Patent Application
20250224234
This invention relates generally to locators and tracking devices for real-time location reporting and providing a real-time directional bearing of peers.
Tracking and locating peers can be of utmost importance in a variety of situations. Accordingly, various trackers or locator devices have been developed. For example, many cell phones are equipped with location sharing and tracking capabilities. However, many current locating devices require cellular service or Bluetooth paired to a cell phone. While this may be appropriate in some instances, in others, where cell service may be limited or keeping a phone charged is impracticable, other locators or trackers may be required. In addition, security concerns, i.e., who or what can track a user's location, are also present with current devices.
One scenario where tracking a peer's location is often necessary is at festivals, particularly outdoor festivals. Outdoor festivals, such as many music festivals, are often at large venues, fields, parks, etc., with multiple stages and many festival-goers often attend with a group of peers. Each peer in the group may be interested in seeing different acts or parts of the venue, meaning the group is likely to split up once inside the festival venue. While this may not be problematic in certain instances, attendance of certain festivals can reach into the hundreds of thousands. In such densely populated areas, cell service can be greatly diminished, particularly if large numbers of attendees are also attempting to utilize a cell phone-based tracking or locating device. Additionally, many current trackers require a specific application, which a user may or may not have on their phone. These festivals can also span multiple days while attendees remain located at the venue. As such, often, means to charge a phone are not available. Additionally, constantly removing a phone from a pocket or holding it in one's hand can become tiresome and increase the likelihood of the phone being damaged, lost, or stolen. In certain instances, a peer may not be able to be relied upon to monitor a phone screen or broadcast their location, such as if the peer becomes injured or otherwise incapacitated. Also, many of these festivals include water-elements or are held in harsh environments that can damage a cell phone or other conventional tracking device. Finally, the need or temptation to constantly look at a phone and a phone screen can diminish the festival experience for certain festival-goers.
What is needed, therefore, are devices, systems, and methods for locating a peer in real-time that can be utilized without use of a screen or the cellular network (i.e., utilizing a local network) and is reliable and operable in large, crowded environments like a music festival.
The use of the terms “a”, “an”, “the” and similar terms in the context of describing the invention are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising”, “having”, “including” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The terms “substantially”, “generally” and other words of degree are relative modifiers intended to indicate permissible variation from the characteristic so modified. The use of such terms in describing a physical or functional characteristic of the invention is not intended to limit such characteristic to the absolute value which the term modifies, but rather to provide an approximation of the value of such physical or functional characteristic.
Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected”, refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both moveable and rigid attachments or relationships, unless specified herein or clearly indicated by context. The term “operatively connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship.
The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., “such as” and “preferably”) herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and the preferred embodiment thereof, and not to place a limitation on the scope of the invention. Nothing in the specification should be construed as indicating any element as essential to the practice of the invention unless so stated with specificity.
The above and other problems are addressed by a locator device system having a pair of locator devices that are each configured to provide an illuminated display indicating a relative position or location of the other locator devices. Each locator device includes a case having an exterior that includes a front surface. Next, first visual indicators selectively change from a first illumination state to a second illumination state and, when illuminated, can be readily seen by observing the front surface of the case. The locator devices also include a controller for selectively changing first visual indicators between the first illumination state and the second illumination state in response to receiving location information identifying a relative position of the other locator devices. Next, a user interface located on the exterior of the case receives user inputs including pairing input for pairing the pair of locator devices to one another. In certain implementations, the user interface consists of a capacitive touch sensor creating a touch-zone on the front surface of the case, and all commands for controlling a powered-on locator device are provided to the locator device via the user interface. In some cases, the user interface includes a plurality of facets disposed on the front surface of the case. In such cases, each facet preferably corresponds to and covers a separate first visual indicator of the plurality of first visual indicators such that, when illuminated, the separate first visual indicators are each observable through only one of the facets.
