Networked Emergency Alert System with Hierarchical Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current emergency alert systems in public and private facilities lack flexibility, scalability, and effectiveness in disseminating alerts and managing responses to hazardous events, often failing to provide clear information to occupants and responders, and are not adaptable to diverse facility architectures.
Innovation Solution
A secure, redundant, computer-enabled, networked rapid alert management system that allows for hierarchical alert dissemination, monitoring, and control, enabling selective triggering of alerts, remote monitoring, and archiving of data, with access to databases for site plans and response planning, and includes sensors and communication devices for real-time video and audio feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If generic alarm systems are used in public facilities, then all occupants are alerted to evacuate the building, but the system lacks flexibility and cannot provide targeted alerts to specific areas or types of threats
Solution Approach 1:
The facility is divided into multiple zones or areas, each capable of receiving independent alert notifications. The system segments the alert dissemination function so that different areas can be alerted selectively based on the nature and location of the threat, rather than forcing a building-wide evacuation for all incidents.
Solution Approach 2:
The alert system dynamically adapts its behavior based on the type of threat detected. Different threat levels and categories trigger different alert patterns, messages, and target areas. The system can change alert status in real-time as the situation evolves, providing flexible response to varying emergency conditions.
2Ease of operation
If traditional alarm systems are installed, then basic alert functionality is provided, but the system lacks hierarchical control and cannot manage responses at multiple levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds a hierarchical dimension to alert management, organizing control authority and alert dissemination across multiple levels (e.g., floor level, building level, campus level). This hierarchical structure enables coordinated response management where local authorities can handle minor incidents while major threats trigger coordinated multi-level responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary control layers between the central alarm system and individual alert devices. These intermediaries (such as zone controllers or building management systems) manage alert dissemination locally, reducing the operational burden on central control while maintaining coordinated response across the entire facility.
3Loss of information
If simple alarm systems are used, then installation is straightforward, but the system cannot provide real-time monitoring and communication during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multi-functional communication devices and infrastructure that serve both routine building management and emergency alert functions. The same network infrastructure supports normal operations and emergency communication, reducing overall system complexity while enabling comprehensive real-time monitoring and information dissemination during crises.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops that provide real-time information about emergency conditions, alert status, and occupant responses. Sensors, cameras, and communication devices continuously monitor the situation and feed information back to control systems, enabling dynamic adjustment of alert strategies and providing situational awareness to authorities during emergencies.
Data Source
AI summary
Secure, verifiable, computer-enabled, LAN/WAN/Wireless networked, facility emergency notification, rapid alert management, and occupant alarm systems for public, private, and government buildings, and outdoor areas for which there is a need for rapid alerts to occupants or attendees of the occurrence of impending or in-progress dangerous or threatening events. The inventive system is a highly flexible rapid alert initiation, management and archival system comprising computer-enabled and network-linked apparatus, software, and methods enabling rapid dissemination from a central station or decentralized location of alerts of the occurrence of threatening or dangerous events in a series of hierarchical, increasing levels of directed action to be taken by the occupants, and permits monitoring and controlling activity of occupants during the event, archiving event data, including audio or/and video recordings until the situation returns to normal and an all clear signal is given. Databases provide site plans to assist in the response planning and execution.