BACKGROUND

Field

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for sensing. More particularly, the invention relates to a non-destructive method and apparatus for sensing conditions at a site, in particular a difficult-to-access or obstructed site, for example for sensing the condition of a building site to confirm that construction and wear are proper or to diagnose when and how the}' are improper.

Related Art

To provide peace of mind when all is well and to provide early detection, diagnosis and accountability when problems arise, it is helpful to inspect at regular intervals sites that are used or occupied by people, other life or objects, for example vehicles, vessels, shipping and storage containers, machines, manufactures and buildings, testing for characteristics that are symptomatic of normalcy or problems.

Taking the example of building sites, whether under construction or in use, absolute or relative values of:

• temperature ma ' be symptomatic of the state of insulation effectiveness,

envelope performance, mold growth or concrete cure;

• humidity ma}' be symptomatic of the state of envelope performance or wood rot;

• color (radiant spectral intensity, including intensity beyond the visible spectrum, for example infrared and ultraviolet intensity) ma}' be symptomatic of mold growth; and

• stress or strain ma}' be symptomatic of member integrity or building integrity However, monitoring the construction and subsequent wear of a building site, for example a detached house, a condominium or a warehouse, presents particular challenges. It is challenging to arrange a series of measurements without incurring undue human resource costs and without disrupting either construction or quiet enjoyment of the site. It is particularh' challenging to inspect, accurateh' or otherwise, inaccessible places, which tend to be the most important to measure for early detection, for example behind walls and ceilings and inside ducts, conduits and pipes. It is challenging to assemble a reliable dataset, secure from tampering, whether advertent or inadvertent. It is challenging to power a sensing apparatus for a sufficiently long period so that it has a practical working life.

For the above reasons, the most common approach is to hope all is fine until easily visible evidence indicates otherwise. This approach cedes the advantages of early detection.

The present invention is directed to these problems.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for sensing with: (a) a probe having a bod}' extending between a distal end shaped for insertion into an obstnicted site and a proximal end positioned for convenient access by a user when the distal end is inserted: (b) a sensor system at the distal end of the probe for sensing at the obstnicted site; and (c) a data processing module at the proximal end of the probe, connected through the bod}' for communication with the sensor system and operable to store a series of measurement data read from the sensor system, the data processing module including an RFID transceiver for receiving instmctions and transmitting records of data.

The sensor system ma}- be configured to measure characteristics at the site that are symptomatic of at least one of: (a) the constmction of the site; (b) the condition of the site; and (c) the wear of the site. In this regard, the sensor system ma}- be is configured to measure at least one of: (a) moisture; (b) temperature; (c) stress; (d) strain; and (e) color. The sensor system may include a first sensor and a second sensor for sensing differential measurement data, with one of the first sensor and the second sensor perhaps being located at the proximal end of the probe.

The sensor system ma}' be shaped to fit within the distal end of the probe for protection; however, the distal end of the probe ma ' define an opening through which the sensor system can communicate with the site. The apparatus might further include a conductor connecting the sensor system to the module, the probe having a bore through which the conductor passes.

The probe bod}' ma}' be rigid and ma}' be straight, or the probe bod}' and the conductor ma}' be flexible. The probe bod}' ma}' be electromagnetically shielded.

The proximal end of the probe ma}' include a housing for protectively enclosing the module.

The module ma}' be operable to calibrate the sensor system.

The module ma}' be configured to store a series of data records. In this regard, the module ma}' have a clock operable to generate a time signal, such that the module is configured to store the series of data records in synchronization with the time signal. Each data record might include a current time read from the clock and measurement data read from the sensor system at the current time.

The module ma}' further include a tampering detector for detecting tampering with the apparatus for sensing. More particularly, the tampering detector ma}' be operable to generate a tampering status signal in response to whether a predetermined tampering event has occurred. In this regard, a predetermined tampering event ma}' include movement of the apparatus for sensing after it has been installed or unauthorized communication with the apparatus for sensing. With the module so configured, each data record might further include a tampering status read from the tampering detector at the current time. The module might further include a power supply and a capacity detector operable to generate a capacity status signal in response to whether the remaining capacity of the power supply is below a predetermined value. With the module so configured, each data record might further include the capacity status read from the capacity detector at the current time.

