UAV Flood Depth Detection Using Ultrasound and GPS
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current flood warning systems lack the ability to provide granular, local, and personalized alerts for unusual flood situations, especially in areas where flooding is uncommon, and fail to account for hidden hazards beneath the surface of floodwaters, leading to potential dangers for individuals navigating through flooded areas.
Innovation Solution
A flood warning system utilizing an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) equipped with ultrasound transceiver-based flood depth determination circuitry and GPS, which communicates with personal mobile devices to provide personalized alerts and graphical heat maps of flood depths, allowing users to navigate safely through flooded areas by avoiding hidden hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed warning indicators are installed at known lowest points, then water depth can be monitored at those locations, but the system cannot account for flood-caused topographical changes or hidden hazards beneath the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed, static warning indicators to mobile, dynamic unmanned aerial vehicles that can be deployed to any location. The UAVs dynamically adapt to changing flood conditions and can measure depth at multiple locations, capturing topographical changes that occur during flooding events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ultrasound technology as an intermediary measurement method. Instead of relying on fixed visual indicators, the system uses ultrasound waves to actively measure water depth and detect hidden hazards beneath the surface, providing information that cannot be obtained through passive visual observation.
2Quantity of substance
If general area alerts are sent to mobile devices, then broad flood warnings can be distributed, but the alerts lack granular, localized information about specific hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the flood area into multiple measurement zones, with each UAV collecting depth data for specific locations. This segmentation allows the broad alert to be divided into granular, location-specific information, enabling recipients to understand hazards at particular places rather than receiving a generic area-wide warning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by providing customized depth information for specific locations within the flood area. Each alert can contain tailored data about particular hazards at specific coordinates, allowing recipients to receive information relevant to their immediate surroundings rather than uniform general warnings.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If permanent infrastructure warning systems are installed, then continuous monitoring is available at fixed points, but the systems cannot be deployed in unusual flooding locations or mobile situations
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV-based system serves multiple functions: it can monitor continuous depth changes like fixed infrastructure, but also deploy to unusual locations, follow moving targets, and adapt to various flood scenarios. This multi-functionality combines the advantages of both permanent and temporary monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous fixed monitoring, the system uses periodic UAV deployments to collect depth data. The UAVs can be sent out at regular intervals or triggered by flood events, providing updated measurements without requiring permanent infrastructure at every location.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables efficient evacuation by providing personalized alerts and heat maps that highlight hidden hazards, ensuring users receive relevant information based on their specific parameters, such as height or vehicle specifications, thereby improving safety and navigation through flooded areas.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasound transceiver-based flood depth determination circuitry
Implementation Method 2
ultrasound transceiver-based flood depth determination circuitry
Implementation Method 3
global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver circuitry
Data Source
AI summary
A flood warning system and method are described. The system obtains localized flood depth information and, based upon alert parameter information provided by registered users, creates personalized flood alerts for the registered users. The method uses ultrasound derived localized flood depth information and alert parameter information provided by registered users to provide personalized flood alerts to the registered users.