Pigeon Tracking via GSM Transponder and Ground Direction Finding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pigeon racing systems cannot provide real-time location tracking of pigeons during flights, relying on post-flight data loggers for route analysis, which limits the ability to monitor the bird's position and environmental data in real-time.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a GSM or UMTS mobile radio system module with the pigeon, allowing for continuous or intermittent mobile network connection to transmit location information, optionally supplemented by a GPS receiver for enhanced accuracy, using cellular networks for data transmission and energy-efficient power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a GPS receiver and mobile phone module are used to track pigeon location in real-time, then location accuracy and real-time monitoring capability are improved, but the weight of the device increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the GPS receiver from the pigeon-mounted device and replaces it with a passive transponder. The active location determination is performed by ground-based direction-finding receivers, not by the device on the pigeon. This removes the heavy GPS hardware from the moving object while maintaining location tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ground-based direction-finding receivers as intermediaries to determine pigeon location. Instead of the pigeon carrying its own active positioning system, external ground stations act as mediators to triangulate and determine the pigeon's position, thereby avoiding the weight penalty of onboard GPS hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components (GPS receiver, mobile phone module, air sensor) are integrated for real-time monitoring, then monitoring capability is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts complex data processing and location determination functions from the pigeon-mounted device and relocates them to ground-based systems. The pigeon only carries a simple transponder and sensor, while the complex evaluation and triangulation are performed externally, reducing on-pigeon complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions (location determination, data collection, real-time transmission) into a unified system where the ground-based direction-finding network handles location and the simple transponder on the pigeon handles communication, creating a coordinated system that reduces individual component complexity.
3Loss of information
If continuous data transmission from the pigeon to the control center is implemented, then real-time information availability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic rather than continuous transmission. The transponder on the pigeon transmits location data at regular intervals or when triggered by specific events, rather than maintaining a constant data stream. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption while still providing timely location information for race monitoring.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves logging in different radio cells of a radio network by Global system for mobile communication (GSM)or Universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS)or other cell compatible modules during the pigeon flight. The GSM or UMTS or other cell compatible modules are carried by the pigeon. The current active radio cell is conveyed to the user as current location information. The Global positioning system (GPS)data is conveyed to the user as active local information. An independent claim is included for a positioning system for practicing the method.