The module might be further configured to encrypt the data records against unauthorized reading or unauthorized writing and might encrypt the data records with codes that validate that the data records have not been modified.

The transceiver might be configured to transmit both the data records and an identification code for identifying which particular apparatus for sensing stored the data records. In this regard, the module might be configured to encrypt the data records with codes that authenticate that the data records originated from a particular apparatus for sensing.

The transceiver might be configured to receive instructions from a portable RFID computing and communication device or a general purpose programmable computer.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for sensing having a plurality of sensing apparatuses as described according to the first aspect of the present invention, each of the plurality of sensing apparatuses being installed at a respective one of a plurality of measurement sites.

The system might include a portable RFID computing and communication device configured to communicate with the plurality of apparatuses one at a time to provide instructions and to receive data records. The system might further include a general purpose programmable computer for communicating with at least one of the portable RFID computing and communication device and the plurality of apparatuses to receive data records for analysis. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of sensing by: (a) installing a plurality of sensing apparatuses as described according to the first aspect of the present invention respectively at a plurality of sites; (b) instructing each of the plurality of apparatuses to store a series of measurement data read at its respective one of the plurality of sites; (c) receiving from each of the plurality of apparatuses a respective series of records of data; and (d) comparing the records of data.

The method might include comparing records of data within a respective series to discover trends over time. The method might include comparing records of data between respective series to discover trends over space.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of sensing by: (a) locating a sensor at the distal end of a probe and a data processing module having an RFID transceiver at the proximal end of the probe and connecting the data processing module through the probe for communication with the sensor; (b) inserting the distal end of the probe into an obstructed site; (c) at the sensor, making measurements of the site; (d) at the data processing module, receiving instructions via the RFID transceiver; and (e) at the data processing module under the direction of the instructions, storing a series of measurement data corresponding to the measurements made at the sensor.

The method might include transmitting the series of measurement data via the RFID transceiver.

Making measurements might include measuring characteristics at the site that are symptomatic of the construction of the site, the condition of the site or the wear of the site. In this regard, making measurements might include measuring: moisture, temperature, stress, strain, or color.

Storing a series of measurement data might include storing a series of data records. The method might include generating a time signal and storing the series of data records in synchronization with the time signal. In this regard, each data record might includes: a current time read from the time signal and measurement data read from the sensor at the current time.

The method might further include detecting tampering with at least one of the sensor, the probe and the module. In this regard, detecting tampering might include generating a tampering status signal in response to whether a predetermined tampering event has occurred. Such a predetermined tampering event might be moving at least one of the sensor, the probe and the module or communicating with the module without authorization. In this regard, each data record might further include a tampering status read from the tampering status signal at the current time.

The method might also include generating a capacity status signal in response to whether the remaining capacity of a power supply is below a predetermined value. In this regard, each data record might further include a capacity status read from the capacity status signal at the current time.

The method ma ' also include encrypting the data records against at least one of unauthorized reading and unauthorized writing or encrypting the data records with codes that validate that the data records have not been modified. Furthermore, the method might include transmitting both the data records and an identification code for identifying the module that recorded the data records or encrypting the data records with codes that authenticate that the data records originated from the module.

Receiving instructions might include receiving instructions from at least one of a portable RFID computing and communication device and a general purpose programmable computer. Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon considering the following drawings, description, and claims.

