Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a drone system, particularly to a drone-based system for detecting hazardous gases in real time and alerting individuals.
Description of Related Art
[002] Leakage of gas, whether in industrial settings, residential areas, or natural environments, poses significant risks to safety, health, and the environment. Detecting gas leaks promptly is crucial to prevent accidents such as explosions, fires, and toxic exposures, which can result in severe injuries, fatalities, and environmental damage. Furthermore, early detection and response to gas leaks can help mitigate economic losses associated with production downtime, asset damage, and legal liabilities.
[003] Existing systems for gas leak detection typically involve stationary sensors installed at fixed locations, handheld detectors used by personnel, and network-based monitoring systems. These traditional systems, while effective to some extent, have several shortcomings:
[004] Stationary sensors can only monitor specific areas where they are installed, leaving unmonitored gaps that may miss leaks occurring in other locations. Handheld detectors require human presence and manual operation, which can delay detection and response times, especially in large or hard-to-reach areas. Network-based monitoring systems often rely on extensive wired infrastructure, which can be costly to install and maintain, and may not be feasible in remote or dynamic environments. Some systems rely on periodic checks rather than continuous monitoring, resulting in potential delays in identifying and addressing leaks. Existing systems may lack advanced data integration and visualization capabilities, making it challenging to interpret and respond to gas concentration data in real time.
[005] There is thus a need for a drone-based system that can overcome the limitations of the prior art in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a drone-based system for detecting hazardous gases in real-time and alerting individuals, the system comprising: multi-gas detection sensors integrated with a drone to detect concentrations of gases in an environment in real-time; a position sensor to detect a positional information of a source of emission of the gases; and a processing unit in communication with the multi-gas detection sensors and the position sensor of the drone, characterized in that the processing unit configured to: receive sensor data regarding the detected concentration of the gases and the positional information from the drone; overlay the received sensor data with the received positional information on geographical maps for a visual representation; compare the received sensor data with threshold values stored in a memory; and transmit data packets to a remote device upon exceeding the received sensor data from the threshold values, wherein the data packets comprise information selected from an alert notification, the received sensor data, the received positional information, the visual representation, or a combination thereof.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for detecting hazardous gases in real-time and alerting individuals using a drone-based system, comprising steps of: receiving sensor data regarding a detected concentration of the gases from multi-gas detection sensors integrated with a drone; receiving a positional information from a position sensor; overlaying the received sensor data with the received positional information on geographical maps for visual representation; comparing the received sensor data with threshold values stored in a memory; and transmitting data packets to a remote device upon exceeding the received sensor data from the threshold values.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a highly efficient system for real-time detection and alerting of hazardous gases, enhancing safety and rapid response in various environments.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a drone-based system that is capable of providing precise positional information regarding gas emissions through real-time kinematics (RTK) technology.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide multi-gas detection capabilities, allowing for the detection of various hazardous gases such as Oxygen, Hydrogen Sulfide, Carbon Monoxide, Acetylene, Hydrogen, Butane, Propane, Methane, or combinations thereof.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide robust wireless communication through a dual-band wireless AC antenna, ensuring a reliable data transmission.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide both audible and visual alert mechanisms to effectively warn individuals within a certain radius of the detected hazardous gases.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide integration and communication with the multi-gas detection sensors via a Linux kernel to ensure stability and flexibility in operations.
[0014] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide efficient data processing and overlay of sensor data on geographical maps, facilitating an intuitive visual representation for remote monitoring.
[0015] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide configurable threshold values for gas concentrations, allowing customization based on specific safety requirements and standards.
[0016] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a comprehensive data packet transmission that includes alert notifications, sensor data, positional information, and visual representations, enhancing remote monitoring and decision-making.
[0017] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein. These and other advantages will be apparent from the aforementioned implementations of the present application described herein.
[0018] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some aspects of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various implementations. The summary presents selected concepts of the implementations of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other implementations of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a drone-based system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 1B illustrates an implementation of the drone-based system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a processing unit of the drone-based system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method for detecting hazardous gases in real-time and alerting individuals using the drone-based system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0026] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms “comprising”, “comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with “including”, “having” and “characterized by”) may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases “consisting essentially of”, “consists essentially of”, and the like or the respective closed phrases “consisting of”, “consists of”, the like.
