JP2008529354A - Wireless event authentication system - Google Patents

Abstract

A wireless data collection and recording (DAR) system includes acquisition circuitry. The collection device is carried by the operator and includes a video camera and / or microphone for capturing video and audio events that the operator sees or hears. The wireless transmitter wirelessly transfers digital signals including video events captured by the video camera and audio events detected by the microphone. A data display and report submission (DD) device receives digital data captured by a collection device and transferred wirelessly and stores the data as a media file.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

Cross-reference of related applications

  This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 111,300 filed on April 20, 2005, and is a continuation of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 646,712 filed on January 24, 2005. Claim priority.

  The present application relates generally to audio and video recording devices, and more particularly to portable wireless video and audio recording systems that automatically track and record objects and events viewed by an operator. About.

  There is a need to record police investigations, incident scenes, insurance claims investigations, emergency care, and other daily events that may occur during work or other activities. For example, it may be preferable for police officers to record events after stopping a car or to record events while investigating buildings involved in criminal activity. These recorded cases may later be used as evidence in future cases and procedual matters.

  For example, the recorded real-time arrest scene of a criminal suspect can be used as evidence that the suspect has been properly notified of Miranda rights in a trial. In the insurance survey example, the insurer agent may record observations while investigating the extent of property damage in the claimed portion.

  The problem associated with recording events is that it operates the recording device in addition to performing their normal duties with police officers, insurance payment assessors and other operators. Is to request. For example, it may be difficult for a police officer to operate a video camera at the same time as examining a criminal suspect. In the case of insurance research, it would be difficult for an assessor of insurance payments to take notes at the same time as operating the video camera.

  A portable video and audio recording system has been proposed so far in which a camera is attached to the operator's head and the operator hangs the other recording device and power supply with a string. A problem associated with these systems is that a significant amount of wire is required to connect the camera, video and audio recording device, and portable power supply. These systems make it difficult for operators to move freely during their normal work.

  There are currently no systems available to efficiently store, transport and manage a significant amount of recorded information generated during one or more recorded events. For example, there is currently no system for efficiently tracking and organizing recorded video and audio information. Authentication and security are also issues. For example, in some cases, the recorded material may not be used until the time and location of the recording is verified. In other cases, measures to prevent unauthorized use may be required.

  The present invention is intended to solve this problem and other problems associated with the prior art.

  Wireless data acquisition and recording (DAR) systems include acquisition circuitry. This collection device is carried by an operator and includes a video camera and / or microphone for capturing video and audio events that the operator sees or hears. Wireless transmitters (transmitters) wirelessly transfer digital signals including video events captured by a video camera and audio events detected by a microphone. A data display and report submission (DD) device receives digital data captured by a collection device and transferred wirelessly and stores the data as a media file.

  The foregoing objects, features, and advantages of the present invention, as well as other features, objects, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention that is described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Detailed Description of the Invention

  A wireless data acquisition and recording (DAR) system is a wireless transfer originally developed for wireless web communications to send data from a miniature sensor (MS) to a miniaturized personal computer (MPC) device You are using the system. The DAR system can simultaneously record (save) captured (captured) video and audio signals. In addition, operator reports associated with the recorded data can be added. This greatly simplifies the operator's task and saves time.

  The DAR system can record the date and time when the operator recorded, thereby reducing the possibility of tampering with the recorded date, time and sequence of the recorded event. Passwords and authentication keys may be used to improve the security and integrity of recorded data.

  The DAR system may transfer data in real time to a special relay base station for retransfer to the Central Headquarters (HQ). As a result, the support staff at the headquarters can provide near real-time support to the operator. The relay base station also automatically downloads recorded data from the operator's small personal computer, while preserving previously recorded data and at the same time storing memory to record new incidents. Can also be released.

