Abstract:
The Automated Resource Management System (ARMS™) automates collection, integration, analysis, reporting and archiving of data in a variety of applications while insuring data accuracy and reliability not attainable conventionally. Applications include: environmental, safety, security, military, educational, emergency management, land use, fish and wildlife management, construction and maintenance of highways and waterways, mining, exploration, manufacturing, recreational management, urban restoration, and archaeological preservation. ARMS™ integrates a number of portable devices, employing digital technology and specialized software in these portable devices as well as analysis devices, such as PCs and servers. ARMS™ increases efficiency and reduces cost, while accurately and timely preserving and integrating information. It is useful for both post-processing and real-time reporting, analysis, and pro-active direction of ongoing investigations.

Description:
STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST  
       [0001] Under paragraph 1(a) of Executive Order 10096, the conditions under which this invention was made entitle the Government of the United States, as represented by the Secretary of the Army, to the entire right, title and interest therein of any patent granted thereon by the United States. This patent and related ones are available for licensing. Contact Bea Shahin at 217 373-7234 or Phillip Stewart at 601 634-4113. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND  
         [0002]    The United States has enacted a variety of environmental and cultural preservation laws, e.g., the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA), the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and the Clean Water Act (CWA). Further, complex investigations are mandated from this legislation, such as Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), as well as various state, local, and tribal requirements.  
           [0003]    Compliance with these often requires one to inventory, manage, and conserve both natural and cultural resources. The competing needs of environmental sustainability and efficient land use often require implementation of complex, integrated programs to reconcile the two. Central to this issue is the need to collect, inventory, and process field data and maintain accurate and consistent records. Conventional methods for doing this are expensive and inefficient, in large part due to manual operations involved. Further, operational exigencies often lead to important information being missed or recorded improperly. Factors such as the training and experience of personnel, inconsistent data collection practices, and inherent opportunity for error in manually taking data adversely affect the quality of the final product.  
           [0004]    Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) tools available for environmental and cultural resources data collection are typically single-purpose units with limited, if any, ability to integrate with complementary units. With increased emphasis to implement and maintain sustainable environmental practices and protect our archaeological heritage, innovative technologies and applications are needed. A solution is provided in a capability provided by the Automated Resource Management System™ (ARMS™) of the present invention. ARMS™ automates data collection and integrates information to facilitate inventorying, analysis, reporting and archiving.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0005]    ARMS™ may be used to automate the collection, integration, analysis, reporting and archiving of data in a variety of applications while insuring data accuracy and reliability not attainable using conventional approaches. These applications include but are not limited to: environmental, safety, security, military, educational, emergency management, land use, fish and wildlife management, construction and maintenance of highways and waterways, mining, exploration, manufacturing, recreation management, urban restoration, and archaeological preservation. ARMS™ integrates a number of portable devices, employing digital technology and specialized software in these and analysis devices, such as PCs and servers that may be portable or at fixed installations. ARMS™ increases efficiency and reduces cost, while accurately and timely preserving and integrating information critical for use by decision makers.  
           [0006]    ARMS™ applications range from simple routine measurements taken as part of an ongoing monitoring effort to complex specialized investigations of a scientific nature that may involve both natural and cultural resource investigations, e.g., inventory, evaluation, and mitigation of erosion at archaeological sites. Specific applications may include development, sustainability, and rehabilitation efforts such as those undertaken at environmental clean-up sites. ARMS™ may be used as a powerful tool to facilitate decision making for both short and long-term planning, e.g., monitoring of historic properties or assessing invasive species encroachment. ARMS™ optimizes data collection and manipulation practices and may provide an automated quality assurance function. In operation, ARMS™ may facilitate timely and objective feedback for implementing real-time methodological improvements in data collection, analysis, reporting, and archiving.  
