Autonomous Response Drone Navigation for Property Incident Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security systems for properties lack timely and comprehensive response mechanisms to incidents like fires and burglaries, especially when owners are not present, leading to increased damage and insurance costs due to delayed responses and limited coverage.
Innovation Solution
A network-based system utilizing drones equipped with sensors and navigation technology to detect incidents, navigate to the source, collect data, and activate response devices, while also integrating with user and insurance computing devices for timely action and claim processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stationary sensors are installed to monitor property for damage and theft, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drone is designed as a multi-functional device that can detect multiple types of incidents (fire, flooding, theft, weather damage) using different sensors, replacing the need for multiple specialized stationary sensor systems. The same drone platform performs surveillance, data collection, and can even respond to incidents, providing universal monitoring capability across the entire property.
Solution Approach 2:
The drone operates autonomously without requiring installation infrastructure or constant human intervention. It self-navigates to monitoring locations, self-adjusts its sensor configuration based on mission requirements, and self-manages its operation cycle (deployment, data collection, return). This eliminates the complexity of installing and maintaining fixed sensor networks.
2Area of stationary object
If comprehensive security systems are installed to monitor all property zones, then coverage area is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional ground-based stationary sensor coverage to three-dimensional aerial monitoring. The drone flies overhead to monitor the entire property from above, providing comprehensive coverage of all zones (yards, buildings, structures) without the need to install sensors throughout each area. This dimensional shift enables complete coverage with a single mobile platform.
Solution Approach 2:
A single drone platform provides universal coverage across all property zones by dynamically repositioning itself, replacing the need for multiple fixed sensor installations in different locations. The same device monitors residential areas, commercial buildings, and outdoor spaces, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Loss of time
If owner is present at property during incident, then response time is improved, but loss of time due to owner absence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drone system operates autonomously without requiring owner presence or manual intervention. It self-detects incidents, self-navigates to affected areas, self-collects data, and self-transmits information to relevant parties. This autonomous operation ensures continuous monitoring and immediate response regardless of whether the owner is present at the property.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensor data is constantly monitored, analyzed for anomalies, and triggers automated responses. When incidents are detected, the system immediately notifies owners and relevant parties through communication channels, ensuring rapid response times without requiring the owner to be physically present to initiate action.
Data Source
AI summary
A response drone for detecting incidents within a coverage area including multiple zones is provided. With customer permission or affirmative consent, the drone may be programmed to (1) detect (or receive an indication of) triggering activity associated with one of the zones; (2) determine or receive a navigation path to that zone; (3) travel to that zone based upon the determined navigation path; (4) collect sensor data using drone-mounted sensors; and (5) transmit the collected sensor data to a user computing device associated with the coverage area for review. The response drone may be an autonomous drone in wireless communication with a smart home controller that detects triggering activity associated with an insurance-related event (e.g., fire). The autonomous drone may automatically deploy to mitigate damage to insured assets (e.g., a home or personal belongings). The autonomous drone data may be used for subsequent insurance claim handling and/or damage estimation.