System, method, and device for data collection in low connectivity environments

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and devices for data collection in low-connectivity environments. In some embodiments, an off-grid portable server includes a processor operatively coupled to an internet access point, a local access point, and a server. The processor is configured to connect to a network via the internet access point to receive data, store the data on the server, and make the stored data available to a user connected through the local access point. The local access point may generate a wireless network such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Zigbee. The processor may encrypt stored data, synchronize data with a central server when connectivity is available, and receive software updates. The system supports storing survey data, multimedia files, and application data, and may operate in low-power mode. A method is also disclosed for collecting survey data using the off-grid portable server, enabling offline data capture and later synchronization with a central server.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 22762.002WO-PCTSYSTEM, METHOD, AND DEVICE FOR DATA COLLECTION IN LOW CONNECTIVITY ENVIRONMENTSRELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 725,979, filed November 27, 2024, titled “SYSTEM, METHOD, AND DEVICE FOR DATA COLLECTION IN LOW CONNECTIVITY ENVIRONMENTS,” the entirety of the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by this reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The described embodiments generally relate to systems, methods, and devices for data collection in low-connectivity environments.BACKGROUND

[0003] Researchers and other policymakers often have trouble gathering data from individuals who live in remote environments. This is particularly true when residents of the environment have limited access to the Internet or only intermittent access to the Internet. Accordingly, these individuals are often under-sampled or not sampled at all during research or policy development. This can be particularly detrimental in the healthcare space, particularly in the maternal healthcare space.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure relates to an off-grid portable server system and associated methods for data collection and synchronization in low-connectivity environments. In one aspect, the off-grid portable server includes a processor operatively coupled to an internet access point, a local access point, and a server. The processor connects to a network via theinternet access point to receive data, stores the received data on the server, and makes the stored data available to a user connected to the local access point through a local device.

[0005] In some embodiments, the off-grid portable server further includes a battery electrically coupled to the processor and may be powered by a solar panel configured to charge the battery. The local access point can generate a wireless network such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Zigbee. The server stores data in non-volatile memory, and the processor may encrypt stored data, synchronize it with a central server when connectivity is available, and receive software updates from the central server. The server can store survey data, multimedia files, or application data, and the processor may operate in a low-power mode when idle.

[0006] In another aspect, a method of collecting survey data in low-connectivity environments is provided. The method includes supplying an off-grid portable server having a processor, a server, a cellular internet connection device, and a Wi-Fi device configured to generate a local Wi-Fi network. The processor receives a survey over the cellular network, stores it on the server, prompts the Wi-Fi device to generate the local network, and enables a user device to connect and complete the survey. Survey responses are transmitted to a central server via the cellular network when connectivity is available. The method may include encrypting survey responses, storing multimedia data, and updating the server with new surveys or software. The off-grid portable server may be powered by a solar panel and battery.

[0007] In yet another aspect, an off-grid portable server system includes a central server coupled to a network and an off-grid portable server comprising a processor, a server, a local access point for coupling to local devices, and an internet access point for network connectivity. The processor receives instructions from the central server and sends data to the central server when connected. The processor may compare and synchronize data between the local and central servers, report newly received data such as survey responses and system logs, andoperate with solar and battery power. The central server may push software updates or surveys to the off-grid portable server.

[0008] The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the DESCRIPTION, DRAWINGS, and CLAIMS.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Implementations will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended and / or included DRAWINGS.

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a system for data collection in low connectivity environments, according to some embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a device for data collection in low connectivity environments, according to some embodiments.

[0012] FIGS. 3A-3D shows a schematic representation of a foldable solar panel system, according to some embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram showing a use case, according to some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The following detailed description provides numerous specific details. Those skilled in the relevant arts understand that embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. The disclosure may also be practiced in different and alternative configurations.

[0015] Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “a step” includes a reference to one or more of such steps. The words “exemplary,” “example,” “embodiment,”or various forms thereof are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or feature described herein as “exemplary” or as an “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. The examples are provided solely for purposes of clarity and understanding and do not limit or restrict the disclosure. It is to be appreciated that a myriad of additional or alternate examples of varying scope could have been presented, but have been omitted for purposes of brevity.

[0016] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of the words, for example “comprising” and “comprises”, mean “including but not limited to”, and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components.

