Patent Application
20170280333
In a communications environment, various elements can communicate with one another. In one example, an element can join a network and therefore communicate with other elements of the network. However, if the element leaves the network, then the element can lose communication with the other elements of the network. Therefore, it can be desirable for the element to remain part of the network.
In one embodiment, a system comprises a determination component and a visualization component. The determination component can be configured to make a determination on an available communication area for a communication element provided by a communication partner group of the communication element. The visualization component can be configured to produce a visualization that illustrates the communication area and that is configured for presentation upon a display. The determination component, the visualization component, or a combination thereof can be implemented, at least in part, by way of non-software.
In one embodiment, a method comprises obtaining a coverage area for a network comprising the mobile communication element. Additionally, the method comprises identifying a coverage area of the mobile communication element. Also, the method comprises subtracting the coverage area of the mobile communication element from the coverage area of the network to produce a resultant area. In addition, the method comprises causing information related to the resultant area to be presented.
In one embodiment, a method comprises creating a coverage map for a network, the network comprising a first mobile network node and a second mobile network node.
The method also comprises transmitting the coverage map to the first mobile network node and transmitting the coverage map to the second mobile network node. The first mobile network node creates a first mobile network node centric map based, at least in part, on the coverage map and the second mobile network node creates a second mobile network node centric map based, at least in part, on the coverage map. The first mobile network node centric map is displayed on a first display associated with the first mobile network node and the second mobile network node centric map is displayed on a second display associated with the second mobile network node. The first mobile network node and the second mobile network node are configured to communicate with one another.
Incorporated herein are drawings that constitute a part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the detailed description. The detailed description will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings as follows:
Reference to these drawings elsewhere in the text can be summarized for ease in readability. In one example, when discussing
In one embodiment, a network can be formed, such as a mobile ad hoc network. This mobile ad hoc network can be a dynamic network where different elements enter and leave the network and therefore the overall coverage of the network changes. This change in coverage can relate to physical area covered, as well as other elements available for communication. Coverage can vary at any point in time as individual nodes move in this mobile network, thereby varying a strength of a radio transmission as measured at a point in space.
To give a user of the element a better understanding of the network as coverage changes, a visualization can be provided of network coverage. However, as being part of the network, the element itself can introduce its own coverage to the network. The visualization can be absent the coverage provided by the element, such that the visualization is focused on what other element members provide to the element.
The following includes definitions of selected terms employed herein. The definitions include various examples. The examples are not intended to be limiting.
“One embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “one example”, “an example”, and so on, indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) can include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, or element, but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, or element. Furthermore, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment” may or may not refer to the same embodiment.
“Computer-readable medium”, as used herein, refers to a medium that stores signals, instructions and/or data. Examples of a computer-readable medium include, but are not limited to, non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media may include, for example, optical disks, magnetic disks, and so on. Volatile media may include, for example, semiconductor memories, dynamic memory, and so on. Common forms of a computer-readable medium may include, but are not limited to, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, other magnetic medium, other optical medium, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a memory chip or card, a memory stick, and other media from which a computer, a processor or other electronic device can read. In one embodiment, the computer-readable medium is a non-transitory computer-readable medium.
“Component”, as used herein, includes but is not limited to hardware, firmware, software stored on a computer-readable medium or in execution on a machine, and/or combinations of each to perform a function(s) or an action(s), and/or to cause a function or action from another component, method, and/or system. Component may include a software controlled microprocessor, a discrete component, an analog circuit, a digital circuit, a programmed logic device, a memory device containing instructions, and so on. Where multiple components are described, it may be possible to incorporate the multiple components into one physical component or conversely, where a single component is described, it may be possible to distribute that single component between multiple components.
“Software”, as used herein, includes but is not limited to, one or more executable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium that cause a computer, processor, or other electronic device to perform functions, actions and/or behave in a desired manner. The instructions may be embodied in various forms including routines, algorithms, modules, methods, threads, and/or programs, including separate applications or code from dynamically linked libraries.
