Handheld Asset Tracker SATCOM GPS Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack a single device and method for efficiently tracking and locating assets in remote or inaccessible locations, particularly for entities in dangerous environments, without the need for extra batteries or a remote power source, while ensuring secure communication and information transfer.
Innovation Solution
A handheld asset tracking unit with a transceiver connected to SATCOM and GPS networks, utilizing multi-code and multi-channel communication, low power consumption, and encryption for secure data transfer, along with a remote operations center for centralized monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tracking devices are used in remote locations, then tracking capability is provided, but device weight increases due to extra batteries and power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tracking and communication functions into a single handheld device that integrates GPS reception, SATCOM transceiver capabilities, and data processing in one unit, eliminating the need for separate battery packs and power sources that would otherwise be required
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld device performs multiple functions including GPS signal reception, SATCOM communication, data encryption, and tracking operations simultaneously, allowing a single device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components and power sources
2Loss of information
If continuous communication is maintained in remote areas, then information transfer is ensured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs periodic communication cycles where the SATCOM transceiver operates in intermittent bursts rather than continuous transmission, allowing data to be accumulated and transmitted at regular intervals, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining effective information transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The GPS receiver operates continuously to maintain position data, while the SATCOM communication function operates periodically to transmit accumulated data, ensuring that tracking information remains current without requiring continuous high-power communication
3Reliability
If security measures are implemented for data protection, then communication security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an encryption module as an intermediary component that processes data before transmission, adding security functionality without requiring fundamental changes to the core tracking and communication architecture, thereby managing complexity through modular design
Data Source
AI summary
An asset tracking unit, system, and method may include at least one transceiver having communicative connections with at least one SATCOM network and at least one GPS network via at least one antenna, wherein tracking information for at least one asset associated with the at least one transceiver is received from the GPS network and is communicated to the SATCOM network, a first link that provides a multi-code one of the communicative connections between the at least one transceiver and the at least one SATCOM network, and a second link that provides a multi-channel one of the communicative connections between the at least one transceiver and the at least one GPS network. The unit, system and method may additionally include at least one remote operations center remote from an asset to be tracked, wherein the asset to be tracked is geographically associated with the central processing unit.