Satellite SAR Position Reporting Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite-based Search and Rescue (SAR) systems face challenges in quickly determining the location of distress signals, especially in unfavorable terrain conditions where satellites cannot be contacted, leading to large search areas and delayed rescue operations.
Innovation Solution
A satellite-based SAR system where emergency call transmitters report their position at predetermined times calculated based on their orbit and position, allowing the SAR system to initiate a rescue operation within a small search area even if the transmitter is inoperable, with coordinated signal parameters for simultaneous reception and automatic alarm activation if no position reports are received.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If position reports are transmitted at fixed intervals (e.g., every 10 minutes), then the system is simple to operate, but the search area becomes very large and rescue is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the position report transmission time adaptive rather than fixed. The emergency call transmitter dynamically calculates and transmits position reports at precisely timed moments when satellite visibility is available, rather than adhering to a rigid schedule. This dynamic timing approach reduces the search area and rescue delay while maintaining system simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If the emergency call transmitter continuously transmits position data, then the localization precision is improved, but the transmitter may fail in unfavorable terrain conditions where satellite contact is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the satellite orbit data and visibility windows before the emergency situation occurs. The emergency call transmitter uses this pre-prepared information to determine exactly when to transmit position reports, ensuring reliable operation even in unfavorable terrain conditions. This approach maintains high localization precision without requiring continuous transmission.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple emergency call transmitters transmit position reports simultaneously, then the system can handle multiple emergencies, but signal reception becomes problematic without coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by using the satellite's service area and visibility conditions as a mediator to coordinate transmissions from multiple emergency call transmitters. Each transmitter independently determines its transmission timing based on satellite visibility, and the satellite naturally separates the signals by transmitting them at different times when each transmitter is in view. This eliminates the need for complex centralized coordination while maintaining the ability to handle multiple emergencies.
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 approach significantly reduces the search area and ensures timely rescue operations, even if the emergency call transmitter is destroyed, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a satellite receiving a position report from an emergency call transmitter in its service area and forwarding it to a ground station
Implementation Method 2
similar to the aforementioned SPOT service, position reports of a position are reported at predetermined time intervals of 5 minutes to 3 hours, typically 1 hour ship via a satellite
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a satellite-based SAR system having a space segment (10) with a plurality of satellites (12, 14) and a ground segment (16) with one or more ground stations (18), wherein a satellite (12) receives a position report (20) from an emergency transmitter (22) in its service area (24) and forwards it to a ground station (18), the ground segment (16) stores the position of the emergency transmitter, received with the last position report, in a management system (26) for emergency transmitters, the emergency transmitter sends position reports (21) to the satellite such that the reception of position reports on the satellite is co-ordinated such that at any time only position reports are received which differ in terms of their signal parameters such that simultaneous reception is possible, and a rescue operation is initiated for the emergency transmitter if no deactivation message has been received from the emergency transmitter and no position report is received from the emergency transmitter within a prescribed period.