V-Alert

Overview

V-Alert is a cognitive-science-based emergency alert system designed to address alert fatigue and cognitive overload inherent in traditional text-based alert systems. By leveraging color-coded, high-contrast visual signals and haptic feedback, V-Alert reduces user reaction time and ensures intuitive comprehension of emergency severity levels (Red, Yellow, Blue).

System Architecture

The application implements a standard client-server architecture:

• Client (Frontend): A React Native mobile application built with Expo that manages user interaction, visual alert rendering, and device-specific features (haptics, notifications). The client communicates with the backend through RESTful APIs.

• Server (Backend): A Spring Boot application responsible for alert data management, real-time disaster feed processing (from external APIs such as the Korean Ministry of Interior and Safety), and push notification delivery via Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM).

• Database: An H2 in-memory database (configurable for persistent SQL storage) used for alert history and user preference storage.

Key Technical Features

• Adaptive Cognitive-Load Engine:
  • Color-Blind Accessibility: Dynamic visual adjustments for Protanopia (Red-Blind), Deuteranopia (Green-Blind), and Tritanopia (Blue-Blind).
  • Safety-First Logic: Accessibility overrides take precedence over stylistic themes (e.g., Missile Green -> Magenta in Protanopia).
  • Context-Aware Visuals: High-contrast modes and specific palettes for different vision deficiencies.
• Official Government Integration:
  • Real-Time Data: Directly integrated with the Ministry of Interior and Safety (DSSP-IF-00247) API.
  • Standardized Mapping: Accurately maps MSG_CN, EMRG_STEP_NM, and DST_SE_NM to app alerts.
• Multisensory Integration:
  • Blinking Animations: 4Hz visual flashing for "RED" alerts to seize immediate attention.
  • Haptic Feedback: Custom vibration patterns synchronized with alert severity.
  • Rich Notifications: System notifications with attached images.
• Expanded Alert Types:
  • Missile Warning: Specialized "National Emergency Alert" with dedicated "Military Green" theme and "Rocket" iconography.
  • Heavy Rain: Dedicated flood/rain iconography.
  • Fire: Critical thermal alert visuals.
  • Missing Person: Blue-coded information alerts.
• Language Support:
  • Bilingual Interface: Full support for Korean and English with real-time toggling.
  • Dynamic Content: Auto-translates alert titles (e.g., "EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY") and buttons.
• Background Processing: Handles background fetch tasks to ensure alerts are received even when the app is not in the foreground.
• State Management: Uses Zustand for efficient global state management (Alerts + Settings).

Technology Stack

Frontend (Mobile App)

• Framework: React Native 0.81 (via Expo SDK 54)
• Language: TypeScript 5.x
• State Management: Zustand
• Notifications: Expo Notifications, Firebase Messaging
• UI/UX: Vector Icons (MaterialCommunityIcons), Expo Haptics, Expo System UI

Backend (API Server)

• Framework: Spring Boot 3.2.0
• Language: Java 17
• Database: H2 Database (in-memory)
• Build Tool: Gradle
• Integration: Firebase Admin SDK (for FCM), Jackson Dataformat XML

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Node.js: v18 or LTS
• JDK: Java Development Kit 17
• Mobile Development Environment: Android Studio (for Android) or Xcode (for iOS)
• Expo Go: Installed on your physical device (optional, for testing)

Installation

1. Clone the Repository

git clone https://github.com/yourusername/v-alert.git
cd v-alert

2. Backend Setup

Navigate to the server directory and run the Spring Boot application:

cd server-api
./gradlew bootRun

The server will start at http://localhost:8080.

3. Frontend Setup

Navigate to the client directory and install dependencies:

cd client-app
npm install

Start the development server:

npx expo start

• Press a to open in Android Emulator
• Press i to open in iOS Simulator
• Scan the QR code to run on a physical device

Future Improvements

• Enhanced Push Notifications: Complete full integration with FCM for push-based (non-polling) alert delivery
• Geolocation Targeting: Filter alerts based on users' precise real-time location
• User Customization: Enable users to customize vibration intensity and color blindness modes
• Wearable Support: Extend functionality to Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch for wrist-based haptic alerts
• Offline Mode: Cache recent alerts for offline viewing

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License. See the LICENSE file for details.