DESCRIPTION

The invention will be more fully illustrated by the following detailed description of non-limiting specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures. In the figures, similar elements and/or features ma ' have the same reference label. Further, various elements of the same type ma}' be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar elements. If only the first reference label is identified in a particular passage of the detailed description, then that passage describes any one of the similar elements having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

Figures

Figure 1 is an exploded side view of one exemplar}' embodiment of an apparatus for sensing, built in accordance w ith some of the teachings of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of an alternative exemplar}- embodiment of an apparatus for sensing, built in accordance with some of the teachings of the present invention;

Figure 3 is an oblique view of a proximal end of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is an oblique view of a distal end of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is an oblique view of a data processing module and a housing for protecting the module, at the proximal end of the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a block diagram of the processing module of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a flowchart of InitializeDataLogger program instructions for instructing the processing module of Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a flowchart of LogData program instructions for instructing the processing module of Figure 5; Figure 9 is a flowchart of UploadData program instructions for instructing the processing module of Figure 5; and

Figure 10 is an oblique view of a system of a plurality of the apparatus for sensing of Figure 1, respectively located at a plurality of sites.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

Structure

The structure of the invention will now be illustrated by explanation of specific, non- limiting, exemplar}' embodiments shown in the drawing figures and described in greater detail herein.

Referring first to Figure 1, a disassembled apparatus for sensing 100 is generally illustrated. The apparatus for sensing 100 includes a probe 102 with a bod}' 104 that extends between a distal end 106 shaped for convenient insertion into a measurement site - even an obstructed measurement site - and a proximal end 112 positioned for convenient access by a user when the distal end 106 is so inserted. The apparatus for sensing 100 also includes a sensor system 108, here shown at the distal end 106, for sensing at the obstructed site, and a data processing module 110 at the proximal end 112 in communication with the sensor system 108 through the bod}' 104. The apparatus for sensing 100 may also include a sleeve 114, for example a grommet, an o-ring, a gasket or an anchor, through which the probe 102 may be securely inserted to protect the building site and the probe 102 from damaging each other.

As shown in Figure 1, the bod}' 104 of the probe 102 is rigid and straight, for convenient insertion into a site to be monitored. With reference to Figure 2, an alternative body 104' is shown, which is at least one of curved and flexible, for example embodied as an electrical cable, perhaps armored and/or electromagnetically shielded. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, depending on the nature of the site to be monitored, either bod}' 104, 104' may be more suitable, and either ma}' be constructed to provide physical protection and/or electromagnetic shielding.

The sensor system 108 may be configured to measure properties of a building site that are symptomatic of construction, condition or wear, for example: moisture, temperature, stress, strain, and color.

The data processing module 110 is configured to store a series of measurement data that are read from the sensor system 108 over a period of time, perhaps at regular or otherwise predetermined intervals. For greater functionality, the module 110 has an RFID (radio frequency identification) transceiver 116 for receiving instructions and transmitting records of data, communicating for example with a portable RFID computing and communication device P for field work, that in turn ma}' communicate with a general purpose programmable computer for data analysis. The transceiver 116 is convenienth' located at the proximal end 112 of the probe 102 for better communication with the portable RFID computing and communication device P than if it were located with the sensor at the distal end 106. and thus when in use, at the obstructed measurement site.

This location of the transceiver 116 makes it possible to communicate with the portable RFID computing and communication device P over a lower frequency

communication path (for example High Frequency RFID - HF RFID - at 13.56 MHz), providing a number of advantages for sensing applications.

First, the communication path is much shorter than for more conventional Ultra High Frequency - UHF RFID - communication paths (typically 860 - 960 MHz, in competition with other spectrum allocations), conventional!}' used for example to communicate in parallel with a multitude of RFID tags in a warehouse. The shorter communication path makes it easier for the portable RFID computing and communication device P to communicate with only one transceiver 116 at a time, proximity to the transceiver 116 confirming to the user which apparatus for sensing 100 he is communicating with.

Second, this communication path provides for an accurate exchange of data that is more complicated than a mere RFID tag number. As a result, the user can collect a comprehensive set of detailed historical data symptomatic of a well-defined measurement site for analysis and if necessary diagnosis and accountability.

Third, HF RFID technology supports encryption functionality, to protect the confidentiality of data and to support validation of the data against allegations of tampering and authentication of data as originating from a specific source and measurement site.

Referring next to Figure 3, the apparatus for sensing 100 is seen to include a housing 118 at the proximal end 112 of the probe 102. The housing 118 is sized and shaped to house the module 110 for protection. The housing 118 includes an aperture 120 in communication with a bore 122 in the bod}' 104 the probe 102. through which a conductor 124 ma}' pass to connect the module 110 to the sensor system 108.

