Autonomous Drone Mapping for Incident Response and Property Inventory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security systems are limited in their ability to timely respond to incidents such as fires or burglaries, especially when property owners are not present, leading to increased damage and insurance costs due to delayed responses and limited coverage of damage or theft detection.
Innovation Solution
A network-based system utilizing autonomous drones that can detect incidents, navigate to the source, collect sensor data, and activate response devices, while also transmitting data to users and insurance providers for timely action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stationary security sensors are installed to monitor property, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile drone as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between fixed security infrastructure and comprehensive property monitoring. The drone carries sensors and can be deployed to any location on the property, providing flexible detection capability without requiring a network of stationary sensors throughout the entire property. This resolves the contradiction by using a mobile intermediary (the drone) to achieve comprehensive monitoring while avoiding the complexity of installing multiple fixed sensor systems.
2Area of stationary object
If comprehensive security monitoring is implemented, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the security monitoring system from static (fixed sensors at specific locations) to dynamic (mobile drone that can move to any location). The drone's ability to dynamically reposition itself allows comprehensive coverage of the entire property without requiring a fixed network of sensors at every possible monitoring point. This dynamic approach achieves full area coverage while maintaining system simplicity.
3Reliability
If rapid response to incidents is achieved, then damage mitigation is improved, but response time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the drone automatically deploy to incident locations immediately upon detection, before human responders can arrive. The system performs preliminary assessment, documentation, and even initial mitigation actions (such as activating connected devices) while waiting for human response teams. This preliminary response significantly reduces the effective response time and improves damage mitigation outcomes.
4Reliability
If property owners are present to monitor incidents, then response effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the security system to autonomously detect incidents, deploy the drone, navigate to incident locations, collect data, and initiate responses without requiring owner presence. The system serves itself by automatically managing the entire monitoring and response workflow, from detection through documentation and initial mitigation, freeing the property owner from the need to be physically present while maintaining high response effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A response system may be provided. The response system may include an autonomous drone. The autonomous drone may include a processor, a memory in communication with the processor, and a sensor. The processor may be programmed to build a virtual map of a coverage area, store the virtual map in the memory, receive a deployment signal, deploy the drone in response to the deployment signal, control movement of the drone within the coverage area using the virtual map, collect sensor data of the coverage area using the sensor, and/or analyze the sensor data to generate an inventory list of the coverage area, the inventory list including a personal article within the coverage area.