Portable Electronic Command Board for Incident Data Collaboration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing incident command systems lack the capability to handle multi-alarm emergencies effectively, as they do not scale to manage the collaboration of multiple commanders and units, and they lack real-time data sharing and redundancy, leading to inefficiencies and safety risks in chaotic emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic command board with a computer, data structures, and a network interface for data sharing, along with collaborative software that enables incident commanders to manage incidents and resources in real-time, using a touch screen interface similar to a whiteboard, and a system that enforces data integrity and eliminates single points of failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual magnetic boards and standalone systems are used for incident command, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but real-time data sharing and collaboration capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple standalone incident command systems into a single integrated collaborative platform. Multiple commanders and units can simultaneously access and update incident data, resource status, and tactical information through a unified system, eliminating the information silos created by separate magnetic boards and standalone computers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides universal access to incident command functionality across multiple devices and locations. Commanders, officers, and units can interact with the same incident database through various interfaces (computers, mobile devices), enabling real-time collaboration while maintaining a single source of truth for all incident information.
2Device complexity
If standalone incident command systems are deployed, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to single points of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system architecture is segmented into modular components that can operate independently yet contribute to the whole. Each commander or unit can maintain local access to critical incident data and continue functioning even if other parts of the system experience failures, distributing the reliability burden across multiple independent nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms where all users receive real-time updates about incident status, resource availability, and tactical changes. This feedback loop ensures that even if one commander or device fails, others immediately receive updated information and can maintain situational awareness and coordination.
3Loss of information
If real-time collaborative software and network interfaces are implemented, then data sharing and coordination capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates and maintains copies of incident data across multiple nodes and devices in the network. Each commander or unit receives local copies of the incident database that automatically synchronize with central and other distributed copies, ensuring real-time access to accurate information without requiring complex centralized management of every data access request.
4Productivity
If multiple commanders and units collaborate in real-time, then productivity is improved, but loss of time for system coordination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous real-time collaboration without interruption or coordination delays. Multiple commanders and units can simultaneously update, view, and act upon incident information without requiring sequential approval or synchronization meetings. The system continuously processes and distributes updates as they occur, maintaining uninterrupted workflow throughout the incident response.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic command board includes a computer for inputting incident data, a database for storing incident data locally within the computer and a wireless interface, connected to the computer, to connect the computer with another computer to replicate the database on the other computer to provide a collaborative workspace environment. Furthermore a touch screen is provided to input the incident data in a manner similar to drawing on a white board.