Mobile remote control can be used across industries to decrease operational costs, provide security and enhance customer service. The components of remote control utility are normally a GSM, TDMA or CDMA unit, battery, built-in antenna and, possibly, a GPS receiver. The GPS receiver is used if the equipment needs to be located. The Yankee Group predicted, in 1999, that the number of telemetry units in service would grow more than 500% over the next five years. The growth is likely to be very fast in sectors such as heath care, security, transportation, utilities, municipal services and atmospheric control.[1]
Remote control units can be used for various tasks:
· Automated data reading and reporting from water-power stations, oilfields, electrical networks and other distant or inaccessible locations
· Automatic defect control and reporting for high volume machinery such as copy and vending machines
· Traffic control systems
· Publicity panels
· Weather stations
· Location-based vehicle tracking
· Automatic defect control and reporting for cars and trucks
Remote data terminals are best suited for locations where traditional phone systems cannot reach. Installing them exclusively for data transmittance purposes would be too costly. In addition, remote surveillance is ideal for machines that are geographically scattered in a large area and require regular service. For example, vending machines can be taken care of according to sold items. There is a remote control unit inside the machine and a sensor that sends a message to a central system when one of the items is sold out. This way, employees can fill the machines only when it is necessary.
Remote control is also used for security purposes. Mobile monitoring can be implemented in boats, trucks, cars and buildings where wired telephone lines do not exist. At the time of alarm, a remote control unit sends an instant message to the police, a security company or the mobile phone of the owner. Cost effective and easy to implement, remote security systems are likely to face an increasing demand.
[1] “Telemetry: Red Hot In Ice Distribution” Wireless Week, www.wirelessweek.com, (July 31, 2000)
Tags: GPS, Mobile remote control