Hazard Indicator Using Modular Sensors to Manage Detection Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing devices lack effective means to detect and alert users to potential hazards in their surroundings, particularly through integrated sensor data analysis and proactive hazard avoidance strategies.
Innovation Solution
A hazard indication tool on mobile devices and cloud-based systems that utilize various sensors (image, audio, infrared, ultrasonic, and location) to detect hazards, provide warnings, and suggest alternate routes, while maintaining a shared hazard library for user awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If computing devices integrate multiple sensors and hazard detection algorithms, then user safety and hazard detection capability are improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hazard detection system is segmented into multiple independent sensor modules (image sensor, audio sensor, infrared sensor, ultrasonic sensor, location sensor) that can be selectively activated. Each sensor type detects specific hazard characteristics, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive hazard detection capability while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device integrates multiple sensors that serve both hazard detection functions and other general computing functions. For example, the image sensor detects hazards but also captures general environmental images, the audio sensor detects hazard-related sounds but also processes general audio input, reducing the need for dedicated hazard detection hardware.
2Measurement precision
If computing devices continuously monitor environment using multiple sensors, then hazard detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic sampling of sensor data rather than continuous monitoring. Sensors are activated at intervals to collect hazard detection data, with the frequency adjusted based on environmental context and detected hazard levels. This periodic operation maintains detection accuracy while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The hazard detection system uses the device's existing sensor infrastructure and processing capabilities for both general computing tasks and hazard detection. The same image sensor, audio processor, and location services used for standard device operations are leveraged for hazard detection, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware and reducing overall energy consumption.
3Loss of information
If the system provides detailed hazard information and alternate routes, then user awareness and safety are improved, but information processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-processes sensor data and pre-calculates alternate routes before hazards are actually detected or while hazards are in early stages. Hazard patterns are identified and categorized in advance, and multiple potential alternate routes are pre-computed based on historical data and current environmental conditions. This preliminary preparation reduces real-time processing requirements when actual hazard detection and response are needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, machine-readable media, and methods related to hazard indicators are described. Determining whether hazards exists and the location of a hazard can be helpful when moving about. Computing devices (e.g., mobile devices and/or cloud-based computers) can be configured to run an application (e.g., a hazard indication tool) to determine that a hazard exists and indicate to a user of a computing device that the hazard exists according to examples of the present disclosure. A user can carry a mobile device with them while they are walking or running. The mobile device can include a number of sensors (e.g., image sensors, microphones, infrared (IR) sensors, ultrasonic sensors, location sensors) to generate data that can be used by a hazard indication tool to determine if a hazard exists. The hazard indication tool can output a warning that indicates to a user that a hazard exists, an alternate route to avoid the hazard, and/or generate a hazard library that other users can use to obtain information about hazards.