PROJECT OVERVIEW PART ONE PART TWO PART THREE |
Communication System
| Part II: Communication System (4/4) Wireless Communication Wi-Fi technology, at first, looks very promising. It uses frequency ranges around 5 ghz, which means it won't be cluttered by garage door openers, baby monitors, etc. that exist around the 3 ghz range. It also promises extremely fast speeds. The technology has gained much popularity in the past months and might become standard in the near future. Standard technology is highly favorable because there is more support/info/products. However, because Wi-Fi uses such a high frequency range, it has difficulty penetrating buildings and other structures. A lower frequency range would be more appropriate. It is not just the transmission of waves technology that is needed. Software and other factors have to be considered. Much of them are listed on this IEEE website. A successful collaboration of these technologies was featured on an article on NYTimes.com. A sensor located on the body can transmit data to a cell phone by using Bluetooth, which can then in turn activate an emergency call if needed. This system works for any monitor sending any type of data. For instance the small company VTTi is currently developing a system to relay electrocardiogram data by cellphone. The software to translate the data and send it to wireless networks and Web servers should be Java Software by Sun Microsystems. Java is an very popular and robust programming language. This setup previously described is suitable for the silent sentry. Equipped with a low frequency cell phone or other transmitting device, the silent sentry need not worry about building structures blocking signals. Wi-fi: Bluetooth: Java: Helmet Radios Basically, helmet radios operate along the same lines as walkie-talkies; each pair has a set frequency (usually an FM radio frequency) at which they can transmit messages to each other. Since many companies already make VOX (voice operated) and battery powered helmet radios, such as Motorola’s GP350 2-way radio system, it would be relatively easy and inexpensive to incorporate this vital technology into the “Silent Sentry”. The biggest problem with the current technology is probably the interference from other close frequencies that would obscure sound, but overall, incorporating helmet radios into the “Silent Sentry” would make communication between the rescue worker and the control center much easier. Helmet radios would be an excellent backup for other tracking devices. For instance, imagine a fire fighter who is trapped in a building with a broken leg. Other sensors might not detect this, and GPS might not be that accurate. However, if he is able to get a message to the control center with his condition and location using the voice-operated radio built into his helmet, it would facilitate his rescue. As is evident, two-way helmet radios are an integral part of the “Silent Sentry”. NFL Helmet Radios: Helmet radios: The Secure Sentry Control Center (SSCC) This type of control center is truly groundbreaking, as it would combine and house the dispatchers and key personnel of the Fire Department (FD), Police Department, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and other special departments of a given city or country under one roof. Most likely, the Silent Sentry Control Centers (SSCC) will be based on NASA’s Mission Control Center (MCC). Because NASA's MCC has similar functions to ours, ideas should be incorporated. MCC has stations for medical, data flow, communications, and flight direction, etc. For the purposes of the SSCC, the medical, communications, and data stations are sufficient. Computer systems are a vital part of the control center. Most likely, they will be run off of a Linux or UNIX platform. The Java, or C programming language will most likely be used, though Java is more likely. Java software can be easily configured for remote use. This will provide personnel at SSCCs with remote access. Individual computers for controllers will most likely be workstations, contracted by a company such as Compaq. The SSCC will certainly look futuristic, with flat panel displays, as well as large projections screens. Data will be transferred through high bandwidth lines, either fiber optic, or copper. These lines are dedicated, and more lines can be employed if there is an emergency, pulling some away from civilian phone services. There are many companies that can provide this service, although AT&T has experience from NASA. Controllers will work 9-hour shifts that may be increased if necessary.
Controllers will monitor all aspects of the emergency workers and
can troubleshoot as well as communication with the Emergency services. However, if at any time, sizable portions of workers are out on call at a specific site, an emergency is called. At this time, all control is directed to a group of controllers/dispatchers whose specialty is large-scale operations. This also leads to less confusion as to who is in charge. Regional SSCCs
The following map is divided into regions of the United States. These regions are divided in terms of population centers. In each of the colored regions, labeled from 0-6. Each contains a regional control center. This center asserts control after there is a sizable threat or disaster, may it be natural or human-caused. The regional SSCC asserts control, and its specialized controllers take over, much like the departments in a city yields to the special grouping. There is one control center on a national level. But this operates somewhat differently. Its job is not to control, rather, it is to gather information. Information used by the Homeland Security Department, or the Department of Defense. All of the control centers in the country are closely coordinated with each other. Hopefully, with the introduction of these centers, rivalries between departments will cease, and an understanding as well as apprehension between departments will arise. These control centers will be able to save lives by maintaining their coordination and training. NASA Mission Control Center: MCC Stations: Compaq workstations: NASA and AT&T Broadband:
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There are many options in wireless technology these
days, and each one has its advantages and disadvantages. One of
the most important factors to be considered is the stability and
range of these wireless devices. For instance many cell phones these
days have problems when inside a building: the signal gets blocked.
This is unacceptable for an application such as the Silent Sentry.
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