When the locator devices are paired together and in response to receiving location information indicating that the pair of locator devices are at a predefined location relative to one other, the controller changes a selected visual indicator that is located in a direction corresponding to a direction heading towards the other one of the pair of locator devices from the first illumination state to the second illumination state. In certain implementations, the system includes a plurality of at least three locator devices that includes the pair of locator devices, and each is configured to be paired together and to indicate a direction of the other two of the at least three locator devices via the selected first visual indicator.
In certain implementations, the first visual indicators form a single ring of continuous lights that is located adjacent a perimeter of the case. In other cases, the first visual indicators are confined to within a central region of the case such that a space lacking first visual indicators extends from outside the central region to a perimeter of the case. In each case, the first visual indicators are configured to selectively illuminate and unilluminate. In certain implementations, second visual indicators form a single ring of lights located in the space lacking first visual indicators and are located adjacent a perimeter of the case. The second visual indicators are each configured to selectively illuminate and unilluminate.
In certain cases, the controller is configured to selectively change the first visual indicators between the first illumination state and the second illumination state in response to receiving location information indicating that the second one of the pair of locator devices is or is not within a first range relative to the first one of the pair of locator devices. Further, the controller is also preferably configured to selectively change the second visual indicators between the first illumination state and the second illumination state in response to receiving location information indicating that the second one of the pair of locator devices is or is not within a second and different range relative to the first one of the pair of locator devices. In certain cases, the second range lies entirely outside of the first range relative to the first one of the pair of locator devices such that the first range does not overlap with the second range.
In certain implementations, the first visual indicators comprise lights that are each configured to provide a variable illumination state depending on a location of the first one of the pair of locator devices relative to the second one of the pair of locator devices. In certain cases, the variable illumination state comprises a number of visual indicators that selectively illuminate, the number varying as a distance between the pair of locator devices increases and decreases. In certain cases, the variable illumination state comprises a steady illuminated state, a pulsing illuminated state, and a steady unilluminated state.
In certain cases, when the pair of locator devices are first separated by a distance that is less than a pre-defined maximum separation distance and are then separated by a distance that is greater than the pre-defined maximum separation distance, the selected first visual indicator remains in the second illumination state so as to indicate a last known position of the other one of the pair of locator devices. Preferably, the illumination status of the selected first visual indicator corresponding to the other one of the pair of locator devices is updated from the last known position only after the pair or locator devices are within the pre-defied maximum separation distance. In some cases, the first visual indicators include lights that are each configured to provide a variable brightness. In such cases, when the locator devices are separated by a distance that is greater than the pre-defined maximum separation distance, the selected first visual indicator is maintained at a minimum brightness level. On the other hand, when the pair of locator devices are separated by a distance that is less than the pre-defined maximum separation distance, the selected first visual indicator is maintained at a brightness level other than the minimum brightness level.
In certain implementations, the locator devices include an orientation sensor that senses an orientation of the case relative to a ground surface and communicates orientation signals to the controller that are based on the orientation of the case. In some cases, the orientation sensor is an inertial measurement unit. Preferably, each of the pair of locator devices is configured to, when the orientation sensor provides a first orientation signal to the controller, operate in a first illuminated mode of operation wherein at least one of the plurality of first visual indicators is configured to be illuminated in response to receiving the location information. Additionally, when the orientation sensor provides a second orientation signal to the controller, the locator devices operate in a second illuminated mode of operation wherein at least one of the plurality of first visual indicators is configured to be illuminated in response to an external input. In certain cases, the external input is an auditory input. Further, in some cases, in the second illuminated mode of operation, the number, selection, and/or position of the first visual indicators that are illuminated is dependent on a volume of the auditory input.
