Extensible Tracking System Using Peer-to-Peer Radio Broadcasts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tracking systems for people, animals, and objects are hindered by high costs, limited adoption due to proprietary technology, short battery life, and latency issues, especially in areas without cell networks, leading to prolonged search and rescue operations and fatalities.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, open-hardware, and software-based tracking system using radio broadcasts among devices for location sharing, leveraging GPS and multiple communication technologies like GMRS, with a separate general-purpose computing device for processing and user interface, enabling long battery life, wide communication range, and rebroadcast capabilities to overcome technological and geographical barriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated proprietary radio receivers and displays are used for tracking, then tracking functionality is provided, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using general-purpose smartphones with existing cameras, processors, and displays to perform tracking functions, rather than dedicated proprietary devices. The smartphone's camera captures images, the processor analyzes them for position information, and the display shows tracking data - making a single device serve multiple functions including tracking, communication, and navigation, thereby eliminating the need for expensive specialized hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by leveraging the widespread availability of smartphones as copies of tracking functionality. Instead of requiring unique proprietary receivers, any smartphone can serve as a tracking device by running the appropriate application and using its built-in GPS and camera capabilities, making the technology accessible and low-cost
2Loss of information
If cell-based tracking systems are used, then location information is provided, but latency prevents real-time tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by enabling direct peer-to-peer communication between smartphones using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies. This allows location information to be transmitted continuously and directly between devices without being routed through cellular networks, eliminating the latency inherent in cell-based systems and enabling real-time tracking even in areas without cell coverage
3Reliability
If radio-based tracking devices are used, then tracking capability is provided, but battery life is limited due to high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by having smartphones transmit location information at optimized intervals rather than continuously. The system adjusts the frequency of location updates and communication based on movement detection and tracking requirements, reducing power consumption while maintaining effective tracking capability throughout the device's battery life
4Loss of information
If centralized tracking systems are used, then location data is collected, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling smartphones to independently collect, process, and share location data with other devices in the network without requiring a centralized server or control system. Each device autonomously determines its position using GPS, processes images from its camera, and communicates with nearby devices directly, eliminating the need for expensive and complex centralized infrastructure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system promotes widespread adoption of tracking technology, ensuring successful rescues by providing a cost-effective, durable, and efficient means of tracking individuals and objects in various scenarios, including remote areas, with enhanced functionality and extended battery life, reducing the need for centralized systems and expensive rescue operations.
Implementation Method 1
using position information received from Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites
Implementation Method 2
specialized radio frequency devices and family radios based on Family Radio Service (FRS) technology
Implementation Method 3
cell-based devices have been introduced more recently which use cellular data connections to communicate GPS or cell tower derived position information
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for an extensible tracking system. A set of autonomous tags detect their location such as via GPS and broadcast their location to other nearby tags. Using separate communication technology, each tag can also communicate with an associated user device such as a smart phone. The user device(s) provide a user interface for queries into the system. The broadcasts among all tracking devices insures no reliance on a single tracking device, and associating tags with a respective set of user devices eliminates reliance on a central system for tracking to locations of all tags.