System and method for real-time emergency detection and response using multi-source data and intelligent analysis

Abstract

A system and method for real-time emergency detection and response are disclosed The invention overcomes limitations of traditional call center-based systems by utilizing user devices to declare emergencies and transmit multimedia data (audio, video, images, text) along with location information to a central server. The server automatically analyzes the received data, employing speech-to-text conversion, video analysis, semantic analysis, and other techniques to determine the nature and urgency of the emergency. Based on this analysis and responder availability, the system intelligently notifies relevant emergency responders, providing them with real-time access to comprehensive emergency data. The system facilitates efficient responder coordination, communication with victims, and continuous data updates, significantly improving the speed, accuracy, and effectiveness of emergency response, ultimately enhancing public safety and potentially saving lives. The system also includes features for unifying duplicate reports, establishing direct communication channels, and secure data storage for post-incident analysis.

Description

[0001] Title of Invention : SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REAL-TIME EMERGENCY DETECTION AND RESPONSE USING MULTI¬ SOURCE DATA AND INTELLIGENT ANALYSIS

[0002] Technical Field of the Invention

[0003] 1. This invention relates to the field of emergency response and, more specifically, to a method and apparatus for the real-time detection, analysis, and response to various types of emergencies, including but not limited to crimes, disasters, and medical incidents.

[0004] State of the Art

[0005] 2. In many regions, individuals often fail to report crimes or disasters promptly.

[0006] Authorities may struggle to respond effectively due to a lack of real-time information and insufficient resources. Current emergency response systems often rely on manual reporting, such as phone calls to emergency centers, which can be slow, inaccurate, and inefficient. These systems may fail to provide accurate and timely data required for real-time response.

[0007] 3. Current solutions for emergency detection, which have existed for over a century, involve individuals in distress calling a data center. The data center then extracts data from these calls and disseminates it to various operators. These operators are tasked with planning an emergency response based on this limited and often fragmented data. This method is inefficient, lacking in speed, accuracy, and clarity. It is subject to language barriers and provides only a single means of contact for emergency responders.

[0008] 4. There are numerous shortcomings associated with this approach. For example, victims may be unable to contact the call center due to various factors, including threats from criminals, an inability to speak due to the nature of the emergency (e.g., victims under threat or in shock), fear of escalating a suspect's offensiveness, language barriers in multicultural environments, or time constraints (e.g., fires). Even in the absence of these factors, psychologicalinability to recognize and accept an attack may lead to loss of emergency data or the loss of critical time for rapid response.

[0009] 5. The reliance on human operators limits the number of contacts that can be handled per unit time. In mass emergency situations, call centers can easily become overwhelmed, further limiting communication between victims and emergency responders.

[0010] 6. Furthermore, existing methods of information retrieval in emergency situations present challenges for all parties involved. These methods lack a unified approach for addressing various emergencies, which can range from medical to natural disasters. In practice, a call receiver documents the emergency and dispatches it to responders. Responders, in turn, receive only a limited amount of data, which typically consists of the information provided by the victim, leading to re-engaging with the victim through multiple parties. This further increases response time and adds unnecessary complexity.

[0011] 7. In an emergency, the efficient handling of data is paramount. Errors or losses in data handling during transmission can lead to loss of life. The present invention addresses these limitations by providing a better, faster, and more accurate method of handling emergency information, regardless of the number of victims or responders, to enhance the effectiveness of emergency response.

[0012] Brief Description of the Invention

[0013] 8. The present invention directly addresses the identified deficiencies of conventional emergency response systems by introducing a novel method and apparatus for real-time emergency detection and response. This invention leverages contemporary technology to create a significantly more efficient, accurate, and comprehensive system for managing a wide range of emergencies, from criminal activities and accidents to natural disasters and medical crises. At its core, the invention comprises a system designed to facilitate multi-source emergency declarations.

[0014] 9. Users can declare emergencies through a user device, such as a smartphone application, utilizing a graphical user interface which may include a dedicated button for rapid activation. This declaration can be enriched with real-time multimedia data, including video, photographs, audio recordings, and text input,providing richer contextual information. Upon an emergency declaration, the system initiates automated data collection and transmission. The user device automatically transmits the emergency declaration, device identifier, precise location data, and any captured multimedia data to a central server for immediate processing. To further enhance situational awareness, continuous audio and video recording may be automatically initiated on the user device, providing an ongoing record of the unfolding events.

[0015] The server then performs real-time geolocation and mapping of emergency declarations, displaying incident locations on a dynamic map interface, providing a clear overview of ongoing emergencies. To manage potential redundancy, the system incorporates intelligent data unification and deduplication capabilities. It can intelligently identify and unify multiple declarations that likely pertain to the same event, preventing redundant responses to a single incident with multiple reporters. Furthermore, the invention employs advanced data analysis and processing techniques.

[0016] The server automatically analyzes received data, including speech-to-text conversion to overcome language barriers, video analysis for scene description and transcription to extract visual information, semantic analysis for urgency assessment, and potentially stress level detection to gauge the severity of the situation. Based on this comprehensive data analysis, the system estimates the emergency seventy and type, enabling prioritized and appropriate response allocation. Utilizing a sophisticated database of responder locations, skills, expertise, capacity, and communication channels, the system facilitates intelligent responder notification and dispatch. Relevant emergency responders are notified based on the nature and location of the emergency, optimizing resource deployment.