[0017] When a range of values is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. All ranges are inclusive and combinable.

[0018] The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying figures and examples, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific materials, devices, methods, applications, conditions, or parameters described and / or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed inventions. The term “plurality”, as used herein, means more than one.

[0019] Data analysis is a growing field. However, there are significant disparities in how data is gathered and disseminated. For example, researchers and policymakers often struggle to collect data on health from women living in rural or underdeveloped areas. These women may live, for example, on reservations in the United States or in remote areas of Africa. Due to limited technology and access, women in these areas are rarely included in health care datacollection. Unsurprisingly, data collection is often a necessary step when considering further health policy, especially in underdeveloped regions. But women with limited internet connectivity and either no or limited access to a power grid are often overlooked by health policymakers, in part because of the difficulties in collecting data from them.

[0020] The lack of access affects the woman’s ability to report standards of care, abuse, and other needs. Additionally, traditional feedback methods may not be effective in an environment where a woman lacks the freedom to speak out. For example, if a hospital or other healthcare environment seeks feedback from the woman, she may feel intimidated because she does not want to report poor care to the same people who are providing it. Even when information is anonymized or attempts to look so, the woman may still feel intimidated. For example, a woman may feel unsafe putting a suggestion in the suggestion box because the same providers who provided her inadequate care could observe her placing a suggestion in it. Moreover, the woman may fear that the same providers could simply open the suggestion box, determine who wrote the suggestion, and threaten the woman. Taken together, these factors make it harder for women to speak out anonymously and safely.

[0021] Maternal care may be particularly impacted. For example, women in rural areas may be unable to use psychometric evaluation tools like Vedam’s (2017) Mothers on Respect Index (MORi) to improve maternity care and reduce the maternal and infant mortality epidemic. Worse still, women in remote settings experience violence and disrespect in their maternal care at a higher rate than other women.

[0022] Finally, women with limited internet connectivity are often unable to receive follow-up questions from researchers. Follow-up questions are important to researchers who seek long-term data from individual patients. For example, a researcher may seek to follow a mother’s health over the course of a pregnancy, over a period (e.g., 10 years), or across multiple pregnancies to determine whether the woman's care changes during each pregnancy. A keyimpediment to the follow-up questions is the lack of convenient two-way communication. The lack of two-way communication between the researcher and the women may negatively impact the woman’s care. For example, a woman who has reported that she has been the victim of a type of abuse or has a certain medical condition may be unable to receive follow-up care or counseling because of the lack of two-way communication.

[0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems, methods, and devices for data collection in low-connectivity environments. Specifically, the present disclosure is directed to an off-grid portable server that can be customized to gather data and transmit the data to researchers in low-connectivity environments. The off-grid portable server and the associated software application can be used to capture patient data and responses in offline mode in places with limited connectivity, and to synchronize the responses with a central server once the off-grid portable server connects to mobile or conventional Internet. The off-grid portable server may be provided with a solar-powered battery pack that powers both the off-grid portable server and a local user’s wireless device. The off-grid portable server acts like a digital device that can store digital data such as, for example, audio data, visual data, and other digital modes of data storage like PDF documents, JPEG, MP4, and other visual and audio presentation formats. This is important because researchers or others can upload relevant information to the off-grid portable server, which can be used by a woman when the woman is connected to the off-grid portable server.

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an off-grid portable server 100, according to some embodiments. Off-grid portable server 100 may include a processor 102 and a server 104. In this way, off-grid portable server 100 is able to function as both a computer for processing information and as a server for storing information. For example, some embodiments may use the commercially available and low-cost Raspberry Pi as a server. The Raspberry Pi device is an open-source technology that is easily customizable at a low cost.

[0025] Server 104 may be operatively coupled to a SIM hat 106. SIM hat 106 may operatively couple components of off-grid portable server 100, including server 104, to an internet network 300 via a cellular data network. SIM hat is configured to receive a SIM card. Once connected to the cellular data network, information may be exchanged with a central server (labeled “cloud server” above). A researcher may download from or upload to the cloud server. This may be done with a researcher application.

[0026] In some embodiments, off-grid portable server 100 is configured to receive hardware inputs 108. Inputs 108 may increase the capability of off-grid portable server 100. For example, a user can increase the storage capacity of off-grid portable server 100 by inserting a micro-SD card into a micro-SD card slot of inputs 108.

