Scent Detector Search Region Calculation with Wind Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack a systematic approach to determine the region searched by scent detectors, such as trained animals or devices, in environments where wind affects scent transportation, leading to incomplete searches and inefficiencies in operations like search and rescue, de-mining, and wildlife detection.
Innovation Solution
A system combining positioning means, scent pattern obtainment, and local weather parameter data to calculate the region searched by translating oriented scent patterns along the detector's trajectory, accounting for wind direction and speed, and other weather factors, to provide a comprehensive coverage assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a moving scent detector is used in outdoor environments with wind, then the search operation can be conducted, but the determination of searched region becomes unreliable due to wind affecting scent transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wind parameter data (direction, speed) as an intermediary factor to model the scent transportation process. By incorporating this intermediary information into the searched region calculation, the system can accurately determine the searched region despite wind's distorting effect on scent plume trajectory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used for searched region determination from solely positional data to include weather parameters (wind direction, wind speed). This parameter expansion allows the system to account for environmental factors that affect scent transport, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining search operation capability.
2Reliability
If additional searches are conducted to ensure thorough coverage, then the search completeness improves, but the time and animal distress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides feedback to search coordinators by calculating and displaying the determined searched region. This feedback mechanism allows coordinators to assess whether the search has been thorough based on actual searched area data, enabling informed decisions about whether additional searches are necessary, thereby avoiding unnecessary time consumption and animal distress while ensuring search completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculation of the searched region using positioning data and weather parameters before the search operation concludes. This preliminary assessment allows coordinators to plan subsequent search actions more efficiently, avoiding redundant searches and optimizing the overall search strategy to achieve completeness with minimal time and resource expenditure.
3Measurement precision
If the coordinator manually assesses search coverage considering multiple trajectories and weather parameters, then the search evaluation becomes more accurate, but the operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical assessment process with an automated computational system. The system automatically processes positioning trajectories, incorporates weather parameter data, and calculates the searched region using computational algorithms. This substitution eliminates the need for manual coordination of multiple data sources, significantly reducing operational complexity while maintaining or improving assessment accuracy through systematic processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system that simultaneously processes positioning data, incorporates weather parameters, calculates searched regions, and provides visual feedback. This universal approach consolidates multiple functions (data collection, data processing, visualisation, and decision support) into a single integrated system, reducing operational complexity while enhancing assessment accuracy through comprehensive data processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining a region searched (3003, 5001, 5002, 7002, 7003, 8001, 8002, 8003) by a moving scent detector (201) in the presence of wind, said moving scent detector having pre-calibrated scent capabilities, the system comprises: positioning means (101) attached to the moving scent detector for determining a trajectory (3001) followed by the moving scent detector; scent pattern obtainment means for obtaining an oriented scent pattern (2003, 3002, 4001); and, combination means arranged for combining said trajectory and said oriented scent pattern to obtain the region searched by said moving scent detector. The invention also relates to a method for determining a region searched by a moving scent detector in the presence of wind.