[0017] The system is designed to ensure efficient responder coordination and communication. Responders can accept or refuse emergency notifications based on their availability and capacity, and upon acceptance, gain immediate access to all collected emergency data. The system can establish dedicated communication channels between responders and victims, as well as among responder teams, supporting text, image, video, voice, and push notification communication methods for seamless information exchange. The systemprovides continuous data updates and analysis, dynamically updating emergency information as new data becomes available from victims and responders, and continuously adjusts analysis and response strategies as the situation evolves.

[0018] 13. Finally, the system ensures secure data storage and retrieval. All emergency data, including communications and analysis results, is securely stored and encrypted for later use by authorized parties, such as law enforcement, insurance companies, and government agencies, facilitating post-incident analysis and reporting. By integrating these innovative features, the present invention significantly enhances the speed, accuracy, and overall effectiveness of emergency response, leading to faster response times, more efficient resource allocation, improved situational awareness for responders, and ultimately, the potential to save lives and mitigate the impact of emergencies.

[0019] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0020] 14. The following detailed description of the invention is provided to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to fully understand and practice the invention. It is important to understand that the specific embodiments described herein are presented as examples and are not intended to be limiting. The invention can be implemented in various forms and configurations without departing from its essential spirit and scope.

[0021] 15. The emergency response system, as depicted in a potential system architecture (FIG. 1), comprises several key components working in concert. These components include user devices

[0100] , a central server

[0200] , responder devices

[0300] , and a communication network

[0400] that interconnects them. User devices

[0100] are electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, wearable technology, or dedicated emergency reporting units, all equipped with a graphical user interface (GUI)

[0102] and communication capabilities. These devices are used by individuals to initiate emergency declarations and provide relevant data concerning the emergency situation. The server

[0200] is a central server system responsible for a multitude of critical functions. These include receiving emergency declarations, processing and analyzing incoming data, managing responder information and availability, coordinating notifications to responders, facilitating communication between all parties, and securely storing allemergency-related data. The server

[0200] is comprised of processing units

[0202] , memory

[0204] , databases

[0206] , and network interfaces

[0208] to perform these functions effectively.

[0022] Responder devices

[0300] are electronic devices utilized by emergency responders, such as police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and medical personnel. These devices, which can also be smartphones, tablets, specialized communication equipment, or in-vehicle systems, enable responders to receive emergency notifications, access detailed emergency data, communicate with victims and other responders, and provide updates on the emergency status. To connect these in between, a communication network

[0400] , which may consist of cellular networks, Wi-Fi, satellite communication, or a combination thereof, provides the necessary infrastructure for communication between user devices

[0100] , the server

[0200] , and responder devices

[0300] , ensuring seamless data flow and information exchange.

[0023] The operational method of the emergency response system is described step-by-step, building upon the inventor's original outline and providing further elaboration on each stage. The process begins with an Emergency Declaration via User Device GUI

[0102] , A user initiates an emergency declaration using a pre-loaded application

[0104] or a dedicated emergency function on their user device

[0100] , This is preferably achieved through a readily accessible GUI element, such as a prominent "Emergency" button

[0106] or icon, as visualized in a potential user interface diagram (FIG. 3). Upon activating the emergency declaration function, the user device

[0100] becomes enabled to capture and input various types of data to describe the emergency. This may include optional text input

[0108] allowing the user to briefly describe the emergency in their own words, optional photo capture

[0110] for uploading still images of the scene, optional video recording

[0112] to capture video footage of the emergency, and automatic audio recording

[0114] to capture ambient sound, providing valuable contextual information. Users can choose to provide any combination of these data inputs, or simply declare an emergency with minimal input when speed and discretion are paramount.Then, the emergency declaration is transferred to the server. Transmission of Emergency Declaration and Data to Server

[0502] , upon user confirmation or automatic triggering, the user device

[0100] transmits an emergency declaration message

[0116] to the server

[0200] via the communication network

[0400] , This transmission includes the emergency declaration signal, a unique sending device identifier

[0118] for authentication and tracking, real-time location data

[0120] obtained from the device's location services, and any multimedia data

[0122] provided in Step 1.

[0024] Then, optionally, Automatic Audio and Video Recording on User Device

[0503] is initiated upon emergency declaration. Upon user permission, the user device

[0100] automatically begins continuous audio and video recording

[0124] , This recording continues during and after the initial declaration, capturing ongoing events and providing a more complete record. The recorded data can be transmitted to the server

[0200] in real-time or uploaded at a later time, depending on network conditions and data transmission protocols.

[0025] Then, we initiate Server Geolocation and Mapping of Emergency Declarations

[0504] , the server

[0200] receives emergency declarations and extracts the embedded location data

[0120] , A mapping module

[0210] then geolocates each emergency declaration and displays it on a digital map interface

[0212] , This map, potentially visualized in FIG. 5, provides a real-time overview of active emergencies and their locations to system administrators and potentially to responders

[0300] , Step 5: Server Unification of Declarations for the Same Event

[0505] is crucial for efficiency. The server

[0200] utilizes an event unification module

[0214] to analyze incoming emergency declarations and identify potential duplicates or multiple reports related to the same incident. This unification process considers factors such as proximity of declaration origins, similarity in content analysis of text, audio, or video data, and device clustering indicating multiple reports from a confined area. When multiple declarations are identified as likely related to the same event, the server

[0200] unifies them into a single event record

[0216] , preventing redundant responses and consolidating information.

