Two-Way Radio GPS Map Conversion via RF Repeater
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional two-way radio systems used by emergency responders often lack GPS maps, hindering their ability to navigate and coordinate during emergency operations, especially in areas where standard GPS maps are unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A method that converts non-GPS standard maps into GPS-compatible electronic map files using a computer, which are then transmitted over an existing RF channel to two-way radios for display and positioning purposes, enabling instant and tracking functions on an LCD screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional two-way radios are used without GPS electronic maps, then the device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but the navigation and positioning functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables traditional two-way radios to perform multiple functions by integrating GPS positioning capability and electronic map display functionality into existing radio devices. The system allows radios to not only communicate but also to receive, process, and display electronic map data and GPS coordinates, thereby providing navigation assistance without requiring completely new specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer as an intermediary device that converts non-GPS standard maps into GPS-compatible electronic map formats. This intermediary processing system bridges the gap between traditional mapping systems and GPS requirements, enabling the two-way radios to display meaningful location information even when standard GPS maps are unavailable.
2Ease of operation
If GPS electronic maps are obtained from market suppliers, then positioning and display functionality is enabled, but the adaptability to specialized groups and locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms electronic map data by changing its format and coordinate system parameters. The computer converts non-GPS standard maps into GPS-compatible formats, adjusting the data structure, coordinate references, and display parameters to match GPS requirements. This parameter transformation enables the system to work with diverse map sources and adapt them to GPS-based two-way radio displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables specialized groups to create and use their own customized electronic maps for specific locations such as coastlines, forests, mountains, and interior facilities. Rather than relying on commercial GPS map suppliers, users can input and process their own local map data, making the system self-sufficient and highly adaptable to specialized operational environments.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard GPS maps are used, then the ease of obtaining maps is improved, but the suitability for specialized operational areas is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential functionality of electronic map display and GPS positioning from the requirement for standard GPS maps. By separating the map display function from the GPS map source, the system can use any map format and convert it to work with GPS coordinates. This extraction allows the use of specialized local maps while maintaining GPS positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The computer performs preliminary conversion and processing of electronic map data before it is loaded onto the two-way radios. By pre-converting non-GPS standard maps into GPS-compatible formats and storing them in the radios' memory, the system ensures that suitable specialized maps are ready for use in the field without requiring real-time conversion during emergency operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A group two-way radio system, in a condition of failing to obtain a GPS standard map, is capable of utilizing a console to control a computer to convert any paper map or electronic map not in compliance with a GPS standard to be an electronic map drawing file in compliance with the GPS standard. The map drawing file is transmitted through a RF repeater over an existing RF channel to one or multiple two-way radios in the group so as to enable the two-way radio to perform a method of group positioning and displaying based on the map drawing file.