Wearable Node Incapacitation Detection via Static Trilateration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing location tracking systems, such as GPS, are unreliable or unavailable in certain environments, leading to delays in determining the location of incapacitated individuals in high-risk areas, which can result in severe injury or death due to lengthy installation and calibration processes of alternative systems.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a wearable device with an impact sensor and a node that determines incapacitating events and transmits location information to an external server using wireless communication, enabling quick and efficient location determination even without GPS or internet availability, utilizing a network of static nodes for trilateration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If GPS is used for location tracking, then location determination is available in open environments, but it becomes unreliable or unavailable in buildings and geographical areas without GPS coverage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation determination reliabilityVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces static nodes as intermediary elements deployed in the environment to mediate location determination. These nodes create a local reference framework that enables positioning in GPS-denied areas by serving as intermediate reference points for trilateration calculations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the GPS satellite-based electromagnetic positioning system with a local acoustic or wireless signal-based trilateration system using static nodes. This substitution enables location determination through alternative physical mechanisms that work independently of satellite coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If alternative location determination systems are installed, then location tracking can work without GPS, but the lengthy installation and calibration processes cause delays that can lead to severe injury or death

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation determination capabilityVSAvoidinstallation and calibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The static nodes are pre-deployed in the environment before any incapacitating event occurs, establishing the location determination infrastructure in advance. This preliminary action ensures that the system is immediately operational and requires no calibration when needed, eliminating deployment delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically determines location using the pre-deployed static nodes without requiring manual calibration or configuration. The nodes self-organize into a functional network that immediately provides positioning capabilities upon activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If traditional location tracking systems are used, then they work in open environments, but they fail in environments without GPS or internet availability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidenvironmental coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The static node system serves multiple functions: it provides location determination through trilateration, acts as a communication relay in areas without internet, and operates independently of GPS. This multi-functionality allows a single system to address various environmental constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from relying on satellite-based three-dimensional positioning (GPS) to a local two-dimensional plane-based trilateration system using static nodes deployed on the ground. This dimensional shift enables operation in environments where satellite signals cannot penetrate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 fast and inexpensive location determination of incapacitated individuals, allowing for timely assistance by quickly determining the location of users in environments where traditional systems are unreliable or unavailable, thereby reducing the risk of injury or death.

Implementation Method 1

a node to determine an incapacitating event has occurred via the impact sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact sensing: Impact Force

Implementation Method 2

determine a location of the node using a plurality of nodes, wherein the plurality of nodes include the node

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTrilateration:

Implementation Method 3

transmit the incapacitating event and the location of the node to an external server

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless communication:

Data Source

PatentUS10629044B2Detecting incapacitation and location using nodes

Publication Date: 2020.04.21 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

Methods, devices, and systems for detecting incapacitation and location using nodes are described herein. One system for detecting incapacitation and location using nodes can include an impact sensor, and a node including a memory and a processor to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to determine an incapacitating event has occurred via the impact sensor, determine a location of the node using a plurality of nodes, where the plurality of nodes include the node, and transmit the incapacitating event and the location of the node to an external server.