SCANNING DEVICE WITH SENSORS AND CAMERA OR TRICORDER

• US 20080088443A1
• Filed: 11/06/2007
• Published: 04/17/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 07/17/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Michael Niemi
• Original Assignee: Michael Niemi
• Inventors: NIEMI, MICHAEL
• Granted Patent: US 7,598,860 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/540
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 19/005 combined burglary and fire alarm systems

Abstract

An application to use of a robotic controller board to manage the influx of data from one or more sensors, and to send that data, in RS232 or serial form, to a Computing Device (see CLAIM VIII). In this case, the images attached are created from a Prototype built for a Palm Handspring Visor Prism PDA with an Eye Module 2 Camera to sense heat, motion, direction and distance from objects from the Scanning device. The Prism also has onboard Clock and Palm OS software that can be used, like Notepad, to take notes, and other built in applications for the user to store data about an incident(s) that the Scanner is recording or had recorded. The Application in its prototype form, and as shown, is short ranged and is meant to be used by a coordinated number of users to find changes hazardous to human life

Claims

I. I:

The device is claimed, properly powered and equipped with up to 36 sensors, can be used as a portable data recorder and to provide data as an on screen alert, and/or to be saved for analysis after some kind of event or threat has been averted or detected. MONROE does not teach portability in the sense of spaces where only a human can reach and a vehicle cannot. It is not obvious in MONROE that the intended use is other duties other than Police for traffic stops, the majority of the claims is in examination of a traffic stop. It is not obvious in MONROE how the device would detect heat, or any other substance in a crawlspace, rooftop or any space not accessible by vehicle, nor does it teach us any other expanded use. It is not obvious nor teaches how a PDA can collect air samples for the devices in the vehicle. The MONROE device and the PDA are separated and the MONROE device makes no claim in control of the PDA.

II. II:

In relation to claim 1, The device can be used, with batteries and the proper sensors, as a personal documentation device in hazardous situations or other conditions, where the danger is masked somehow to the user. MONROE does not teach nor is it obvious how the vehicle itself when out of position or behind another obstacle or barrier where the hazard is not in line of sight with the sensor, how MONROE would detect a hazard that is out of sight or obscured.

III. III:

In relation to claim 1, The device can use an Electronic Compass that can determine the location of the user. MONROE does not teach nor is it obvious how the device or sensors can be used if the operator of the vehicle is considerably away from the vehicle.

IV. IV:

In relation to claim 1, the device can record with the IR Ranger and a PDA Camera, can photograph any change in distance or movement by the program running continuously inside the CPU. In light of PICO and MONROE, claim IV is withdrawn.

IV-1. IV:

In relation to claim 1, The device, when properly outfitted with a camera (some PDA devices do not have internal cameras) and IR Ranger, and properly wired to a vehicles internal electrical system, can take pictures automatically of a vehicle too close;

or judged by PDA programming of distance vs. speed, to be a hazard of imminent collision with the front and back of the so-equipped vehicle. MONROE makes no claim what so ever about how MONROE device can determine a collision or near collision from the Squad Car referred to in claims and another vehicle. MONROE does not make it obvious nor makes claim, nor uses a PICO device, so that the CPU detects that the vehicle is in any kind of jeopardy and give alert.

VI. VI:

In relation to claim 1, the device, when properly outfitted with the Heat Sensor and IR Ranger can visually warn a user inside or outside of a building of the dangers of a fire, or wall, obstruction, or dangerously heated object, when obscured by smoke. MONROE makes no mention of the vehicles orientation as per a wall or if the vehicle can be near an inner wall. Smoke makes occur outside a building but smoke is more of a hazard or nuisance inside a building. MONROE makes no claim how it would alert inside building conditions.

VII. VII. In relation to claim 1 and as a new claim, the Sensor Pack can be equipped with several types of Geiger Mueller Tubes that in conjunction with a DC to DC adapter and 300 volt Capacitor to detect radiation. MONROE does not teach nor is it obvious which spectrum the Geiger Counter is constructed for.

VIII. VIII. In relation to claim 1, the Sensor Pack, part of the device with its own independent program, can give alerts to any kind of computing device, which includes and is not limited to PDAs, Cell Phones with embedded Operating systems, Laptops and Notebooks, Mini and Mainframe computers. MONROE maintains a single program and it is not obvious how the patent prevents the handheld Tricorder or Mainframe fixed Tricorder. Nor is it obvious how it gives users remote alerts outside from cellular phone signals where the vehicle is near a hazard and the user is not. Nor can it claim to alert the User via PDA or cellular phone when the user is about to stumble into a hazard that is not present near the vehicle.

IX. IX. In relation to claim 1, the Sensor Pack with the Acroname BrainStem is in its own housing and has its own power source, which includes an outside cable for outside power and a cradle to hold (and charge) a 9.6 or a regular 9-volt battery. And that the BrainStem, programmed correctly, can read in 3 seconds each sensor, from 1 to 12 devices or sensors that send data Analog, Serial or IIC (I squared C) formats, which including sniffers that gauge the air for CO2, Nitrates, Ammonia, and other gases. When networked, multiple BrainStem boards can read from 13 to 36 sensors. The user has the total control of what the Tricorder is to be equipped for. MONROE makes no claims for addition of gas sniffers. Since all the sensors are connected to a single laptop, MONROE does not make it obvious how many sensors is capable of handling at one time. Laptops have an upward input limit, even if most sensors are USB.

X. X. In relation to claim 1, The Device can use Cameras and Microphones. The CPU program can capture and save sounds, or movies or photos, based on user request or automatically by alert limit from another sensor'"'"'s upward or downward limit. MONROE does not teach how the device can do this in spaces where the vehicle cannot access.

XI. XI. In relation to claim 1, The Device can power most handheld devices if they have the correct port, from the battery in the Sensor Pack, by fooling the handheld device it is being recharged while it is in use. Car lighter adapters use this trick for PDAs and Cell Pones. Neither the MONROE device shows it draws its power from a vehicle and does not teach nor it obvious how it would power all devices portable externally from the vehicle. The PDA referred to in MONROE device does not teach how the device controls the PDA remotely.

XII. XII. In relation to claim 1, The Device pictured has infrared data output signal device and can talk or exchange data in case Cellular signals are not available. The MONROE device does not teach how the device nor makes it obvious how the device can contact anyone if Cellular signals are lost.

XIII. XIII. In relation to claim 1, The Device can be modified to network BrainStem boards together, giving the user access from 12 devices to up to 36 devices. The MONROE device does not teach how the device nor makes it obvious how the device can increase the number of sensors without extensive rewiring of the entire vehicle.

Attached are the figures and pictures as required by the Patents Office for the continuation in part of the application.