The present invention relates to a life saving system. Most specifically the present
invention relates to a life saving system consisting of an Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle and a portable computing device for monitoring and identifying cases of
drowning near water bodies.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Natural and Artificial water bodies such as swimming pools and coastal areas are
potentially unsafe places due to the hazard of drowning for the swimmers. Due to
this risk, lifeguards are compulsorily deployed near such water bodies. Artificial
water bodies such as swimming pools, water baths, fountains, etc. are often
smaller than natural ones and are designed to be easily reachable and
maneuverable due to their regular geometrical shapes and planar nature, where the
pool or bath is in full view of a lifeguard from a high vantage point. But in the
case of natural bodies of water, where people go swimming and play, there can be
many difficulties for lifeguards. Places such as seashores and oceans can have
turbulent waves which can lead to uncontrolled water currents which may not be
visible and may be difficult to gauge for novice swimmers, divers, and surfers.
These places even have uneven shorelines with secluded spots behind natural
formations such as rocks and cliffs making it difficult to get a complete view from
the land without using costly equipment. Additionally, there is a risk of
unforeseen, spontaneous threats such as the presence of underwater predators such
as sharks. Existing solutions using aircraft-based surveillance and using leashes
and tethers to keep the swimmers and divers safe are restrictive and costly in
many cases and are therefore not used extensively.
WO2015167103A1 discloses a drone for rescuing a drowning person by quickly
approaching a scene of a drowning accident and dropping lifesaving equipment to
the drowning person so as to allow the drowning person to avoid danger through
his/her own effort until a lifeguard including a lifesaving boat arrives.
3
The existing inventions are not able to overcome the problem associated with the
identifying cases of drowning near water bodies. The existing inventions are
complex and are not cost-effective. Thus there is a need for the present invention
to overcome the above mention problems.
OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION
The main objective of the present invention is to develop a monitoring system that
helps the lifeguard to monitor the safety of the swimmer on natural water bodies
with help UAV having the camera.
Another objective of the present invention is to develop a system that helps the
lifeguard to monitor a large area of natural water bodies on a single point span of
time.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to develop a monitoring artificial
intelligence-based system that automatically alerts the lifeguard by processing
video captured by the UAV.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a real-time video of
the swimmer on natural water bodies.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to effectively help the user.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to develop a system that
automatically warns in case the swimmer crosses the danger mark in the on
natural water bodies.
Further objectives, advantages, and features of the present invention will become
apparent from the detailed description provided herein below, in which various
embodiments of the disclosed invention are illustrated by way of example.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system for monitoring and identifying cases of
drowning near water bodies. The present invention includes an Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle, a portable computing device, and a ground station. The Unmanned Aerial
4
Vehicle includes a camera sensor and a rotor. The rotor is mounted on the
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. With the help of the rotor, the Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle hovers. The camera sensor is mounted on the base of the Unmanned
Aerial Vehicle to capture live video of the area below the Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle. The portable computing device is wirelessly connected to the Unmanned
Aerial Vehicle. The portable computing device receives the live video feed from
the camera sensor. Further, the portable computing device executes a relevant
computer-readable instruction to detect the movement of swimmers and identify
any signs of drowning and distress by processing the live video feed of swimmers
in real-time and further computer-readable instruction of the portable computing
device alerts the lifeguard in case of an emergency. Herein, the portable
computing device is being used by the lifeguard. The ground station includes a
control unit, a power generation unit, and a tether cable. The tether cable is a cable
that connects the ground station with the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. The tether
cable helps in the supply of power from the power generation unit to the
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. The control signals are being transferred from the
control unit to the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle through the tether cable. Thus, the
weight of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle is reduced as all the control and power
unit is on the ground station. Herein, the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle is allowed to
fly in a limited area by limiting the length of the tether cable and further brings
back the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle on the ground station.
The main advantage of the present invention is that the present invention helps the
lifeguard to monitor the safety of the swimmer on natural water bodies with help
UAV having the camera.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the present invention helps the
lifeguard to monitor a large area of natural water bodies on a single point span of
time.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the present invention is an
easy and cost-effective device.
