Wearable Defibrillator Proximity-Based Alert Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) systems lack the ability to selectively notify remote responders based on their proximity to the patient, potentially leading to unnecessary distractions for responders already in the vicinity and inadequate information for those farther away.
Innovation Solution
The WCD system is configured to determine the proximity of responders and selectively send notifications, using SMS, voice messages, or email, to responders outside the local area, while silencing or muting notifications for those within the area to avoid distractions and ensure timely assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the WCD system sends notifications to all responders regardless of proximity, then all responders receive critical information, but responders already in the local area experience unnecessary distractions
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different notification behaviors based on the spatial quality of responders' locations. Responders within the geofenced local area receive silent notifications only, while remote responders receive full alerts with audio and visual cues. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by tailoring notification intensity to the responder's proximity to the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The WCD system uses an automated proximity-based notification system as an intermediary to filter and route alerts appropriately. The system automatically determines responder location relative to the patient's geofenced area and selectively applies notification protocols, eliminating the need for manual judgment and preventing distractions to local responders while ensuring remote responders are alerted.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the WCD system sends notifications only to responders outside the local area, then remote responders receive critical information, but responders inside the local area may lack necessary information
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides differentiated information delivery based on location: local responders receive silent push notifications with essential event information (time, location, event type) without audio disturbance, while remote responders receive comprehensive alerts with full audio and visual notifications. This ensures both groups receive appropriate information without causing harm to either.
Solution Approach 2:
Local responders receive a partial notification (silent push alert with key information) that is sufficient for their immediate needs without the excessive action of full audio-visual alerts that would cause distraction. Remote responders receive the complete notification package. This partial action for local responders resolves the information need while avoiding harm.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the WCD system provides detailed information to all responders, then all responders can make informed decisions, but the notification system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system dynamically adapts its behavior based on real-time responder location data. The system continuously monitors responder proximity to the patient's geofenced area and automatically adjusts notification delivery mode (silent vs. full alert). This dynamic adaptation provides versatility in information delivery while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated location-based logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification system serves multiple functions through a single unified platform: it provides location-based routing, delivers differentiated notification types (silent push alerts vs. full alerts), manages geofenced areas, and tracks responder proximity. This multi-functionality achieves adaptability in information delivery without proportionally increasing complexity, as all functions are integrated into one system.
Data Source
AI summary
A WCD system is configured to monitor various characteristics of the WCD system including about the patient. The WCD system is further configured to transmit a notification of a notifiable event to responders that are outside a local area of the patient, and to silence the notification for any responder(s) that are inside the local area of the patient.