Method and device for fighting forest fires

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for fighting and / or extinguishing a forest fire comprising the following steps: detecting a fire source in a forest area, locating the fire source and automatically fighting and / or extinguishing the fire source. The invention also relates to a forest fire fighting device comprising a fire sensor, a location system and an automatic extinguishing unit.

Description

[0001] METHOD AND DEVICE FOR FOREST EDGE FIGHTING

[0002] The invention relates to a method for fighting and / or extinguishing a forest fire with the method steps of detecting a fire source in a forest area, locating the fire source and automatically fighting and / or extinguishing the fire source, as well as a forest fire fighting device with a fire sensor, a locating system and an automatic extinguishing unit.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] Systems for detecting and locating forest fires are well known. The area to be monitored is monitored using optical sensors that can detect the smoke columns produced by a forest fire. These sensors can be rotated cameras, for example, but they have the disadvantage that they are less effective at night and are prone to false detections, e.g. in the case of dust clouds caused by agricultural activities. In addition, optical systems can usually only detect forest fires once the forest fire is already advanced and the smoke columns are visible over great distances. Monitoring using an IR camera installed in a satellite from a high orbit has the disadvantage that the resolution of the cameras over great distances prevents detection of forest fires in the early stages. A satellite is also expensive to purchase and maintain, especially the launch cost.Monitoring by mini-satellites in a low orbit has the disadvantage that the satellites are not geostationary, meaning they require a certain amount of time for one orbit during which the area is not monitored. For close-meshed monitoring, a large number of satellites are needed, the launch of which is also cost-intensive. Furthermore, monitoring by satellites is associated with high carbon dioxide emissions during their launch. It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a method for fighting and / or extinguishing a forest fire that operates reliably and automatically, is infinitely expandable, and is cost-effective to install and maintain. It is also the object of the present invention to provide a forest fire fighting system that operates reliably and automatically, is infinitely expandable, and is cost-effective to install and maintain.It is also an object of the present invention to provide a forest firefighting device that operates reliably and automatically, is expandable as required, and is cost-effective to install and maintain. It is also an object of the present invention to provide an autonomous forest firefighting unit that operates reliably and automatically, is expandable as required, and is cost-effective to install and maintain. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a forest firefighting station that operates reliably and automatically, is expandable as required, and is cost-effective to install and maintain.

[0005] The object is achieved by means of the method for fighting and / or extinguishing a forest fire according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set out in the subclaims.

[0006] The method according to the invention for fighting and / or extinguishing a forest fire comprises three method steps: In the first method step, a fire source in a forest area is detected, preferably using a forest fire detection sensor. The forest fire detection sensor can be, for example, an optical sensor, gas sensor, or temperature sensor.

[0007] The second step involves locating the fire source. In the simplest case, this is done by determining the position of the forest fire detection sensor that performs the detection. For this purpose, the position of the forest fire detection sensor must be known. The position can be determined, for example, during the installation of the

[0008] Forest fire detection sensor. The forest fire detection sensor can be placed, for example, on a tree in the forest to be monitored, and the position of the first forest fire detection sensor can be determined once using a navigation satellite system, such as GPS (Global Positioning System). A commercially available GPS system or a smartphone can be used for this purpose.

[0009] In the third step, the fire source is automatically fought and / or extinguished by a forest firefighting unit. Due to the more precise localization and the additional information about the fire source obtained from the second fire source localization, targeted and early fire fighting and / or extinguishing is possible.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the source of the fire is detected by a first forest fire detection sensor. The first forest fire detection sensor can be, for example, an optical sensor, gas sensor, or temperature sensor.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the location of the fire source is determined by reading the position of the first forest fire detection sensor from a memory and / or by triangulating the position of the locating device and / or the forest fire detection sensor.

[0012] In the simplest case, localization is achieved via the position of the first forest fire detection sensor that performs the first detection. For this, the position of the first forest fire detection sensor must be known. The position can be determined, for example, when the first forest fire detection sensor is installed. The first forest fire detection sensor can, for example, be arranged on a tree in the forest to be monitored, and the position of the first forest fire detection sensor can be determined once and saved using a navigation satellite system, e.g. GPS (Global Positioning System). Another possibility is to localize a plurality of first forest fire detection sensors based on the individual times at which each first forest fire detection sensor detects the forest fire. Signals of the forest fire recorded by the forest fire detection sensors can each have different timestamps from one another, i.e. they can be detected at different times.The difference in the detection of the signals is used to locate the forest fire.

[0013] In one development of the invention, localization takes place taking into account the wind direction, the wind speed, the time of detection and / or the propagation time of the signals. The localization of a forest fire takes place, for example, using a plurality of first forest fire detection sensors, in particular from the individual times at which each first forest fire detection sensor detects the forest fire. Signals of the forest fire recorded by the forest fire detection sensors can each have different time stamps from one another, i.e. can be detected at different times. The difference in the detection of the signals is used to localize the forest fire. Due to the knowledge of the times of detection of the forest fire by the forest fire detection sensor, it is not only possible to determine the position of a forest fire more precisely, but also its speed of spread.Wind direction and speed provide firefighters with information about the direction and speed of the forest fire's spread. This allows for targeted and prioritized firefighting efforts.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, an automatic forest fire fighting and / or extinguishing process is initiated after the fire source has been located. The forest fire fighting and / or extinguishing process begins immediately after the fire source has been located, for example, by deploying an airworthy drone as a forest fire fighting unit. Therefore, the fighting and / or extinguishing of a fire source can begin immediately after the fire has started. In a further development of the invention, the start of the forest fire fighting and / or extinguishing process involves the activation of an extinguishing unit. The extinguishing unit is usually in sleep mode to save energy. The extinguishing unit is only activated when a signal to start a forest fire fighting and / or extinguishing process is received.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the extinguishing unit is repositioned after the fire source has been located. The extinguishing unit is preferably positioned near the fire source in such a way that the fire can be controlled and / or extinguished, e.g., by ejecting an extinguishing agent.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the extinguishing unit is positioned based on the location of the fire source. The extinguishing unit is preferably positioned close to the fire source so that it can be fought and / or extinguished, e.g., by ejecting an extinguishing agent. For this purpose, the position of the fire source must be known as accurately as possible. The sensor units of the first forest fire detection sensor detect and locate the fire source and transmit the position data to the extinguishing unit.

[0017] In a further development of the invention, a second localization of the fire source is performed before the fire is automatically fought and / or extinguished. The second localization is preferably performed using a second forest fire detection sensor positioned near the fire source such that the distance of the second forest fire detection sensor to the fire source is shorter than the distance of a first forest fire detection sensor at the time of the first detection of the forest fire.

[0018] In a further aspect of the invention, after the second localization of the fire source, a second positioning of the extinguishing unit occurs. Due to the second localization, the second positioning occurs with greater accuracy than the first positioning of the extinguishing unit. In a further embodiment of the invention, the fire source is controlled and / or extinguished by positioning the extinguishing unit over the fire source and releasing an extinguishing agent. The extinguishing unit comprises extinguishing agents, e.g., water, powder, and / or a foam extinguishing agent. An acoustic cannon can also be used for firefighting.

[0019] The object is further achieved with the forest fire fighting device according to the invention.

[0020] The forest fire-fighting device according to the invention comprises a fire sensor, a location system, and an automatic extinguishing unit. A plurality of forest fire detection sensors, arranged, for example, in a network, are designed to detect a forest fire and / or a fire source. The location system is suitable and intended to determine the position of the fire source. Localization is carried out, for example, using a triangulation method. The automatic extinguishing unit comprises extinguishing agents, such as water, powder, or a foam extinguishing agent. An acoustic cannon for firefighting can also be used. The automatic extinguishing unit is preferably part of an airworthy drone that automatically fights a fire source.

[0021] In a further development of the invention, the fire sensor, the tracking system, and / or the automatic extinguishing unit are arranged in a movable manner. The automatic extinguishing unit is preferably part of a flight-capable drone that automatically detects and locates a forest fire, and extinguishes the source of the fire.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fire sensor, the tracking system, and / or the automatic extinguishing unit are part of a motorized vehicle. The automatic extinguishing unit is preferably part of an airworthy drone that automatically detects, locates, and extinguishes a forest fire.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting device comprises a forest firefighting unit and / or a forest firefighting station. The forest firefighting station is a weatherproof station for accommodating the forest firefighting unit. The forest firefighting unit comprises the fire sensor, the tracking system, and / or the automatic extinguishing unit.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting unit comprises the second sensor, a drive unit, an energy unit, a navigation unit, a steering unit, a control unit, a communication unit, and / or an extinguishing unit. The forest firefighting unit is preferably an airworthy drone that automatically combats a fire source.

[0025] In a further development of the invention, the navigation unit has navigation sensors for detecting objects in the surrounding area. The navigation sensors particularly detect obstacles that may occur during movement of the forest firefighting unit. The forest firefighting unit is therefore able to avoid these obstacles.

[0026] In a further aspect of the invention, the navigation sensors are cameras and / or time-of-flight sensors. The navigation sensors have one or a plurality of cameras and / or time-of-flight sensors that detect obstacles during the movement of the forest firefighting unit. The obstacles are detected, recognized, and analyzed by the control unit arranged in the forest firefighting unit such that the forest firefighting unit automatically avoids the obstacles during the movement. In a further embodiment of the invention, the time-of-flight sensors are radar, ultrasonic, and / or LiDAR sensors. The navigation sensors have one or a plurality of cameras and / or time-of-flight sensors (e.g., radar, ultrasonic, LiDAR) that detect obstacles during the movement of the forest firefighting unit.The obstacles are detected, recognized and analyzed by the control unit located in the forest fire fighting unit in such a way that the forest fire fighting unit automatically avoids the obstacles while moving.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting unit is autonomously controllable. The forest firefighting unit is preferably unmanned and enables automatic and / or autonomous firefighting.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting unit has an extinguishing agent reservoir. The extinguishing agent can be, for example, water, powder, and / or a foam extinguishing agent. An acoustic cannon can also be used for firefighting.