Referring to Figure 4, the distal end 106 of the probe 102 is seen to include an optional opening 126 through which the sensor system 108 can communicate with the site for measuring. The specific configuration of the distal end 106 and the opening 126 is a trade-off between protecting the sensor system 108 during installation and use and providing the sensor system 108 with appropriate access to the site for accurate measurement.

Referring now to Figure 5, the housing 118 and the module 110 are seen in greater detail. The conductor 124 is emergent from the aperture 120 to connect the module 110 to the sensor system 108 for communication. A batter}' holder 128 and power supply terminals 130 are located within the housing 118 to provide for a supply of power for the module 110. as will be detailed further below in describing a power supply 164. The housing 118 also protects a tampering detector 132 that is sensitive to properties of the apparatus for sensing 100 that are indicative of tampering. For example, stress, strain, fracture, movement, rotation or acceleration of the probe 102 or the connection between the probe 102 and the sensor system 108 or the housing 118 might indicate that the apparatus for sensing 100 had been moved or otherwise tampered with. Additionally, the tampering detector 132 might detect when an unauthorized communication has been transmitted by, received by or otherwise communicated with the module 110. The tampering detector 132 generates a tampering status signal to indicate whether or not such a predetermined tampering event has occurred. While in this embodiment the tampering detector 132 has electrical aspects, a purely mechanical implementation would also provide similar functionality and benefits; for example, a breakable joint 133 that connects the probe 102 to the housing 118 and that breaks when the apparatus for sensing 100 is moved could function as a manual tampering detector 132.

The module 110 includes an IC 134 (integrated circuit or combination of integrated circuits), for example including an RFID sensor transponder, such as an MLX90129 from Melexis Inc. of 41 Locke Road, Concord, NH 03301 USA, (603) 223-2362, for which detailed reference materials and other resources are readily available, for example at http://www.melexis.conVWireless-ICs/RFID-Sensor-Traiisponder s-1356MHz/MLX9()129- 631.aspx. The module 110 also includes a printed circuit board 138 with components supporting the IC 134. including a conductive trace antenna 140 for RFID communication.

Referring next to Figure 6, electrical aspects of the apparatus for sensing 100 are seen in block form. Those skilled in the art will recognize that functional blocks can be arranged in man}- ways to provide substantially the same functionality and benefits in substantially the same way Whether a function is implemented on one or more integrated circuits - fixed, configurable, or programmable - or with discrete components, for example, on a printed circuit board 138 is a matter of balancing options. Siniilarh; a function might be implemented in hardware, firmware or software without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The IC 134 has a processor 142 that is in communication with a non-volatile RAM 144 (random access memory) and an EPROM 146 (erasable programmable read only memory). The processor 142 functions in accordance with program instructions 148 read from the EPROM 146. including processing data read from and written to the RAM 144. The EPROM 146 might for example store InitializeDataLogger program instructions 150.

LogData program instructions 152. UploadData program instructions 154. and

EncryptionEngine program instruction, as more fully described below.

More particularly, the IC 134 may be connected to the RAM 144 via an encryption engine 156 so that data stored in the RAM 144 is resistant to unauthorized reading and writing and such resistance can be interrogated for validation and authentication. The encryption engine 156 might be implemented in dedicated hardware, or as illustrated, ma ' be implemented by the processor 142 itself under the direction of EncryptionEngine program instructions 158 stored in the EPROM 146. A hardware implementation of the encryption engine 156 might apply the CryptoRF* technology of Atmel Corporation of 2325 Orchard Parkway, San Jose, CA 95131 USA, (408) 441-0311, for which detailed reference materials and other resources are readily available, for example at

littp : / / , atmel .com/ products/ S ec ieRF . Such encryption functionality allows the data to be used not only for diagnosis and remediation, but also for dispute resolution in proving responsibility.