5
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the present invention is an
artificial intelligence-based system that automatically alerts the lifeguard by
processing video captured by the UAV.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the present provides a realtime video of the swimmer on natural water bodies.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the present invention
automatically warns in case the swimmer crosses the danger mark in the on
natural water bodies.
Further objectives, advantages, and features of the present invention will become
apparent from the detailed description provided herein below, in which various
embodiments of the disclosed invention are illustrated by way of example.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification to provide a further understanding of the invention. The drawings
illustrate one embodiment of the invention and together with the description, serve
to explain the principles of the invention.
Fig.1 illustrates an embodiment of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.
Fig.2 illustrates a block diagram of a ground station.
Fig.3 illustrates a system block diagram of the present invention.
Fig.4 illustrates an embodiment of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle surveillance
depicted from a height.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Definition
The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or as more than one. The
term “plurality”, as used herein, is defined as two as or more than two. The term
“another”, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms
6
“including” and/or “having”, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open
language). The term “coupled”, as used herein, is defined as connected, although
not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.
The term “comprising” is not intended to limit inventions to only claiming the
present invention with such comprising language. Any invention using the term
comprising could be separated into one or more claims using “consisting” or
“consisting of” claim language and is so intended. The term “comprising” is used
interchangeably used by the terms “having” or “containing”.
Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment”, “certain
embodiments”, “an embodiment”, “another embodiment”, and “yet another
embodiment” or similar terms means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least
one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of such phrases
or in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring
to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or
characteristics are combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments
without limitation.
The term “or” as used herein is to be interpreted as an inclusive or meaning any
one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B or C” means any of the following: “A;
B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C”. An exception to this definition
will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps, or acts are in
some way inherently mutually exclusive.
As used herein, the term "one or more" generally refers to, but not limited to,
singular as well as the plural form of the term.
The drawings featured in the figures are to illustrate certain convenient
embodiments of the present invention and are not to be considered as a limitation
to that. Term "means" preceding a present participle of operation indicates the
desired function for which there is one or more embodiments, i.e., one or more
methods, devices, or apparatuses for achieving the desired function and that one
7
skilled in the art could select from these or their equivalent in view of the
disclosure herein and use of the term "means" is not intended to be limiting.
Fig.1 illustrates an embodiment of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102). The
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102) includes a camera sensor(104), and a rotor(106).
The rotor(106) is mounted on the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102). With the help
of the rotor(106), the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102) hovers. The camera
sensor(104) is mounted on the base of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102). In an
embodiment, the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102) includes the two camera
sensors(104), and one the camera sensors(104) out of two is an RGB camera, and
another is the infrared camera.
Fig.2 illustrates a block diagram of a ground station(112). The ground station(112)
includes a control unit(114), a power generation unit(116), and a tether
cable(118). The tether cable(118) is a cable that connects the ground station(112)
with the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102). The tether cable(118) helps in the supply
of power from the power generation unit(116) to the Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle(102).
Fig.3 illustrates a system(100) block diagram of a system(100) for monitoring and
identifying cases of drowning near water bodies. The system(100) an Unmanned
Aerial Vehicle(102), a portable computing device(110). The Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle(102) includes a camera sensor(104), and a rotor(106). The rotor(106) is
mounted on the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102). With the help of the rotor(106),
the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102) hovers. The camera sensor(104) captures live
video of the area below the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102). The portable
computing device(110) is wirelessly connected to the Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle(102). The portable computing device(110) receives the live video feed
from the camera sensor(104). Further, the portable computing device(110)
executes a relevant computer-readable instruction to detect the movement of
swimmers and identify any signs of drowning and distress by processing the live
video feed of swimmers in real-time and further computer-readable instruction of
the portable computing device(110) alerts the lifeguard in case of an emergency.
8
The tether cable(118) connects the ground station(112) with the Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle(102).
Fig.4 illustrates an embodiment of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102) surveillance
depicted from a height. Let the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102) be at a height h
and let the angular field of view of a camera sensor(104) on the Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle(102) be θ. So, the radius of the field of view is given as:
𝑟 = ℎ(tan
𝜃
2
)
Hence the area of surveillance is given by:
𝐴 = 𝜋𝑟
2 = 𝜋 ℎ(tan
𝜃
2
)
2
= 𝜋ℎ
2
tan2
𝜃
2
Hence, we see that the area of surveillance increases with the square of the height.