[0027] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0028] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a drone-based system 100 (hereinafter referred to as the system 100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may be adapted to detect hazardous gases in real-time and alert individuals for public safety. According to embodiments of the present invention, the system 100 may comprise a drone 102, multi-gas detection sensors 104, a position sensor 106, a memory 108, a processing unit 110, a dual-band wireless Alternating Current (AC) antenna 112, a buzzer 114, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) 116, and a remote device 118.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the drone 102 may be integrated with the multi-gas detection sensors 104 and the position sensor 106. The drone 102 may be a self-navigating vehicle, a remote-controlled vehicle, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the drone 102 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, the drone 102 may be a Da-Jiang Innovations (DJI) drone having a capability of transmission up to 15 kilometers (KMs) away. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any drone 102 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the drone 102 may be powered by an intelligent battery system (not) that may provide a flight time of up to 46 minutes on a single charge. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any flight time including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, the drone 102 may be integrated with QGround Control and a real-time kinematics (RTK) software, which are open-source ground control station (GCS) software solutions. This integration may enable a precise control and navigation of the drone 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the QGround Control and RTK software may provide advanced features for mission planning, real-time monitoring, and telemetry data analysis to allow operators to optimize flight paths and ensure accurate positioning of the drone 102.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the multi-gas detection sensors 104 may be integrated with the drone 102 to detect concentrations of gases in an environment in real time. The multi-gas detection sensors 104 are adapted to detect the concentrations of gases that may be, but not limited to, Oxygen, Hydrogen Sulfide, Carbon Monoxide, Acetylene, Hydrogen, Butane, Propane, Methane, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the gases including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the position sensor 106 may be adapted to detect positional information of a source of emission of the gases. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the position sensor 106 may detect the positional information regarding the gas emissions through a real-time kinematics (RTK) technology.
[0033] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the positional information may be represented in x° North, y° East coordinated format. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the positional information may be in x° North y minute and z second, a° East b minute and c second coordinated format. According to embodiments of the present invention, the position sensor 106 may be of any type such as, but not limited to, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), a Real-time locating system (RTLS), and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the position sensor 106 may be a Global Positioning System (GPS). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the position sensor 106, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit 110 may be in communication with the multi-gas detection sensors 104 and the position sensor 106 of the drone 102. The processing unit 110 may be located on the drone 102, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit 110 may be remotely located. The processing unit 110 may receive sensor data regarding the detected concentrations of gases in the environment in real time from the multi-gas detection sensors 104, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit 110 may receive the detected positional information of a source of emission of the gases.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit 100 may be configured to communicate to the multi-gas detection sensors 104 through a Linux kernel. The Linux kernel may enable stable and efficient communication between the processing unit 110 and the multi-gas detection sensors 104 by managing hardware resources (not shown) and providing a robust environment for executing real-time data processing tasks. In an embodiment of the present invention, the Linux kernel may also provide real-time operating system (RTOS) capabilities for enabling the processing unit 110 to prioritize critical tasks such as immediate gas detection and alert generation.
[0036] The processing unit 110 may further be configured to execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 108 to generate an output relating to the system 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the processing unit 110 may be, but not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) unit, a microprocessor, a development board, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit 110 may be Raspberry Pi. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the processing unit 110 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit 110 may further be explained in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dual-band wireless Alternating Current (AC) antenna 112 may be configured to establish a wireless communication link for transmitting data packets from the drone 102 to the remote device 118. In an embodiment of the present invention, the data packets may comprise information that may be, but not limited to an alert notification, the received sensor data, the received positional information, a visual representation, and so forth.
[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, the buzzer 114 may be configured to generate audible alerts to individuals within a predetermined radius of the source of emission of the gases. This immediate audible warning may enhance safety by alerting nearby individuals to potential hazards.
[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the Light Emitting Diode (LED) 116 may be configured to generate visual alerts to provide a clear and immediate indication of detected hazardous gas levels. The visual alerts may be effective in noisy environments where audible alerts are less effective.
[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, the remote device 118 may be configured to receive the data packets transmitted from the drone 102. The remote device 118 may be, but not limited to a computer, smartphone, or any other compatible device capable of displaying the alert notifications, the received sensor data, the positional information, and the visual representation of the gas concentrations. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the remote device 118 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0041] FIG. 1B illustrates an implementation of the drone-based system 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the drone-based system 100 may utilize a map service 120 to provide a map of locations navigated by the drone 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the map service 120 may integrate with mapping technologies, that may be but not limited to, Google MapsTM, OpenStreetMapTM, Geographic Information SystemsTM (GIS), and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any map service 120 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, the map service 120 may enable the processing unit 110 (as shown in the FIG. 1A) to overlay the sensor data and positional information onto geographical maps in real time to allow for the visual representation of the gas concentrations or density across the locations navigated by the drone 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the drone-based system 100 may pinpoint exact areas of the gas emissions and may provide users with an intuitive interface (not shown) for monitoring and response. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may use high-resolution satellite imagery and terrain data to improve the visualization of the gas emission sources.
[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the processing unit 110 of the delivery system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The processing unit 110 may comprise computer-executable instructions in the form of programming modules such as a data receiving module 200, a data overlay module 202, a comparison module 204, an alert generation module 206, and a communication module 208.
[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the data receiving module 200 may be configured to receive the sensor data regarding the detected concentration of gases from the multi-gas detection sensors 104 and the positional information from the position sensor 106 integrated with the drone 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the data receiving module 200 may be configured to receive the concentrations of each of the gases in the form of individual data points. For example, a first concentration value for Oxygen, a second concentration value for Carbon Dioxide, a third concentration value for Hydrogen Sulfide, and so on. The data receiving module 200 may be configured to receive the sensor data continuously or at predefined intervals to allow for real-time monitoring of the gas concentrations in the environment.
