TWR (Turbo Water Rescue)

Abstract

This invention / project develops an aid for conventional water rescue. A small boat, the size of a model or toy boat, is equipped with a buoyancy aid and moves toward a drowning person, providing them with buoyancy aid as quickly as possible. The boat's exact function is explained on the "Explanation / Description" sheet. In addition, a small method for determining coordinates using live camera images was developed. Using a previously created grid (with reference points), it is possible to assign each point in the camera image to a longitude and latitude. The camera height and angle are two crucial factors. Improvements to the invention will be added over time. For example, obstacle avoidance sensors, cosmetic improvements, or other technical systems to improve the overall system are planned. The first presentation of the project will take place as part of Jugend forscht on March 6-7, 2024.

Description

[0001] A tool for conventional water rescue; first aid. A small, autonomous boat (approximately the size of a model / toy boat) travels to the drowning victim and delivers a flotation device. This is done by comparing the GPS data of the drowning victim and the boat. TWR is intended for use by lifeguards or water rescue teams at lakes to deliver a flotation device to the drowning victim as quickly as possible. (After all, every minute counts in water rescue.)

[0002] The GPS coordinates of the drowning victim can be determined, for example, using surveillance cameras. The coordinates would then be read from the camera image using a grid previously adjusted to the camera height and angle.

[0003] Thus, the application would be as follows: 1. An emergency call is received by the water rescue service or the lifeguard sees that a person is in danger. 2. Upload the GPS coordinates from your laptop to the boat (e.g., via USB cable). Determine the coordinates as described. 3. The boat is put into the water and, with the aid of a buoyancy aid, it automatically moves to the drowning person. 4. (Due to inaccurate GPS, the boat, upon reaching the target coordinates, circles and simultaneously releases a line. After completing the circle, the boat continues and drops the float a few seconds later. The line narrows as the boat moves, so it becomes accessible to the drowning victim after a few seconds.) 5. In the best case scenario, the drowning person can now pull the float towards him using the cord / rope and wait for rescue.

[0004] The use of live camera feeds for coordinate determination is necessary when the exact coordinates (accuracy 1-10m) of the drowning victim are unknown. For precise coordinate determination, a different grid should be adapted to each camera height and angle.

Claims

[1] The primary goal is to patent the invention of the autonomous boat for water rescue. This means any type of autonomous boat that, based on GPS data of the target and the current position, travels to the drowning or endangered person in order to provide buoyancy aid. [2] Furthermore, the determination of the drowning victim's coordinates (see the attached explanation sheet) is to be protected. This involves determining the target coordinates (GPS coordinates of the drowning victim) using surveillance cameras. A special grid is created for this purpose, depending on the camera angle and height. From this, the longitude and latitude of the drowning victim can be determined. The protection right to determine coordinates using a camera image (with a grid) is only relevant in this context, water rescue.