[0026] The next step is Server Multimedia Data Processing and Analysis

[0506] is a core component of the invention. The server

[0200] incorporates a comprehensive dataprocessing and analysis module

[0218] , potentially detailed in FIG. 4, to extract meaningful information from received multimedia data

[0122] , This analysis includes speech-to-text conversion

[0220] to process audio data, video-to-text analysis

[0222] to generate textual scene descriptions and perform video transcription using OCR

[0224] , semantic analysis and NLP

[0226] to determine the nature and urgency of the emergency and extract key information, and stress level analysis

[0228] of audio and video data to detect indicators of distress.

[0027] Afterwards, Server Emergency Level Estimation

[0507] is performed. Based on the results of the data analysis in the previous step and potentially other factors such as location, time of day, and historical data, the server

[0200] estimates an overall "level of emergency"

[0230] or severity score for each event. This estimation is based on predefined rules, algorithms, or machine learning models

[0232] considering the nature of the reported emergency, urgency indicators, visual indicators of danger, and the estimated number of people affected.

[0028] Upon estimating the emergency level

[0230] and characterizing the nature of the emergency in the previous step, the system proceeds to intelligently notify and dispatch appropriate emergency responders

[0302] , This step leverages a comprehensive database of available emergency responders

[0234] maintained and continuously updated by the server

[0200] , This database contains detailed profiles for each registered responder or responder unit, encompassing critical information for effective responder selection and dispatch. The responder profiles include, but are not limited to;

[0029] - Location and Real-Time Availability: The current location of responders (or their designated coverage area) is tracked, often using GPS or location services integrated with responder devices

[0300] , Responder availability status is also maintained, indicating whether a responder is currently on duty, available for dispatch, or engaged in another emergency response. Responders may update their availability status through their responder devices

[0300] ,

[0030] - Skills, Expertise, and Specializations: The database records the specific skills, training, and areas of expertise of each responder or responder unit. This includes classifications such as police, fire, medical (paramedic, EMT, doctor),specialized rescue (e.g., urban search and rescue, hazardous materials), language skills, and other relevant qualifications.

[0031] - Equipment and Resource Capacity: Information regarding the equipment and resources available to each responder or unit is stored. This may include the type of vehicle, specialized equipment carried (e.g., firefighting apparatus, medical supplies, rescue tools), and team size if applicable.

[0032] - Preferred Communication Channels and Protocols: The database stores the preferred communication channels and protocols for each responder or unit, ensuring notifications are delivered in the most effective and timely manner. This can include preferences for push notifications to responder devices

[0300] , SMS messages, automated voice calls, email alerts, or integration with existing communication systems.

[0033] - Jurisdictional Boundaries and Response Areas: For responders operating within defined jurisdictional areas, the database stores these boundaries to ensure that notifications are directed to responders responsible for the emergency location. Based on the estimated emergency level

[0230] , the nature of the emergency determined in previous steps, and the emergency location

[0120] , the server

[0200] employs intelligent responder selection logic to identify the most suitable responders

[0302] from the database

[0234] ,

[0034] This selection process prioritizes responders who:

[0035] - Are geographically closest to the emergency location: Proximity is a key factor in minimizing response times. The system identifies responders currently located nearest to the reported emergency location

[0120] ,

[0036] - Possess the most relevant skills and expertise: The system matches the nature of the emergency (e.g., medical emergency, fire, crime) with the skills and specializations of available responders. For example, a medical emergency would prioritize notification of paramedics or medical units, while a fire would prioritize fire departments.

[0037] - Are currently available and on duty: The system checks responder availability status to ensure that notifications are sent to responders who are currently able to respond and are not already engaged in another emergency.- Meet any specific resource requirements: If the emergency analysis indicates a need for specific equipment or resources (e.g., specialized rescue equipment for a structural collapse), the system prioritizes responders equipped with those resources.

[0038] Once the most suitable responders

[0302] are identified, the server

[0200] initiates the notification process. The notification message

[0236] is generated and transmitted to the selected responders through their preferred communication channels. The notification message typically includes critical information about the emergency, such as;

[0039] - Emergency Type and Nature: A concise description of the type of emergency (e.g., "Medical Emergency - Cardiac Arrest," "Fire - Residential Building," "Assault in Progress”).

[0040] - Emergency Location: The precise location of the emergency, including address and potentially map coordinates, allowing responders to navigate directly to the scene.

[0041] - Estimated Emergency Level or Severity: The server's estimated emergency level

[0230] providing responders with an initial assessment of the situation's urgency and potential impact.

[0042] - Summary of Available Data: A brief summary of the data collected from the user device

[0100] and the server's analysis results

[0238] , giving responders a preliminary situational overview.

[0043] - Link to Full Emergency Data: A secure link or access method allowing responders, upon acceptance, to access the complete set of emergency data and analysis results on their responder devices

[0300] ,

[0044] In scenarios of high-urgency emergencies, the system may employ prioritized notification strategies. This could include:

[0045] - Simultaneous Notification of Multiple Responders: For critical emergencies, the system may notify multiple responders or responder units simultaneously to ensure the fastest possible response and maximize initial resource deployment. - Escalation Protocols: If initial responders do not accept the notification within a predefined timeframe, the system may automatically escalate the notification to awider circle of responders or to supervisory personnel, ensuring timely response even if primary responders are unavailable.