Further advantages of the invention are apparent by reference to the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the figures, which are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:
Referring now to the drawings in which like reference characters designate like or corresponding characters throughout the several views, there is shown in
A user interface 110 is also disposed on the exterior 104 of the case 102 and is configured to receive user inputs. Preferably, when the locator devices 100 are powered on, all commands for controlling the locator device are provided to the locator device via the user interface 110 and capacitive touch sensor 110A, including a pairing input for placing the locator devices into pair mode. Pairing in this manner allows the devices to operate without the need for an accompanying phone or computer-based application (app). In certain embodiments, the front surface 134 of the locator device 100 includes a plurality of raised facets 142. Although four facets 142 are illustrated, other numbers of facets are contemplated. In certain cases, the user interface 110 is operated via a capacitive touch sensor 110A (
In certain embodiments, a gasket set 112 may be disposed between the first half 102A and the second half 102B. The gasket set 112 preferably seals the locator device 100 from particulate (e.g., dust) and liquid intrusion, thereby providing a locator device 100 that is substantially dustproof and waterproof. For example, the locator device may be rated with an ingress protection rating of IP5X or IP6X. Further, in certain embodiments, sealing the first half 102A and the second half 102B can seal a volume of air in the interior cavity 108 to provide a buoyant locator device 100. Alternatively, the gasket set 112 may directly contact the internal componentry of the locator device 100 at potential points of contaminant intrusion.
The locator device 100 may further include an attachment point 114 or a pair of attachment points. These attachment points 114 may cooperate with a corresponding lanyard, wristband, glove, clip, or other device, making the locator device 100 portable and allowing the locator device to be worn by a user.
The locator device 100 also include various visual indicators that, in preferred embodiments, allow the locator device to function either as a compass or in a “vibe mode” that is responsive to, among other things, sound waves or vibration. In particular, a plurality of first visual indicators 116, which may be lights such as LED lights, is located in a central region 122 of the case 102. In preferred embodiments, the first visual indicators 116 are confined within the central region 122 of the case 102 such that a space 168 that lacks first visual indictors extends from the outside of the central region to the perimeter 106 of the case. Next, a plurality of second visual indicators 120, which may also be lights such as LED lights, preferably forms a single ring that is located in the space 168 and may be positioned near the perimeter 106 of the case 102. In preferred embodiments, the second visual indicators 120 form a continuous ring. In certain other embodiments, the case 102 is translucent but slightly opaque. This means any light emanating from within the case 102 appears partially diffused at the exterior 104. In these embodiments, the second visual indicators 120 appear to form a continuous ring from the exterior 104, but are, in fact, individual visual indicators arranged in a circle. Preferably, both the first visual indicators 116 and the second visual indicators 120 are configured to selectively change from a first illumination state to a second illumination state. Further, when illuminated, the visual indicators 116, 120 are observable to an observer that is observing the front surface 134 of the case 102. For example, the visual indicators 116, 120 may be disposed on the exterior 104 of the case 102 or may be positioned within the interior cavity 108 (and observable through the case). In certain embodiments, the facets 142 of the front surface 134 of the case 102 corresponds to a first visual indicator 116 of the second plurality of visual indicators such that only one visual indicator is observable through each facet. In certain embodiments, the second visual indicators 120 may be so tightly spaced that, if all were in the illuminated state, a visually unbroken circle would appear.
In certain embodiments, each visual indicator 116, 120 is a light providing a variable illumination state depending on the position of the locator devices relative to one another. The variable illumination state may include a steady illuminated state, a pulsing illuminated state, and a steady unilluminated state. In other embodiments, the visual indicators 116, 120 can display various colors. In some cases, the variable illumination state is a variable brightness level. In some cases, the brightness of the lights may be configured to vary as a distance between the pair of locator devices increases and decreases. In some cases, when paired locator devices 100 are initially separated by a distance that is less than a pre-defined maximum separation distance and are then separated by a distance that is greater than the pre-defined maximum separation distance, a selected first visual indicator remains in the second illumination state (e.g. steady illuminated state or pulsing illuminated state) so as to indicate a last known position of the other one of the pair of locator devices. Preferably, an illumination status of the selected first visual indicator corresponding to the other one of the pair of locator devices 100 is updated from the last known position only after the pair or locator devices are within the pre-defied maximum separation distance.
