Distributed sensing apparatus and method of use therefor

Abstract

An apparatus configured to obtain, process, and relay data to a user in a coherent and useful manner. An active fiducial 200 is equipped with an interface for receiving and transmitting data. The fiducial may transmit its position using a satellite-based position sensing device 204 such as a GPS. Active fiducials may also be equipped with battery power pack regenerated with solar cells 206. Similarly, the fiducials can be equipped with at least one video camera 208 or other device having a focal plane array and a computer software system, configured to recognize shapes. The fiducials may also be equipped with inductive coils 210 or other means for sensing metal containing compounds. The active fiducials may be equipped with a gas chromatograph 212. The active fiducials may use a variety of propulsion means including motor driven tracks 214, motor driven wheels 216, propellers, or other device or a combination of devices.

1 . An active fiducial apparatus comprising: 
 at least one sensor, at least one data processing element, and a user interface: 
 wherein the at least one sensor is configured to receive data and to provide the data to a data processing element, the data processing element processes the data, and if the data falls within predefined parameters, the data processor conveys a signal.  
   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a user interface, whereby a user may utilize the user interface to provide instructions to the active fiducial via the data processor.  
     
     
         3 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising an inter-fiducial interface, whereby the fiducial may communicate data to other active fiducials.  
     
     
         4 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a means for propulsion.  
     
     
         5 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein the means for facilitating propulsion includes at least one of the following: 
 a. a wheel;    b. awing;    c. a lighter than air reservoir;    d. a propeller; and    e. an attachment means.    
     
     
         6 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of active fiducials communicate with the user either directly or by using at least one other active fiducial as a repeater station.  
     
     
         7 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the means of communication includes at least one of the following: 
 a. conventional radio waves;    b. frequencies within the electromagnetic radiation spectrum that are visible;    c. frequencies within the electromagnetic radiation spectrum that are not visible; and    d. electromechanical radiation.    
     
     
         8 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the active fiducials have at least one of the following sensors: 
 a. thermal sensor;    b. a metal sensing means;    c. a gas analysis means;    d. a focal plane array sensitive to radiation substantially within the visible region; and    e. a focal plane array sensitive to radiation substantially in the infrared region.    
     
     
         9 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 8 , wherein the at least one sensor on the active fiducial is: 
 i. static relative to the active fiducial; and    ii. dynamic relative to the active fiducial.    
     
     
         10 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the active fiducials are equipped with a satellite-based positioning system and wherein the active fiducials can transmit their location using the satellite-based positioning system.  
     
     
         11 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the fiducial interface at the active fiducials is configured to receive data transmitted by electromagnetic radiation and wherein the data is relayed to the user using one of the following: 
 i. color-based illumination;    ii. alternating periods of varying frequencies of electromagnetic radiation illumination; and    iii. alternating periods of electromagnetic radiation at specific frequencies.    
     
     
         12 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the active fiducial interface transmits unique messages in a plurality of directions using a plurality of directional transmitters.  
     
     
         13 . A method for gathering and displaying useful data from at least one source comprising the following steps: 
 i. instructing a plurality of active fiducials, whereby the instructions direct the plurality of active fiducials to a desired target;    ii. dispersing the active fiducials to facilitate the location of at least one target based upon the provided instructions;    iii. sampling environmental elements, using at least one sensor, until a match for the provided instructions is found;    iv. transmitting sensor data to at least one of the following: 
 a. other active fiducials; and  
 b. a user; and  
   v. displaying data to the user in a usable manner.    
     
     
         14 . A method for gathering and displaying useful data as set forth in  13 , wherein the active fiducials are configured to receive instructions by way of at least one of the following: 
 a. conventional radio waves;    b. frequencies within the electromagnetic radiation spectrum that are visible;    c. frequencies within the electromagnetic radiation spectrum that are not visible; and    d. electromechanical radiation.    
     
     
         15 . A method for gathering and displaying useful data as set forth in  13 , wherein the sensor is at least one of the following: 
 a. thermal sensor;    b. a metal sensing means;    c. a gas analysis sensing means;    d. a focal plane array sensitive to radiation substantially within the visible region; and    e. a focal plane array sensitive to radiation substantially in the infrared region.    
     
     
         16 . A method for gathering and displaying useful data as set forth in  15 , wherein the sensors associated with each active fiducial is: 
 i. static relative to the active fiducial; and    ii. dynamic relative to the active fiducial.    
     
     
         17 . A method for gathering and displaying useful data as set forth in  15 , wherein the active fiducials are equipped with a satellite-based positioning system and wherein the active fiducials transmit their location utilizing data provided by the satellite-based positioning system.  
     
     
         18 . A method for gathering and displaying useful data as set forth in  15 , wherein the active fiducial interface is configured to receive data in electromagnetic radiation form, and wherein the data is relayed to the user using one of the following: 
 i. color-based illumination;    ii. alternating periods of varying frequencies electromagnetic radiation illumination; and    iii. alternating periods of electromagnetic radiation at specific frequencies.    
     
     
         19 . A method for gathering and displaying useful data as set forth in  15 , wherein the active fiducial interface transmits unique messages in a plurality of correspondingly unique plurality of directions using a plurality of directional transmitters.  
     
     
         20 . An active fiducial comprising: 
 a means for obtaining information;    a means for conveying information to a user; and    an implicit means for conveying apparatus location.    
     
     
         21 . An active fiducial as set forth in  claim 20  wherein the means for obtaining information comprises at least one of the following: 
 i. an environmental sensor;  
 ii. another active fiducials.  
 
     
     
         22 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 20  wherein the means for conveying information to a user includes: 
 i. an omni-directional electromagnetic radiation originating transmitter;  
 ii. a directional electromagnetic radiation originating transmitter;  
 iii. an omni-directional electromagnetic radiation reflective re-transmitter;  
 iv. an electromagnetic radiation reflective directional re-transmitter; and  
 v. an electromechanical radiation originating transmitter.  
 
     
     
         23 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 20 , wherein the implicit means for conveying apparatus location identification includes: 
 i. providing a direct line of site to the fiducial; and    ii. providing an encumbered line of site to the fiducial, such that the fiducial is only be visible to observers having specialized equipment.