[0046] - Automated Dispatch (in specific configurations): As discussed in alternative embodiments, in highly critical situations and with appropriate protocols, the system could be configured to automatically dispatch designated responders without requiring explicit acceptance

[0304] for certain types of emergencies, further expediting response times.

[0047] The Server Responder Notification step

[0508] is a critical component of the invention, ensuring that emergency declarations are efficiently and intelligently routed to the most appropriate and available emergency responders

[0302] , facilitating rapid and effective emergency response.

[0048] As the emergency responders are notified, they are subject to an acceptance or refusal. In the Responder Evaluation and Acceptance / Refusal

[0509] step, emergency responders

[0302] receive notifications on their responder devices

[0300] , evaluate the emergency information and their own capabilities, and respond by indicating their acceptance or refusal

[0304] to respond through their responder device interface.

[0049] Upon acceptance by a responder in Data Sharing Upon Responder Acceptance

[0510] step, the server

[0200] grants the accepting responder

[0302] access to all data associated with the specific emergency event. This includes initial declaration data, multimedia data

[0122] , server-side analysis results

[0238] , and real-time location updates

[0120] , providing a complete situational awareness picture

[0306] ,

[0050] The system ensures Continuous Emergency Information Updates

[0511] , Emergency information is continuously updated as new data becomes available from user devices

[0100] and responders

[0300] , The server

[0200] processes and integrates this new data in real-time, providing all parties with the most current understanding of the evolving emergency situation. Responders

[0302] at the scene may initiate a rescue operation based on the information herein.

[0051] In the case of additional need, Request for Additional Responders

[0512] step is taken. Responders

[0302] can request additional assistance through their devices

[0300] , prompting the system to repeat steps 8-10 to notify and dispatch further responders with specific skills or equipment.

[0052] For complex emergencies, Responder Team Formation and Inter-Responder Communication

[0513] is facilitated. The server

[0200] forms responder teams

[0308] associated with a specific event and automatically generates dedicated communication sub-channels

[0310] for each team, enabling secure inter-team communication.

[0053] As the responding teams are formed, Direct Communication Channels Between User and Responders

[0514] can be established when necessary. The server

[0200] can create direct communication channels

[0312] between user and responder devices

[0300] , supporting text, image, video, voice, and push notification communication modes for coordinated information exchange.

[0054] Throughout the response process, Transmission of Analysis Results

[0515] occurs. The server

[0200] continuously transmits the results of its ongoing data analysis

[0238] to responder devices

[0300] , including updated emergency level estimations

[0230] and situational assessments, ensuring responders have access to the latest intelligence.

[0055] Finally, Secure Data Storage and Archiving

[0516] is implemented. The server

[0200] securely saves and archives all data associated with each emergency event, including declarations, multimedia data

[0122] , communication logs

[0240] , analysis results

[0238] , and responder updates, in encrypted format

[0242] for confidentiality and later authorized access.

[0056] A critical aspect of the emergency response system is its capability for Real-Time Emergency Development Tracking and Data Retrieval. This step ensures that the system not only initiates an effective response but also dynamically adapts to the evolving nature of the emergency and provides continuous access to relevant information throughout the incident lifecycle and beyond. The real-time tracking functionality is fundamentally driven by the continuous stream of data flowing into the system from both user devices

[0100] and responder devices

[0300] , User devices may continue to transmit updated information, such as further text descriptions, new photos or videos capturing the unfolding situation, and ongoing audio or video recordings that provide a live feed of events at the emergencyscene. Simultaneously, responder devices

[0300] contribute to real-time tracking by transmitting status updates, on-scene observations, reports, and potentially sensor data from their equipment. The central server

[0200] is designed to continuously process and analyze this influx of new data as it arrives. This constant processing ensures that the system's understanding of the emergency situation is not static but rather a dynamic and evolving representation of reality. As new data points are ingested, the server re-evaluates the emergency level

[0230] , refines its situational assessment, and updates all relevant information in near real-time. This dynamic tracking encompasses various aspects of the emergency's development. For example, changes in the emergency location

[0120] (if the user or incident is mobile) are tracked and reflected on the map interface

[0212] , The evolving description of the emergency, as captured through text, audio, and video, is continuously analyzed to detect changes in the nature or seventy of the situation. Responder actions and progress, as reported through responder devices, are also integrated into the real-time tracking, providing a comprehensive view of the ongoing response efforts. Furthermore, the results of the server's automated analysis

[0238] are themselves updated in real-time, reflecting the latest insights derived from the most recent data.

[0057] The Data Retrieval aspect of this step ensures that all this dynamically tracked information is readily accessible to authorized personnel. Emergency responders

[0302] actively involved in managing the incident require immediate access to the most current data to inform their actions and strategies on the ground. Through their responder devices

[0300] , they can retrieve real-time updates on the emergency development, access the latest analysis results, and review the chronological progression of events. Beyond real-time access for active responders, authorized personnel, such as incident commanders, supervisors, or post-incident investigators, also benefit from the data retrieval functionality. They can retrieve both real-time and historical data related to a specific emergency event. This historical data retrieval allows for a comprehensive review of the entire incident timeline, from initial declaration to resolution. Authorized users can access archived data, communication logs

[0240] , analysis results

[0238] , and responder reports to understand the complete sequence of events, evaluate the effectiveness of the response, and identify areas for improvement in futureemergency management. The purpose of this Real-Time Emergency Development Tracking and Data Retrieval step is multifaceted. Primarily, it empowers responders with up-to-the-minute situational awareness, enabling them to make informed decisions and adapt their response strategies dynamically as the emergency unfolds. Secondly, it provides a valuable record of the entire emergency event for post-incident analysis, training, and learning. This comprehensive data logging and retrieval capability contributes to continuous improvement in emergency response protocols and system effectiveness over time.