There is an added advantage of an increased field of view to a much greater extent
due to the height of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102)compared to the lifeguard’s
heights.
The present invention relates to a system for monitoring and identifying cases of
drowning near water bodies. The present invention includes an Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle, a portable computing device, and a ground station. The Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle includes a camera sensor and a rotor. The rotor is mounted on the
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. With the help of the rotor, the Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle hovers. In an embodiment, in the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle numbers of
rotors are being able to be increased for additional stability and maneuverability in
windy conditions, such as during storms. The camera sensor is mounted on the
base of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle to capture live video of the area below the
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. In an embodiment, the camera sensor is of different
types including, but not limited to, an RGB camera, a thermal camera, and an
infrared camera. In an embodiment, the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle includes the
two camera sensors, and one of the camera sensors out of two is an RGB camera,
and another is the infrared camera. In an embodiment, wherein, the camera sensor
is equipped with thermal imaging cameras to detect human movement in the
9
water. The portable computing device is wirelessly connected to the Unmanned
Aerial Vehicle. The portable computing device receives the live video feed from
the camera sensor. Further, the portable computing device executes a relevant
computer-readable instruction to detect the movement of swimmers and identify
any signs of drowning and distress by processing the live video feed of swimmers
in real-time and further computer-readable instruction of the portable computing
device alerts the lifeguard in case of an emergency. Herein, the portable
computing device is being used by the lifeguard. In an embodiment, the portable
computing device is different types including, but not limited to, a tablet, a
smartphone, a mobile phone, a desktop, and a laptop. In the preferred
embodiment, the portable computing device executes computer-readable
instruction to track hand gestures and movements, along with facial expressions to
check whether the swimmers are in danger. Further, the computer-readable
instruction is calibrated to detect distress signals from swimmers in the case of
drowning, and further, the computer-readable instruction is improved by using
machine learning algorithms. The ground station includes a control unit, a power
generation unit, and a tether cable. The tether cable is a cable that connects the
ground station with the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. The tether cable helps in the
supply of power from the power generation unit to the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.
In an embodiment, the power generation unit is of different types including, but
not limited to, a renewable power generation unit, a non-renewal power
generation unit. The control signals are being transferred from the control unit to
the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle through the tether cable. Thus, the weight of the
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle is reduced as all the control and power unit is on the
ground station. Herein, the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle is allowed to fly in a limited
area by limiting the length of the tether cable and further brings back the
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle on the ground station. In an embodiment, the camera
sensor is mounted to be rotatable so that the camera sensor is capable of capturing
footage from multiple directions and covers the maximum range.
The present invention relates to a system for monitoring and identifying cases of
drowning near water bodies. The present invention includes one or more
10
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, one or more portable computing devices, and a
ground station. The one or more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles includes one or more
camera sensors and one or more rotors. The one or more rotors is mounted on the
one or more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. With the help of the one or more rotors,
the one or more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles hover. In an embodiment, in the one
or more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles numbers of rotors are being able to be
increased for additional stability and maneuverability in windy conditions, such as
during storms. The one or more camera sensors are mounted on the base of the
one or more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to capture live video of the area below the
one or more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. In an embodiment, the one or more
camera sensors are of different types including, but not limited to, an RGB
camera, a thermal camera, and an infrared camera. In an embodiment, the one or
more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles include the two camera sensors, and one of the
camera sensors out of two is an RGB camera, and another is the infrared camera.
