Real-time Evacuation Guidance via UWB Localization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing evacuation systems in buildings fail to provide real-time, individual-specific guidance to individuals during emergencies, relying on offline emergency signs that cannot adapt to changing situations, thus not effectively helping people escape dangerous areas.
Innovation Solution
An evacuation management system connected to an ultra-wide band real-time localization system that receives alarm notifications, determines the location of personal ultra-wide band devices, and provides real-time guidance on optimal evacuation routes through these devices, ensuring individuals are directed to safe areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If offline emergency signs are used to show evacuation routes, then the system is simple and reliable, but it cannot provide real-time guidance and adapts to changing situations
Solution Approach 1:
The evacuation signs are transformed from static offline displays to dynamic network-connected devices that receive real-time emergency data and update evacuation routes dynamically. The system can adapt to changing emergency situations by receiving updated information from emergency services and automatically adjusting guidance directions, turning the evacuation assistance system into a dynamic, responsive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where emergency service information is continuously received and processed by the evacuation assistance system. The system monitors emergency developments, receives updated guidance information, and automatically adjusts evacuation directions based on real-time feedback from emergency services, enabling adaptive response to changing situations.
2Ease of operation
If pre-defined evacuation routes are shown on emergency signs, then the system is easy to operate, but it cannot provide individual-specific guidance based on real-time progression
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static pre-defined routes to dynamic, real-time evacuation guidance that automatically adapts to changing emergency situations. The evacuation assistance system receives continuous updates on emergency progression and adjusts evacuation directions accordingly, providing both ease of operation and real-time information awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor emergency developments and adjust evacuation guidance in real-time. The system receives feedback from emergency services about the progression of emergencies and automatically updates evacuation directions, ensuring that guidance information remains current and accurate throughout the evacuation process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If offline emergency signs are used, then the system has low device complexity, but it cannot monitor individual positions and provide personalized evacuation plans
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the evacuation assistance into individualized components by assigning unique identifiers to persons and creating personalized evacuation plans for each individual. The system tracks individual positions, monitors personal evacuation progress, and provides customized guidance based on each person's location and the evolving emergency situation, enabling tailored evacuation assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The network-connected evacuation signs serve multiple functions: they display real-time emergency information, provide dynamic evacuation guidance, monitor individual positions through integrated sensors, and deliver personalized evacuation plans. This multi-functional approach enables the system to handle diverse evacuation needs while maintaining a unified, coordinated response.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates an evacuation management system, EMS, (40, 52, 60, 00, 200) operative to provide real-time evacuation information for evacuation of a building, triggered by alarm notification (S202). Based on determined (S214) precise real-time positions of personal ultra-wide band, UWB, devices, as determined by UWB real-time localization system, RTLS, a controller determines (S210) evacuation plans being personal UWB device specific in real-time. Based on individual evacuation plans and input from building facilities, real-time guidance information is defined (S208) and sent to each personal UWB device, providing guidance to person carrying said personal UWB device, in what direction to move (S212), to reach a safe area. Based on localization signals the UWB RTLSA then calculates updated positions of the personal UWB devices and sends to the evacuation management system. It is an advantage that trapped or injured people can be found, even in low visibility areas.