Emergency Dispatch Video Feeds Augmented With Static Blind-Spot Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video-based emergency dispatch systems have limited coverage and often result in blind spots, making it difficult for responders to orient themselves and access relevant video feeds during emergencies, especially in large properties with few interior cameras.
Innovation Solution
An emergency dispatch system that integrates 360-degree supplemental cameras to capture static images of blind spots and provides a map-based interface linking these images with video feeds, allowing responders to efficiently navigate and select appropriate video streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If fixed-location video cameras are used for security monitoring, then installation is simple and cost-effective, but coverage area is limited and blind spots are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fixed video cameras with a mobile robot equipped with cameras and sensors. The mobile robot merges with the fixed camera system to provide comprehensive coverage, eliminating blind spots while maintaining the simplicity of fixed installations. The robot acts as a mobile supplement to the stationary system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile robot that can dynamically move to different locations to capture video and data. This dynamic component complements the static fixed cameras, allowing the system to adapt coverage areas and eliminate blind spots by positioning the mobile unit strategically.
2Reliability
If multiple video cameras are installed to eliminate blind spots, then coverage is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot is autonomously navigable and can independently move to positions of interest, capture video and sensor data, and return to its base station. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex manual control systems and multiple fixed cameras, achieving complete coverage with a simpler hybrid system.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile robot performs multiple functions: video surveillance, environmental sensing, and autonomous navigation. This multi-functional unit replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized fixed cameras and sensors, reducing overall system complexity while improving information completeness.
3Loss of information
If responders rely on limited video camera feeds, then system operation is simple, but situational awareness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an artificial intelligence intermediary that processes video feeds from fixed cameras and the mobile robot, along with sensor data. The AI generates comprehensive situational awareness reports and presents them through a simplified user interface, reducing information loss without increasing operational complexity for responders.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where the AI continuously analyzes incoming data from multiple sources, updates situational awareness models, and provides real-time information to responders. This feedback mechanism ensures complete information delivery while maintaining simple interface operation through automated processing.
Data Source
AI summary
An emergency dispatch system configured to allow first responders to efficiently utilize video-based systems using static images of a space and to understand a physical layout of the space. The system includes a dispatch processing hub linked via a communications network with client devices. The system further includes data storage storing a static image of a monitored space from a supplemental camera and video of the monitored space from video sources. A map interface generator is provided that is configured for generating a map-based interface for display upon a display device of the client devices. The map-based interface provides access to the static image and to the video. The hub functions to serve the map-based interface to the client devices. The dispatch processing hub responds to user input selecting the static image by providing a view, e.g., a 360-degree view, of the monitored space based on the static image.