  FIG. 1 shows a wireless data collection and recording (DAR) system 12 carried by an operator 14. The DAR system 12 includes acquisition circuitry 13 that wirelessly transmits captured video and audio data to a data display and report submission (DD) device 26. The collection device 13 includes a small video camera 18 having an automatic exposure function and capable of digital output. The lens 19 of the camera 18 is selected according to the operator's request. However, for use for general purposes, a wide-angle lens 19 is usually used. The small microphone 20 has an automatic volume control function and a digital output. The small video camera 18 and the microphone 20 may or may not have a moving picture expert group (MPEG) encoder, but a transceiver (transceiver) is always provided to enable wireless remote control. It has become. The collection device 13 is usually a built-in power source type using a battery (not shown).

  Both the audio output from the microphone 20 and the video output from the video camera 18 are digitized and sent to the DD device 26 wirelessly. In this example, the DD device is carried in the operator's pocket 28, but may be carried in a place convenient for the operator. The DD device 26, in one embodiment, is a commercially available small computer unit, but may be customized according to the needs of the operator. For example, the DD device 26 may be a somewhat customized personal digital assistant (PDA) or pocket PC.

  Video and audio signals received wirelessly by the DD device 26 are digitally recorded in a memory device such as a flash memory. If a removable storage device such as a flash memory stick is used, the currently installed memory stick can be replaced with a new one as soon as it is full. The DD device 26 normally operates using an alkaline battery or a rechargeable battery.

  A switch 30 on the DD device 28 may be used to manually activate the DAR system 12. Alternatively, the DAR system 12 may provide voice activation or sound when the operator 14 issues a keyword that activates the voice authentication system or generates some type of noise that activates the sound authentication system in the DD device 26. It may be activated. When the DD device 28 detects a manual activation signal or a voice activation signal, the DD device 28 transmits a wireless activation signal for activating the collection device 13. This activation system may be provided in the collection device 13.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the collection device 13 is attached to the hat 16 so that the video camera 18 captures an image in the field of view of the operator 14. For example, when the operator 14 changes the direction of the head, the video camera 18 turns in the same direction and automatically records events in the field of view of the operator 14. Furthermore, since the collecting device 13 is provided near the ear of the operator 14 of the hat 16, the sound audible to the operator 14 is similarly recorded (recorded) by the microphone 20. Therefore, when the operator 14 approaches to listen to the sound (for example, when the operator 14 leans forward to hear someone whispering), the microphone 20 similarly approaches the sound source, and the same audio signal as the sound heard by the operator is obtained. Increase the likelihood of clear recording. The collecting device 13 can likewise be attached to a helmet, a headband, or some other headgear.

  When the DAR system 12 is activated, an activation indicator (not shown) such as a light emitting diode (LED) may be lit on the collection device 13. This LED may be used to inform people that they are currently recording video and audio. This LED may be used with a switch that can be controlled to light in different situations. Depending on the application, it may be convenient to inform the person that their actions and statements have been recorded. For example, if the DAR system 12 is being used by a police officer, the suspect may require that his / her identity be announced before the record is made. By activating this LED, you can notify the suspect that the record is being made.

  The wireless signal transfer between the collection device 13 and the DD device 26 allows the operator 14 to act more freely. For example, operators 14 can move their heads at any angle, but doing so interrupts the capture of video and audio data and downloads the data from collector 13 to DD device 26. Never happen. The wireless DAR system 12 also allows the operator 14 to take any action, such as lifting, sitting, or running, without interrupting capture and recording operations.

  The various components of the DAR system 12 can be easily attached or removed from other parts of the operator's clothing. For example, the video camera 18 and the microphone 20 can be attached to a jacket or a shoulder strap of a jacket or shirt with Velcro (“Magic Tape” is a registered trademark) or another attachment means (for example, a strap or a clip). The DD device 26 can alternatively be attached to a belt or carried in another pocket of the operator 14.

