Robert J Currier

US Patent:

7797109, Sep 14, 2010

Filed:

Apr 30, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/742010

Inventors:

Barbara A. Kirkpatrick - Sarasota FL, US
Robert D. Currier - Clarksville VA, US

Assignee:

Mote Marine Laboratory - Sarasota FL

International Classification:

G01W 1/00
G06F 19/00

US Classification:

702 3, 702 2, 7317029

Abstract:

Human observers stationed on or near beaches gather subjective observations of one or more observable beach conditions associated with respiratory distress. Subjectively determined observations such as dead fish and audible coughing provide a better indication of the likelihood of respiratory distress than measurements made using scientific instruments. The observations may be sent to a remote central database using handheld communication devices. A beach status evaluation is determined based on stored observations, and may be provided to beachgoers through Internet web pages or by telephone or text-message to enable beachgoers to choose an alternative beach or alternative activity when respiratory distress is likely.