WO2008075347A2

WO2008075347A2 - Adaptive, mesh structured mobile network

Info

Publication number: WO2008075347A2
Application number: PCT/IL2007/001561
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gil Shavit; Ronen Angel
Original assignee: Tadsec Advanced Homeland Security Technologies Ltd; Koren-Ron Systems Communications Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-12-18
Filing date: 2007-12-18
Publication date: 2008-06-26
Also published as: IL180162A0; WO2008075347A3

Abstract

A system (100) and method for a mobile security network, which preferably features an adaptive human mesh structure, more preferably with at least certain components of the mesh linked through wireless networking. The human mesh structure comprises a plurality of nodes (104, 102) of the network, in which each human is part of a node. As each human operator moves and changes location, the nodes according to the present invention preferably hand off various aspects of data communication between each other, so as to optionally and more preferably dynamically reconfigure the mesh network as required, most preferably for maintaining efficient and rapid data transmission.

Description

Novel Mobile Network FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is of a novel mobile network, and in particular, of such a network which incorporates separate mobile components for transmission of various types of data, including audio and video data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Security is an increasingly complex and difficult aspect of modern human activity. Concerns in the area of security include simultaneously maintaining security and also freedom of movement while supporting the ability to engage in activities related to everyday living. Other concerns relate to complex security arrangements for events involving large crowds, including but not limited to sporting events, cultural events, theatrical events, festivals and others. For all such arrangements, it is desirable to provide a high level of security which is as unobtrusive and non-intrusive as possible. Security arrangements typically involve a combination of automated hardware, such as stationary video cameras and the like, and observation by human security personnel. Automated hardware has the advantage of being able to continuously view a particular area and to provide data regarding that area to human observers. However, such hardware does not have any flexibility, as for example it cannot move to a "hotspot" or area of security concern. Human security personnel who are patrolling in the field have the advantage of flexibility and of being able to immediately respond to an emerging security situation. However, human personnel cannot easily describe the scene that they are viewing to other personnel, such that transfer of information is hampered. The inability to rapidly transfer information between human personnel and/or the transfer of biased or incomplete information significantly reduces the ability of such personnel to effectively assess and control the security situation.

Currently available security solutions have one or both of the above drawbacks. If they rely only upon automated hardware, then the solution is not flexible and cannot handle dynamic, emerging security situations with a rapid response. If they rely only upon patrolling security personnel in the field, then the solution is exposed to problems of accurate information transfer between human beings and also problems of bias in the presentation of information. Even systems which feature both automated hardware and patrolling human personnel do not overcome these problems, because the potential strengths of each aspect of such a system do not overcome the drawbacks of the other, such that automated hardware cannot fully overcome the problem of human information transfer and bias, due to lack of flexibility, and so forth.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the background art by providing a system and method for a mobile security network, which preferably features an adaptive human mesh structure, more preferably with at least certain components of the mesh linked through wireless networking. The human mesh structure comprises a plurality of nodes of the network, in which each human is part of a node. As each human operator moves and changes location, the nodes according to the present invention preferably hand off various aspects of data communication between each other, so as to optionally and more preferably dynamically reconfigure the mesh network as required, most preferably for maintaining efficient and rapid data transmission. As used herein, the term "security" may also optionally refer to any type of emergency, including but not limited to natural disasters, fire, flood, storms and like, as well as to human activities, including but not limited to criminal or terrorist activities.

A human who is part of a node preferably carries some type of networking equipment, including but not limited to a transceiver, a transmitter, a receiver, a mesh node extender (for boosting the signal of other nodes) and/or any other type of communications equipment. The equipment may optionally comprise any signal type, including but not limited to RF (radiofrequency), microwave, optical and so forth. The term "carrying" includes but is not limited to wearing, carrying in the hand, on the back or any other part of the body, placing in a mobile vehicle operated by a human (whether directly for example by being driven or flown, or indirectly, as for example a drone) and so forth.

As the human operators move and change location in the field, the nodes preferably hand off communication to each other, more preferably according to the dynamic requirements of the network. For example, a transceiver may first rely upon a near-by mesh node extender to boost the signal to the next receiver and/or transceiver; however, if the transceiver and/or the mesh node extender change position (because the human operator with whom they are associated changes position) then the transceiver is preferably handed off to another mesh node extender with a more favorable location. According to some embodiments, the system features a mixture of mobile and stationary nodes. The stationary nodes may optionally be temporarily stationary, as for example a non-moving vehicle and/or device. The stationary nodes may also optionally be temporarily placed at a location, as for example node equipment that is placed at a location and left at that location. The stationary nodes may also optionally feature long term or even permanent placement, as for example a building or other permanent or semipermanent structure.

According to other embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a system for a mobile security network, comprising: a node, comprising a sensor and a transceiver, for transmitting sensor data in a signal; a mesh node extender for boosting the signal of the node for transmission through the network; and a command and control unit for receiving the signal through the network; wherein at least one human operator carries at least one of the node or the mesh node extender.

Optionally, the at least one of the node or the mesh node extender is carried according to a method selected from the group consisting of being manually carried or worn by the human operator, being carried in a ground vehicle, being carried in an airborne vehicle, being carried in an underwater vehicle or being carried by a mobile drone.

Preferably, the command and control unit comprises a mobile unit or a stationary location unit.

Optionally, the signal comprises any one or more of a radiofrequency (RF) signal, a wireless signal, a microwave signal, an optical signal or a cellular signal. Preferably, a mobile component further comprises a location indicating device. More preferably, the command and control unit requests that at least one of the node or the mesh node extender change location according to a location determined by the location indicating device.

