Mass Gathering Analytics With Image and Network Sensor Fusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crowd management systems for mass gatherings lack reliable methods to quantify, predict, and track participant movements and behavior, leading to increased risks of accidents due to congestion and unpredictable crowd behavior, with insufficient data for effective decision-making.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing network sensors and image acquisition devices to collect data from electronic devices, processed through supervised and unsupervised learning models to provide real-time, corrected distribution data, enabling dynamic management and predictive analytics for crowd control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional crowd management techniques (entry/exit controls, temporary channels) are used, then crowd control is simplified, but crowd movements between control points cannot be managed and control points become congestion points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrowd control simplicityVSAvoidcrowd movement management reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the gathering area into multiple virtual zones using image acquisition devices, enabling granular monitoring and control of crowd distribution across different spatial segments rather than relying on single control points

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical control mechanisms (barriers, channels) with an information-based system using image acquisition devices and processing units to monitor and manage crowd movements, eliminating the need for physical infrastructure between control points

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If passive RFID tags are used for pilgrim identification, then individual tracking is enabled, but detection failures occur in high density or when people are in vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual tracking accuracyVSAvoiddetection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses image acquisition devices that can detect and track both individuals and groups simultaneously, making the system universally applicable whether people are moving individually or in vehicles, eliminating the detection failures associated with RFID tags

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces image acquisition devices as an intermediary between the tracking system and the crowd, using visual recognition to identify and track participants without relying on electronic tags that may be obscured or inactive

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If wireless sensor networks with GPS modules are used, then location tracking is achieved, but the system complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation tracking accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines multiple image acquisition devices into a unified monitoring network, merging their data through a central processing unit to achieve comprehensive location tracking without requiring complex individual tracking devices for each participant

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If no data collection system is used, then the system remains simple, but accurate quantification of participant distribution and movement is impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidparticipant distribution quantification
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a virtual copy of the physical crowd through image acquisition and data processing, generating a digital representation of participant distribution and movement that can be analyzed without physically interfering with or complicating the actual crowd

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3732638B1System and method for managing mass gatherings
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 BULL SA
  • EP3732638B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3732638B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3732638B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a system (1) for managing mass gatherings at a geographical location, said system comprising an analytical platform (100) associated with a plurality of image acquisition devices (10) and network sensors (20) distributed across the geographical location of the gathering, said analytical platform (100) comprising: a data acquisition module (130) which can acquire participant distribution data generated from data obtained from the plurality of image acquisition devices (10), and participant distribution data generated from data obtained from the plurality of network sensors (20); and a data processing module (140), which, using the distribution data acquired and on the basis of a supervised or non-supervised learning-based adjustment model, can calculate an adjusted distribution datum in respect of the participants at the gathering.