In certain embodiments, the visual indicators 116, 120 may be lasers projected from the interior cavity 108 and observable from the exterior 104. Because of the transparent or translucent nature of the case 102, visual indicators 116, 120 disposed within the case are observable from the exterior 104 when lit. For illustrative purposes, in
Disposed within the interior cavity 108 is a controller 128, such as a microcontroller, which is configured to control at least certain operations of the locator device 100. For example, among other things, the controller 128 is preferably configured to change the visual indicators 116, 120 from the first illumination state to the second illumination state. Preferably, the controller 128 is configured to change the illumination states of the visual indicators 116, 120 in response to receiving location information identifying a position of one or more of the paired locator devices 100. For example, in certain embodiments, the controller 128 is configured to selectively change the visual indicators 116 between the first illumination state and the second illumination state in response to receiving location information indicating that the second one of the pair of locator devices is or is not within a first range relative to the first one of the pair of locator devices (e.g., 10′ (ten feet)). Additionally, the controller 128 is also preferably configured to selectively change visual indicators 120 between the first illumination state and the second illumination state in response to receiving location information indicating that the second locator device is or is not within a second and different range relative to the first one of the pair of locator devices (e.g., more than 10′ (ten feet) and less than 3300′ (three thousand three hundred feet)). In certain cases, including the case mentioned above, the first range and second range do not overlap with one another. However, in other cases, the ranges do overlap. Additionally, other ranges may be associated with different functions or response from the locator devices 100.
In one example illustrating the functionality described above, suppose a pair of friends are separated by 2000′ (two thousand feet) at a music festival (Position A) and each is provided with one of a pair of locator devices that have been paired to one another. On each friend's device, in response to the controller 128 receiving location information that the devices are separated by 2000′ (two thousand feet), one of the visual indicators 120 of each device that is located in the direction headed towards the other changes from being unilluminated (i.e., a first illumination state) to being illuminated (i.e., a second illumination state).
On one hand, as the friends walk towards one another, the location of the illuminated light is preferably continuously updated to move around the ring of light to be located at the location that is most near the direction headed towards the other locator device. By providing visual indicators 120 in a continuous ring, a very precise direction can be provided. Eventually, the friends are close enough (e.g., 10′ (ten feet), 20′ (twenty feet), or 30′ (thirty feet), Position B) that the luminated visual indicator 120 is unilluminated and one of the unilluminated indicators 116 is illuminated to indicate that the friends are nearby one another. As before, as the friends walk towards one another, the location of the illuminated light is preferably continuously updated to move to be located at the location that is most near the direction headed towards the other locator device.
On the other hand, if the friends were to walk away from each other while at Position A to a distance more than the second range (e.g., 5000′ (five thousand feet), Position C), the illuminated visual indicator 120 (i.e., the light in the ring of lights) might remain illuminated to indicate a direction of last known position. When in this mode, the light might dim to a low or minimum brightness level, or it may pulse to show that the locator devices are out of range and to save battery life.
In certain embodiments, the controller 128 is configured to work cooperatively with a positioning system, such as the global navigation satellite system (GNSS), to determine the location of one locator device 100 relative to other locator devices. Advantageously, by utilizing GNSS or another positioning system, the controller 128 does not rely on cellular devices or service to determine the location of the locator device 100, meaning the locator device can function in areas and situations devoid of cellular service. The controller 128 may also utilize short-range communication, such as Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), or the ESP-Now communication protocol, to communicate with other locator devices or to enable other capabilities, such as contactless payment or access control. Such capabilities would require and, therefore, the locator devices 100 may be provided with the appropriate receivers, radios, etc. (not shown) that are known to those of skill in the art to enable such functionality. In certain embodiments, a networking device, or series of networking devices, i.e., a beacon or numerous beacons, may be provided as an alternative to utilizing GNSS for positioning data. For example, if the locator devices 100 are inside a building or under a roof, cooperating with the GNSS may be impracticable but a beacon could be utilized to enable the locating functionality of the locator devices. To indicate communication or pending communication with the positioning systems, the visual indicators 116, 120 may cycle though the first, second, or third illumination states in a specific pattern. In certain embodiments, the controller 128 may communicate with a phone-app or an internet signal via wi-fi. This allows the locator device 100 and the various associated componentry and the underlying software to be updated periodically, as required.
