Gridded Reference Graphic for Personnel Coordination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for coordinating and identifying personnel in designated areas are inefficient and prone to confusion, especially in complex or unfamiliar environments, leading to operational challenges for first responders, security teams, and others who require real-time location visualization.
Innovation Solution
The creation and dissemination of gridded reference graphics using orthorectified imagery with overlaid grids, labels, and annotations, displayed on user devices for real-time personnel location tracking and coordination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional verbal or non-visual methods are used for personnel coordination, then the system complexity remains low, but personnel have difficulty identifying and coordinating their locations in complex environments
Solution Approach 1:
The area of operation is divided into a grid of cells, with each cell assigned a unique identifier. Personnel locations are represented as discrete points within these grid cells, breaking down the complex continuous space into manageable discrete units that are easy to communicate and locate
Solution Approach 2:
A simplified two-dimensional graphical representation (copy) of the three-dimensional operational environment is created. This graphic displays grid cells, personnel locations, and area boundaries in a visually intuitive format that can be quickly understood and used for coordination without requiring personnel to mentally process complex spatial relationships
2Ease of operation
If detailed visual systems are implemented for personnel tracking, then location identification improves, but the system becomes more complex and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The operational environment is represented as a simplified two-dimensional graphic showing only essential elements: grid cell boundaries, unique cell identifiers, and personnel location markers. This abstracted copy eliminates unnecessary visual complexity while preserving all information needed for effective coordination
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous spatial coordinates (latitude/longitude or x/y coordinates) are transformed into discrete grid cell identifiers. This parameter transformation simplifies location communication from complex numerical coordinates to simple cell codes that are easier to memorize and communicate verbally
3Productivity
If real-time personnel location visualization is implemented, then coordination effectiveness improves, but response time for system setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operational area is pre-divided into grid cells with assigned unique identifiers before personnel arrive. This preliminary gridding allows personnel to immediately begin using the coordination system upon arrival, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site system setup while maintaining real-time visualization capabilities
4Measurement precision
If comprehensive area coverage is achieved through detailed mapping, then location accuracy improves, but the complexity of creating and maintaining the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operational area is segmented into a grid of cells, where each cell serves as a discrete location unit. This segmentation provides sufficient location precision for coordination purposes while avoiding the complexity of continuous coordinate systems. Personnel locations are precisely identified within the context of their grid cell rather than requiring exact continuous coordinates
Data Source
AI summary
A system for real-time or near real-time coordination of personnel and a method for creating a gridded reference graphic (GRG) for use in such a system is provided. A GRG is created by obtaining imagery of an area a team is to be operating in, wherein the imagery is obtained from overhead, taken from a position substantially orthogonal to the central portion of the area of operation. A grid, which may then be further modified with labels allowing identification of areas within the grid, is then overlaid thereon, creating a GRG. The GRG may then be served to personnel and displayed on a user device. The system includes a GRG comprising scale images of an intended area of operation, a labeled grid overlaid thereon and a scale for measurement of distances wherein the GRG are dispersed among and displayed to personnel.