Distributed geospatial communications system
Inventors
Manz, Paul C. • Maymi, Fernando J. • Rodriguez-Martinez, Manuel
Assignees
United States Department of the Army
Publication Number
US-8891444-B2
Publication Date
2014-11-18
Expiration Date
2029-12-16
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Abstract
A method on a first mobile node for facilitating exchange of pertinent data between mobile nodes over a wireless communications network can be provided. The method can include establishing, by the first mobile node, a wireless network connection with at least one other mobile node inside a predefined geospatial area, wherein the wireless network connection is established over the wireless communications network. The method can further include determining that a future position of the first mobile node is outside the predefined geospatial area and transmitting pertinent data residing on the first mobile node over the wireless communications network exclusively to the at least one other mobile node inside the predefined geo spatial area, wherein the pertinent data is associated with the predefined geospatial area.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method, computer system, and computer program product for facilitating the exchange of pertinent data between mobile nodes over a wireless communications network within a predefined geospatial area. This method includes establishing a wireless network connection by a first mobile node with at least one other mobile node inside the predefined geospatial area, and transmitting pertinent data associated with the predefined geospatial area exclusively to the mobile nodes within the area. The first mobile node determines when it will be outside the geospatial area in the near future and accordingly transfers data before exiting.
The invention addresses the problem of existing systems requiring central data stores or servers for distributed data management during geospatial communications, which becomes a deficiency when access to centralized databases is unavailable. Unlike prior art, this invention allows mobile devices to form ad-hoc networked distributed data repositories that operate even without connectivity to a central repository. This ensures that data pertinent to the geospatial area is almost always resident within that area, by allowing data to be handed off directly between nodes situated inside the predefined geospatial area.
Claims Coverage
The claims disclose multiple inventive features concerning methods and networks involving mobile nodes exchanging geospatially pertinent data within a predefined area.
Future position determination and automatic data transmission
A first mobile node determines its current location and calculates its future position relative to a predefined geospatial area. If the future position is outside the geospatial area, the node automatically establishes direct wireless communication with a second mobile node and transmits pertinent data associated with the area to the second node.
Automatic data retrieval upon entering a geospatial area
When the first mobile node is currently outside the geospatial area but predicts entering it soon, it establishes direct wireless communication with a second mobile node inside the area. Upon entry, the first node receives pertinent data from the second node over this communication.
Direct peer-to-peer communication exclusive to nodes inside the geospatial area
Wireless network connections and data transmissions are performed exclusively between nodes situated inside the predefined geospatial area, ensuring the exchange of pertinent data without involving nodes outside the area, unless suitably determined.
Establishing and managing queries for pertinent data within the geospatial area
The first mobile node, upon determining future position outside the geospatial area, establishes communication with nodes inside the area, transmits queries exclusively to those nodes for pertinent data, and receives such data. It further decides whether to store the data based on criteria including storage space, data versions, and data relevancy parameters.
Networked distributed geospatial communication system
A network comprising multiple peer-to-peer mobile nodes that determine their location relative to a predefined geospatial area, predict future positions, and in response, automatically establish communications to transfer pertinent data. Data remains available within the geospatial area by transferring it between nodes as they enter and leave the area.
The inventive features center on mobile nodes autonomously determining their location and future position in relation to a predefined geospatial area, establishing direct wireless connections exclusively with nodes inside that area, and exchanging pertinent data to ensure data residency within the geospatial area without reliance on centralized databases.
Stated Advantages
Removes the requirement for a central data repository, allowing distributed data management in disconnected environments.
Ensures that pertinent data is perpetually at hand for each mobile device within the predefined geospatial area by automatic pickup and drop-off of data when nodes enter or leave the area.
Reduces the search space for requested data, lowering processing burdens and conserving bandwidth.
Enables conservation of bandwidth and higher transmission speeds by selectively relaying time-critical information only to nodes for which it is relevant.
Allows mobile nodes to query the network for status of local nodes and provides relay functionality to maintain connectivity despite network partitioning.
Documented Applications
Maintaining and sharing pertinent information among mobile nodes such as vehicles or individuals within a predefined geospatial area over wireless communication networks.
Use in command and control systems where mobile nodes must exchange location, status, and event-related data in real or near-real time.
Supporting vehicle networks that need to operate even when central databases are unavailable, by enabling ad-hoc peer-to-peer data sharing and management.
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