[0029] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting unit has a dispensing and / or ejection device for extinguishing agent. The extinguishing agent is ejected from the extinguishing agent reservoir onto the source of the fire.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting station has a receptacle that is intended and suitable for accommodating the forest firefighting unit. The forest firefighting station is configured to be connected, for example, to an energy storage device of the forest firefighting unit in order to supply the energy storage device of the forest firefighting unit with electrical energy. In a further aspect of the invention, the forest firefighting station has a control unit, a weather protection device, an energy storage device, an extinguishing agent reservoir, and / or a communication unit. The forest firefighting station is configured to be connected, for example, to an energy storage device of the forest firefighting unit in order to supply the energy storage device of the forest firefighting unit with electrical energy. In addition, the forest firefighting unit is filled with extinguishing agent.

[0031] In a further development of the invention, the first forest fire detection sensor is a stationary forest fire detection sensor. The first forest fire detection sensor can be arranged, for example, on a tree in a forest to be monitored.

[0032] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first forest fire detection sensor is part of a terminal device and / or gateway of a network. The network is preferably a LoRaWAN. The LoRaWAN network architecture is typically constructed in a star topology, with gateways acting as transparent bridges that forward messages between terminal devices and a central network server. The gateways are connected to a corresponding network server via a standard IP connection, while the terminal devices use single-hop wireless (LoRa) communication to one or more gateways. LoRaWAN networks implement a star architecture using gateways that send message packets between the terminal devices and the central network server.The gateways are connected to the network server via the standard Internet protocol, while the end devices communicate wirelessly with the respective gateway via LoRa (frequency spread spectrum modulation) or FSK (frequency modulation).

[0033] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first forest fire detection sensor is part of a terminal device and / or gateway, wherein the terminal device and / or gateway is part of a network. A terminal device has a first forest fire detection sensor, wherein the first forest fire detection sensor can be a sensor unit. The sensor unit of the first forest fire detection sensor has a plurality of sensors with which a forest fire can be detected. The network has a plurality of terminal devices that are distributed across the area to be monitored.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first forest fire detection sensor detects the fire by detecting and analyzing smoke, gas, temperature, or other information. In addition to heavy smoke, a forest fire produces a variety of gases, particularly carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. The temperature of the gases is also measured. In addition to the type and concentration of the gases produced during a forest fire, their temperature is an indicator of a forest fire. The type and concentration of these gases are characteristic of a forest fire and can be detected and analyzed using suitable sensors. The signals recorded by the sensor unit are analyzed with regard to the concentration of the gas composition. If a certain concentration of gases is exceeded, a forest fire is detected. The type, composition, and temperature of the gases produced during a forest fire also indicate the occurrence of a forest fire.This makes it possible to detect an emerging forest fire and initiate its extinguishing action at an early stage.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first localization is determined by reading the position of the first forest fire detection sensor from a memory and / or by triangulating the position of the locating device and / or the forest fire detection sensor.

[0036] In the simplest case, localization is achieved via the position of the first forest fire detection sensor, which performs the first detection. For this, the position of the first forest fire detection sensor must be known. Position determination can be performed, for example, during the installation of the first forest fire detection sensor. The first forest fire detection sensor can be placed on a tree in the forest to be monitored, for example, and the position of the first forest fire detection sensor can be determined once and stored using a navigation satellite system, e.g., GPS (Global Positioning System).

[0037] Another possibility is to locate a plurality of first forest fire detection sensors based on the individual times at which each first forest fire detection sensor detects the forest fire. The forest fire signals recorded by the forest fire detection sensors may each have different timestamps, meaning they may have been detected at different times. The difference in the detection of the signals is used to locate the forest fire.

[0038] In one development of the invention, the first localization takes into account the wind direction, the wind speed, the time of detection and / or the propagation time of the signals. The localization of a forest fire takes place, for example, using a plurality of first forest fire detection sensors, in particular from the individual times at which each first forest fire detection sensor detects the forest fire. Signals of the forest fire recorded by the forest fire detection sensors can each have different time stamps from one another, i.e. can be detected at different times. The difference in the detection of the signals is used to localize the forest fire. Due to the knowledge of the times of detection of the forest fire by the forest fire detection sensor, it is not only possible to determine the position of a forest fire more precisely, but also its speed of spread.Wind direction and speed provide firefighters with information about the direction and speed of the forest fire's spread. This allows for targeted and prioritized firefighting efforts.

[0039] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second forest fire detection sensor is positioned by positioning a forest fire detection sensor closer to the localized fire source than the first forest fire detection sensor at the time of the first detection. The forest fire detection sensor is thus positioned such that it is closer to the fire source during the second detection and also the second localization of the fire source than the first forest fire detection sensor is during the first detection and the first localization of the fire source. The second detection and the second localization of the fire source are therefore carried out with greater precision than the first detection and the first localization of the fire source.

[0040] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest fire detection sensor that performed the second detection is a second forest fire detection sensor. The second forest fire detection sensor is thus used in addition to the first forest fire detection sensor to localize the forest fire. The first forest fire detection sensor performs a first detection and first localization of a forest fire, while the second forest fire detection sensor performs a second detection and second localization of a forest fire.

[0041] In an advantageous development of the invention, the positioning of the second forest fire detection sensor is carried out automatically. The positioning can be carried out, for example, by means of a vehicle in which the forest fire detection sensor is located, or the forest fire detection sensor is such a vehicle. The forest fire detection sensor executes an automated process based on the programming of the forest fire detection sensor.

[0042] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second forest fire detection sensor is positioned autonomously. The positioning takes place independently, without external intervention (e.g., external influences from a user). Obstacles, such as trees, are detected, analyzed, and actively avoided. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second forest fire detection sensor is part of a mobile forest firefighting unit. This advantageous arrangement enables the mobile forest firefighting unit to fight and / or extinguish the forest fire detected and localized by the second forest fire detection sensor immediately after localization. The spread of the forest fire can thus be effectively reduced.

[0043] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second detection of a fire source is performed with the second forest fire detection sensor. The second forest fire detection sensor is thus used in addition to the first forest fire detection sensor to localize the forest fire. The first forest fire detection sensor performs a first detection and first localization of a forest fire, while the second forest fire detection sensor performs a second detection and second localization of a forest fire.

[0044] In a further aspect of the invention, the second detection of the fire source is performed using a method different from the first detection. The first detection of the forest fire using the first forest fire detection sensor is preferably performed by detecting and analyzing the gases (smoke) generated during a forest fire, as well as their temperature. The second detection uses a method different from the first detection, e.g., an image acquisition method.

[0045] In a further development of the invention, the second detection method uses an image acquisition method. Using an image acquisition method, the fire source can be detected more precisely; in particular, the extent of the fire source and its direction of spread can be recorded more accurately. The image acquisition method preferably generates a thermal image of the fire source.

[0046] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second location of the fire source is determined using the position of the second forest fire detection sensor. The second location is determined using the second forest fire detection sensor, which is positioned at a shorter distance from the fire source than the fixed first forest fire detection sensor at the time of the first location. The second location of the fire source is therefore determined with greater precision than the first location of the fire source.

[0047] In a further development of the invention, the second localization of the fire source is carried out using the measured values ​​recorded by the second forest fire detection sensor. The second forest fire detection sensor uses suitable sensors, e.g., an infrared sensor and / or an optical sensor and / or a camera, in combination with a navigation sensor to detect the position of the fire source with greater accuracy than the first forest fire detection sensor.

[0048] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second localization of the fire source is carried out using a control unit coupled to the second forest fire detection sensor. The control unit is designed as a microcontroller with control software. The control unit queries the second forest fire detection sensor, collects its measured values, and determines the position of the fire source.

[0049] In a further aspect of the invention, the control unit is part of a forest firefighting unit. In particular, the control unit is arranged in the forest firefighting unit.

[0050] In a further embodiment of the invention, the result of the second localization is sent to a network server and / or application server. The control unit and / or a communications unit connected to the control unit sends the result of the second localization to the central network server and / or application server of the network. In a further development of the invention, in addition to the result of the second localization, further data is sent to the network server and / or application server. In particular, data on the speed and direction of propagation of the fire source is sent.

[0051] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fire source is fought and / or extinguished using an extinguishing unit coupled to the second forest fire detection sensor. The second forest fire detection sensor advantageously has a coupled extinguishing unit to fight or extinguish the fire source immediately and specifically after the second detection and second localization of the fire source.

[0052] In a further development of the invention, the fire is fought and / or extinguished by ejecting extinguishing agent. The extinguishing unit has an extinguishing agent reservoir filled with extinguishing agent. The extinguishing agent is ejected from the extinguishing agent reservoir onto the fire.

[0053] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the extinguishing agent is ejected multiple times. The extinguishing agent is ejected repeatedly until either the fire source is extinguished or the extinguishing unit no longer has any extinguishing agent.

[0054] In a further development of the invention, the extinguishing agent is distributed after ejection in directions different from the ejection direction. This ensures that the extinguishing agent is distributed in a radius around the fire source in such a way that the spread of the fire source is reduced.

[0055] In a further aspect of the invention, the extinguishing unit is part of a forest fire fighting unit. In addition to the second forest fire detection sensor, the forest fire fighting unit has the extinguishing unit in order to fight or extinguish the fire immediately and specifically after the second detection and second localization of the fire source. In a further embodiment of the invention, the method steps of positioning a second forest fire detection sensor for detecting forest fires, second detection of a fire source, and second localization of the fire source are performed multiple times. The positioning, second detection, and second localization by means of a forest fire fighting unit are repeated in such a way that the fire source is located and detected with a low error rate. In addition, the propagation speed and direction are continuously updated. The fire source can therefore be fought more effectively.

[0056] In a further development of the invention, the method steps of positioning a second forest fire detection sensor for detecting forest fires, a second detection of a fire source, a second localization of the fire source, and fighting and / or extinguishing the fire source are carried out in parallel with multiple forest firefighting units. A fire source can be fought much more effectively with multiple forest firefighting units than with just one forest firefighting unit.

[0057] The problem is further solved with the forest fire fighting system according to the invention.

