UAV Wildfire Evacuation Routing Using Visual Guidance Indicators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack effective methods for safely guiding individuals out of wildfires, especially those without wireless electronic devices, due to disrupted communication and difficulty in perceiving the extent of wildfires.
Innovation Solution
A computer system utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with sensors and guidance systems to gather data on wildfires and provide evacuation paths, guiding individuals away from danger zones using drones that can operate independently of wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless electronic devices are used for evacuation guidance, then individuals can receive real-time evacuation information, but communication may be disrupted within or around the wildfire making the system unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of fixed position indicators and movable position indicators that relay evacuation information visually and auditorily, serving as a mediator between the wildfire monitoring system and evacuees. This intermediary communication method does not rely on wireless electronic devices, thus avoiding communication disruptions caused by wildfires.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individuals without wireless electronic devices are targeted for evacuation support, then inclusivity is improved, but the ability to provide real-time guidance is worsened due to lack of communication channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into multiple independent components: fixed position indicators installed at safe locations, movable position indicators that can be transported to different areas, and visual/audible signal systems. This segmentation allows evacuation information to be delivered through multiple channels that do not require wireless electronic devices, making the system accessible to all individuals regardless of their device ownership.
3Reliability
If real-time evacuation path determination is implemented, then evacuation safety is improved, but system complexity increases due to continuous monitoring and path calculation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing fixed position indicators at known safe locations before wildfires occur. These fixed indicators are strategically positioned in advance and can be activated when needed, eliminating the need for complex real-time path calculation and reducing system complexity while maintaining evacuation safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system in included in a system for providing wildfire evacuation support. The computer system operates to obtain sensor data that represents a wildfire in a target region from a UAV which is deployed within the target region, obtain a current location of an individual in a hazardous situation in the target region, and obtain a desired destination for the individual in the target region. Based on the sensor data, the computer device identifies one or more danger zones that pose a fire-related threat to the individual, and determines at least one evacuation path that extends from the current location to the desired destination while avoiding the one or more danger zones. The computer system may be located at the UAV or on a central computer resource in communication with the UAV.