Optionally, the system further comprises at least one of a stationary location node or mesh node extender. Preferably, a plurality of nodes and mesh node extenders are carried by a plurality of human operators, and wherein each such node and/or mesh node extender forms a node in the mobile security network, the mobile security network having a dynamic topology. More preferably, the sensor data comprises at least one of video data, audio data or image data. Optionally, at least one node or mesh node extender is stationary.

Optionally, a topology of the mobile security network is at least partially determined according to at least one command from the command and control unit. Preferably, each node and each mesh node extender comprise a routing module for determining a route of a signal. More preferably, the routing module determines the route at least partially according to availability of at least one other node or mesh node extender. Most preferably, the routing module determines the route at least partially according to signal strength from at least one other node or mesh node extender.

Optionally, the routing module determines a plurality of potential routes and selects a route according to at least one transmission parameter. Preferably, the transmission parameter includes one or more of a quality of service parameter, a number of hops required for routing, a load balancing parameter or a command from the command and control unit.

Optionally, the node or mesh node extender further comprises a cellular telephone interface. Also optionally, the node or mesh node extender further comprises a satellite communication interface. Also optionally, the node or mesh node extender further comprises a fixed line telephone interface. Also optionally, the node or mesh node extender further comprises a power source. Also optionally, the node or mesh node extender further comprises a display. According to other embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method for implementing a mobile security network, the network featuring a plurality of nodes, each node comprising at least one of a node or a mesh node extender, wherein at least two of the nodes are mobile and wherein at least two of the nodes communicate according to wireless communication, the method comprising: Sending a message by a first node to at least one other node, the message comprising an identity of the first node and a role as a sensor or a mesh node extender; Receiving the message by the at least one other node; and Transmitting data to the first node by the at least one other node at least partially according to the message.

Optionally, the first node comprises a command and control center, such that the at least one other node transmits data to the command and control center. Preferably, the at least one other node detects a channel for transmitting the data to the first node according to the message, such that the at least one other node selects the channel for transmitting according to the message.

Optionally and preferably, the at least one other node detects a signal to noise ratio, such that the at least one other node selects the first node for transmitting at least partially according to the signal to noise ratio.

Optionally, at least one mobile node is carried by a human operator. Preferably, the at least one mobile node is carried according to a method selected from the group consisting of being manually carried or worn by the human operator, being carried in a ground vehicle, being carried in an airborne vehicle, being carried in an underwater vehicle or being carried by a mobile drone.

Optionally, the wireless communication comprises any one or more of radiofrequency, microwave, optical or cellular. Preferably, the method further comprises receiving the data by a command and control center; and requesting movement of at least one mobile node according to the received data by the command and control center.

More preferably, the method further comprises transmitting data from a plurality of nodes to the command and control center; and integrating the transmitted data by the command and control center for assessing a security situation.

According to yet other embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method for determining a topology of a mobile security network, the network featuring a plurality of nodes, wherein at least one node is mobile and wherein at least two of the nodes communicate according to wireless communication, the method comprising: determining a location of the plurality of nodes; determining at least one security requirement for the network; and adjusting the location of at least one node according to the at least one security requirement.

Optionally and preferably, the location is a relative location, such that the determining the location is performed according to at least one of relative signal strength or signal triangulation. Also optionally and preferably, the location is an actual location, such that the determining the location is performed according to at least one of a fixed location of a node or a GPS determined location.

Optionally, at least one node comprises a sensor and the at least one security requirement is for gathering data at the location with the sensor.

Also optionally, at least one node is carried by a human operator and the at least one security requirement relates to a physical presence of the human operator at the location.

Preferably, the method further comprises determining at least one transmission parameter for transmission of signals between the plurality of nodes.

More preferably, the at least one transmission parameter includes one or more of a quality of service parameter, a number of hops required for routing, a load balancing parameter or a command from the command and control unit.

Optionally, the adjusting the location of at least one node comprises partitioning the plurality of nodes into a plurality of clusters; and determining at least one head node for each cluster, such that transmission between the clusters is performed by the head nodes.

More preferably the method further comprises adding a mesh node extender to the network to boost a signal for transmission between the nodes. According to still other embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method for determining a route of a message through a mobile security network, the network featuring a plurality of nodes, wherein at least one node is mobile and wherein at least two of the nodes communicate according to wireless communication, the method comprising: locating at least one accessible node; if the at least one accessible node is the only available node, transmitting to the at least one accessible node; otherwise determining a plurality of routes for the message; and selecting a route according to at least one transmission parameter and according to at least one security consideration.

Preferably, the at least one transmission parameter includes one or more of a quality of service parameter, a number of hops required for routing, a load balancing parameter or a command from the command and control unit. More preferably, the at least one security consideration relates to an emergency, such that if the message is an emergency message, the message receives priority.

The term "mesh" is used in the field of computing to refer to a network topology in which devices are connected with many redundant interconnections between network nodes. Various types of mesh topologies are possible; for example, every node may have a connection to every other node in the network in a "true" or complete mesh topology. Full mesh topology occurs when every node has a circuit connecting it to every other node in a network. Partial mesh topology involves connecting at least some nodes to only one or two other nodes in the network. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the mesh structure may optionally comprise a full mesh topology or a partial mesh topology, or a combination thereof (for example when a network according to the present invention comprises a plurality of sub-networks). According to other embodiments, the exact nature of the mesh topology is determined dynamically or "on the fly" as human operators move and change location, such that one or more nodes may optionally be featured in a full mesh topology or a partial mesh topology at different times, as the network configuration changes.

According to other preferred embodiments of the present invention, at least one node, and preferably a plurality of nodes, is in communication with a command center. The command center may optionally be a mobile command center or alternatively may be a stationary location command center, or a combination of both. The command center is preferably able to integrate data received from the nodes of the mesh network, for example to provide a more complete description of a security situation. The command center is more preferably able to record received data, for example for later analysis. The command center is preferably also able to monitor data transmitted between the nodes of the network. This unit is optionally and preferably self standing and ready to operate within a short period of time.

