Mesh Network Message Transmission for Missing Pet Retrieval
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for locating missing pets or children, such as GPS tracking and specialized pet tags, often require manual retrieval by authorities, leading to delays in reuniting the missing individual or pet with their owner.
Innovation Solution
A method and device system that allows users to request message transmission to devices within a certain range of the missing pet or child's location, using a combination of cellular and non-cellular networks, including LoRa mesh networks, to broadcast images and information to nearby devices, reducing the need for cellular communication and increasing the chances of rapid retrieval by nearby individuals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS tracking is used to locate missing pets or children, then the location can be identified, but it takes time for the owner to travel to the location and retrieve the missing individual
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the retrieval process by dividing the task of notifying the owner into multiple independent actions: (1) sending a notification to the owner's device, (2) broadcasting an alert to nearby devices through mesh network, and (3) optionally sending alerts to shelters and organizations. This segmentation allows parallel execution of multiple notification channels to reduce overall retrieval time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the pet tag or tracking device with alert capabilities and pre-establishing communication channels with nearby devices, shelters, and organizations before the missing incident occurs. When the pet or child goes missing, the alert is immediately broadcast without requiring manual setup, enabling faster response time.
2Productivity
If specialized pet tags with mobile applications are used, then nearby shelters and organizations can be notified, but they still need to capture the pet manually which takes time
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces nearby devices (smartphones, tablets, or dedicated devices) as intermediaries between the pet tag and the shelters/organizations. These intermediary devices receive the broadcast alert and can immediately contact authorities or respond to the situation, acting as a bridge that accelerates the response chain without requiring direct manual capture by the pet owner.
Solution Approach 2:
The pet tag system enables self-service by automatically broadcasting alerts to nearby devices and pre-configured organizations without requiring manual intervention from the owner. The system autonomously performs the notification function, freeing the owner to focus on immediate safety concerns while the system handles the alert dissemination.
3Reliability
If cellular communication networks are used for message transmission, then reliable delivery is achieved, but cost and network dependency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges two communication approaches: cellular network for reliable one-to-one notification from the pet tag to the owner's device, and mesh network for broadcast alerts to nearby devices. This combination leverages the reliability of cellular for critical notifications while using the energy-efficient mesh network for widespread alert dissemination, optimizing both reliability and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Nearby devices act as intermediaries that receive alerts via energy-efficient mesh network communication and can then relay information or contact authorities. This intermediary approach allows the pet tag to use minimal energy for transmission while still achieving broad notification through the collaborative mesh network, reducing the energy burden on the battery-powered pet tag.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device of the invention is configured to allow a user of a first device to request transmission of a message, obtain a location of a second device, and transmit the message to devices within a certain range of the second device. The first device may be carried by a person who wants to retrieve a missing person, animal, or object. The second device may be carried by the missing person or missing animal or attached to or incorporated into the missing object. The message may be transmitted by the first device, by the second device, and/or by an Internet server, for example.