Event Witness Identification Using Time-Location Intersection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Identifying potential witnesses to an event, such as a crime or emergency, is challenging as they may not realize the event occurred nearby and thus fail to come forward.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing location-aware sensors and devices to detect events and identify potential witnesses by overlapping device zones with an event zone, sending notifications to these witnesses for data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If witnesses rely on taking initiative to come forward, then identification process remains simple, but witness identification completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively identifying potential witnesses through location data analysis before authorities need to seek them out. Device zones are continuously tracked and pre-matched with event zones, so when an event occurs, witnesses are already identified and can be immediately notified, eliminating the need for them to take initiative to come forward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification system that acts as a mediator between events and witnesses. This system uses device zone data as an intermediary layer to match potential witnesses with events, notifying witnesses through their devices rather than requiring direct contact between witnesses and authorities.
2Productivity
If manual witness identification is used, then system complexity remains low, but witness identification efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically performing witness identification without requiring manual intervention. Device zones are continuously monitored and automatically compared with event zones, enabling the system to autonomously identify and notify potential witnesses, significantly improving identification efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical identification processes with automated electronic systems. Instead of manual review of witness locations, the system uses automated comparison of device zone data with event zone data, substituting electronic processing for manual mechanical operations to enhance efficiency.
3Loss of time
If witnesses are not notified proactively, then notification system remains simple, but data collection timeliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary notification by identifying and contacting potential witnesses immediately after an event occurs, rather than waiting for them to come forward. This proactive notification approach ensures witnesses are contacted while still at the scene or nearby, capturing timely data before they leave or forget details.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where witnesses are notified through their devices and can immediately provide information back to authorities. This creates a rapid feedback loop that accelerates data collection, with the notification system providing real-time feedback about witness availability and response status.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology is directed towards efficiently identifying a first entity (e.g., a user or sensor) as a potential witness to an event. A first dataset describing event time data and event location data of an event are obtained from a first device. A second dataset describing device time data and device location data are obtained via a device associated with a second entity, e.g., a user. By analyzing the first and second datasets, e.g., for time and location intersection, the second entity can be identified as a potential witness to the event, and notified of such. Factors such as line of sight, speed and direction, audio sensing range versus event volume, and the like of the second entity can be used in determining whether the second entity is a likely witness. A witness to a live event can be identified and asked to send in live (e.g., video) evidence.