Patent ID: 8185101

Claim:
A portable handheld real-time tracking and communications device comprising: a controller module including a micro-processor, the controller module operatively arranged to control and provide an interface between modules comprising the device, the controller module including, a power module operatively arranged to provide power to the modules comprising the device, the power module including a battery, a memory module operatively arranged to receive and store instructions for operating the modules comprising the device, an encryption module operatively arranged to encrypt information communicated from the device to a mobile ad hoc network, an access control module operatively arranged to create and maintain a listing of external devices authorized for communication with the device, the access control module comprises a master transmit list of devices authorized for communication with the device, a list of external devices within wireless range of the device, and a transmit list, the transmit list consisting of the union of the master transmit list and the list of external devices within wireless range of the device; a communications module operatively connected to the controller module, the communications module including, a global positioning system (GPS) module, the GPS module operatively arranged to provide global positioning information pertaining to the devices' position, a mesh network radio module, the mesh network radio module operatively arranged to communicate information between the device and the mobile ad-hoc network; a data transfer and storage module operatively connected to the controller module, the data transfer and storage module including, an input-output connector operatively arranged to allow hard-wired communication with external hardware, a flash memory module, the flash memory module operatively arranged to store configuration files, a compact flash memory socket, the compact flash memory socket operatively arranged to accommodate a compact flash memory card, an external communication port; a user interface module operatively connected to the controller module, the user interface module including, a keypad operatively arranged for operator input, a plurality of status indicating light emitting diodes (LEDs) the LEDs operatively arranged to indicate an operating status of one or more modules, a composite video output; a water resistant enclosure operatively arranged to provide containment for the modules comprising the device, the enclosure comprising two or more portions, the two or more portions fastened together by tamper-resistant fasteners, the two or more portions incorporating a water resistant seal there between.