Networked Lighting System for Emergency Alert Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication methods in large locations like schools and commercial buildings often fail to effectively and efficiently alert individuals to emergencies or important events, as they rely on multiple systems that can be confusing and may not provide clear, immediate visual cues.
Innovation Solution
A networked lighting communication system that uses controllable, multicolored LED lights to convey alerts through a network of devices, where a server manages logic to transmit color and intensity instructions to device controllers, allowing users to change light settings via wall switches, wireless devices, or computing devices, assigning specific meanings to colors like red for vacating or green for 'all clear'.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication systems (fire alarms, security alarms, text messaging, automated phone calls) are employed to alert individuals, then the coverage and methods of communication are expanded, but the system complexity and confusion for individuals increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication functions into a single integrated alerting system that uses standardized visual signals. Instead of having separate fire alarms, security alarms, and notification systems, the invention merges them into one system that communicates all types of alerts through a unified visual language using colored lights, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The alerting system is designed to serve multiple communication purposes through a single device. The standardized visual alerting device can communicate fire alarms, security threats, all-clear signals, and other notifications using different color codes, making it a universal communication tool that replaces multiple specialized systems.
2Loss of information
If traditional alert systems (audible alarms, text messaging) are used, then communication methods are provided, but immediate visual cues and clarity for individuals in large spaces are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color changes in visual alerts to convey different types of information immediately and clearly. Different colors represent different alert types (e.g., red for fire, yellow for security, green for all-clear), allowing individuals to quickly understand the nature of the alert without processing complex auditory or textual information, thereby improving communication clarity and response efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates visual signals that can be perceived instantly across large spaces, analogous to how vibration provides immediate tactile feedback. The standardized visual alerting device uses bright, attention-grabbing visual cues that can be seen immediately by individuals throughout large facilities, ensuring rapid awareness and response.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides a clear, visual means of communication for alerts, ensuring that individuals in large spaces can quickly understand and respond to emergencies or notifications without relying on multiple systems, enhancing safety and clarity.
Implementation Method 1
A networked lighting communication system uses networked, controllable lighting to signify and notify people of a current or eminent event to be acted upon
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is a system that has a network comprising a power over ethernet switch and at least one light communicatively coupled to the network via the POE switch such that the at least one light receives power from the POE switch. Further, the system comprises a processor configured for transmitting power and light control data to the at least one light over the network via the POE, the light control data comprising commands for changing the color of the at least one light.