Autonomous Forest Fire Detection Network for False Alarm Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forest fire detection and extinguishing systems are ineffective at early detection, prone to false alarms, costly, and environmentally harmful due to satellite launches, and lack reliable, autonomous, and cost-effective solutions.
Innovation Solution
A forest fire fighting system utilizing a network of LoRaWAN-connected forest fire detection sensors, including stationary and mobile units, for precise detection and localization, followed by autonomous forest fire fighting units like drones equipped with sensors and extinguishing agents for targeted fire suppression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical sensors (rotating cameras) are used for forest fire detection, then the system can detect smoke columns, but it is less effective at night and susceptible to false detections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection methods (optical sensors, thermal sensors, gas sensors) into a single forest fire detection system. This multi-sensor approach allows the system to detect fires through multiple parameters (visible light, infrared radiation, smoke composition) simultaneously, improving reliability while reducing false detections by cross-validating signals from different sensor types.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is designed with multi-functional sensors that can operate across different conditions. The system uses sensors that detect various physical and chemical properties of smoke (optical density, thermal radiation, gas composition), enabling it to function effectively both day and night, and distinguish actual fires from false alarm sources like dust clouds.
2Area of stationary object
If satellite monitoring is used for forest fire detection, then coverage area is large, but the resolution over large distances prevents detection of forest fires in early stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large monitoring area into multiple zones, each monitored by ground-based detection sensors positioned at strategic locations. This segmentation allows each sensor to cover a smaller area with high resolution, enabling early detection of forest fires while collectively providing comprehensive coverage of the entire region, overcoming the resolution limitation of satellite monitoring.
3Reliability
If low orbit satellites are used for monitoring, then the satellites are not geostationary, but require a certain amount of time to complete one orbit, during which the area is not monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a distributed network of autonomous ground-based detection sensors that continuously monitor their respective zones without requiring external satellite passes. Each sensor operates independently and continuously, providing uninterrupted real-time monitoring, thereby eliminating the monitoring gaps inherent in orbital satellite systems while maintaining reliable continuous coverage.
4Measurement precision
If close-meshed satellite monitoring is implemented, then monitoring resolution is improved, but a large number of satellites are required, the launch of which is also costly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of deploying multiple expensive satellites, the patent uses multiple relatively inexpensive ground-based detection sensors that replicate the detection function at ground level. Each sensor provides high-resolution monitoring of its local area, collectively achieving comprehensive high-resolution coverage without the need for a complex multi-satellite system.
5Measurement precision
If satellite launches are performed frequently for close-meshed monitoring, then monitoring resolution is improved, but carbon dioxide emissions during launch increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of satellite launches with electronic/digital detection systems deployed on the ground. By substituting physical satellite deployment with stationary or mobile ground-based sensors, the system achieves high-resolution monitoring without the environmental harm associated with repeated rocket launches.
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
Enables reliable, early, and cost-effective detection and extinguishing of forest fires with minimal environmental impact, using autonomous systems that adapt to fire conditions and navigate obstacles.
Implementation Method 1
detection of a fire source with a first forest fire detection sensor
Implementation Method 2
optical sensors that can detect the columns of smoke created by a forest fire
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for fighting and/or extinguishing a forest fire, comprising the following method steps: performing a first detection of a seat of the fire using a first forest fire detection sensor; performing a first localisation of the seat of the fire; positioning a second forest fire detection sensor; performing a second detection of a seat of the fire; performing a second localisation of the seat of the fire; fighting and/or extinguishing the seat of the fire by means of a forest fire fighting unit. The invention also relates to: a forest fire fighting system comprising a first forest fire detection sensor for detecting forest fires, a position determining system which is suitable and provided for determining the position of the first forest fire detection sensor, and a second forest fire detection sensor; a locating system which is suitable and provided for determining the position of a seat of the fire; and a forest fire fighting unit.