Location Aware Beacon Alerting System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack an efficient method to electronically notify individuals in proximity to a location where assistance is needed in a timely manner, which is critical for situations like medical emergencies or security incidents.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing wireless radio, sound, and/or light-based beacons to broadcast configurable alert signals to smartphones and other electronic devices, allowing for real-time notification and registration of potential responders through a notification escalation system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If wireless beacons broadcast alert signals to notify individuals in proximity, then the response time to emergencies is reduced, but the system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing individuals to automatically register as potential responders when they receive alert signals from beacons. The notification escalation system autonomously manages the registration and notification processes without requiring manual system configuration for each potential responder, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining rapid response capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-registering individuals as potential responders before emergencies occur. When beacons broadcast alert signals, the system has already established a pool of available responders in the vicinity, enabling immediate notification and response without the need for real-time system setup or manual coordination
2Area of stationary object
If the signal strength is increased to expand the range of alert notification, then more individuals can be notified, but the energy consumption and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by configuring different signal strength levels for different alert types and locations. Instead of using a uniform high-power signal everywhere, the beacons adjust their transmission power based on the specific characteristics of each location and the urgency of the alert, thereby expanding notification range only where necessary while conserving energy in other areas
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics by making signal strength configurable and adaptable rather than fixed. The beacons can dynamically adjust their transmission power based on factors such as alert type, time to respond requirements, and location characteristics, allowing the notification range to expand or contract as needed without permanently increasing energy consumption
3Reliability
If multiple alert notification methods are provided (visual, audible, vibration), then the reliability of alert delivery is improved, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies universality by implementing multiple alert notification methods (visual messages on display, audible alerts, vibration) within a single integrated software application. This multi-functional approach ensures that at least one notification method will effectively reach the user regardless of their current situation, improving alert delivery reliability without requiring separate devices for each notification type
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for electronic notification of a person(s) in proximity to a given location at the time assistance is needed. A networked system of wireless radio, sound and/or light-based beacons are provided for communicating with a person's smartphone, computer system, or other electronic device. Wireless radio, sound and/or light-based beacons selectively broadcast a configurable data set within a given area of the beacon. The strength of the signal can vary depending on the alert type, time to respond requirements and specific characteristics of the location that would affect the time to respond. Software running on the person's smartphone, computer system, tablet or other electronic device preferably receives the signal(s) broadcast by the wireless radio, sound and/or light-based beacons and decoding the data set broadcast. Depending on the configuration of the system, the decoded data set can cause the software to provide an alert to the person, which can include, but is not limited to, the location and type of alert. The alert may take the form of a visual message on the display of the person's smartphone, computer system, or other electronic device, an audible alert, vibration, and/or other available alerting mechanism on the person's smartphone, computer system or other electronic device.