  FIG. 2 shows the DAR system 12 of FIG. 1 being carried by a police officer or guard 14. In this example, the DD device 26 is attached to the belt 32 of the operator 14. The police officer 14 activates the DAR system 12 during the patrol, thereby automatically recording all those entering the video sensing area 34. The camera 18 has a wide-angle lens 19 (FIG. 1). The wide-angle lens 19 detects most, if not all, of the suspect 36. For example, police officer 14 may activate DAR system 12 to record events near a drunk driving crackdown.

  Since the camera 18 faces the front of the operator's hat 16, the video camera 18 automatically tracks the suspect 36 while the suspect faces the police officer 14. For example, suspect 36 may pass one side of police officer 14. To continue to see, police officer 14 naturally moves his head in the direction of suspect 36. Accordingly, the camera 18 tracks the head movement of the police officer 14 and continues to monitor the suspect 36. In this way, the DAR system 12 records the behavior of the suspect 36. During this time, both hands of police officer 14 are free and can perform other tasks (such as pulling out a gun from the holster).

  If it is not desirable to wear a hat or helmet, the collection device 13 may alternatively be attached to the shoulder, collar, or elsewhere (eg, an object away from the operator 14). In any case, the collection device 13 is typically mounted vertically to keep the video horizon properly and to provide the proper antenna orientation.

  The DD device 26 may be carried in a shirt pocket 28 or in the pants pocket of the operator 14, or may be carried wherever convenient for the operator 14 (for example, a waistcoat or other transport device). You can carry it in The DD device 26 may be attached to something other than what the operator 14 wears as long as it is close to the operator 14. Even so, the DD device 26 must be mounted vertically to maximize the coverage.

  The components within the DAR system 12 are lightweight and can be communicated wirelessly, so they can be installed anywhere on the police officer 14 and can be carried without much fatigue during work hours. Similarly, separate components of the DAR system 12 can be attached to the front of the belt 32 or jacket so that the police officer 14 is equipped with the DAR system 12 while they are in operation. You can even drive a patrol car. An operator such as an emergency medical staff can continue to operate the DAR system 12 even while sitting in an emergency vehicle.

  Wireless DAR system 12 has another advantage over other wired video systems. For example, when a wired video recording system is attached to a police officer, a criminal may use a wire from a camera to a recorder to strangle the operator. Because the DAR system 12 does not require wires, the system is highly secure for some applications (eg, enforcement activities).

  Of course, the DAR system 12 can be used for any other application. For example, the DAR system 12 may be worn by an insurance payment assessor who needs to record a home or car accident. In another application, the DAR system 12 may be worn by emergency medical staff who must record an emergency care event to confirm that appropriate medical procedures are being performed. Critically ill patients are recorded by the DAR system 12 and can be sent to the hospital. A doctor in the hospital can give medical advice to the operator 14 wearing the DD device 26.

With respect to relay content FIG. 3, the DAR system 12 may send information to other data recording base stations for further analysis and storage. For example, video and audio data captured by the collection device 13 and stored in the DD device 26 may be relayed to the base station or the relay base station 44 wirelessly. In this example, the base station or relay base station 44 is provided in the operator's car 42. The operator 14 will usually work relatively close to the car 42 or will come close to the car 42 at regular intervals during normal working hours. Thereby, the DD device 26 can download the video and audio information 40 to the base station 44 wirelessly. By utilizing a large power source, such as a car battery, the base station 44 can be used as a repeater or transceiver for relaying video and audio information 40 to a central computer 52 in a headquarter location 56. Can work as.

  The DD device 26 may also be programmed to download stored information to the base station 44 every time it enters the wireless transferable range. This prevents the DD device 26 from being overloaded with data and allows the base station 44 to automatically store all audio and video information obtained by the DAR system 12. All of the different DAR systems 12 entering the wireless transferable range of the base station 44 may automatically download the stored information to the base station. The base station 44 may include a docking station for charging the battery of the DD device 26 and downloading data while the operator 14 is driving the car 42.

