CNET Remote Area Monitoring System

System Overview

The CNET Remote Area Monitoring System is a portable, rapidly deployed emergency incident survey and assessment system.

The system comprises of radio devices with built in GPS receivers combined with sensors linked to one or more monitoring computers. The sensors used depend on the incident being investigated e.g. fire, nuclear, biological.

In a sample deployment, personnel are equipped with radiological and physiological monitoring sensors linked to CNET units. As personnel move around the incident area, real-time readings are recorded and passed via the wireless network to Command and Control, where the information is mapped and graphed to assist in analysis and risk assessment.

Benefits

- Improve situation awareness
- Enhance personnel safety
- Rapid deployment
- Easy to use
- System compatible with sensors from multiple manufacturers

CNET1000

The CNET1000 provides the backbone of the wireless network. It uses a 900 MHz or 2.4GHz high-power radio to relay sensor readings along with position information from its internal GPS unit back to a centralized monitoring location over distances of up to 2 miles. A single sensor can be attached directly to a CNET1000 or the CNET1000 can communicate with up to 20 CNET500 sensor modules.

CNET500

The CNET500 provides a low cost flexible sensor interface. It is lightweight, unobtrusive and may be easily worn around the body. Using wireless technology the CNET500 communicates with the CNET1000 uplink module without the need for cables that would breach a Hazmat suit.

Readings from a variety of standard "off the shelf" sensors, which range from personal radiation monitors, to physiological monitors such as heart rate, temperature, posture and respiration are passed via a 2.4 GHz 802.15.4 compliant radio to the CNET1000 uplink module. CNET500 units also use a mesh networking technology to relay sensor data from one radio to another to extend the range of transmission.

The CNET units are powered by standard AA batteries and provide an operational life greater than 12 hours.

Monitoring Software

Monitoring software runs at a central monitoring PC and displays information from the remote units and sensors. The software is able to interpret and display results from many different types of sensor and it is possible to configure new devices with unique "plug-in" technology. The data received can be displayed in tabular spreadsheet or graphical formats.

Colors are used to depict the condition reported by each unit and will change in "real-time" as condition changes. Pop-up windows are used to indicate alarm situations.

Real-time Mapping

Integrated mapping software permits the positions of each unit to be overlaid on maps, plans, aerial photographs or satellite images. As the wearer moves around, their trail is marked on the map or plan as a series of colored dots. As each position and reading is reported, the area around can be colored according to the measurement, for example indicating levels of radiation at that position. As the area is covered a contour map is produced, indicating hot spots and areas of danger.