In one example, the range 110R allows for element 110E to directly communicate with element 120E, but not directly with the element 130E. However, since the range 120R of element 120E covers element 110E and the range 130R of element 130E covers element 120E, element 110E can indirectly communicate with element 130E. As a manner of indirect communication, a data packet can be sent from 110E to 120E and then 120E can act as a relay and send the data packet to 130E. Since 110E-130E can communicate with one another, 110E-130E can be considered a network.
In one embodiment, the network can be a mobile ad hoc network. With this, the elements 110E-130E can be mobile units, such as radios, that move around during operation. This movement can cause different elements to enter and exit the network and thus available elements to communicate with can be ever-changing. Additionally, this movement can cause fluidity in the overall coverage area of the network (e.g., the combined range from ranges 110R-130R).
It can be beneficial for an element to be aware of the available network. The determination component 140 can be configured to make a determination on an available communication area (e.g., the combined range of 110R-130R or a range combination of 120R and 130R) for the communication element 110E provided by a communication partner group (in this example, elements 120E and 130E) of the element 110E. The visualization component 150 can be configured to produce a visualization 160 (e.g., the environment 100A as well as other environments disclosed herein) that illustrates the communication area. The visualization 160 can be presented upon a display.
The display can be a display of an element, such as display 110Z of element 110A (e.g., cellular telephone screen, dashboard display of an automobile, etc.), be a heads-up display (e.g., the visualization 160 is presented by way of glasses worn by an operator of the element 110A), etc. The visualization 160 can be centric to an element. In one example, the visualization 160 can be used by a user to determine where he (or she) can travel so they remain within the network or remain in communication with a particular device. With this, the user may not care about a contribution by his (or her) element to the network. Therefore, the visualization can be centric to an element.
In one example, three different visualizations can be presented: visualization 160A of
The visualization component 150 can produce element-centric visualizations that do not illustrate offerings of the particular element. In one example, the visualization 160A does not illustrate the range 110R. Therefore, the element 110E illustrates offerings of its partner group, but not its own offering.
While illustrated as relatively basic visualizations, the visualizations 160A-160C can provide other information. In one example, positional information can be disclosed for elements—either the element of the visualization or of the partner group for that element. Examples of positional information can be coordinates, elevation, or travel direction. In one example, the visualizations 160A-160C can be used for search and rescue purposes.
In some instances, the last position 110P can be vital information while in other instances the last position 110P can be more helpful that harmful. In one instance, if a soldier is wounded, then the last position 110P can be a lifesaving piece of information so fellow soldiers can locate that injured soldier. However, if element 110E simply left the network by choice of its user, then the last position 110P can serve as a visual distraction. In one embodiment, the user of element 110E can activate a distress signal and upon receiving the distress signal the last position 110P can be displayed in the visualization 160C of
In one example, element 110E can take the overall communication area, once identified, and remove its contribution from the overall communication area. The remainder after removal can be the available communication area. This available communication area can be represented in the visualization 160A that is element centric for element 110E.
In one embodiment, the elements 110E-130E can develop the overall communication area absent the distribution element 250. In one example, the elements 110E-130E can send information pertaining to their ranges 110R-130R of
In one example, the element 130E of
In one example, the elements 110E-130E can be radios operated by members of a military team (e.g., fire team). One of the objectives of the team can be to provide a vast amount of combined coverage by way of their combined ranges 110R-130R. This combined coverage can be used by members of other military teams. A scout, that is not part of the team and has his own radio, can be employed to check an area surrounding the team for security purposes. For this reason, it can be beneficial that a maximum area be scouted. Therefore, it can be beneficial that the combined coverage be as large as possible. With this, the system 400A can function to increase (e.g., maximize) the combined coverage area. The system 400A can identify that the element 120E can move to the right in
In one example, the system 400A functions to manage multiple mobile ad hoc networks. With this example, another element that is part of another mobile ad hot network can reside in the gap 440. From an overall management standpoint, it can be desirable for there to be fewer networks to manage and for the networks that do exist to be as robust as possible (e.g., have as many communication partners as possible). Therefore, the system 400A can conclude that by moving the element 120E such that its range 120R covers the gap 440, the two networks can become one. In view of this, the instruction component 430 can produce multiple instructions 450—one to the element 120E to move and one for the element in the gap 440 to not move. The system 400A can comprise logic to determine how to instruct, such as determining which element should move and which should say, how both elements should move, etc.
