Versatile rf data capture system

Abstract

A system for collecting data from at least one remote site and transmitting the collected data to a main information center. The system has information distributed throughout and is divided into first, second, and third portions. The system includes at least one portable terminal for collecting data at the remote site. The terminal comprises a first memory for storing the first information portion. The terminal operates by a programmed computer to sense the need for information for its use to generate an information call identifying the needed information, and to respond to the information call for searching its first memory for the presence or absence of that needed information. If that needed information is available in the first memory of the terminal, it is supplied for use by the portable terminal. The system further comprises a first mobile server to be transported to various locations with respect to the main information center and the remote site. The first mobile server comprises a second memory for storing the second information portion, and responds to the information call for searching the second memory for presence or absence of that needed information. The system further includes a second server at the main information center which comprises a third memory for storing the third information portion, and operates to search the third memory for the presence or absence of that needed information.