Vehicle Relay Network for Stolen Object Location Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for locating stolen vehicles or objects are hindered by the potential deactivation of network connections during theft, high costs of tracking systems, and tampering by thieves, which limits the ability to determine the vehicle's route or status after theft.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a radio transmitter coupled to the object that emits a unique identifier, allowing a data processing system to initiate a search by transmitting a message to vehicles, which compare and forward the identifier, enabling passive search elements to provide accurate location feedback even without direct connection to the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a network connection is used to track a vehicle, then location information can be transmitted, but the connection can be deactivated by thieves during theft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces other vehicles as intermediary elements that relay location information and search requests. Instead of direct communication between the tracked vehicle and the data processing system, information is transmitted through intermediary vehicles that forward messages, thereby maintaining tracking reliability even when the primary connection is deactivated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by having vehicles continuously broadcast their identifiers and by pre-establishing a network of potential relay vehicles. When a vehicle is marked as stolen, the search is already underway with multiple vehicles capable of receiving and forwarding location data, ensuring tracking continues without interruption.
2Measurement precision
If tracking systems are installed in vehicles, then location can be determined, but the systems are costly and can be tampered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing vehicles serve multiple functions: they are not only transport means but also act as mobile relay stations and search participants. The same communication infrastructure used for normal vehicle operations is leveraged for tracking and search purposes, eliminating the need for specialized expensive tracking hardware in each vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicles' own communication capabilities and existing infrastructure to perform tracking and search functions. Vehicles independently broadcast their identifiers and can autonomously forward search requests and location data without requiring external specialized equipment, reducing system complexity and cost.
3Loss of time
If active search methods are used to locate stolen vehicles, then location information can be obtained, but energy is consumed and the vehicle may be detected too late
Solution Approach 1:
Vehicles periodically broadcast their identifiers and location information without continuous active transmission. This periodic broadcasting allows the system to maintain an updated list of vehicle locations with minimal energy consumption, enabling quick retrieval of location data when a vehicle is marked as stolen without requiring continuous high-energy transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where vehicles that receive search requests provide immediate location information back to the data processing system and other vehicles. This feedback loop enables rapid location determination without prolonged active searching, reducing both time loss and energy consumption by quickly obtaining the necessary information when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for finding an object coupled to a radio transmitter, wherein the radio transmitter emits an assigned identifier. The method includes transmitting a first message to at least a first vehicle by a data processing system, wherein the message contains the information that a specific identifier is being searched for; forwarding the first message to at least a second vehicle by the first vehicle; receiving and comparing the assigned identifier with the specific identifier by a vehicle which received the first message; and, if the assigned identifier corresponds to the specific identifier, transmitting a second message by the vehicle which received the assigned identifier to the data processing system. The second message contains information that the specific identifier has been found and information about a position of the vehicle which received the assigned identifier.