Peer-to-Peer Locator Compass With GNSS Directional LEDs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locator devices for tracking peers in large, crowded environments like music festivals require cellular service, are battery-intensive, and lack reliability in areas with limited cell service, posing challenges in maintaining location tracking without constant phone use, which can be impractical and risky.
Innovation Solution
A pair of locator devices with illuminated displays that indicate the relative position of each other using capacitive touch sensors for pairing, LED indicators for direction, and a controller to change illumination states based on location information, operating independently of cellular networks and utilizing GNSS or beacons for positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cellular network-based tracking devices are used, then location tracking capability is provided, but reliability deteriorates in areas with limited cell service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Wi-Fi as an intermediary communication medium between the tracker and smartphone. The tracker pairs with a nearby smartphone via Wi-Fi, allowing location data to be transmitted without requiring cellular network coverage. This intermediary approach enables reliable tracking in areas with limited or no cell service by utilizing the smartphone's existing Wi-Fi connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the smartphone's multi-functional capabilities (Wi-Fi, processor, display) to provide tracking services. Instead of requiring dedicated cellular tracking infrastructure, the patent makes the smartphone serve multiple functions: location data processing, Wi-Fi communication, and visual display of tracking information. This universality allows the system to operate in diverse environments without specialized infrastructure.
2Reliability
If smartphone-based tracking is used, then location sharing capability is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates due to constant phone handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracking functionality from the smartphone by creating a dedicated tracker device with its own display and processing capabilities. The tracker handles location tracking, Wi-Fi communication, and visual display independently, while the smartphone provides only the necessary processing power and display when needed for pairing. This segmentation allows the tracker to function autonomously without requiring constant smartphone handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracker device is designed to be self-sufficient for tracking operations, with its own display showing location information and automatic pairing capabilities. The device can autonomously establish Wi-Fi connections with nearby smartphones, process location data, and display tracking information without requiring the user to constantly interact with the smartphone. This self-service approach significantly improves ease of operation.
3Illumination intensity
If illuminated display is added to locator device, then visibility in crowded conditions is improved, but use of energy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminated display operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when needed to display location information to the user. The controller manages the illumination timing to balance visibility requirements with energy conservation, turning the display on during relevant tracking periods and turning it off during idle periods. This periodic operation significantly reduces overall energy consumption compared to continuous illumination.
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 reliable, real-time peer location tracking without screens or cellular networks, ensuring visibility in crowded conditions and harsh environments, with battery-efficient operation and automatic mode switching.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are positioned within the first and second respective locator devices
Implementation Method 2
A capacitive touch sensor may be used to sense a user input
Data Source
AI summary
A locator device system formed by a pair of locator devices that provide an illuminated display indicating a location of another locator device. Each locator device includes a case having an exterior with a front surface and a plurality of visual indicators. The visual indicators switch between illumination states and, when illuminated, are observable by observing the front surface of the case. A controller changes the illumination states based on a position of the other locator devices. A user interface receives user inputs including pairing input for pairing the locator devices to one another. When the locator devices are paired together and are located at a predefined location relative to one other, the controller changes a selected visual indicator located a direction corresponding to a direction heading towards the other one of the pair of locator devices from the first illumination state to the second illumination state.