Data is transmitted enriched with position information. The location where the information is gathered is automatically indicated by a symbol on the map- software screen at the receiver terminal. To retrieve picture and sound information, the mark is clicked.

The GPS Reporter consists of a digital still camera with a microphone and a monitor, a GPS device, a computer for confirmation and storage of position data, and a cellular telephone. The GPS Reporter is carried on the user's back. It is extremely convenient to operate in the field. A picture is taken and transmitted simply by pressing the camera shutter.

Background and Objectives of the Development

In the event of a large-scale disaster, it is important to swiftly grasp the situation in the disaster-stricken area in order to facilitate evacuation and the prevention of secondary effects of the disaster. At present, municipal disaster prevention centers are seeking a system enabling swift collection of image and sound information and construction of a database so that field information can be grasped precisely.

By developing and commercializing the GPS Reporter, Toshiba has achieved two crucial objectives: easy operation in the field enabling efficient collection of information in the event of a large-scale disaster; and automatic database construction by combining the GPS function and the receiving party's dedicated map software. Application of the GPS Reporter is by no means limited to disasters. It is also suitable for routine inspection and database construction respecting waterworks, sewage systems, facilities of electric-power and gas utilities, etc.

Main Features of the GPS Reporter

1. Operation such as pen input and connection of a PC card is unnecessary, and simply by pressing the shutter of the digital still camera, input of image and sound information, recording of the coordinates of the position and the time at which the information is gathered, and data transmission are executed automatically.

2. The coordinates of the position of the GPS device are transmitted and indicated by a symbol on the screen of the dedicated map software at the receiver terminal. The symbol is clicked to retrieve picture and sound information.

3. Each time the gathered information is transmitted, a database is constructed automatically and quickly at the receiver terminal.

4. A digital still camera, a microphone, a GPS device, a cellular telephone, and a computer for confirmation and storage of position data are combined and stored in an environment-resistant case which is carried on the user's back. Thus, operability in the field is excellent.

Major Specifications