Emergency Responder Path Retrieval Using Motion Sensor Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency responders, such as firefighters, face challenges in navigating through smoke-filled buildings due to impaired visual perception, and existing navigation systems are unreliable in emergency situations where wireless networks may be unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing motion sensors, such as gyroscopes and GPS, to track and validate a path traveled by an emergency responder, supplemented by air pressure and compass sensors for accuracy, and haptic actuators for guidance, allowing for reliable path retrieval even in environments where wireless networks are unavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless networks are used to determine location for navigation, then navigation capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates when wireless power is deprived
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces motion sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) as intermediary devices that do not depend on wireless networks for operation. These sensors directly measure physical motion and orientation, providing navigation data through physical measurement rather than network-based location services, thus resolving the contradiction between navigation capability and reliability in power-deprived environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic/network-based navigation system with a mechanical sensing system that uses physical sensors to detect motion, direction, and orientation. This mechanical approach (measuring actual physical movement) substitutes the unreliable electronic network approach, maintaining navigation functionality when wireless power or network availability is compromised
2Ease of operation
If visual perception is used for navigation, then navigation effectiveness is improved, but it deteriorates when visual perception is impaired by smoke
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual navigation (optical system) with mechanical sensing systems that measure physical motion through accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers. These mechanical sensors detect movement, orientation, and direction independent of light conditions, eliminating the harmful effect of smoke on navigation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces motion sensors as intermediary devices that measure physical navigation parameters without relying on visual perception. These sensors act as mediators between the navigator and the environment, providing navigation data through physical measurement rather than optical detection, thus bypassing the visual impairment caused by smoke
3Measurement precision
If motion sensors are positioned on the body for tracking, then tracking accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple motion sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer) into a single integrated sensor unit that is worn on the body. This combination of sensors in one package reduces the complexity of positioning and managing multiple separate sensors while maintaining high tracking accuracy through fused data from all sensor types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a multi-functional sensor unit that performs multiple navigation functions (acceleration measurement, orientation detection, magnetic field sensing) through a single integrated device. This universal sensor unit eliminates the need for multiple separate sensors, reducing positioning complexity while comprehensively capturing motion data for accurate tracking
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
Enables emergency responders to safely and efficiently evacuate a scene by retracing their own path or locating a fellow responder, providing a dependable and intuitive guidance system that overcomes sensory impairments and environmental interference.
Implementation Method 1
A motion sensor may comprise a gyroscope, a compass or any other means to measure travel direction and distance
Implementation Method 2
The motion sensor may also be supplemented by a GPS sensor to calibrate the motion sensor to an absolute position
Implementation Method 3
The motion sensor may also be supplemented by an air pressure sensor for measuring the height or altitude
Implementation Method 4
The motion sensor may also be supplemented by a compass sensor measuring the earth magnetic field
Data Source
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Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
A method for aiding emergency responders in retrieving a path, comprising receiving motion data from a first motion sensor registering motion of a first emergency responder of at least one emergency responder exploring an emergency scene; compiling track data based on the motion data of the first motion sensor, wherein the track data represents a first track of the first emergency responder through the emergency scene; calculating path data based on the track data, wherein the path data represents a path coinciding with at least a part of the track; and providing the path data to an actuator arranged for guiding an emergency responder of the at least one emergency responder along the path.