UAV Layered Search Control for Faster Disaster Rescue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current search and rescue methodologies using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) face inefficiencies in allocating multiple UAVs to effectively locate and rescue survivors in disaster areas, as they lack a systematic approach to optimize search and rescue operations, particularly in scenarios with unknown survivor locations.
Innovation Solution
The Layered Search and Rescue (LSAR) method involves a cloud server coordinating a team of UAVs by partitioning the disaster area into incremental, numbered box-shaped layers, assigning UAVs based on available resources, and switching them between searcher and rescuer modes to maximize survivor detection and retrieval efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple UAVs are deployed to search for survivors in a disaster area, then the coverage area increases, but the coordination complexity and time to locate survivors increases without systematic allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The disaster area is divided into multiple box-shaped layers with different thicknesses, where each layer is assigned to specific UAVs. This segmentation allows systematic coordination by reducing the overall search space into manageable zones, thereby increasing coverage area while controlling coordination complexity through structured layer assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by creating box-shaped layers with varying thicknesses instead of flat 2D search zones. This 3D layering approach allows UAVs to operate at different vertical levels and depths, expanding search coverage while maintaining organized coordination through defined layer boundaries and assignment rules.
2Reliability
If UAVs search the entire disaster area uniformly, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but the time to locate survivors increases due to lack of prioritization
Solution Approach 1:
Different box-shaped layers are assigned different thicknesses and priorities based on their proximity to the disaster epicenter and expected survivor density. Inner layers have smaller thickness and higher priority, while outer layers have larger thickness and lower priority. This local differentiation ensures comprehensive coverage while reducing search time by concentrating efforts in high-probability zones first.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-divides the disaster area into structured box-shaped layers with defined thicknesses and assignment rules before deployment. This preliminary structuring allows UAVs to immediately begin systematic search without real-time decision delays, achieving both comprehensive coverage and reduced response time through pre-planned search priorities.
3Measurement precision
If more UAVs are assigned to each layer, then search thoroughness increases, but the system complexity and resource allocation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts UAV assignment based on real-time search progress and layer priorities. UAVs can be reassigned between layers as survivors are located or as search progresses, allowing flexible optimization of search precision without fixed rigid allocations. This dynamic approach maintains search thoroughness while reducing allocation complexity through adaptive rather than static assignment rules.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium to perform a search and rescue mission according to a Layered Search and Rescue (LSAR) methodology using a plurality of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) communicatively connected to a remote server. The LSAR methodology can involve receiving data corresponding to a center of an area corresponding to an adverse/disaster event potentially having survivors at unknown locations; dividing the area into a set of numbered box-shaped layers within the area; calculating a thickness of the box-shaped layers based on a total number of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles; exclusively assigning one or more of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to each box-shaped layer; and controlling the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to perform the search and rescue mission by selectively switching one or more of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles between a searcher mode and a rescuer mode.