Distributed Disaster Detection Using Personal Device Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disaster and crime detection systems are not interactive with the public, failing to provide timely and context-specific information to individuals affected by natural disasters or criminal activities, as they rely on stationary sensors rather than distributed personal electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A system that collects data from geographically distributed personal electronic devices, such as mobile phones, to detect natural disasters and criminal activities, and sends information or commands to affected devices and third parties, including control systems, to facilitate response and assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stationary seismic monitoring systems are used to detect natural disasters, then detection capability is provided, but interactivity with the public and provision of contextual information is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables affected individuals to receive automated, context-specific disaster information and guidance directly on their personal devices without requiring interaction with stationary monitoring systems. The distributed devices self-organize to provide both detection and public-facing information services simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Personal electronic devices serve multiple functions: they act as both detection sensors for disaster monitoring and as information delivery channels to the public. This multi-functionality eliminates the separation between detection systems and public communication systems.
2Reliability
If sensors are deployed on official vehicles to detect criminal activity, then detection capability is improved, but real-time information provision to the public is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback loop where detection data from distributed devices is processed and immediately fed back to affected individuals through their own devices. This creates real-time information flow from detection to public notification, eliminating information delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from centralized detection on official vehicles to a distributed detection network across the population. This dimensional shift from point-based to area-based detection simultaneously improves coverage and enables direct information delivery to affected individuals.
3Reliability
If centralized disaster detection systems are used, then detection function is provided, but response time and contextual information delivery to affected individuals is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection and communication functions across multiple distributed devices rather than using a single centralized system. Each device independently processes local data and provides localized information, enabling parallel processing and immediate response to affected individuals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the affected individuals' own personal electronic devices as intermediaries for both detection and information delivery. This eliminates the need for separate communication infrastructure and enables direct, immediate information provision to those most in need.
Data Source
AI summary
A disaster detection system may include a device processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium including instructions executable by the device processor to perform the following steps: receiving data from a plurality of geographically distributed personal electronic devices; determining, based on the data received from the personal electronic devices, that a disaster has occurred; and sending information pertaining to the disaster to one or more of the personal electronic devices.