Covert Mode Status Propagation for Public Safety Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an improved method to intelligently change and propagate a covert mode status among public safety devices, such as police vehicles and officers' clothing, to effectively switch between covert and non-covert states for stealth or visibility purposes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing computing devices connected via networks (PAN, VAN, LAN, WAN, AHN, or DTN) to detect triggers and switch externally-perceivable outputs (lights, text, audio) between covert and non-covert states, and transmit status change messages to other devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manually switching covert mode status for each device individually, then each device can maintain operational control, but the complexity of coordination and time required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the covert mode control of multiple devices into a unified system where a single triggering device can propagate status changes to multiple other devices simultaneously. The computing device combines the functions of individual device control with networked coordination, allowing one device to act as a central coordinator that sends status change messages to multiple target devices through communication networks, thereby reducing operational complexity and time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the covert mode control function into independent controllable units (devices with externally-perceivable outputs) that can be individually targeted by status change messages. Each device maintains its own state (covert or non-covert) but can be controlled remotely through networked communication, allowing selective propagation to specific devices or groups of devices based on operational needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If using formal police attire and marked vehicles for visibility, then identification and deterrent effects are enhanced, but the ability to operate covertly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by enabling devices to switch between covert and non-covert states based on operational requirements. Externally-perceivable outputs (lights, text displays, audio devices) can be dynamically activated or deactivated through computed control signals, allowing the same physical device to adapt its visibility characteristics in real-time without requiring physical changes to the vehicle or equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of externally-perceivable outputs by controlling their activation states. The computing device modifies parameters such as light emission, text display visibility, and audio output based on the desired covert or non-covert mode, thereby achieving operational flexibility through parameter control rather than physical transformation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hiding or covering externally-perceivable indications for covert operations, then stealth is improved, but the ability to provide identification and deterrent effects is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where devices automatically adjust their visibility states based on received status change messages. Once a device is configured with externally-perceivable outputs and network connectivity, it can autonomously switch between covert and non-covert modes without requiring manual physical adjustments, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A process for triggering and propagating a covert mode status change includes maintaining one or more first devices having externally-perceivable outputs in a covert state in which one or more indications of law enforcement activity are caused to be hidden or inactivated. In response to subsequently detecting a covert mode status change trigger, causing the one or more externally-perceivable outputs to switch from the covert state to the non-covert state when the covert mode status change trigger is detected and causing, by the computing device, the one or more externally-perceivable outputs to switch from the non-covert state to the covert state when the covert mode status change trigger is detected and transmitting via one or more networks a covert mode status change trigger message to a second computing device maintaining one or more second devices having second externally-perceivable outputs to switch from the covert state to the non-covert state.