Consumer Communication Device Emergency Alert Dissemination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detection devices in residential or commercial settings lack an effective means to communicate emergency alerts to all occupants, especially when multiple devices are present, and do not utilize consumer communication devices like TVs for additional alerting mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Enhanced detection devices equipped with wireless local area network technology can communicate with each other and with consumer communication devices like Ethernet-connected TVs to alert occupants through various methods, including audio, visual, and text notifications, even when the devices are in standby mode, ensuring comprehensive alert dissemination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If enhanced detection devices communicate only with each other via WiFi, then device-to-device alerting is achieved, but alert coverage is limited to only those with detection devices present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a consumer communication device (CCD) such as a TV or smartphone as an intermediary between the detection device and occupants. The CCD receives emergency alerts via WiFi from the detection device and presents them through its own communication capabilities (display, audio, text messages), thereby extending alert coverage to areas where detection devices may not be physically present and providing diverse notification methods.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple enhanced detectors are deployed throughout a structure, then alert coverage area increases, but device complexity and network requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the consumer communication device multi-functional by enabling it to serve both as a regular consumer device and as an emergency alert notification device. The CCD maintains its primary functions while also receiving and presenting emergency alerts, eliminating the need for dedicated detection devices in every location and simplifying network requirements.
3Reliability
If detection devices use standard alerting methods only, then device simplicity is maintained, but alert effectiveness and occupant awareness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds another dimension to alerting by utilizing the display and audio capabilities of the consumer communication device. Instead of relying solely on acoustic alarms from the detection device, the system presents alerts through visual displays, audio outputs, and text messages, creating a multi-sensory notification system that enhances alert effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for operating an enhanced detection device are described including detecting an emergency alert in a protected structure, performing a first determination if the emergency alert is to be forwarded to other enhanced detection devices within the protected structure, forwarding the emergency alert to other enhanced detection devices within the protected structure responsive to the first determination, notifying occupants of the protected structure using capabilities of the enhanced detection device, performing a second determination if the emergency alert is to be forwarded to a consumer communication device and forwarding the emergency alert to the consumer communication device. Also described are a method and apparatus for operating a consumer communication device including receiving an emergency alert and notifying a user of the consumer communication device of a time, location and nature of the emergency alert.