Dynamic Geofence Search Augmented Reality Incident Scene
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Solution Overview
Problem
In incident scene investigations, miscommunication and differing roles and expertise among investigators often lead to unnecessary duplication of efforts and uncertainty about the thoroughness of area searches, as different specialists may search the same area for different types of evidence without clear delineation of responsibilities.
Innovation Solution
A portable communication device using augmented reality to display a masked scene with geofenced areas, where masking is removed based on user attention and expertise, ensuring appropriate search diligence and indicating searched areas, while unsearched areas remain masked, employing scene reconstruction, location and movement tracking, and attention tracking technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple investigators search the incident scene independently, then comprehensive evidence collection is improved, but duplication of effort and uncertainty about search thoroughness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple investigators' search activities into a unified system where each investigator uses a portable device that communicates with a central server. The server aggregates search data from all investigators and maintains a shared geofence map showing which areas have been searched by whom, eliminating duplication while preserving comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously updating the geofence display to show which areas have been searched and by whom. Each investigator can see the current search status and adjust their activities accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that prevents duplication and ensures thoroughness.
2Reliability
If different specialists search the same area for different evidence types, then evidence collection completeness is improved, but communication complexity and uncertainty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the incident scene into discrete geofenced areas and assigns specific search tasks to different investigators based on their expertise. Each investigator's device displays their assigned areas, and the system tracks which specialist searched which area for which evidence type, organizing complexity rather than allowing it to accumulate.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device serves multiple functions: it displays geofence boundaries, tracks the investigator's location, records search activities, communicates with the server, and displays colleague activities. This multi-functional device reduces communication complexity by integrating all information needs into a single interface.
3Measurement precision
If detailed tracking of search activities is implemented, then search thoroughness is improved, but system complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service tracking by automatically recording the investigator's location via GPS, detecting when they enter or exit geofenced areas, and logging search activities without requiring manual data entry. The portable device and server work together to automatically process and store search data, reducing system complexity despite detailed tracking.
Data Source
AI summary
An incident scene is searchable via a portable communication device and method that provides for displaying a masked augmented reality of the incident scene to the display of the portable communication device. A geofenced area is applied within the displayed masked augmented reality of the incident scene as an indication to the user of an area to be searched. As the geofenced area is searched, masking is removed from the displayed masked augmented reality of the incident scene. The masking is only being removed within the geofenced area based on user attention span provided to the geofenced area. The removal of masking indicates areas that have been searched.