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.

Description: DISTRIBUTED SENSING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREFOR STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT RIGHTS Portions of this invention was made or used in conjunction with U.S. Government support from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, under Contract No. N66001-99-C-8514. The U.S. Government may have certain rights in this invention. PRIORITY CLAIM This application claims the benefit of priority to provisional application number 60/235,599, filed in the United States on September 27, 2000, and titled "Distributed Display Composed of Active Fiducials". TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and a method configured to provide a user with data collected from multiple sources. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventional approaches to displaying information from multiple sensors require a map of the environment to which the information pertains and data regarding the coordinates of each sensor. Generally data from each sensor is obtained and compiled by way of a user interface, and the data is then displayed relative to a map in the possession of a user. The data may be superimposed onto the map at locations corresponding to the position of each sensor. Drawbacks to these approaches include the requirement of a coordinate system that allows a correspondence between features on the map and features in the environment. Further, the position of each sensor must be known relative to the map. Accordingly, the position of each sensor is generally indexed within the coordinate system so that the relative position of each sensor is known and, thereby, the relevance of the data obtained by each particular sensor can then be ascertained. There are numerous instances where a user is either unable to obtain a map of the environment, or is unable to obtain a map that is accurate enough to facilitate the coordination of gathered data with the map. Therefore, it would be desirable to have a means for obtaining data from the environment whereby the data could be coordinated with the sites of data collection without the need for a map. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing an apparatus and method for obtaining data from an environment wherein the data are associated with the data collection sites without the need for a map of the environment. This present invention provides a means for providing location-specific information to a user from a collection of distributed data sensors. The sensors will herein be referred to as "active fiducials", robots, and sensors. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method configured to provide, in a coherent and useful manner, at least one user with data collected by a plurality of active fiducials. According to this method, there is a first step that includes an instructing step, whereby a user provides the plurality of active fiducials instructions or sensor criteria in order to direct the plurality of active fiducials to a desired target. The second step is a searching step, whereby the plurality of active fiducials are dispersed and seek a target based upon the instructions or sensor criteria provided by the user. The third step is a detection step, wherein at least one of the plurality of active fiducials locates a target matching the provided mstructions or meeting the provided sensor criteria. The fourth step is a notification step, wherein the sensor data is optionally transmitted from the inter-fiducial interface to other active fiducials within the plurality of active fiducials or directly to a user or both. The fifth step includes a receiving and converting step, wherein data are received by a user and, as necessary, are converted into a user discernable format. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a plurality of active fiducials configured to identify and convey useful data to at least one user utilizing the plurality of active fiducials. This embodiment provides an apparatus for displaying data detected via one or more active fiducials, wherein the one or more active fiducials act independently and operate without internal maps of the environment of interest. Based upon instructions provided by a user, optionally through a user-fiducial interface, each fiducial is capable utilizing its plurality of sensors to collect relevant data regarding a selected target. The relevant data might include the direction of the target relative to the fiducial. This data is provided to a processor configured to receive the data and relay the data to a user-fiducial interface, where it is converted to a user-friendly format, such as a heads up display or head worn display. Another embodiment provides an apparatus for gathering and transmitting data to a user, comprising: one or more active fiducials, wherein each fiducial further comprises at least one sensor configured to collect data and provide that data to a processor; a processor configured to receive the collected data and relay it to an inter-fiducial interface and a user-fiducial interface; an inter-fiducial interface configured to allow communication between the active fiducials; and, a user-fiducial interface configured to allow communication between the active fiducials and the user. In yet another embodiment the sensor on the active fiducial is a camera which can be dynamically rotated on the active fiducial, thus facilitating a plurality of environmental views without requiring the active fiducial to move. One such embodiment, envisions a camera mounted on a turret. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings form a part of the specification, and illustrate various embodiments of the invention. The drawings, taken together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. FIG. 1 is a flowchart depicting a method whereby a user first instructs the active fiducials to locate a target based upon criteria provided by the user; FIG. 2 is a depiction of one embodiment of an active fiducial according to the present invention; FIG. 3 is an illustration of a plurality of active fiducials in operation; FIG. 4 is a diagram of an active fiducial unit relaying data to a user by way of a user- fiducial interface; and FIG. 5 is a split view of a plurality of active fiducials, indicating an unaided view and an augmented view in the case where a target is not discernable to a user. