Remote Monitoring Based on LonWorks Technology: A greenhouse application
Sergio Roberto de Mello Canovas, Marlon Gripp Chermont, Carlos Eduardo Cugnasca, Gilberto Alves Pereira · Computers in Agriculture and Natural Resources, 23-25 July 2006, Orlando Florida · 2013
LonWorks technology is an open specification for distributed control networks. It allows theinterconnection of intelligent devices (sensors and actuators) in a way that they are able to exchange data.Each device connected to the network has its own microprocessor, making it possible to distribute theintelligence of the whole system without the need of a centralized controller. Thus, instead of a singlecentral processor, control is implemented through the processing capabilities of each device, whichcommunicates to each other through the network. Interconnecting a LonWorks network with an IP network(e.g. Internet) allows remote access to the network. In continuation to previous researches, this workdescribes the application of the technology in the construction of the automation system of an experimentalgreenhouse. A set of softwares based on client/server architecture allows a remote user to access theLonWorks-based automation system through any IP network. So, it is possible to remotely monitor sensors(e.g. read the value of a temperature sensor) and send commands to actuators (e.g. turn on the lights) of thegreenhouse. The benefits of the application are showed, as well as conclusions about this solution.