SMART Beacon Mesh Network for Tactical Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for visibility and location indication in tactical operations are limited by their fixed nature, power requirements, line-of-sight dependency, and inefficiencies in synchronizing light-emitting beacons, especially in chaotic or indoor environments.
Innovation Solution
A SMART beacon system comprising small, independent LED light sources with wireless communication and synchronization capabilities, allowing for a mesh network of beacons to operate together, powered by self-contained batteries, and synchronized using a common time source, enabling effective communication and location indication without the need for direct line of sight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If fixed, wired lighting systems are used, then visibility and direction are improved, but power requirements and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the lighting function into multiple independent wireless beacon units, each with its own power source. This segmentation eliminates the need for centralized power infrastructure while maintaining illumination effectiveness across the tactical area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless communication technology. Beacons communicate status and location data wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical cable infrastructure and reducing power requirements while maintaining system functionality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If hand signals and voice communications are used for location indication, then no power source is needed, but line of sight is required which is often not possible in tactical situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes optical line-of-sight communication with wireless electromagnetic communication. Beacons transmit location and status data through radio frequency signals that can penetrate obstacles and operate without direct visual contact, enabling tactical operations in complex environments.
3Loss of information
If GPS devices are used for location tracking, then location data is provided, but tracking signals are lost when used indoors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless beacons as intermediary devices that operate independently of GPS satellite signals. These beacons create a local positioning network using wireless communication protocols that function reliably indoors and in GPS-denied environments, maintaining continuous location tracking.
4Device complexity
If light emitting beacons emit light in unsynchronized manner, then individual beacon operation is simple, but overall visibility is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where beacons receive synchronization signals from a central controller or peer beacons. This feedback loop coordinates light emission timing across the beacon network, creating synchronized illumination patterns that enhance overall visibility while maintaining individual beacon operational simplicity.
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
Enhances visibility and location awareness in tactical situations by providing synchronized lighting effects across a network of beacons, reducing power consumption and improving effectiveness in challenging environments like indoors or under poor visibility conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A SMART beacon system comprising small, independent LED light sources
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A system and method are disclosed comprising a plurality of small independent light sources which are arranged in a mesh network and capable of exchanging data such that they can be operated together and under control of a controller in order to provide enhanced lighting effects in particular applications.