Real-Time Position Locator Modules for GPS-Denied Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional position locator systems lack precision and real-time capabilities, especially in GPS-denied areas and during military training simulations, where accurate tracking and simulation of shots are required.
Innovation Solution
A real-time position location system comprising location modules attached to users or weapons, kinematic base stations, and modules for weapon tracking, shot adjudication, and hit determination, utilizing acoustic and haptic feedback, digital radios, inertial measurement units, and camera vision systems for precise localization and simulation of shots, with low power modes for extended use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional position locator systems are used, then basic location tracking is achieved, but precision and real-time capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: location modules worn by users, kinematic base stations fixed at known positions, and a processing system that receives location data. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while achieving high precision through the coordinated operation of multiple modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The kinematic base stations serve as intermediaries between the location modules and the processing system. They receive location data from multiple location modules and relay it to the processing system, enabling precise real-time tracking without requiring direct complex connections between all components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If GPS is used for location tracking, then coverage is provided, but accuracy is insufficient in GPS-denied areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the fundamental parameters of location determination by using acoustic signal propagation characteristics (speed of sound, time of flight) instead of satellite-based electromagnetic signals. This parameter change enables the system to function accurately in GPS-denied areas where acoustic signals can still propagate through the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the electromagnetic-based GPS system with an acoustic-based localization system. By substituting the physical mechanism from electromagnetic waves to acoustic waves, the system achieves operational flexibility in environments where GPS is unavailable while maintaining location accuracy through acoustic signal analysis.
3Speed
If real-time tracking is implemented, then current position is known, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The location modules transmit location data periodically rather than continuously, and the system processes updates at optimized intervals. This periodic action maintains real-time tracking capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation, allowing extended battery life for field operations.
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
Enables precise real-time tracking and simulation of shots, providing centimeter-level precision, accurate determination of shot trajectories, and user positioning, even in GPS-denied areas, with extended battery life and emergency beaconing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic and/or haptic feedback system configured to alert the wearer of one or more events through acoustic and/or haptic feedback
Implementation Method 2
one or more sensors configured to output sensor data to determine one or more user characteristics. The user characteristics can include at least one of head orientation, velocity, or local pressure conditions. Each location module can be configured to communicate its location data and sensor data over the digital radio
Implementation Method 3
a digital radio for bi-directional communication with the one or more kinematic base-station modules to provide localization enhancement to have precision within about a centimeter
Data Source
AI summary
A real-time position location system can include one or more location modules configured to be attached to a user or a weapon of the user and to output location data associated with each user and one or more kinematic base station modules configured to receive the location data from each location module. The system can include a position module operatively connected to the one or more kinematic base stations and configured to determine a real-time location of each of the one or more location modules and to output module position data for each of the one or more location modules in real-time.