Environmental Alert System for Unattended Computers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional environmental monitoring systems for unattended computer systems are expensive, inflexible, and indirect, often requiring separate communication methods and costly changes, leading to delayed notification of remote users in case of emergencies.
Innovation Solution
Integrating environmental sensors with the computer system's existing communication infrastructure, allowing sensors to send messages directly to the system, which then relays alerts to remote users and authorities, enabling local or remote storage and analysis of sensor data for timely responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate communication methods are used for sensor devices, then environmental monitoring can be implemented, but the system becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the environmental monitoring function with the existing computer system communication infrastructure. Sensors connect to the computer system through standard communication ports, and the system uses its existing communication protocols to transmit environmental data, eliminating the need for separate dedicated communication systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The computer system's communication ports and protocols are made multi-functional, serving both original computer operations and environmental monitoring purposes. This universal approach allows the same infrastructure to handle multiple functions without requiring additional specialized systems.
2Reliability
If separate communication methods are used for sensor devices, then environmental monitoring can be implemented, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computer system serves itself by utilizing its existing communication infrastructure for environmental monitoring purposes. The system's own ports and protocols are used to receive sensor data and transmit alerts, eliminating the need for external dedicated communication systems and reducing implementation costs.
3Loss of information
If conventional monitoring systems are used, then environmental alerts can be transmitted, but remote users receive indirect and delayed notifications
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes direct feedback communication with remote users through the computer system's communication infrastructure. Environmental data and alerts are transmitted real-time to user devices, enabling immediate awareness of conditions without the delays associated with indirect alert systems.
4Reliability
If separate communication methods are used, then sensor data can be transmitted, but flexibility for location changes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is designed to be dynamic and adaptable. The computer system's standard communication ports can be reconfigured and redirected to different locations or devices as needed, providing flexibility for changing requirements without requiring physical reconfiguration of dedicated communication infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Improved efficiency in monitoring environmental conditions in the vicinity of an unattended computer system includes using the existing communication systems between the computer system and a network, to provide immediate information to users, emergency responders and anyone connected to the network. The system may also include an ability of the unattended computer system to receive a return message from the user ordering a physical action in response to the reported environmental condition, for example turning on a fire suppression system in response to a smoke alarm. The system may also include storage of environmental conditions and analysis of variations over time, as well as any interactions of various types of environmental conditions, such as giving more weight to a high temperature reading in conjunction with an elevated but not critical level of smoke.