[0027] In some embodiments, off-grid portable server 100 generates its own Wi-Fi network using Wi-Fi module 110. Users in the vicinity of off-grid portable server 100 may connect to the Wi-Fi network using their own mobile devices 200 or devices supplied by a researcher or other policymaker. A participant may connect the participant’s tablet or other device to a WiFi network generated by Wi-Fi module 110. Using a participant application on the user’s tablet or other device, the user can connect to off-grid portable server 100, acting as a server to download or upload information. For example, the participant may download a survey. The survey may be completed while still connected to the Wi-Fi network, or the survey may be completed later and then the user may upload their responses at a later time.

[0028] In some embodiments, off-grid portable server 100 is connected to a solar pack 400. Solar pack 400 may be used to power off-grid portable server 100 when in use. In some embodiments, solar pack 400 is electrically coupled to a power regulation module 112 of off- grid portable server 100. Solar pack 400 may also be used to charge a battery 114 electrically coupled to off-grid portable server 100. Processor 102 may be configured to regulate powerregulation module 112. In this embodiment, the process may monitor the solar charger controller. A DC converter may also be operatively coupled to power regulation module 112.

[0029] An embodiment of off-grid portable server 100 is shown in FIG. 2. The embodiment shows off-grid portable server 100 contained in a housing 116. In some embodiments, housing 116 may be waterproof. Housing 116 may have openings 118 through which cables extend. Housing 118 may also have ports disposed therein. The ports or cables may couple with components of off-grid portable server 100. For example, a charging cable may couple batteries 114 disposed in housing 116 to the solar pack 400. Solar pack 400 may be used to charge batteries 114. In another example, a port disposed in the side of housing 116 may permit a user to directly connect a device to off-grid portable server 100. This may be done through an ethemet cable or USB cable, for example.

[0030] FIGS. 3A - 3D show an embodiment of solar pack 400. As shown, and in some embodiments, solar pack 400 may be foldable to allow for the easy transport of solar pack 400. In some embodiments, solar pack 400 is provided with multiple charge ports coupled to an integrated solar pack battery. The solar panels 402 of the solar pack may fold out. Each solar panel is electrically coupled to an integrated battery of the solar pack. When each solar panel 402 generates electricity, the charge is deposited in the integrated battery of solar pack 400 to charge the integrated battery. The integrated battery may be coupled to a variety of electrical ports. For example, the integrated battery may have USB-type electrical ports formed therein. A user can plug a compatible cord into the electrical ports of the integrated battery to charge a device. In some embodiments, the device may be the user’s own device. Or, the device may be a device provided to the user for the purpose of connecting to off-grid portable server 100.

[0031] In some embodiments, solar pack 400 includes segmented solar panels 402. As shown in FIGS. 3 A - 3D, solar pack 400 has five segments. Each segment includes a solar panel 402. The solar panel segments are foldable and fold onto one another for transport or storage. Thefour images show a sequence of folding solar pack 400. FIG. 3A shows solar pack 400 fully open such that five solar panels 402 are visible. FIG. 3B shows solar pack 400 in a partially folded state where only four solar panels 402 are visible. FIG. 3C shows solar pack 400 in a partially folded state where only two solar panels 402 are visible. Finally, FIG. 3D shows the off-grid portable server solar panels in a fully folded or stored state. In this state, a latch 404 is included to hold the solar panel of the off-grid portable server in a compact configuration. Also as shown, the off-grid portable server solar panels may include a handle. This improves the portability of the off-grid portable server solar panels. In some embodiments, solar pack 400 may contain an integrated battery pack charged by solar panels 402. The solar pack may also include a solar battery regulator. The solar battery regulator may operate to control the flow of electricity from solar panels 402 to the integrated battery. The solar battery regulator may also control the flow of electricity from the integrated battery to the charged device.

[0032] FIG. 4 show a method according to some embodiments. At step 502, an off-grid portable server is provided, the server comprising a processor, a server operatively coupled to the processor, a cellular internet connection device operatively coupled to the processor, and a Wi-Fi device operatively coupled to the processor, the Wi-Fi device configured to generate a local Wi-Fi network. At step 504, the processor receives a survey over the cellular network and stores the survey on the server. At step 506, the processor prompts the Wi-Fi device to generate the local Wi-Fi network. At step 508, a user device connects to the Wi-Fi network and the user completes the survey to generate survey responses. At step 510, the survey responses are sent via the cellular internet network to a central server when the processor is operatively coupled to the cellular internet network.

