AI Rescue Drone Routing in Communication-Disrupted Areas

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional disaster response systems face challenges in obtaining accurate and real-time situational information in communication-disrupted areas, leading to delayed rescue operation planning, inefficient supply delivery, and reduced survival rates.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a processor-controlled flying device with imaging means, artificial intelligence for real-time data analysis, and equipment deployment to collect local status data, calculate optimal rescue routes, and communicate emergency information to external relief organizations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional disaster response systems are used, then resource allocation and rescue operations can be conducted, but accurate and real-time situational information cannot be obtained in communication-disrupted areas, leading to delayed response and reduced survival rates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesituational information accuracyVSAvoidreal-time data availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) as an intermediary device that can operate independently in communication-disrupted areas. The drone carries imaging equipment and communication devices, serving as a mobile intermediary that collects situational information via imaging sensors and relays it through satellite or other communication channels, bypassing the need for local ground-based communication infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces reliance on ground-based communication infrastructure with satellite communication systems. Instead of using local cellular networks or radio systems that may be damaged or unavailable, the system uses satellite uplinks and downlinks to transmit data between the drone and external command centers, ensuring communication continuity even when terrestrial infrastructure fails.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If rescue operations are delayed due to lack of real-time information, then resource allocation can proceed with available data, but survival rates decrease and response efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverescue operation efficiencyVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary deployment of drones to disaster areas immediately upon receiving alerts, before ground-based rescue teams arrive. The drones conduct initial surveys, map affected areas, identify potential survivors, and establish communication links in advance, providing critical information that enables faster and more targeted rescue operations when teams arrive on the ground.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous operation of the drone system by implementing automated monitoring, real-time data streaming, and continuous communication with command centers. The drones maintain persistent surveillance of disaster areas, providing uninterrupted situational awareness that allows rescue operations to proceed without delays caused by information gaps or communication interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If equipment is deployed to collect local status data in communication-disrupted areas, then emergency information can be gathered, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection capabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the drone as a multi-functional platform that integrates imaging sensors (cameras, thermal imaging), communication equipment (satellite transponders, data modems), navigation systems (GPS, inertial sensors), and payload capacity for various mission configurations. This universal platform can perform multiple functions including area mapping, survivor detection, communication relay, and supply delivery, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260050266A1System
Publication Date: 2026.02.19 SOFTBANK GROUP CORP
  • US20260050266A1 patent drawing
  • US20260050266A1 patent drawing
  • US20260050266A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system includes a processor that controls an operable flying device, controls an operable imaging means, performs real-time analysis of generated data using artificial intelligence processing means, calculates an optimal rescue route based on the analysis results, controls means for loading and transporting supplies with the flying device, controls means for deploying equipment in regions where communication is disrupted and collecting local condition data, analyzes the collected data to generate emergency response information, and communicates the emergency response information to external rescue organizations.