The IC 134 is also in communication with a clock 160 that provides a time signal to enable the IC 134 to read the current date and time, so that successive data records can be created and stored at regular intervals in synchronization with the time signal and associated with a real world time. The IC 134 is connected to the tampering detector 132 and the sensor system 108. for example through an analog to digital converter 162. While the sensor system 108 has so far been described as residing at the distal end 106 of the probe 102. in some embodiments some portions of the sensor system 108 may also reside elsewhere to provide for relative

(differential) measurements of characteristics, such as between a measurement at the obstnicted site and an ambient measurement. For example, there might be a first sensor 108a at the distal end 106 of the probe 102 and a second sensor 108b at the proximal end 112 of the probe 102. to provide for relative (differential) measurements of characteristics between the distal end 106 of the probe 102 and the proximal end 112 of the probe 102. In this regard, the second sensor might be incorporated into the module 110. the proximal end 112 of the probe 102. the housing 118. the IC 134 or the circuit board 138.

The processor 142 is also connected to a power supply 164. in this embodiment a batten; for example a watch-type batten', to power the operation of the processor 142. There ma}' also exist a capacity detector 165. for example in the processor 142. in the power supply 164 (as illustrated), or freestanding, that generates a capacity status signal in response to whether or not the remaining capacity of the power supply is below a predetermined value. The processor 142 is connected to receive the capacity status signal from the capacity detector 165 to be alerted when the power supply 164 needs to be replaced or recharged and whether data measured and stored during low capacity is of questionable accuracy due to low power operation.

Thus, each of a series of timed data records 166 stored by the processor 142 in the RAM 144 might include fields representing data read from the sensor system 108. the time that the data was read according to the clock 160 and the status of the apparatus for sensing 100 at the time the data was read, for example the tampering status as indicated by the tampering detector 132 and the capacity status of the power supply 164 as measured at the capacity detector 165.

The processor 142 is also connected to the RFID transceiver 116 and its antenna 140. which together provide a low power way for the module 110 to communicate with other devices, such as the portable RFID computing and communication device P that in turn communicates with the general purpose programmable computer C. The RFID transceiver 116 is associated with a unique identification code 168 that by extension identifies the apparatus for sensing 100 as a whole and the measurement site where it is located. The identification code 168 may be hard set or ma ' be set by a user, for example during installation via the portable RFID computing and communication device P. In one embodiment, the identification code 168 can be incorporated into each of the data records 166 for even more precise identification and verification of individual data records 166.

Operation

In operation, a user is likely to acquire the apparatus for sensing 100 pre-assembled; however, a sophisticated user might assemble an apparatus for sensing 100 by inserting the sensor system 108 (or the distal part thereof 108a) into the bore 122 in the bod}' 104 of the probe 102 and connecting the conductor 124 through the aperture 120 to the module 110. before sealing the module 110 in the housing 118 at the proximate end of the probe 102. In this way, the sophisticated user could configure the apparatus for sensing 100 to sense a desired property

The user would install the apparatus for sensing 100 by inserting the distal end 106 of the probe 102 into a portion of the site to be measured. For example, to monitor the curing of concrete, the probe 102 might be inserted into the concrete when wet, either directly or through a sleeve 114. As another example, to monitor the environment behind wallboard for moisture and mold, a small hole might be drilled in the wallboard or trim, a sleeve 114 such as an anchor inserted in the hole, and the probe 102 might be inserted through the anchor.

Once installed, the apparatus for sensing 100 would be initialized, for example via an external device in communication through the transceiver 116. for example the portable RFID computing and communication device P. Under the direction of the InitializeDataLogger program instructions 150. the processor 142 would perform as follows.

Referring to Figure 7, in an Activation Signal step / 70, the processor 142 would poll for an activation signal detected from the portable RFID computing and communication device P as received at the transceiver 116. Upon detecting an activation signal, the processor 142 would proceed to the rest of the InitializeDataLogger program instructions 150.

In a Set/Upload ID step / 72, depending on configuration, the processor 142 would either upload the identification code 168 to the portable RFID computing and communication device P for record keeping or else set the identification code 168 at the command of the portable RFID computing and communication device P. such that the identification code 168 represents that particular apparatus for sensing 100 and more particularly the location of the building site where measurements are being made.

