3D Avalanche Transceiver Localization for Direct Victim Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing avalanche transceiver (AT) devices for locating buried victims are inefficient, requiring rescuers to follow curved paths, lack accurate distance and direction information, and rely on unreliable magnetic field strength measurements, leading to prolonged search times and reduced survival chances.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using 3D magnetic field, 3D inertial measurements, and GNSS data to calculate the victim's location accurately and quickly, eliminating the need for manual intervention and providing real-time 3D visualization of the victim's position relative to the rescuer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the classical magnetic field line following method is used, then the rescuer can locate the victim using only local measurements, but the search path becomes curved and longer than optimal, increasing search time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D magnetic field line following to 3D spatial localization by incorporating inertial measurements (accelerometer and gyroscope data) to track rescuer position and orientation. This enables calculation of the victim's position in three-dimensional space, allowing direct navigation to the target rather than following curved field lines on the surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously updates the victim's position estimate based on integrated inertial measurements and magnetic field observations. The rescuer receives real-time feedback on their own position and the calculated victim location, enabling dynamic path optimization and direct navigation to the target while accounting for movement and orientation changes.
2Device complexity
If only local magnetic field measurements are used, then the measurement process is simple, but the accuracy of victim location determination deteriorates, requiring manual probing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement sources: magnetic field measurements from the AT device, inertial measurements from accelerometer and gyroscope, and position/orientation data from the mobile device. By combining these complementary measurement types, the system achieves high-precision 3D location determination without requiring manual probing, as the fused data provides sufficient accuracy to identify the exact victim position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical probing process with an electronic computation system. Instead of physically probing the ground to locate the victim, the system uses sensor fusion algorithms to calculate the precise location based on magnetic field and inertial measurements, eliminating the need for manual mechanical search methods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rescuer follows curved magnetic field lines, then the search can be performed without knowing the victim's position, but the path length increases and the rescuer cannot determine the straight-line direction to the victim
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback to the rescuer about their own position (through inertial navigation) and the calculated position of the victim. This feedback loop enables the rescuer to see both the current location and target location, providing full position information that was previously hidden by the curved field line method.
Solution Approach 2:
By moving from 2D field line following to 3D position calculation, the system reveals the direct spatial relationship between rescuer and victim. The inertial measurement unit tracks the rescuer's movement in three dimensions, enabling the system to compute the straight-line vector to the victim and display it as directional guidance.
4Productivity
If magnetic field strength measurements are used for distance estimation, then a coarse approximation can be provided, but the reliability deteriorates below 3m distance and cross-search becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges magnetic field strength measurements with inertial measurement data (accelerometer and gyroscope readings) to determine distance and position. This combination provides reliable distance estimation at all ranges, including below 3 meters, because the inertial data compensates for the limitations of magnetic field strength alone, eliminating the need for cross-search verification.
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
Enables precise, fast detection of buried victims with reduced rescuer stress and time, offering accurate distance and direction information, eliminating the need for manual probing and cross-search phases, and allowing for coordinated rescue operations.
Implementation Method 1
measuring, at a current position of the receiver, in three orthogonal directions of a local reference frame, a radiofrequency, RF, signal received from a transmitter
Data Source
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AI summary
It is presented a method, device and system for detecting buried persons (e.g. avalanche victims), which allow a precise and fast detection of the buried victims, automatically computing the victim's location with minimal rescuer intervention. In order to do that, the proposed device incorporates new type of measurements to the detection tasks and it is proposed a method to accurately estimate the location victim from said measurements.