           [0007]    One embodiment of ARMS™ may include:  
           [0008]    a client/server application comprising:  
           [0009]    two or more small, ruggedized, sun shielded, portable computers for manually recording and integrating data from a variety of sources such as: Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), communication devices, sensors, instruments, scanners, A/D converters, specialized data entry forms, aerial photography, mapping programs, timers, and cameras;  
           [0010]    a desktop PC or a ruggedized portable PC functioning as the server to post-process data and to run other applications;  
           [0011]    high-resolution instrumentation, preferably employing digital signal processors (DSPs), such as digital cameras with video and audio capabilities, differential global positioning systems (GPS), laser range finders, inclinometers, altimeters, thermometers, barometers, compasses, code labelers/inserters such as barcode labelers, radars, LADARs, sonar devices, spectrometers, and clocks; and  
           [0012]    sufficient hardware interfaces to handle various types of data, store it to a common shared database and synthesize it, some of which data includes: Geographic Information System (GIS) data (compliant with Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) and Spatial Data Standard for Facilities, Infrastructure, and Environment (SDSFIE) standards), GPS data, manually entered data, and data taken from associated media such as video and audio;  
           [0013]    purpose-built data collection devices;  
           [0014]    software to interface with and integrate commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) and specially developed software applications;  
           [0015]    an embedded GIS;  
           [0016]    communications devices, including fiber optic, infrared, RF, and digital wireless devices that transmit and store data for remote uploading and downloading to the server; and  
           [0017]    devices to print or insert coded labels, such as bar-coded labels.  
           [0018]    The embedded GIS provides geo-spatially referenced attribute data that expedites the resolution of spatial relationships such as environmental management issues. For critical land-use decisions, real-time wireless transmission of data and images are available, enabling ARMS™ to serve a remote decision maker while the system is actually deployed in the field.  
           [0019]    ARMS™ components may incorporate ergonomics in their design for ease of setup and use. The system is flexible in that it allows the user to select and pre-load software applications and configure hardware tailored for the specific type and level of investigation, e.g., wetlands delineation, cultural resources inventory, and habitat assessment. Project data and GIS coverages, such as survey transects and sample plot coordinates, may be pre-loaded prior to deployment. This ensures accuracy and efficiency and eliminates delays. The portable (laptop or handheld) PCs may be uploaded with interactive databases that may be populated either automatically via integrated elements or from hardware attached to expansion ports, or both. To assure compatibility, all databases may adhere to 3 rd  normal form data structure standards.  
           [0020]    ARMS™ achieves significantly improved data collection, data reliability and data handling while optimizing stewardship, compliance, sustainability and readiness capabilities. Because of its flexibility, ARMS™ may be applied to areas as diverse as:  
           [0021]    Cultural Resources  
           [0022]    Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) investigations  
           [0023]    Accident Assessments  
           [0024]    Traffic accidents  
           [0025]    Insurance adjustments  
           [0026]    Damage Assessments  
           [0027]    Natural  
           [0028]    Military  
           [0029]    Terrorist, and  
           [0030]    Criminal Investigations.  
           [0031]    Further advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the description below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numbers indicate like elements.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0032]    [0032]FIG. 1 depicts the general classes of devices used in implementing an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of steps that may be used in processing data when implementing an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 3 is a block diagram of steps that may be used in processing collected samples when implementing an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 4 is a cartoon of the steps that may be used in employing an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0036]    Refer to FIG. 1. A generic approach  100  using principles of an embodiment of the present invention is presented. Various pieces of instrumentation  101 , to include one or more bar code readers in certain applications, are provided to the field investigator or technician. The number and types of instrumentation devices  101  are specified in accordance with a plan for assessing, remediating, investigating, processing, analyzing, evaluating, preserving, etc., that involves at least some data collection. A barcode printer provided as part of the instrumentation  101  may be a standalone device or affixed as an accessory to a device such as a personal computer (PC)  102 .  
         [0037]    The instrumentation  101  is configured to communicate  110  with one or more PCs  102 , which may be hand-held, laptop, or desktop devices. Communication  110  with the PCs may be via any of a number of hard-wired devices such as a keyboard, a pointing device or mouse; any of various electrical or electro-optical cables interconnecting intermediate communications devices such as PDAs, digital cameras, microphones, and the like; and by wireless means such as are possible using infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), visible light, RF, acoustic or ultrasonic sources.  
         [0038]    Data communicated  110  to each of the PCs  102  is appropriately time-stamped, if not already done by the instrumentation  101  itself, and in certain applications merged with appropriate data from other sources communicating  110  with the PCs  102  or with one or more databases that may be loaded on the PCs  102 .  
