Adaptive Range Vehicle Locating Unit Signal Alternation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle recovery system has a limited range for detecting the vehicle locating unit, requiring a large number of vehicle tracking units to monitor a given area, as the wideband signal has a range of only about a mile.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive range vehicle locating unit that alternately transmits narrowband and wideband signals at different rates, using a timing control circuit to increase the detection range and reduce the number of tracking units needed, by employing a narrowband baseband generator, a wideband baseband generator, and a data decoder to distinguish and process the signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a wideband signal is transmitted by the vehicle locating unit, then the signal contains substantial data identifying the stolen vehicle, but the detection range is limited to only about a mile
Solution Approach 1:
The VLU alternates between transmitting wideband signals (containing substantial vehicle identification data) and narrowband signals (providing long-range detection). This periodic switching allows the system to maintain both data transmission capability and extended detection range, as the narrowband signals can be detected at greater distances while the wideband signals provide the necessary identification information when a VTU is in proximity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the signal bandwidth parameter dynamically - switching between wideband and narrowband transmission modes. When a VTU detects the narrowband signal from a distance, the system transitions to wideband transmission to provide detailed vehicle identification data, thus adapting the signal characteristics to match the operational requirements at different ranges.
2Loss of information
If wideband signals are used for vehicle locating, then vehicle identification data can be transmitted, but a larger number of vehicle tracking units are required to monitor a given area
Solution Approach 1:
By periodically alternating between wideband and narrowband signal transmission, the system ensures that at least the narrowband component is always available for long-range detection. This reduces the density of VTUs needed across the monitoring area, as each VTU can detect narrowband signals from greater distances, while still receiving comprehensive vehicle identification data when they do detect a signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The narrowband signal acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between long-range detection and data transmission. VTUs can detect narrowband signals from distant locations, serving as a preliminary detection mechanism that reduces the need for dense VTU deployment, while the wideband signal provides the complete vehicle identification information when needed.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the vehicle locating unit transmits signals at a low rate to conserve energy, then battery life is extended, but the detection and tracking efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The VLU transmits signals periodically at controlled rates, alternating between wideband and narrowband transmissions. This periodic transmission strategy balances energy consumption with detection efficiency - the lower overall transmission rate extends battery life, while the strategic timing and alternation of signal types maintain adequate detection and tracking efficiency by ensuring signals are available at appropriate intervals.
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptive range vehicle recovery system including an adaptive range vehicle locating unit including a narrowband baseband generator for generating a narrowband signal, a wideband baseband generator for generating a wideband signal, a timing control circuit responsive to an activation signal to transmit, alternately, said narrowband signal at a first rate, and said wideband signal at a second rate and responsive to a track signal to transmit one of said wideband and narrowband signals at a third, different, rate; and also to an adaptive range vehicle recovery system including an adaptive range vehicle track unit including a data decoder including, a wideband decoder for detecting data from a wideband baseband signal, a narrowband decoder for detecting data from a narrowband baseband signal, a bandwidth detector responsive to a received signal to distinguish narrowband and wideband signals and an input switching circuit responsive to said bandwidth detector for directing the wideband signal to the wideband decoder and the narrowband signal to the narrowband decoder.