Integrated Sensor Hub for Parachute Situational Awareness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for parachute or wing-suite events lack integrated real-time data capture and display of various sensor data, requiring jumpers to monitor multiple independent sensors and not providing real-time video and inertial measurement data from all connections.
Innovation Solution
An augmented situational awareness hub with a sensor hub that includes a processor for real-time data analysis, a communication unit for data sharing, and a heads-up display for presenting data to the user, incorporating sensors like location, orientation, and cameras, along with a strobe and lighting system for enhanced situational awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple independent sensors are used to capture sensor data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent sensors (altimeter, temperature sensor, speed sensor, camera, inertial measurement unit) into a single integrated sensor hub that consolidates data capture and processing functions, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor hub serves as a universal platform that performs multiple functions: capturing data from various sensors, processing the data, communicating with other devices, and providing real-time feedback, thereby eliminating the need for separate independent sensor systems
2Measurement precision
If multiple independent sensors are monitored separately, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor hub merges data from multiple sensors into a unified data stream that is processed and presented through a single interface, allowing jumpers to monitor all sensor data through one system rather than multiple separate displays
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor hub acts as an intermediary that collects, processes, and relays information from multiple independent sensors to the jumper through a centralized display system, simplifying the monitoring process while preserving the precision of individual sensor measurements
3Loss of information
If real-time video and inertial measurement data are integrated, then situational awareness is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system processes and transmits only critical sensor data and video information necessary for situational awareness, rather than continuously processing all available data, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective situational awareness
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor hub autonomously processes and prioritizes data transmission, managing its own power consumption by selectively processing only the most critical information rather than continuously processing all sensor inputs
4Productivity
If real-time data processing is implemented, then productivity is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor performs real-time analysis only on critical sensor data parameters that require immediate attention, rather than continuously analyzing all sensor data, thereby maintaining productivity while reducing energy consumption during processing
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor hub for collecting sensor data during a parachuting or wing-suite event is described herein. In some instances, the sensor hub may include a sensor hub housing, the sensor hub housing including a first cavity that houses a power supply and a communication unit and a second cavity that houses a location sensor and an orientation sensor, wherein the communication unit is configured to share the location sensor and the orientation sensor with a second sensor hub and a helmet that attaches to the sensor hub housing.