According to other preferred embodiments, the mobile command and control unit has a communication link to a stationary unit, which may for example comprise the headquarters of security personnel or some other type of stationary location command and control unit. The communication link may optionally comprise one or more of a physical line (such as a fiber optic line or a cable line and the like, for example) or a wireless connection (point to point or via cellular communication, microwave, satellite and the like, for example).

The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the background art in many ways. For example, in many security and/or other emergency situations there is an unpredictable need for rapid data gathering from a specific geographical spot. Sometimes the required data is from several spots within the area. Existing communication infrastructure, such as wireless and/or stationary line communication, cannot always provide sufficient support for such rapid data gathering. For security and/or other emergency situations which require high bandwidth for data delivery such as video and audio at high quality within a short response time, rapid deployment of adaptive wireless networking for instant data transmission is required and may optionally be provided by the present invention.

The present invention also has the advantage of decentralization and redundancy. Decentralization means that data transmission may optionally be configured according to any useful or efficient configuration as required by a dynamically changing situation. The mobile mesh networks of the present invention are by their nature redundant, as problems with data transmission through one node are preferably compensated through transmission at one or more other nodes.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Implementation of the method and system of the present invention involves performing or completing certain selected tasks or stages manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of preferred embodiments of the method and system of the present invention, several selected stages could be implemented by hardware or by software on any operating system of any firmware or a combination thereof. For example, as hardware, selected stages of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected stages of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In any case, selected stages of the method and system of the invention could be described as being performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions. The term "display" refers to any device or method for providing data to a human, including but not limited to a cathode ray tube display, a computer monitor of any type, a LCD screen, a LED screen, a plasma screen, a television set, a projector, an alarm (whether audible, visual, vibratory or a combination thereof of any two or more such modes), an audio amplifier, a vibrating device or any other device for providing touch- related feedback.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in order to provide what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. Li this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary system according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary illustrative node according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary illustrative method according to the present invention for operating a mobile mesh network as described with regard to Figures 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary illustrative method according to the present invention for transmitting data through a mobile mesh network for a security situation as described with regard to Figures 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for routing data through a mobile network according to some embodiments of the present invention; and

FIGS. 6 A and 6B relate to exemplary, illustrative methods for determining a topology of a plurality of nodes. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is of a system and a method for a mobile security network, which preferably features an adaptive human mesh structure, more preferably with at least certain components of the mesh linked through wireless networking. The human mesh structure comprises a plurality of nodes of the network, in which some nodes are carried by a human operator. As each human operator moves and changes location, the nodes according to the present invention preferably hand off various aspects of data communication between each other, so as to optionally and more preferably dynamically reconfigure the mesh network as required, most preferably for maintaining efficient and rapid data transmission.

Optionally and more preferably, the network also features stationary nodes, which may optionally be temporary, permanent or semi-permanent nodes. Such nodes may optionally comprise equipment that is placed at a particular location for example, and/or a vehicle or other mobile unit that is temporarily stationary, and/or a building or other structure. Most preferably, at least one stationary node comprises a command and control center, which includes at least one human operator for reviewing input data and also for issuing at least one command or control message to at least one node. The command and control center is optionally a mobile command and control center, but may optionally and alternatively be a stationary command and control center (and/or may optionally be intermittently stationary or mobile).

As described above, the nodes of the mesh network may optionally and preferably comprise any type of communication technology. Each node preferably comprises at least one type of communication equipment being carried by at least one human operator. Optionally and preferably, each node also comprises and/or is able to at least receive data from at least one type of data gathering equipment, including but not limited to a video camera, still camera, audio equipment (such as a microphone for example), chemical sensor, radioactivity sensor, biohazard sensor and/or any other type of sensor, all of which are collectively termed herein as "sensors". Data obtained from such equipment is preferably then made available through the mesh network, more preferably to at least one other human operator and also most preferably to at least a mobile command and control center as described above. Optionally and most preferably, such data is also made available to a stationary location unit, such as a stationary location command and control center for example. One or more command and control centers may optionally be intermittently mobile or stationary.

According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, each node comprises at least one sensor and one or more communication components; more preferably, each node has a security role to fulfill. Optionally and preferably, each node transmits its data directly or indirectly (for example through mesh node extenders) to the command and control unit.

According to other preferred embodiments, each node has a particular role within the mobile mesh network, for example for providing data from one or more sensors as described above, but also additionally or alternatively as a mesh node extender or repeater (mobile operation with a mesh node extender as described above). As a repeater, the node preferably receives a signal and then passes at least the data content of the signal onward, effectively boosting the strength of the original signal.

It should be noted that the mobile mesh network preferably features both an actual physical topology (which is a description of the physical location of each node in the network) and also a signal topology (which describes the actual path taken by each signal as it is propagated through the network). According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, each signal preferably travels through the most efficient path on the mobile mesh network, which may or may not be the shortest path. For example, if one or more nodes are congested due to high levels of data transmission, and/or if one or more nodes have low signal strength, subsequent signal transmission of at least one signal preferably avoids such one or more nodes, more preferably even if an additional "hop" or other network travel is required.

The command and control unit is preferably able to determine the location and function of each node of the mesh network, for example optionally and preferably through GPS (global positioning system). Additionally or alternatively, the location of a node may optionally be determined through triangulation according to the location of a plurality of other nodes, for example by using relative signal strength.

