Acoustic Threat Response With Autonomous Ground Drones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security systems for places of gathering, such as concerts and movie theaters, face challenges in effectively and cost-efficiently detecting and responding to threats, as traditional methods like security guards and metal detectors are either impractical or inadequate in detecting non-metallic threats and emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising autonomous non-flying drones, strategically placed microphones, and acoustic beacons, which use trilateration and threat assessment neural networks to detect and determine the origin of acoustic events, dispatch drones equipped with disabling devices to investigate and respond to threats, while maintaining aesthetic appeal and operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If security guards are employed to protect an area, then the security coverage and response capability are improved, but the cost and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs autonomous drones that can independently detect threats, navigate to threat locations, and execute response actions without human intervention. The drones self-manage their operations including threat assessment, positioning, and countermeasure deployment, eliminating the need for human security personnel to directly perform these tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical human security guard system with an automated drone-based system. Instead of human beings performing security functions, autonomous drones equipped with sensors, processors, and effectors perform detection, analysis, and response functions, substituting biological mechanical systems with engineered autonomous systems.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If metal detectors are deployed at entrance and exit points, then the detection capability for metallic threats is improved, but the aesthetic appeal and user experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces physical metal detectors with acoustic sensing technology. Instead of using metallic detection hardware at entrances, the system employs acoustic beacons and microphones that emit and detect acoustic signals, allowing threat detection through acoustic properties rather than metallic properties, thereby eliminating the need for visible metal detector hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic beacons as intermediary devices that transmit acoustic signals through the environment. These beacons serve as mediators between the detection system and threats, allowing the system to detect threats by analyzing acoustic signal disruptions or anomalies caused by threats, rather than requiring direct interaction with physical detection hardware.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If metal detectors are used for security screening, then the metallic threat detection is improved, but the operational cost and staff requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic beacons and drones serve multiple functions: they provide navigation aids for the drones, enable threat detection through acoustic signal analysis, and facilitate communication within the system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment and personnel for each function, thereby lowering operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates autonomously without requiring human staff for manual operation. The drones independently navigate, detect threats, and execute responses, while the acoustic beacons continuously transmit signals without human intervention. This self-operating capability eliminates the need for paid staff to operate security equipment, significantly reducing operational costs.
4Reliability
If traditional security systems are deployed, then the threat detection coverage is improved, but the system complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the security function into separate modular components: acoustic beacons for signal transmission, drones for navigation and detection, and processing units for threat analysis. Each component performs a specific function independently, and they communicate through standardized interfaces, reducing overall system complexity through functional segmentation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a cost-effective, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing means to monitor and respond to threats in real-time, capable of distinguishing between real threats and non-threats, and deploying appropriate countermeasures without obstructing evacuation routes or causing unnecessary panic.
Implementation Method 1
determine an origin of the acoustic event using trilateration
Implementation Method 2
monitor an acoustic event coming from the protected area
Implementation Method 3
Each of the beacons is configured to transmit distinct audio signals
Implementation Method 4
The ANF drone is configured to climb walls using a combination of wall-climbing wheels and rotors
Implementation Method 5
The first ANF drone can include one or more of a high luminance flashlight
Implementation Method 6
a disabling acoustic device
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed threat response system(s) and method(s) provide a mean to secure an area around the clock. The system includes a plurality of microphones strategically located at various locations of the protected area, a plurality of acoustic beacons to provide navigational support one or more autonomous non-flying (ANF) drones, and a central controller. In one example each of the one or more ANF drones are equipped with an acoustic positioning system that uses beacon signals (e.g., mechanical waves) transmitted by the plurality of acoustic beacons to determine its position relative to the plurality of acoustic beacons. Once an acoustic event is detected, it is analyzed to determine whether there is a threat. When the threat is confirmed, the central controller dispatches one or more of the ANF drones to investigate and/or to engage the target.