[0058] 56. The analysis performed to determine emergency parameters, as mentioned in Server Multimedia Data Processing

[0506] and Analysis and Server Emergency Level Estimation

[0507] , encompasses a wide range of factors. These include the nature of the emergency, the urgency of the emergency requiring immediate action, the criticality of the emergency and its potential impact, detection of the number of people affected by the emergency, estimation of vulnerabilities of those affected, prediction of the expected and unexpected continuation of the emergency, situational awareness providing a comprehensive understanding of the context, assessment of the response and its effectiveness particularly in partial response scenarios, and collection of evidences and media associated with the emergency for later analysis. These analyses are performed by running sophisticated detection algorithms

[0246] on the received data, utilizing techniques such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision to extract relevant insights and inform effective emergency response strategies. Reference Signs:

[0059] 57.

[0100] User Devices: Refers to the electronic devices used by individuals to declare emergencies and provide data. These can be smartphones, tablets, wearables, or dedicated emergency devices.

[0060] 58.

[0102] Graphical User Interface (GUI): This is the visual interface on the user device through which a user interacts with the emergency application to declare an emergency and input data.

[0061] 59.

[0104] Pre-loaded Application: Represents the software application installed on the user device that provides the emergency declaration functionality.

[0106] "Emergency" Button: This is a prominent button or icon on the user device's GUI that users can activate to quickly initiate an emergency declaration.

[0062]

[0108] Text Input: Refers to the text field provided on the user device's GUI where a user can optionally type a description of the emergency.

[0063]

[0110] Photo Capture: This indicates the functionality on the user device that allows users to capture and upload still images of the emergency scene.

[0064]

[0112] Video Recording: This refers to the feature on the user device enabling users to record and upload video footage of the emergency.

[0065]

[0114] Automatic Audio Recording: This is the function of the user device that automatically captures ambient sound upon emergency declaration to provide contextual audio information.

[0066]

[0116] Emergency Declaration Message: Represents the data signal transmitted from the user device to the server indicating that an emergency has been declared.

[0067]

[0118] Unique Sending Device Identifier: This is a unique code or identifier associated with the user device, used for authentication and tracking purposes by the system.

[0068]

[0120] Real-time Location Data: Refers to the geolocation information (e.g., GPS coordinates) obtained from the user device, indicating the location of the emergency.

[0069]

[0122] Multimedia Data: This is a general term referring to the various types of data (audio, video, images, text) that can be captured and transmitted from the user device related to the emergency.

[0070]

[0124] Continuous Audio and Video Recording: This describes the automatic and ongoing recording of audio and video on the user device after an emergency declaration, to capture evolving events.

[0071]

[0200] Central Server: Refers to the central server system that receives emergency declarations, processes data, manages responders, and coordinates the overall emergency response.

[0202] Processing Units: These are the computational components within the central server responsible for executing the data processing, analysis, and system control functions.

[0072]

[0204] Memory: This is the data storage component within the central server used to temporarily store data during processing and operations.

[0073]

[0206] Databases: Refers to the structured data storage within the central server, used for storing responder information, emergency records, historical data, and system configurations.

[0074]

[0208] Network Interfaces: These are the components of the central server that enable communication with user devices, responder devices, and other network systems.

[0075]

[0210] Mapping Module: This is a software component within the server responsible for geolocating emergency declarations and displaying them on a digital map interface.

[0076]

[0212] Digital Map Interface: This is the visual map display generated by the server, showing the locations of active emergencies and potentially other relevant information.

[0077]

[0214] Event Unification Module: This is a component within the server that analyzes emergency declarations to identify and group together reports likely related to the same event.

[0078]

[0216] Single Event Record: Refers to the consolidated record created by the server when multiple declarations are unified as belonging to the same emergency event.

[0079]

[0218] Comprehensive Data Processing and Analysis Module: This is the module within the server responsible for performing various analyses on the received multimedia data, including speech-to-text, video analysis, semantic analysis, and stress level detection.

[0080]

[0220] Speech-to-Text Conversion: This is the process of automatically converting audio data from user devices into text format, performed by the server.

[0081]

[0222] Video-to-Text Analysis: This is the process of analyzing video data to generate textual descriptions of the scene and to extract text from within thevideo using OCR.

[0224] OCR (Optical Character Recognition): Refers to the technology used within video-to-text analysis to recognize and extract text from images and video frames.

[0082]

[0226] Semantic Analysis and NLP (Natural Language Processing): These are techniques used by the server to understand the meaning and context of text data, assess urgency, and extract key information.

[0083]

[0228] Stress Level Analysis: This is the process of analyzing audio and potentially video data to detect indicators of stress, panic, or distress in a user's voice or expressions.