[0033] Details of the off-grid portable server will now be described. As previously mentioned, in rural areas, individuals may not have access to stable or continuous power or the Internet. The present invention allows a user to connect to an off-grid portable server. This connectionmay be by a Wi-Fi network generated by the off-grid portable server itself. Once connected, the off-grid portable server may receive data, for example, survey data, from the user’s portable device. In this way, the off-grid portable server receives data from the user intermittently. The off-grid portable server then uploads the data collected from the user continuously when the off-grid portable server is connected to the internet. With these processes, the off-grid portable can work in low data transmission environments (those environments where the rate of data transfer over a cellular data network is low).

[0034] When a user connects their own portable device to the Wi-Fi network of the off- grid portable server, a series of interactions can occur. For example, once the user’s portable device is connected to the Wi-Fi network, the off-grid portable server may evaluate the condition of the portable device and send data to the portable device in response to the condition. For example, the off-grid portable server may query the portable device to determine if the portable device has received or completed a new survey. If the off-grid portable server determines that the portable device has not received a survey, the off-grid portable server may upload a survey to the user’s portable device. The user may then complete the survey and either upload the results to the off-grid portable server while connected to the Wi-Fi network in the same incidence or may complete the survey from a localized copy downloaded to the user’s portable device. If the off-grid portable server determines that the user has completed a previously sent survey, the off-grid portable server may query the portable device to receive the survey data. Then, once the off-grid portable server has received data from the user, the off-grid portable server may upload the data to the central server once the off-grid portable server reconnects to a data network (using, for example, a cellular data network). Thus, the off- grid portable server receives all data captured from the local smart device in an offline mode, and once it connects to a mobile cellular network, it uploads and synchronizes the received data to a desktop application for curation, analysis, and use as needed.

[0035] The off-grid portable server of some embodiments is configured to receive data from a central server when the off-grid portable server is connected to a cellular data network. The central server may be located anywhere in the world. A researcher or policymaker may generate surveys that are uploaded to the central server.

[0036] The off-grid portable server may be deployed as one of many off-grid portable servers. For example, a researcher looking at the disparate treatment of post-partum women in rural Africa, Asia, and South America may deploy multiple off-grid portable servers to each location. Each of the off-grid portable servers may be structurally similar or the same and may have the same or different programming. The researcher may be able to identify each off-grid portable server individually. Because the researcher can identify each of the off-grid portable servers individually, the researcher can tailor the data sent to and received from each off-grid portable server. For example, if the researcher seeks to send a survey about government interference in a woman’s postpartum care, the researcher can tailor the question sets each participant receives by assigning different question sets to different off-grid portable servers. Continuing with the example, government interference in a woman’ s postpartum care may take different forms in different countries. So, the research can adapt the question sets for each country, so the most relevant data is collected by the researcher.

[0037] The modularity and customization of the data that can be sent to each off-grid portable server gives the researcher several other advantages. For example, it permits the researcher to tailor questions and answers so that they comply with local data privacy laws. It also permits the researcher to send different data packages to the off-grid portable servers unrelated to surveys. For example, if a certain type of disease or condition is common in a particular area, the researcher may send diagnostic instructions, treatment videos, or other medical material to the off-grid portable server. A user can connect to the off-grid portable server using their portable device and access the information stored thereon.

[0038] In some embodiments, the off-grid portable server can include Al models. In some embodiments, these Al models may relate to the healthcare needs of the community where the off-grid portable server is located. For example, the Al model may be uploaded to the off-grid portable server. The Al model may be configured to receive a series of inputs from the user via the portable device. The series of inputs may be vital data about an individual and may include symptoms the individual is experiencing. The Al model may generate an output based on a ranked likelihood of possible conditions that may affect the individual.

[0039] The central server may update the Al model and may also be configured to receive data about the accuracy of the Al model used. Based on the received data about the accuracy of the Al model, the central server may update the Al model and push the updated model back out to the off-grid portable server. Thus, the Al model may be continuously updated even though it is not continuously coupled to the internet.

