Wireless Sensor Exposure Prediction Using Local and Network Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for determining exposure to environmental hazards like ultraviolet radiation do not accurately account for variable local conditions, such as cloudy days or proximity to water, leading to inadequate protection against cumulative exposure risks.
Innovation Solution
A wireless sensor system that combines local condition sensing with networked environmental data to predict future exposure limits, using a sensor, local wireless transmitter, and electronic device with a controller, transceiver, and exposure module to provide real-time and forecasted exposure information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current exposure evaluation systems are used, then exposure monitoring is provided, but accuracy is reduced because variable local conditions are not taken into account
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by deploying distributed wireless sensors at specific locations (workplaces, outdoor areas) that independently measure local environmental conditions such as UV radiation, temperature, and humidity. Each sensor provides localized measurements that reflect the specific conditions at that position, enabling accurate exposure assessment that accounts for spatial variations in environmental hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the temporal dimension to exposure monitoring by continuously tracking cumulative exposure over time and comparing it against threshold limits. This transforms the assessment from a single-point-in-time measurement to a dynamic, time-integrated evaluation that captures the progression of exposure and enables predictive warnings before dangerous levels are reached.
2Measurement precision
If cumulative exposure tracking is implemented, then accurate exposure assessment is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multi-functional wireless sensor nodes that integrate environmental sensing, data processing, wireless communication, and local decision-making capabilities into single units. These universal sensor nodes can monitor multiple environmental parameters (UV, temperature, humidity) simultaneously and perform both real-time alerting and cumulative exposure tracking, reducing the need for separate specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system performs self-service by autonomously measuring environmental conditions, calculating cumulative exposure, comparing against pre-programmed safety thresholds, and generating alerts without requiring constant external intervention. The sensors independently manage their own operation, data collection, and decision-making processes, reducing the burden on centralized control systems.
3Reliability
If real-time monitoring and prediction capabilities are added, then exposure risk management is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic measurement and evaluation cycles where sensors continuously monitor environmental conditions at regular intervals, accumulate exposure data over time periods, and perform threshold comparisons at defined checkpoints. This periodic operation allows the system to maintain real-time monitoring capabilities while managing power consumption through structured, interval-based processing rather than continuous high-power operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations by pre-programming exposure threshold limits and safety criteria into the sensor nodes before deployment. This allows the sensors to make immediate local decisions about whether exposure levels are dangerous without requiring complex real-time computations or continuous communication with remote servers, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable prediction capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A system (100) that determines exposure based on local conditions is disclosed. The system can include a sensor (172) configured to sense local conditions local to a user of the system, a sensor local wireless transmitter (174) coupled to the sensor, and an electronic device (105). The electronic device can include a controller (120) configured to control operations of the electronic device, a device local wireless transceiver (155) coupled to the controller and wirelessly coupled to the sensor local wireless transmitter, a network interface coupled (150) to a wide area network and coupled to the controller, the network interface configured to obtain local environmental conditions, and an exposure module (190) coupled to the controller. The exposure module can determine exposure to an environmental element based at least on the local conditions sensed by the sensor and the local environmental conditions obtained by the network interface.