Virtual Blaze Orange for Outdoor User Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor enthusiasts, such as hikers and hunters, face challenges in tracking their movements and differentiating between people and wildlife, especially when out of sight, as traditional visibility methods like blaze orange become ineffective beyond the line of sight.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with location identification technology is used to manage tracking information by storing and displaying identification and location information of users on a screen, creating a virtual 'blaze orange' to help users see and be seen by others in their area, even beyond direct sight, through a tracking program that allows users to log in, form groups, and visualize each other's locations on a map.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional visibility methods like blaze orange are used, then users can be identified within line of sight, but users beyond line of sight cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from visual detection in three-dimensional space (blaze orange visibility) to digital representation in two-dimensional map space. Users are projected onto a digital map interface where their locations are displayed as icons, allowing detection regardless of physical line of sight. This dimensional transformation enables continuous monitoring of all users within the system's coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a digital tracking system as an intermediary between users and the detection process. Instead of direct visual detection, users are detected through their communication devices which transmit location data to a central system. This intermediary layer enables indirect detection of users beyond direct visual range while maintaining accurate location tracking.
2Loss of information
If communication devices with tracking programs are used, then users beyond line of sight can be tracked, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing multi-functional communication devices (smartphones, tablets) that users already carry for other purposes. These devices perform multiple functions including communication, navigation, and now tracking participation. By utilizing the existing capabilities of these universal devices rather than creating specialized tracking equipment, the system avoids adding significant complexity while achieving comprehensive user tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking system operates by having users' own communication devices automatically transmit their location information. The devices self-serve the tracking function by using their built-in location identification technology without requiring additional external tracking equipment. This self-service approach minimizes system complexity by leveraging the inherent capabilities of user-owned devices.
3Reliability
If location information is continuously tracked and displayed, then user safety is enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system updates user location information periodically rather than continuously in real-time. Location data is transmitted at set intervals, allowing the system to maintain current tracking information while reducing the frequency of energy-consuming transmissions. This periodic update approach balances safety requirements with energy conservation, ensuring users remain trackable without depleting device batteries rapidly.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of using a communication device having location identification technology to manage tracking information of a plurality of users, the method including storing identification information of a plurality of respective users, tracking locations of the users by receiving location information from each of the users' respective communication devices, and displaying the location information along with associated identification information of the users on a display screen of the communication device.