[0058] The forest fire fighting system according to the invention comprises a first forest fire detection sensor for detecting forest fires. The first forest fire detection sensor is preferably arranged in a fixed location, e.g., on a tree in the forest to be monitored.

[0059] Furthermore, the forest fire fighting system according to the invention has a position determination system that is suitable and intended for determining the position of the first forest fire detection sensor. The position determination system determines the position of the first forest fire detection sensor, for example, during installation of the first forest fire detection sensor. The first forest fire detection sensor can be arranged, for example, on a tree in the forest to be monitored, and the position of the first forest fire detection sensor can be determined once using a navigation satellite system, e.g., GPS (Global Positioning System). A commercially available GPS system or a smartphone can be used for this purpose. The position of a fire source is determined using the position of the first forest fire detection sensor.

[0060] The forest fire fighting system according to the invention further comprises a second forest fire detection sensor and a locating system suitable and intended for determining the position of a fire source. The second forest fire detection sensor is used in addition to the first forest fire detection sensor to locate the forest fire. The first forest fire detection sensor performs a first detection and first localization of a forest fire, while the second forest fire detection sensor performs a second detection and second localization of a forest fire. The locating system determines a fire source with a lower error rate than the first forest fire detection sensor.

[0061] The forest firefighting system also includes a forest firefighting unit. This unit is used to extinguish the fire immediately after the fire source has been detected and located.

[0062] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting system comprises a network with a terminal device, gateway, server, and forest firefighting unit. The network is preferably a LoRaWAN. The LoRaWAN network architecture is typically constructed in a star topology, with gateways acting as transparent bridges that forward messages between terminal devices and a central network server. The gateways are connected to a corresponding network server via a standard IP connection, while the terminal devices use single-hop wireless (LoRa) communication to one or more gateways. LoRaWAN networks implement a star architecture using gateway message packets between the terminal devices and the central network server.The gateways (also called concentrators or base stations) are connected to the network server via the standard Internet protocol, while the end devices communicate wirelessly with the respective gateway via LoRa (chirp frequency spread spectrum modulation) or FSK (frequency modulation).

[0063] In a further development of the invention, the first forest fire detection sensor is arranged in a fixed location. The first forest fire detection sensor is preferably arranged, for example, on a tree in the forest to be monitored.

[0064] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first forest fire detection sensor is part of a terminal device and / or gateway. A terminal device and / or gateway comprises a first forest fire detection sensor, wherein the first forest fire detection sensor can be a sensor unit. The sensor unit of the first forest fire detection sensor comprises a plurality of sensors with which a forest fire can be detected. The network comprises a plurality of terminal devices and / or gateways distributed across the area to be monitored.

[0065] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, weather data can be recorded or retrieved with the forest fire fighting system. The weather data includes, for example, wind speed and direction. Based on the weather data, the direction and speed of a fire's spread can be predicted.

[0066] In a further embodiment of the invention, the position of a fire source can be determined using the controller of the forest fire suppression system. The controller has a memory in which a program, executable by the control unit, is stored to determine the position of a fire source. In a further embodiment of the invention, the position determination system of the forest fire suppression system stores the positions of stationary elements. Stationary elements of the forest fire suppression system include, for example, the first forest fire detection sensors, which are arranged in terminal devices and gateways. The position of a terminal device is permanently stored, for example, on the network server and / or on the application server.

[0067] In a further development of the invention, the positioning system determines the positions of stationary elements. Stationary elements of the forest fire suppression system include, for example, the first forest fire detection sensors, which are arranged in terminal devices and gateways.

[0068] A navigation satellite system, for example, is used to determine the position. The determined position of a first forest fire detection sensor is also permanently stored, for example, on the network server and / or the application server. Alternatively or additionally, the position of a first forest fire detection sensor can be determined and stored continuously or at intervals using the navigation satellite system.

[0069] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second forest fire detection sensor is movable. The second localization of a fire source is performed by the second forest fire detection sensor, which is positioned at a shorter distance from the fire source than the fixed first forest fire detection sensor at the time of the first localization. The second localization of the fire source is therefore performed with greater precision than the first localization.

[0070] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second forest fire detection sensor is part of the forest fire fighting unit. Immediately after the second detection and second localization of a fire source by the second forest fire detection sensor, the fire source is extinguished. In a further embodiment of the invention, the second forest fire detection sensor comprises an image-capturing forest fire detection sensor. Using an image-capturing method, the fire source can be detected more precisely; in particular, the extent of the fire source and its direction of spread can be recorded more precisely. The image-capturing forest fire detection sensor preferably generates a thermal image of the fire source.

[0071] In a further embodiment of the invention, the locating system is suitable and intended for determining the position of the fire source. The locating system is arranged in the second forest fire detection sensor, which is positioned at a shorter distance from the fire source than the first forest fire detection sensor. The location of the fire source is therefore located with greater precision than the initial location of the fire source using a first forest fire detection sensor.

[0072] In a further development of the invention, the locating system is suitable and intended for determining the position of the fire source relative to the position of the locating system. The locating system is arranged in the second forest fire detection sensor, which is movable. The position of the fire source is determined relative to the position of the second forest fire detection sensor and has a low error rate.

[0073] In a further embodiment of the invention, the positioning system uses a triangulation method for position determination, in which the distance, for example, to stationary elements of the forest fire fighting system, e.g. the first forest fire detection sensors and / or the gateways, is determined.

[0074] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first controller is part of the central server of a network. The first controller is stationary and, for example, a microcomputer, and has a memory and microprocessor as well as suitable software. In a further embodiment of the invention, the second controller is part of the forest firefighting unit. The second controller has a memory in which an executable program is stored by the second controller, which enables the operation of the forest firefighting unit.

[0075] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting unit is designed as a motorized vehicle. Preferably, the forest firefighting unit is capable of flying, allowing it to cover even greater distances in a short time.

[0076] In a further development of the invention, the forest firefighting unit is a drone and / or a robot. The forest firefighting unit is preferably unmanned and enables automatic and / or autonomous firefighting.

[0077] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting unit comprises the second forest firefighting sensor, a drive unit, an energy unit, a navigation unit, a steering unit, a control unit, a communication unit, and / or an extinguishing unit. The forest firefighting unit is preferably an airworthy drone that automatically and / or autonomously combats a fire source.

[0078] In a further embodiment of the invention, the navigation unit has navigation sensors for detecting objects in the surrounding area. The navigation sensors particularly detect obstacles that may occur during movement of the forest firefighting unit. The forest firefighting unit is therefore able to avoid these obstacles.

[0079] In a further development of the invention, the navigation sensors are cameras and / or time-of-flight sensors. The navigation sensors comprise one or a plurality of cameras and / or time-of-flight sensors that detect obstacles during the movement of the forest firefighting unit. The obstacles are detected, recognized, and analyzed by the control unit arranged in the forest firefighting unit in such a way that the forest firefighting unit automatically avoids the obstacles during movement.

[0080] In a further embodiment of the invention, the time-of-flight sensors are radar, ultrasonic, and / or LiDAR sensors. The navigation sensors comprise one or a plurality of cameras and / or time-of-flight sensors (e.g., radar, ultrasonic, LiDAR) that detect obstacles while the forest firefighting unit is moving. The obstacles are detected, recognized, and analyzed by the control unit arranged in the forest firefighting unit in such a way that the forest firefighting unit automatically avoids the obstacles while moving.

[0081] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting system comprises a forest firefighting station. The forest firefighting station is a weatherproof station for accommodating the forest firefighting unit.

[0082] In a further development of the invention, the forest firefighting unit can be coupled to the forest firefighting station. The forest firefighting station is configured to be connected, for example, to an energy storage unit of the forest firefighting unit in order to supply the energy storage unit of the forest firefighting unit with electrical energy.

[0083] In a further embodiment of the invention, data, energy, and / or extinguishing agents are exchangeable between the forest firefighting unit and the forest firefighting station. The forest firefighting station is configured to be connected, for example, to an energy storage unit of the forest firefighting unit in order to supply the energy storage unit of the forest firefighting unit with electrical energy. In addition, the forest firefighting unit is filled with extinguishing agent.

[0084] The object is also achieved by the method according to the invention for fighting and / or extinguishing a forest fire.

[0085] The inventive method for fighting and / or extinguishing a forest fire comprises three steps: In the first step, a forest fire is detected in a forest area. For this purpose, a plurality of forest fire detection sensors are used, preferably arranged in a network. In the second step, the source of the fire is located. Localization is carried out, for example, using a triangulation method. In the third step, the source of the fire is automatically fought and / or extinguished. For this purpose, a forest firefighting unit is deployed, which is preferably airborne and has an extinguishing agent reservoir.

[0086] In a further development of the invention, the source of the fire is detected by a first forest fire detection sensor. The first forest fire detection sensor is mounted in a fixed location, e.g., on a tree in the forest area to be monitored.

[0087] In a further embodiment of the invention, the source of the fire is located from the recorded data of the first forest fire detection sensor, stored data, wind direction, wind speed, and / or triangulation methods. The sensor units of the first forest fire detection sensor each detect a signal, the source of which is the gases generated by the forest fire, as well as the individual times of detection of the individual signals. Based on these detected signals and the recorded times of their detection, the position of the fire is determined. Using the wind direction and wind speed, the position can be determined with a low error rate. In a further embodiment of the invention, an automatic forest fire fighting and / or extinguishing process is started after the source of the fire has been located. The forest fire fighting and / or extinguishing process starts immediately after the source of the fire has been located, for example, byA flight-capable drone is used as a forest firefighting unit. Therefore, firefighting and / or extinguishing can begin immediately after the fire has broken out.

[0088] In a further development of the invention, the start of the forest fire fighting and / or extinguishing process involves the activation of an extinguishing unit. The extinguishing unit is usually in standby mode to save energy. The extinguishing unit is only activated when a signal is received to start the forest fire fighting and / or extinguishing process.

[0089] In a further embodiment of the invention, the extinguishing unit is repositioned after the fire source has been located. The extinguishing unit is preferably positioned near the fire source in such a way that the fire can be controlled and / or extinguished, e.g., by ejecting an extinguishing agent.

