Hazardous Material Identification System Using Normalized Descriptors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for identifying hazardous materials during incidents require responders to recognize materials by name or identifying numbers, which is impractical and resource-intensive, especially on handheld devices, and lack efficient methods for identifying unknown materials based on observable properties or signs and symptoms.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based apparatus preprocesses hazardous material descriptions to normalize descriptors and modifiers, allowing identification through observable properties and signs and symptoms, using a database organized into fixed-length records with binary values for efficient matching on low-performance devices like PDAs and smart phones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If text-based search of chemical database is used to identify hazardous materials, then comprehensive material data can be accessed, but the identification process becomes too resource intensive for handheld computing machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential identification features (observable properties and signs/symptoms) from the comprehensive chemical database, separating them from the full material data. This allows handheld devices to store and process only the critical identification parameters while maintaining access to comprehensive material information when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the identification process into distinct modules: observable property matching, signs and symptoms matching, and material data retrieval. This segmentation allows the system to perform rapid identification using minimal resources while providing comprehensive information when a match is found.
2Measurement precision
If chemical analytical tools are used for material identification, then accurate identification can be achieved, but specialized technicians are required which are not available on first response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex chemical analytical tools with a computer-based information system that uses observable properties and signs/symptoms for identification. This substitution maintains identification accuracy while eliminating the need for specialized analytical equipment and trained technicians.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables first responders to perform identification themselves using the database and matching algorithms, without requiring specialized technicians. The normalized data structure and automated matching process make the system usable by personnel without advanced chemical training.
3Adaptability or versatility
If database uses inconsistent language descriptors for material properties, then comprehensive material coverage is achieved, but rapid identification by observable properties becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the language parameter by normalizing descriptors and modifiers into a consistent format. This parameter change allows the system to maintain comprehensive material coverage while enabling rapid matching of observable properties through standardized terminology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary normalization of all database descriptors and modifiers before use in identification. This advance processing of the data creates a consistent reference framework that enables rapid matching during emergency response without sacrificing comprehensive material coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-based method and apparatus for identifying hazardous materials based on observable physical properties and signs and systems of exposure to the hazardous materials. The observable physical properties are obtained by preprocessing plain language data to obtain normalized descriptors and modifiers pertaining to a plurality of properties and signs and symptoms. The normalized descriptors and signs and symptoms are presented to a user in lists for comparison with a sample in the field. Once a material is identified, information can be obtained from the apparatus which is necessary for response to an incident involving the hazardous material. The preferred embodiments of the invention are particularly useful to responders to a hazardous waste incident.