Allergen warning system and method
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems are inadequate in reliably reducing the risk of allergen transfer from one individual to another within shared indoor spaces, as they rely on manual techniques that are partially effective and costly automated solutions that only address shoe-borne pollutants.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising user devices with tracking and allergen-sensing capabilities, coupled with a database and controller that determine allergen exposure risks based on movement data and sensitivity profiles, providing warnings and controlling air treatment devices to mitigate allergen transfer between individuals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual techniques are used to reduce pollutants brought into indoor environment, then individuals can reduce allergen transfer, but the techniques are only partially effective and rely on individual awareness
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors allergen levels and identifies individuals carrying allergens without requiring manual intervention. The wearable devices self-report location and allergen exposure data, and the system automatically generates warnings and advice, eliminating the need for individuals to manually track or report their allergen status.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual monitoring and awareness techniques are replaced with automated electronic monitoring systems. Wearable devices with sensors continuously track allergen exposure and location data, substituting human awareness with automated detection and reporting mechanisms that provide real-time information to both individuals and healthcare professionals.
2Reliability
If automated products are used to reduce pollutants from shoes, then pollutant ingress is reduced, but the products are expensive and only address shoe-borne pollutants
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device serves multiple functions: it monitors allergen exposure levels, tracks location data, identifies individuals carrying allergens, and provides warnings to both the individual and healthcare professionals. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate specialized devices for different pollutant sources.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than attempting to address all possible pollutant sources with complex expensive systems, the invention focuses on monitoring and managing the specific risk of allergen-carrying individuals through wearable sensors that track exposure and location, providing targeted intervention where it is most needed.
3Reliability
If tracking systems and automated monitoring are implemented, then allergen transfer risks are reliably identified, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the monitoring function into distributed wearable devices worn by individual patients, each independently tracking their own allergen exposure and location. This segmentation allows the complex monitoring task to be distributed across multiple simple units rather than requiring a single complex centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses standardized wearable device templates that can be replicated across multiple patients. Each device follows the same design and functionality, allowing for scalable deployment without increasing per-unit complexity. The data structures and warning algorithms are also replicated and adapted for each user rather than customized individually.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for warning of an exposure of a second individual to an allergen by transfer from a first individual. Movements of the individuals are tracked so that allergen types and levels to which the individuals have been exposed can be obtained. Using knowledge of user sensitivity information to different allergens, it is determined if the first individual has been exposed to allergen types and levels which pose a risk to the second individual by GPS transfer from the first individual to the second individual. Thus, action can be taken when there is a determined risk of allergen transfer between individuals.