Vehicle-Drone Tracking for Low-Battery Outdoor Emergency Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hikers and runners participating in outdoor activities may face challenges in obtaining assistance due to device battery depletion or inability to use their user devices, especially in situations where cellular network coverage is poor or safety threats are present.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle- and drone-based tracking system that initiates tracking by receiving route parameters, monitors user device location and battery levels, and initiates emergency calls or drone deployment if no response is received, utilizing telematics control units and drones equipped with sensors for location verification and assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a user carries a user device (e.g., cell phone) for emergency assistance during outdoor activities, then assistance can be obtained when needed, but the device may run out of battery or the user may be unable to use it due to safety threats
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a tracking relationship between the vehicle and user device before the outdoor activity begins. The vehicle-based tracking system is activated and configured with route parameters in advance, so that continuous monitoring is already in place when the user departs, eliminating the need for the user device to actively communicate during the activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle-based tracking system serves as an intermediary between the user and emergency assistance services. Instead of relying on the user device to directly contact emergency services, the vehicle's tracking system monitors the user's location and status, and can automatically initiate emergency protocols when anomalies are detected, such as deviation from the planned route or failure to check in.
2Reliability
If a user carries a user device for emergency assistance, then help can be requested, but the user may be unable to use the device due to safety threats
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system operates autonomously without requiring user intervention during outdoor activities. The system automatically monitors the user's location, compares it against the planned route, detects deviations, and can trigger emergency responses without the user needing to interact with any device. This self-service capability ensures assistance can be obtained even when the user is unable to operate their device due to safety threats.
3Loss of time
If continuous monitoring of user location is performed, then emergency assistance can be timely provided, but battery energy is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring where the user device checks in at predetermined intervals or at specific checkpoints along the route, rather than requiring continuous active communication. The vehicle-based tracking system receives these periodic updates and monitors for deviations from the expected pattern, enabling timely detection of emergencies while minimizing battery consumption through intermittent rather than continuous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for providing a vehicle- and drone-based tracking system. In an example method, a tracker system associated with a vehicle may be initiated. At least one parameter associated with a route may be received via the tracker system. A first notification may subsequently be received from a device, and the first notification may be associated with a first location of the device. After a first predetermined period of time since the first notification is received, a second notification may be received from the device. The second notification may be associated with a second location of the device. The tracker system may then determine, based on the second notification, that the second location of the device is within the at least one parameter associated with the route.