[0090] In a further embodiment of the invention, the extinguishing unit is positioned based on the location of the fire source. The extinguishing unit is preferably positioned close to the fire source so that it can be fought and / or extinguished, e.g., by ejecting an extinguishing agent. For this purpose, the position of the fire source must be known as accurately as possible. The sensor units of the first forest fire detection sensor detect and locate the fire source and transmit the position data to the extinguishing unit.

[0091] In a further development of the invention, a second localization of the fire source is carried out before the automatic fighting and / or extinguishing of the fire source. The second localization is preferably carried out with a second forest fire detection sensor, which is positioned near the fire source in such a way that the distance of the second forest fire detection sensor to the fire source is less than the distance of a first

[0092] Forest fire detection sensor at the time of first detection of the forest fire.

[0093] In a further aspect of the invention, a second positioning of the extinguishing unit occurs after the second localization of the fire source. Due to the second localization, the second positioning occurs with greater accuracy than the first positioning of the extinguishing unit.

[0094] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fire is fought and / or extinguished by positioning the extinguishing unit above the fire and releasing an extinguishing agent. The extinguishing unit contains extinguishing agents, such as water, powder, and / or a foam extinguishing agent. An acoustic cannon can also be used for firefighting.

[0095] The object is further achieved with the forest fire fighting device according to the invention.

[0096] The forest fire-fighting device according to the invention comprises a fire sensor, a locating system, and an automatic extinguishing unit. A plurality of forest fire detection sensors, which are arranged, for example, in a network, are designed to detect a forest fire and / or a fire source. The locating system is suitable and intended to determine the position of the fire source. Localization takes place, for example, using a triangulation method. The automatic extinguishing unit comprises extinguishing agents, e.g., water, powder, or a foam extinguishing agent. An acoustic cannon for firefighting can also be used. The automatic extinguishing unit is preferably part of an airworthy drone that automatically fights a fire source. In one development of the invention, the fire sensor, the locating system, and / or the automatic extinguishing unit are arranged to be movable.The automatic fire extinguishing unit is preferably part of a flight-capable drone that automatically detects, locates and extinguishes a forest fire.

[0097] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fire sensor, the tracking system, and / or the automatic extinguishing unit are part of a motorized vehicle. The automatic extinguishing unit is preferably part of an airworthy drone that automatically detects, locates, and extinguishes a forest fire.

[0098] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting device comprises a forest firefighting unit and / or a forest firefighting station. The forest firefighting station is a weatherproof station for accommodating the forest firefighting unit. The forest firefighting unit comprises the fire sensor, the tracking system, and / or the automatic extinguishing unit.

[0099] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting unit comprises the second sensor, a drive unit, an energy unit, a navigation unit, a steering unit, a control unit, a communication unit, and / or an extinguishing unit. The forest firefighting unit is preferably an airworthy drone that automatically combats a fire source.

[0100] The object is also achieved by the method according to the invention for fighting and / or extinguishing a forest fire.

[0101] The method according to the invention for fighting and / or extinguishing a forest fire comprises three method steps: In the first method step, information is received. The information includes, for example, the detection of a forest fire, its position, and, if applicable, its speed and direction of spread. In the second method step, a forest firefighting unit is autonomously positioned based on the received information. In the third method step, the fire source is fought and / or extinguished with the forest firefighting unit, for example, by using an airworthy drone as the forest firefighting unit. Fighting and / or extinguishing a fire source can therefore begin immediately after it has broken out.

[0102] In a further development of the invention, the information includes position data, in particular the position of a forest fire and the position of a forest fire-fighting unit.

[0103] In a further embodiment of the invention, the information is sent for reception by a terminal device and / or a central server and / or received by a forest fire-fighting device. The central server is, for example, a network server and / or an application server of a LoRaWAN mesh gateway network in which a plurality of forest fire detection sensors are arranged. The forest fire-fighting device has a forest fire-fighting unit.

[0104] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting device comprises a forest firefighting station and / or a forest firefighting unit. The forest firefighting station is a weatherproof station for accommodating the forest firefighting unit.

[0105] In a further embodiment of the invention, the route is determined from its own position data and target position data. For this purpose, a route is determined, for example, on the application server and / or by the forest firefighting unit and / or by the forest firefighting station. The route includes the current position of the forest firefighting unit as part of the forest firefighting station, as well as the position of the target area, in particular the source of the fire. In a further aspect of the invention, the forest firefighting unit is decoupled from a forest firefighting station. In idle mode, the forest firefighting unit is immovably coupled to the forest firefighting station.

[0106] In a further development of the invention, the motor of the forest firefighting unit is started. The motor is preferably an electric motor that is supplied with electrical energy via an energy storage device (battery).

[0107] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting unit is moved along a specific route by motor. The route includes the current position of the forest firefighting unit as part of the forest firefighting station as well as the position of the target area, in particular the source of the fire.

[0108] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting unit detects obstacles along a route. Obstacles include, for example, trees in the forest being monitored that may appear during the movement of the forest firefighting unit. The forest firefighting unit is therefore able to avoid these obstacles.

[0109] In a further development of the invention, the forest firefighting unit determines an alternative route to the target. The forest firefighting unit has a control unit that determines the alternative route based on the detected obstacles, the current position of the forest firefighting unit, and the target position.

[0110] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting unit continues its motorized movement along the alternative route. Detection of obstacles, determination of an alternative route, and motorized movement along the alternative route are continuously repeated and executed during the movement of the forest firefighting unit.

[0111] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting unit detects the source of the fire after reaching the target area. Based on the initial detection and localization of the forest fire, a forest firefighting unit is positioned near the source of the fire in such a way that the forest firefighting unit detects the source of the fire using a suitable sensor, preferably an infrared camera or an optical sensor and / or a camera.

[0112] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting unit locates the source of the fire after reaching the target area. Based on the initial detection and localization of the forest fire, a forest firefighting unit is positioned near the source of the fire in such a way that the forest firefighting unit detects the source of the fire using a suitable sensor, preferably an infrared camera and / or an optical sensor and / or a camera.

[0113] In an advantageous development of the invention, the forest firefighting unit extinguishes the fire source by ejecting extinguishing agents. The forest firefighting unit has an extinguishing agent reservoir. The extinguishing agent can be, for example, water or a foam extinguishing agent. An acoustic cannon can also be used for firefighting.

[0114] In a further embodiment of the invention, a control unit of the forest firefighting unit generates and / or executes control commands for detecting the source of a fire, locating the source of a fire, moving the forest firefighting unit, navigating the forest firefighting unit, steering the forest firefighting unit, and / or ejecting extinguishing agents. The control unit is designed as a microcontroller and has a memory and microprocessor with control software. In a further embodiment of the invention, one or more of the preceding method steps are carried out autonomously. The forest firefighting unit is preferably unmanned and designed as an autonomously controllable and flight-capable drone. Therefore, fighting and extinguishing a fire can take place within a short time window after the source of the fire is detected.

[0115] The object is also achieved with the method according to the invention for fighting and / or extinguishing a forest fire with a forest fire extinguishing station.

[0116] The inventive method for fighting and / or extinguishing a forest fire using a forest fire extinguishing station comprises three method steps: In the first method step, information is received. The information includes, for example, the detection of a forest fire, its position, and, if applicable, its speed and direction of spread. In the second method step, a forest fire fighting unit is decoupled from a forest fire fighting station. The forest fire fighting station is a weatherproof station for accommodating the forest fire fighting unit. In idle mode, the forest fire fighting unit is immovably coupled to the forest fire fighting station. In the third method step, the source of the fire is fought and / or extinguished using the forest fire fighting unit, for example, by using an airworthy drone as the forest fire fighting unit.Therefore, fighting and / or extinguishing a fire can begin immediately after the fire is detected.

[0117] In a further embodiment of the invention, the information is forwarded from the forest firefighting unit to the forest firefighting station and / or from the forest firefighting station to the forest firefighting unit. In a further development of the invention, the information includes position data, in particular the position of a forest fire and the position of a forest firefighting unit.

[0118] In a further embodiment of the invention, the position information includes the position of a detected forest fire or the position of the sensors detecting the forest fire. The sensors detecting the forest fire are typically arranged in a fixed location, e.g., on a tree in the forest to be monitored. The position of the sensors detecting the forest fire is stored, e.g., on a network server, an application server, and / or a forest fire-fighting station, after being determined, e.g., using GPS or triangulation.

[0119] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting process includes positioning a forest firefighting unit. The forest firefighting unit is positioned near the fire source such that the distance of the forest firefighting unit to the fire source is less than the distance of the sensors detecting the forest fire.

[0120] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting process comprises the acquisition of sensor data from a sensor of the forest firefighting unit. The sensor is preferably an infrared camera that captures a thermal image of the fire source, and / or an optical sensor and / or a camera. Additionally, sensors for gas analysis can be arranged in the forest firefighting unit.

[0121] In a further development of the invention, the forest firefighting process includes locating the position of the forest fire using the forest firefighting unit. The source of the fire is therefore more precisely located and can be fought in a targeted manner. In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting process includes fighting the forest fire with an extinguishing agent. The forest firefighting unit has an extinguishing agent, e.g., water or a foam extinguishing agent. An acoustic cannon can also be used for firefighting.

[0122] In a further embodiment of the invention, the extinguishing agent is ejected from the forest firefighting unit. The forest firefighting unit contains an extinguishing agent, e.g., water or a foam extinguishing agent, which is ejected. An acoustic cannon can also be used for firefighting. Depending on the extent of the fire source and its direction and speed of spread, the extinguishing agent can be ejected multiple times.

[0123] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting unit returns to the forest firefighting station after ejecting the extinguishing agent. At the forest firefighting station, the forest firefighting unit can be reloaded with extinguishing agent and refueled.

[0124] In a further development of the invention, the forest firefighting unit connects to the forest firefighting station after returning to the forest firefighting station. The forest firefighting unit is placed into sleep mode to save energy.

[0125] In a further embodiment of the invention, coupling involves connecting the forest firefighting unit to the forest firefighting station. By coupling the unit to the forest firefighting station, the forest firefighting unit can be recharged and refueled with extinguishing agent, data and information can be exchanged, and a software update can be performed if necessary.

