Smartphone Magnetometer for Electrical Hazard Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical workers face risks due to manual measurement of nearby electrical power levels, which can lead to fatal accidents, and there is a need for automatic notification of power levels and hazardous zones to prevent such incidents.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using sensors on a computing device to determine electrical power levels, set threshold criteria, and send alerts to appropriate parties if the power levels exceed these criteria, utilizing a detection program that includes a comparison module to analyze data from sensors and a response module to notify workers and supervisors in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual measurement of electrical power levels is performed, then workers can detect power levels, but the risk of fatal accidents increases due to exposure to hazardous zones
Solution Approach 1:
A smartphone-based detection program serves as an intermediary device between workers and electrical hazards. The program uses the smartphone's magnetometer sensor to detect magnetic field strength near power lines, processes the data through alert determination logic, and provides notifications without requiring workers to physically approach or manually measure hazardous electrical components. This intermediary system eliminates direct worker exposure while maintaining detection capability.
2Reliability
If automatic notification system is implemented, then real-time monitoring of hazardous zones is achieved, but device complexity increases due to integration of sensors and software
Solution Approach 1:
The invention leverages the smartphone's existing multi-functional capabilities, particularly the magnetometer sensor already present in modern smartphones for compass and location functions. By repurposing this existing sensor for electrical hazard detection and utilizing the smartphone's built-in processing power, notification systems, and communication capabilities, the solution achieves automatic real-time monitoring without adding external hardware complexity. The detection program integrates multiple functions (sensing, processing, alerting, communication) within a single universal device.
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
This solution enables automatic and real-time monitoring of electrical power levels, reducing the risk of accidents by alerting workers and supervisors of hazardous zones, thereby enhancing safety in electrical work environments.
Implementation Method 1
smartphone sensors including a magnetometer
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method, computer program product, and system for determining electrical power levels using one or more sensors on a computing device including: determining threshold levels and alert criteria, receiving electrical power level data from one or more sensors of a computing device, determining if the electrical power level data exceeds the alert criteria, and sending an alert to the appropriate parties if the electrical power level data exceeds the alert criteria.