DESC:PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This complete application claims priority from a provisional application filed in India having Patent Application No. 201741005807 filed on February 18, 2017 and titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION AND CROWD PARTICIPATED EMERGENCY RESPONSE MANAGEMENT”.
BACKGROOUND
[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to emergency alert system and more particularly to, a system and method for volunteer selection for emergency management.
[0003] Every day a plurality of emergency situations arises in which one or more people require assistance. The plurality of emergency situations includes medical situation, vehicle accident, fires or natural disasters. In many counties, a team of people are notified of the plurality of emergency situations to provide assistance to the individual in need. Such team of people includes emergency medical specialists, firefighters, police officers, volunteers or military personnel. Various systems are available which provide assistance to the individual in need.
[0004] Furthermore, some systems have limited scope in providing the assistance to the individual in need as the system sends the alert of emergency to the selected people of user interest such as family members, friend, relatives or police. In such situations sometimes, the family members are too far to attend emergency immediately. However, such systems provide slow response time to attend emergency which leads to security issue with the individual.
[0005] Moreover, in some systems the system selects a nearest volunteer based on the vicinity to the individual and notify them about the emergency for faster response. However, such situation may lead to uncertainty and do not use analytics to identify suitability of the volunteer.
[0006] Hence, there is a need for an improved system and method for volunteer selection for emergency management to address the aforementioned issues.
BREIF DESCRIPTION
[0007] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for volunteer selection for emergency management is provided. The system includes a device configured to generate an emergency alert signal in an emergency condition of a user. The system also includes a processing subsystem communicatively coupled to the device and configured to receive the emergency alert signal. The processing subsystem is also configured to determine a first list of volunteers from a pool of crowd based on a place of interest. The processing subsystem is further configured to determine a second list of volunteers from the pool of crowd based on a duration at a place. The processing subsystem is further configured to determine a third list of volunteers from the pool of crowd based on relation with the user. The processing subsystem is further configured to compare the first list of volunteers, the second list of volunteers and the third list of volunteers. The processing subsystem is further configured to identify one or more preferences for the first list of volunteers, the second list of volunteers and the third list of volunteers based on a compared result. The processing subsystem is further configured to select a volunteer based on the one or more preferences. The processing subsystem is further configured to send a notification to the volunteer to manage the emergency condition of the user.
[0008] In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for volunteer selection for emergency management is provided. The method includes generating an emergency alert signal in an emergency condition of a user. The method also includes receiving the emergency alert signal. The method further includes determining a first list of volunteers from a pool of crowd based on a place of interest. The method further includes determining a second list of volunteers from the pool of crowd based on a duration at a place. The method further includes determining a third list of volunteers from the pool of crowd based on relation with the user. The method further includes comparing the first list of volunteers, the second list of volunteers and the third list of volunteers. The method further includes identifying one or more preferences for the first list of volunteers, the second list of volunteers and the third list of volunteers based on a compared result. The method further includes selecting a volunteer based on the one or more preferences. The method further includes sending a notification to the volunteer to manage the emergency condition of the user.
[0009] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for volunteer selection for emergency management in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary system for volunteer selection for emergency management of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method for volunteer selection for emergency management in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0015] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0016] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.
[0017] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0018] Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to a system for volunteer selection for emergency management. The system includes a device configured to generate an emergency alert signal in an emergency condition of a user. The system also includes a processing subsystem communicatively coupled to the device and configured to receive the emergency alert signal. The processing subsystem is also configured to determine a first list of volunteers from a pool of crowd based on a place of interest. The processing subsystem is further configured to determine a second list of volunteers from the pool of crowd based on a duration at a place. The processing subsystem is further configured to determine a third list of volunteers from the pool of crowd based on relation with the user. The processing subsystem is further configured to compare the first list of volunteers, the second list of volunteers and the third list of volunteers. The processing subsystem is further configured to identify one or more preferences for the first list of volunteers, the second list of volunteers and the third list of volunteers based on a compared result. The processing subsystem is further configured to select a volunteer based on the one or more preferences. The processing subsystem is further configured to send a notification to the volunteer to manage the emergency condition of the user.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system (10) for volunteer selection for emergency management in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (10) includes a device (20) which is configured to generate an emergency alert signal in an emergency condition of a user (25). In one embodiment, the device may include a handheld device or a wearable device. In such embodiment, the handheld device may include a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop or a tablet. In some embodiments, the wearable device may include a watch, a health monitoring device or an activity tracking wristband.