[0126] In a further embodiment of the invention, the connection of the forest fire fighting unit to the forest fire fighting station comprises a connection of the forest fire fighting unit to a power supply.

[0127] The forest firefighting unit is preferably a flight-capable drone with electric propulsion. The forest firefighting unit can be re-supplied with electrical power via a power supply located in the forest firefighting station.

[0128] In a further development of the invention, the forest firefighting unit is fueled with energy. The forest firefighting unit is preferably a flight-capable drone with an electric drive. The forest firefighting unit can be re-supplied with electrical energy via a power supply located in the forest firefighting station.

[0129] In a further embodiment of the invention, the connection of the forest firefighting unit to the forest firefighting station includes a connection of the forest firefighting unit to an extinguishing agent reservoir. The extinguishing agent can be, for example, water, powder, and / or a foam extinguishing agent, which is stored in detachable containers in the forest firefighting station. An acoustic cannon can also be used for firefighting.

[0130] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting unit is loaded with extinguishing agent. The extinguishing agent can be, for example, water, powder, and / or a foam extinguishing agent, which is stored in detachable containers in the forest firefighting station. After the fire has been extinguished, the forest firefighting unit is reloaded with extinguishing agent and is ready for use again. An acoustic cannon can also be used for firefighting as an alternative.

[0131] In a further development of the invention, decoupling involves disconnecting a connection to the energy (power) supply. The forest firefighting unit is preferably a flight-capable drone with an electric drive, which is powered by a rechargeable energy storage device (battery) located in the forest firefighting unit.

[0132] The task is also solved with the autonomous forest fire fighting unit according to the invention.

[0133] The autonomous forest firefighting unit according to the invention comprises a navigation unit, an autonomous control unit, and an extinguishing device. The navigation unit comprises navigation sensors for detecting objects in the surrounding area. The navigation sensors detect, in particular, obstacles that may occur during movement of the forest firefighting unit. The forest firefighting unit is therefore able to avoid these obstacles. The control unit is designed as a microcontroller and comprises a memory and microprocessor with control software. The extinguishing device comprises extinguishing agents, e.g., water, powder, and / or a foam extinguishing agent. An acoustic cannon can also be used for firefighting.

[0134] In a further development of the invention, the autonomous forest firefighting unit has a drive. The autonomous forest firefighting unit is preferably a flight-capable drone that automatically fights a fire. The drive is preferably electric and has an electric motor and a rotor with which the autonomous forest firefighting unit can be driven.

[0135] In a further embodiment of the invention, the autonomous forest firefighting unit has a controllable steering system. The autonomous forest firefighting unit can be steered by pivoting the rotors and varying the speed of the individual drive motors. In a further embodiment of the invention, the autonomous forest firefighting unit has a detection unit designed and suitable for detecting a fire source. The detection preferably uses an image acquisition method, preferably a thermal image of the fire source.

[0136] In a further embodiment of the invention, the detection unit comprises a detection sensor unit designed and suitable for detecting a forest fire. Preferably, the detection uses an image acquisition method, preferably a thermal image of the fire source.

[0137] In a further aspect of the invention, the detection unit comprises a location sensor unit designed and suitable for locating a forest fire. The location sensor unit can be used to determine the position of the fire source relative to the location sensor unit of the forest firefighting unit. Additionally, the position of the location sensor unit of the forest firefighting unit can be determined using a navigation satellite system, e.g., GPS.

[0138] In a further embodiment of the invention, the location sensor unit, the detection sensor unit, the drive, the controllable steering system, the navigation unit, the navigation sensors, and / or the communication unit are coupled to the autonomous control unit. The control unit of the forest firefighting unit executes control commands for detecting a fire source, locating a fire source, moving the forest firefighting unit, navigating the forest firefighting unit, steering the forest firefighting unit, and / or ejecting extinguishing agents. The control unit is designed as a microcontroller and includes memory and a microprocessor with control software.

[0139] In a further embodiment of the invention, the autonomous control unit has a memory in which a program executable by the autonomous control unit is stored, which program enables the autonomous operation of the autonomous forest fire fighting unit.

[0140] In a further embodiment of the invention, the autonomous control unit comprises a software program for controlling an autonomous forest fire fighting unit.

[0141] The task is also solved with the forest fire fighting station according to the invention.

[0142] The forest firefighting station according to the invention comprises a receiving device, a power source, and a receptacle for a mobile forest firefighting unit. The forest firefighting station is designed to accommodate the forest firefighting unit and has all-round weather protection, which is designed to be opened and closed at the top. The top has an energy conversion device. An energy storage device (battery) is arranged on the bottom, which is charged with electrical energy by the energy conversion device.

[0143] In a further development of the invention, the forest firefighting station comprises a receiver, an energy source, and / or an extinguishing device. The receiver is configured to receive information, in particular regarding the location of a detected fire source. The energy source is preferably a photovoltaic system with an energy storage device. The extinguishing device comprises a plurality of detachable containers containing extinguishing agents, e.g., a foam extinguishing agent, powder, and / or water. An acoustic cannon can also be used for firefighting.

[0144] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting station comprises a mobile forest firefighting unit. The forest firefighting unit is preferably designed as an autonomously flight-capable drone and has a drive unit with a plurality of rotors driven by motors. The motors are typically electric motors and are powered by a rechargeable energy storage device (battery).

[0145] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting station and / or the forest firefighting unit comprises an extinguishing agent reservoir. The extinguishing agent reservoir contains water and / or a plurality of detachable containers containing an extinguishing agent, e.g., a foam extinguishing agent, powder, and / or water, which can be arranged in the mobile forest firefighting unit. An acoustic cannon can also be used for firefighting.

[0146] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting station and / or the forest firefighting unit comprises a power connection and / or an energy conversion device. The energy source is preferably a photovoltaic system with an energy storage device; the forest firefighting station can therefore be arranged independently of a power supply.

[0147] In a further development of the invention, the forest firefighting station and / or the forest firefighting unit comprises an energy storage device. The energy storage device (battery) is charged with electrical energy by the energy conversion device.

[0148] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting station comprises weather protection for the forest firefighting unit. The forest firefighting unit arranged in the forest firefighting station and the components arranged in the forest firefighting station are thus protected from the effects of the weather. In a further aspect of the invention, the forest firefighting station comprises a receptacle for the forest firefighting unit. The forest firefighting unit can be coupled to the forest firefighting station via the receptacle. The receptacle is designed to be connected to the energy storage device of the forest firefighting unit in order to charge the energy storage device of the forest firefighting unit with electrical energy.

[0149] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting station and / or the forest firefighting unit comprises a control unit. The control unit has a memory in which a program executable by the control unit is stored, enabling the operation of the forest firefighting station.

[0150] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting station and / or the forest firefighting unit comprises a communications unit. The communications unit receives information, e.g., position data of a detected fire source, and transmits information, e.g., data on the status of the forest firefighting station.

[0151] The object is also achieved with the method according to the invention for fighting and / or extinguishing a forest fire with a forest fire extinguishing station.

[0152] The inventive method for fighting and / or extinguishing a forest fire using a forest fire extinguishing station comprises four method steps: In the first method step, information is received. The information includes, for example, the detection of a forest fire, its position, and, if applicable, its speed and direction of spread. In the second method step, a control command is generated. The control command contains the received information and commands for fighting a forest fire. In the third method step, a control command and / or information is sent. In the fourth method step, a forest fire fighting process is carried out. In a further development of the invention, the information is received on a server unit. The server unit is part of a network for detecting and fighting a forest fire.The network is preferably a LoRaWAN network with a star-shaped architecture in which gateways are used to exchange message packets between the first forest fire detection sensors and a central server unit.

[0153] In a further embodiment of the invention, the information is sent from a terminal device. The forest fire detection sensor is part of a terminal device and is located within it. The terminal devices are connected to gateways via a single-hop connection.

[0154] In a further embodiment of the invention, the information is sent via a network. The network is preferably a LoRaWAN network with a star-shaped architecture in which message packets are exchanged between the end devices and a central server unit via gateways.

[0155] In a further embodiment of the invention, the information includes the result of an analysis. The analysis is, for example, a gas analysis and a recording of the temperature of the gases produced during a forest fire. In addition to heavy smoke, a forest fire produces a variety of gases, particularly carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. The type and concentration of these gases are characteristic of a forest fire and can be detected using suitable sensors.

[0156] In a further embodiment of the invention, the analysis is carried out using measurement data from a sensor. The sensor is, for example, a sensor array for gas analysis, for detecting the temperature of the gases, and for detecting the prevailing wind direction and speed. In a further aspect of the invention, the measurement data is recorded on the terminal device.

[0157] The sensor is part of a terminal device and is located in it.

[0158] In a further development of the invention, the analysis is performed on the terminal device or the server unit. A software program is stored in the server unit's memory, allowing the analysis to be performed automatically.

[0159] In a further embodiment of the invention, the control command or information for generating a control command is generated from the information. The control command is used to initiate the fighting of a forest fire.

[0160] In a further embodiment of the invention, the control command or the information for generating a control command is sent. The control command, preferably generated on the server unit, is sent to the forest fire-fighting device via an IP connection and cable.

[0161] In a further embodiment of the invention, the control command or information for generating a control command is sent from the server unit to the forest fire-fighting device. The control command, preferably generated on the server unit, is sent to the forest fire-fighting device via an IP connection and cable, initiating the process for fighting a detected forest fire.

[0162] In a further development of the invention, transmission takes place via a network. The network is preferably a LoRaWAN network with a star-shaped architecture in which message packets are exchanged between the first forest fire detection sensors and a central server unit via gateways. In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest fire fighting process comprises a first positioning of a forest fire fighting unit. The forest fire fighting unit is positioned near the source of the fire in such a way that the forest fire fighting unit can detect the source of the fire using a suitable sensor, preferably an infrared camera, an optical sensor, and / or a camera.

