Portable Mesh Communications for Real-Time Geospatial Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communications systems are not designed to be man-portable, limiting their use by federal and state government employees during emergencies, where up-to-date spatial disposition and reliable communication among personnel are critical for safety and threat management.
Innovation Solution
A distributed self-contained communications system (dSCCS) comprising primary computing devices (PCDs) and secondary computing devices (SCDs) that form an ad-hoc wireless mesh network, enabling real-time geospatial data sharing and communication via a wireless local area network, with PCDs acting as command nodes for centralized data analysis and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional communications systems are used, then reliable communication can be maintained, but the systems are not man-portable and cannot be used by personnel in the field during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides traditional centralized communications into distributed portable units (primary computing devices and secondary computing devices) that can be independently carried by personnel. Each unit contains essential communication and computation capabilities, allowing the system to function without a fixed infrastructure while maintaining emergency response effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed communications infrastructure to dynamic mobile computing devices that can be deployed wherever needed. The ad-hoc wireless mesh network dynamically adapts to changing field conditions, allowing personnel to establish communication links based on their real-time locations and operational requirements during emergencies.
2Loss of time
If a distributed self-contained communications system is implemented, then portability and real-time spatial disposition are improved, but system complexity increases due to mesh network formation and data transmission protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The primary computing devices automatically discover and establish wireless connections with secondary computing devices without requiring manual network configuration. The system self-organizes into ad-hoc mesh networks, with devices automatically determining optimal communication paths and managing data transmission protocols, thereby reducing the operational burden on users while maintaining low latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors network conditions and adjusts data transmission parameters based on real-time feedback from the mesh network. This enables dynamic optimization of communication paths to minimize latency while adapting to changing field conditions, ensuring efficient data exchange between distributed computing devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If centralized command nodes are used for data analysis, then coordinated response is improved, but communication distance and coverage area are limited by the centralized architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the centralized command function into distributed primary computing devices that can operate autonomously or in coordination with each other. Each primary device can function as an independent command node or collaborate with others to provide comprehensive situational awareness, enabling the system to scale coverage area without requiring a single centralized point of control.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a distributed self-contained communications system (dSCCS). The dSCCS includes primary computing devices (PCDs) and secondary computing devices (SCDs). The PCDs and SCDs are man-portable. Each PCS includes a communications device. Each SCD includes geolocation device and a unique digital identifier. The PCDs form a mesh network. Each PCD communicates with a SCD via a LAN. Each SCD transmits their geospatial data and unique identifier to a PCD. Each PCD transmits the geospatial data and unique identifiers to a command node included in the mesh network. The PCD and/or the command node is configured to map the geospatial data and the unique identifier to Earth coordinates in real-time or at predetermined intervals. Each PCD and SCD includes an antenna element that includes graphene dispersed in a polymer. Each SCD includes a heatsink and thermal dissipation structure.