Method and apparatus for wide area surveillance of a terrorist or personal threat

• US 20040119591A1
• Filed: 03/06/2003
• Published: 06/24/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gentag, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Gentag, Inc.
• Inventors: Peeters, John
• Granted Patent: US 7,109,859 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/539.26
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0222 Message structure or message content, e.g. message protocol
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/023 Power management, e.g. system sleep and wake up provisions
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0269 System arrangements wherein the object is to detect the exact location of child or item using a navigation satellite system, e.g. GPS
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0272 System arrangements wherein the object is to detect exact location of child or item using triangulation other than GPS
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0283 via a telephone network, e.g. cellular GSM
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/12 responsive to undesired emission of substances, e.g. pollution alarms
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/006 Alarm destination chosen according to type of event, e.g. in case of fire phone the fire service, in case of medical emergency phone the ambulance
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/012 using recorded signals, e.g. speech G08B25/08 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/08 using communication transmission lines G08B13/19658, G08B21/0286, G08B25/016 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 31/00 Predictive alarm systems characterised by extrapolation or other computation using updated historic data

Abstract

The present invention is related to a means for detecting external threats by the use of methods and apparatuses for the wide area detection of chemical, radiological or biological threats using modified personal wireless devices combined with new advanced micro and nanosensor technologies. A cost effective method is provided for wide area surveillance of a potential terrorist or personal threat. Personal electronic devices such as mobile phones, PDAs or watches, in combination with new microsensor technologies described herein, can be used as a new type of platform detection technology for wide area surveillance of major threats. A “Homeland Security” chip is further provided which combines the elements of geo-location, remote wireless communication and sensing into a single chip. The personal electronic devices can be further equipped for detecting various medically related threats. Similarly modified personal devices can be used to detect external threats that are person-specific.

Claims

1. A personal wireless device for use in local surveillance, the device comprising:

a wireless device having telecommunications functionality and a sensor module;

wherein said sensor module provides at least one sensor for detecting the presence of a harmful agent in the surrounding atmosphere;

a communication system integrated within the device for providing at least two-way communication capability, wherein said wireless device is in communication with a remote wireless network;

a notification signal for alerting an individual about information received by the sensor module thereby providing notification of the present of harmful agents being detected by the sensor module; and

a control system having a microprocessor or microcontroller, wherein the control system is capable of operating the wireless device and the sensor module and said control system is further integrated with the communication system of the device to provide said telecommunication functionality and said notification signal for alerting individuals about the detected harmful agents.

2. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the wireless device is a modified mobile phone.

3. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the mobile phone is disposable.

4. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the wireless device is a modified Personal Digital Assistant.

5. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the wireless device is a modified two-way pager.

6. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the wireless device is a modified watch.

7. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the device has a unique signature ID that can be identified via the wireless network.

8. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the wireless network provides communication to a remote location.

9. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a geo-positioning means for determining the location of the individual bearing the personal wireless device.

10. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the geo-positioning means are based on triangulation technology.

11. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 10 where in the geo-positioning means are internal to the personal wireless device.

12. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 11 wherein the geo-positioning means are based on geo-stationary satellites and further including global position satellite (GPS) technology.

13. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 10 wherein the geo-positioning means are external to the personal wireless device.

14. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 13 wherein the geo-positioning means are based on land-based transmission systems.

15. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the wireless device is further provided with a built-in slot for receiving said sensor module.

16. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 15 wherein the sensor module secures within the built-in slot by the use of plug-and-play type technology thereby forming an integrated dual use unit.

17. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sensor module further comprises a plurality of sensors, wherein the sensors are selected from the group consisting of radiation sensors, chemical sensors, biological sensors and combinations thereof.

18. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 17 wherein the sensor module further comprises microsensors, microsensor arrays, nanosensors, and combinations thereof.

19. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 17 wherein the sensor module is able to detect at least one of the agents selected from the group consisting of chemical agents, radiological agents, biological agents and combinations thereof.

20. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 17 wherein the sensor module further comprises a chip having an integrated measurement and control device for the targeted agent.

21. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 17 wherein the sensor module further comprises a radiation sensor that can detect the level of radiation present in the surrounding area.

22. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 21 wherein the personal device further comprises:

a programmable means for storing and recognizing a given radiation signature;

a means to manually select a function of notification, wherein the signal for notification of an individual is provided by either an automated dial-in of said threat characteristics to an external programmable number via a wireless link or to provide step-by-step screen or voice instructions, important numbers and an audible warning to the bearer of the device relating to the presence of the threat.

23. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 21 wherein the radiation sensor further comprises:

a sensor having at least two microdevices, wherein at least one microdevice is sensitive and at least one microdevice is insensitive to the presence of a radiological agent;

a shielding material, wherein the shielding material is provided on select sensor components;

and means to compare electrical outputs provided by the microdevices, the sensor tailored to recognize specific types of radiation through microdevice detection levels.

24. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 23 wherein the microdevices consist of at least two clocks having doped and undoped crystals, wherein the microdevice detection levels are provided by specific doping and coating of the crystals.

25. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 21 wherein the radiation sensor further consists of a diode which serves the dual function of capture and measurement of an external neutron source.

26. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 25 wherein the diode is selected from the group consisting of boron, lithium doped, and coated ultra pure diodes.

27. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 21 wherein the radiation sensor further consists of a sensor based on the principle of electron tunneling in a nanowire.

28. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 27 wherein the electron tunneling in a nanowire includes boron-doped silicon nanowires (SiNWs) having a gap.

29. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 28 further comprising an embedded capture area consisting of lithium.

30. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 28 further comprising an embedded capture area consisting of boron 6.

31. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 21 wherein the radiation sensor further consists of an electronic directional semiconductor neutron sensor with amplification.

32. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 21 wherein the radiation sensor further consists of a neutron concentration means consisting of a miniature beryllium concave dish.

33. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 21 wherein the radiation sensor further consists of the use of internal logic gate components of a mobile phone whereby radiation sensitive, radiation hardened, and shielded areas are provided directly within the internal circuitry of said mobile phone.

34. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 21 wherein the radiation sensor further consists of a miniature Geiger-Mü

ller tube and associated electronics.

35. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 21 wherein the radiation sensor further consists of a Direct Ion Storage (DIS) MOSFET transistor.

36. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 21 wherein the device further comprises multiple miniature solid state radiation detectors for dual gamma and neutron recognition having build in software and calibration means to recognize specific radiation signatures in said detectors.

37. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 21 further comprising a function for turning the wireless device off but leaving the radiation sensor and notification means on, thereby allowing conservation of a power-supply system.

38. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 17 wherein the sensor module further comprises a sensor designed to detect the level of chemical agents present in the surrounding area.

39. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 38 wherein the sensor further comprises fully reversible sensor arrays that can measure a number of different chemical components simultaneously.

40. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 39 wherein the sensor arrays are provided on a disposable chemical nose.

41. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 39 wherein the sensor arrays are provided on a miniature low power electronic chip.

42. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 38 wherein the sensor further comprises a self-containing disposable chemical nose comprising multiple sensors or a sensor array.

43. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 42 wherein the chemical nose further comprising:

a counter made of a degradable compound for time to replace;

a humidity sensor;

connection pins and an external support frame to allow one step plug in or removal of said nose into the personal electronic device.

44. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 42 wherein the sensors comprise conjugated polymers.

45. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 42 wherein the sensors comprise chemicals doped with nanoparticles.

46. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 42 wherein the chemical nose is fabricated on the chip using printing technology.

47. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 46 wherein the printing technology used is Flexographic printing.

48. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 46 wherein the printing technology used is ink-jet technology.

49. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 17 wherein a dual detection sensor is provided whereby chemical agents and radiation levels are capable of being detected.

50. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 17 wherein the sensor module further comprises a biological agent sensor that can detect the level of biological agents present in the surrounding area.

51. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 17 wherein the sensor is able to detect anthrax.

52. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a built-in power supply system.

53. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 52 wherein said built-in power supply system consists of a rechargeable battery.

54. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 52 wherein the built-in power supply system consists of a one-use battery supply.

55. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the communication capability is provided by verbal communication.

56. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the communication capability is provided by text communication.

57. The personal wireless device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the notification signal is selected from the group consisting of audible alarms, text alarms, text messages, directed connection to an emergency response system, incoming notification, and combinations thereof.

58. A method of making a multifunction low cost personal electronic wireless device wherein at least one function is detecting external chemical or radiological atmospheric threats, said method comprising:

fabricating a personal device using a first set of conductive molecules for building embedded elements of the electrical circuitry of the electronic wireless device; and

using a second set of conductive molecules for providing chemical sensors that are built directly onto an exposed area of said device, thereby reducing the overall fabrication costs.

