Team Tracking System with Periodic GPS Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional GPS systems are limited in tracking team members in remote areas when the target destination is a moving location, requiring manual updates via phone or text message, and lack real-time positioning of team members relative to each other.
Innovation Solution
A team tracking method utilizing handheld, field-portable tracking and messaging devices with built-in GPS receivers that periodically transmit position data via a telecommunications network, enabling dynamic tracking of team members and a moving target through a central server and satellite communication system, allowing for real-time position updates and route mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional GPS systems are used with fixed destination routing, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but it cannot track moving targets or provide real-time team member positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple GPS receivers (one for each team member and one for the target) with a central server that processes position data from all sources. This merging of tracking capabilities allows the system to simultaneously track multiple moving targets and team members, transforming a simple fixed-destination system into a versatile moving-target tracking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The central server acts as an intermediary that receives position data from multiple GPS receivers, processes the information, and generates updated routing instructions. This intermediary component enables the system to handle moving targets by continuously processing position updates and redistributing routing information to team members without requiring direct communication between them.
2Productivity
If manual updates via phone or text message are used to communicate new destinations, then the system remains simple, but it loses time and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback loops where the central server continuously receives position data from team members and the target, processes this information, and automatically generates updated routing instructions. This feedback mechanism eliminates manual update processes, allowing the system to adapt to moving targets in real-time and significantly improving operational efficiency without time losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables team members to automatically receive updated routing instructions without manual intervention. Each team member's device automatically receives new destination coordinates and routing information from the central server, allowing the team to self-adjust to moving targets without requiring phone calls or text messages from a coordinator.
3Reliability
If satellite communication is used in remote locations, then real-time tracking is enabled, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic position reporting where GPS receivers and the central server exchange position data at predetermined time intervals rather than continuously. This periodic communication maintains reliable tracking in remote satellite-covered areas while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous real-time communication, as devices can enter low-power states between periodic updates.
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
Enables dynamic tracking of multiple team members and a moving target, improving operational efficiency by providing real-time location data and route updates without the need for manual intervention, suitable for remote locations where satellite communication is the only viable option.
Implementation Method 1
The TMD has a built-in GPS receiver which provides the current position coordinates of the user
Implementation Method 2
This position data is periodically transmitted via the telecommunications network to a central server
Implementation Method 3
The TSM is immediately transmitted from the satellite to the TMD during the handshaking process
Data Source
AI summary
A method for “team tracking” delivers position updates for multiple team members using a telecommunications network. Each team member/user carries a handheld and field-portable tracking and messaging device (TMD) that is used to send the current position of the device user to a networked server. The TMD has a built-in GPS receiver which provides the current position coordinates of the user. This position data is periodically transmitted via the telecommunications network to a central server. Team Status Messages (TSM) are sent regularly to each team member, the TSM containing the last known position of each team member. The position data are displayed over a map background, so that each member can see the positions of the other members. When tracking a target, a route is mapped to the target. If the target changes location, the next TSM that is sent indicates a re-calculated map to the target.