In-Vehicle Tracking via Mobile Navigation Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for tracking and locating moving objects, such as lost pets, compromise driving safety when using vehicles for search efforts due to the need to manually navigate while driving.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a traveler device secured to the object, a mobile device, and an in-vehicle navigation system that uses GPS signals and cellular communication to track the object's location and share updates with the navigation system, allowing safe vehicle navigation to the object's location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a user manually navigates while driving a vehicle to track a moving object, then the tracking efficiency is improved, but the driving safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the tracking task into two independent parts: (1) location tracking performed automatically by GPS receivers in both the vehicle and the moving object, and (2) navigation guidance provided through audio/visual instructions. This segmentation allows the driver to focus on safe driving while the system handles tracking and navigation separately, resolving the contradiction between tracking efficiency and driving safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking system performs self-service by automatically calculating the position of the moving object relative to the vehicle, generating navigation instructions, and providing guidance without requiring manual intervention from the driver. The system uses its own GPS data and processing capabilities to maintain tracking efficiency while freeing the driver from navigation tasks, thereby improving driving safety.
2Measurement precision
If real-time location tracking is implemented using GPS and mobile devices, then the accuracy of location information is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal GPS receivers that can be integrated into both the vehicle and the moving object, providing location tracking functionality across multiple platforms. The mobile device serves as a universal communication and data processing hub that coordinates between the vehicle's navigation system and the object's GPS receiver. This multi-functionality approach achieves high location accuracy while avoiding the need for complex specialized equipment in each component.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe and efficient tracking of moving objects by allowing users to receive real-time location updates on a mobile device and directing the vehicle to the object's location through the navigation system, reducing the risk of accidents during search efforts.
Implementation Method 1
a GPS receiver in the vehicle to detect a current location of the object
Implementation Method 2
a communication module in the vehicle to communicate the current location of the object to a navigation system of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A method of in-vehicle tracking begins with establishing a communication link between a mobile device and a navigation system of a vehicle. The navigation system presents driving instructions leading to a destination. Each of a plurality of locations is serially passed over the communication link from the mobile device to the navigation system. Additionally, each of the plurality of locations is serially set, as it is communicated, as the destination within the navigation system. As the destination within the navigation system is updated, the driving instructions leading to that destination are updated as well.