  The central computer 52 operating at the headquarter 56 includes a transceiver that receives the video or audio signal 40 relayed from the base station 44 or directly receives the video or audio signal 40 from the DD device 26. The headquarter 56 may be the workplace or home of the operator 14. This workplace or headquarters includes police headquarters, insurance company buildings, hospitals, homes, etc. Central computer 52 may function as a repository for all of the information obtained by one or more DAR systems 12.

  In one example, when the car 42 is parked in a garage or parking lot at headquarters 56, the base station 44 may automatically download any information previously received from the DAR system 12 to the headquarters. . All content for each DAR system 12 may have an associated identifier. Examples of the identifier include an employee number of the operator 14, a report identification number, and a date / time stamp. Information 40 received by central computer 52 is stored and indexed by the associated identifier. This same indexing may be performed in the base station 44 or the DD device 26.

  The central computer 52 can also send information back to the operator 14 in near real time. For example, the face of the illicit agent 36 may be obtained by the collection device 13 along with voice information identifying a name, license, social security number, and the like. In this case, the DD device 26 can relay the obtained face image and audio information to the base station 44 in order to return the relay to the central computer 52. The central computer 52 verifies the identity by comparing the face in the received video data 40 with a photo of a license that may be included in the central computer database, a photo of a correction facility, etc. , Can identify the suspect 36's identity and criminal record.

Collecting Device FIG. 4 shows the collecting device 13 in detail. The camera 18 and the microphone 20 are each connected to a transceiver (transceiver) 82 via an optional MPEG encoder 80. The encoder 80 may have a scrambling circuit for accepting unauthorized persons and preventing unauthorized users. The transceiver is connected to the antenna 84. The software and hardware in the optional MPEG encoder 80 is an industry standard video / audio compression system that compresses video data and audio data obtained by the camera 18 and microphone 20, respectively. The choice of which MPEG standard to use is determined by the operator 14 and the specific application requirements. Optionally, block 80 may have a memory for recording video and audio if it is desirable to have a redundant data recording device.

  The DAR system 12 may perform MPEG data compression within the DD device 26. The uncompressed data stream from the collector 13 will take a long time to be transferred to the DD device 26 over the air. However, when compression is performed within the DD device 26, there is more flexibility in choosing how much and what kind of compression to use.

  In addition to receiving and transmitting video and audio data, the transceiver 82 detects which frequency to use when there is a signal that may cause interference. In one embodiment, the transceiver operates in accordance with IEEE standard 802.11b. Since the 2.4 megahertz band is one of the standard bands for this type of application, the currently preferred band is the 2.4 megahertz band. This band also reduces the problem of interference. Audio and video signals are transmitted and received through the built-in antenna 84. As another method, another type of wireless communication system using infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), ultrasonic waves, or the like may be used.

Data display and report submission (DD)
FIG. 5 shows the DD device 26 in more detail. In one embodiment, DD device 26 is a somewhat customized personal digital assistant (PDA) or pocket PC. However, any type of small computing device can be used as well. Built-in antenna 104 is connected to transceiver 96. This antenna 104 and transceiver 96 are compatible with the antenna 84 and transceiver 82 of the collection device 13. In some embodiments, antenna 104 and transceiver 96 also use the IEEE standard 802.11b protocol.

  The DD device 26 receives data from the collection device 13 via the transceiver 96. The data is sent to computer 94 for further processing. Depending on whether the received data is compressed prior to reception, the DD device 26 will perform further compression, no compression, or first compression as required by the operator 14 Order. The computer 94 performs various operations necessary to prepare for storing the data, and in some cases, to prepare for transmitting or downloading the data to the base station 44 or central computer 52 shown in FIG. To do. If the encoding is not completed by the collection device 13, the computer 94 may encode the data received from the collection device 13 using the MPEG encoder 86.

  The date / time encoder 88 that performs the date / time encoding operation has a clock that provides the computer 94 with a date / time stamp that can be added to the data received from the collection device 13. The date / time encoder 88 may or may not be provided. In addition, a special authentication key, described in more detail below, may be added by the encoder 88 to the video and audio signals.

