CA2498852A1 - Low bandwidth asynchronous remote-use data capture and telecommunications system and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to the provision of robust telecommunication to and from remote areas without reliably operating infrastructure such as electrical distribution power grid, telephone networks, and the like using a novel combination of equipment with a reduced data set and transmission protocols. The invention may be used in remote areas by lightly trained personnel or may be connected to remote unmanned sensors, and permits the collection of data from the field and the communication of signals back to the field.

Description

F"tlc No.; PAT 2781P-1 B C O
E O U~
)~'IG D OlF THE ENTrON
The present invention relates generally to the provision of robust telecommunication to and from remote areas without reliably operating infrastructure such as electrical dism'bution powex grid, telephone networks, and the like using a novel combination of equipment with a reduced data set and transmission protocols. The invention may be used in remote areas by lightly trained personnel ox may be connected to remote tunmanued sensors, and permits the cohection of data from the field and the communication of signals back to the field.
BACI~GROU~ OF T>~E IN~NTION
Public pIealth Surveillance in developing countries is a considerable challenge considering the lack of infrastructure in remote areas and the lack of appropriate funding to tackle this issue.
Most emergency based systems require land based cell phone, Internet connectivity or radio assets pre-deployed to accomplish the same level of bidirectional communication in developing countries. Since the necessary infrastructure is typically not available in these envirotunents there is a need for a new approach for commuriicatiozt in such environments.

The development of a system capable of monitoring health surveillance as well as responding to emergency events that is economical, robust and can be implemented world-wide in all environments, regardless of infrastructure is an object of the present invention, referred to as the C3~lobal Surveillance and Emergency Response System (GuSERS).
There are, of course, other uses which have been identified, once the system was conceived azzd tested. This disclosure is meant to be exemplary of the system and its related apparatus and operation, but the use of the system in remote ltealthcare surveillance in public health settings, or disaster recovery or emergencies is not meant to be liznitlng.
_1_ pileNo.: PAT 2781P-1 Ocher situations with similar requirements are common, and the system would also have utility in those settings. Ezamples of settings with unreliable or non-existent infrastructure include (but are not limited to): remote equipnnent monitoring, simple monitorlcommandlcontrol or SCADA systems, meteorological data collection systems, Homeland defence, tsunami and hurricane disaster monitoring, burglar alarms for cabins, medical devices like glucose meters, insulin pumps and coagulation meters, pipeline controllers in the desert or cathodic protection of buried assets, to name a few.
'The Global Surveihance and Emergency Response System (GuSERS) was developed around three "core" technologies which compromise:
I. A remote work station consisting of a communication device such as a Bi-directional satellite pager, uni-directional satellite pager, cellular device or other communication device which serves as the communication device and a PDA or other computerized device which serves as the remote user interface.

2. A "non-verbose bx-directional or uni-directional messaging standard that can convey a message or command and a geographical aad temporal reference about where the message was composed.

3. Internet based information raanagemetrt system with Geographical Information System and intelligent software capabilities.
GuSERS looks at the environment, both geographical and econonxical, in which developing countries were and still are functioning and addresses the issues that are being faced. Public health issues such as health surveillance and emergency response were deemed a major priority for the system as they could be implemented in a cost effective manner utilizing low-bandwidth technology and integrated Internet-based systems.
The Crlobal Surveillance and Emergency Response System (GuSERS) shows how a new combination of various technologies can create an effective and economical way to eomnnunicate with remote locations throughout the world serve the needs of public health surveillance and emergency and disaster response.