59. The method as claimed in claim 58 wherein said sensors are provided on the exposed area of a circuit board provided within the personal device.

60. The method as claimed in claim 58 wherein said sensors are provided on the exposed area of a chip provided within the personal device.

61. The method as claimed in claim 58 whereby the method further comprises the use of embedded passives.

62. The method as claimed in claim 58 whereby the method further comprises the use of conjugated polymers.

63. The method as claimed in claim 58 whereby the method further comprises the use of inks or polymers doped with nanoparticles.

64. The method as claimed in claim 58 whereby the method further comprises the use of doped nanowires.

65. The method as claimed in claim 58 whereby the wireless device is a mobile phone.

66. The method as claimed in claim 65 whereby the mobile phone is disposable.

67. The method as claimed in claim 58 whereby the wireless device is a Personal Digital Assistant.

68. The method as claimed in claim 58 whereby the wireless device is a pager.

69. The method as claimed in claim 58 whereby the wireless device is a watch.

70. A self-contained sensor module that may be incorporated within a device for detecting an external threat in the atmosphere, wherein at least one sensor is provided on a chip and provides detection of harmful agents within the surrounding areas.

71. The sensor module as claimed in claim 70 wherein said sensor module is small enough to fit into a small personal device providing a telecommunication capability.

72. The sensor module as claimed in claim 70 wherein the module further comprises a plurality of sensors, wherein the sensors are selected from the group consisting of radiation sensors, chemical sensors, biological sensors and combinations thereof.

73. The sensor module as claimed in claim 70 wherein the plurality of sensors further comprise microsensors, microsensor arrays, nanosensors, and combinations thereof.

74. The sensor module as claimed in claim 70 wherein the sensor module is able to detect at least one of the agents selected from the group consisting of chemical agents, radiological agents, biological agents and combinations thereof.

75. The sensor module as claimed in claim 70 wherein the chip further includes an integrated measurement and control device for the harmful agent.

76. The sensor module as claimed in claim 70 wherein the module further comprises at least one radiation sensor that can detect the level of radiation present in the surrounding area.

77. The sensor module as claimed in claim 76 wherein the radiation sensor further comprises:

a sensor having at least two microdevices, wherein at least one microdevice is sensitive and at least one microdevice is insensitive to the presence of a radiological agent;

a shielding material, wherein the shielding material is provided on select sensor components;

and a comparative system to evaluate the electrical outputs provided by the microdevices, the sensor being tailored to recognize specific types of radiation through the microdevice detection levels, and provide a notification signal accordingly.

78. The sensor module as claimed in claim 77 wherein the microdevices consist of at least two clocks having doped and undoped crystals, wherein the microdevice detection levels are provided by specific doping and coating of the crystals.

79. The sensor module as claimed in claim 77 wherein the radiation sensor further consists of a diode which serves the dual function of capture and measurement of an external neutron source.

80. The sensor module as claimed in claim 79 wherein the diode is selected from the group consisting of boron, lithium doped, and coated ultra pure diodes.

81. The sensor module as claimed in claim 76 wherein the radiation sensor further consists of a sensor based on the principle of electron tunneling in a nanowire.

82. The sensor module as claimed in claim 81 wherein the electron tunneling in a nanowire includes boron-doped silicon nanowires (SiNWs) having a gap.

83. The sensor module as claimed in claim 82 further comprising an embedded capture area consisting of lithium.

84. The sensor module as claimed in claim 82 further comprising an embedded capture area consisting of boron 6.

85. The sensor module as claimed in claim 76 wherein the radiation sensor further consists of an electronic directional semiconductor neutron sensor with amplification.

86. The sensor module as claimed in claim 76 wherein the radiation sensor further consists of a neutron concentration means consisting of a miniature beryllium concave dish.

87. The sensor module as claimed in claim 76 wherein the radiation sensor further consists of the use of internal logic gate components of a mobile phone whereby radiation sensitive, radiation hardened, and shielded areas are provided directly within the internal circuitry of said mobile phone.

88. The sensor module as claimed in claim 76 wherein the radiation sensor further consists of a miniature Geiger-Mü

ller tube and associated electronics.

89. The sensor module as claimed in claim 76 wherein the radiation sensor further consists of a Direct Ion Storage (DIS) MOSFET transistor.

90. The sensor module as claimed in claim 70 wherein the module further comprises a sensor designed to detect the level of at least one chemical agent present in the surrounding area.

