Modular Tag Devices for Mesh-Routed Emergency Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Tag devices are limited in user interaction, lack flexibility for additional hardware modules, and face connectivity issues during emergencies, especially in remote areas, leading to unreliable delivery of emergency alerts.
Innovation Solution
Implement a modular sensor hardware approach with a Tag device and a Tag Emergency Protocol that utilizes a mesh network to relay alerts through nearby devices when direct cloud connection is unavailable, incorporating features like voice recognition and motion sensors, and a system for registering trusted contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If Tag devices are equipped with various sensors or microphone for voice, then the information quality and density of alert messages improve drastically, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the Tag device into modular components: a base Tag unit and separate attachable sensor modules. Each sensor module (motion sensor, voice recognition module, etc.) can be independently attached to the Tag device, allowing information-rich alerts without permanently increasing base device complexity. This segmentation enables users to select only the sensor modules needed for specific emergency scenarios.
2Reliability
If Tag devices need direct connection to cloud or smartphone for sending alerts, then the system remains simple, but the reliability of alert delivery deteriorates in remote areas with poor connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary devices (smartphones or other Tag devices in the vicinity) that act as relay nodes. When a Tag device cannot directly connect to the cloud, it transmits alert information through these intermediary devices via mesh networking. This intermediary approach enables reliable alert delivery in remote areas without requiring direct cloud connectivity from the Tag device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension direct connection model (Tag-Cloud) to a multi-dimensional mesh network model where alerts can travel through multiple paths and intermediate nodes. This dimensional change in the communication architecture provides alternative routes for alert delivery, significantly improving reliability in areas with poor or intermittent connectivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If Tag devices are manufactured as fixed units without extension support, then the ease of manufacture is maintained, but the adaptability to different emergency scenarios is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the Tag device into a standardized base unit and multiple specialized sensor modules. The base Tag device maintains simple manufacturing, while adaptability is achieved through attachable modules (motion sensors, voice recognition, GPS, etc.). Each module can be independently manufactured and then attached to the base unit, combining manufacturing simplicity with scenario-specific adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal base Tag device with standardized attachment interfaces that can work with various sensor modules. This universal design allows a single base unit to serve multiple emergency scenarios by simply changing the attached sensor modules, achieving versatility without requiring multiple different device types or complex manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method to utilize modular device and mesh network to send emergency alert that could be delivered to the cloud and sent to the user even though the cloud itself is not reachable directly from the device are provided. The disclosure uses modular sensors, internet of things (IoT) application and cloud server, and an emergency protocol that may enable devices within the mesh network to find the best route to cloud and produce reliable emergency alert even though the connection between device and cloud is unreliable.