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following description, taken in conjunction with the referenced drawings, is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applications, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. Furthermore it should be noted that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the figures included herein are illustrated diagrammatically and without any specific scale, as they are provided as qualitative illustrations of the concept of the present invention. The present invention provides a method and apparatus whereby one or more active fiducials locate and gather data that is then provided to a user. More specifically, the present invention described herein contemplates numerous configurations in order to accomplish the tasks of locating and obtaining relevant information about a target based upon instructions provided to one or more active fiducials by a user. The flowchart shown in FIG. 1 outlines one embodiment of the present invention, whereby data regarding a target is obtained, processed, and relayed to a user in a coherent and useful manner. According to this embodiment, there is at least one user and a plurality of active fiducials. Accordingly, there is an instructing step 100, whereby a user provides the plurality of active fiducials with mstructions or sensor criteria in order to direct the plurality of active fiducials to a desired target. These instructions may be permanently fixed, or may be varied either by an end user or an intermediate user. Where an end user refers to a final user and an intermediate user may refer to an entity that either retransmits data, or uses collected data as a means to draw conclusions, or make decisions, before the data is routed to the end user. For example, the fiducials may be employed to help detect incipient forest fires. In this case the fiducials sensors would be programmed to seek out certain heat sources. Upon finding such a heat source the discovering fiducial will relay a message to the user, either through other intermediate fiducials or directly to an end user, such as a forest ranger. The fiducial may transmit its position using a satellite based position-sensing device such as GPS, or by providing its direction to either other fiducials or directly to the user. Thus if a plurality of active fiducials were released into a forest they may be permitted to wander about indefinitely, possibly using a solar power pack, in search of forest fires. Similarly, the fiducials could be configured to look for certain shapes, using commonly available video cameras and shape identification software. Thus the fiducials may find application in crime scene investigations, by searching fields or buildings for instruments of the crime. The fiducials could also search for metal containing compounds, such as weapons or land mines, or even toxic substances. A simple gas chromatograph could draw air and water samples and test for the presence of certain chemicals in situ. According to the method of this embodiment, a searching step 102 is performed next, whereby the plurality of active fiducials are dispersed in order to seek a target based upon the mstructions or sensor criteria provided by the user. The third step 104 is a detecting step, wherein at least one of the plurality of active fiducials locates a target matching the provided instructions or meeting the provided sensor criteria. The fourth step 106 is a notifying step, wherein the sensor data is optionally transmitted from the inter-fiducial interface to other active fiducials within the plurality of active fiducials or directly to a user, or both. The fifth step 108 includes a receiving and converting step, wherein data are received by a user and, as necessary, are converted into a user discernable format. In the present embodiment, the data relayed by the active fiducials may be sent to other active fiducials to optimize or modify their searches and/or data acquisition. Another embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus configured to obtain, process, and relay data to a user in a coherent and useful manner. According to this embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 2, each active fiducial 200 is equipped with an interface for receiving data and transmitting data. Where data is understood to include instructions, sensor criteria, sensor reports, and other transceived data. Instructions may relate to the dispersion pattern that the robots are to take, sensor criteria would include both what to look for, and ideally at what level. Thus, travel due north and report when the ambient concentration of oxygen goes 12 percent. The sensor reports might include a report stating that the ambient concentration of oxygen is 7 percent, and include the fiducial's coordinates. This data interface may include a remote receiving module 202 or another type of interface. Instructions and sensor criteria can be permanently programmed into the active fiducials, or may be varied either by the end user or an intermediate user. For example, the fiducials may be employed to help detect incipient forest fires. In this case the fiducials sensors would be programmed to seek out certain heat sources. Upon finding such a heat source the discovering fiducial will relay a message to the user, either through other fiducials or directly to the user. The fiducial may transmit its position using a satellite-based position sensing device, or by providing its direction to either other fiducials or directly to the user. In the case where directions are provided using a satellite based position sensing device the active fiducial will be equipped with a GPS receiver 204 or equivalent system. Similarly if a radio beacon system is utilized in place of a GPS, the fiducial would need to be equipped with the appropriate technology. The 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 and a computer software system, configured to recognize shapes, in all cases the active