Evacuation Tracking via Physical Tokens and Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing evacuation methods rely on memory and physical proximity, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in accounting for individuals during emergencies, as evacuation facilitators lack a reliable way to share information and may miss or double-count evacuees, especially in large locations.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using mobile devices to track evacuations through physical tokens, which receive and record location status information, allowing for real-time sharing of evacuation status among facilitators and automatic alerts, utilizing techniques like electronic proximity, image capture, voiceprint, and textual messages to confirm presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If evacuation facilitators use manual lists and memory to account for individuals, then the method is simple to implement, but the accuracy and reliability of evacuation accounting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual list-checking system with an electronic automated tracking system. Mobile devices equipped with cameras and processors automatically detect, identify, and track evacuees using image recognition technology, eliminating the need for manual verification and reducing human error in evacuation accounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service evacuation tracking where evacuees are automatically detected and accounted for by the electronic system without requiring active participation from facilitators. The automated identification and tracking occur passively as evacuees move through the evacuation zone, improving accuracy while maintaining simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple evacuation facilitators operate independently without communication, then each facilitator can focus on their local area, but information sharing and coordination between facilitators deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tracking data from multiple independent facilitators into a centralized database accessible by all facilitators through mobile devices. This allows each facilitator to maintain local operational independence while simultaneously providing real-time information sharing and coordination, eliminating duplicate accounting and ensuring complete evacuation tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback loops where evacuation status information is continuously updated and shared across all facilitators' devices. This enables automatic coordination and information synchronization without requiring direct communication between facilitators, ensuring that all team members have access to current evacuation status.
3Device complexity
If evacuation tracking relies on physical proximity between facilitators and evacuees, then the system requires minimal technology, but the effectiveness in large locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional physical proximity tracking to multi-dimensional electronic tracking using mobile device networks, wireless communication, and centralized databases. This allows facilitators to track evacuees across large geographic areas without being physically present, maintaining reliability while managing complexity through standardized mobile technology.
4Ease of operation
If manual evacuation accounting is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the time required to account for all individuals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual counting and list-checking with automated electronic detection and tracking systems. Mobile devices with cameras and image recognition capabilities automatically identify and account for evacuees in real-time, dramatically increasing the speed of evacuation accounting while maintaining ease of operation through user-friendly mobile interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for tracking an evacuation of a location in an environment that utilizes physical tokens to prove physical presence at the location are presented. The techniques include receiving data representing of subordinates of an evacuation facilitator; receiving physical token based location status information for at least one of the subordinates, where the physical token based location status information is based on electronic readings of the physical tokens; determining based on the physical token based location status information, a physical presence status at the location for the at least one of the subordinates; receiving evacuation status information for each of the at least one of the subordinates that has a physical presence status that indicates a presence at the location; and recording the evacuation status information for each of the at least one of the subordinates that has a physical presence status that indicates a presence at the location.