Proximity-Based Emergency Notification Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing emergency event reporting services in vehicles often rely on centralized operators and require additional fees, and they may not efficiently route communications to responders located near the incident, especially when vehicles are out of range of standard communication networks.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses in-vehicle computing devices and mobile computing devices to generate and forward emergency notifications via a pre-existing wireless protocol, utilizing proximity-based mobile devices to transmit data over an emergency channel to emergency responders, ensuring localized communication and minimal disruption to normal device use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a centralized operator routes emergency communications, then emergency services can be provided, but additional subscription fees are required and the operator may not be located near the vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency service availabilityVSAvoidcost accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables vehicles to autonomously generate and transmit emergency notifications using onboard sensors and computing devices, eliminating the need for centralized operator intervention and proprietary service subscriptions. The vehicle self-manages the emergency communication process by directly notifying relevant responders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses standard communication protocols and existing mobile devices that can serve multiple purposes - both normal communication and emergency notification routing. This universal approach allows any vehicle with standard equipment to access emergency services without proprietary system requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If standard communication networks are used, then infrastructure is widely available, but vehicles out of range cannot communicate emergency events

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication coverageVSAvoidemergency notification delivery
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces mobile computing devices as intermediary elements that can receive emergency notifications from vehicles and relay them to responders through alternative communication paths. These intermediaries extend the communication range beyond standard network coverage areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds a spatial dimension to emergency communication by utilizing the physical proximity and movement of mobile devices carrying responders or bystanders. Instead of relying solely on network infrastructure coverage, the system leverages the geographic distribution and mobility of devices to deliver notifications in remote areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If proprietary emergency services are implemented, then dedicated emergency channels are available, but additional subscription fees are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency communication channelVSAvoidcost accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system eliminates dependency on proprietary emergency services by enabling vehicles to independently generate and transmit emergency notifications using standard communication protocols. This self-service approach provides dedicated emergency communication capabilities without requiring expensive service subscriptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses inexpensive, widely available mobile computing devices and standard communication protocols instead of expensive proprietary emergency service infrastructure. These common, affordable technologies provide sufficient functionality for emergency notification without requiring costly dedicated systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Extent of automation

If centralized operators are used, then emergency coordination is possible, but response time increases due to additional routing steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency coordinationVSAvoidnotification delivery time
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automates the emergency notification process by enabling vehicles to directly generate and transmit alerts to responders without requiring centralized operator coordination. This direct automation eliminates intermediate human intervention steps and reduces notification delivery time while maintaining coordination through automated routing logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2831858B1Service of an emergency event based on proximity
Publication Date: 2018.08.15 INTEL CORP
  • EP2831858B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2831858B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2831858B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus and system for communicating information relating to an emergency event occurring at a non-emergency vehicle to an emergency service includes forwarding emergency event information from the non-emergency vehicle to the emergency service via one or more mobile devices located in proximity to the non-emergency vehicle.