Emergency Tracking Device Multi-Network Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking devices suspend transmission when a network is unavailable, which is unacceptable for time-sensitive emergency information, highlighting a need for a device that can transmit status and location information via multiple communication networks.
Innovation Solution
A tracking device with a set of network communication modules and a communication control module that automatically determines the best communication mode to send signals based on a preconfigured network priority list, switching to an emergency mode to send periodic signals via all available modes when an input actuator is activated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tracking device uses a single communication network, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of emergency signal transmission deteriorates when the network is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into multiple independent communication modules (first communication module, second communication module, etc.), each capable of operating on different communication networks. This segmentation allows the device to transmit emergency signals through alternative networks if one network fails, thereby improving reliability without requiring a completely new system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking device is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating multiple communication modules that can operate on different networks (cellular, satellite, radio frequency, etc.). The communication control module universally manages all these modules, selecting the appropriate one based on availability. This universal approach ensures the device can maintain emergency signal transmission across various network types.
2Reliability
If the tracking device transmits via multiple communication networks, then the reliability of emergency signal transmission is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication control module is pre-configured with a network priority list that ranks communication networks in order of preference. This preliminary configuration allows the module to automatically select the appropriate communication module without requiring complex real-time decision-making algorithms. When an emergency signal needs transmission, the control module simply follows the pre-established priority list to select the first available network, reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication control module continuously monitors the availability status of each communication network and uses this feedback to dynamically select the appropriate communication module. The module receives feedback about network availability and automatically adjusts its transmission path by selecting from the network priority list. This feedback mechanism simplifies control by using straightforward status checks rather than complex optimization algorithms.
3Loss of time
If the tracking device suspends transmission when network is unavailable, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the loss of time for emergency information transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device employs dynamic behavior by continuously monitoring network availability and automatically switching between different communication modules based on real-time conditions. Rather than statically suspending transmission or continuously attempting all networks, the system dynamically adjusts its transmission strategy by selecting from the network priority list only the currently available networks. This dynamic approach minimizes both time loss and energy consumption by avoiding transmissions on unavailable networks while ensuring emergency signals are sent through alternative paths.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a set of network communication modules, a communication control module and an input actuator. Each network communication module from the set of network communication modules is configured to send signals to and receive signals from a remote device via a distinct communication mode from a set of communication modes. The communication control module is configured to periodically send a set of second status signals intended to be sent to the remote device via each communication mode from the set of communication modes when the communication control module is in an emergency operating mode and the communication mode is available. The communication control module is configured to switch from the default operating mode to the emergency operating mode in response to receiving an input signal indicating that the input actuator has been actuated.