Research by the University of Manchester has found that new Smartphones technology could help save thousands of lives in the wake of catastrophic natural disasters. Ingenious smartphone software engineered by computer scientists has the potential to perform a number of helpful tasks in the crucial lifesaving period in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. The smartphone software could potentially assist in the accurate and timely location of missing persons, as well as in directing survivors to the nearest safe area from their current location. Research by the University of Manchester has found that new Smartphones technology could help save thousands of lives in the wake of catastrophic natural disasters. Ingenious smartphone software engineered by computer scientists has the potential to perform a number of helpful tasks in the crucial lifesaving period in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. The smartphone software could potentially assist in the accurate and timely location of missing persons, as well as in directing survivors to the nearest safe area from their current location.

These ideas have been in the pipeline for some time, but it is only recently that developers have had success in producing the software. It works in a relatively simple manner, with aid workers interviewing people who have become separated from friends and loved ones. These interviews, formerly written manually and often lost in a chain of bureaucracy, are recorded by the smartphone and entered into a communal database. A huge team of aid workers using either smartphones or computers can then access this database and information can be thoroughly analysed. Any links or progress made by the team is then forwarded via the smartphone system to workers on the ground, who can hopefully assist in finding the person. This smartphone system has shown strong signs of success during testing at the University of Manchester and will be put into action soon, according to director Dr. Gavin Brown.

The second method of smartphone lifesaving is a program known as ‘Where’s Safe.’ This program, also developed by Dr. Brown, allows threatened individuals to be pointed in the direction of the nearest safety zone, simply by sending a text message to a certain number. This system is designed to replace the emergency broadcast system, which has proven to be ineffective in reaching a high proportion of people. The new system is proving to be far more efficient, with smartphone connectivity at an all time high.

Dr. Brown believes he has only scratched the surface of the lifesaving potential of smartphones. Projects currently in development, such as one aiming to identify malnourished children in developing nations, are also promising and should be available shortly. In any case, a whole new field of opportunity has opened up with this smartphone research. Who would have thought that a device we use to stay in touch with our friends could be used for such monumental purposes? The possibilities are endless.

By: Erin Duan

Research by the University of Manchester has found that new Smartphones technology could help save thousands of lives in the wake of catastrophic natural disasters. Ingenious smartphone software engineered by computer scientists has the potential to perform a number of helpful tasks in the crucial lifesaving period in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. The smartphone software could potentially assist in the accurate and timely location of missing persons, as well as in directing survivors to the nearest safe area from their current location.

Article Directory: http://www.articledirectoryusa.com

Coupon Codes: http://www.freecouponcodesusa.com

Source: http://www.articledirectoryusa.com/article/category/communications/cell-phone/smartphones-saving-lives/

Article Tags: Smartphones

Submitted On Feb 16, 2012. Viewed 16 times.