, communication and power management processes to be handled deterministically.

The architecture is specifically optimised for IoT applications that need to combine local processing with long periods of battery operation.

Ultra-low-power system

The device is designed to remain in Ultra Sleep states for long periods, keeping only essential resources active.

The system wakes automatically when it needs to take a measurement, process an event or communicate with the server. Once the scheduled operations are complete, it returns to its minimum-power state.

This strategy considerably reduces power consumption and makes it easy to install the device in locations with no permanent power supply.

Real-time clock and task scheduler

The electronics include an RTC (Real-Time Clock) that maintains an accurate time reference even while the main processor is in a low-power state.

An autonomous task scheduler built on this clock allows different operating events to be programmed.

The device can wake automatically to take a volume measurement, check its sensors, log information, evaluate alarms or communicate periodically with the server.

This allows, for example, frequent measurements to be taken and the data transmitted in batches at longer intervals, significantly reducing the power drawn by mobile communications.

Local storage and file system

The unit features a high-capacity file system for persistent data storage.

It stores device configurations, measurement history, operating records, communication logs, events and alarms locally.

Data can remain stored when there is no coverage and be transmitted later once communication with the remote platform is restored.

This architecture makes the system more robust against temporary mobile network outages and prevents loss of relevant information.

NB-IoT connectivity

NB-IoT connectivity links the device directly to IoT platforms and remote servers over the mobile communications infrastructure.

The unit can periodically transmit volume measurements, fill percentage, alarms, position, battery status, diagnostic information and historical records.

Two-way communication also allows configuration parameters to be received and certain operating parameters to be changed remotely.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth communications complement mobile connectivity and provide different communication options depending on the installation scenario.

Bluetooth can be used for commissioning, configuration, maintenance and local diagnostics, while Wi-Fi allows the device to be integrated into installations with existing network infrastructure.

This combination provides the flexibility to implement different communication strategies on the same electronic platform.

Interchangeable NB-IoT / Itron communications module

The architecture uses an interchangeable communications module, so the device's connectivity can be adapted to different infrastructures without completely redesigning the electronics.

The system can be configured with NB-IoT communications or fitted with an Itron-compatible module, simplifying integration into urban infrastructure that already has this type of network.

This allows the platform to form part of Smart City solutions, smart waste management and distributed monitoring of urban infrastructure.

GPS and LBS positioning

The device provides geolocation via GPS and LBS (Location Based Services).

GPS positioning provides geographical coordinates when coverage conditions permit, while LBS offers an alternative location method based on the mobile communications infrastructure.

Combining both technologies is particularly useful for devices installed on geographically distributed assets.

The remote platform can thus link each measurement to the device's position, making it easier to display on maps, plan operations and manage large fleets of equipment.

Movement and tilt detection

The electronics include acceleration and tilt detection, providing additional information on the physical state of the device.

These sensors can be used to detect movement, changes in orientation, tampering or unexpected displacement.

When a preconfigured condition is detected, the sensor can generate an interrupt and automatically wake the system from its ultra-low-power state, so that the event is logged and an alarm sent to the server.

Battery power

Energy optimisation allows the system to run on battery power, removing the need for a permanent mains connection.

The combination of RTC, task scheduling, interrupt-driven wake-up and scheduled communications allows the power profile to be matched to the battery-life requirements of each installation.

Technical specifications