Crisis Notification System Using Wearable Pendants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing notification systems in public and private buildings are inadequate for quickly and reliably informing first responders and individuals of security crises, such as acts of terrorism or armed intruders, leading to delayed responses and increased risk of harm.
Innovation Solution
A scalable and flexible crisis notification system that uses point-identifiable security crisis alarms, integrating with existing systems like fire alarm systems, to provide real-time location information and additional data like video and audio to first responders through wearable pendants, push buttons, and sensors, ensuring rapid notification and response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If existing notification systems (fire alarms, security alarms) are used, then the system can be integrated with existing infrastructure, but the response time is delayed and location precision is insufficient for security crises
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system is segmented into multiple independent components: wearable pendants, fixed alarm pulls, wireless transmitters, and notification devices distributed throughout the facility. This segmentation allows the system to provide precise location identification and rapid notification without relying on a single centralized system, thereby reducing response time and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the dimension of wearable technology and wireless communication to traditional fixed alarm systems. By incorporating pendants and mobile devices that can be activated anywhere in the facility, the system transitions from a static, location-fixed notification approach to a dynamic, mobile-based approach, enabling faster and more precise location-based notification.
2Loss of time
If manual alarm pulls are placed throughout the building, then individuals can notify others quickly, but the system lacks point-identifiable location information for first responders
Solution Approach 1:
The alarm pull devices are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as notification initiators and as location identifiers. Each pull station is equipped with unique identification capabilities (such as wireless communication modules or coded signals) that provide precise location information to first responders while maintaining the simple function of initiating the alarm, thus eliminating the trade-off between quick notification and location accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses wearable pendants and mobile devices as portable copies of the alarm system that can be activated by individuals anywhere in the facility. These portable copies carry unique identification data that allows them to function as both notification devices and location markers, providing immediate notification with accurate location information without requiring fixed infrastructure at every possible location.
3Measurement precision
If a dedicated security crisis notification system is implemented, then location precision and response speed improve, but device complexity and integration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the functions of notification initiation, location identification, and communication into integrated devices such as wearable pendants and smart alarm pulls. By combining these functions into single units rather than using separate systems, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high location precision and rapid response capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces wireless communication modules and digital identification technologies as intermediary elements that bridge the gap between simple alarm pulls and complex location-tracking systems. These intermediaries enable basic alarm devices to provide precise location information without requiring complex infrastructure, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving the desired precision.
4Ease of manufacture
If existing alarm systems are used, then installation and maintenance are simpler, but the system cannot provide real-time location data and additional context to first responders
Solution Approach 1:
The alarm pull devices and wearable pendants are designed as universal multi-functional units that combine notification, location identification, and information transmission capabilities. These devices can be integrated with existing alarm infrastructure while adding the ability to provide real-time location data and crisis context to first responders, thus maintaining installation simplicity while enhancing information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures alarm devices and wearable technology with location identification capabilities and communication protocols before deployment. This preliminary setup allows the system to provide rich location and context information automatically when activated, without requiring complex installation or configuration, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving comprehensive information provision.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system and methods for notifying first responders of a security crisis or threat. The alarm system can be scaled to allow the alarm system to be used effectively in facilities of differing sizes and layouts. The system is also flexible, enabling the system to integrate with currently existing systems or to operate with new devices.