File No.: FAT 2781 P-t - More specifically, the present system utilizes a combination of technologies that includes a base station consisting of a solar panel trickled-charger, wind powered charger ox thermal electric charger for a battery powered bi-directional satellite pager enabled for short text messaging, and a personal digital assistant (PDA) which communicates remotely with an Internet basal information management system with embedded geographical information system (GIS) to form the Global Surveillance and Emergency Response system (GuSERS).
The invention does not require amy pre-deployed land based bidirectionat network infrastructure or communicatid~a assets. It uses satellite based communication which is accessible any where in the world in a preferred embodiment_ The PDA-like interface can interact with the remote user using any number of human factors approaches, such as any written or symbolic language. It can also use a multimedia interface to accommodate almost any level of disability or education. The ability to communicate with the remote workstation using an Internet based information management system additionally allows for messages to be sent and received anywhere there is Internet access. The satellite based pager also delivers accurate remote work station location, using t3~lobal Positioning System (GPS) technology.
The CxuSERS system is capable of successfully performing a closed-looped test where a remote GuSERS base station located in a developing country, where no electrical or telecommunications infrastructure exist and can communicate with an internet-based information management system in a cost effective manner.
This unique low-Bandwidth communication system presents a very cost effective opportunity to provide public health surveillance and emergency response i~aformation in developing countries. This approach eau be expanded to other kinds of tow bandwidth solutions for humanitarian crises due to its mobile and open architecture, or far use is simple machine to nnachine interaction such as oil pipeline controllers or remote environmental sensors and/or warning systems.

~1e NO.: PAT 2781P~1 Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in tlae art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in coxtjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCR~PT. ON Ok' 'Y'~1~ DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a schematic of an embodiment of the system in accordance with the present system DETA~.ED AESCR.IPTION
The Global Surveillance and Emergency Response System (GuSERS) was developed around three "core" technologies.
These components comprise:
1. A remote work station consisting of a communication device such as a Bi-directional satellite pager, uni-directional satellite pager, cellular device or other communication device which serves as the communication device and a PDA or other computerized device which serves as the remote user interface.
2. A "non-verbose" bi-directional or uni-directional messaging standard that can convey a message or command or a geographical and temporal reference from where the message was composed remotely.
3. Internet based information management system with Geographical Information System programmable and intelligent software capabilities.
REMOTE WORKSTATION
The preferred embodiment of the GuSBRS system includes a bi-directional satellite pager and an interface PDA, otherwise known as the "remote workstation" (RW).
The RW
acts as the interface between the user in the field and the Internet-based information management system. The RW may be any device that includes a communication device (i.e. satellite, cellular, terrestrial, etc.) that interacts with a computized device.
The RW has several features.

Fite No.~ QAT 2781 P-1 1. The RW is completely independent of the built infrastructure of the environment in which it will be operating. The RW is functions! in an environment where an existing land-based telecomu~unications system may or may not exist or may be unreliable due to environmental or political factors. Wired networks, and which include cellular networks are both problematic, as often. cehular networks arc located in urban areas and are not found in remote areas, due to the cornmercial viability of implementing a network in such an environment. In those settings, one reliable communication backbone that can be used is satellite based.
Z. The RW can also he independent of an electrical infrastructure and can be supplemented with other forms of elecu~ical powerlcharging systems such as solar power.
To ensure that during times of power outages, which are frequent in developing countries, or in a remote environment where again the electrical infrastructure may be nvn-existent or unreliable, the RW could continue to operate if it can be charged with solar, wind, or similar "off grid" electrical-generation devices.
3. The RW also has the ability to convey a message in a meaningful matter to an Ynternet-based information management system. The message is encapsulated into the satellite based pager message structure, providing the ability to be collated and grouped with other similarly tagged messages and finally have the ability to contain a geographical or temporal reference, in addition to carrying incident information. Since geographic location is usually an essentital requirement, the RW needs some way to cornxnunicate its latitude and longitude either im its messages or triangulated from where the message was received through the satellite network.
4. The RW needs to be econoxniaal, both i» terms of the capital cost as well as on-going operating costs. The capital cost of the RW has to be affordable in terms of populating a geographical area with RW stations. The CruaERS system will most likely consist of severe! RWas occupying a geographical region as opposed to one RW
acting as the information hub for a given region. Many telehealth systems, due to their casts, are economically unviable for mufti-node remote monitoring networks. An example of a ~S-File Na.: PAT 2781P-f corapcting system might be a telehealth system that relies on a high-bandwidth satellite connection, determined to be more than 33.6kps for an extended period of time.