[0163] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting process includes locating the source of the fire. The forest firefighting unit is positioned near the source of the fire in such a way that the forest firefighting unit can detect and locate the source of the fire using a suitable sensor, preferably an infrared camera and / or an optical sensor and / or a camera.

[0164] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting process includes the ejection of a forest firefighting agent. The extinguishing agent is dropped by the forest firefighting unit onto or within a radius of the fire source.

[0165] The problem is also solved with the forest fire fighting system according to the invention.

[0166] The forest fire suppression system according to the invention comprises a network device, a server unit, and a gateway. The forest fire early detection system comprises a mesh gateway network that utilizes LoRaWAN network technology. The LoRaWAN network has a star-shaped architecture in which message packets are exchanged between the sensors and a central internet network server via gateways.

[0167] The wildland fire suppression system has numerous sensors connected to gateways via a single-hop connection. These gateways are typically front-end gateways. The front-end gateways are interconnected and, in some cases, connected to border gateways. A border gateway can also be combined with a front-end gateway to form a mesh gateway device. The border gateways are connected to the internet network server, either via a wired connection or via a wireless connection using Internet Protocol.

[0168] The forest fire fighting system according to the invention also has a first terminal, wherein the first terminal has a sensor unit.

[0169] The forest fire fighting system according to the invention additionally comprises a second terminal, wherein the second terminal comprises a forest fire fighting element.

[0170] In a further development of the invention, the network is a LoRaWan network comprising a server, a gateway, a first terminal, and a second terminal that is different from the first terminal. The second terminal is preferably a forest fire-fighting unit that has a sensor for detecting a forest fire and a device for fighting a forest fire.

[0171] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first terminal comprises a sensor unit and / or the second terminal comprises a forest fire-fighting unit. The second terminal is preferably a forest fire-fighting unit that comprises a sensor for detecting a forest fire and a device for fighting a forest fire.

[0172] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first terminal is arranged in a fixed location, e.g. on a tree in the forest to be monitored.

[0173] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first terminal device comprises a sensor for forest fire detection, a communication device, an energy storage device, and / or an energy conversion device. The first terminal device can thus be operated autonomously and can be connected to the central network server and / or the application server via the communication device. The sensor is a sensor for gas analysis, for detecting the temperature of the gases, and for detecting the prevailing wind direction and speed.

[0174] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second terminal is movable, e.g., a flight-capable drone.

[0175] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second terminal device comprises a sensor for forest fire detection, a navigation device, a drive, and / or an energy storage device. The navigation sensors comprise one or a plurality of cameras and / or time-of-flight sensors that detect obstacles during the movement of the second terminal device. The second terminal device is therefore capable of avoiding these obstacles.

[0176] In a further development of the invention, the sensor of the first terminal is different from the sensor of the second terminal. The first detection of the forest fire by the first terminal is preferably carried out by detecting and analyzing the gases (smoke) produced during a forest fire and their temperature. The second detection uses a different method than the first detection, e.g., an image-capturing method. Using an image-capturing method, the source of the fire can be detected more precisely; in particular, the extent of the fire and its direction of spread can be recorded more precisely. The image-capturing method preferably generates a thermal image of the source of the fire.

[0177] In a further embodiment of the invention, the network comprises a central server. An executable program that controls the fighting of a forest fire is stored in memory on the central server. In a further configuration of the invention, the network comprises multiple gateways, wherein the gateways are mesh gateways and / or border gateways. Message packets are exchanged between the sensors and a central internet network server via gateways. The mesh gateways are interconnected and, in some cases, are interconnected to border gateways. The border gateways are connected to the internet network server, either via a wired connection or via a wireless connection using internet protocol.

[0178] The task is also solved with the forest fire fighting unit according to the invention.

[0179] The forest firefighting unit according to the invention has a drive and a detection unit designed and suitable for detecting a fire source. The forest firefighting unit is preferably designed as an autonomously flightable drone and, for this purpose, has a drive unit with a plurality of rotors driven by motors. The motors are typically electric motors and are powered by a rechargeable energy storage device (battery). The detection unit is preferably an infrared camera for capturing thermal images and / or an optical sensor and / or a camera. Furthermore, the forest firefighting unit according to the invention has a navigation unit and an extinguishing unit. The extinguishing unit has the extinguishing agent receptacle for receiving the extinguishing agent. The navigation unit detects objects in the vicinity of the forest firefighting unit.

[0180] In one development of the invention, the detection unit has a detection sensor unit that is intended and suitable for detecting a forest fire. The detection unit is preferably an infrared camera for capturing thermal images and / or an optical sensor and / or a camera. In a further embodiment of the invention, the detection unit has a location sensor unit that is intended and suitable for locating a forest fire. The location sensor unit can be used to determine the position of the fire source relative to the location sensor unit of the forest fire-fighting unit. In addition, the position of the location sensor unit of the forest fire-fighting unit can be determined using a navigation satellite system, e.g., GPS.

[0181] In a further embodiment of the invention, the location sensor unit is coupled to a control unit. The control unit has a program stored in a memory for automatically locating a forest fire.

[0182] In a further embodiment of the invention, the detection unit is coupled to the control unit. The control unit has a program stored in a memory for automatically detecting a forest fire.

[0183] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting unit has an aircraft propulsion system. The forest firefighting unit is designed as an autonomous, flight-capable drone and, for this purpose, has a propulsion unit with a plurality of motor-driven rotors.

[0184] The object is also achieved with the method according to the invention for fighting and / or extinguishing a forest fire with a forest fire extinguishing station.

[0185] The inventive method for fighting and / or extinguishing a forest fire using a forest fire extinguishing station comprises three method steps: In the first method step, information is received. The information includes, for example, the detection of a forest fire, its position, and, if applicable, its speed and direction of spread. In the second method step, a forest fire fighting unit is decoupled from a forest fire fighting station. The forest fire fighting station is a weatherproof station for accommodating the forest fire fighting unit. In idle mode, the forest fire fighting unit is immovably coupled to the forest fire fighting station. In the third method step, a forest fire fighting operation for fighting and / or extinguishing a forest fire is initiated, for example by deploying an airworthy drone as a forest fire fighting unit.Therefore, fighting and / or extinguishing a fire can begin immediately after the fire is detected.

[0186] In a further development of the invention, the forest firefighting process includes starting the forest firefighting unit. In standby mode, the forest firefighting unit is immovably coupled to the forest firefighting station. The forest firefighting unit is designed as an autonomous, flight-capable drone and is launched from the forest firefighting station at the start of the forest firefighting process.

[0187] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting process comprises moving the forest firefighting unit to a first position. The forest firefighting unit is positioned near the source of the fire in such a way that the forest firefighting unit can be monitored by a suitable sensor, preferably an infrared camera that detects the source of the fire and enables the forest fire to be extinguished, and / or an optical sensor and / or a camera.

[0188] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first position after moving the forest firefighting unit is at a different distance from the forest fire than the forest fire extinguishing station. Typically, the distance of the forest fire extinguishing station from the forest fire is greater than the distance of the forest firefighting unit from the forest fire.

[0189] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting process comprises the detection of a forest fire by the forest firefighting unit. The forest firefighting unit detects the source of the fire using a sensor, e.g., an infrared camera and / or an optical sensor and / or a camera.

[0190] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting process includes the location of a forest fire by the forest firefighting unit. The position of the fire source relative to the location sensor unit of the forest firefighting unit can be determined using the location sensor unit of the forest firefighting unit.

[0191] In a further development of the invention, the location is carried out by an image-capturing method, preferably a thermal image of the source of the fire is captured.

[0192] In a further embodiment of the invention, after the forest fire has been located by the forest firefighting unit, the forest firefighting unit is moved to a second position. In the second position, the forest firefighting unit is positioned such that it is possible to fight the forest fire.

[0193] In a further embodiment of the invention, the extinguishing process takes place after the forest firefighting unit has reached its first and / or second position. For this purpose, an extinguishing agent located in the forest firefighting unit is ejected, for example.

[0194] In a further development of the invention, the extinguishing process is repeated several times. Depending on the extent of the fire source and its direction and speed of spread, the extinguishing process is repeated several times to completely extinguish the forest fire.

[0195] In a further embodiment of the invention, after completing an extinguishing operation, the forest firefighting unit is moved to the forest fire extinguishing station. After extinguishing the fire source, in particular after dropping the extinguishing agent, the forest firefighting unit returns to the forest fire extinguishing station to be refueled and filled with extinguishing agent. In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting unit is coupled to the forest fire extinguishing station. The forest firefighting unit is coupled to the forest fire extinguishing station in such a way that the forest firefighting unit is connected to the forest fire extinguishing station's power supply.

[0196] In an advantageous development of the invention, after the forest fire extinguishing station is coupled to the forest fire fighting unit, the forest fire fighting unit charges energy and / or extinguishing agent from the forest fire extinguishing station. The forest fire fighting unit is fueled with electrical energy. Furthermore, the forest fire fighting unit is connected to the extinguishing agent reservoir of the forest fire fighting station. The forest fire fighting unit is also charged with extinguishing agent.

[0197] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting system comprises a forest firefighting station. The forest firefighting station is a weatherproof station for accommodating the forest firefighting unit.

[0198] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting unit comprises the second sensor, a drive unit, an energy unit, a navigation unit, a steering unit, a control unit, a communication unit, and / or an extinguishing unit. The forest firefighting unit is preferably an airworthy drone that automatically combats a fire source.

[0199] In a further development of the invention, the navigation unit has navigation sensors for detecting objects in the environment. The navigation sensors particularly detect obstacles that may occur during movement of the forest firefighting unit. The forest firefighting unit is therefore able to avoid these obstacles. In a further aspect of the invention, the navigation sensors are cameras and / or time-of-flight-based sensors. The navigation sensors have one or a plurality of cameras and / or time-of-flight-based sensors that

[0200] Detects obstacles during the movement of the forest firefighting unit. The obstacles are detected, recognized, and analyzed by the control unit located in the forest firefighting unit in such a way that the forest firefighting unit automatically avoids the obstacles during movement.