  The interface 98 allows the operator to select the mode of operation. The choices here include when and what kind of video / audio recording is done, how to enter the report, and how to access previously recorded data. Depending on the needs of the operator, the interface 98 may be a keyboard or a touch-sensitive screen.

  The storage device 16 may be any of a number of commercially available memory systems. The memory system referred to herein includes flash memory, memory sticks, and other means for providing a convenient non-volatile data storage device. In some embodiments, the memory storage device 90 is removable from the DD device 26. Thus, when the operator 14 records a series of events, the operator 14 can replace the repository storage device 90, insert a new storage device 90, and record another sequence of events. The operator 14 may carry the spare storage device 90 in case the event recorded for a long time fills the capacity of one storage device 90.

  The display 92 allows the operator 14 to monitor what is being recorded in real time and to replay events previously stored in the storage device 90 later. MPEG software 102 allows computer 94 to decode the MPEG data stream for output to display 92. Display 92 can also be used to receive video or other text information sent back from central computer 52 or base station 44 (FIG. 3). For example, the central computer 52 may send back the results of a background search based on information previously transferred from the DD device 26 to the central computer 52.

  The reporting software 100 is customized according to the needs of the operator. For example, there may be a specific format required for reports stored in police, insurance companies, hospitals, etc. A pre-stored format is selected by the operator 14. The operator displays it, and then performs writing.

  With respect to FIG. 6, the first screen 104 pops up on the display 92 each time an audio or video event is captured. The first screen 104 has a form 108. This form 108 has fields for specifying the user ID (USER ID), report number (REPORT NO.), Time (TIME), date (DATE), comment (COMMNENT), and video or audio playback time (DURATION). Have The time, date, and playback time fields are automatically filled in by the date / time encoder 88 of FIG. 5 and may not be corrected by the operator. The computer 94 links the media file 110 generated from the audio and video data received from the collection device 13 to the report form 108 provided by the reporting software 100 (FIG. 5). For example, the computer 94 adds a form 108 to each new media file 110 received from the collection device 13. Audio and video data 110 is indexed by computer 94 using this attached report 108.

  For example, the operator 14 may request a list of all media files stored in the captured memory 90 via the interface 98 (FIG. 5). The computer 94 displays a list of all stored media files 112 on the screen 106. These media files 112 may be listed according to any of a plurality of fields included in a plurality of associated forms 108. For example, it may be listed based on a report number or the like. In addition, the media files listed in the screen 106 include comments 114 added by the operator 14 to further assist the operator 14 in searching for necessary ones of recorded events. Or a sample image 116 extracted from the media file 110 can be displayed.

  If some of the displayed form 108 is not filled, the operator 14 may not be able to download the associated media file 110 to the central computer 52 at headquarter 56 (FIG. 3). For example, each file 110 may require the operator 14 to enter at least a report number. Similarly, central computer 52 may electronically store media data 110 received from base station 44 or DD device 26 using the report number, user ID number, date, time, etc. included in form 108. Good.

  All of these media files 110 and associated reports 108 are generated and stored in a format that is acceptable for use in the operator's work. For example, in police applications, the report 108 instructs the operator 14 to first enter certain information related to the police investigation (eg, case number, suspect number, license, etc.). . The media file 110 associated with the computer-generated report 108 is also automatically named and saved in the same directory as the police report (eg, named with the case number). ) Another software program 100 may be provided for other operator applications. For example, other automated report generation software 100 may be customized to suit an insurance payment assessor's use or medical use.

Another software program operated by the authentication computer 94 (FIG. 5) can self-authenticate the media file 110 stored in the memory 90. For example, the digital identification tag is automatically inserted into the media data 110 by the MPEG encoder 80 in the collector 13 or the computer 94 in the DD device 26 to prove that the media file 110 was actually generated by the DAR system. To do. The device-specific digital identification tag may include the time and date generated by the date / time encoder 88.

