Virtual Partner Detecting Incident Equipment via Smart Building Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
First responders often face challenges when incidents require equipment not typically carried by them, such as AEDs for medical emergencies or first aid kits for injuries, due to inaccurate incident reporting or changes in incident parameters, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation and response.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing body-worn cameras with video analytics and smart building controllers to detect and track the availability of necessary equipment within the incident environment, ensuring that responders are informed about the status and location of required objects, thereby optimizing resource retrieval and response strategies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If first responders carry all possible equipment for various incidents, then they can respond to any incident type, but the weight and complexity of their equipment increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of required equipment based on incident type before the responder arrives. The virtual partner identifies what equipment is needed and locates it in advance, allowing the responder to carry only essential items while knowing where to retrieve additional equipment if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a smart building controller and virtual partner as intermediaries between the responder and the equipment. These systems communicate incident requirements and equipment locations to the responder, eliminating the need for the responder to physically carry all possible equipment while maintaining access to it through the intermediary system.
2Speed
If first responders carry limited equipment, then their mobility is improved, but they cannot respond effectively to incidents requiring specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual partner acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between limited responder equipment and the full range of needed equipment. It provides real-time information about available equipment locations and guides the responder to retrieve necessary items, maintaining both mobility and response effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback to the responder about equipment availability and location through the virtual partner. This feedback loop ensures the responder knows exactly what equipment is needed and where to find it, maintaining response effectiveness without requiring the responder to carry all equipment upfront.
3Measurement precision
If incident parameters are accurately reported, then the right equipment can be identified, but inaccurate or changing incident parameters lead to wrong equipment identification and response delays
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual partner dynamically adjusts equipment recommendations based on changing incident parameters. As the responder gathers more information about the incident or conditions change, the system updates its equipment suggestions in real-time, ensuring accuracy without requiring perfect initial information or causing delays.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for detecting and tracking a status of an object relevant to an incident are provided. A virtual partner associated with a first responder detects at least one object that is relevant to an incident to which the responder is responding. The virtual partner requests that a smart building controller track a status of the at least one object. It is determined that the at least one object is currently needed. An indication is received from the smart building controller when the at least one object is currently needed, indicating the status of the at least one object.