[0045] Upon receiving the sensor data and the positional information, the data receiving module 200 may generate a data overlay signal and a comparison signal. The data receiving module 200 may transmit the generated data overlay signal to the data overlay module 202, and the generated comparison signal to the comparison module 204.
[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, the data overlay module 202 may be activated upon receiving the generated data overlay signal. The data overlay module 202 may be configured to overlay the received sensor data with the received positional information on the geographical maps. The data overlay module 202 may further generate the visual representation using the map service 120 to show the concentration of gases concerning specific locations.
[0047] In an embodiment of the present invention, the comparison module 204 may be activated upon receiving the generated comparison signal. The comparison module 204 may be configured to compare the received sensor data with threshold values stored in the memory 108. For instance, the comparison module 204 may compare the first concentration value for Oxygen with a first threshold value, the second concentration value for Carbon Dioxide with a second threshold value, the third concentration value for Hydrogen Sulfide with a third threshold value, and so on for other gases. If the sensor data is detected to exceed the threshold values, the comparison module 204 may generate an alert signal and transmit the generated alert signal to the alert generation module 206, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the comparison module 204 may generate a communication signal and transmit the generated communication signal to the communication module 208.
[0048] In an embodiment of the present invention, the alert generation module 206 may be configured to generate the alert notifications upon receiving the alert signal. The alert notifications may include audible warnings via the buzzer 114, visual warnings via the LED 116, and so forth. In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication module 208 may be activated upon receiving the communication signal from the comparison module 204. The communication module 208 may be configured to transmit the data packets to the remote device 118.
[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method 300 for detecting hazardous gases in real-time and alerting individuals using the drone-based system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] At step 302, the system 100 may receive the sensor data regarding the detected concentration of the gases from multi-gas detection sensors 104 integrated with the drone 102.
[0051] At step 304, the system 100 may receive the positional information from the position sensor 106.
[0052] At step 306, the system 100 may overlay the received sensor data with the received positional information on the geographical maps for the visual representation.
[0053] At step 308, the system 100 may compare the received sensor data with threshold values stored in the memory 108. If the detected concentration of gases in the received sensor data exceeds the threshold values, the method 300 may proceed to step 310. Otherwise, the method 300 may return to the step 302.
[0054] At step 310, the system 100 may transmit the data packets to the remote device 118.
[0055] Embodiments of the invention are described above with reference to block diagrams and schematic illustrations of methods and delivery systems according to embodiments of the invention. While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0056] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or delivery systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
We Claim:
1. A drone-based system (100) for detecting hazardous gases in real-time and alerting individuals, the system (100) comprising:
multi-gas detection sensors (104) integrated with a drone (102) to detect concentrations of gases in an environment in real-time;
a position sensor (106) to detect a positional information of a source of emission of the gases; and
a processing unit (110) in communication with the multi-gas detection sensors (104) and the position sensor (106) of the drone (102), characterized in that the processing unit (110) configured to:
receive sensor data regarding the detected concentration of the gases and the positional information from the drone (102);
overlay the received sensor data with the received positional information on geographical maps for a visual representation;
compare the received sensor data with threshold values stored in a memory (108); and
transmit data packets to a remote device (118) upon exceeding the received sensor data from the threshold values, wherein the data packets comprise information selected from an alert notification, the received sensor data, the received positional information, the visual representation, or a combination thereof.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multi-gas detection sensors are adapted to detect the concentrations of gases, selected from Oxygen, Hydrogen Sulfide, Carbon Monoxide, Acetylene, Hydrogen, Butane, Propane, Methane, or a combination thereof.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the position sensor (106) of the drone (102) is equipped with a real-time kinematics (RTK) technology to provide the positional information.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drone (102) comprises a dual-band wireless Alternating Current (AC) antenna (112) to establish a wireless communication for transmitting the data packets.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit (110) is configured to generate audible through a buzzer (114) to individuals within a predetermined radius of the source of emission of the gases.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit (110) is configured to generate visual alerts through a Light emitting diode (LED) (116).
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit (100) is configured to communicate to the multi-gas detection sensors (104) through a Linux kernel.
8. A method (300) for detecting hazardous gases in real-time and alerting individuals using a drone-based system (100), comprising steps of:
receiving sensor data regarding a detected concentration of the gases from multi-gas detection sensors (104) integrated with a drone (102);
receiving a positional information from a position sensor (106);
overlaying the received sensor data with the received positional information on geographical maps for visual representation;
comparing the received sensor data with threshold values stored in a memory (108); and
transmitting data packets to a remote device (118) upon exceeding the received sensor data from the threshold values.
Date: May 31, 2024
Place: Noida

Dr. Keerti Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-1529)