Beacon Detection System for Missing Person Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rescue operations in wilderness areas face challenges in locating missing individuals due to the reliance on visual sightings, which can be inefficient and ineffective, especially in difficult terrain.
Innovation Solution
A beacon detection system utilizing a combination of Wi-Fi and RFID technologies integrated into search vehicles or personnel, which broadcasts specific SSIDs and detects connection attempts from mobile devices or RFID tags to determine the location of missing persons within a search area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If visual sighting methods are used to locate missing persons, then search operations can be conducted with simple equipment, but the efficiency and effectiveness of locating missing individuals in difficult terrain deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual sighting methods with electronic detection systems including Wi-Fi radios, RFID readers, and mobile device detectors that can penetrate difficult terrain and provide automated detection of missing persons carrying beacons or personal devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary detection devices such as beacons, RFID tags, and mobile devices that mediate between the search operation and the missing person, enabling detection through signal transmission and reception rather than direct visual contact
2Area of stationary object
If search vehicles cover larger search areas, then the search coverage increases, but the time required to locate missing persons increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous signal transmission and detection operations where beacons continuously emit signals and detection systems continuously monitor for these signals, enabling real-time location tracking without interruption during search operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes feedback loops where detected signals immediately provide location information back to the search coordination system, enabling rapid response and targeted follow-up to areas where missing persons are detected
3Measurement precision
If automated detection systems are deployed to improve search efficiency, then location detection capability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal detection platforms such as drones and search vehicles that can perform multiple functions including visual surveillance, signal detection, RFID scanning, and mobile device detection, reducing the need for multiple specialized systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service detection capabilities where the system automatically processes detected signals, filters out false positives, and provides location data without requiring constant human intervention or complex manual analysis procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A beacon detection system which can locate a missing search subject includes: a beacon signal receiver; a location position detector; and a beacon detector. The detector is configured to detect a location of a broadcasting beacon signal associated with a personal device of a search subject within search data covering a geographic search area derived from a search for the search subject, the search data gathered by the beacon signal receiver and location position detector. A computer implemented method of determining a location of a search subject is also provided. The method determines at least a possible connection request from Wi-Fi signals in search data gathered by a Wi-Fi radio covering a geographic search area for a search subject and associated location information to locate the search subject.