In an embodiment, wherein, the one or more camera sensors are equipped with
thermal imaging cameras to detect human movement in the water. The one or
more portable computing devices are wirelessly connected to the one or more
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. The one or more portable computing devices receive
the live video feed from the one or more camera sensors. Further, the one or more
portable computing devices execute a relevant computer-readable instruction to
detect the movement of swimmers and identify any signs of drowning and distress
by processing the live video feed of swimmers in real-time and further computerreadable instruction of the one or more portable computing devices alert the
lifeguard in case of an emergency. Herein, the one or more portable computing
devices are being used by the lifeguard. In an embodiment, the one or more
portable computing devices are different of types including, but not limited to, a
tablet, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a desktop, and a laptop. In the preferred
embodiment, the one or more portable computing devices execute computerreadable instruction to track hand gestures and movements, along with facial
expressions to check whether the swimmers are in danger. Further, the computerreadable instruction is calibrated to detect distress signals from swimmers in the
11
case of drowning, and further, the computer-readable instruction is improved by
using machine learning algorithms. The ground station includes a control unit, a
power generation unit, and a tether cable. The tether cable is a cable that connects
the ground station with the one or more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. The tether
cable helps in the supply of power from the power generation unit to the one or
more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. In an embodiment, the power generation unit is
of different types including, but not limited to, a renewable power generation unit,
a non-renewal power generation unit. The control signals are being transferred
from the control unit to the one or more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles through the
tether cable. Thus, the weight of the one or more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles is
reduced as all the control and power unit is on the ground station. Herein, the one
or more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are allowed to fly in a limited area by limiting
the length of the tether cable and further brings back the one or more Unmanned
Aerial Vehicles on the ground station. In an embodiment, the one or more camera
sensors are mounted to be rotatable so that the one or more camera sensors are
capable of capturing footage from multiple directions and covers the maximum
range.
In an embodiment, the present relates to a method for monitoring and identifying
cases of drowning near water bodies, the method comprising:
an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle is placed on a ground station;
further, the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle is connected to a tether cable and the tether
cable connects a control unit and a power generation unit of the ground station
with the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle;
the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle receives power supply from the power generation
unit and control commands from the control unit with the help of the tether cable;
the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle flies over water bodies up to limited distance
determined by the length of the tether cable;
12
a camera sensor captures live video of the area below the Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle and transfers the live video to a portable computing device that is being
carried by the lifeguard;
the portable computing device executes computer-readable instruction to track
hand gestures and movements, along with facial expressions to check whether the
swimmers are in danger by processing the live video feed of swimmers in realtime; and
the portable computing device alerts the lifeguard in case of an emergency.
In an embodiment, in case of drowning is detected, the lifeguard is alerted through
a feedback mechanism of the portable computing device using on-screen graphics
and sounds along with the exact position of the swimmer in danger and the
portable computing device also calculates the estimated time to reach the
swimmer.
In an embodiment, the present relates to a method for monitoring and identifying
cases of drowning near water bodies, the method comprising:
one or more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are placed on a ground station;
further, the one or more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are connected to a tether cable
and the tether cable connects a control unit and a power generation unit of the
ground station with the one or more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles;
the one or more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles receive power supply from the power
generation unit and control commands from the control unit with the help of the
tether cable;
the one or more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles fly over water bodies up to limited
distance determined by the length of the tether cable;
one or more camera sensors capture live video of the area below the one or more
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and transfer the live video to one or more portable
computing devices that are being carried by the lifeguard;
13
the one or more portable computing devices execute computer-readable
instruction to track hand gestures and movements, along with facial expressions to
check whether the swimmers are in danger by processing the live video feed of
swimmers in real-time; and
the one or more portable computing devices alert the lifeguard in case of an
emergency.
In an embodiment, in case of drowning is detected, the lifeguard is alerted through
a feedback mechanism of the one or more portable computing devices using onscreen graphics and sounds along with the exact position of the swimmer in
danger and the one or more portable computing devices also calculates the
estimated time to reach the swimmer.
Further objectives, advantages, and features of the present invention will become
apparent from the detailed description provided hereinbelow, in which various
embodiments of the disclosed present invention are illustrated by way of example
and appropriate reference to accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art to
which the present invention pertains may make modifications resulting in other
embodiments employing principles of the present invention without departing
from its spirit or characteristics, particularly upon considering the foregoing
teachings. Accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in all
respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive, and the scope of the present
invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the
foregoing description or drawings. Consequently, while the present invention has
been described with reference to particular embodiments, modifications of
structure, sequence, materials and the like apparent to those skilled in the art still
fall within the scope of the invention as claimed by the applicant.

