Guidance System for Unknown Environments Using Remote Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional geolocation systems, relying on GPS and GSM, are ineffective in closed and unknown environments, making it difficult to track and guide public safety professionals such as firefighters and police officers, as they cannot operate without pre-established maps and suffer from inaccurate positioning.
Innovation Solution
A guidance system that uses a measurement module on the individual to collect data, transmitting it to a remote guidance platform via a first communication channel, where tactical position data is determined and guidance data is generated, then sent back to the individual through a second communication channel, allowing real-time awareness and guidance in unknown environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS receiver and transmitter are used for geolocation, then outdoor positioning can be achieved, but the system cannot operate in closed environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate objects (reflective elements, transponders, or natural features) that mediate between the geolocation system and the environment. These intermediaries enable signal reflection or identification in closed environments where direct GPS signals cannot penetrate, allowing the system to adapt to environments it originally couldn't serve.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the target actively transmit signals outward (as in GPS), the system inverts the approach by having fixed elements in the environment reflect or respond to signals, or by using passive detection methods that work without active transmission through obstacles, thereby enabling operation in closed spaces.
2Measurement precision
If pre-established maps are used for geolocation, then location identification is achievable, but the system cannot track movement in unknown environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary mapping actions by having the moving target carry sensors that actively scan and map the environment in real-time. This preliminary action of environmental characterization enables subsequent precise tracking without requiring pre-established maps, allowing operation in previously unknown terrains.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static pre-established maps to dynamic real-time mapping. The environmental model is continuously updated as the target moves, allowing the system to adapt to changing environments and track movement in unknown areas while maintaining measurement precision through ongoing environmental characterization.
3Ease of operation
If GSM system is used for geolocation, then positioning can be achieved, but the accuracy ranges from 200 metres to several kilometres
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple geolocation techniques and data sources (GPS for outdoor, cellular tower triangulation for urban, Wi-Fi positioning for indoor, and inertial sensors) into a unified system. This combination allows the system to maintain ease of operation across all environments while achieving high positioning accuracy by compensating for the weaknesses of individual methods with strengths of others.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a universal geolocation platform that performs multiple functions: GPS reception, cellular signal analysis, Wi-Fi scanning, and inertial navigation. This multi-functional approach enables accurate positioning across diverse environments without requiring separate specialized systems, maintaining both ease of operation and measurement precision.
4Ease of operation
If conventional geolocation systems are used in closed environments, then operation is simple, but the systems cannot provide accurate positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where the moving target carries its own sensing and processing capabilities (inertial sensors, local mapping equipment, and communication devices). This self-service approach enables accurate positioning in closed environments without requiring complex external infrastructure, maintaining system simplicity while achieving high measurement precision through autonomous environmental interaction.
Data Source
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AI summary
A guidance system (SG) for an individual (IND) moving in an unknown environment establishes a guidance loop (B) between a measurement module (MM) placed on the individual and a remote guidance platform (PG). In the measurement module, a means (CP) collects measurement data (DM) that are transmitted by another means (UC1) of transmission to the guidance platform via a first communication channel. Then, at the guidance platform, a means (UT2) determines the tactical position data (DST) from the transmitted measurement data (DM), and another means (UC2) transmits determined guidance data (DG) from the tactical position data to a communication device of the individual by means of a second communication channel (R2), thus closing the guidance loop.