fiducial is defined to include a data processor. The fiducials may also be equipped with inductive coils 210 or other means for sensing metal containing compounds. Additionally the fiducial may be equipped with a gas chromatograph 212, configured to sample air or water and test for the presence of certain chemicals in situ. Sensors need not be statically mounted to the active fiducials. It is anticipated, and in some cases preferred, that the sensors can change position on the active fiducials. The video camera 208 could be mounted on a turret to allow for a wide view range. The active fiducial is intended to accommodate virtually any sensor or array of sensors. Further, the active fiducials may use a variety of propulsion means including motor driven tracks 214, motor driven wheels 216, propellers, lighter than air reservoirs, such as hot air balloons of dirigibles, or other propulsion device or a combination of devices. The propulsion device will generally be coupled to a steering mechanism, which, may be controlled, by user input, a "smart" algorithm or similar artificial intelligence protocol, or pre-specified directions such as a compass/GPS heading or by a trial and error random walk, wherein the active fiducials travel until their progress is sufficiently inhibited and then retreat. The active fiducial often will simply be a sensor allowed to statically remain in place, or move when acted upon by environmental forces. In such a situation the fiducial would not have any propulsion means. The active fiducials communicate with the user either directly or through at least one other active fiducial. The means of communication may either be by conventional radio waves, or other bands within the electromagnetic radiation range, visible or not. Additionally the active fiducial may use electromechanical radiation, either alone or in conjunction with electromagnetic radiation. The active fiducials may also be attached to mobile objects such as motorized vehicles, planes or animals. Such an embodiment may be equipped with adhesive, a cord or wire or a magnetic adhesion device or other adhering device. In this way the active fiducials could be readily affixed to a plurality of mobile objects. In another embodiment of the present invention, the active fiducial is configured to provide visually discernable status indicia. For instance, FIG. 3 presents a plurality of active fiducials 300 that have found an object 302 matching a specified criterion. In this case the each active fiducial is equipped with an arrow 304 and a direction-specific transceiver 306 (see outtake). Here, an active fiducial 300 has located a target 302, a gun in this case, and has transmitted its findings to surrounding active fiducials 300. Because a direction-specific transceiver 306 is utilized, each active fiducial receives information that is appropriate to its position. In this embodiment the direction-specific transceiver 306 comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes 308, surrounded by a plurality of baffles. Each diode emits at a unique wavelength or flash pattern, and directly below or above each diode could optionally be an electromagnetic radiation sensor for directional sensing. In this embodiment there are 32 different wavelengths, or transmission patterns, thus providing an angular resolution of about 10 degrees. There could be greater or fewer wavelengths and the device could be interpreted using only the unaided eye, for example through the use of colors. In this embodiment of the present invention the user cannot see the target, such a situation exists where there is no unobstructed view, or where the subject matter is invisible, as is the case with certain types of gas, heat, or otherwise difficult to discern systems. In the present case the arrows point the user in the direction of the target, even when the target is out of sight. There is nothing exclusive about the use of arrows as indicia of direction, directional color or other characteristics could be used with comparable results. Consider the situation where red, green and yellow diodes are used to indicate a fact concerning a region. A green light could mean no hazard, a yellow light could indicate the presence a toxin above a first threshold, and a red light could indicate the presence of a toxin above a second threshold. Alternatively, the data from the fiducials can be represented as an overlay, the aggregation of the data from all the fiducials would result in a coherent distributed display of information. This display is comparable to a traditional display that is composed of a plurality of pixels, each of which is insufficient to convey the content of an image, but when taken in the aggregate form a useful image. An example of such an application would be the placement of active fiducials in the vicinity of a toxic chemical discharge. The fiducials could use pseudo-color to dynamically map toxin concentration gradients across a geographical area. Similarly, temperature or any other environmental quality could be measured. In an alternative embodiment the light emitting diodes are distinguishable based on a number of factors such as intensity, or if the light emitting diode is made to have periods of alternating of illumination. In such a scenario the periodicity of illumination may be used to provide directional and substantive data. Further it is anticipated that fairly complex patterns of periodicity and varying wavelength could allow for a virtually limitless number of unique directional signals. Alternative systems could use directional radio transmitters, or directional acoustical transmitters. Additionally, laser beams could be used to provide better directional resolution. In such a case it is anticipated that the intermittency of the transmitted beam would contain, at least a portion of the coded directional component. In some situations each active fiducial within an area may be able to simultaneously provide unique localized information. Such a situation exists where toxic gases are known to exist. By placing active fiducials strategically across an area, a user could view the toxic gas concentration gradients across the area. A pseudo-color scheme could be used