Mobile Emergency Base Stations for Collapsed-Structure Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency workers face difficulties in locating and rescuing victims buried under collapsed buildings during disasters due to the lack of effective systems for rapid victim location and communication.
Innovation Solution
A contingency communication system comprising mobile emergency base stations (MEBS), portable search units (PSU), and personal terminals (PT) that utilize beacon, probing, and distress signals to establish an emergency network for efficient victim location and rescue operations, employing TDD and FDD networks, and network overlays for deep penetration and coordination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional communication systems are used during disasters, then normal communication operations can be maintained, but the systems fail to penetrate collapsed structures and provide coverage in disaster zones
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its operational mode based on disaster conditions. MEBS units are deployed to mobile locations within disaster zones, dynamically establishing communication coverage where traditional fixed infrastructure has failed. The system transitions from normal network operation to emergency contingency mode, adjusting parameters such as transmission power and signal processing to penetrate collapsed structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Mobile Emergency Base Stations serve as intermediary nodes between victims trapped under collapsed structures and the external communication network. These MEBS units are positioned in accessible areas and relay communications through or around debris, acting as mediators that bridge the communication gap created by structural collapse.
2Productivity
If emergency workers manually search for victims, then rescue operations can be conducted, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where MEBS units continuously monitor for distress signals from victims and provide real-time location information to emergency workers. This feedback loop enables rapid identification of victim positions without extensive manual searching, significantly reducing both search time and loss of time for rescue operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical search methods with automated electronic detection systems. MEBS units use signal processing and detection algorithms to automatically locate victims emitting distress signals, substituting the mechanical process of workers physically searching through debris with electronic signal-based victim identification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional network infrastructure is relied upon, then standard communication services are available, but the infrastructure is destroyed or inaccessible during disasters
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into independent, deployable MEBS units that can operate autonomously without relying on the central network infrastructure. Each MEBS unit functions as a self-contained communication node that can be deployed to disaster zones and establish local coverage independent of the destroyed traditional network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares contingency communication capabilities in advance through pre-positioning MEBS units and establishing protocols for rapid deployment. This preliminary action ensures that when disasters strike and traditional infrastructure fails, pre-configured emergency communication systems are immediately available to restore connectivity in affected areas.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for contingency communication are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for providing emergency services may be performed by a base station operating in a communication system in an embodiment, the method for providing emergency services includes transmitting a beacon signal to indicate an emergency status to enable portable devices to operate in a stress mode. A distress signal may be transmitted by a mobile device in response to the beacon signal to the base station, wherein the distress signal carries information at least comprising user identity associated with the mobile device, geolocation of the mobile device, or biometrics of a user of the mobile device.