As a non-limiting example, the full coverage of an area having 500m radius but without direct line of sight over the entire area may optionally and preferably be provided by a group of a plurality of trained human personnel, each of whom knows a particular role and duty to fulfill the requirements of the mesh network. The present invention may optionally be used for many different security applications, of which non-limiting, illustrative examples include oil refineries and other remote fixed installations, oil rigs, ships, trucks, airplanes and any other mobile operation.

The principles and operation of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary system according to the present invention. As shown, a system 100 preferably features a plurality of nodes 102. Each node 102 preferably features at least one interface 103 and optionally and more preferably features at least one sensor 105. Interface 103 enables communication with other nodes 102, as well as preferably with other components of system 100 as described below. Sensor 105 is optionally any type of data gathering equipment, including but not limited to a video camera, still camera, audio equipment (such as a microphone for example), chemical sensor, radioactivity sensor, biohazard sensor and/or any other type of sensor. A more detailed construction of node 102 is provided with regard to the exemplary embodiment of Figure 2.

System 100 also preferably features at least one but more preferably a plurality of mesh node extenders 104. Mesh node extenders 104 preferably act as repeaters, by receiving a signal from a node 102 and/or from another mesh node extender 104, and then passing the signal another to component of system 100, such as for example another node 102 and/or another mesh node extender 104. Optionally, mesh node extender 104 and node 102 may be at least functionally interchangeable, in that node 102 may act as a mesh node extender 104 or repeater. Also mesh node extender 104 may optionally feature at least one sensor 105, and preferably features interface 103 as shown.

Node 102 and/or mesh node extender 104 may optionally be implemented as an apparatus carried by a human operator on the person of the human operator and/or as an apparatus carried in a vehicle and controlled by the human operator (locally or remotely) and/or as a remote controlled apparatus (for example on a vehicle and/or other carrier and/or on a stationary structure such as a building for example).

System 100 also preferably features at least one command and control unit 106, which may optionally be implemented as an airborne command and control unit 108. Command and control unit 106 may optionally be stationary or mobile, and/or intermittently stationary or mobile. Command and control unit 106 preferably issues one or more commands and/or control messages to one or more nodes 102 and/or mesh node extenders 104. For example, as described in greater detail below with regard to Figure 6 for routing, command and control unit 106 preferably determines whether at least one segment of the network defined by one or more nodes 102 and/or mesh node extenders 104 has signal strength and/or available bandwidth below a threshold value. If so, then command and control unit 106 preferably issues a command to at least one node 102 and/or mesh node extender 104 to move (or to be moved). The signal strength and/or available bandwidth is then preferably measured again, to see whether an improvement has been made and if so, whether the improvement is sufficient.

Command and control unit 106 may optionally issue one or more commands and/or control messages regarding a request for obtaining more sensor data with a sensor 105. The request may optionally involve initiating data gathering with sensor 105 and/or increasing the amount of data gathered and/or increasing the quality of data gathered (for example by increasing the resolution of data, optionally and preferably for video data). Sensor 105 may also optionally have one or more aspects of its operation altered, for example with regard to changing a direction of an antenna, microphone or camera, o other data gathering device. The request may again also optionally require movement of a node 102 (and/or of a mesh network extender 104 if such a sensor 105 is present).

System 100 may optionally comprise a fixed location command and control unit 110. Fixed location command and control unit 110 is preferably permanently or at least semi-permanently stationary. Fixed location command and control unit 110 may optionally also perform one or more command and/or control actions as described above with regard to command and control unit 106, but may also optionally (alternatively or additionally) gather data from a plurality of command and control units 106.

Preferably, such data includes video data and fixed location command and control unit 110 (and/or command and control unit 106) preferably aggregates a plurality of video streams by a multichannel receiver (not shown). Optionally and preferably one or both of fixed location command and control unit 110 and/or command and control unit 106 are able to communicate by a satellite 114, optionally including conveying control to any station in the globe (not shown). A more detailed description of an exemplary communication process through satellite 114 is provided below.

Fixed location command and control unit 110 may optionally also analyze such data to reach one or more control or command decisions. Such one or more decisions may optionally involve a specific or general request to at least one command and control unit 106, in which a general request preferably involves an overall adjustment (for example to provide increased coverage in a particular sector or area) while a specific request preferably involves a particular action by a particular component of system 100 (for example to have at least one node 102 move and/or otherwise alter at least one function or aspect of functioning) .

System 100 optionally features a perimeter 112, which may optionally be shifted to provide a dynamic boundary according to the requirements of a given security situation. Perimeter 112 is preferably known to any mobile component of system 100, such as for example one or more of a node 102, a mesh node extender 104 or a command and control unit 106, so that these component(s) remain within the boundary defined by perimeter 112. Perimeter 112 may also optionally extend vertically, for example for the operation of airborne command and control unit 108.

System 100 and the components shown herein may optionally and preferably be at least partially implemented as a MANET or mobile ad-hoc network, which is a self- configuring network of mobile components. The combination of such mobile components may optionally form any type of physical and/or signal topology as described above; a more specific description with regard to an exemplary, illustrative topology is provided below. Optionally, methods for routing as described for example in US Patent No. 7,177,295, hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, may also be performed. A more specific description of routing according to some exemplary, illustrative embodiments of the present invention is described in greater detail below.

Another type of mobile ad-hoc network is a VANET or vehicular ad-hoc network. System 100 may also optionally and preferably be at least partially implemented as a VANET. PCT Application No. WO 06/011123, incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, describes a method for determining an appropriate power level for transmission by each component of a VANET₅ in order to avoid interference between transmissions by various mobile units. Such a method may optionally be used as part of the present invention for maximizing available power of transmissions while minimizing interference for the components of system 100. Satellite transmission with satellite 114 may optionally be performed through a fully digital handshake VSAT (TCP/IP) by using a satellite modem (not shown). If satellite 114 is not a spot satellite (ie focused on a specific area), then preferably normal broadcasting is used for the satellite uplink (more preferably with MPEG 2 or 4 for video compression) and the satellite modem is used only or mainly for a low bitrate control command mechanism. For example, such a control command mechanism could optionally include issuing a command to one or more nodes 102 to adjust the function of one or more sensors 105. As a non-limiting example, if sensor 105 is a video and/or still camera, then the command may optionally comprise remote PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) steering.

