Modular Sign Board with Automated Wireless Emergency Alert System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sudden emergencies often go unnoticed or unreported due to individuals being physically incapacitated or isolated, leading to potential loss of life and property, as existing solutions do not provide automatic emergency assistance without user intervention.
Innovation Solution
A modular sign board device with enhanced wireless communication capabilities, including satellite and cellular modules, GPS, and multi-protocol microcontrollers, that detects emergencies through connected smart devices and automatically alerts services without user intervention, flashing attention-grabbing lights and sounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If automatic emergency detection and notification systems are implemented, then emergency response time is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (emergency detection, wireless notification, GPS tracking, two-way communication) into a single integrated sign board device. The microcontroller unit coordinates sensors, displays, and communication modules to work together as one unified system, resolving the contradiction by consolidating complexity into a centralized architecture that automatically responds to emergencies without requiring separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring for emergencies and pre-configuring notification channels before actual emergencies occur. The system maintains ready-state communication modules and detection sensors that are primed to immediately activate and notify emergency contacts and services, reducing response time without requiring complex real-time decision-making during critical moments.
2Reliability
If multiple communication protocols and modules are integrated, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sign board device incorporates multiple communication protocols (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular, satellite) and detection capabilities within a single multi-functional platform. The microcontroller unit is designed to handle various communication standards simultaneously, allowing the device to adapt to different network conditions and maintain reliable communication through multiple redundant channels without requiring separate specialized devices for each function.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If attention-grabbing visual and audible alerts are activated, then emergency detectability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs periodic action by activating high-energy visual and audible alerts only during detected emergency conditions rather than continuously. The microcontroller monitors sensor inputs and triggers the LED display and speaker only when emergencies are detected, allowing the system to maintain low energy consumption during normal operation while providing intense, attention-grabbing alerts when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between detectability and energy use.
Data Source
AI summary
An address sign can consist of a rectangular enclosure with removable, illuminated alphanumeric characters attached to the front of the enclosure, an electronic control module positioned inside the enclosure, wherein the electronic control module includes a wireless communication unit configured to communicate with a series of electronic devices within a geographical area, a satellite communication unit, and a cellular communication unit, and wherein the electronic control module is configured to transmit data to a variety of external devices.