Geographic Filtering for Blue Force Tracking in Ad Hoc Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for Blue Force Tracking (BFT) in heterogeneous ad hoc networks lead to significant radio network overload due to the broadcasting of node positions across networks without geographic filtering, making it impractical to provide a global BFT service in areas with overlapping or adjacent networks.

Innovation Solution

A method that collects geographical location information from nodes, determines the coverage areas of each network, identifies overlapping zones, and transmits location data only to nodes within those zones through a gateway system, reducing unnecessary data transmission and network load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If position messages are broadcast from one network to all nodes in another network via gateway nodes without filtering, then all nodes receive position information of neighboring nodes, but this generates significant load on the radio networks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition information deliveryVSAvoidradio network capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by filtering position messages based on geographic proximity. Instead of broadcasting to all nodes in the target network, only nodes located within the intersection zone of coverage areas receive position information. This selective delivery reduces unnecessary traffic while ensuring relevant nodes receive needed information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by transmitting position information only to the subset of nodes that actually need it (those in the intersection zone), rather than broadcasting to all nodes. This partial delivery approach reduces network load while maintaining the essential BFT functionality for nodes in overlapping coverage areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Loss of information

If a global BFT service is implemented across multiple distinct networks with significant numbers of nodes, then position awareness is achieved across networks, but the radio networks become overloaded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-network position awarenessVSAvoiddata transmission volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces data transmission volume by applying geographic filtering based on local quality. Position information is transmitted only to nodes located in the intersection zone where coverage areas overlap, rather than broadcasting to all nodes across all networks. This selective approach maintains cross-network position awareness for relevant nodes while significantly reducing overall data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the target network into two groups: nodes within the intersection zone that receive position information, and nodes outside the intersection zone that do not receive position information. This segmentation allows the system to provide global BFT service selectively, reducing data transmission volume while maintaining essential functionality where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of information

If position updates are transmitted to all nodes in another network, then complete position tracking is achieved, but bandwidth consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition tracking completenessVSAvoidbandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces bandwidth consumption by applying local quality filtering based on geographic location. Position updates are transmitted only to nodes within the intersection zone of coverage areas, rather than broadcasting to all nodes in the target network. This approach maintains position tracking completeness for nodes that need it while significantly reducing bandwidth consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by transmitting position information only to the necessary subset of nodes (those in the intersection zone) rather than all nodes. This partial delivery maintains adequate position tracking for nodes requiring cross-network awareness while reducing bandwidth consumption to sustainable levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2611233B1Method of communication between two distinct networks comprising radio communication nodes, processing module and associated computer programs

Publication Date: 2014.07.09 THALES SA

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AI summary

The method involves collecting geographic location information of a set of network nodes (51, 52) or radio communication nodes. A geographic coverage area (Z1) of the set of network nodes is derived according to the collected geographic location information. An intersection zone (Z) of the geographic coverage area is determined. The set of network nodes is allowed to be located within the intersection zone. Data indicating geographic locations of the set of network nodes is transmitted from one network to another network in the geographic coverage area. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a processing module (2) a radio frequency transmitting or receiving station (3) a computer program comprising instructions for performing a method for allowing communication between two distinct networks.