A system for monitoring, controlling, and locating portable computerized
devices performing remote diagnostic analysis of control networks. The
portable, wireless equipment includes computerized display device
connected to a wireless intermediary device for allowing a wireless
connection to be made to a control network. The computerized diagnostic
device may be embodied as a personal digital assistant (PDA) having a
graphical screen display, on which may be displayed the network nodes and
connections of the control network presented against a backdrop of a
transit vehicle or other facility shown in three-dimensional, rotatable
images. The wireless equipment may allow the operator to force individual
system components to output states, and provide for real time monitoring.
The portable, wireless equipment is programmed with information
pertaining to the connections and locations of the components in the
control network, thereby simplifying diagnosis or testing by the
operator. The portable, wireless equipment may be operated within a
network of wireless communication cells, whereby transmitted messages
between the portable, wireless equipment and the control networks may be
monitored and the position of each device determined. Graphical images of
the control networks may be displayed or rotated based upon the
operator's relative position and orientation within respect to the
control network.