Satellite 114 also preferably supports VoIP, for example for communication between humans carrying nodes 102 and/or mesh node extender 104 and/or command and control unit 106, and/or any other personnel. Such communication could optionally occur between personnel at any global location (not shown). Figure 2 shows an exemplary, illustrative node construction for a node 200 as described with regard to Figure 1. The implementation of node 200 may optionally be used with regard to any one or more of node 102, mesh node extender 104 or command and control unit 106. One or more components may also optionally be provided at fixed location command and control unit 110. Node 200 preferably features an interface 202, which for example may optionally be implemented for interface 103 of Figure 1. Interface 202 preferably includes at least one hardware component for data transmission and reception, shown as a transceiver 204. Transceiver 204 may optionally operate according to any wireless technology, including but not limited to radio transmission, UHF, VHF and cellular telephone technologies. Radio transmission is preferred for shorter distances, with a frequency range more preferably from about 2.4GHz to about 11 GHz. Exemplary specific frequencies include but are not limited to 2.4 GHz, 3.5 GHz, 4.9 and 5.8 GHz as these are standard frequencies. Optionally and preferably UHF and/or VHF ranges are used for longer distances, more preferably with the COFDM (coded orthogonal frequency division multiplexing modulation) method. COFDM is preferred for such long ranges (although it may optionally also be used for shorter range communication as described herein) because it can handle severe disruptions or problems in one or more of the plurality of channels provided.

Communication is preferably performed according to wireless TCP/IP. Preferably interface 202 performs and/or receives a "ping" every so often for other nodes 200 (not shown) and receives IP addresses in return. More preferably interface 202 also assesses signal strength as part of an algorithm to determine to which other node 200 the signal and/or a transmission should be sent. Node 200 may also optionally indicate that it is not capable of handling traffic at this time (for example because it is too busy). Such an indication may optionally be overridden by an emergency signal as a command, for example.

Interface 202 preferably includes at least one software and/or firmware component for optionally and preferably determining (for example) the next "hop" or movement within system 100, shown as a routing module 206. Routing module 206 preferably performs a calculation of the next node 200 to which the signal should be passed, optionally according to signal strength but preferably also according to at least one command, for example from any of the command and control units of Figure 1 (not shown). Such a command may also optionally cause an override, such that the calculation of the next node 200 is only related to the command and not to any other data or calculation feature(s). An exemplary method for routing is described in greater detail below.

Node 200 also optionally and preferably features a memory 208 for storing information, for example preferably with regard to the location(s) and/or signal strength of at least one other node 200. Memory 208 may optionally be used for storing any type of data and/or instructions for operation of node 200. Memory 208 is preferably in communication with at least one processor 210 as shown. Processor 210 preferably executes at least one instruction for the operation of node 200. Node 200 also optionally and preferably features a power supply 212 for providing power. Power supply 212 may optionally comprise a battery and/or solar power, for example. Node 200 may optionally feature a display 214 for displaying information, for example for a user interface.

Preferably node 200 features a location indicating device 216. Location indicating device 216 may optionally comprise, for example, a satellite position determining system such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) or Galileo device, a gyroscopic device, a radio-based locating system, active RFID (by triangulation; RFID stands for radiofrequency identification) or any other position determining system.

Node 200 also preferably features one or more sensors 218, which may be implemented as for sensor 105 of Figure 1 for example (not shown). Sensor 218 may optionally comprise any type of data gathering equipment, including but not limited to a video camera, still camera, audio equipment (such as a microphone for example), chemical sensor, radioactivity sensor, biohazard sensor and/or any other type of sensor. Preferably sensor 218 at least comprises a camera with dual sensors (color for daylight or regular light situations and infrared black and white for night or low light situations). Preferably the data from such a camera is digitized for transmittal.

Node 200 preferably also comprises an antenna 220 for communicating with a satellite (not shown, see Figure 1), which is more preferably a fully motorized antenna. Antenna 220 preferably also features tracking capabilities for adjusting a location until communication with the satellite is no longer possible. Such technology may optionally be obtained as an off the shelf product (for example that of RaySat Corp (USA) or others). According to some embodiments, node 200 is implemented in an article to be worn, attached to or otherwise physically carried by a person, for example in a vest or backpack.

Node 200 in some embodiments is optionally independent. For example, node 200 may optionally be left alone in the field, preferably to perform as a repeater and optionally and more preferably to also gather sensor data. Most preferably node 200, when acting as a repeater, is able to relay at least 4 independent video streams from four different other nodes 200 (not shown) to the next node 200 or to the final destination node 200 (not shown).

Node 200 may also optionally comprise a cellular telephone interface 224 and/or a fixed line telephone interface 226, for communicating according to cellular telephone technology and/or fixed line telephone technology, respectively.

Figure 3 shows an exemplary illustrative method according to the present invention for operating a mobile mesh network as described with regard to Figures 1 and 2. As shown, in stage 1 a plurality of nodes is provided, each of which preferably has a role with regard to a sensor (for at least gathering and transmitting data) and/or as a mesh node extender (for boosting the signal of at least one other node).

