Wireless Alarm System with Multi-Modal Alert Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current alarm systems and monitoring devices are inconvenient as they often require users to wear them, and customization options are limited, leading to ineffective wake-up methods for users, especially those who are hearing or visually impaired.
Innovation Solution
An alarm and monitoring system comprising a primary device and secondary devices that communicate wirelessly to generate customizable alarm signals, including auditory, visual, and haptic alerts, capable of controlling other devices like smart locks and thermostats to wake users effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If audible alarms are used, then the alarm can be heard by users, but it may wake unintended users and is ineffective for hearing-impaired users
Solution Approach 1:
The alarm system is segmented into multiple independent alert modalities (audible, visual, haptic) that can be individually selected and combined. Each modality operates independently through separate devices or components, allowing users to choose the most appropriate alert type for their specific needs without interference from other modalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of alert delivery by offering multiple distinct alert types (sound, light, vibration) instead of relying on a single auditory parameter. This allows adaptation to different user conditions by selecting appropriate parameters - visual alerts for hearing-impaired users, haptic alerts for those who cannot be disturbed by sound, and audible alerts for others.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If silent-type alarms are worn on the wrist, then they can alert users without disturbing others, but this reduces convenience and comfort for users
Solution Approach 1:
The alarm functionality is extracted from the personal wearable device and placed in a remote stationary device. The alarm signal is generated at a distance from the user's body, eliminating the need to wear the alarm device on the wrist. The alert is transmitted to the user through multiple modalities (visual on nearby surfaces, haptic through contactless means) that do not require direct physical contact or wearing.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary wireless communication system connects the remote alarm generator to the user. Instead of direct physical contact or wearing, the alarm signal passes through wireless transmission and intermediate conversion devices that translate the alarm into visual and haptic forms accessible to the user without requiring them to wear anything.
3Reliability
If monitoring devices are worn continuously, then they can track health metrics, but this reduces user comfort and convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring function is extracted from continuous wearable operation and repositioned as an event-triggered remote monitoring system. Instead of continuously wearing sensors, the system activates monitoring only when alarm events occur or when users need alerts, using existing smartphones or remote devices as sensors. This eliminates the need for continuous physical attachment while maintaining monitoring capability when needed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If alarm systems lack customization options, then the system remains simple, but it cannot accommodate different user preferences and impairments
Solution Approach 1:
The alarm system implements dynamic configurability where users can adjust alert preferences, intensity, and modalities based on their specific needs and circumstances. The system adapts to different users by allowing customization of which alert types are active, their intensity levels, and timing parameters. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same system to serve multiple user profiles without requiring separate dedicated devices for each user type.
Data Source
AI summary
An alarm and monitoring system including a primary device and at least one secondary device, the alarm and monitoring system including a transceiver that receives a notification signal from a primary device or a secondary device, the notification signal including the alarm event signal; a controller coupled to the transceiver, the controller being configured to receive the notification signal from the transceiver and generate a rendering signal; and a rendering device coupled to the controller, the rendering device being configured to receive the rendering signal and render an alarm event, wherein the primary device receives the notification signal from a cloud system, and wherein the cloud system receives a communication signal from a linked user device or an external services server and forwards the notification signal to the primary device.