[0020] Also, the system (10) includes a processing subsystem (30) which is communicatively coupled to the device via a communication network (35). In one embodiment, the processing subsystem (30) may be located on a cloud server. The processing subsystem (30) is configured to receive the emergency alert signal from the device. In a specific embodiment, the emergency alert signal may include a contact detail of the user (25), a location of the user (25) and one or more contact details of the family members of the user (25). In such embodiment, the location of the user (25) may be tracked by a global positioning system (GPS).
[0021] The processing subsystem (30) is also configured to determine a first list of volunteers from a pool of crowd based on a place of interest. In one embodiment, the processing subsystem (30) may sort out the first list of volunteers residing in close vicinity of victim’s location. In such embodiment, the processing subsystem (30) may determine the first list of volunteers who are associated with location of the user (25) by having specified such location as same place of interest.
[0022] A common place of interest increases chances of a volunteer to be interested in accepting the request for help. In such embodiment, the processing subsystem (30) may take into account suitability of the first list of volunteers. In some embodiments, the place of interest may include home location, garden location, temple location, super market location or work location. The chances of the volunteer’s willingness to help in the vicinity and neighbourhood of such location increases.
[0023] Furthermore, the processing subsystem (30) is configured to determine a second list of volunteers from the pool of crowd based on a duration at a place. In one embodiment, the processing subsystem (30) may determine statistics about how long the second list of volunteers is associated with a particular place. The processing subsystem (30) is further configured to determine a third list of volunteers from the pool of crowd based on relation with the user (25). Such selection enhances the chances of the related volunteer amongst a pool of crowd to accept help because the user (25) either belongs to place-based association or in friendly network of the volunteer.
[0024] In a specific embodiment, the processing subsystem (30) may analyse time spent by a volunteer in a particular location where the user (25) initiate signal for help. More the time spent by the volunteer on that location, greater are the chances of familiarity of place and hence more suitable to help. In some embodiments, the processing subsystem (30) may be configured to determine a fourth list of volunteers based on commonality between routes taken by the user (25) and the fourth list of volunteers when the user (25) is commuting. The commonality is determined by analysis of routes of the user (25) based on GPS location coordinates.
[0025] The processing subsystem (30) is further configured to compare the first list of volunteers, the second list of volunteers and the third list of volunteers. The processing subsystem (30) is further configured to identify one or more preferences for the first list of volunteers, the second list of volunteers and the third list of volunteers based on a compared result. In one embodiment, the one or more preferences may be one or more user (25) preferences. In such embodiment, the one or more user (25) preferences are in a descending order of the one or more preferences. The user (25) is allowed to prioritize a list of family members and a list of friends into hierarchical order based on the one or more preferences for contact in emergency. In one embodiment, the user (25) assigns the family members, friends and the crowd participated volunteers into a plurality of groups. Such plurality of groups is called as circles such as 1st Circle, 2nd Circle and the like. The circles are prioritized to be contacted in emergency situations. In a specific embodiment, some of a vital information such as motion information of the user (25), audio samples, and medical parameters may be shared with the circle members based on the one or more user (25) preferences.
[0026] Moreover, the processing subsystem (30) is further configured to select a volunteer (40) based on the one or more preferences. The processing subsystem (30) is further configured to send a notification to the volunteer (40) to manage the emergency condition of the user (25). The volunteer (40) accept or reject the notification to manage the emergency condition of the user (25). In one embodiment, the processing subsystem (30) may repeat the sequence to select the volunteer (40) till one of the volunteer from the first list of volunteers, the second list of volunteers and the third list of volunteers accepts the notification to manage the emergency condition of the user (25).
[0027] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary system (50) for volunteer selection for emergency management of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (50) includes an electronic device (60) which generates an emergency alert signal in an emergency condition of the user (70). The electronic device (60) is substantially similar to the device (20) of FIG. 1. The electronic device (20) may be a handheld device (80) of the user (70) or a wearable device (90) that the user (70) wears. The system (50) also includes a processing subsystem (100) communicatively coupled to the electronic device (60) via a communication network (110). In one embodiment, the communication network (110) may include a wired communication network such as LAN. In another embodiment, the communication network (110) may include a wireless communication network such as 2G, 3G, 4G, LTE, HSDPA, WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee or Low Power WAN. The processing subsystem (100) is substantially similar to the processing subsystem (30) of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the processing subsystem (100) may be located on a cloud server.
[0028] The processing subsystem (100) includes an analyser subsystem (120) which is configured to receive the emergency alert signal from the electronic device (60). The emergency signal may include a contact detail of the user, a location of the user and one or more contact details of the family members of the user. The analyser subsystem (130) is also configured to determine a first list of volunteers from a pool of crowd based on a place of interest. For example, if a child is threatened near a school location the system reaches out to other parents of school kids who have defined school location as the place of interest as such volunteers of the first list of volunteers might be interested in helping out because of the common association with the place.
[0029] Furthermore, the analyser subsystem (120) is configured to determine a second list of volunteers from the pool of crowd based on a duration at a place. For example, a volunteer who is present at a place for about 2 hours has more chance of accepting help as compared to a volunteer who is just passing by from that location. For example, a volunteer having been in an area for almost 3 hours in a particular location and having indicated that location as place of interest as work location then there are more chances of familiarity of that place as compared to a volunteer who was found in that location because the volunteer just passing by that location at the time of the user initiate emergency.
[0030] The analyser subsystem (120) is further configured to determine a third list of volunteers from the pool of crowd based on relation with the user (25). For example, such third list of volunteers are determined by looking into the user’s circle members such as 1st level friends of circle members, 2nd level friends of circle members and so on. Such analysis enhances chances of the related volunteer amongst a pool of crowd to accept help because the user (25) either belongs to place-based association or in friendly network of the volunteer.
[0031] The processing subsystem (100) further includes identification subsystem (130) which is operatively coupled to the analyser subsystem (120). The identification subsystem (130) is configured to compare the first list of volunteers, the second list of volunteers and the third list of volunteers. The identification subsystem (130) is further configured to identify one or more preferences for the first list of volunteers, the second list of volunteers and the third list of volunteers based on a compared result.
[0032] Moreover, the identification subsystem (130) is further configured to select a volunteer (40) based on the one or more preferences. In one embodiment, the one or more preferences may be one or more user preferences. The user (25) is allowed to prioritize a list of family members and a list of friends into hierarchical order based on the one or more preferences for contact in emergency. For example, the user (25) in emergency notifies about the situation to family members or friends. The family members or friends make assessment of the emergency level by messaging the user (25) in emergency. In case, the family members or friends are too far to attend emergency immediately, the family members or friends are provided with an option to escalate the emergency condition. The system determines the most appropriate volunteer (40) from the first list of volunteers, the second list of volunteers and the third list of volunteers, who may attend the user (25) in emergency.
[0033] The processing subsystem (100) further includes an alert subsystem (140) which is configured to send a notification to the volunteer (40) to manage the emergency condition of the user (25). The volunteer (40) accept or reject the notification to manage the emergency condition of the user (25). In one embodiment, the alert subsystem (140) may repeat the sequence to send the notification to the volunteer (40) till one of the volunteer from the first list of volunteers, the second list of volunteers and the third list of volunteers accepts the notification to manage the emergency condition of the user (25). In one embodiment, the law enforcement agencies are also notified at pre-configured stage of escalation.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method (150) for volunteer selection for emergency management in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (150) includes generating an emergency alert signal in an emergency condition of a user in step 160. The method (150) also includes receiving the emergency alert signal in step 170. In one embodiment, receiving the emergency alert signal may include receiving a contact detail of the user, a location of the user and one or more contact details of the family members of the user. The method (150) further includes determining a first list of volunteers from a pool of crowd based on a place of interest in step 180.
[0035] Also, the method (150) includes determining a second list of volunteers from the pool of crowd based on a duration at a place in step 190. In one embodiment, determining a second list of volunteers from the pool of crowd based on a duration at a place may include determining the statistics about how long the second list of volunteers is associated with a particular place. The method (150) further includes determining a third list of volunteers from the pool of crowd based on relation with the user in step 200. In some embodiments, the method (150) includes determining a fourth list of volunteers based on commonality between routes taken by the user and the fourth list of volunteers when the user is commuting. In such embodiment, determining the commonality by analysing the routes of the user based on GPS location coordinates.
