Ad-hoc Network Asset Tracking via Dynamic Imaging Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for tracking assets, such as personnel or vehicles, in motion lack efficient automated methods that can seamlessly integrate with imaging devices and monitoring systems without disrupting network bandwidth or requiring fixed infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A wireless mobile ad-hoc multihopping peer-to-peer communication network utilizing location measurements and ad-hoc routing algorithms to automatically control and switch imaging devices, enabling geo-location tracking and efficient data transmission without intrusively impacting network bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated tracking systems use traditional camera deployment methods, then monitoring coverage is achieved, but network bandwidth is disrupted and fixed infrastructure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional fixed mechanical camera mounting infrastructure with a mobile ad-hoc network system where portable devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) serve as imaging nodes. The system uses wireless communication protocols and software-based tracking algorithms instead of fixed mechanical mounting structures and wired connections, eliminating the need for complex fixed infrastructure while maintaining automated tracking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed camera positions to dynamic mobile imaging nodes that can move freely within the monitoring area. The ad-hoc network dynamically routes data packets between moving devices, and the tracking algorithm continuously adapts to changing node positions and asset locations, enabling automated tracking without fixed infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are deployed to track moving assets, then monitoring coverage is improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and transmits only the essential tracking data (asset location coordinates, device position information) rather than continuously streaming full video feeds from all cameras. This selective data extraction significantly reduces bandwidth consumption while maintaining precise tracking capability through coordinate-based location monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of transmitting actual video streams from multiple cameras, the system uses virtual copies of asset location data that are mathematically derived from position measurements. The tracking algorithm processes these location coordinates to determine asset positions, eliminating the need to transmit large volumes of video data while preserving tracking precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for automated visual tracking of assets (302), such as personnel or vehicles, using location measurements and ad-hoc routing algorithms employed in a wireless multihopping communication network (100). The system and method comprise a plurality of imaging devices (300) that are deployed about an area and provide image information to at least one workstation (304) that displays the images based on the image information. In particular, as an asset (302) moves, the workstation (304) switches from displaying an image of the asset (302) captured by an imaging device (300) away from which the asset (302) is moving to displaying an image of the asset (302) captured by an imaging device (300) toward which the asset (302) is moving.