In certain embodiments, the locator devices 100 also include an orientation sensor 132 for detecting an orientation of the device in space. In certain embodiments, the orientation sensor is an inertial measurement unit (IMU), which may be disposed within the interior cavity 108 of the locator device 100. The orientation sensor 132 is configured to determine a physical orientation of the locator device 100, i.e., flat, tilted, upside-down, etc. with respect to a ground surface, and to communicate orientation signals to the controller 128 that are based on the orientation of the locator device. The orientation sensor 132 is preferably a 9-axis IMU and includes an accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer. Preferably, the orientation sensor 132 utilizes automatic calibration which re-calibrates every time a user completes a full 360-degree turn (purposefully or not). This allows the orientation sensor 132 to use magnetism to determine orientation and, partially, bearing, without requiring a user to recalibrate if the orientation sensor is disrupted by a nearby magnetic field. The controller 128 is further configured to utilize the positional data from the orientation sensor 132 to enable certain modes of operation. In certain embodiments, in a first mode, the locator device 100 is configured to locate and display the location of the second locator device.
In a second mode of operation (e.g., “vibe” mode), visual indicators 116, 120, are configured to alternate between illumination states based on an external input. For example, the locator device 100 may further comprise a microphone and the external input may be an auditory input, such as music or speech. In other embodiments, the external input may be vibrational or impact-based and be detected by the orientation sensor 132. The response of the visual indicators 116, 120 may depend on the volume of the auditory input or the intensity of the vibration or impact. For example, at a low volume, a small number of visual indicators may be illuminated in a certain color range (e.g., blue). On the other hand, at a higher volume, a greater number of lights may be illuminated in a different color range (e.g., red).
In certain embodiments, the user interface 110 may be used as a mode selector for switching the locator device 100 between various modes of operation, including between the first mode and second mode. In other embodiments, changes in the physical orientation of the locator device 100 may be used to automatically switch the mode of operation of the locator devices 100. In such cases, the physical orientation of the locator device 100 might be measured by the orientation sensor 132 and the mode may be selected based on an angular position of the locator device. For example, the locator device 100 might be placed in a first mode of operation (e.g., vibe mode) when the front surface 134 faces directly away from the wearer's chest (i.e., horizontally, or parallel with the ground surface), which is defined as 0°. The locator device 100 preferably remains in this mode through some angular range before being automatically switched to the second mode of operation (e.g., compass mode). For example, in certain embodiments, the locator device 100 preferably remains in vibe mode until approximately 45° with respect to the ground surface. This might occur, for example, if a locator device 100 is secured via a lanyard around a wearer's neck, is initially resting against the wearer's chest, and is then tilted partially upwards away from the wearer's chest about the lanyard connection. Once the locator device has been angled approximately halfway between being oriented vertically (e.g., when hanging from the lanyard) and oriented horizontally where the front surface of the locator device points upwards (i.e., 90°), the mode preferably switches from “vibe” mode to “compass” mode. In certain embodiments, the locator device 100 may remain in that second mode from approximately 45° until about 180° (i.e., where the front of the locator device is facing the wearer's chest). Thus, advantageously, the front surface of the locator device faces outwards when the visual indicators 116, 120 are reactive to external input and then faces upwards or towards the wearer's face when being used in compass mode. Another advantage of the present design is that the mode selection occurs automatically without requiring the wearer to press any button or contact the user interface 110 on the locator device 100.
Preferably, in the first mode of operation, the controller 128 and the orientation sensor 132 work in conjunction to ensure the location of the second locator device is accurately displayed, regardless of the orientation of the locator device 100 with respect to the ground. In certain further embodiments a vibration motor 136 is disposed within the interior cavity 108 and is configured to provide haptic feedback to a user of the locator device 100.
