Personnel Tracking via Automated ID Scanning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for tracking emergency personnel at incident sites are often cumbersome, requiring responders to carry pre-issued devices or ID tags, which can lead to accountability issues and lack of identification for personnel without these tools, especially in multi-agency responses where different systems are used.
Innovation Solution
A personnel commissioning system that uses a data input device to create a unique personnel profile based on scanned data, such as a driver's license, which is then assigned to a scannable tag for tracking personnel movements within a designated geo-fence area via a wireless communication network, allowing for real-time monitoring and minimizing the need for responders to carry specific devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-issued ID tags or devices are used for personnel tracking, then personnel identification and tracking can be achieved, but responders must remember to carry these devices and personnel without these devices cannot be tracked
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically captures personnel identification data using scanners at entry points without requiring responders to manually carry or present ID tags. The commissioning device automatically creates personnel profiles and assigns tracking tags, making the system self-servicing rather than dependent on responder actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual ID tag carrying and presentation with automated optical scanning systems. Barcode scanners or RFID readers automatically capture personnel identification data as responders enter the incident scene, eliminating the mechanical requirement for responders to physically carry and present identification devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple agency-specific tracking systems are used in multi-agency responses, then each agency can track its own personnel, but a unified personnel accounting system is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The commissioning device serves multiple functions: it scans various forms of identification (driver's licenses, state IDs, military IDs), creates personnel profiles, assigns tracking tags, and integrates with incident command systems. This single universal device replaces multiple agency-specific tracking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate tracking functions into a single integrated commissioning device and unified personnel profile system. All personnel from different agencies are processed through the same device and entered into a common tracking database, eliminating the need for separate agency-specific systems.
3Loss of information
If detailed personnel information is collected and stored, then comprehensive personnel profiles can be created for tracking and accountability, but biographical information may become viewable by all persons with system access
Solution Approach 1:
The personnel profile is segmented into different data categories with different access levels. The system distinguishes between operational tracking information (available to all authorized users) and sensitive biographical information (restricted access), allowing comprehensive data collection while protecting privacy through selective disclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the personnel database have different security characteristics. Sensitive biographical information is protected with restricted access permissions, while non-sensitive tracking data is more broadly accessible. This local quality differentiation allows the system to maintain both completeness and security.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for commissioning for first responders at a site of an incident is provided. The system includes a data processing device configured to: receive personnel data; generate a unique personnel profile based on the personnel data; communicating the unique personnel profile to a tag creation device for creation of a tag corresponding to the unique personnel profile; receive scanning location information of the tag, and cause display, at a monitoring display, of alert data associated with the scanning location information. The alert data is a result of applying at least one user-defined rule to the scanning locating information.