[0084]

[0230] Overall "Level of Emergency": This is the estimated severity score assigned by the server to each emergency event, based on data analysis and other factors.

[0085]

[0232] Rules, Algorithms, or Machine Learning Models: These are the methods used by the server to perform emergency level estimation, responder selection, and other intelligent functions.

[0086]

[0234] Database of Available Emergency Responders: This is the structured database maintained by the server containing information about registered emergency responders, their availability, skills, and location.

[0087]

[0236] Notification Message: This is the message sent by the server to notify selected emergency responders about a new emergency event, containing key details.

[0088]

[0238] Results of Data Analysis: Refers to the output of the server's data processing and analysis module, including emergency level estimations, situational assessments, and extracted information.

[0089]

[0240] Communication Logs: These are records of all communication events within the system, including messages between users and responders, and among responders, stored by the server.

[0090]

[0242] Encrypted Format: This indicates that sensitive emergency data is stored in an encrypted form to ensure confidentiality and security.

[0244] Documents and Reports: Refers to the reports and documents generated and saved by the system related to emergency events, including automated summaries and user-uploaded files.

[0091]

[0246] Detection Algorithms: This refers to the various algorithms and techniques used by the server to analyze data and detect emergency parameters, including machine learning, NLP, and computer vision algorithms.

[0092]

[0300] Responder Devices: Refers to the electronic devices used by emergency responders to receive notifications, access data, communicate, and update emergency status.

[0093]

[0302] Relevant Emergency Responders: Refers to the individual emergency responders who are selected and notified by the system based on the nature and location of an emergency.

[0094]

[0304] Acceptance or Refusal: This refers to the responder's action of accepting or declining an emergency notification through their responder device interface.

[0095]

[0306] Situational Awareness Picture: This refers to the comprehensive view of the emergency situation provided to responders, including data, analysis results, and real-time updates.

[0096]

[0308] Responder Teams: Refers to groups of responders formed by the system to coordinate response efforts for complex emergencies.

[0097]

[0310] Dedicated Communication Sub-channels: These are private communication channels created by the server for inter-responder team communication.

[0098]

[0312] Direct Communication Channels: These are communication links established by the server between user devices and responder devices for direct interaction and information exchange.

[0099] .

[0400] Communication Network: Refers to the network infrastructure (e.g., cellular, Wi-Fi, satellite) that enables communication between user devices, the server, and responder devices.

[0100] .

[0501] Step 1: Emergency Declaration via User Device GUI: Refers to the first step in the method flowchart, where the user initiates an emergency declaration through the user device interface..

[0502] Step 2: Transmission of Emergency Declaration and Data to Server:

[0101] Refers to the second step, where the user device transmits the emergency declaration and associated data to the server.

[0102] .

[0503] Step 3: Automatic Audio and Video Recording on User Device: Refers to the third step, where the user device automatically initiates recording after declaration.

[0103] .

[0504] Step 4: Server Geolocation and Mapping of Emergency Declarations: Refers to the fourth step, where the server geolocates and maps the received emergency declarations.

[0104] .

[0505] Step 5: Server Unification of Declarations for the Same Event: Refers to the fifth step, where the server attempts to unify multiple reports of the same emergency.

[0105] .

[0506] Step 6: Server Multimedia Data Processing and Analysis: Refers to the sixth step, where the server analyzes the multimedia data to extract relevant information.

[0106] .

[0507] Step 7: Server Emergency Level Estimation: Refers to the seventh step, where the server estimates the severity level of the emergency.

[0107] .

[0508] Step 8: Server Responder Notification: Refers to the eighth step, where the server notifies relevant emergency responders.

[0108] .

[0509] Step 9: Responder Evaluation and Acceptance / Refusal: Refers to the ninth step, where responders evaluate the emergency and decide to accept or refuse .

[0510] Step 10: Data Sharing Upon Responder Acceptance: Refers to the tenth step, where the server shares emergency data with accepted responders.

[0109] .

[0511] Step 11: Continuous Emergency Information Updates: Refers to the eleventh step, where the system continuously updates emergency information with new data.

[0110] .

[0512] Step 12: Request for Additional Responders: Refers to the twelfth step, where responders can request additional help if needed.

[0111] .

[0513] Step 13: Responder Team Formation and Inter-Responder Communication: Refers to the thirteenth step, where the system forms teamsand enables inter-team communication.

[0514] Step 14: Direct Communication Channels Between User and Responders: Refers to the fourteenth step, where direct channels can be established between users and responders.

[0112] 114.

[0515] Step 15: Transmission of Analysis Results: Refers to the fifteenth step, where the server transmits analysis results to responders.

[0113] 115.

[0516] Step 16: Secure Data Storage and Archiving: Refers to the sixteenth step, where the system securely stores and archives all emergency data.

[0114] 116.

[0517] Step 17: Real-Time Emergency Development Tracking and Data Retrieval:

[0115] Refers to the seventeenth step, where the system tracks emergency development and allows data retrieval.

[0116] 117.

[0518] Step 18: Document Saving and Reporting: Refers to the eighteenth step, where the system facilitates document and report creation and saving related to emergencies.