Next, a power source 130 provides power to the visual indicators 116, 120, and to the controller 128. In certain embodiments, the power source 130 is a rechargeable battery and the locator device 100 includes an externally-accessible charging port 138. The charging port 138 may be weatherproof to preserve the waterproof and dustproof nature of the locator device 100. Optionally, charging may be wireless. In certain embodiments, a power button 140 is accessible from the exterior 104 to turn the locator device 100 on and off. The power button 140 may also be used to place the locator device 100 in various power modes. For example, pressing the power button 140 a specified number of times may place the locator device 100 in a full-power mode, where all operational modes are activated, and the locator device remains in constant communication with the positioning system. Pressing the power button a different number of times may place the locator device 100 in a low-power or “Eco” mode wherein certain operational modes, such as “vibe mode” are deactivated or provided less power and the locator device communicates less frequently with the positioning system. The Low power mode may also be activated if the power source 130 reaches a diminished level of capacity, e.g., a 20% battery charge. The power button 140 may be the only physical button disposed on the locator device 100.
In certain embodiments, an emergency button 143 may be provided whereby, if pressed, an alert is sent to the other paired locator devices 100. If no emergency button 143 is present, an alert may be sent utilizing the user interface 110. Preferably, the alert will persist even if the originating locator device 100 loses power. In this case, the locator devices 100 still with power will display the alert and the last known location of the now unpowered locator device. In certain embodiments, the alert may be sent to all nearby devices 100 but in other preferred embodiments, the alert will only be sent to paired or bonded devices.
Now with reference to
In certain embodiments, the illumination state of visual indicators 116, 120 depend on the heading B of the second locator device relative to the first locator device 100. For example, the heading B of a first locator device 100A relative to a second locator device 100B might be indicated by illuminating a visual indicator 116, 120 of the second locator device in a position that indicates the heading of the first device relative to the second device. As the heading of the first locator device 100 changes to a new heading B′ with respect to the second locator device (or vice-versa), new visual indicators 116, 120 are updated to reflect the new heading (demonstrated by relocated second locator device 100B′). For example, a northernly-positioned visual indicator 116 might be initially illuminated to indicate that the second locator device 100B is located north of a first locator device 100A. Later, as the second locator device 100B travels eastwards, the northernly-positioned visual indicator 116 might be unilluminated and a north-easternly visual indictor might be illuminated to indicate the updated position of the second locator device relative to the first locator device 100A.
The first distance range 148 is preferably smaller than the second distance range 152. Other, additional distance ranges may be present and correspond to other functionality of the locator device 100. Preferably, the first range 148 is between 1′ and 10″ (one foot and ten feet) but can be up to 30′ (thirty feet). The second range 152 begins where the first range 148 ends and is up to 1200′ (one thousand two hundred feet). In certain embodiments, the un-extended second range 152 is up to 1500′ (one thousand five hundred feet), 1750′ (one thousand seven hundred fifty feet), 2000′ (two thousand feet), or 3300′ (three thousand three hundred feet). As before, when the third locator device 100C, which is also bonded 150 with the first locator device 100, is within the second range 152 of the first locator device 100A, the illumination state of one or more visual indicators 120 associated with either locator device might change to reflect their respective locations. In certain embodiments, visual indicators 116, 120 are capable of displaying colors, and a specific color may be exclusively associated with each locator device across all indictors. In these embodiments, placing the bonded locator devices, such as locators 100A and 100B in physical contact or within a small distance, such as 1″ (one inch), causes the visual indicators 116 on both devices to display the specifically associated color. As an alternative to physical contact or extreme proximity, the display of the specific color may be conditioned on a communication strength between two locator devices 100A, 100B. For example, if the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) between the two devices is above a certain level, e.g., RSSI is greater than −20 or −15 or −12, the associated color is displayed on the visual indicators 116 of both locator devices 100A, 100B.
