Environmental Hazard Heatmaps for Faster Source Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Environmental condition detection devices struggle to accurately locate and monitor the source of hazards such as fires or gas leaks in large buildings, as they often trigger alarms without providing clear location information, leading to inefficiencies in response times and resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
A network of environmental condition detection devices generates a heatmap based on sensor data to visually depict the location and intensity of environmental conditions, using color coding, gradients, or topographical lines, allowing for precise localization and monitoring of hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If environmental condition detection devices are deployed in large numbers across large buildings to improve detection coverage, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of locating the source increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large building into multiple zones or areas, each monitored by specific detection devices. The system segments the monitoring task by assigning geographic responsibilities to different devices, making the overall system more manageable and the source location easier to identify when an event occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central monitoring system or intermediary platform that receives data from multiple detection devices, processes the information, and determines the source location. This intermediary consolidates the complexity of managing multiple devices while providing clear location information to users.
2Reliability
If traditional alarm systems trigger alerts without location information to ensure comprehensive coverage, then detection reliability is improved, but response time and resource allocation efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where detection devices not only trigger alarms but also continuously provide location data and environmental condition information back to the monitoring system. This feedback loop enables real-time tracking of hazard sources and dynamic adjustment of response strategies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to traditional alarm systems by incorporating location information into the alert data. Instead of merely indicating that a hazard exists, the system provides geographic context, enabling responders to quickly locate and address the source.
3Ease of operation
If sensors detect only presence/absence of conditions to simplify device operation, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by having different detection devices or different sensors within devices measure different parameters or provide different levels of detail. Critical areas may have high-precision sensors while other areas use simpler detection, optimizing both operational ease and measurement precision where needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The heatmap system enables rapid identification of hazard sources, facilitates safe exit paths, and enhances response efficiency by providing real-time data on condition spread and intensity, improving safety and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an alarm may be triggered when smoke is detected based upon the amount of light detected from a light source onto a light sensor
Implementation Method 2
In an ionization smoke detector, ionized air molecules attach to the smoke particles that enter the chamber, changing the ionizing current
Implementation Method 3
The principle of light obscuration, where the presence of smoke blocks some of the light from the light source beam from reaching the light sensor
Implementation Method 4
In the light-scattering type detector, the optical beam does not align with the photosensor so that under normal conditions no or very little light is received by the photosensor. When smoke particles enter the photo chamber, smoke is scattered or reflected onto the photosensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving a first alert from a first environmental condition detection device indicating a presence of an environmental condition. Determining a location of the first environmental condition detection device. Determining a condition intensity value for the first environmental condition detection device based on the first alert. Generating a heatmap to depict the location and the condition intensity value for the first environmental condition detection device. Receiving a second alert from a second environmental condition detection device indicating a presence of the environmental condition. Determining a location of the second environmental condition detection device based on the second alert. Determining a condition intensity value for the second environmental condition detection device based on the second alert. Revising a heatmap to depict the location and the condition intensity value for the second environmental condition detection device.