Distributed geospatial communications system
Inventors
Manz, Paul C. • Maymi, Fernando J. • Rodriguez-Martinez, Manuel
Assignees
United States Department of the Army
Publication Number
US-9980088-B2
Publication Date
2018-05-22
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 geospatial area, wherein the pertinent data is associated with the predefined geospatial area.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a novel 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. The system enables mobile nodes to establish wireless network connections with other nodes located inside this predefined geospatial area and to transmit or query relevant data associated with that area via these connections.
A key aspect of the invention is the management of data related to a geospatial region without reliance on centralized databases. Mobile nodes determine their current and future positions relative to the geospatial area and either transmit pertinent data to other nodes within the area before leaving or query nodes for pertinent data when entering. This peer-to-peer data handoff ensures that the most relevant data remains resident within the geospatial area and accessible to nodes therein, thereby maintaining effective local data dissemination and management.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains multiple independent claims focusing on methods, computer readable media, and mobile devices for managing geospatial communications and data exchange among mobile nodes.
Managing communications based on mobile device locations and data repository connectivity
A method where a first mobile device receives information from a second mobile device and communicates it to a data repository or a third device within a geospatial area only if the second device is not connected to the data repository, with the determination based on metadata indicating location.
Methods for establishing communication and data handoff relative to a predefined geospatial area
A method where a first mobile node determines its current and future position relative to a predefined geospatial area, establishes direct wireless communication with a second mobile node accordingly, and transmits pertinent data associated with spatial, temporal, or subject matter attributes.
Computer-readable media embodying instructions for geospatially-aware data exchange
Non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions causing a first mobile node to determine location relative to a geospatial area, establish wireless communication, transmit or receive pertinent data based on movement across the geospatial boundary, and manage data storage decisions.
First mobile device configured to manage geospatial data communication
A mobile device having a network interface, a processor, and instructions enabling the device to determine location relative to a geospatial area, communicate data with other mobile devices or data repositories based on location, and process metadata for communication decisions.
Collectively, the inventive features establish a distributed, location-aware system for efficiently managing exchange and handoff of pertinent data among mobile nodes within and across predefined geospatial boundaries without exclusively relying on centralized repositories.
Stated Advantages
Removes the requirement for a central data repository, allowing spontaneous formation of ad-hoc networked distributed data repositories.
Ensures that the most pertinent data is always available to each mobile node within the predefined geospatial area by automatic pickup and drop-off of data.
Reduces the search space and processing burden for finding pertinent data, as well as conserving bandwidth by limiting data queries within the geospatial area.
Enables nodes to determine priority of data and relay it efficiently, including acting as relays or servers when connectivity to central servers is unavailable, ensuring data needs are met despite network partitioning.
Supports selective synchronization with traditional centralized data repositories when connectivity exists, leveraging their storage and processing capabilities.
Allows transmission of time-critical information selectively to relevant nodes, conserving bandwidth and enhancing transmission speeds.
Incorporates metadata tagging to assist nodes in quickly analyzing data for creation of actionable reports.
Provides a system for data deletion management where information to be deleted is broadcast to neighboring nodes for storage or relay, preserving important data while making space for higher priority data.
Documented Applications
Use in command and control systems with mobile vehicles and devices to maintain geospatially relevant data across nodes in real or near-real time.
Networking and data sharing among mobile nodes in various environments including space, airborne, terrestrial, and marine command systems.
Military and defense systems requiring secure wireless linkages to share location information, warnings, and event alerts within a localized geospatial area.
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