Satellite Personal Locator System with Two-Way Messaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing personal locator systems primarily focus on location determination using global positioning satellites and cellular transmissions, lacking a comprehensive satellite communications network for messaging and tracking in emergency and non-emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

A satellite communications system, 'Goldfish,' that enables messaging and tracking by providing a portable transmitter/receiver unit with position calculation, satellite voice and data communication, and a ground monitoring unit for data and voice communication, allowing for emergency and non-emergency signal transmission, location identification, and visual communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If global positioning satellites and cellular transmissions are used for location determination, then location tracking capability is provided, but comprehensive messaging and communication functionality in emergency situations is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication functionalityVSAvoidemergency situation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The portable transmitter-receiver unit is designed to perform multiple functions including position determination via GPS, distress signal broadcasting, voice communication through satellite systems, and data messaging. This multi-functional design allows the device to serve as both a location tracker and a comprehensive emergency communication tool, resolving the contradiction between versatility and reliability in emergency situations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The satellite communication system acts as an intermediary between the portable transmitter-receiver unit and ground monitoring units. This intermediary enables reliable communication in emergency situations where cellular transmissions may fail, providing a dedicated satellite-based messaging and voice communication channel that operates independently of terrestrial infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If prior art personal locator systems are used, then location determination is achieved, but two-way messaging and authority communication capability is absent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation exchange capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the portable transmitter-receiver unit with integrated GPS positioning, satellite communication transceiver, and messaging capabilities into a single device. This consolidation enables two-way information exchange between users and authorities while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated design rather than separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ground monitoring units receive distress signals and position information from portable transmitters, then provide feedback through two-way messaging and voice communication channels. This feedback mechanism allows authorities to communicate back with users, confirm receipt of distress signals, and provide instructions, creating a complete information exchange loop that was absent in prior art systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If cellular transmissions are used for signal transmission, then communication is enabled, but satellite-based comprehensive communication network is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication network capabilityVSAvoiddependency on terrestrial infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system is segmented into independent components: GPS satellites for positioning, communication satellites for voice and data transmission, and ground monitoring units for coordination. This segmentation allows the system to operate independently of terrestrial cellular infrastructure by using satellite-based communication paths, reducing dependency on ground-based networks that may fail during emergencies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from two-dimensional terrestrial cellular communication to three-dimensional satellite-based communication by utilizing orbital space as an additional dimension for signal transmission. This dimensional change enables communication coverage in remote areas and during terrestrial infrastructure failures, providing comprehensive network capability that operates above the Earth's surface rather than relying on ground-based cell towers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS7460019B2Personal locator system

Publication Date: 2008.12.02 HENDERSON PENNY S

AI summary

A communications system for locating, tracking, and messaging between people, which preferably includes a satellite, global positioning satellites, ground monitoring units, and a portable-transmitter-receiver unit to locate and track objects and people. A communications satellite system can transmit and receive messages concerning the location and situation of an object or person. A location system may operate by way of global positioning satellites. The portable transmitter-receiver can activate a signal to the satellite system, which can inform the ground monitoring units that a person is in need of help. Each transmitter-receiver can contain memory that allows for identification of the wearer and can provide information such as address, medical problems, emergency contacts, etc.