Tracker Terminal Telematic Data Distribution via Packet-Switched Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking systems for moving objects, such as dogs, are costly and inefficient due to high SMS message charges for real-time positioning information transmission, limited range of radio communication, and the need for separate connections to multiple tracking devices, especially when using SMS or circuit-switched networks.
Innovation Solution
A method where telematic data from a tracking device, equipped with a GPS locator and a cellular network terminal, is transmitted initially through a text message or data call to a tracker's device, and then forwarded via a packet-switched network, like GPRS, to multiple tracking devices, allowing real-time and cost-effective distribution of positioning information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If SMS messages are used to transmit positioning information to multiple tracking devices, then real-time tracking is achieved, but transmission costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that receives positioning information from the tracking device once and distributes it to multiple tracking devices. This mediator architecture eliminates the need for separate SMS transmissions to each device, significantly reducing transmission costs while maintaining real-time tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the transmission process into two distinct phases: a single uplink transmission from the tracking device to the server, and multiple downlink transmissions from the server to tracking devices. This segmentation allows cost optimization by minimizing expensive uplink SMS usage while utilizing cheaper downlink data transmission.
2Reliability
If separate connections are established to multiple tracking devices, then individual data delivery is ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual connection management tasks into a single centralized server. Instead of each tracking device managing separate connections to multiple targets, all connections are consolidated through the server, which handles distribution to multiple devices simultaneously. This reduces connection management complexity while ensuring reliable data delivery to all recipients.
3Ease of operation
If radio transmission is used for data communication, then direct peer-to-peer tracking is achieved, but communication range is limited to less than 3 km
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the system from a two-dimensional direct radio communication model to a multi-dimensional networked architecture. By introducing the server as an intermediate node and utilizing packet-switched network infrastructure, the system extends communication range beyond the limitations of direct radio waves, enabling tracking over much larger geographical areas while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning method, a tracker's terminal (13), a positioning arrangement and a computer software product for tracking an object (11a), such as a dog. The method uses GPS positioning. The GPS position information of the object (11a) is transmitted through either a circuit switched digital radio network (10b) or an analogue radio link to the tracker's terminal (13). The tracker's terminal includes a software application via which the received position information can, when desired, be transmitted though a packet switched network (10a) to at least one other tracker's terminal (22, 23).