In one example, a mining accident can occur where a rescue team needs to go into a dangerous mine. The members of the rescue team can retain the elements 110E-130E as radios, but radio communication can be very limited. As the team goes down the mine, individuals can stop their decent to reinforce areas or to create a communication chain. In this example, element 130E can be considered an above-ground base station. Four rescue team members can be paired in groups of two: one group with element 110E and one group with element 120E (e.g., each element comprising a primary radio for one pair member and a back-up radio for the other pair member). Elements 110E and 120E can go half way down the mine that extends toward an end of the range 130R for the element 130E. At this point, element 120E can stop and element 110E can continue down the mine outside of the range 130E, but still inside the range of 120E. This can allow for element 110E to keep in communication with element 130E by way of element 120E acting as a relay. However, if element 120E were to move outside of the range of 110R or the range 130R, then communication between element 110E and element 130E would be lost outside of another available communication medium. Therefore, the operation can be dependent on element 120E staying in a certain location. This location (the movable area) can be determined by the dependency component 520 and be illustrated in the visualization 500B (e.g., other information can go into the illustration, such as not highlighting impassable or dangerous areas).
Other information can be presented on the visualization. In one example, communication with the element 110E can be lost. With this situation, the visualization 500B (e.g., a visualization presented on a display of the element 120E) can illustrate a last known location of element 110E as well as directions to the last known location of element 110E while keeping in contact with element 130E (e.g., facilitated by way of the system 600A discussed below).
The route 650 can be such that the element 110E is kept within the communication area (e.g., at all times or to a maximum extent possible). In one example, the route component 620 can create multiple routes available to a user of element 110E. These multiple routes (e.g., routes 650A-650C) can be presented to the user on the visualization 600B or be calculated absent presentation. Various factors can be analyzed to determine which route the user should take (e.g., selected by the user from the multiple routes or selected for the user without presenting options). Examples can include a shortest route, a route that does not exit the communication area, a route beneficial to element 120E and/or element 130E, etc.
The route component 620 can use various factors in route determination and/or route selection. The route component 620 can use a metric, such as a geometric mean, to rate the routes 650A-650C. In one embodiment, a number of variables can be used to rate each route 650A-650C such as distance and safety (e.g., defined as number of coalition troops along an individual route). In one example, distance in number of miles can range from one to five and safety can range from 0% to 90%. A number of coalition troops along each route 650A-650C can range from 27 to 62. The geometric mean can be the 3rd root of the product of the values assigned to each of the variables. If the value of any variable increases by 50% (e.g., more troops arrive upon a route), the geometric mean would increase by about 15%. The route that gets the highest geometric mean would be the best and the route component 620 can select the route with the highest geometric mean for use. As a change occurs (e.g., more troops arrive upon a non-selected route), the route component 620 can determine if the selected route should be modified (e.g., based, at least in part, on how far along the route a user has travelled).
In one embodiment, the route component can employ a prediction component 660 configured to make a prediction regarding movement of the communication area provided by the communication partner group the element 110E and the route 650 can be created based, at least in part, on this prediction. In one example, the elements 110E-130E reside on automobiles. As the vehicles drive along the road, the elements 110E-130E and in turn the ranges 120R and 130R (as well as 110R of
In one embodiment, the route component 620 can employ a network component and a destination component depicted as a joint network and destination component 670. The network component can be configured to make a determination on a desired network coverage area for a network of which the element 110E is part. The destination component can be configured to make a selection of the intended destination 630 for the element 110E, where the selection is based, at least in part, on the desired network coverage area.
With this, central management for the network can take place. A central governing body can dictate where elements should travel. Additionally, an ad hoc element determination can take place on where elements should travel absent central management.
In one embodiment, the distribution element 250 of
In one embodiment, the element 110E (or a user of the element 110E) can be incentivized to take a certain route 650 and/or arrive at the intended destination 630. In a military context, an incentive can simply be to follow an order and not be subject to discipline for not following such an order. However, in a commercial environment, different incentives can be provided for different purposes.
