Detector-to-Detector Alert Propagation in Hazardous Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current environmental condition detection systems, such as portable gas detectors, often fail to promptly alert nearby individuals or emergency services when a user enters a hazardous environment alone, and the dissemination of safety alerts can be limited by the presence of an attendant or the user's disability.
Innovation Solution
A network of detectors equipped with environmental condition detection circuitry, data processing, and wireless communication capabilities that allow for ad hoc communication and self-forming networks to quickly disseminate alert notifications among users and devices, including location and biometric data, with indicators for alert propagation levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a portable gas detector is used for personal safety monitoring, then the user is alerted to unsafe environmental conditions, but the alert cannot reach other individuals or emergency services when the user is alone or disabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary devices (other detectors, smartphones, base stations) that act as mediators to relay alert information from the affected user to emergency services and other individuals. When a detector alerts a user who is alone or disabled, the alert is transmitted through wireless communication to intermediary devices within range, which then propagate the alert further to ensure reliable delivery to emergency responders.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service alert propagation where detectors automatically transmit alerts to other detectors and devices without requiring manual intervention from the affected user. The detectors autonomously form ad hoc networks and relay alert information through multiple hops, allowing the system to self-manage the alert dissemination process even when the original user cannot act.
2Reliability
If an attendant is stationed outside the confined space to monitor for emergencies, then emergency notification can be provided, but the system becomes dependent on the attendant's availability and responsiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The detectors are equipped with autonomous capabilities to automatically detect hazardous conditions and transmit alerts through wireless communication networks without requiring an attendant's intervention. The system self-manages the entire alert process from detection to notification of emergency services, eliminating dependence on human attendants while maintaining operational simplicity for the users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes feedback loops where detectors continuously monitor environmental conditions and automatically communicate status information to other detectors, base stations, and emergency services. When hazardous conditions are detected, the feedback mechanism triggers automatic alert transmission and propagation through the network, ensuring reliable emergency notification without human intervention.
3Speed
If alert information is transmitted only to a centralized server or base station, then the system architecture is simplified, but the speed and widespread dissemination of alerts is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the alert dissemination function across multiple distributed detectors that each act as independent nodes in the network. Instead of relying on a single centralized server, each detector can receive and re-transmit alerts to other detectors within range, creating a distributed mesh network that propagates alerts rapidly throughout the area through multiple parallel paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a spatial dimension to alert propagation by enabling direct peer-to-peer wireless communication between detectors in proximity. This creates a multi-dimensional alert dissemination pathway that combines direct transmission to base stations with lateral transmission between detectors, allowing alerts to spread rapidly across the physical space occupied by multiple users.
4Loss of information
If the detector network forms ad hoc connections between devices, then alert propagation reaches more users quickly, but the communication protocol and network management become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The detectors autonomously perform network discovery, connection establishment, and alert routing functions without requiring complex centralized management. Each detector automatically identifies other detectors within wireless range, establishes ad hoc connections, and determines optimal relay paths for alert transmission. This self-service approach to network management reduces the need for complex protocol overhead while ensuring reliable alert delivery.
Data Source
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AI summary
An alert system and method includes at least first and second detectors that each includes environmental condition detection circuitry, data processing circuitry, and wireless communication circuitry. The first and second detectors are respectively carried by first and second users. The first and second detectors detect environmental conditions in a vicinity of the respective detectors and communicate detection data to the respective data processing circuitry. In response to detection of a hazardous environmental condition by the first detector, the first detector provides an alert notification to the first user and communicates the alert to the second detector via wireless communication, and in response to receipt of an alert from the first detector, the second detector transmits the alert to another detector or device via wireless communication. A communicated or transmitted alert may include an incrementing indicator of a number of hops or levels of transmission of the alert.