Remote Object Locator Using On-Demand GPS Query Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for remotely locating animals face issues such as high power consumption, interference, low transmission range, and precision errors due to continuous signal transmission, as well as reliance on cellular networks with associated costs and coverage limitations.
Innovation Solution
A system using license-exempt frequency bands with digital FSK modulation, GPS receivers, and sensors for precise location determination, where locating units transmit only upon request, reducing power consumption and eliminating cellular network dependency, while employing omnidirectional antennas and sensors for hound-specific features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous or periodic transmission is used to locate animals, then location capability is maintained, but power consumption increases and interference is caused to other radio systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits location data periodically rather than continuously, with the portable device initiating location requests and locating units responding at scheduled intervals. This periodic transmission maintains location capability while significantly reducing power consumption and minimizing interference to other radio systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device actively initiates location requests and controls the transmission timing, making the system self-managing. The locating units automatically respond to requests without requiring continuous power consumption, as they only transmit when queried by the portable device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If several transmitters use the same frequency to locate multiple animals, then multiple animals can be tracked, but interference is produced by nearby transmitters
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the frequency spectrum into multiple channels, with each locating unit operating on a specific frequency channel. This segmentation allows multiple animals to be tracked simultaneously without interference, as each transmitter operates on a dedicated frequency rather than sharing a common frequency band.
3Length of stationary object
If maximum transmission power is used to increase transmission range, then location range is extended, but interference to other radio systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts transmission power parameters based on the specific requirements of each location request. Rather than using maximum power continuously, the portable device and locating units optimize power levels for each transmission, achieving sufficient range while minimizing interference to other radio systems.
4Measurement precision
If cellular network is used for location tracking, then precise location is achieved, but costs increase and coverage requirements are imposed
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the cellular network infrastructure with a direct wireless communication system between portable devices and locating units. This substitution eliminates the need for cellular network contracts and coverage requirements while maintaining location precision through direct digital communication and GPS integration in the locating units.
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
This solution reduces power consumption, enhances location precision, eliminates cellular network costs, and improves transmission range, allowing effective use in areas without coverage, with reduced errors from natural or artificial obstacles.
Implementation Method 1
a GPS receiver suitable to detect the position of the object
Implementation Method 2
a radio frequency transmitter and receiver, which are suitable to work at a selected carrier frequency
Implementation Method 3
signals modulated according to a modulation technique known as FSK (Frequency Shift Keying)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A system (1) for remotely locating one or more objects, the system (1) been provided with one or more locating units (2), each of which is secured to a respective object, and with at least one portable device (3), which is suitable to be carried by a user of the system (1) and is provided with a transmitter (13) to transmit, at the request of the user, a query signal (QS) to one of the locating units (2), and a receiver (14) to receive a reply signal (RS) directly from said locating unit (2), carrying said exact position; each locating unit (2) is provided with a GPS receiver (7) to detect the exact position of the relative object, a transmitter (4) to transmit the reply signal (RS), a receiver (5) to directly receive the query signal (QS), a control module (9) configured to identify the query signal (QS), enable the GPS receiver (7) and control the transmission of the reply signal (RS).