Portable Device Emergency Alert System Using Wireless Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency response systems fail to quickly and effectively alert and assist individuals in distress, particularly in areas with limited GPS reception and secure buildings, leading to delayed rescue times that can be critical in life-threatening situations.
Innovation Solution
A processor-based portable device with a communication unit, position determining unit, and life circle database that selects appropriate contact information and instructions based on sensed wireless emission signals and heuristic algorithms to alert multiple responders, including first aid and security services, and provides situational information for rapid access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS-based emergency alert systems are used, then location accuracy is improved, but the system becomes ineffective in areas with limited GPS reception such as secure buildings and indoor areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless emission signals (WLAN, Bluetooth, cellular) as intermediary positioning methods. When GPS is unavailable, the system uses these intermediate signal sources to determine location, ensuring continuous operation across all environments including secure buildings and indoor areas where GPS signals cannot penetrate
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different positioning methods based on availability. It prioritizes GPS when available for high accuracy, then automatically transitions to wireless emission signal-based positioning when GPS is unavailable, creating a flexible hybrid positioning system that adapts to environmental conditions
2Loss of time
If automatic biometric triggering is implemented, then response time is reduced, but the system fails when the victim is unable to trigger the distress call themselves
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect distress conditions without requiring victim action. Biometric sensors monitor physiological parameters and automatically trigger alerts when abnormal patterns are detected, enabling the system to serve itself in detecting emergencies and initiating rescue protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors biometric data and provides feedback loops to detect changes indicating distress. When sensors detect abnormal physiological patterns, the system automatically initiates alert sequences, creating a closed-loop monitoring system that responds dynamically to victim condition changes
3Reliability
If emergency services are alerted, then professional help is provided, but rescue attempts are abandoned due to inability to gain entry to secure buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-stores multiple contact methods and instructions in the life circle database before emergencies occur. Entry codes, security bypass instructions, and alternative access methods are prepared in advance, enabling rescuers to immediately attempt entry rather than discovering access problems during critical rescue time
Solution Approach 2:
The system transmits detailed situational information and access instructions as intermediaries between the victim and rescue services. This information package includes building access codes, security system instructions, and location details that enable emergency services to overcome entry barriers and reach victims in secure buildings
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple responders are contacted, then comprehensive assistance is provided, but the complexity of managing multiple contacts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the responder network into different categories and priority levels based on the type of emergency and location. Contact information is organized in the life circle database by responder type (medical, security, family), enabling selective activation of appropriate responders rather than notifying everyone simultaneously, thus managing complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention suggests a system and a method to be performed at the system. The system comprises a processor-based portable device having a communication unit and a position determining unit and a life circle database. One or more life circle records are defined in the life circle database. Each life circle record is associated with a position/location and comprises contact information and/or instructions to be applied for contacting at least one responder and/or for performing one or more predefined operations in case of a distress situation of a bearer of the processor-based portable device. A life circle record to be used at a distress situation is selected on the basis of a current position of the processor-based portable device.