Inertial Tracking Computing Platform for Personnel Position Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for providing personnel position location information (PPLI) are either time-consuming and error-prone, or cost-prohibitive, as they often require manual transmission of GPS coordinates via handheld radios or the use of multiple, heavy communication devices.
Innovation Solution
A computing platform that includes a command server and radio access points, enabling data communication between computing devices and the server, allowing for the transmission of location data, image data, text data, and voice data, using inertial measurement units to track device movement and switch between radio access points to maintain connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual transmission of GPS coordinates via handheld radio is used, then personnel position location information can be provided, but the method is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device automatically determines its position using an inertial measurement unit and automatically transmits the position data to the command server without requiring manual intervention. The device self-manages the entire process of position acquisition, formatting, and transmission, eliminating human error and time consumption associated with manual coordinate relay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of reading and transmitting GPS coordinates with an automated electronic system. The inertial measurement unit continuously tracks position and the computing device automatically formats and transmits data via radio communication, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated electronic processes.
2Extent of automation
If location device is integrated within field radio device, then automatic location information transmission is enabled, but each personnel must carry multiple heavy communication devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the location determination function (inertial measurement unit) with the computing device that already exists in the personnel's equipment. Rather than adding a separate location device or requiring each person to carry multiple devices, the location capability is integrated into the existing computing platform, reducing overall equipment weight while maintaining automatic transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device serves multiple functions: it acts as a communication device, a location determination device, and a data transmission device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized devices for each function, allowing personnel to use a single lightweight computing device instead of multiple heavy communication gadgets.
3Reliability
If personnel use standalone location device with periodic voice transmission, then position information can be relayed, but substantial error occurs when personnel fail to provide updated information
Solution Approach 1:
The inertial measurement unit continuously determines the position of the computing device without interruption. Rather than relying on periodic manual updates that may be missed, the system maintains continuous position tracking and automatically transmits data when movement exceeds the threshold, ensuring no position information is lost and eliminating gaps in the position data record.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the inertial measurement unit to detect when the computing device has moved beyond a predetermined threshold distance. This feedback mechanism triggers automatic transmission of updated position data, ensuring that the command server receives current position information whenever significant movement occurs, without requiring complex manual procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing platform, comprising at least one computing device including a plurality of device applications; a command server disposed at a first location and configured to provide data communication to the at least one computing device by way of a radio access point and to receive data communication from the at least one computing device; a first radio device communicably coupled to the at least one computing device and the command server, the first radio device being coupled to the radio access point to enable data communication between the at least one computing device and the command server. At least one device application of the at least one computing device is configured to transmit a plurality of data including location data and at least one of image data, text data, and voice data, the location data corresponding to a location of one or more personnel positioned at a second location that is spaced apart from the first location.