Networked Receiver Beacons for Path Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems for outdoor activities, such as hunting and hiking, rely on directional mechanisms like reflective blazes and infrared signals, which are often missed due to angle issues and require direct illumination, limiting their effectiveness and ability to activate multiple beacons simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A remotely activated receiver beacon system with a transceiver and LED indicators that can be activated via a network transmission, allowing for individually addressed activation of multiple beacons along a path, providing improved visibility and navigation through a radio frequency networked system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If remotely activated beacons use infrared signals for direct illumination, then the location of the hiker can be indicated, but the system requires direct illumination and is still missed due to angle issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of infrared illumination with an electromagnetic radio frequency system. The beacons transmit RF signals that can be received without direct line-of-sight illumination, eliminating the angle dependency issue while maintaining beacon visibility and activation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The beacons are designed to perform multiple functions: they can be individually activated to indicate specific locations, they can relay signals to other beacons, and they provide navigation guidance along a path. This multi-functionality allows the system to operate without requiring direct illumination while maintaining ease of use.
2Ease of operation
If only one beacon may be activated at a time, then the system is simpler to operate, but the hiker cannot follow the path if one beacon in the sequence is not acquired
Solution Approach 1:
The beacons are pre-configured with relay functionality, so when a beacon is activated, it automatically relays the activation signal to the next beacon in the sequence. This preliminary setup ensures that multiple beacons can be activated in sequence without requiring complex manual operation, while guaranteeing that the hiker can always find the next beacon in the path.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple beacons are deployed in the same operational area, then multiple distinct trail-marking networks can be created, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the operational area into multiple independent beacon networks, each with its own point of origin and sequence. Each beacon is individually addressable and can belong to different trail-marking networks, allowing multiple distinct paths to be created without increasing the complexity of individual beacon operations. The segmentation allows parallel operation of multiple networks.
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
The system enhances navigation by ensuring maximum visibility of beacon indicators, allowing for multiple beacons to be activated simultaneously, improving path guidance and reducing the impact on local fauna by minimizing detectable emissions.
Implementation Method 1
A remotely activated receiver beacon system with a transceiver and LED indicators that can be activated via a network transmission
Implementation Method 2
The receiver beacon includes an indicator that when activated indicates the location of the receiver beacon
Data Source
AI summary
A path finding system using a series of networked receiver beacons is disclosed. The system includes receiver beacons placed on a path. Each of the receiver beacons include a transceiver receiving and sending signals and a location indicator such as a LED, that when activated indicates the location of the receiver beacon. Each of the receiver beacons include a controller coupled to the indicator and the transceiver. The controller is operable to receive an activation signal to activate the indicator. A transmitter is paired with each of the receiver beacons. The transmitter includes a transceiver to send an activation signal to at least one of the receiver beacons. The receiver beacon receives the activation signal and activates the indicator. The receiver beacon also relays the activation signal to at least another receiver beacon.