In stage 2, each node preferably transmits a "hello" message to at least one other node. The message preferably includes an identifier for the transmitting node. More preferably, the hello message is broadcast to a plurality of nodes. Also optionally and preferably, the hello message is broadcast over a plurality of different communication channels if available, which may optionally correspond to one or more radio frequencies and/or any other type of channel according to the type of communication being performed. In stage 3, each node prepares a table, indicating from which other node(s) a hello message was received and preferably also indicating the role(s) of each node, whether for sensor data and/or as a mesh node extender. Optionally and more preferably, a command and control center (whether mobile or stationary) may also send such a hello message; most preferably such a command and control center is indicated in the table with its role identified separately from those of the nodes. Also optionally and preferably a channel on which the hello message was received is included as well, as described above. If the hello message was received from the same node on more than one channel, then preferably the channel with the best signal to noise ratio is also noted on the table. The table may also optionally and preferably include information about signal strength and/or data reception, for example in order to assist a node in determining the next "hop" for data transmission within the mobile network.

In stage 4, at least one node prepares to transmit data. Such data may optionally originate from the node itself (for example from a sensor) and/or alternatively originate from a different node (as for a mesh node extender). Optionally both types of data may be combined for a single transmission. It should be noted that a particular human operator and/or vehicle and/or drone may optionally carry both a node and a mesh node extender, which may optionally be configured as a single node or as separate nodes. Before transmitting the data, the node preferably identifies the nearest mesh node extender and/or command and control center, or both.

In stage 5, the transmitting node transmits data to the nearest mesh node extender and/or command and control center, or both.

The above stages may optionally and preferably be repeated a plurality of times for data transmission through the mobile mesh network, as well as for refreshing the network and for providing accurate information about the network topology to the nodes. Optionally and preferably, if a node does not receive an additional hello message from another node for a period of time, the identity of the other node is preferably deleted from the table of available nodes for transmission of the first node.

According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, if necessary, the command and control center and/or one or more human security personnel may optionally request that one or more nodes (ie one or more human operators and/or vehicles and/or drones) change location in order to maximize efficient transmission and/or otherwise change one or more properties of the mobile mesh network. According to other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the mobile mesh network may also optionally and preferably comprise one or more stationary location components, such as stationary location wireless transmitters, transceivers and/or mesh node extenders. For example, such stationary location components could optionally be used by one or more nodes of the mobile mesh network as necessary or desirable for efficient network transmission. These one or more stationary location components are preferably provided in advance, for example according to security requirements (as for areas in which large crowds may gather, including but not limited to sporting events, cultural events, musical events, theatrical events and/or festivals). One or more nodes of the mobile network may then optionally transmit the hello message to such stationary components, which in turn also preferably transmit a hello message to one or more mobile nodes.

Figure 4 shows an exemplary illustrative method according to the present invention for transmitting data through a mobile mesh network for a security situation as described with regard to Figures 1-3. As shown, in stage 1 a hello message broadcast and/or other technique is performed to enable a plurality of nodes to identify at least one neighboring node for transmission, as described above.

In stage 2, a node transmits sensor data, such as video data for example, to at least one neighboring node, which is preferably a mesh node extender. As described in greater detail below, routing may optionally be determined on the fly by each node (and/or other repeater) and/or according to one or more commands from a command/control unit, and/or according to a combination thereof. If a combination is used, then optionally weighting is used to determine the effect of the parameter(s). Optionally as noted before an emergency message may be able to override any routing requirements, for example for load balancing between the nodes.

Also optionally and alternatively or additionally, this stage could be performed by using a satellite and/or cellular telephone technology and/or fixed line telephone technology as a repeater. Such technology could also optionally be incorporated in a node as described with regard to Figure 2. In stage 3, after one or more hops through the mobile mesh network, the sensor data is optionally and preferably received by a mobile command and control unit.

In stage 4, the received sensor data is preferably integrated with data from one or more additional sensors by the mobile command and control unit. In stage 5, optionally the integrated data and/or separate sensor data is transmitted to a stationary location command and control unit.

In stage 6, one or both of the mobile command and control unit or the stationary location command and control unit optionally and preferably issues a command to a human operator based on the received data. For example, the command could optionally comprise an order to change location, for example in order to optionally obtain additional and/or more complete data at that location.

Figure 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for routing data through a mobile network according to some embodiments of the present invention. In stage 1, a node prepares to transmit data. The data may optionally be obtained from a sensor at the node and/or may optionally be data from another node, as described above.

In stage 2, if only one other node is available to receive transmission within a transmission area, then the data is preferably automatically sent to that node. The transmission area is preferably determined according to the transmission capabilities of the transmitter of the node which is transmitting the data. Optionally more than one transmission technology may be considered for determining the transmission area as described above.

In stage 3, if a plurality of nodes is available and includes a preferred or otherwise predetermined destination node, then such a preferred or predetermined destination node is preferably selected for transmission and transmission is performed. A predetermined destination node may optionally include the final node to which data is addressed. For example, such a final node may comprise a command/control center, whether fixed or mobile. In stage 4, if a plurality of nodes is available to receive data and one of such nodes does not include a preferred or otherwise predetermined destination node, then preferably at least one and more preferably a plurality of routes are mapped to the destination node. Optionally and preferably, if the destination node is not within the transmission area of the transmitting node, then one or more route(s) are preferably determined to an edge node, at the edge of the transmitting area. The location of the edge node is preferably determined according to addressing information, as described in greater detail below.

If a plurality of routes is available, then in stage 5, at least one quality of service (QOS) parameter is considered for selecting one of the routes. The quality of service parameter preferably comprises at least the signal strength from the plurality of nodes.

Such signal strength from the nodes indicates the ability of such a node to receive a transmission as well, since transmission from other nodes to the present node is expected to be affected by the same or similar factors as transmission from the present node to one or more other nodes. Optionally and preferably, the relative capabilities of transceiver equipment for one or both of the sending and/or receiving nodes are also considered, if known.