In certain preferred embodiments, visual indicators 116, 120 have a variable brightness level that changes as the distance D between the locator devices 100 changes. For example, as the first and second locator devices 100A, 100B are just within the second range 152, the visual indicator 120 may have a diminished brightness, such as visual indicator 126. As the distance D between the first and second locator devices 100, 100B, decreases, meaning the devices are closer together, the brightness of the observable visual indicator 120 may increase. The maximum brightness level, such as that shown by visual indicator 124, is reached as the first and second locator devices 100, 100B are adjacent, but not within, the first range 148. In certain other embodiments, as an alternative to varying a brightness level of the visual indicator 120 to represent the distance D between the locator devices 100, additional, adjacent visual indicators may become illuminated to indicate closeness with the other locator device. For example. When the first and second locator devices 100A, 100B are beyond 300′ (three hundred feet) apart, a single visual indicator 120 is illuminated, but as the separation distance decreases to less than 300′ (three hundred feet) apart, the immediately adjacent visual indicators are illuminated (for a total of 3 illuminated visual indicators). Additional visual indicators 120 can be added at various separation distances, for example, between 300′ and 180′ (three hundred feet and one hundred and eighty feet, respectively) three adjacent visual indicators may be illuminated, between 180′ and 120′ (one hundred and eighty feet and one hundred and twenty feet, respectively) five adjacent visual indicators may be illuminated. Between 120′ and 30′ (one hundred and twenty feet and thirty feet, respectively), seven adjacent visual indicators 120 may be illuminated. At less than 30′ (thirty feet) of separation, one of the first visual indicators 116 illuminates. The specified distances are given as examples and not intended to limit the invention described herein. Other distances and ranges are contemplated. Additionally, the distances may adjust based on signal strength and the accuracy of the calculable location if each locator device. In certain embodiments, an algorithm may be employed to calculate the appropriate distance to illuminate the first visual indicator 116.
In certain embodiments, a visual indicator having a diminished brightness 126 may represent the last-known location of a locator device bonded to the first locator device 100 but outside of the first range 148. For example, a fourth locator device 100D may share a bond 150 with the first locator device 100A. As locator devices 100A, 100D, are within the second range 152, each respective device displays the directional heading B of the other device by changing the illumination state of visual indicators 120 (e.g., the visual indicators are illuminated, pulse, are unilluminated, increase in brightness, etc.). As locator devices 100A, 100D move outside of the second range 152, the visual indicator 120 representing the directional heading B of each device prior to the devices being out of range might be reduced to a minimum brightness level 126, where it remains until the devices are back within range of one another. When back in range, the brightness level increases and the visual indicator 120 representing the directional heading B updates to reflect the current directional heading. In certain other embodiments, visual indicator 126 may change colors or pulse to represent the last-known location of an out-of-range locator device 100. In certain embodiments, the visual indicators 116, 120, may change in brightness or color to indicate a low battery. Further, the locator devices 100 may include a brightness sensor and the illumination level may reduce or increase based on the ambient light conditions.
As shown in
However, in certain embodiments and as illustrated in
With reference now to
Referring once again to
After being configured to display the location of the other locator devices, if the first and second locator devices 100A, 100B are separated from each other by a distance that is within the second range 152, the location of the of the other device is displayed on each. This is accomplished by a visual indicator 120 of the changing from one illumination state (e.g., unilluminated) to another illumination state (e.g., illuminated). For each locator device, the specific visual indicator 120 that changes is positioned at a location corresponding to a directional heading B of the other paired locator device(s). As described above, this position preferably updates in real time as the locator devices 100 change position with respect to one another. Next, if first or second locator device 100A, 100B, is moved towards the other, each device enters into a first range 148 with respect to the other device. The first range 148 is smaller than the second range 152. As the first and second locator devices 100A, 100B, enter into the first range 148, the illumination state of visual indicators 120 are updated (e.g., unilluminated). Preferably, simultaneously, the illumination state of visual indicators 116 are also updated (e.g., illuminated) and remain in that updated state as long as the first and second locator devices 100A, 100B, remain in the first range 148. In embodiments where each locator device 100 is associated with a unique color, the visual indicators 116, 120 also display the same unique and corresponding color.
Although this description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments thereof, as well as the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out the invention. The invention, as described herein, is susceptible to various modifications and adaptations as would be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention relates.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/617,589 filed Jan. 4, 2024, and titled “PEER-TO-PEER DIGITAL COMPASS, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/560,307 filed Mar. 1, 2024, and titled “PEER-TO-PEER COMPASS,” the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63560307 | Mar 2024 | US | |
| 63617589 | Jan 2024 | US |