[0040] At the same time, the server, due to its two-way communication capability, allows policymakers, researchers, and healthcare providers to access pertinent data and institute appropriate interventions, including remote training and remote data sharing using the server.

[0041] The off-grid portable server may be used in a variety of environments. For example, the off-grid portable server may be used in conjunction with the user’s device to digitize birth records, death records, or other vital statistics. The off-grid portable server may also facilitate the self-administration of surveys or health evaluations of patients. For example, the off-grid portable server may be used by mothers to report health care received while pregnant and giving birth without fear of retaliation due to the privacy and anonymization capabilities. The off-grid portable server may also be used to deliver training material for video for video simulations, refresher courses, and other patient campaigns.

[0042] In some embodiments, the off-grid portable server may be used by multiple stakeholders to gather and analyze data. For example, the Ministry of Education in certaincountries can use the information to determine how many students are in rural schools and also to provide digital syllabuses and course material to the schools through the off-grid portable server. Additionally, national examinations may be administered digitally and remotely using the off-grid portable server. For example, the Ministry of Education may push a standardized test for students to the off-grid portable server and receive the data from the off-grid portable server after the students have recorded their answers.

[0043] The off-grid portable server, according to some embodiments, can be used by students and their family members to download required learning information that has been sent to the off-grid portable server by a central administrator such as, for example, the Ministry of Education or even a local teacher. By having access to the learning material on the local off- grid portable server, the student and their families can download it at their own convenience onto their local devices. This also enables students in rural areas to access digital learning without the need to purchase expensive or ongoing data bundles.

[0044] The off-grid portable server may use several Al-powered large language models such as, for example, ChatGPT or Llama to curate medical books and materials to assist nurses and medics in remote areas with the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses.

[0045] The off-grid portable server also has uses in the agricultural space. For example, the off-grid portable server can be used to deliver learning and training materials to farmers to increase their farm production. A central server may post material to the off-grid portable server about farming practices, alternative sources of soil nutrients that may be available locally to the farmer, and even weather data so that the farmer can better predict and plan when farming. The off-grid portable server may also be used to collect information from the farmer, such as reports of disease developing among crops or livestock, expected yields, and expected delivery dates that the farmer anticipates delivering their crop to a market. This data can be used to help central planners ensure the safety of a local food supply.

[0046] In some embodiments, the off-grid portable server or components thereof may have voice recognition capabilities to aid people with limited reading abilities or disabilities (for example, blindness). The voice component of the off-grid portable server may be configured to operate in a local language.

[0047] The off-grid portable server disclosed herein has several advantages when compared to other alternatives. For example, a product known as the SolarSPELL also has some off-grid capabilities, but it is an expensive device ($30,000 U.S. dollars or more), and does not have internet connectivity. So, while this device may operate as a server locally, it is unable to receive new data from a central source or to report user feedback, such as surveys, to the central source.

[0048] A researcher may download from or upload to the cloud server. This may be done with a researcher application. The researcher application may include information about each survey. For example, as shown in the sample table below, a survey with 55 participants is identified. The survey has been published, meaning it is available to the off-grid portable server, but it has not been delivered yet, likely because the off-grid portable server has not connected to the network recently.Sample table

[0049] More specifically, this disclosure, its aspects and embodiments, are not limited to the specific material types, components, methods, or other examples disclosed herein. Many additional material types, components, methods, and procedures known in the art are contemplated for use with particular implementations from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular implementations are disclosed, such implementations and implementing components may comprise any components, models, types, materials, versions,quantities, and / or the like as is known in the art for such systems and implementing components, consistent with the intended operation.

[0050] Many additional implementations are possible. Further implementations are within the CLAIMS.

[0051] It will be understood that implementations of the preceding disclosure include but are not limited to the specific components disclosed herein, as virtually any components consistent with the intended operation may be utilized. Accordingly, for example, it should be understood that, while the drawings and accompanying text show and describe particular implementations, any such implementation may comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, class, grade, measurement, concentration, material, weight, quantity, and / or the like consistent with the intended operation.