In one embodiment, the incentive component 680 is configured to make a determination on an incentive to incentivize the element 110E to move to the intended destination 630 and/or to travel along a particular route (e.g., travel along route 650B as opposed to route 650A). The presentment component 690 can be configured to present the incentive to the communication element. This incentive can be presented by way of the display 110Z of
In one example, a wireless management company can try to create a network where an entire area has wireless coverage. To achieve this, elements should be strategically placed so that linkage among elements can occur. Incentives can be used to facilitate this strategic placement.
With one scenario, the wireless management company can attempt to have wireless coverage on an interstate highway (e.g., speed limit 65 miles per hour), for example route 650A, as well as on a state route (e.g., speed limit 40 miles per hour), for example route 650C. This wireless coverage can be facilitated by the elements 110E-130E being vehicles or residing on vehicles. Management of wireless coverage can be challenging since the vehicles are moving at high speeds, vehicles enter and exit these roads at various times and places, there may be a preference for drivers to take the faster road, and other reasons. Therefore, the incentive component 680 can determine what incentives to provide what drives to have them travel on one road over another or a speed to travel at to make sure elements are spread out. What incentive is selected (e.g., cash, credit, coupon, service such as no charge satellite radio, etc.), when it is presented, the value of the incentive, etc. can be based on various situational factors such as anticipated needs of a drive (e.g., driving to work against a leisure drive), time of day, personal situation (e.g., prefers shopping at ‘store X’ over ‘store Y’, so coupon for ‘store X’ is provided), etc. In addition, the wireless management company can leverage incentives against one another for different elements, such as offer elements 110E-130E to take the state route and the first element to accept and/or follow-through is given the incentive while the other elements have the incentive retracted.
In a different scenario, the wireless management company can have a desire to have wireless coverage in a downtown area during a period of time, such as during working hours. To achieve this, the element 110A can be strategically placed at a specific time in order to achieve this wireless coverage. In this example, the incentive component 680 can determine that a beneficial location for the element 110E, with regard to improving (e.g., maximizing) coverage area, is a particular coffee shop. The presentment component 690 can present an incentive that if a user of element 110A enters the coffee shop, they will receive a coupon to the coffee shop for $X and if they stay for two hours they will receive a coupon for $Y, with X and Y being positive, non-zero integers.
Along with incentivizing the destination, different routes can be incentivized and/or be presented with metadata that could be considered an incentive. In one example, the route component 620 creates the routes 650A-650C and these routes are presented to a user of the element 110E by way of the display 110Z of
In one example, the routes themselves are not presented to the user, but instead metadata about the routes is presented. In this example two routes can be presented to the user: a first route (e.g., route 650A) and a second route (e.g., route 650B). A chart can be presented to the user, by way of the presentment component 690 and the display 110Z of
In one example, the method 800 can be performed by the element 110E of
Various forms of presentment for the resultant area can take place. In one example, information related to the resultant area is presented on the display 110Z of
In another example of presentment, a user of element 110E of
In one embodiment, the route can be determined through prediction (e.g., employment of the prediction component 660 of
As the element 110E of
While shown as a direct action between 1020 and 1030, a check can take place if the change is significant or relevant. A slight movement of the element 130E may not be significant enough to merit a change in the route or even the visualization 600B of
Nodes can function independently of a type of antenna used and/or type of communication device employed. In one example, the first node can be a radio that is mounted on a vehicle and that uses a dipole antenna. With this example, the second node can be a communication device carried by a soldier with a patch antenna.
In addition, element-to-element communication can function as a back-up to a larger system. In one example, element communication can be handled by a satellite system. With this, elements 110E-130E of
While the methods disclosed herein are shown and described as a series of blocks, it is to be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the methods are not restricted by the order of the blocks, as some blocks can take place in different orders. Similarly, a block can operate concurrently with at least one other block.
The innovation described herein may be manufactured, used, imported, sold, and licensed by or for the Government of the United States of America without the payment of any royalty thereon or therefor.
