Handheld system for information acquisition, verification, recording, processing, display and communication
First Claim
1. A portable integrated configuration for supporting activities at remote locations, said activities to include but not be limited to collecting, preserving, integrating, processing and communicating information and collecting, marking, tracking, and transporting specimens, comprising:
- a central processing unit (CPU) having at least some of the capabilities of a personal computer;
instrumentation, wherein said instrumentation may communicate directly with said CPU, other instrumentation, or both;
hardware interfaces, wherein said hardware interfaces may be employed between said instrumentation and said CPU and between two or more items of said instrumentation;
software interfaces, wherein said software interfaces may be employed between said instrumentation and said CPU and between two or more items of said instrumentation;
at least one Global Positioning System (GPS) device integrated with a Global Information System (GIS) in operable communication with at least said CPU, wherein said combination of said GPS device and a GIS provides geo-spatially referenced attribute data that expedites the resolution of spatial relationships;
means for communications, wherein said means for communications facilitate operation among said portable integrated configuration, at least said instrumentation and at least one off-site location;
at least one input/output device; and
at least one display.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A portable system and method that automates collection, integration, analysis, reporting and archiving of data and collection and archiving of specimens in a variety of applications while insuring chain of custody integrity not attainable conventionally. Applications include: forensics, municipal management, utility management, real estate, insurance, environmental protection and remediation, safety, security, education, emergency management, land use, fish and wildlife management, construction and maintenance of highways and waterways, mining, timber, agricultural, resource exploration, manufacturing, recreational management, urban restoration, military, and archaeological preservation. Select embodiments integrate a number of functions in a handheld device, employing digital technology, integrated sensors, marking, tracking and monitoring tags, and specialized software as well as processors for analysis, such as CPUs, ASICs, PCs and the like. Select embodiments are useful to increase efficiency and reduce cost for post-processing and real-time data and specimen collection, reporting, analysis, and facilitate pro-active direction of ongoing field studies.
91 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A portable integrated configuration for supporting activities at remote locations, said activities to include but not be limited to collecting, preserving, integrating, processing and communicating information and collecting, marking, tracking, and transporting specimens, comprising:
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a central processing unit (CPU) having at least some of the capabilities of a personal computer;
instrumentation, wherein said instrumentation may communicate directly with said CPU, other instrumentation, or both;
hardware interfaces, wherein said hardware interfaces may be employed between said instrumentation and said CPU and between two or more items of said instrumentation;
software interfaces, wherein said software interfaces may be employed between said instrumentation and said CPU and between two or more items of said instrumentation;
at least one Global Positioning System (GPS) device integrated with a Global Information System (GIS) in operable communication with at least said CPU, wherein said combination of said GPS device and a GIS provides geo-spatially referenced attribute data that expedites the resolution of spatial relationships;
means for communications, wherein said means for communications facilitate operation among said portable integrated configuration, at least said instrumentation and at least one off-site location;
at least one input/output device; and
at least one display. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method employing a handheld portable device for facilitating the collection of data and specimens, managing the cataloguing and transportation of specimens, and for preserving, integrating, processing and communicating information at and from remote locations using a variety of sources, comprising:
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providing said portable device;
establishing requirements for said managing, preserving, integrating, processing and communicating information;
selecting a mix of hardware and software to incorporate in said portable device to meet said requirements;
procuring said hardware and software; and
integrating said hardware and software to implement said method. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification