Sensor data to identify catastrophe areas
A computer-implemented method for generating an automated response to a catastrophic event, that includes (1) analyzing a sample set of data generated in association with a catastrophic event to determine a threshold pattern; (2) receiving, with customer permission or affirmative consent, home sensor data from a smart home controller via wireless communication or data transmission, the home sensor data including data regarding at least one of (i) structural status; (ii) wind speed; (iii) availability of electricity; (iv) presence of water; (v) temperature; (vi) pressure; and/or (vii) presence of pollutants in the air and/or water; (3) determining, based upon or from computer analysis of the home sensor data, whether the home sensor data indicates a match to the threshold pattern; and (4) automatically generating a response if the home sensor data indicates a match to the threshold pattern. As a result, catastrophic events and responses thereto may be improved through usage of a remote network of home sensors.
1. A computer-implemented method for tracking a catastrophic event using a remote sensor network, the computer-implemented method comprising:
receiving a first set of event data generated by a plurality of sensors distributed in and around a plurality of structures;
comparing an event threshold corresponding to an event type against the first set of event data to determine that the event threshold has been met or exceeded;
initializing a data file, based upon the first set of event data, to receive a second set of event data comprising sensor data from the plurality of sensors;
receiving the second set of event data into the data file; and
generating, based upon the second set of event data, a customized threshold pattern for the plurality of sensors that corresponds to the event type.
2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further including issuing operational instructions to at least some of the plurality of sensors based upon a data receipt pattern determined from the first set of event data.
3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2 , wherein the data receipt pattern is further determined based upon comparison of the first set of event data with a supplemental data set, the supplemental data set including weather-related data received from an external database configured for weather tracking.
4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the area associated with the first set of event data includes areas effected by and likely to be affected by the event type.
5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4 , wherein the event is a weather-related event.
6. The computer-implemented method of claim 4 , wherein the event is an electrical outage-related event.
7. The computer-implemented method of claim 4 , wherein the event is a traffic-related event.
8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein at least some of the plurality of sensors generate physical weather-related data.
9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein at least some of the plurality of sensors generate traffic-related data.
10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein at least some of the plurality of sensors generate structural status information regarding the plurality of structures.
11. The computer implemented method of claim 2 , further comprising formatting the operational instructions for transmission to the plurality of sensors via communication network.
12. The computer-implemented method of claim 2 , further comprising formatting the operational instructions as a request for routing to an operator of the plurality of sensors.
13. The computer-implemented method of claim 12 , wherein the operator is an alarm security company.
14. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising: (1) receiving additional weather-related event data from an external database configured for weather tracking; (2) comparing the additional weather-related event data against the event threshold to confirm occurrence of the event type.
15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium with an executable program stored thereon for tracking a catastrophic event using a remote sensor network, wherein the program instructs a processing element of a computing device to perform the following:
receive a first set of event data generated by a plurality of sensors distributed in and around a plurality of structures;
compare an event threshold corresponding to an event type against the first set of event data to determine that the event threshold has been met or exceeded;
initialize a data file, based upon the first set of event data, to receive a second set of event data comprising sensor data from the plurality of sensors;
receive the second set of event data into the data file; and
generate, based upon the second set of event data, a customized threshold pattern for the sensors that corresponds to the event type.
16. A computing device for tracking a catastrophic event using a remote sensor network, the device comprising:
a communication element configured to receive event data generated by a plurality of sensors positioned in and around a structure;
a memory element electronically coupled to the communication element, the memory element configured to store data and executable instructions; and
a processing element electronically coupled to the communication element and the memory element, the processing element configured to—
compare an event threshold corresponding to an event type against a first set of the event data to determine that the event threshold has been met or exceeded;
initialize a data file, based upon the first set of the event data, to receive a second set of the event data comprising sensor data from the plurality of sensors;
receive the second set of the event data into the data file; and
generate, based upon the second set of the event data, a customized threshold pattern for the plurality of sensors that corresponds to the event type.
17. The computing device of claim 16 , wherein the processing element is further configured to issue operational instructions to at least some of the plurality of sensors based upon a data receipt pattern of the first set of event data, and via the communication element.
18. The computing device of claim 17 , wherein the processing element is further configured to format the operational instructions for transmission to the plurality of sensors via communication network.
19. The computing device of claim 17 , wherein the processing element is further configured to format the operational instructions for routing to an operator of the plurality of sensors.