Personal Locator Beacon with Nanosensor Biometric Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Personal locator beacons currently lack the capability to provide health data alongside geographic location information, leading to Search and Rescue teams having to carry general emergency kits, which may not adequately address the specific needs of individuals in distress.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a biometrics monitor with nanosensors into personal locator beacon systems, allowing for the collection and transmission of user biometric parameters such as heart rate, respiration, hydration levels, and body temperature, alongside GPS data, to create a more tailored emergency response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If personal locator beacon includes only basic location tracking, then device complexity is low, but health data monitoring capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a personal locator beacon with a biometrics monitor into an integrated system. The beacon includes GPS functionality for location tracking and incorporates multiple nanosensors (bioimpedance sensor, optical heart rate sensor, galvanic skin response sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, thermometer, radiation sensor) to monitor various health parameters. This merging eliminates the need for separate devices and ensures health data is captured alongside location information during emergencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The personal locator beacon is designed to perform multiple functions: geographic location tracking via GPS, heart rate monitoring via optical sensor, hydration and body composition analysis via bioimpedance sensor, sweat level monitoring via galvanic skin response sensor, movement detection via accelerometer and gyroscope, temperature monitoring via thermometer, and radiation exposure monitoring via radiation sensor. This multi-functional design addresses the need for comprehensive health and location data in a single device.
2Reliability
If personal locator beacon transmits only location data, then energy consumption is low, but emergency response effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The biometrics monitor continuously monitors health parameters and transmits data to the personal locator beacon at periodic intervals. The integrated system can be activated manually or automatically, and when activated, transmits both location and health data. This periodic transmission approach balances energy consumption with the need for reliable health information during emergency situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the biometrics monitor continuously assesses health parameters and the personal locator beacon transmits relevant data to emergency services. The system can automatically activate based on detected emergency conditions, providing feedback-driven transmission that balances energy use with response effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If personal locator beacon integrates multiple nanosensors, then biometric monitoring capability is comprehensive, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple nanosensors within the personal locator beacon housing in a nested configuration. The bioimpedance sensor, optical heart rate sensor, galvanic skin response sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, thermometer, and radiation sensor are all contained within the same device shell, with each sensor optimized for minimal space occupation. This nested arrangement provides comprehensive biometric monitoring while maintaining a portable form factor suitable for personal wear.
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
Enables emergency responders to gear up with appropriate equipment based on the individual's specific health condition, enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of rescue operations.
Implementation Method 1
the nanosensor is a bioimpedance sensor configured to measure one or more of a user heart rate, respiration level, or hydration level
Implementation Method 2
the nanosensor is an optical heart rate sensor
Implementation Method 3
the nanosensor is a galvanic skin response sensor configured to monitor user sweat levels
Implementation Method 4
the nanosensor is a radiation sensor configured to measure user radiation exposure to ultra-violet, high-energy beta, gamma, x-ray frequencies
Implementation Method 5
The first low energy transceiver, the first low energy antennae, the second low energy transceiver, and the second low energy antennae are low energy Bluetooth components
Data Source
AI summary
A personal locator beacon system has a personal locator beacon and a biometrics monitor. The personal locator beacon includes a first microprocessor, a first global positioning subsystem coupled to the first microprocessor, a first low energy transceiver coupled to the first microprocessor, and a first low energy antennae coupled to the first low energy transceiver. The biometrics monitor includes a second microprocessor, a second low energy transceiver coupled to the second microprocessor, a second low energy antennae coupled to the second low energy transceiver, and one or more nanosensors.