[0036] Furthermore, the method (150) includes comparing the first list of volunteers, the second list of volunteers and the third list of volunteers based on the received emergency signal in step 210. The method (150) further includes identifying one or more preferences for the first list of volunteers, the second list of volunteers and the third list of volunteers based on a compared result in step 220. In a specific embodiment, identifying the one or more preferences for the first list of volunteers, the second list of volunteers and the third list of volunteers based on the compared result may include identify the one or more user preferences. In such embodiment, prioritizing the one or more user preferences may be in a descending order of the one or more preferences.
[0037] In one embodiment, identifying the one or more preferences for the first list of volunteers, the second list of volunteers and the third list of volunteers based on the compared result may include identifying the one or more preferences by assigning the family members, friends and the crowd participated volunteers into a plurality of groups. The method (150) further includes selecting a volunteer based on the one or more preferences in step 230. The method (150) further includes sending a notification to the volunteer to manage the emergency condition of the user in step 240. In a specific embodiment, sending a notification to the volunteer to manage the emergency condition of the user may include sending some of a vital information such as motion information of the user, audio samples, and medical parameters.
[0038] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for volunteer selection for emergency management. The system overcomes limitation of existing emergency response systems which merely send notices to preconfigured list of contacts on occurrence of emergency. The system not only allow the users to contact a preconfigured list of people but also selects a volunteer from a pool of crowd.
[0039] Also, the system is a crowd-participated emergency response management system which bridges the gap between the emergency alert signal generation and arrival of family members, friends, relatives, crowd participated volunteer and law-enforcement agencies. The system allows communication of emergency via several means such as handheld devices and wearable devices.
[0040] Further, the system communicates precise location information of the user. The system also performs hierarchical emergency escalation based on response received from family members, the friends or the crowd participated volunteers.
[0041] In addition, the system provides a public safety platform for woman and children. The system enables woman and children in distress to reach-out for help. The potential applications of the system include in medical emergencies like finding nearest blood donors or doctors.
[0042] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[0043] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method (150) in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.
[0044] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A system (10) for volunteer selection for emergency management comprising:
a device (20) configured to generate an emergency alert signal in an emergency condition of a user (25);
a processing subsystem (30) communicatively coupled to the device (20), and configured to:
receive the emergency alert signal;
determine a first list of volunteers from a pool of crowd based on a place of interest;
determine a second list of volunteers from the pool of crowd based on a duration at a place;
determine a third list of volunteers from the pool of crowd based on relation with the user;
compare the first list of volunteers, the second list of volunteers and the third list of volunteers;
identify one or more preferences for the first list of volunteers, the second list of volunteers and the third list of volunteers based on a compared result;
select a volunteer (40) based on the one or more preferences; and
send a notification to the volunteer (40) to manage the emergency condition of the user.
2. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device (20) comprises a handheld device or a wearable device.
3. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the emergency alert signal comprises a contact detail of the user, a location of the user and one or more contact details of the family members of the user.
4. The system (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the location of the user is tracked by a global positioning system (GPS).
5. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the volunteer (40) comprises a family member, a friend, a relative, a crowd participated volunteer or a law enforcement agency.
6. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing subsystem (30) is located on a cloud server.
7. The method (150) for volunteer selection for emergency management comprising:
generating an emergency alert signal in an emergency condition of a user; (160)
receiving the emergency alert signal; (170)
determining a first list of volunteers from a pool of crowd based on a place of interest; (180)
determining a second list of volunteers from the pool of crowd based on a duration at a place; (190)
determining a third list of volunteers from the pool of crowd based on relation with the user; (200)
comparing the first list of volunteers, the second list of volunteers and the third list of volunteers; (210)
identifying one or more preferences for the first list of volunteers, the second list of volunteers and the third list of volunteers based on a compared result; (220)
selecting a volunteer based on the one or more preferences; (230) and
sending a notification to the volunteer to manage the emergency condition of the user. (240)
8. The method (150) as claimed in claim 7, wherein identifying the one or more preferences for the first list of volunteers, the second list of volunteers and the third list of volunteers based on the compared result comprises identify the one or more user preferences.
9. The method (150) as claimed in claim 8, wherein prioritizing the one or more user preferences in a descending order of the one or more preferences.