Short-Range Wireless Device Location Recording System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current location systems for individuals overboard, such as passengers or crew members, are hindered by the need for bulky and heavy devices due to high power requirements for long-range satellite communication, which are not practical for continuous wear and efficient operation in distress situations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a short-range wireless device (SRWD) attached to objects, including people, that periodically transmits signals and includes sensors for alert status detection, paired with a radio beacon (RB) that stores unique data and transmits alarm messages to a remote control station (RCS) for location determination and recording, leveraging intermediate communication devices for wide-area coverage without deploying a dense receiver network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high power transmitters are used for long-range satellite communication, then communication range is improved, but device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate communication devices (such as satellites or relay stations) that mediate between the portable beacon and the final destination. The beacon transmits signals to these intermediaries, which then forward the signals over long distances, allowing the beacon itself to use low power transmission while achieving long-range communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is divided into multiple segments: the portable beacon performs short-range transmission to intermediate devices, and these intermediaries handle the long-range transmission to satellites or ground stations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the beacon remaining lightweight while the system as a whole achieves global coverage.
2Speed
If high power transmitters are used for long-range satellite communication, then communication range is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Complex communication functions are offloaded to intermediate devices and satellite infrastructure. The portable beacon itself remains simple, containing only basic transmission and positioning capabilities, while the intermediaries handle signal routing, amplification, and long-distance transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages existing multi-functional satellite and communication infrastructure that can serve multiple purposes (navigation, communication, relay) simultaneously. This allows the simple beacon to access complex capabilities through universal infrastructure rather than requiring complex onboard systems.
3Speed
If high capacity batteries are used to power high power transmitters, then communication range is improved, but device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery powers only a low-power transmitter that communicates with intermediate devices. The energy-intensive long-range transmission is performed by the intermediaries and satellites, which have their own power sources. This allows the portable device to maintain long communication range capability without requiring large batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon transmits signals periodically or on-demand rather than continuously, and at low power levels. The intermediate devices receive and forward these signals, enabling the beacon to operate with minimal energy consumption while maintaining communication capability over extended periods.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a communication system and method for determining and recording the geographical location of an object attached with a short range wireless device, over a wide area, in a vicinity of a radio beacon that can be located by a remote control station, upon establishing or interrupting a wireless connection between said wireless device and said radio beacon. One embodiment of the invention relates to a system for search and rescue of a man overboard (person overboard), a quite frequent and fatal accident at sea.