         [0039]    Data collected and processed on the PCs  102  may be further analyzed, collated, merged, stored, or otherwise processed at one or more servers  103 . These servers  103  may be integral with a single one of the PCs  102  and used as a stand-alone system in the field, be one or more separate PCs  102  also deployed to the field or at a fixed location to communicate  110  with the PCs  102  use to collect data, or one or more mini-computers or a mainframe located in a mobile instrumentation van (not shown separately) or at a fixed site, or a combination of the above.  
         [0040]    A number of reporting vehicles and displays  104  for assisting in analyzing, processing, reporting, and distributing the results of a field collection effort may be in communication  110  with the PCs  102  and server(s)  103 . For example, in stand-alone applications, the CRT of a desktop PC  102  or flat panel LCD of a laptop PC  102  may be a sufficient display device with INTERNET or other data connection (phone line, cable, wireless) for reporting or communicating. Data storage may be to any of several types of media, including remote servers, tape, hard disk or portable media such as removable hard disk, RW-CD, DVD, video tape, storage media associated with digital cameras, and floppy disk.  
         [0041]    Refer to FIG. 2 in which a block diagram of the process for handling data to be collected from an assessment or investigation is described. Prior to fielding an assessment or investigation, the user requirements for performing the assessment or investigation will lead to establishing the necessary hardware and software selected  201  for the job. Data are acquired  202  by any of a number of means, including manual sampling; manually recorded observation; audio or video recording; digital photography; sensors and detectors such as RF, sonic, ultrasonic, chemical, and light (visible, UV, IR); active transmitters such as lasers, any of the various types of radars, and special purpose weather, air and water sampling instrument packages. Any of these data that are analog are then digitized  203  for further electronic processing.  
         [0042]    Preferably data are time stamped  204 , and collected samples bar coded  204 , upon collection by instrumentation  101 , but time stamping  204  may also be done upon data entry into any of the PCs  102  or server(s)  103 . Data collected in the field may be retained in the instrumentation  101  or PCs  102  until it is sent  205  to a server  103  that may be any of the alternatives discussed above. In the server  103 , data are merged  206  to meet a user&#39;s requirements, and interfaced  207  with pre-specified software and appropriate GIS software and systems. The merged data may then be processed  208  in pre-specified formats to facilitate documentation of the assessment or investigation. A variety of reports may be generated  209  to summarize results of this processing. These reports are then made available to users  210  in any of a variety of forms to include: hardcopy; electronic formats such as those available at an INTERNET site; on various media (video, audio, and text); and via live or remote transmissions, including live and recorded video and audio. The processed data and reports may be used to update  211  one or more databases and may be archived  212  for reference or further use.  
         [0043]    Refer to FIG. 3 in which a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention is used to collect, identify, package, ship, and preserve physical samples. By following a pre-specified sampling plan, the number and type of required samples is collected  301 . These are packaged to eliminate contamination and preserve  302  them for later investigation. To facilitate tracking and inventory, these samples are labeled  303  with a bar code and the bar codes read  304  into a PC  102  together with appropriate identification data. The samples are then packed  305  in appropriate containers for shipping, identifying the contents to an individual barcode label for the container. These barcodes are also read into a PC  102  and the container shipped and tracked  306  via the barcode. At the receiving end, the containers are received  307 , status updated to an inventory location  308 , and the bar codes read into PCs  102 . The samples are then accessed  309  for further investigation or analysis by correlation to container and individual sample bar codes. Prior to processing the samples, the individual bar code is read  310  into a PC  102  by an investigator or technician, the sample is processed, and if not destroyed, either disposed of or retained  311  for reference, quality control, or further analysis.  
         [0044]    For example, in each environmental application, ARMS™ contains a series of digital forms that permit a user to progress logically. The application may guide a user through various required or recommended steps, display alternative choices, or both. Menus may consist of a series of drop-down lists with options, radio buttons, or both. For each program, links may be provided for access to pre-loaded or website reference guides, e.g., soil descriptions, artifact typologies, plant references, and architectural elements. Each form may be customized for a unique application. Each form may incorporate space to manually enter data or free-form comments. To ensure accuracy and efficiency, each form in a progression of forms may be required to be filled out completely before the program advances to the next form.  
