Personal Emergency Alert Device Periodic Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal emergency alert systems often fail when most needed, as they require constant power, frequent recharging, and may not function in situations where the user is unable to access their mobile phone or is in an unsafe location without adequate cellular coverage.
Innovation Solution
A personal emergency alert device that monitors for activation events, transmits emergency messages via a cellular network to a notification service, and periodically sends geolocation data until the device runs out of power, ensuring continuous notification even if the user is unable to deactivate it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the emergency alert device is kept active all the time to ensure immediate response, then the reliability of emergency notification is improved, but the device requires constant power and frequent battery recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The device operates in periodic cycles, alternating between a low-power sleep mode and an active monitoring mode. During sleep mode, the device consumes minimal power while still periodically waking up to check for emergency conditions or send status updates. This periodic operation maintains emergency notification capability while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring emergency contact information, location data, and notification protocols during normal operation when power is abundant. When an emergency is detected, the device can immediately transmit pre-prepared information without requiring real-time processing, thus maintaining high reliability while minimizing the duration of high-power operation.
2Reliability
If the device requires constant power connection to maintain active monitoring, then the emergency detection capability is improved, but the device cannot function in locations without power outlets
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses periodic wake-up cycles to maintain emergency detection capability without requiring continuous power connection. During each wake-up period, the device activates sensors and communication modules to monitor for emergencies or transmit location data. Between wake-up periods, the device enters low-power mode, enabling operation in locations without constant power access while maintaining adequate emergency detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates energy harvesting capabilities and efficient power management that allow it to service itself during normal operation. The device can accumulate power during periods of availability and use it during emergencies, reducing dependence on continuous external power sources and enabling deployment in locations without power outlets.
3Ease of operation
If the device allows user deactivation to prevent false alarms, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device may be turned off during actual emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The device implements feedback mechanisms where the system monitors user attempts to deactivate and provides confirmation or warning before deactivation occurs. The device can also send feedback to emergency contacts or monitoring services when deactivated, ensuring that deactivation is intentional and informed. This maintains user control while reducing the risk of accidental deactivation during emergencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The device implements preliminary anti-action by requiring confirmation or a specific sequence of actions to deactivate, preventing impulsive or accidental deactivation. The system can also pre-configure automatic reactivation after a timeout period or require authorization from multiple users before deactivation, counteracting the potential harmful effect of user deactivation during emergencies while preserving legitimate user control.
4Measurement precision
If the device transmits continuous location data to track user movement, then the measurement precision of user position is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device transmits location data periodically rather than continuously, waking up at predetermined intervals to acquire and transmit geolocation information. This periodic transmission maintains adequate tracking precision for emergency response while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous location monitoring and transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transmits location data with appropriate precision for the specific emergency context rather than maximum precision at all times. The system can adjust the level of location detail transmitted based on the situation, providing sufficient information for emergency responders without the full power cost of maximum precision continuous tracking.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and device for notifying designated recipients about a personal emergency. An individual maintains a personal emergency alert device (PEAD) in accessible proximity. The PEAD is activated by onboard or remote sensor(s) in proximity to the PEAD. The sensor(s) monitor the occurrence of an emergency activation event. PEAD includes a controller. The controller, triggered by detection of an emergency event by a sensor, activates a geolocation module to obtain geolocation information, formulates an alert message, establishes a network connection, and transmits the message with geolocation information to a personal emergency alert notification service (PEANS). PEANS responds by sending a text, email or other emergency notification to designated notification recipient(s). Once activated, PEAD periodically tracks and transmits its geolocation until it runs out of power. Alternatively, PEAD can be deactivated by sending a deactivation code to the PEANS, which in turn instructs such PEAD to deactivate.