5. There is a requirement related to the physical characteristic of the RW. It was determined that it had to be robust enough to exist in a remote environment, require little ox no maintenance and preferably be portablt. The RW preferably can function in excessive heat and the casing aid all components of the device, such as the keyboard and the antenna of the device, can also stand up to continncd used in a remote environment.
The RW in the preferred embodiment was a commercial low bandwidth bi-directivnal satellite pager, a oommtrcial PDA and a purpose-built power supply for both.
The xcmote energy supply may be a battery based power supply which is able to be recharged through a multitude of available energy sources. Ta offset the electrical i~afrastructure difficulties a solar power tickle charger was built fox the prototype to allow the RW to charge itself. Commercial solar power panels were initially selected based upon a factor of cost and the ability of how long it would take to recharge the unit. As the RW
has the capability ro be mobile, flexible solar power panels were used. This presented another advantage, as the solar power panel could be rolled up into a small water-resistant self contained tube where the R1~V could be stored iri the middle of the rolled up solar panel allowing for a complete self contained kit when the tube's ends were capped.
ME"~SAGING STAB
'I'be GuSIrRS system includes the implementation of a messaging standard. The messaging standard focuses on the low-bandwidth nature of the system and is independent of any specific RW manufactuxar that may be used now or in the future.
Any messaging standard exists only because of a shared definition.
An example of a messaging standard as it relates to bi-directional satellite devices can be seen as follows.
Even though many assOCiate low-bandwidth with dial-up eonnee#ons of 14.4K or 33.6K bps (bits per second), we have focused on even lower connection speeds of 4800 bps or 9600 bps and a maximum of about 300 characters in each entire message (package size).