         [0045]    A novel feature of an embodiment of ARMS™ is the incorporation of one or more features that may initiate a number of measurements simultaneously using a single input device such as a single click of a mouse or pushing a single button. In the case of taking data about an environment at a particular time, this would provide a “snapshot” that includes a time stamp simultaneously applied to an entire data set.  
         [0046]    For example, an operator of a data collection unit of ARMS™ may aim sensors incorporated in the unit at a target and press a record button. This action may capture a digital image, measure the distance to the target, obtain GPS positioning, azimuth, inclination, elevation and other metric attributes, and store the data in a database with a time stamp and unique identifier (barcode) attached. Because the data are collected digitally it allows for immediate verification of the quality and usefulness of the data. Finally, the collected data, i.e., forms, GPS, GIS shape files, video and audio images, are downloaded from a field unit, typically a PC  102 , to a base computer that may be a PC  102 . This may be done in a one-step process using an infrared, wired or radio frequency (RF) connection between the client  102  and server computers. The server computer, which may have more powerful software tools, may be used for additional processing and analysis. A feature of the ARMS™ that contributes to increased efficiency is an automated, pre-programmed function on the server that is structured to generate customized reports from specific data files, such as archeological site forms, and plant or animal inventories, or both, thereby eliminating transcription errors.  
         [0047]    In one embodiment of the present invention, field specimens such as artifacts, soils, minerals, and plants are collected, bagged and affixed with a unique bar code label in the field. The labels are printed on archival quality material and include text descriptions, e.g., project I.D and provenience. Bar coding facilitates automated inventory, tracking and retrieval of the specimen throughout the life cycle of the project, while enhancing curation and research capabilities.  
         [0048]    Refer to FIG. 4 representing a method  400  for employing an embodiment of the present invention by:  
         [0049]    uploading data  401  such as maps, aerial photographs, and other geo-referenced data into a pre-specified project file using a software program such as SOLO OFFICE;  
         [0050]    compiling information  402  such as base maps and project information and copying these over as a whole to client devices running a software program such as SOLO FIELD  
         [0051]    logging GPS data  403  such as coordinates and elevation on client devices;  
         [0052]    prompting field users  404  to enter data regarding the field survey that is being conducted at that station, including, for example, recording form data as well as any notations, photographs, video, or dictation;  
         [0053]    recovering and bagging  405  material such as artifacts while documenting same, for example, by assigning a bag number with relevant station data and transmitting the number to print a label for the collection bag onsite;  
         [0054]    uploading data  406  to a server for further processing, such as consolidation and implementation of checklists;  
         [0055]    checking  407 , such as implementing a menu of quality control or assurance procedures, to insure that all data have been properly recorded and collected material bagged and, for example, insuring that consolidated GIS data facilitates in-field spot-checking for anomalies prior to leaving the field; and,  
         [0056]    in those cases where the server used in the field is not the final processor, uploading consolidated files  408  to either a centralized server or back-up tape or CD.  
         [0057]    Equipment that may be employed in an embodiment of the present invention for one field client includes:  
         [0058]    a ruggedized TDS® Recon handheld personal computer (PC) with a 400-MHz INTEL® x-scale processor, 64 MB SDRAM, 128 MB flash storage, 15-hr battery life, and weight of 490 g;  
         [0059]    a GARMIN® N17 GPS receiver, 3-meter accuracy, serial cable, 12 v, NiMH battery with 8-hr life, and weight of 373 g;  
         [0060]    a SOCKET BLUETOOTH® Kit, with COMPACTFLASH® card and PC card adaptor;  
         [0061]    an IBM® 1-GB MICRODRIVE® for COMPACTFLASH®,  
         [0062]    a SONY CYBERSHOT® DSC-FX77 digital camera, 4 MP, 320×240 V/A,  
         [0063]    BLUETOOTH® communication, and weight of 185 g;  
         [0064]    INTERMEC® PB20 ruggedized direct thermal portable printer, 293 dpi, 8-hr battery life, BLUETOOTH® communication, and weight of 393 g; and  
         [0065]    SOLO OFFICE and SOLO FIELD software.  
         [0066]    While the invention has been described in terms of some of its embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, although the system is described in specific examples for recording results of archaeological investigations, it will operate in any number of applications including military, industrial, commercial, recreation, mining, geophysical exploration, and agriculture. Thus, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting, and the invention should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.