Dynamic Wayfinding in Hazardous Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fire safety systems in buildings are static and limited in detecting and responding to hazards such as heat, smoke, and harmful gases, often directing individuals towards the fire rather than to the safest exit.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for wayfinding in hazardous environments that utilizes real-time data streams from sensors like temperature, smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors, along with imaging and audio devices, to detect alarm conditions and dynamically calculate the safest evacuation routes, which are then displayed on digital signage and communicated to individuals through various devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed signage or lighting is used to indicate emergency exits, then the system is simple and reliable, but it directs people towards the fire rather than to the safest exit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic wayfinding by replacing static signage with digital displays that can change in real-time based on sensor data. The system continuously updates evacuation route recommendations as hazard conditions change, allowing the guidance system to adapt dynamically to the evolving fire situation rather than following fixed predetermined paths
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback loops where sensors continuously monitor temperature, smoke density, and carbon monoxide levels, and this data feeds back to the wayfinding algorithm which then updates the recommended evacuation routes. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the guidance system responds to actual hazard conditions rather than relying on pre-programmed static routes
2Reliability
If real-time sensor data is processed to determine safest routes, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or manual route determination systems with computational algorithms that process sensor data. Instead of using physical models or manual assessment, the system uses software-based pathfinding algorithms that can rapidly calculate safest routes by processing temperature, smoke, and gas concentration data from distributed sensors throughout the building
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs multi-functional sensing devices that can detect multiple hazard parameters (temperature, smoke density, carbon monoxide) simultaneously, and a universal wayfinding algorithm that handles various emergency scenarios. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems while maintaining high accuracy in route recommendation
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensing devices are deployed to detect hazards, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions into integrated sensor nodes that simultaneously measure temperature, smoke density, and carbon monoxide concentration. By combining these detection capabilities into unified sensing units distributed throughout the building, the system achieves comprehensive hazard detection accuracy while avoiding the complexity of separate independent sensing systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds spatial dimensionality to hazard detection by deploying sensors at multiple locations and heights throughout the building. This three-dimensional distribution of sensing points provides comprehensive coverage and enables the wayfinding algorithm to calculate gradient-based safest paths, transforming single-point detection into multi-dimensional hazard mapping
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively directs individuals to the quickest and safest exit routes by considering real-time hazard data, reducing the risk of injury and improving evacuation efficiency during emergencies.
Implementation Method 1
sensing devices comprise a temperature sensor
Implementation Method 2
sensing devices comprise a smoke detector
Implementation Method 3
sensing devices comprise a carbon monoxide detector
Implementation Method 4
sensing devices comprise a microphone
Implementation Method 5
sensing devices comprise an imaging device
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for wayfinding in hazardous environments are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for wayfinding in a hazardous environment may include: (1) receiving, at an emergency response computer program executed by an electronic device, a plurality of real time streams of data, each real time stream of data from a sensing device in an area; (2) detecting, by the emergency response computer program, an alarm condition in the area based on the real-time streams of data; (3) determining, by the emergency response computer program, that the alarm condition satisfies an alarm condition rule; (4) calculating, by the emergency response computer program, a plurality of routes to an egress point from the area; and (5) controlling, by the emergency response computer program, a digital signage in the area to display one of the plurality of routes the egress point.