File N0.: PAT Z~8 LP-1 Due to the relatively small message package sine, the messaging standard is extremely conservative in design and extremely focused o~n the type of information that is sent and received from the RW.
The following information is communicated in each message, namely: an identifier of the RW, the date and time when the message was composed, the geographical location of the device when composed, a category code which allows information to be grouped and collated, and finally some short text field where the user can provide some free-form text information.
The RW Identifier code (RWI) identifies the pager and the user. This infotmatiozi can be used far several purposes including trending and security authorization of the data. It is important to be able to identify the RWI with authorized users who would be authorized to view its information. The RWI can also be used in conjunction with geographical information to graph where the RW's user was traveling, if in fact the user is mobile.
The date and time of message creation is important clue to the faez there are actually three potentially relevant time aspects to a message. The first time aspect is when the message is actually created. The second time aspect is when the message is actually sent axrd received by the central information management system (otherwise lanown as the transit time). Once the message is sent from the RW there is an offset time before the message is actually received by the cenaral web-based information management systcrzi.
This offset time may vary for a variety of reasons including delays with the satellite provider or delays accessing with tine Internet gateway.
The creation time and the transit time may differ based upon several factors such as no satellite being in view, the ~tW having enough power to create the message, but not enough to send it, or the message not being sent for a variety of reasons.
The third time aspect of the message is when the message is actually viewed by an authorized user through the associated information manageuient system. In order to help facilitate the final time aspect, the information management system uses a notification strategy to report data by exception. This strategy includes the development of a rule based File DIo.: PAT 2781 P-1 data-base engine integrated with email notification. This allows authorized users of the information managennent system to set up rules which provide an alert upon the receipt of specific typos of messages. These rules can be set up based upon the RWI
combined with or vyithout a specific category code or words in the free text.
Included with the date and time element for the message is geographical infoxmation indicating where the message was created. ?he location is recorded as longitude and latitude and is enr~bcdded in the message. The ItW may have a built in Geographical Positioning System (GPS) receiver and system, and the geographical coordinates can then be embedded into the message based on the last GPS position of the RW. Before a message is created, if the RW has traveled any distance from the last (1PS position taken by the RW, a new GPS position should be taken by the RW to provide an accurate GP5 position for the message being sent.
Category codes were also included in the message. These category codes provide a high level description of the message and can be used by the information management system to group and collate the individual messages. These category codes can be created and modified based on specific planned uses of the GuSER.S system. An example of this could be an indirridual project that wanted to use the GuSERS system to report on a specific project. Therefore, category codes could be developed that were speck to that individual project. Another important aspect of the category codes was the ability for "aclatowlodgement'°. That is, to have the system send back a message to the RW
acknowledging that the message was received by the information management system. This is a useful feature when the user is in a remote environment and wants to ensure that the message was successfully received.
The messaging standard further includes a free text element. This allows the user to enter other information the meaning of which may not be captured by a category code. A
key consideration to note is that the message size is constrained to ensure that the message continues to be Iow-bandwidth, therefore the message itself can only be about characters in length (with a threshold maximum package size of 300 characters, depending _g_ File No.: PAT 27B1P-l upon the pager or text-messaging system developed). This is comparable to text messaging that is commonly used on cell phones.
An example of an entire message once it is received by the web-based information management system from the RW appears as follows:
Date: 24 Ang 2005 17:51?:43 +0000 Promo GUSERS2(a~gusers.org Reply-To: GUSERS2~gusers.oxg Subject: [GLOBALGRAM:SAT=13) To: GUSERSDEVICE($tGUSERS.ORG
OT
00 1$.4dN, 032 33,O1E, 3741FT, WGS84, 01:53:SOPM; 24AUG05 DAY 1 : GLOBAL T~EALTH ISSUES DISCUSSED.
The actual message that is transmitted to the satellite by the RW is the following (nnessage size is 85 characters):
OT
00 18.46N, 032 33.O1E, 374IFT, WGS84, 01:53:SOPM, 24AUGp5 DAY 1 : GLOBAL li>;ALTH ISSUES DISCUSSED.
-BASED O T Q AG SYSTEM
The GuSERS system includes an information management systern otherwise lmown simply as ~.he GuSERS web server. The GuSERS web server is designed around a typical web server architecture consisting of a web server and a database server. This preferred embodiment includes the use of java server pages functioning with an Oracle database.
The GuSERS web server of the prefeared embodiment also includes a web-based Geographical Information System (GIS) that serves as a map server. The map server is ennbedded into the application and serves as a visualization tool for slxowing geographical location corresponding to where the messages were sent.
The GuSERS system of the preferred embodiment was designed around the concept of managing the information that would be received from the field from the RWs. These rim ivo,: ~Rr z~s~ P-~
messages are received by a standard messaging engine, such as a POP3 email server or other transaction gateway (messaging interface, web service, etc.) from the satellite pager messaging service provider. The GuSIaRS system polls this POPS email server at pre-set intervals w extract messages. Tlxe messages are then parsed by the GuSERS
system and put into a relatiozsal database. If for any reason the messages cannot be parsed, they are placed into an error log where an administrator of the GuSERS system manually parses the message to store the message's infarmation in the database.
The message is received into the GuSERS system and only authorized users have access to this information. User profiles can be created to allow access to only specific data, either based on location, category code or ItWI. The latter is added so that multiple organizations can use the GaSERS system without having the Goneern that all of their information is sharable with other users of the system. Even though this is considered to be a drawback to the concept of a system collecting data from multiple data sources and sharing this information with interested panics, it is viewed as an important component of the system of the preferred embodiment that needs to be added due to the personal interests of many different organizations that can be users of this system.
A programmable Intelligent System engine is implemented to allow authorized users to create such things as cmail alerts reladva to specific messages that were triggered when certain parameters arc znet by information in a message. These triggers can be based upon the combination of the RWI, a specific geographical region or the category code, fox example. The GuSERS system also allows users to send messages or commands to an individual or group of R'Ws. The commands are messages that arc interpreted by the PbA
to alter the behaviour of the application currently receiving the message (such as, but not limited to, by displaying a response or an agent).
Other Intelligent System applications can inch~de data mining, simulation or some other fornn of artificial intelligence.
Due to the nature of the ixzformation that may be collected, the GuSERS system of the preferred embodiment implements several security fhnetions, such as authorized login File No.: PAT 27$1 Pd and a complete audit lvg of every webpage view by a u5cr. The logging capability of the GuSERS system saves every message that was eithex sent or received.
Further embodiments of the GuSERS system may include the following optional features:
1. The GuSERS system may include a distributed architecture where parahel systems can be installed in outer locations such as developing countries, allowing the advantage for remote access.
2. Expansion of the available sources of information either thxough Internet feeds or outer devices as they beeorne available. Examples of this would include other information that could be feed by govetumental organizations or non-governmental organizations.
3. The addition of simulation capabilities that would allow users to develop models of cextain areas and sitttulate activities. Examples of this itnclude the ability to simulate trauspoxtation routes and their safety or condition as they related to humanitarian relief or the efforts of a disease outbreak from village to village.
4.. The ability to interface to remote devices such as water level indicators or weather stations.
5. The ability to "pre-load" the PDA with a number of applications and language capabilities which can be altered by the remote user or by a command received by the C~uSERS Information Management System-fi. The ability to track remote user errors to determine if there is an interface or training issue with the PDA application or the RW.

