Hostage Tracking via Passive ID Signal Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for tracking abducted or missing persons using GPS or short-range wireless communication are ineffective when the individual cannot press a button for SOS, lacks reliability, and requires a nearby mobile communication terminal, making it difficult to track locations and paths accurately.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a signal transmitter with a unique ID that continually transmits signals, received by a network of mobile communication terminals acting as sensors, which store and relay location information via an internet network, allowing for tracking of both current and past locations of the individual.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS or short-range wireless communication is used for tracking, then location tracking is possible, but the method fails when the person cannot press SOS button or lacks mobile communication terminal
Solution Approach 1:
The signal transmitter automatically transmits unique ID signals without requiring the person to press any button. The system serves itself by continuously emitting identification signals that passively get detected by nearby mobile communication terminals, eliminating the need for human operation during emergency situations.
Solution Approach 2:
Mobile communication terminals of other persons act as intermediary detectors that receive the unique ID signals from the signal transmitter. These intermediaries enable tracking even when the person with the transmitter cannot communicate directly, bridging the gap between the transmitter and the tracking system.
2Loss of information
If conventional tracking methods are used, then location can be found, but it cannot provide path information or track past locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously detects and stores unique ID signals and their corresponding location information in advance, building a historical trajectory database before any emergency occurs. This preliminary data collection enables rapid reconstruction of the person's path and movement pattern when needed, eliminating the need for time-consuming investigations.
3Reliability
If SOS button pressing is required, then false alarms can be reduced, but tracking fails in emergencies where the person cannot operate the device
Solution Approach 1:
The signal transmitter operates autonomously, continuously transmitting unique ID signals without requiring any user intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures the system remains simple in operation while maintaining high reliability, as the automatic transmission eliminates the complexity of button-pressing interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for tracking location of person having signal transmitter includes at least one receiver for receiving unique ID signal transmitted by signal transmitter that transmits ID signal uniquely determined for respective mobile signal transmitter at at least one predetermined period. The receiver receives unique ID signal near circumference of the person having signal transmitter spaced apart from the receiver by given distance, and stores the received unique ID signal in ID store unit. The receiver, when search request for specific ID is received from external server, searches for the requested ID in ID store unit and transmits transmission information including ID corresponding to requested ID to external server. The person, such as abducted person, has only small signal transmitter, and thus the current location of the abducted person and path along which the abducted person moved can be tracked using the signal continually transmitted by the signal transmitter.