[0117] Description of the Drawings

[0118] 118. FIG. 1 is a system architecture diagram illustrating the key components of the real-time emergency detection and response system. This diagram provides a high-level overview of the system's structure, depicting the main interacting elements. It visually represents the user devices

[0100] , the central server

[0200] , and the responder devices

[0300] as distinct entities, and clearly shows the communication network

[0400] facilitating data exchange between them. The diagram aims to establish the system's overall architecture and the relationships between its core components, setting the stage for a more detailed understanding of the invention's operation. By visualizing the system's infrastructure, FIG. 1 helps the reader grasp the physical and logical organization of the proposed emergency response system.

[0119] 119. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the method for real-time emergency detection and response. This flowchart outlines the sequence of operations performed by the system, detailing the process from emergency declaration to data archiving. Starting with "Emergency Declaration via User Device GUI"

[0501] , the flowchart progresses through steps like data transmission, server analysis, responder notification, data sharing, and continuous updates, culminating in datastorage and reporting. Each step in the flowchart corresponds to a specific stage in the emergency response process, providing a clear and sequential representation of the method. The flowchart is instrumental in understanding the temporal flow of actions and the logical dependencies between different stages of the invention's operation, offering a process-oriented perspective.

[0120] . FIG. 3 is a user interface diagram illustrating an example graphical user interface on a user device for declaring an emergency and providing multimedia data. This figure focuses on the user's interaction with the system, showcasing a potential design for the emergency application interface on a user device

[0100] , It depicts key GUI elements such as the prominent "Emergency" button

[0106] for rapid activation, and input fields or icons for optional text input

[0108] , photo capture

[0110] , and video recording

[0112] , The diagram emphasizes the ease of use and accessibility of the emergency declaration function, highlighting the user-friendly design of the interface. By visualizing the user interface, FIG. 3 aids in understanding how individuals would interact with the system to initiate an emergency report and contribute relevant data.

[0121] . FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the server's data processing and analysis modules. This diagram delves into the internal workings of the central server

[0200] , focusing on the components responsible for data analysis and interpretation. It showcases key modules such as the speech-to-text conversion module

[0220] , video analysis module

[0222] including OCR

[0224] , semantic analysis and NLP module

[0226] , and stress level analysis module

[0228] , The diagram demonstrates how the server processes the incoming multimedia data

[0122] to extract meaningful information and derive insights about the nature and urgency of the emergency. By visualizing the data processing pipeline within the server, FIG. 4 clarifies the intelligent analysis capabilities of the invention and how raw data is transformed into actionable intelligence.

[0122] . FIG. 5 is a map interface displayed to responders, showing the location of emergencies and relevant emergency data. This figure illustrates the situational awareness provided to emergency responders

[0302] through a map-based interface. It depicts a digital map interface

[0212] displaying geolocated emergency declarations, potentially represented by markers or icons indicating the location of each incident. The figure may also show how relevant emergencydata, such as the estimated emergency level

[0230] or summaries of analyzed information, can be overlaid or accessed through the map interface. The diagram emphasizes the real-time geospatial visualization of emergencies, enabling responders to quickly understand the distribution of incidents and plan their response strategies effectively. By visualizing the map interface, FIG. 5 highlights the system's ability to provide responders with a dynamic and geographically contextualized view of the emergency landscape.

Claims

Claims1. A method for real-time emergency detection and response, comprising the steps of:a. receiving, at a central server [200] from a user device [100], an emergency declaration signal [116] and associated multimedia data [122] including location information [120] and at least one of: audio data, video data, image data, and text data;b. automatically analyzing, by the data processing and analysis module [218] of the server [200], the received multimedia data [122] to determine at least one emergency parameter, including an estimated emergency level [230], wherein the analyzing comprises at least one of: speech-to- text conversion [220], video analysis [222] for scene description, and semantic analysis and natural language processing [226] for urgency assessment;c. identifying, by the server [200] using a database of available emergency responders [234], at least one relevant emergency responder [302] based on the determined emergency parameter and responder availability and expertise stored in the database;d. notifying the identified emergency responder [302] of the emergency via a notification message [236] transmitted to a responder device [300]; ande. providing, to the identified emergency responder [302] upon acceptance [304] of the notification, access to the received multimedia data [122] and results of data analysis [238] via the responder device [300],2. The method of claim 1, wherein the associated multimedia data [122] further comprises continuously recorded audio and video data [124] from the user device [100] initiated automatically upon emergency declaration.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the video analysis [222] further comprises optical character recognition (OCR) [224] to extract text from the video data.

4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of unifying, by an event unification module [214] of the server [200], multiple emergency declarations originating from proximate locations within a predetermined time period as a single event record [216],5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of establishing a direct communication channel [312] between the user device [100] and the responder device [300] for real-time communication, including at least one of: text messaging, voice communication, and video communication.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of automatically analyzing further comprises stress level analysis [228] of audio or video data to detect indicators of user distress.

7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of geolocating and mapping [504], by a mapping module [210] of the server [200], the emergency declaration on a digital map interface [212],8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of tracking real-time emergency development [517] by continuously processing updated data from user devices [100] and responder devices [300] and updating the emergency parameters and situational awareness information.

