Patent published on October 19, 2023

Truist's New Patent: A Wearable Alarm for Emergency Help

The problem being tackled by patent US20230333196A1, titled 'Wearable Security Alarm Device and Alerting System', is a serious one: the safety risk faced by people, especially employees, when they lack immediate access to an alarm system during an urgent, high-risk situation. Imagine an employee who finds him or herself under duress or perhaps even held hostage, yet is far away from any security alarm pad or button. This is not only a terrifying scenario but has real-life implications for personal security.

This problem itself creates additional challenges. Current security systems might not provide necessary immediate aid, particularly in scenarios like hostage situations or threats where the victim is away from their usual workstations. And with the lack of instant alert, potential rescuers are given less time for response and preparation, compounding the risk to the victim even further.

This unique patent, issued to Truist Bank, seeks to address this problem. It presents a wearable gadget – think of it as a security alarm in the form of a smartwatch. In a crisis, the wearer can alert this device about the situation. The gadget's smart system then verifies the threat and determines the user's location before it reaches out for help, alerting authorities like police or security officers who can rush to the scene.

Now, consider what a future world with this patent implemented would look like. An employee, working late and alone in their office, suddenly feels threatened by an intruder. They quietly trigger the alarm in their wearable gadget without rising suspicion. Immediately, the device verifies the situation and alerts authorities, and help arrives swiftly. Or envision a vulnerable elderly person at home who slips and cannot reach their phone. They tap their wearable alarm, which quickly verifies their distress and calls for medical help.

And yet, it's important to note that though this patent certainly has the potential to bring about revolutionary changes to personal security, it may not necessarily become a reality on the market. The world of patents and technology is a complex one, and not every patent makes it from paper to production. Nevertheless, this invention – a wearable security alarm – certainly holds the promise of a safer future for anyone who might be at risk during their daily lives. And that makes this piece of imaginative engineering noteworthy.

P.S. Remember, a patent is a blueprint, a theoretical design – a promise of what could be. While this invention is certainly fascinating and full of potential, there is no guarantee it will manifest into an actual product available on the market.

Explore more