Dynamic Emergency Routing for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Static emergency routing plans fail to account for the exact location of an emergency event and current conditions such as the nature of the event and the number of individuals in proximity, leading to inefficient evacuation strategies.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic emergency routing system that determines routing instructions based on the type and location of an emergency event, as well as the estimated locations of mobile devices within an enclosed area, using a remote server to transmit tailored instructions to mobile devices for efficient evacuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static emergency routing maps are posted throughout a structure, then individuals can see exit locations, but the routing cannot adapt to the actual location and type of emergency events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static emergency routing maps into dynamic routing instructions that adapt in real-time based on emergency event location, type, and individual position. The system continuously updates routing guidance depending on the detected emergency conditions and the user's current location, making the routing system flexible and responsive rather than fixed and unchanging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the user's location via mobile device GPS and comparing it with the emergency event location and type. Based on this feedback loop, the system dynamically adjusts and updates the routing instructions provided to the user, ensuring the guidance remains optimal as conditions change or as the user moves through the structure.
2Productivity
If static routing maps are used, then the system is simple to implement, but evacuation efficiency decreases when emergencies occur near posted exits
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing communication channels and routing algorithms before emergencies occur. Mobile devices are positioned and ready to receive signals, and the system is pre-configured to rapidly generate and transmit updated routing instructions when emergencies are detected, minimizing the time lost during the transition from static to dynamic routing.
3Productivity
If dynamic routing based on mobile device locations is implemented, then evacuation efficiency improves, but system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mobile devices as intermediaries between the emergency detection system and the individuals needing evacuation guidance. The mobile device receives the emergency event information and location data, processes the routing calculations, and presents the guidance to the user, thereby distributing system complexity across multiple independent devices rather than requiring a centralized complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing mobile devices to autonomously determine their own location, receive emergency event information, calculate appropriate routing instructions, and present guidance without requiring manual intervention or complex centralized control. Each device independently serves its user based on the emergency conditions and its own position.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system and method for emergency event routing. One or more routing instructions may be determined to route one or more individuals away from a location corresponding to the emergency event based at least in part on at least one category associated with the emergency event, a type of the emergency event, and one or more estimated locations of one or more mobile devices associated with the one or more individuals.