9. A system for real-time emergency detection and response, comprising:a. a user device [100] configured to:i. generate an emergency declaration signal [116] via a graphical user interface (GUI) [102];ii. capture associated multimedia data [122] including location information [120] and at least one of: audio data, video data, image data, and text data; andiii. transmit the emergency declaration signal [116] and associated multimedia data [122];b. a central server [200] in communication with the user device [100], configured to:i. receive the emergency declaration signal [116] and associated multimedia data [122];ii. automatically analyze the received multimedia data [122] using a data processing and analysis module [218] to determine at least one emergency parameter, including an estimated emergency level [230], wherein the analysis comprises at least one of: speech-to-text conversion [220], video analysis [222] for scene description, and semantic analysis and natural language processing [226] for urgency assessment;iii. identify at least one relevant emergency responder [302] using a database of available emergency responders [234] based on the determined emergency parameter and responder availability and expertise stored in the database; iv. notify the identified emergency responder [302] of the emergency via a notification message [236] transmitted to a responder device [300]; andv. provide, to the identified emergency responder [302] upon acceptance [304] of the notification, access to the received multimedia data [122] and results of data analysis [238] via the responder device [300]; andc. a responder device [300] configured to:i. receive emergency notifications via a notification message [236] from the server [200]; andii. access emergency data and analysis results [238] from the server [200],10. The system of claim 9, wherein the server [200] further comprises an event unification module [214] configured to unify multiple emergency declarations originating from proximate locations within a predetermined time period as a single event record [216],11. The system of claim 9, wherein the server [200] is further configured to establish a direct communication channel [312] between the user device [100] and the responder device [300],12. The system of claim 9, wherein the user device [100] is a mobile phone with a pre-loaded emergency application [104] and a dedicated "Emergency" button [106] on the GUI [102],13. The system of claim 9, wherein the server [200] comprises modules for:speech-to-text conversion [220], video analysis [222], semantic analysis and natural language processing [226], responder management utilizing the database of available emergency responders [234], and a mapping module [210] for geolocating and mapping [504] emergencies on a digital map interface [212],14. The system of claim 9, wherein the responder device [300] is configured to transmit responder status updates and on-scene observations to the server [200] for real-time emergency development tracking [517],15. A central server [200] for a real-time emergency detection and response system, the server [200] comprising:a. a network interface [208] configured to receive an emergency declaration signal [116] and associated multimedia data [122] from a user device [100], the multimedia data [122] including location information [120] and at least one of: audio data, video data, image data, and text data;b. a data processing and analysis module [218] configured to automatically analyze the received multimedia data [122] to determine at least one emergency parameter, including an estimated emergency level [230], wherein the analysis comprises at least one of: speech-to-text conversion [220], video analysis [222] for scene description, and semantic analysis and natural language processing [226] for urgency assessment;c. a database of available emergency responders [234] storing information on responder availability and expertise;d. a responder management module configured to identify at least one relevant emergency responder [302] from the database [234] based on the determined emergency parameter and responder availability and expertise, and to generate a notification message [236];e. a notification transmission module configured to transmit the notification message [236] to a responder device [300] associated with the identified emergency responder [302]; andf. a data access control module configured to provide, upon receiving an acceptance [304] signal from the responder device [300], access to the received multimedia data [122] and results of data analysis [238] to the responder device [300], 16. The central server [200] of claim 15, further comprising an event unification module [214] configured to unify multiple emergency declarations originating from proximate locations within a predetermined time period as a single event record [216],17. The central server [200] of claim 15, further comprising a mapping module [210] configured to geolocate and map [504] emergency declarations on a digital map interface [212],18. The central server [200] of claim 15, wherein the data processing and analysis module [218] is further configured to perform stress level analysis [228] of audio or video data to detect indicators of user distress.

19. A user device [100] for a real-time emergency detection and response system, the user device [100] comprising:a. a graphical user interface (GUI) [102] including a dedicated "Emergency" button [106] configured to initiate an emergency declaration;b. a location sensor configured to determine location information [120];c. a multimedia capture module configured to capture associated multimedia data [122] including at least one of: audio data via amicrophone, video data and image data via a camera, and text data via a text input interface [108];d. a communication module configured to transmit an emergency declaration signal [116] and the captured associated multimedia data [122], including the location information [120], to a central server [200]; ande. an automatic recording module configured to automatically initiate continuous audio and video recording [124] upon activation of the "Emergency" button [106],20. The user device [100] of claim 19, wherein the multimedia capture module is configured to capture the associated multimedia data [122] selectively based on user input via the GUI [102],21. The user device [100] of claim 19, wherein the communication module is configured to establish a direct communication channel [312] with a responder device [300] upon instruction from the central server [200], 22. A responder device [300] for a real-time emergency detection and response system, the responder device [300] comprising:a. a network interface configured to receive a notification message [236] from a central server [200] indicating an emergency event and including an estimated emergency level [230] and location information [120];b. a notification display module configured to present the notification message [236] to an emergency responder;c. a responder input module configured to receive an acceptance or refusal [304] input from the emergency responder in response to the notification message [236] and to transmit an acceptance or refusal signal to the central server [200];d. a data access module configured to request and receive access to associated multimedia data [122] and results of data analysis [238] related to the emergency event from the central server [200] upon transmitting an acceptance signal; ande. a communication module configured to transmit responder status updates and on-scene observations to the central server [200] for real-time emergency development tracking [517], 23. The responder device [300] of claim 22, further comprising a map display module configured to display a digital map interface [212] showing the emergency location [120] and potentially locations of other responders.

24. The responder device [300] of claim 22, wherein the communication module is configured to establish a direct communication channel [312] with a user device [100] associated with the emergency event.

Images