7. Multiple modes of battery charging permitting use of auy souxcc of available energy (wind, sun, thermal electric, gas or diesel mooor, local sources of eiectrical power).

8. RW to RW messaging.
The Web-server has numerous features including:
1. satellite overpass optimization; and 2. Rules engine for alarm and event or task triggers.

fi1r No.: PAT 2781P-1 EN'~~ ~ . AL p'AC~'URS
The GuSERS system may operate in a closed loop enviroxuneut meaning that a message can be sent from the 1tW in an isolated area where a telecommunications and electrical infrastructure does not exist and that that the message can be successfully received by the Internet-based information management system and a corresponding message sent back to the RW, hence, representing a close looped information management system.
The GuSERS RWs 10 may operate in a variety of environments including locations where a cellular phone network is unavailable and where geographical obstacles exist such as remote mountain ranges.
In cases where the satellite 20 is not in view of the RW 10, transmission of messages may be delayed (latency). This problem can be partially mitigated by knowing when the satellites 20 will be in sight of a particular RW . The satellite over pass times can be downloaded into the PDA of the RW 10 so a user will know when a message can be either sent or received.
Another factor which contributes to latency is that in certain regions of the world the satellire provider operates on a store and forward 25 approach. This approach is used whenever a complete connection 40 between the satellite service provider ground station, the satellite over the RW and RW 30 cannot be established. The store and forward 25 approach allows the RW 10 to send a message to the satellite 30, the satellite then holds onto that message 25 until it can relay it to a ground station 40.
The advantages with store and forward approach is that it reduces the cost of the over all system to be greatly reduced. Constant connectivity between the RW 10 and the satellite 20 is not a requirement of GuSERS. This also is what keeps the cost of the system reasonable enough that it can be applied to developing countries and monitor an entire geographic region at an economical price.
When the RW is in a geographical area that requires a store and forward approach a software methodology can be introduced within, the GuSERS Information Management System to offset the limitations of the store and forward approach. This approach keeps File Na.: PA'f 2761 P-i track of which satellites arc most likely in the area of the RW and then sends the messages to all those satellites to ensure that the RW receives the message from the first satellite that it was able to connect with. This ensures 'that the RW receives any message on the first pass.
The PDA may include help features and functions or standard operating procedures to allow users to more easily use the system.
The GuSERS Information Management System also had a query interface that allowed a user to query the message database for such attributes as date and category code.
PA,~CL1L~MBOD1ME~TS
The following describe particular embodiments of the present invention:
A bi-directional/uni-directional gusers communication system consists of:
Health Moxtitor Provider Means which Consists of:
1. Health Care Provider Telecommunications Means:
- for the health care provider to comuzunicate wish the Conuntmication Device Service (RR~ Provider Means.
2. world Health Care Personnel:
- for the decisions regarding the managetttent of the disaster.
3_ GuSERS Satellite Message Record Database:
- for the archiving and retrieval of satellite messages.
A. GuSERS Web Server Software:
to Analyze andlor modify the messages and to activate alarms and exceptions based an algorithms.
5. I~ardware:
- to Provide a Computing environment for the CruSERS Software.
Interface or Sampling Means:
1. A PZ7A interface, computerized device or Sampling device such as a weather station which gathers the local tnvironment and reports data by schedule or exception.
~13-Fila No : PAT 2781 P-1 A Bi-Directional Pager Means which consists of a:
1. Satellite (i,e. satellite, cellular, terrestrial network, etc.). Page Receiver Means:
- For the pager to receive data frotn~ the Satellite Pager Servicx Provider Transmitter Means or other comnaunicadon Service Provider (i.e. satellite, cellular, terrestrial network, ete.).
2. Satellite (i.e. satellite, cellular, terrestrial network, etc.).Pager Transmitter Means:
- For the pager to trans:utit data to the Satellite Pager Service Provider Receiver Means o: other communication Service Provider (i.e, cellular, terrestrial network, etc.).
3. Satellite (i,e. satellite, cehular, terrestrial network, etc.).Pager Service Provider Reneiver Means:
- For the Pager Service Provider to Receive data from the Pager Transmitter Means or other communication Service Provider (i. e. cellular, terrestrial network, etc.).
4. Satellite (i.e. satellite, cellular, terrestrial network, etc.).Pager Service Provider Transmitter Means:
- For the Pager Service Provider to transmit data to the Pager Receiver Means or other communication Service Provider (i.e. cellular, terrestrial network, etc_).
5. Satellite (i.e. satellite, Cellular, terrestrial network, etc.).Pager Service Provider Telecoznlmunication Means:
- For the Pager Service Provider to establish communications with the GuSFRS Web-server or other communication S~ervicc Provider (i.e. cellular, terrestrial network, etc.).
PDA interface Means which consists of:
1. Sampling Interfave Means:
- for interfacing to the sampling means.

