Connected Beach Warning Towers for Real-Time Hazard Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beach safety systems are inefficient and resource-intensive, relying on manual flag changes that are slow to adapt to changing weather conditions, often fail to accurately reflect real-time beach dangers, and lack effective methods for real-time communication of advanced weather data to beachgoers, leading to significant human and financial costs in rescues and drownings.
Innovation Solution
A beach safety system (BSDS) utilizing a network of connected devices and sensors that collect real-time weather data, including wave height, angle, and meteotsunami potential, and use a rules engine to provide smart guidance through visual and audible alerts, integrated with AI for improved risk assessment and emergency response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual flag changing is used to signal beach conditions, then the system is simple and low-cost, but the response time is slow and resource consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical flag-changing system with an automated electronic system that uses sensors, processors, and electronic displays to automatically monitor weather conditions and communicate beach safety information, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly reducing response time
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-communication of beach conditions through automated sensors and processing units that continuously evaluate weather data and trigger appropriate safety signals without requiring human operation, enabling the system to serve itself in real-time
2Measurement precision
If weather station sensors located several miles away are used, then the system has fewer local components, but the measurement precision is insufficient for accurate beach conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring system into distributed sensor units positioned at multiple locations around the beach, with each sensor independently measuring local conditions such as wave height, water temperature, and wind speed, thereby achieving accurate localized measurements while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously, with a single sensor unit capable of detecting various weather and ocean conditions, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment and maintaining system simplicity while providing comprehensive accurate data
3Reliability
If advanced weather data collection and AI processing is implemented, then the reliability of safety information is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central processing unit as an intermediary between the sensor network and the output displays, which collects data from multiple sensors, processes it through AI algorithms, and generates safety recommendations, thereby improving reliability through sophisticated analysis while managing complexity through a centralized processing architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensor data is constantly monitored, processed by AI algorithms, and used to update safety signals in real-time, creating a dynamic response system that adapts to changing conditions and improves reliability through continuous learning and adjustment based on observed patterns
4Productivity
If multiple sensors and electronic devices are deployed, then the productivity of safety monitoring is improved, but the loss of energy and resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system operates in periodic cycles, with sensors activating to collect data at predetermined intervals rather than continuously, and the processing unit analyzing data only when new measurements are available, thereby maintaining high monitoring productivity while significantly reducing overall energy consumption through duty cycling
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational parameters based on environmental conditions, with sensors and processing activities increasing intensity during high-risk periods when dangerous conditions are detected and reducing activity during low-risk periods, optimizing the balance between monitoring productivity and energy consumption through adaptive parameter modification
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed in this document are beach safety devices, beach safety systems, and methods of use referred herein as BSDS. The BSDS utilizes various connected, electronic tools that improve the safety, operational efficiency, and emergency response time of a designated beach. In one form, the BSDS utilizes a visual warning system utilizing a colored warning light language. The BSDS comprises at least one central command tower CCT having various combinations of warning lights, audio generator, an emergency button, a life ring handle detector, and a beach monitoring module to process and initiate a response to beach condition data and emergency signals. Some embodiments further comprise one or more zone emergency towers networked with the CCT that are spread across the beach front or pier to extend the safety coverage across the beach. Other BSDS peripherals include a life ring node, a modular buoy node, a sensor buoy node.