[0052] The concepts disclosed herein are not limited to the specific embodiments shown herein. For example, it is specifically contemplated that the components included in particular embodiments may be formed of any of many different types of materials or combinations that can readily be formed into shaped objects and that are consistent with the intended operation of the disclosure. For example, the components may be formed of: rubbers (synthetic and / or natural) and / or other like materials; glasses (such as fiberglass), carbon-fiber, aramid-fiber, any combination therefore, and / or other like materials; elastomers and / or other like materials; polymers such as thermoplastics (such as ABS, fluoropolymers, polyacetal, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polysulfone, and / or the like, thermosets (such as epoxy, phenolic resin, polyimide, polyurethane, and / or the like), and / or other like materials; plastics and / or other like materials; composites and / or other like materials; metals, such as zinc, magnesium, titanium, copper, iron, steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel, stainless steel, spring steel, aluminum, and / or other like materials; and / or any combination of the foregoing.

[0053] Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure may be manufactured separately and then assembled together, or any or all of the components may be manufactured simultaneously and integrally joined with one another. Manufacture of these components separately or simultaneously, as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, may involve 3-D printing, extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming, injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting, forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning, grinding, stamping, cutting, bending, welding, soldering, hardening, riveting, punching, plating, and / or the like. If any of the components are manufactured separately, they may then be coupled or removably coupled with one another in any manner, such as with adhesive, a weld, a fastener, any combination thereof, and / or the like for example, depending on, among other considerations, the particular material(s) forming the components.

[0054] In places where the description above refers to particular implementations, it should be readily apparent that a number of modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof and that these implementations may be applied to other implementations disclosed or undisclosed. The presently disclosed are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An off-grid portable server, comprising: a processor; an internet access point operatively coupled to the processor; a local access point operatively coupled to the processor and configured to operatively couple to a local device; and a server operatively coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to connect to a network via the internet access point to receive data, wherein the processor is configured to store the received data on the server, and wherein the processor is configured to make the stored data available to a user connected to the local access point via the local device.

2. The off-grid portable server of claim 1, further comprising a battery, the battery electrically coupled to the processor.

3. The off-grid portable server of claim 1, further comprising a solar panel, wherein the solar panel is configured to charge a battery electrically coupled to the processor.

4. The off-grid portable server of claim 1, wherein the local access point is configured to generate a wireless network selected from the group consisting of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee.

5. The off-grid portable server of claim 1, wherein the server is further configured to store data in a non-volatile memory.

6. The off-grid portable server of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to encrypt the stored data.

7. The off-grid portable server of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to synchronize the stored data with a central server when the internet access point is available.

8. The off-grid portable server of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to receive software updates from the central server via the internet access point.

9. The off-grid portable server of claim 1, wherein the server is further configured to store survey data, multimedia files, or application data.

10. The off-grid portable server of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to operate in a low-power mode when not actively transmitting or receiving data.

11. A method of collecting survey data in a low data connectivity environment, the method comprising: providing an off-grid portable server, the off-grid portable server comprising: a processor; a server, the server operatively coupled to the processor; a cellular internet connection device operatively coupled to the processor; and a Wi-Fi device operatively coupled to the processor, the Wi-Fi device configured to generate a local Wi-Fi network, receiving, at the processor, a survey over the cellular network and storing the survey on the server; prompting, by the processor, the Wi-Fi device to generate the local Wi-Fi network; connecting a user device to the Wi-Fi network and completing the survey to generate survey responses; and sending the survey responses via the cellular internet network to a central server when the processor is operatively coupled to the cellular internet network.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising encrypting the survey responses prior to sending to the central server.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising storing multimedia data received from the user device on the server.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising updating the off-grid portable server with new surveys or software from the central server.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the off-grid portable server is powered by a solar panel and battery.

16. An off-grid portable server system comprising: a central server coupled to a network;an off-grid portable server, the off-grid portable server comprising: a processor and a server; a local access point, the local access point configured to couple the processor and server to a local device; and an internet access point, the internet access point configured to connect the processor and server to the network; wherein the processor is configured to receive instructions from the central server, and wherein the processor is configured to send data to the central server when connected to the network.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the processor is further configured to compare data stored on the server with data stored on the central server and to synchronize any differences between the two.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the processor is further configured to report any data received since the processor last uploaded data to the central server, including survey responses, device status, and system logs.

19. The system of claim 16, wherein the off-grid portable server further comprises a solar panel and battery for power.

20. The system of claim 16, wherein the central server is configured to push software updates or surveys to the off-grid portable server.

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