In a Clear RAM step / 74, the processor 142 would initialize the RAM 144 to erase an ' existing data records 166 and format the RAM 144 to receive new data records 166.

In a Set Clock step / 76, the processor 142 would synchronize the clock 160 to a time commanded by the portable RFID computing and communication device P.

In a Calibrate Sensor step 178, the processor 142 would read the sensor system 108 under one or more known conditions and report one or more corresponding values to the portable RFID computing and communication device P. The processor 142 would then receive back from the portable RFID computing and communication device P either autoniaticalh' or with user input, either confirmation that reported values were accurate or corrected values for calibration.

In a Check Tampering Status step 180, the processor 142 would read the tampering detector 132 to confirm it is working and to calibrate a baseline for a status of no tampering.

In a Check Capacity Status step 182. the processor 142 would measure the remaining capacity of the power supply 164. for example as represented by a voltage level. If the remaining capacity were too low, the processor 142 would report to the portable RFID computing and communication device P to alert the user to change or charge the power supply 164 to complete installation.

Execution of the InitializeDataLogger program instructions 150 would then terminate

184.

Once the apparatus for sensing 100 has been installed and initialized, it is read}' to go about logging a timed series of data records 166 symptomatic of the building site condition being monitored, conceivably for an extended period of time as made possible by its low power construction. Under the direction of the LogData program instructions 152, the processor 142 would perform as follows.

Referring next to Figure 8, in a Read Clock step 186, the processor 142 would read the current time from the time signal generated by the clock 160.

In a Read Sensor step 188, the processor 142 would read from the analog to digital converter 162 values representing the current measurement(s) of the sensor system 108.

In a Read Capacity Status step 190, the processor 142 would measure the remaining capacity of the power supply 164 by reading the capacity' status signal generated by the capacity detector 165.

In a Read Tampering Status step 192, the processor 142 would read the tampering status signal generated by the tampering detector 132. If the processor 142 decides in a Tampering Decision step 193 that this reading has crossed a tampering threshold, thus indicating that a predetermined tampering event has occurred and thus the apparatus for sensing 100 has been tampered with ~ for example moved to another location ~ then the processor 142 could be further directed as appropriate by Tampering Handler program instructions 194.

In this embodiment, whether or not tampering has been detecting, in a Write

Encrypted Data Record step 196. the processor 142 would assemble the clock 160 time, the sensor system 108 data, the capacity status, the tamper status and the identification code 168 as a data record 166 for encryption and write the encrypted data record 166 to the nonvolatile RAM 144.

Execution of the LogData program instructions 152 would then terminate 184.

Once the apparatus for sensing 100 has monitored the building site for a meaningful period of time, the user will wish to upload the data records 166 stored in the RAM 144 to the portable RFID computing and communication device ΡΪΟΪ collection and perhaps ultimately to a general purpose programmable computer C for analysis. Under the direction of the UploadData program instructions 154. the processor 142 would perform as follows.

Referring now to Figure 9, in an Upload Signal step 200. the processor 142 would poll for an upload signal detected from the portable RFID computing and communication device Pas received at the transceiver 116. Upon detecting an upload signal, the processor 142 would proceed to the rest of the UploadData program instructions 154. The upload signal might also provide authentication of the portable RFID computing and communication device Pto authorize the processor 142 to decrypt and upload the data records 166. Alternativeh the data to be uploaded might remain encrypted, for decryption at the portable RFID computing and communication device F or the general purpose programmable computer C. In an Upload ID step 202, the processor 142 would cause the identification code 168 to be transmitted to the portable RFID computing and communication device P to identify which apparatus for sensing 100 will be reporting its data records 166. and by association, at which location (e.g. which building, which site within the building) the data was measured.

In an Upload Data and Clear RAM step 204. the processor 142 would cause the series of data records 166 to be transmitted to the portable RFID computing and communication device P. While clearing the RAM 144 frees it to store new data, those skilled in the art will recognize that there ma}' be situations where it would be desirable to upload data records 166 without clearing RAM 144. for example to preserve evidence or provide backup, and such functionality is still within the spirit of the present invention.