In stage 6, preferably load balancing is also considered with regard to selecting a route. For example, if a particular node is very busy, then such a node may optionally indicate this status to one or more other nodes, optionally and preferably through a periodic "ping" or status transmission as described above. A route which incorporates one or more nodes having a lower load may optionally be selected therefore for load balancing.

In stage 7, optionally one or more other parameters are considered for selecting a route. For example, a command from a command/control unit may optionally be considered, as one consideration and/or as an overriding consideration. As another example, preferably the number of hops required for routing is considered as a parameter.

Also preferably at least one security consideration is included, such that for example an emergency message receives priority routing. In stage 8, once the route has been selected, the node preferably prepares an addressed packet or other message construct to the next node which is to receive the construct. The construct preferably includes the data, the address of the final destination(s), as optionally more than one may be selected, and optionally any indicator of urgency (as for example an emergency). In stage 9, the node transmits the data in the message construct. In stage 10, one or more nodes may optionally be listening for data, however preferably only the node(s) to which the message is addressed would process the message.

Figures 6A and 6B relate to exemplary, illustrative methods for determining^' a topology of a plurality of nodes. Figure 6 A relates to an exemplary, illustrative method for a hierarchical topology. Figure 6B relates to an exemplary, illustrative method for a flat topology. Turning now to Figure 6 A, in stage 1, a command/control unit preferably causes a plurality of nodes to be placed in the field. For this example, the nodes may optionally be mobile, semi-stationary or stationary.

In stage 2, the current location of all nodes is preferably determined by the command/control unit according to a locator technology, such as GPS for example as described above. This stage may optionally be performed at any time and/or may optionally be repeated, in order for the map of nodes to be current.

In stage 3, the nodes are preferably partitioned into a plurality of clusters. Within each cluster, one node is chosen to be a "cluster head." Traffic between nodes that are in different clusters always involves the cluster heads of the source and destination clusters. Depending on the number of hierarchies, the network depth can vary from a single tier to multiple tiers. For this example, the network is assumed to have only one tier.

In stage 4, the nodes are preferably informed of their status as a cluster head or a cluster node, and also to which cluster they belong. In stage 5, the cluster head nodes preferably determine the relative location of the other cluster heads. Optionally such a relative location may be determined according to locator technology as described above, preferably through the command/control unit transmitting such information but optionally independently. Updated location information is preferably also sent to the cluster heads as available and/or periodically. Other parameters, such as signal strength, may also optionally be determined as described above.

In stage 6, the command/control unit optionally determines that an additional node is required, for example to boost a signal and/or to reduce the load on a node or nodes. The command/control unit then preferably causes such a node to be added, for example by requesting the additional deployment of a human operator carrying such a node.

In stage 7, the command/control unit optionally determines that a location of a node is to be changed. Such a command is preferably transmitted to one of the currently available nodes, to cause that node to be moved, more preferably by sending the command to the human operator carrying the node. Optionally and preferably such a location is changed according to at least one security consideration, for example if the physical presence of the human operator carrying the node is needed at a particular location. Figure 6B relates to an exemplary, illustrative method for a flat topology. A network with a flat topology does not have the clusters or cluster heads, which may be an advantage as the cluster heads may represent a potential point of failure.

According to some embodiments, as shown with regard to Figure 6B, determining the relative location of mobile nodes within a flat topology network may optionally be performed through the use of control messages, in which the nodes broadcast their physical locations to each other periodically and/or in which the command/control unit broadcasts such information periodically.

In stage 1, preferably the initial location of the nodes is provided through a map, more preferably from the command/control unit as described above. Such a map is preferably also provided to each node added to the network.

In stage 2, optionally a location of a node is broadcast periodically through a control message as described above. However, preferably each node assumes the other nodes to be stationary and at fixed locations on the map. Each node then preferably only broadcasts a change in location, for example according to GPS coordinates or other location technology information.

In stage 3, nodes receiving the change in location of the other node preferably update their maps for routing. More preferably, one or more other parameters are also provided through such a transmission, for example relating to signal strength and/or the level of activity at the transmitting node, which may also optionally be used in routing as described above.

In stage 4, the command/control unit optionally determines that an additional node is required, for example to boost a signal and/or to reduce the load on a node or nodes. The command/control unit then preferably causes such a node to be added, for example by requesting the additional deployment of a human operator carrying such a node.

In stage 5, the command/control unit optionally determines that a location of a node is to be changed. Such a command is preferably transmitted to one of the currently available nodes, to cause that node to be moved, more preferably by sending the command to the human operator carrying the node. According to other embodiments of the present invention, as described in US

Patent No. 7,177,295, hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, a hybrid routing protocol may optionally be used, combining the flat and hierarchical topologies, for example by using location zones of nodes for routing messages. Optionally and preferably, for any of the above embodiments, transmission security is provided through the use of encryption, such that more preferably each node is able to read the messages of other nodes but such messages cannot be read by other entities.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system for a mobile security network, comprising: a. a node, comprising a sensor and a transceiver, for transmitting sensor data in a signal; b. a mesh node extender for boosting said signal of said node for transmission through the network; and c. a command and control unit for receiving said signal through said network; wherein at least one human operator carries at least one of said node or said mesh node extender.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one of said node or said mesh node extender is carried according to a method selected from the group consisting of being manually carried or worn by said human operator, being carried in a ground vehicle, being carried in an airborne vehicle, being carried in an underwater vehicle or being carried by a mobile drone.

3. The system of claims 1 or 2, wherein said command and control unit comprises a mobile unit or a stationary location unit.