91. The sensor module as claimed in claim 90 wherein the sensor further comprises fully reversible sensor arrays that can measure a number of different chemical components simultaneously.

92. The sensor module as claimed in claim 91 wherein the sensor arrays are provided on a disposable chemical nose.

93. The sensor module as claimed in claim 91 wherein the sensor arrays are provided on a miniature low power electronic chip.

94. The sensor module as claimed in claim 90 wherein the sensor further comprises a self-containing disposable chemical nose comprising multiple sensors or a sensor array.

95. The sensor module as claimed in claim 94 wherein the chemical nose further comprises:

a counter made of a degradable compound for time to replace;

a humidity sensor; and

connection pins and an external support frame to allow attachment of said nose to a provided surface.

96. The sensor module as claimed in claim 94 wherein the sensors are composed of conjugated polymers.

97. The sensor module as claimed in claim 94 wherein the sensors are chemicals doped with nanoparticles.

98. The sensor module as claimed in claim 94 wherein the chemical nose is fabricated on the chip using printing technology.

99. The sensor module as claimed in claim 98 wherein the printing technology used is Flexographic printing.

100. The sensor module as claimed in claim 98 wherein the printing technology used is ink-jet technology.

101. The sensor module as claimed in claim 70 wherein a dual detection sensor is provided whereby chemical agents and radiation levels are capable of being detected.

102. The sensor module as claimed in claim 101 wherein the dual detection sensor comprises small doped wires that are divided into two areas, a first area for doping thereby forming an encapsulated radiation detector and a second area for doping thereby forming the elements of a surface-exposed chemical detector.

103. The sensor module as claimed in claim 102 wherein the radiation detector is based on neutron capture and where doping comes from the element boron.

104. The sensor module as claimed in claim 102 wherein the detector further comprises a capture or amplification mechanism.

105. The sensor module as claimed in claim 70 wherein the sensor module further comprises a biological agent sensor that can detect the level of biological agents present in the surrounding area.

106. The sensor module as claimed in claim 70 wherein the sensor is able to detect anthrax.

107. The sensor module as claimed in claim 106, wherein the sensor comprises a first and a second individual level of detection and discrimination whereby the first level is constituted of a micro array of different chemically conductive surfaces deposited on a permanent non-conductive surface having various affinities for coated anthrax spores ranging from positive to negative and a second level is constituted of an array of microelectrodes with sizes and shapes precisely matching the size and shapes of anthrax spores serving as a means to measure the electrical conductivity profiles of the particles fitting within said microelectrodes.

108. The sensor module as claimed in claim 107 whereby the first detection level is produced by vapor deposition.

109. The sensor module as claimed in claim 107 wherein the sensor operates using a multivariate statistical recognition process.

110. A single miniature electronic chip having integrated means for the detection and geo-location of external threats related to homeland security, said chip comprising:

a geo-positioning system for determining the location of the chip;

a wireless communications system for communication between said chip and a remote location; and

a sensing and measurement system provided for the detection of external threats present in the given geographical area around said chip wherein said threats include the detect of chemical hazards, biological hazards, radiological hazards and combinations thereof.

111. A single miniature electronic chip as claimed in claim 110, wherein said chip can be included in any electronic system thereby providing a means to improve global security and the detection of major threats in a given location.

112. A single miniature electronic chip as claimed in claim 110, wherein said chip is mountable in a transportation system for detection and geo-location of external threats carried by the transportation system.

113. A single miniature electronic chip as claimed in claim 110, wherein said chip is small enough to be provided in a personal wireless electronic device.

114. A personal electronic device having a primary communication capability that is modified to provide person-specific external hazard detection capabilities, said device comprising:

a core electronic element having a microprocessor and an integrated memory for processing and storing various detection information;

a sensor module for detecting person-specific external hazards; and

a user interface that is linked to the sensor module and the microprocessor, wherein said interface enables an individual to store information detected by the sensor module in the memory of the device or to provide a signal to a remote location for storage of the information provided by the sensor module.

115. The personal electronic device as claimed in claim 114 wherein a person specific profile of external hazards can be determined by the use of the user interface.

116. The personal electronic device as claimed in claim 114 wherein the external hazard causes person-specific chemical allergies.

117. The personal electronic device as claimed in claim 114 wherein the external hazard causes person-specific asthma due to the presence of certain specific chemicals in the air.

118. The personal electronic device as claimed in claim 114 wherein the sensor module is provided within a built-in slot thereby enabling the addition and removal of external sensor modules.