In a Synchronize Clock step 206, the processor 142 would synchronize the clock 160 to a time commanded by the portable RFID computing and communication device P for the accuracy of future measurements.

In a Calibrate Sensor step 178, the processor 142 would read the sensor system 108 under one or more known conditions and report one or more corresponding values to the portable RFID computing and communication device P. The processor 142 would then receive back from the portable RFID computing and communication device P either automatical!}' or with user input, either confirmation that reported values were accurate or corrected values for calibration. The corrected values might also be stored in the portable RFID computing and communication device P and associated with the uploaded data records 166 for refining future analysis.

In a Check Tampering Status step 180, the processor 142 would read the tampering status signal generated by the tampering detector 132 to confirm that the tampering detector 132 is working and to calibrate a baseline for a status of no tampering. In a Check Capacity Status step 182, the processor 142 would measure the remaining capacity of the power supply 164. for example as represented by a voltage level, by reading the capacity status signal generated by the capacity detector 165. If the remaining capacity were too low, the processor 142 would report to the portable RFID computing and communication device P to alert the user to change or charge the power supply 164.

Execution of the UploadData program instructions 154 would then terminate 184.

From a broader and more systemic perspective, a user might install a number of these apparatuses for sensing 100 at a number of respective sites. Individually, each apparatus for sensing would acquire a set of data records 166 over time that evidence characteristics of the construction, current condition and wear of its respective site. Furthermore, in combination, adjacent or otherwise related apparatuses for sensing 100 would evidence trends showing the relative changes in characteristics between their respective sites.

In other words, collectively the data records 166 from multiple apparatuses for sensing 100. particularly adjacent apparatuses for sensing 100, would provide even further evidence, indicating both temporal and spatial progress of the measured characteristics. This evidence would not only provide early detection of building problems, but would also guide diagnosis and repair, which conventional!}' are by trial and error until problems have developed to such a state that visual evidence, generally observed as significant damage or through invasive cutaway investigation, shows where a problem originated and how it progressed. The present invention provides for early detection and diagnosis so that correct repairs can be planned and implemented before significant damage has occurred.

Because the present invention provides for encryption, validation and authentication of data records 166, the diagnosis of problems can be used not only to guide repairs, but also to prove responsibility for the problem and obligation to pa ' for the repairs, and converseh' to prove innocence from responsibility and freedom from obligation to pa}' for the repairs. When a problem can be quickh' and convincingly diagnosed, complicated construction disputes can be quickh' and decisiveh' resolved, either between the parties or before a court.

For example, as shown in Figure 10, a plurality of apparatuses for sensing 100 could be configured to sense moisture and be distributed at sites throughout a leak}- basement to discover the source of the leak. The respective data records 166 of adjacent first, second, third and fourth apparatuses for sensing 100 _E . 100 _C . 100 _A and 100 _B might show that over a period of time an increase of moisture progresses from the first apparatus for sensing IOOE, to the second apparatus for sensing 100 _C . to the third apparatus for sensing 100 _A . to the fourth apparatus for sensing 100 _B . thereby showing that water enters the basement between an outside wall O and an inside wall / at a corner near the first apparatus for sensing 100 _E and travels between the walls near the ceiling through an through an insulating medium M past the second apparatus for sensing 100 _C and the third apparatus for sensing 100 _A . until it drops toward the floor adjacent the fourth apparatus for sensing 100B.

Thus, it will be seen from the foregoing embodiments and examples that there has been described a way to conveniently and accurately monitor properties of obstructed building sites that are symptomatic of the site's construction, condition and wear. While specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative of the invention only and not as limiting the invention

Man}' modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings and ma}' be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

In particular, all quantities described have been determined empirically and those skilled in the art might well expect a wide range of values surrounding those described to provide similarly beneficial results. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications and substitutions can be made to the foregoing embodiments without departing from the principle and scope of the invention. Although this present invention has been described as being well suited for use in building sites, those skilled in the art will recognize much wider application, for example in monitoring vessels, containers and vehicles used for transporting and storage.