[0201] In a further embodiment of the invention, the time-of-flight sensors are radar, ultrasonic, and / or LiDAR sensors. The navigation sensors comprise one or a plurality of cameras and / or time-of-flight sensors (e.g., radar, ultrasonic, LiDAR) that detect obstacles during the movement of the forest firefighting unit. The obstacles are detected, recognized, and analyzed by the control unit arranged in the forest firefighting unit in such a way that the forest firefighting unit automatically avoids the obstacles during movement.

[0202] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting unit is autonomously controllable. The forest firefighting unit is preferably unmanned and enables automatic and / or autonomous firefighting.

[0203] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting unit has an extinguishing agent reservoir. The extinguishing agent is, for example, water, powder, and / or a foam extinguishing agent. An acoustic firefighting cannon can also be used. In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting unit has a dispensing and / or ejection device for extinguishing agent. The extinguishing agent is ejected from the extinguishing agent reservoir onto the source of the fire.

[0204] In a further embodiment of the invention, the forest firefighting station has a receptacle intended and suitable for accommodating the forest firefighting unit. The forest firefighting station is configured to be connected, for example, to an energy storage device of the forest firefighting unit in order to supply the energy storage device of the forest firefighting unit with electrical energy.

[0205] In a further aspect of the invention, the forest firefighting station comprises a control unit, weather protection, an energy storage unit, an extinguishing agent reservoir, and / or a communications unit. The forest firefighting station is configured to be connected, for example, to an energy storage unit of the forest firefighting unit in order to supply the energy storage unit of the forest firefighting unit with electrical energy. In addition, the forest firefighting unit is filled with extinguishing agent.

[0206] In a further development of the invention, the information includes position data, in particular the position of a forest fire and the position of a forest fire fighting unit and / or an element of the forest fire fighting system.

[0207] Embodiments of the method according to the invention for autonomously fighting and / or extinguishing a forest fire and of the forest fire fighting system according to the invention are shown in a simplified schematic manner in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description.

[0208] Shown: Fig. 1 : Forest fire fighting system

[0209] Fig. 2: Detailed view of the forest fire fighting system according to the invention

[0210] Fig. 3: Forest fire fighting unit

[0211] Fig. 4: Forest fire fighting device

[0212] Fig. 5: Forest fire fighting device open

[0213] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a forest fire fighting system 1 according to the invention, arranged in a forest W to be monitored. The LoRaWAN mesh gateway network 1 comprises a mesh gateway network 1 that uses the technology of a LoRaWAN network. The LoRaWAN network 1 has a star-shaped architecture in which message packets are exchanged between the first forest fire detection sensors ED and a central internet network server NS via gateways. The first forest fire detection sensor is part of a terminal device ED and is arranged therein. In this document, terminal device ED and first forest fire detection sensor are therefore used synonymously with the same reference numerals.

[0214] The LoRaWAN mesh gateway network 1 comprises a plurality of first forest fire detection sensors ED, which are connected to gateways G via a single-hop connection FSK. The gateways G are typically mesh gateways MGD. The mesh gateways MGD are interconnected and, in some cases, connected to border gateways BGD. The border gateways BGD are connected to the internet network server NS, either via a wired connection WN or via a wireless connection using the Internet Protocol IP.

[0215] A plurality of forest fire fighting devices 100 are arranged in and around the forest W. Each

[0216] Forest firefighting device 100 comprises a forest firefighting station 200 and a mobile forest firefighting unit 300 (see Fig. 4). For autonomous forest firefighting, a forest fire is first detected by one or more of the fixed first forest fire detection sensors ED. The first forest fire detection sensor ED has a sensor array for gas analysis, for measuring the temperature of the gases, and for measuring the prevailing wind direction and speed. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor array can also detect or receive signals on the prevailing wind direction from external measuring devices.

[0217] In the next step, the forest fire is located using an initial localization process. The initial localization is performed using the first forest fire detection sensor ED, which detects the forest fire. In other words, the position of the forest fire detection sensor ED, which detects the forest fire, marks the location of the forest fire. Furthermore, the initial localization is performed using a plurality of first forest fire detection sensors ED: A plurality of end devices ED each detects a signal, the source of which is the gases generated by the forest fire, as well as the individual times of detection of the three individual signals. Based on these three detected signals and the recorded times of their detection, the position of the forest fire is determined. In addition, the wind speed and direction are included in the initial localization of the forest fire, which can be detected using the first forest fire detection sensor ED.

[0218] To perform the initial localization, the position of each forest fire detection sensor ED must be known as precisely as possible. Position determination can be performed, for example, during installation of the first forest fire detection sensor ED. The first forest fire detection sensor ED can be placed on a tree in the forest to be monitored, and the position of the first forest fire detection sensor ED can be determined once using a navigation satellite system, e.g., GPS (Global Positioning System). A commercially available GPS system or a smartphone can be used for this purpose. It is also possible to determine the position of the first forest fire detection sensor ED using a suitable receiver. The first forest fire detection sensor ED receives signals from at least four, usually six sources, radio signals on the L1 frequency (1575.42 MHz) when using the GPS navigation satellite system.The sources are satellites that continuously transmit their current position and the exact time. The determined position of the first forest fire detection sensor ED is stored on the network server NS and / or the application server, and optionally also permanently stored in the control unit of the first forest fire detection sensor ED whose position was determined in this way. Alternatively or additionally, the position of a first forest fire detection sensor ED can be determined continuously or at intervals using the navigation satellite system. The position of a first forest fire detection sensor ED is then regularly checked and updated. The network server NS and / or the application server has a first controller in the form of a software program on a memory, by means of which the position of a fire source can be determined.

[0219] Based on the first localization of the forest fire by means of the first forest fire detection sensors ED, a second forest fire detection sensor 330 is positioned near the fire source such that the distance of the second forest fire detection sensor 330 to the fire source is less than the distance of a first forest fire detection sensor ED at the time of the first detection of the forest fire. For this purpose, the second forest fire detection sensor 330 is arranged in a mobile and autonomously controllable, airborne forest fire fighting unit 300 (see Fig. 3). The forest fire fighting unit 300 is part of a forest fire fighting device 100 (see Figs. 4, 5) in a

[0220] Forest fire fighting station 200 arranged.

[0221] Before, during, and after positioning the second forest fire detection sensor 330 near the forest fire, a second detection is performed using the second forest fire detection sensor 330. A different method than the first detection is used for the second detection: While the first detection uses the first forest fire detection sensor ED to perform a gas analysis and measure the temperature of the gases, the second detection uses an image acquisition method, preferably capturing a thermal image of the fire source.

[0222] A second localization of the fire source is performed using the second forest fire detection sensor 330. For this purpose, the measured values ​​acquired by the second forest fire detection sensor 330 are used, in particular the thermal image of the fire source. The forest fire fighting unit 300 has a positioning system (see Fig. 3) with which the position of the fire source is determined relative to the positioning system of the forest fire fighting unit 300. In addition, the position of the positioning system of the forest fire fighting unit 300 is determined and continuously updated using a navigation satellite system, e.g., GPS. Alternatively or additionally, a triangulation method is used in which the distance to stationary elements of the forest fire fighting system 1, e.g., the first forest fire detection sensors ED and / or the gateways G, MGD, BGD, is determined.

[0223] This second localization of the fire source is advantageously more precise than the first localization of the fire source by means of the first forest fire detection sensors ED. The fire source is therefore more precisely localized and can be fought in a targeted manner. In addition to the second localization of the fire source, the forest fire fighting unit 300 transmits, in addition to the first localization, additional information about, for example, the extent of the fire source to the network server NS and / or the application server, either via a direct connection between the forest fire fighting unit 300 and the internet network server NS and / or via a connection between the forest fire fighting unit 300 and one or more gateways G, MGD, BGD. The forest fire fighting unit 300 has a second controller and a communication unit for this purpose.The positioning of the second forest fire detection sensor 330, the second detection, and the second localization of the fire source typically occur multiple times over a period of time. The position, extent, and propagation direction and speed of the fire source are therefore continuously recorded and updated.

[0224] After the second localization, the forest fire is fought and / or extinguished using the forest firefighting unit 300. The forest firefighting unit 300 has an extinguishing unit 310 (see Fig. 3) for this purpose. The extinguishing unit 310 has extinguishing agents, e.g., water, powder, and / or a foam extinguishing agent, which are ejected. An acoustic cannon can also be used for firefighting. Depending on the extent of the fire source and its direction and speed of spread, the extinguishing agent can be ejected multiple times. In particular, the extinguishing agent 310 can be ejected in different directions to contain the fire source or extinguish it efficiently.

[0225] The positioning of the second forest fire detection sensor 330, the second detection and second localization of the fire source and the forest fire fighting and / or extinguishing can also be carried out simultaneously and in parallel by means of a plurality of forest fire fighting units 300, depending on the extent as well as the direction and speed of spread of the fire source.

[0226] A detailed view of a forest fire fighting system 10 according to the invention is shown in Fig.

[0227] 2. The forest fire fighting system 10 has a plurality of first forest fire detection sensors ED, wherein each eight first forest fire detection sensors ED communicate with a gateway G via a single-hop connection FSK. The gateways FGD are connected to each other and to border gateways BGD. The border gateways BGD are connected to the internet network server NS, either via a wired connection WN or via a wireless connection using the internet protocol IP. A plurality of forest fire fighting devices 100 are arranged around the forest W to be monitored. Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the forest fire fighting unit 300 according to the invention. The forest fire fighting unit 300 is designed as an autonomous, flight-capable drone and, for this purpose, has a drive unit 320 with a plurality of rotors 322 driven by motors 321.The motors 321 are typically electric motors and are powered by a rechargeable energy storage device (battery). The forest firefighting unit 300 is steered by pivoting the rotors 322 and varying the speed of the individual motors 321.

[0228] For the second localization of a fire source, the forest firefighting unit 300 has the second forest fire detection sensor 330, which in this embodiment is an infrared camera. In addition, the forest firefighting unit 300 in this embodiment has a further forest fire detection sensor 340, which is designed as a gas sensor.

