Inspiration
A team member was in the JHU Maker Space on multiple occasions over the past year, where staff trained them on how to use a variety of machines and the safety procedures for each. While engaged in this training, they noticed how many different things could go wrong regarding injuries and emergencies. As well as how effective communication with MakerSpace management could make incident response more robust. Arising from this discussion, we devised the idea for SmartAlert: a user-facing mobile app that optimizes emergency response communication.
What it does
Our project optimizes communication between emergency reporters, first responders, and institutional administration. Everyday people can use this app just as they would the default SOS button on their mobile device. Once opened our app takes in the user's location information and compares it to our database of registered geofences. The app then displays emergency buttons based on what geofences they are in. After the user clicks one, an emergency protocol is display, showing instructions on what steps the user should take next for the given emergency. This helps people remember what they should do in any given emergency. For example, on campus, most students probably don't have the campus security phone number saved. Additionally, travelers can use the app to access emergency contact numbers to their travel destination, ensuring they are safe during their journey.
How we built it
We used Flutter for creating the user-end mobile application so the app can be accessed by anyone with a phone. We used JavaScript and Python to create the admin page, so businesses can set geofences and emergency protocols. We used Flask to create the server that receives requests from the mobile app and admin page to send and receive data on the geofences and protocols.
Challenges we ran into
Getting flutter set up with VScode and making a working build on a real ios device. Setting up the server using flask. Getting sleep.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
Getting a working back-end/database. Having a working build on a real ios device. Adding functionality to set customizable geofences. Adding functionality to call a number at the push of a button. Getting over 5 hours of sleep (each).
What we learned
How to effectively use flutter/dart. How to create a back-end/api, effectively use ChatGPT to resolve errors and generate tedious code.
What's next for SmartAlert
Further market research and trial runs with Johns Hopkins Homewood campus and other local facilities. When the emergency button is pressed, nearby phones (with the app) are notified as well. Integration directly into Apple's SOS screen when pressing the off button 5 times in a row.
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