to depict concentration in a heads-up display or other display. Similarly, various colored light emitting diodes could be employed across the field, where the light emitting diode's color could indicate concentration. A diagram of a fiducial unit relaying data to a user by way of a user-fiducial interface is shown in FIG. 4. In the present embodiment of the invention, the user is holding or is wearing a receiving unit 400, which is capable of receiving and interpreting the data from an active fiducial 402. The converted data is put into a form recognizable by a user and provided to a user. In this case the data is displayed on a pair of glasses 404 which are substantially transparent except for the selective placement of fiducial related data. For the purposes of this application this will be considered a heads up display. The relevant information can be relayed to the user in numerous other ways such as a video display or monitor or audio signal having a variable intensity or tone. In another embodiment of the present invention, the transceiver transmits using electromagnetic radiation outside the visible region, such as radio frequency, infrared light, microwave, etc. The user then utilizes a receiver to decode the signals and displays the directional data or other data. The data may be in the form of an overlay on a heads up display, an augmentation of a video feed, a display on a screen, such as a laptop, CRT, other display, or other mode of data conveyance. Such an embodiment is provided in FIG. 5. The non-augmented view 500 in this embodiment shows only the active fiducials 502 in a specific location. However, with the aid of an augmented view 504, the user further sees the desired additional data regarding the position of the target 506. Yet another embodiment provides an active fiducial comprising a means for obtaining information. In this embodiment the means may be either a receiver, configured to collect data from one or more other active fiducials, or it may be a sensor as discussed earlier. If a sensor is used the sensor is configured to not onluy collect data, but to provide the data to a sensor interface, so that the collected data may be made available to a user, either directly or through another active fiducial. According to this embodiment there is also a means for conveying information to a user, this means could include any means of data conveyance, including the use of reflected light. Thus, the active fiducial may display a non-illuminated sign, or an illuminated sign or any other data conveyance means. Further, this embodiment envisions an implicit means for conveying apparatus location identification. The most obvious example is an active fiducial in plain sight. This means of location providing information relies on the ability of the user to ascertain the location of the active fiducial based on the perception of the user. In more complex systems the active fiducial may be concealed to the naked eye but visible with the aid of an optical device. Thus, the user will extract an essential element of information by visually perceiving the active fiducials, even if the perception is accomplished with the aid of a user operated device. It is anticipated that the active fiducial will rely on at least one means for conveying a signal. A non-exhaustive list might include an omni-directional electromagnetic radiation originating transmitter. Such a transmitter would include a transmitter configured to transmit in virtually any spectrum of the electromagnetic radiation region. Thus a light transmission and a radio transmission would be anticipated. In this case the active fiducial would actually power the transmitter. In another version the active fiducial may use ambient energy to transmit a signal. An example would be the situation where sunlight is allowed to impinge on an object, and be reflected to a user. The reflected light would provide a signal to the user. An pointing arrow or other data indicia would be included in this embodiment. The electromagnetic radiation emanating form the active fiducial, either originating or being reflected, can be either visible from only one general direction or visible form a plurality of directions. Additionally the active fiducial may utilize audio signals either within or out of the range perceptible by humans.

Claims: CLAIMS 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. a wing; 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. 10. 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. 11. A method for gathering and displaying useful data as set forth in 10, 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. 12. A method for gathering and displaying useful data as set forth in 10, 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. 13. A method for gathering and displaying useful data as set forth in 12, wherein the sensors associated with each active fiducial is: i. static relative to the active fiducial; and ii. dynamic relative to the active fiducial. 14. A method for gathering and displaying useful data as set forth in 12, 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. 15. A method for gathering and displaying useful data as set forth in 12, 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. 16. A method for gathering and displaying useful data as set forth in 12, wherein the active fiducial interface transmits unique messages in a plurality of correspondingly unique plurality of directions using a plurality of directional transmitters. 17. 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. 18. An active fiducial as set forth in claim 17 wherein the means for obtaining information comprises at least one of the following: i. an environmental sensor; ii. another active fiducials. 19. An apparatus as set forth in claim 17 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. 20. An apparatus as set forth in claim 17, 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.

Inventors: DAILY MIKE, PAYTON DAVID W, DAILY, MIKE, PAYTON, DAVID, W.
Applicants: DAILY MIKE, HRL LAB LLC, PAYTON DAVID W, DAILY, MIKE, HRL LABORATORIES, LLC, PAYTON, DAVID, W.
Application year: 2001
Main classification: G01D21
IPC codes: G01D21, G01S5, G05D1, G08C17