[0229] To combat a fire source, the forest firefighting unit 300 comprises the extinguishing unit 310, which has the extinguishing agent receptacle 311 for receiving the extinguishing agent 313. The extinguishing agent 313 can be ejected by means of the extinguishing agent ejection device 312 to combat and extinguish a fire source.

[0230] The forest firefighting unit 300 according to the invention also has a navigation sensor 350 that detects objects in the surroundings of the forest firefighting unit 300. The navigation sensor 350 has one or a plurality of cameras and / or time-of-flight-based sensors (e.g., radar, ultrasound, lidar) that detect obstacles during the flight of the forest firefighting unit 300. The obstacles are detected, recognized, and analyzed by the control unit arranged in the forest firefighting unit 300 such that the forest firefighting unit 300 automatically avoids the obstacles during its flight. All of these components are connected to a second control unit of the forest firefighting unit 300 and controlled by the second control unit.

[0231] An embodiment of a forest fire fighting device 100 is shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. The forest fire fighting device 100 has the main components forest fire fighting station 200 and the forest fire fighting unit 300 (see Fig. 3).

[0232] The forest firefighting station 200 is configured to accommodate the forest firefighting unit 300 and has an all-round weather protection cover 210, which is designed to be openable and closable at the top. The top has an energy conversion device 220, which in this embodiment is a photovoltaic system. An energy storage device (battery) 230 is arranged on the bottom, which is charged with electrical energy by the energy conversion device 220.

[0233] The forest fire fighting station 200 has a receptacle 250 for accommodating the forest fire fighting unit 300, via which the forest fire fighting unit 300 is coupled to the forest fire fighting station 200. The receptacle 250 is configured to be connected to the energy storage device of the forest fire fighting unit 300 in order to charge the energy storage device of the forest fire fighting unit 300 with electrical energy.

[0234] The extinguishing agent reservoir 240 is arranged on an inclined plane at the bottom of the forest fire fighting station 200. The extinguishing agent 313 in this embodiment is a foam extinguishing agent filled in a plurality of detachable containers. Such containers are marketed by Rain Industries Inc. One or more containers are dropped onto the

[0235] The fire is dropped onto the source of the fire; due to the heat development, the plastic wall of the container bursts and the extinguishing agent 313 is applied. Another possibility is the use of water-filled containers. Alternatively, the forest firefighting unit 300 can have an acoustic cannon as the extinguishing agent 313, which fights the source of the fire using the air pressure fluctuations caused by the sound pressure. The sound waves, with a frequency of 30 to 60 Hz, trigger mechanical vibrations in the area surrounding the source of the fire, which influence both the burning material and the oxygen supply. Fighting the fire using an acoustic cannon is particularly sustainable, produces no waste during fighting, requires no water or chemicals that may be harmful to forest soil, and can be carried out as long as the energy storage of the forest firefighting unit 300 has energy.

[0236] To fight a forest fire, after the first detection and first localization of a fire source by a fixed first forest fire detection sensor ED (see Fig. 1), the second forest fire detection sensor 330 and thus the forest fire fighting unit 300 are moved to the fire source for the purpose of the second detection, the second localization, and the forest fire fighting. For this purpose, a route is first determined on the network server NS, the application server, and / or on the forest fire fighting unit 300. The route includes the current position of the forest fire fighting unit 300 as part of the forest fire fighting station 200, as well as the position of the target area, in particular the fire source. The forest fire fighting device 100 has a communication unit that is connected to the network server NS and / or the application server and receives and transmits information about the extent of the fire source and position data.The forest firefighting unit 300 is then decoupled from the forest firefighting station 200, and the motor 321 of the forest firefighting unit 300 is started. At the same time, the weather protection cover 210 of the forest firefighting station 200 is opened (Fig. 5). The forest firefighting unit 300 then moves along the calculated route to the target area of ​​the fire source.The forest fire fighting unit 300 uses its sensors, such as time-of-flight sensors, radar, ultrasound and / or LiDAR sensors, to continuously detect any obstacles that may occur, determines an alternative route to the target area when obstacles occur using the second controller, and continues the motorized movement along the alternative route to the target area, wherein the detection of obstacles, determination of an alternative route, and motorized movement along the alternative route are continuously repeated and executed during the movement of the forest fire fighting unit 300.

[0237] In the target area, the second detection and second localization of the fire source, as well as the fighting or extinguishing of the fire source, take place by means of the forest firefighting unit 300 by releasing the extinguishing agent 313. The second controller of the forest firefighting unit 300 generates and / or executes control commands for the second detection of a fire source, the second localization of a fire source, the movement of the forest firefighting unit 300, the navigation of the forest firefighting unit 300, the steering of the forest firefighting unit 300, and / or the ejection of extinguishing agent 313.

[0238] The second controller of the forest firefighting unit 300 has a memory in which an executable program is stored by the second controller, enabling autonomous operation of the autonomous forest firefighting unit. The second detection of the fire source, the second localization of the fire source, and the ejection of the extinguishing agent 313 are advantageously carried out completely or at least partially autonomously using the described inventive method for fighting and / or extinguishing a forest fire.

[0239] After extinguishing the fire, especially after dropping the extinguishing agent

[0240] 313, the forest fire fighting unit 300 returns to the forest fire fighting station 200 and couples to the receptacle 250 in such a way that the

[0241] Forest fire fighting unit 300 is connected to the energy supply (energy storage 230) of the forest fire fighting station 200. After that, the

[0242] Forest fire fighting unit 300 is fueled with electrical energy. Furthermore, the forest fire fighting unit 300 is connected to the extinguishing agent reservoir 240. The

[0243] Forest firefighting unit 300 is also loaded with extinguishing agent 313. Additionally, weather protection 210 is closed (Fig. 4), and forest firefighting station 200 is ready for use again. In addition, forest firefighting station 200 also has a control unit that controls the energy conversion device 220, the supply of extinguishing agent 313 from extinguishing agent reservoir 240 to forest firefighting unit 300, the takeoff and landing of forest firefighting unit 300, and the opening and closing of weather protection 210.

[0244] B EZ UG S Z EICHENLI ST E

[0245] 1 forest fire fighting system

[0246] 10 Lo R a WA N - M es h gateway network

[0247] ED Terminal I First forest fire detection sensor

[0248] G Gateway

[0249] NS Internet Network Server

[0250] IP Internet Protocol

[0251] MHF multi-hop radio network

[0252] MDG Mesh Gateways

[0253] BGD Border Gateway

[0254] FSK FSK modulation

[0255] WN Wired connection

[0256] W Forest

[0257] 100 forest fire fighting equipment

[0258] 200 forest fire fighting station

[0259] 210 Weather protection

[0260] 220 energy conversion unit

[0261] 230 energy storage units

[0262] 240 extinguishing agent reservoir

[0263] 250 recording for forest fire fighting unit

[0264] 300 forest fire fighting unit

[0265] 310 extinguishing unit

[0266] 311 Extinguishing agent intake

[0267] 312 Extinguishing agent release device Extinguishing agent Flight drive / propulsion unit Motor Rotor Second forest fire detection sensor Forest fire detection sensor Navigation sensor

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS Methods for combating and / or extinguishing a forest fire with the following procedural steps • Detecting a fire source in a forest area • Locating the source of the fire • Automatic fire suppression and / or extinguishing. A method for suppressing and / or extinguishing a forest fire according to claim 1, characterized in that the fire source is detected by a first forest fire detection sensor. A method for suppressing and / or extinguishing a forest fire according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fire source is located from the data acquired by the first forest fire detection sensor, stored data, wind direction, wind speed and / or triangulation methods. A method for suppressing and / or extinguishing a forest fire according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that an automatic forest fire suppression and / or extinguishing process is started after the fire source has been located. A method for suppressing and / or extinguishing a forest fire according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The start of the forest fire fighting and / or extinguishing process includes the activation of a fire extinguishing unit. A method for fighting and / or extinguishing a forest fire according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fire extinguishing unit is repositioned after the fire source has been located. A method for fighting and / or extinguishing a forest fire according to claim 6, characterized in that the positioning of the fire extinguishing unit is based on the location of the fire source. A method for fighting and / or extinguishing a forest fire according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second location of the fire source is determined before the automatic fighting and / or extinguishing of the fire source. A method for fighting and / or extinguishing a forest fire according to claim 8, characterized in that a second positioning of the fire extinguishing unit is determined after the second location of the fire source.A method for fighting and / or extinguishing a forest fire according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fighting and / or extinguishing of the fire is carried out by positioning the extinguishing unit above the fire and dropping an extinguishing agent. Forest fire fighting device with. a fire sensor • a tracking system and • an automatic extinguishing unit, a forest fire fighting device according to claim 11, characterized in that the fire sensor, the tracking system and / or the automatic extinguishing unit are movably arranged. A forest fire fighting device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the fire sensor, the tracking system and / or the automatic extinguishing unit are part of a motorized vehicle. A forest fire fighting device according to one or more of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the forest fire fighting device comprises a forest fire fighting unit and / or a forest fire fighting station. Forest fire fighting device according to claim 14, characterized in that the forest fire fighting unit comprises the second sensor, a drive unit, a power unit, a navigation unit, a steering unit, a control unit, a communication unit and / or an extinguishing unit. Forest fire fighting device according to claim 15, characterized in that the navigation unit comprises navigation sensors for detecting objects in the environment. A wildfire fighting device according to claim 16, characterized in that the navigation sensors are cameras and / or time-of-flight sensors. A wildfire fighting device according to claim 17, characterized in that the time-of-flight sensors are radar, ultrasonic, and / or LiDAR sensors. A wildfire fighting device according to one or more of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the forest fire fighting unit is autonomously controllable. Forest fire fighting device according to one or more of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that the forest fire fighting unit has an extinguishing agent reservoir. Forest fire fighting device according to one or more of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that the forest fire fighting unit has a dispensing and / or discharge device for extinguishing agents. Forest fire fighting device according to one or more of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that the forest fire fighting station has a receptacle which is designed and suitable for receiving the forest fire fighting unit. Forest fire fighting device according to one or more of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that the forest fire fighting station comprises a control unit, weather protection, an energy storage device, an extinguishing agent reservoir and / or a communication unit.

Images