  Audio and video signals obtained by the collection device 13 may be stored in multiple channels. Alternatively, one of these channels may be used to insert a series of landmarks into the media file 110. These landmarks prove that the recorded event was originally recorded by the DAR system 12. Similarly, the time and date generated by the date / time encoder 88 are recorded directly on the video to verify the time of the recorded event. To ensure that the time / date encoder 88 in the DD device 26 has not been tampered with, input is made via the interface 98 to change the clock settings provided by the date / time encoder 88. In addition, an internal password may be requested.

  In another application, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver 89 may be provided in the DD device 26. This Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver 89 may periodically update the date / time encoder 88 and obtain the geographical location from GPS satellites. The GPS date, time, and position information are inserted into the audio data for authentication of the obtained image. The DD device 26 may optionally generate a voice prompt that automatically activates the loudspeaker of the display 92 and prompts the operator to check the time and date. At this time, the voice of the operator is recorded and stored in the media file 110. This voice instruction automatically instructs the time and date to the operator every time the battery in the DD device 26 is replaced or the data in the DD device 26 is downloaded, or periodically. Can be.

  In another authentication process, the audio and video data obtained by the collection device 13 may be relayed wirelessly to the car 42 shown in FIG. The date / time stamp generated by the encoder 88 is added to the media file 110 by the DD device 26. The base station 44 or central computer 52 may then add another date / time stamp to the same data 110 for further authentication.

  In another authentication technique, a docking station may be provided in the headquarter 56 or the car 42. This docking station is used for charging the battery of the DD device 26 and downloading the media file 110 from the storage device 90. This docking system may be used to confirm any setting of the clock in the date / time encoder 88 in the DD device 26.

  FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of an integrated (integrated) DAR system 120 in which the microphone 20 and video camera 18 are incorporated into a data display and report submission (DD) device 26. In this example, the integrated DAR system 120 may be a portable terminal (PDA). In this embodiment, the exact same functions described above with respect to FIGS. 1-6 in connection with DAR system 12 are performed similarly. On the other hand, the collection device 13 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-4 is incorporated in the DD device 26 here.

  Both the small video camera 18 and the small microphone 20 protrude from the front of the PDA 121. This integrated DAR system 120 is carried by a strap 122 wound around the neck of the operator 14. Alternatively, the PDA 121 running the integrated DAR system 120 may be carried in the hand of the operator 14 or in the operator's pocket made of vinyl and transparent on the surface. . In this embodiment, the pocket may have a small hole that facilitates detection of sound waves by the microphone 20.

  This integrated DAR system 120 has the same receiver, transmitter (transmitter / receiver) 96, and antenna 104, which allows wireless communication with the base station 44 (FIG. 3) or the central computer 52. I have to. The video and audio signals obtained by the integrated DAR system 120 are either encrypted as described above for encrypted wireless transfer 40 (FIG. 3) to the base station 44 or central computer 52 or for storage. It becomes. The integrated DAR system 120 also provides the same authentication operation as described in connection with FIGS. 1-6. By incorporating the video camera 18 and the microphone 20 into the DD device 26, it is not necessary to wirelessly transfer video and audio signals from the video camera 18 and the microphone 20 to the DD device 26.

  The system described above can use a dedicated processor system, microcontroller, or programmable logic device that performs all or some of the above operations. Also, some of the operations described above may be performed in software, and other operations may be performed in hardware.

  For convenience, operations are described as interconnected (interlocking) functional blocks or distinct software modules. However, this is not necessarily the case, and these functional blocks or modules are integrated into a single logical unit, program, or operation with equivalence in an ambiguous boundary. There may be. In any case, the functional blocks and software modules mentioned above and the features of the flexible interface can be implemented (executed) alone or in combination with other operations (implemented) in hardware or software. May be.

  Having described and described the essence of the present invention in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it should be understood that the present invention may be modified in construction and detail without departing from the essence thereof.