WE CLAIM

1. A system(100) for monitoring and identifying cases of drowning near water
bodies, the system(100) comprising:
an at least one Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102), the at least one Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle(102) having
an at least one first camera sensor(104), the at least one first camera
sensor(104) is mounted on the base of the at least one Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle(102) to capture live video of the area below the at least one
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102), and
an at least one rotor(106), the at least one rotor(106) is mounted on the at
least one Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102), with help of the at least one
rotor(106), the at least one Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102) hovers;
an at least one portable computing device(110), the at least one portable
computing device(110) is wirelessly connected to the at least one Unmanned
Aerial Vehicle(102), the at least one portable computing device(110) receives the
live video feed from the at least one first camera sensor(104), and further the at
least one portable computing device(110) executes a relevant computer-readable
instruction to detect the movement of swimmers and identify any signs of
drowning and distress by processing the live video feed of swimmers in real-time
and further computer-readable instruction of the at least one portable computing
device(110) alerts the lifeguard in case of an emergency, wherein, the at least one
portable computing device(110) is being used by the lifeguard;
a ground station(112), the ground station(112) having
a control unit(114),
a power generation unit(116), and
a tether cable(118), the tether cable(118) is a cable that connects the
ground station(112) with the at least one Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102),
the tether cable(118) helps in supply of power from the power generation
15
unit(116) to the at least one Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102), further
control signals are being transferred from the control unit(114) to the at
least one Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102) through the tether cable(118),
thus the weight of the at least one Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102) is
reduced as all the control and power unit is on the ground station(112);
wherein, the at least one Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102) is allowed to fly in a
limited area by limiting the length of the tether cable(118) and further brings back
the at least one Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102) on the ground station(112).
2. The system(100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in the at least one Unmanned
Aerial Vehicle(102) multiple numbers of rotors are increased for additional
stability and maneuverability in windy conditions, such as during storms.
3. The system(100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the at least one portable
computing device(110) is different types selected from a tablet, a smartphone, a
mobile phone, a desktop, and a laptop.
4. The fluid as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the at least one first camera
sensor(104) is of different types selected from an RGB camera, a thermal camera,
and an infrared camera.
5. The system(100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, power generation unit(116) is
of different types selected from a renewal power generation unit, a non-renewal
power generation unit.
6. The system(100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the at least one portable
computing device(110) executes computer-readable instruction to track hand
gestures and movements, along with facial expressions to check whether the
swimmers are in danger, further the computer-readable instruction is calibrated to
detect distress signals from swimmers in the case of drowning and further the
computer-readable instruction is improved by using machine learning algorithms.
7. The system(100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the at least one first camera
sensor(104) to be rotatable so that the at least one first camera sensor(104) is
16
capable of capturing footage from multiple directions and covers the maximum
range.
8. The system(100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the at least one first camera
sensor(104) is equipped with thermal imaging cameras to detect human movement
in the water.
9. A method for monitoring and identifying cases of drowning near water bodies,
the method comprising:
an at least one Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102) is placed on a ground station(112);
further, the at least one Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102) is connected to a tether
cable(118) and the tether cable(118) connects a control unit(114) and a power
generation unit(116) of the ground station(112) with the at least one Unmanned
Aerial Vehicle(102);
the at least one Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102) receives power supply from the
power generation unit(116) and control commands from the control unit(114) with
the help of the tether cable(118);
the at least one Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102) flies over water bodies up to
limited distance determined by the length of the tether cable(118);
an at least one first camera sensor(104) captures live video of the area below the at
least one Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(102) and transfers the live video to an at least
one portable computing device(110) that is being carried by the lifeguard;
the at least one portable computing device(110) executes computer-readable
instruction to track hand gestures and movements, along with facial expressions to
check whether the swimmers are in danger by processing the live video feed of
swimmers in real-time; and
the at least one portable computing device(110) alerts the lifeguard in case of an
emergency.
10. The method(100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein in case drowning is detected,
the lifeguard is alerted through a feedback mechanism of the at least one portable
17
computing device(110) using on-screen graphics and sounds along with the exact
position of the swimmer in danger and the at least one portable computing
device(110) also calculates the estimated time to reach the swimmer.