4. The system of any of claims 1-3, wherein said signal comprises any one or more of a radiofrequency (RF) signal, a wireless signal, a microwave signal, an optical signal or a cellular signal.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein a mobile component further comprises a location indicating device.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein said command and control unit requests that at least one of said node or said mesh node extender change location according to a location determined by said location indicating device.

7. The system of any of claims 1-6, further comprising at least one of a stationary location node or mesh node extender.

8. The system of any of claims 1-7, wherein a plurality of nodes and mesh node extenders are carried by a plurality of human operators, and wherein each such node and/or mesh node extender forms a node in the mobile security network, the mobile security network having a dynamic topology.

9. The system of any claims 1-8, wherein said sensor data comprises at least one of video data, audio data or image data.

10. The system of any of claims 1-9, wherein at least one node or mesh node extender is stationary.

11. The system of any of claims 1-10, wherein a topology of the mobile security network is at least partially determined according to at least one command from said command and control unit.

12. The system of any of claims 1-11, wherein each node and each mesh node extender comprise a routing module for determining a route of a signal.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein said routing module determines said route at least partially according to availability of at least one other node or mesh node extender.

14. The system of claims 12 or 13, wherein said routing module determines said route at least partially according to signal strength from at least one other node or mesh node extender.

15. The system of any of claims 12-14, wherein said routing module determines a plurality of potential routes and selects a route according to at least one transmission parameter.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein said transmission parameter includes one or more of a quality of service parameter, a number of hops required for routing, a load balancing parameter or a command from said command and control unit.

17. The system of any of claims 1-16, wherein said node or mesh node extender further comprises a cellular telephone interface.

18. The system of any of claims 1-17, wherein said node or mesh node extender further comprises a satellite communication interface.

19. The system of any of claims 1-18, wherein said node or mesh node extender further comprises a fixed line telephone interface.

20. The system of any of claims 1-19, wherein said node or mesh node extender further comprises a power source.

21. The system of any of claims 1 -20, wherein said node or mesh node extender further comprises a display.

22. A method for implementing a mobile security network, the network featuring a plurality of nodes, each node comprising at least one of a node or a mesh node extender, wherein at least two of said nodes are mobile and wherein at least two of said nodes communicate according to wireless communication, the method comprising:

Sending a message by a first node to at least one other node, said message comprising an identity of said first node and a role as a sensor or a mesh node extender;

Receiving said message by said at least one other node; and

Transmitting data to said first node by said at least one other node at least partially according to said message.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein said first node comprises a command and control center, such that said at least one other node transmits data to said command and control center.

24. The method of claims 22 or 23, wherein said at least one other node detects a channel for transmitting said data to said first node according to said message, such that said at least one other node selects said channel for transmitting according to said message.

25. The method of any of claims 22-24, wherein said at least one other node detects a signal to noise ratio, such that said at least one other node selects said first node for transmitting at least partially according to said signal to noise ratio.

26. The method of any of claims 22-25, wherein at least one mobile node is carried by a human operator.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein said at least one mobile node is carried according to a method selected from the group consisting of being manually carried or worn by said human operator, being carried in a ground vehicle, being carried in an airborne vehicle, being carried in an underwater vehicle or being carried by a mobile drone.

28. The method of any of claims 22-27, wherein said wireless communication comprises any one or more of radiofrequency, microwave, optical or cellular.

29. The method of any of claims 22-28, further comprising: Receiving said data by a command and control center; and

Requesting movement of at least one mobile node according to said received data by said command and control center.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising:

Transmitting data from a plurality of nodes to said command and control center; and

Integrating said transmitted data by said command and control center for assessing a security situation.

31. A method for determining a topology of a mobile security network, the network featuring a plurality of nodes, wherein at least one node is mobile and wherein at least two of said nodes communicate according to wireless communication, the method comprising:

Determining a location of the plurality of nodes;

Determining at least one security requirement for the network; and

Adjusting said location of at least one node according to said at least one security requirement.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein said location is a relative location, such that said determining said location is performed according to at least one of relative signal strength or signal triangulation.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein said location is an actual location, such that said determining said location is performed according to at least one of a fixed location of a node or a GPS determined location.

34. The method of any of claims 31-33, wherein at least one node comprises a sensor and said at least one security requirement is for gathering data at said location with said sensor.

35. The method of any of claims 31-34, wherein at least one node is carried by a human operator and said at least one security requirement relates to a physical presence of said human operator at said location.

36. The method of any of claims 31-35, further comprising

Determining at least one transmission parameter for transmission of signals between said plurality of nodes.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein said at least one transmission parameter includes one or more of a quality of service parameter, a number of hops required for routing, a load balancing parameter or a command from said command and control unit.

38. The method of any of claims 31-37, wherein said adj usting said location of at least one node comprises partitioning said plurality of nodes into a plurality of clusters; and determining at least one head node for each cluster, such that transmission between said clusters is performed by said head nodes.

39. The method of any of claims 31-38, further comprising adding a mesh node extender to the network to boost a signal for transmission between said nodes.

40. A method for determining a route of a message through a mobile security network, the network featuring a plurality of nodes, wherein at least one node is mobile and wherein at least two of said nodes communicate according to wireless communication, the method comprising:

Locating at least one accessible node;

If said at least one accessible node is the only available node, transmitting to said at least one accessible node;

Otherwise determining a plurality of routes for the message; and

Selecting a route according to at least one transmission parameter and according to at least one security consideration.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein said at least one transmission parameter includes one or more of a quality of service parameter, a number of hops required for routing, a load balancing parameter or a command from said command and control unit.

42. The method of claims 40 or 41 , wherein said at least one security consideration relates to an emergency, such that if the message is an emergency message, the message receives priority.