Mobile Tracking System Automatic Gimbal Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking systems are cumbersome, requiring numerous components and lengthy setup times, often necessitating installation in inaccessible locations, which hampers their deployment in dynamic mission environments.
Innovation Solution
A mobile tracking system with a modular, lightweight design that includes a minimal number of components, enabling rapid setup and operation, featuring automatic heading calculation, gimbal stabilization, and compatibility with various networks, allowing for hot-swapping of radios and operation in maritime and vehicular environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tracking systems are installed on high vantage points (mountains, building roofs), then tracking performance is improved, but setup complexity and accessibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system is divided into modular components (antenna, GPS module, processor, power supply) that can be assembled in different configurations. This segmentation allows the system to be deployed on various platforms including mobile vehicles while maintaining tracking performance, eliminating the need for fixed high-vantage-point installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static high-vantage-point installations to dynamic mobile deployment on vehicles and boats. The modular design enables the tracking system to adapt to moving platforms while maintaining functionality, resolving the contradiction between needing high performance locations and ease of setup.
2Reliability
If traditional tracking systems with multiple components are used, then tracking functionality is ensured, but assembly time and complexity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tracking components (antenna, GPS receiver, processor, power management) are merged into integrated modular units. This consolidation reduces the number of separate assembly steps from 30-45 minutes to approximately 3 minutes while maintaining full tracking functionality through the coordinated operation of integrated subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system components are pre-configured and pre-assembled into modular units during manufacturing. This preliminary action allows users to simply connect pre-assembled modules rather than assembling individual components on-site, dramatically reducing deployment time while ensuring proper functionality through factory-tested integrations.
3Loss of time
If modular design with fewer components is used, then assembly time is reduced, but system adaptability to different gimbal types is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The processor module is designed with universal communication interfaces and adaptive configuration capabilities that allow it to work with multiple gimbal types (first gimbal unit, second gimbal unit) despite having fewer physical components. The system automatically detects and configures the connected gimbal type, providing adaptability through software intelligence rather than hardware variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains adaptability to different gimbal models by dynamically changing operational parameters (gimbal parameters) rather than requiring different hardware components. The processor adjusts control parameters based on the detected gimbal type, allowing a single modular design to accommodate multiple configurations without increasing component count.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile tracking system including an antenna, gimbal, and GPS subsystem. The mobile tracking system is operable with a plurality of models of gimbal and can automatically determine gimbal parameters based upon a detected model. This allows for plug and play of several gimbal models without the need for further input provided by a user. The mobile tracking system can also identify positional information for the system itself as well as for a tracked node, and can provide gimbal pan/tilt instructions based upon both. This allows for accurate tracking in an environment where the MTS itself is moving.