Multi-mode Tracking Device LOS Satellite Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face obstacles such as buildings, hills, and the curvature of the Earth, which obstruct line-of-sight signals and disrupt radio transmissions, limiting their effectiveness in tracking and communication applications, especially in Blue Force tracking scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode tracking device that combines line-of-sight (LOS) and over-the-horizon (OTH) communication capabilities using a LOS antenna, satellite antenna, Bluetooth or WiFi Direct interface, and sensors, allowing for data transmission and location tracking via RF transceivers, and utilizing UAS for communication when obstructed, with a processor to generate and display a line of bearing to the target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If line-of-sight (LOS) wireless communication is used, then communication speed and reliability are improved, but communication is blocked by obstacles such as buildings, hills, and the curvature of the Earth
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into multiple modes: LOS mode for direct line-of-sight communication and OTH mode for over-the-horizon communication via satellite. This segmentation allows the system to switch between different communication paths depending on environmental conditions, resolving the contradiction between reliability and coverage by providing specialized modes for different scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
A satellite acts as an intermediary for OTH communication, enabling communication between distant points that cannot establish direct LOS. The satellite relays signals between the transmitter and receiver, overcoming the limitation of Earth's curvature and obstacles while maintaining communication reliability through the intermediate relay path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If over-the-horizon (OTH) satellite communication is used, then communication coverage is improved, but communication speed and real-time performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between LOS and OTH communication modes based on real-time conditions such as obstacle presence, distance, and signal quality. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to use high-speed LOS communication when available and fall back to OTH when coverage is needed, resolving the speed-coverage tradeoff through adaptive mode selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically evaluates communication conditions and switches modes accordingly, using LOS for real-time high-speed communication when possible and OTH for periodic updates when coverage is prioritized. This periodic assessment and mode switching optimizes the balance between speed and coverage based on operational requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication modes are integrated, then adaptability and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device is designed with multi-functionality, integrating both LOS and OTH communication capabilities in a single unit. This universal design allows the device to perform multiple communication functions without requiring separate specialized devices, managing complexity through integration while maintaining high adaptability across different operational scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges LOS and OTH communication subsystems into a unified multi-mode tracking device, combining antennas, processors, and control logic into a single integrated platform. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate devices while achieving the adaptability benefits of multiple communication modes.
Data Source
AI summary
A multimode tracking device includes a line of site (LOS) antenna; an LOS modem for communicating with other multimode tracking devices and for measuring power of a received signal; a satellite antenna; a satellite modem for communicating with a satellite for receiving and sending text messages, data and commands to and from external devices including a tracking and locating system; a Bluetooth or WiFi Direct interface for communicating with external mobile devices; an inertia measurement unit for providing motion tracking information; a user interface for interfacing with a user; and a processor for generating and displaying a line of bearing to the target on the display, based on the measured power and the motion tracking information. The multimode tracking device tracks assets and personnel and sends/receives text messages, data and commands to/from external devices both over the horizon via the satellite and locally via the LOS modem.