File No.: PAT 2781P-t 2. 'User Interface Means:
- for displaying of accepting data to the user.
3. Starage Means.
- for storage of data for analysis or transmission or reception to the Service Provider Means Via the Pager Means.
4. PDA Means:
- Enctyption/decryption Means;
- Algorithm Means;
- SoftwarclFirmware Means.
5. Bi-directional Pager Interface Means:
- far communication between the PDA Means and the Pager Means.
Power Supply Means which consists of 1. Power Source Means;
2. Power Conversion Means;
3. Power Storage Meax1&s; and 4. Power Management Means.
This system has many applications from global surveillance of disaster and disease to remote monitoring and control of consmerciai assets. There may also be some tTS
Homeland Security applications.
The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications snd variations may he effected to the paraeular embodiments by chose of skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, wlxich is defused solely by the claims appended hereto.

Claims (8)

1. ~A system for asynchronous messaging between a. ~an end-point unit comprised of:
i. ~Programmable computer ii. ~Memory iii. ~Power supply iv. ~Local I/O for interface with user or sensors v. ~Telecommunication capability And b. ~a data-management system comprised of:
i. ~a messaging system ii. ~a message translation system iii. ~a data-base engine iv. ~a programmable interface with the database engine to provide integration of collected data and previously stored data sets to provide reports to system users v. ~a Geographic information System vi. ~a system-user I/O and vii. ~Telecommunications capability where the Telecommunications capability of the end-point unit can be used to either send or receive messages to or from the data-management system, and where the Telecommunications capability of the data-management system can be used to either receive or send message from or to the end-point unit.

2. The system of claim 1 for asynchronous simply-structured messaging between an end-point unit with a power supply which is independent of a utility grid, and where the I/O for sensors can collect and include information from a sensor chosen from the following list: GPS, meteorological, biometric, electrical, magnetic, audio, visual - in a simply-structured message; and a data-management system with which the end-point unit communicates, where the system-user I/O includes an interface permitting a system-user to view data inputted via an end-point user's messages, integrated with other information in the data-bast which may be one or more of:
GIS information, data point clustering analyses, trend analyses, alert messages generated by rules applied to end-point user data and other data; and the communication system between the end-point unit and the data-base system being capable of communication transactions either co the data-base from the end-user unit or vice-versa.

3. ~The system of claim 1 used for remote public healthcare monitoring.

4. ~The system of claim 1 used for remote management of equipment

5. ~The system of claim 1 used in SCADA operations.

6. ~The system of claim 1 used for remote surveillance of natural phenomena programmed to provide distant early warning of natural disasters.

7. ~The system of claim 1 used for remote surveillance for security purposes.

8. ~The system of claim 7 where messages are utilized to arm and/or deploy weapons.