Trusted monitoring system and method

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for monitoring remotely located objects with a system comprised of at least one master data collection unit, any number of remote sensor units, and a central data collection server are described. The master unit is configured to monitor any object, mobile or stationary, including monitoring multiple remote sensor units associated with the objects being monitored. The master unit may be in a fixed location, or attached to a mobile object. The master unit is configured for monitoring objects that enter and leave the area where it is located. The master unit may act as a parent controller for one or more child devices, wherein the child devices can be remote sensors or monitors of various measurable conditions including environmental conditions, substance identification, product identification and biometric identification. The master unit is able to discover new remote sensor units as they enter or leave the area where the master unit is located. The master unit can be remotely reprogrammed. The reprogramming can be accomplished with authenticated instructions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 677,164 filed on May 3, 2005, and of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 735,539 filed on Nov. 10, 2005, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. This application is one of a set of related U.S. applications, the set including: TRUSTED MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD (Atty. Docket No. PALO.001A, filed on even date herewith); TRUSTED MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD (Atty. Docket No. PALO.001A2, filed on even date herewith); TRUSTED MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD (Atty. Docket No. PALO.001A3, filed on even date herewith); TRUSTED MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD (Atty. Docket No. PALO.001A4, filed on even date herewith); TRUSTED MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD (Atty. Docket No. PALO.001A5, filed on even date herewith) TRUSTED MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD (Atty. Docket No. PALO.001A6, filed on even date herewith); TRUSTED DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM AND ME...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] An embodiment of this invention provides a trusted and highly reliable self-contained computer-controlled sensing device that can be configured to monitor any object with a variable number of sensors. Some aspects provide tempest construction and remote re-programmability. Thus some embodiments may be deployed for virtually any application from home security to aircraft security.

Problems solved by technology

Two fundamental weaknesses have been identified: 1) the failure to gather, process and disseminate early indicators in an efficient manner, and 2) the lack of a common, interoperable communications platform for distributing all forms of information.

Furthermore, the 9 / 11 attack pointed out the fact that virtually every building, vehicle, public venue and person, regardless of where it is in the world, is potentially vulnerable as a future target.

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