Sentinel - Threat Awareness System

Smart Specs
Smart Ring

Inspiration

The idea for this project came from the common feeling people sometimes have of being watched or followed. In many situations, threats do not appear suddenly but develop through small patterns such as repeated attention, gradual movement, or hidden presence. We wanted to explore how technology could help people notice these subtle signals earlier and improve their awareness of the environment.

What it does

This project proposes a wearable system that helps users detect patterns of attention, movement, and proximity around them. The system uses smart glasses to sense environmental signals such as gaze direction, movement, and heat signatures. A smart ring then provides simple vibration alerts to inform the user about possible attention or threat from different directions.

How we built it

We designed the concept as a system made of three main parts: sensing, processing, and interaction. Sensors in the glasses collect environmental data. An AI system analyzes these signals and identifies patterns that may indicate attention or following behavior. The smart ring communicates this information through simple vibration patterns. The system also includes proactive and reactive modes depending on the situation.

Challenges we ran into

One challenge was balancing awareness and anxiety. If the system alerts too often, it could make users feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed. Another challenge was maintaining privacy while detecting attention patterns without identifying individuals.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We successfully designed a system that introduces a new sensory layer called threat awareness. The concept works in both urban and natural environments and provides discreet feedback through wearable devices.

What we learned

Through this project, we learned how design can translate subtle environmental signals into meaningful information. We also understood the importance of designing technology that supports safety while respecting privacy.

What's next for Threat Awareness System - Sentinel

In the future, the system could include more advanced sensors and improved pattern detection. It could also adapt to different environments such as cities, forests, or crowded public spaces.