119. The personal electronic device as claimed in claim 114 wherein the hazard causes a person-specific radiation-sensitivity.

120. The personal electronic device as claimed in claim 114 that is able to detect any person-specific medical condition that is triggered by external factors by the use of a specific sensor module.

121. The personal electronic device as claimed in claim 120 wherein the electronic device further provides the capability of sending and constructing a library of person-specific sensor values associated with the onset of said medical condition, based on the information received through the user interface.

122. The personal electronic device as claimed in claim 114 further comprising an automated functionality of downloading sensor information received through the user interface to a programmable number linked to a secure database.

123. The personal electronic device as claimed in claim 122 wherein the downloaded sensor information is used to produce person specific tailored drugs or treatments.

124. The personal electronic device as claimed in claim 114 wherein the sensor module is a disposable nose.

125. The personal electronic device as claimed in claim 114 wherein the core element is a modified mobile phone.

126. The personal electronic device as claimed in claim 114 wherein the core element is a Personal Digital Assistant.

127. The personal electronic device as claimed in claim 114 wherein the core element is a modified pager.

128. The personal electronic device as claimed in claim 114 wherein the core element is a modified watch.

130. An electronic device for mounting in a transportation system to detect the presence of harmful agents in the surrounding areas and having the ability to automatically relay to a remote location detection information related to the harmful agents, said electronic device further comprising:

an geo-positioning mechanism;

a mobile phone chip having an antenna;

a built-in wake up protocol to minimize overall power use;

a communication capability to provide the transferring of a given message to and from the electronic device.

131. The electronic device as claimed in claim 130 further comprising an external unit enabling the key in of a given dial in number for external communication.

132. The electronic device as claimed in claim 131 wherein said dial in number may be programmed into the electronic device.

133. The electronic device as claimed in claim 130 wherein the message is a fax message.

134. The electronic device as claimed in claim 130 wherein the message is a voice recorded message.

135. The electronic device as claimed in claim 130 wherein the message is an e-mail.

136. The electronic device as claimed in claim 130 wherein the transportation system is a truck.

137. The electronic device as claimed in claim 130 wherein the transportation system is a shipping container.

138. The electronic device as claimed in claim 130 wherein the transportation system has the capability to carry passengers.

139. The electronic device as claimed in claim 130 further including anti-tampering technologies with a remote wireless warning if tampering occurs.

140. The electronic device as claimed in claim 130 wherein the transferred message is encrypted.

141. The electronic device as claimed in claim 130 wherein the device is constructed from mobile phone components.

142. The electronic device as claimed in claim 130 further comprising a power supply system.

143. A method for wide area surveillance of a potential terrorist threat based on direct public participation, such method comprising the steps of:

providing wireless devices to the public wherein said devices have a dual capacity of communication and providing a means for carrying a sensor module unit for detecting hazardous agents selected from the group consisting of chemical agents, biological agents, radiological agents, and combinations thereof; and

establishing an integrated wireless system based on pre-existing wireless networks, wherein the devices would provide corresponding detection information of hazardous agents to an emergency response network.

144. The method as claimed in claim 143 further comprising the step of providing specialized wireless network software and protocols to recognize threats based on the detection of hazardous agents.

145. The method as claimed in claim 144 wherein said software and protocols is capable of eliminating false positives.

146. The method as claimed in claim 143 further comprising using a geo-location positioning means in order to detect the location of modified wireless devices providing the hazardous detection information.

147. The method as claimed in claim 146 wherein said geo-location positioning means is based on land-based triangulation geo-positioning methods.

148. The method as claimed in claim 146 wherein said geo-location positioning means is based on global positioning satellite (GPS) systems.

149. The method as claimed in claim 146 wherein said geo-location positioning means is based on a combination of land-based triangulation positioning methods and global positioning satellite systems.

150. The method as claimed in claim 143 wherein the emergency network response system includes 911, E911, and other emergency response providers.

151. The method as claimed in claim 143 wherein said wireless devices are modified mobile phones.

152. The method as claimed in claim 151 wherein said modified mobile phones are disposable.

153. The method as claimed in claim 143 wherein said wireless device is a modified Personal Digital Assistant.

154. The method as claimed in claim 143 wherein said wireless device is a modified two-way pager.

155. The method as claimed in claim 143 wherein said wireless device is a modified watch.

156. The method as claimed in claim 143 wherein the surveillance system is adaptable to any wireless network in any given country.