Emergency Map Display System for Evacuation Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to effectively deliver emergency evacuation directions from government entities to the public through non-traditional display devices like ATMs and gas pumps, as government entities lack direct access to these private service infrastructure, and existing technologies do not provide quick, accessible, and up-to-date information during emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that receives real-time traffic data from wireless communication networks to construct and display evacuation routes on ATMs and gas pumps, including graphical maps and estimated travel times, with the option to print vital information, and facilitates two-way communication between government entities and point-of-service entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If government entities use traditional media (radio, television) to deliver emergency information, then information can be broadcast widely, but direct access to private service infrastructure (ATMs, gas pumps) is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables ATMs and gas pumps to serve dual functions: their original financial/fueling purposes plus emergency information display. The display screens and printers at these locations are repurposed to show evacuation routes and emergency alerts, making the infrastructure versatile for both commercial and public safety functions
Solution Approach 2:
A communication system acts as an intermediary between government entities and private service infrastructure. This intermediary enables two-way communication, allowing governments to send emergency alerts to ATMs and gas pumps, and for these devices to acknowledge receipt and display information to the public
2Loss of time
If evacuation information is displayed on non-traditional devices (ATMs, gas pumps), then quick access to vital information is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to operate autonomously during emergencies. ATMs and gas pumps automatically receive, authenticate, and display emergency alerts without requiring manual intervention. The devices use their existing processors, displays, and printers to self-serve the emergency information function
Solution Approach 2:
Existing hardware components at ATMs and gas pumps (display screens, printers, communication modules) are repurposed for emergency information display, avoiding the need for dedicated emergency equipment and reducing overall system complexity
3Measurement precision
If real-time traffic data is integrated into evacuation route construction, then route accuracy is improved, but data processing requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple data sources (government alerts, traffic data from wireless networks, location data from the display screen) into a unified evacuation route calculation. This integration leverages existing data infrastructure rather than building separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
A server acts as an intermediary that receives real-time traffic data from wireless networks, processes it along with evacuation route requirements, and sends the calculated routes back to the display devices. This distributes processing complexity rather than concentrating it at the display terminals
4Reliability
If authentication mechanisms are implemented for emergency alerts, then information reliability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Authentication credentials and verification protocols are pre-configured in the system before emergencies occur. When an alert is received, the system can quickly verify authenticity using these pre-established parameters without requiring complex real-time authentication procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for delivering emergency directions is provided. The disclosure includes the government delivering a warning message for potential evacuees on a gas station pump or automated teller machine point of service display screen. The method includes receiving an emergency alert from a government entity, constructing a warning message, including an evacuation route based at least in part on real time traffic data and the location of the display screen and displaying the warning message on the point of service display screen. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the warning message is authenticated. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the warning message is continuously updated to provide an effective escape route for evacuees.