1 illustrates a wireless data collection and recording (DAR) system. Shows the DAR system used during arrest. Figure 2 shows a base station and central computer used with a DAR system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a collection device used in a DAR system. FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a data display and report submission (DD) device used within a DAR system. The report format added to the media file in the DD device is shown. Figure 3 illustrates another embodiment of a DAR system that incorporates a camera and microphone in a portable terminal (PDA).

Claims (22)

A collection device adapted to be carried by an operator and comprising a video camera and / or microphone for recording video and audio events that the operator sees or hears;
A data display and report submission (DD) device for receiving the video and audio events captured by the collection device and storing the captured video and audio events as media files;
A transceiver for automatically relaying the media file received from the DD device to a base station;
Wireless data collection and recording (DAR) system.   The DAR system according to claim 1, wherein the base station automatically relays the media file to a central computer.   The DD device wirelessly receives digital information sent back from the base station or the central computer in response to a previously transferred media file; and the digital device wirelessly received from the collection device A DAR system according to claim 1, comprising a display for displaying data or digital information sent back from said central computer or said base station and received wirelessly.   The DAR system according to claim 1, wherein the collection device and the DD device are both incorporated in the same portable terminal (PDA).   The DAR system of claim 1, wherein the DD device comprises a processor for running reporting software that adds electronic reports to various stored media files.   6. The DAR system of claim 5, wherein the electronic report is a survey report that indexes the media file with various files.   The DAR system according to claim 1, wherein the DD device includes a date / time encoder for adding date / time stamps to the various media files captured and transferred by the collecting device.   8. The DAR system according to claim 7, wherein the base station also adds a date / time stamp to the media file received from the DD device.   The DAR system according to claim 1, wherein the DD device is configured to insert into the media file an encryption key that proves that the media file is generated by the DAR system.   The DAR system according to claim 1, wherein the collecting device or the DD device includes an encoder or a decoder for encoding or decoding audio and video signals of the captured event.   The DAR system according to claim 1, wherein the collection device is provided in front of the DD device. A method for recording and storing events,
Attaching to the operator a video camera that captures the video of the event monitored by the operator and converts the captured video into digital data;
Storing the digital data relating to the captured video in a wireless portable storage device as a media file;
Adding an electronic report to the stored media file for the various captured videos.   13. The method of claim 12, comprising compressing the digital data received from the video camera and transferring the compressed data to a base station. Displaying the electronic report on the portable storage device;
Requesting the operator to fill out the electronic report entries before the associated digital data may be transferred to a central computer;
Transferring the report and the associated digital data to the central computer;
13. The method of claim 12, comprising indexing associated digital data in the central computer and in the portable storage device using the entries in the report.   In order to transfer the digital data from the portable storage device to a base station, a short-range IEEE 802.11 wireless communication system is used, and in order to transfer the digital data from the base station to the central computer, a long distance The method of claim 12, comprising using a radio communication system or a long-distance cellular communication system. Automatically downloading a media file from the portable storage device to a base station provided in the vehicle each time the portable storage device enters a communication range of a base station;
13. The method of claim 12, comprising relaying the media file from the base station to a central computer.   17. The method of claim 16, comprising receiving at the base station information sent back from the central computer in response to the relayed media file and subsequently sending the received information to the portable storage device. . Capturing a video image with the video camera;
Capturing an audio signal identifying the video image;
Transferring the captured video image and captured audio signal from the portable storage device to the central computer;
Searching the database in the central computer using the captured video image or captured audio signal;
18. The method of claim 17, comprising transferring the search results to the portable storage device.   Adding a date / time stamp specifying when the video was captured to the media file and restricting access to a controller for adjusting a timer for generating the time / date stamp. 12. The method according to 12.   20. The method of claim 19, comprising automatically updating a position from a global positioning system and the timer.   20. The method of claim 19, comprising adding an encryption key to the video to verify that the media file was generated from the video camera.   20. The method of claim 19, comprising scrambling the digital data before the digital data is transferred from the wireless portable storage device.

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