Real-time Crisis Headcount via Wireless Acknowledgement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for accounting people during a crisis event are unreliable, ineffective, and unable to meet federal regulations, as they rely on manual counts prone to human error and are not automated, making it difficult to track individuals in real-time, especially in the first sixty minutes after an event.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent real-time headcount system using wireless communication devices, such as transceivers, laptops, and cell phones, that send alert signals to individuals associated with a crisis site, allowing them to acknowledge their status and update a central checklist, with backup procedures to account for unresponsive individuals, including next of kin or colleagues, and operates independently of the site's IT systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual headcount methods are used, then the system is simple to implement, but the reliability and real-time accuracy are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical headcount methods with an automated electronic system using wireless transceivers, servers, and communication networks. This substitution eliminates human error in manual counting while maintaining relative simplicity through standardized electronic components and protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic self-accounting where individuals automatically respond to headcount signals and update their status without manual intervention. The system automatically tracks, communicates with, and accounts for all persons through automated electronic processes, eliminating the need for manual enumeration.
2Reliability
If automated electronic systems are used, then the headcount reliability improves, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex headcount system into separate functional modules: wireless transceiver devices for individuals, a central server for processing, communication networks for transmission, and interface systems for data entry. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and independent while the overall system achieves high reliability.
3Extent of automation
If electronic wiring systems are used for headcount, then automation is achieved, but the systems are vulnerable to disruption during crises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary layer between the headcount system and the physical environment. Wireless transceivers communicate through electromagnetic waves rather than direct physical wiring, creating a resilient communication channel that operates independently of the physical infrastructure that may be damaged during crises.
4Productivity
If manual headcount processes are used, then the system is easy to operate, but the time required to account for all persons is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous automated headcount operation where the server continuously sends signals and receives responses from all registered persons. This continuous automated process eliminates interruptions and delays inherent in manual counting, achieving both high speed and ease of operation through automated workflows.
Data Source
AI summary
A real time automatic headcount system is configured with a portable transmitter operated by a crisis coordinator and operable to output an alert signal which is received by a plurality of receivers which are coupled to respective persons associated with a crisis-event site. The receivers each generate an acknowledgement signal transmitted via a central processing unit to the transmitter. Upon receiving the acknowledgement signal, the central processing unit is operable to update a check list of all person associated with the crisis-event site, identify those who have not been accounted for and implement back up procedures for locating and accounting for the previously unaccounted for persons in real time.