DE202019104860U1 - Rescue drone and rescue system for drowning people - Google Patents

Abstract

Rescue drone (10) for rescuing drowning persons (100) comprising a supporting structure (12) comprising at least three receptacles (16) for rotors (18) and a supporting frame (14) lying in a horizontal plane, characterized in that
the supporting frame (14) has an opening in the center, so that the frame encloses an inner area (29),
on its underside a receiving device (20) for receiving an annular or horseshoe-shaped buoyancy aid (22), on the top of the supporting frame (14) a controller (24) and a power source (26) for operating the rescue drone (10) are arranged and
the rescue drone (10) is configured such that the inner region (29) enclosed by the supporting frame (14) is permeable to draft.

Description

The invention relates to a rescue drone for rescuing drowning persons comprising a supporting structure comprising at least three receptacles for rotors and a lying in a horizontal plane supporting frame. Further aspects of the invention relate to a system for rescuing drowning persons comprising a rescue drone, a central facility and a mobile facility.

State of the art

In the prior art drones are known in the form of multicopters, which can autonomously or remotely fly from a starting point to a destination point. Such drones are used for example for taking aerial photographs or for transporting goods. Furthermore, in the prior art drones are known which can transport special rescue equipment such as a buoyancy aid.

Out EN 20 2015 105 415 U1 is a known multicopter, which is equipped to carry rescue equipment. The multicopter comprises a plurality of propellers, a main body and a carrying device, which is arranged on the main body and serves to carry rescue equipment. The rescue equipment is attached via a pin and can be released by retracting the pin so that the rescue equipment can be detached from the main body and fall down.

DE 20 2019 000 101 U1 describes an adjustable magnetic adhesion trigger for attaching a buoyancy aid to a drone. For the rescue of a drowning person is intended to lead the drone to this person, the buoyancy aid is not dropped by the pilot, but is solved by the person to be rescued from the drone.

DE 10 2018 125 763 A1 describes a rescue system and a rescue method in which moving bodies, each equipped with a camera, search for a person to be protected and, if found, track it. This drones can also be used to monitor the person to be protected from the air. In the system, a server is provided to receive requisitions and to coordinate the moving body to be used in a search job.

A disadvantage of the known drones for the transport of swimming aids is that they are not optimized for the shape of the buoyancy aid and thus show no optimal flight characteristics. However, improved flight characteristics would be desirable to be able to transport the buoyancy aid more quickly and safely to a drowning person. Furthermore, it is disadvantageous in known systems for rescuing persons that often the target position for the person to be rescued can only be given imprecisely and / or only with a great time delay, and therefore a rescue is delayed. However, every second counts in rescuing drowning people. There is therefore a need for efficient systems for rescuing a drowning person using a rescue drone.

Disclosure of the invention

It is proposed a rescue drone to rescue drowning people, which has a load-bearing structure. The supporting structure comprises at least three rotors for rotors and a supporting frame lying in a horizontal plane. It is further provided that the supporting frame has an opening in its center, so that the frame encloses an inner area, that the supporting frame has on its underside a receiving device for receiving an annular or horseshoe-shaped buoyancy aid, on the upper side of the supporting frame a control and an energy source for operating the rescue drone are arranged and that the rescue drone is configured such that the enclosed by the supporting frame inner area is permeable to a draft.

The proposed rescue drone can advantageously accommodate standardized buoyancy aids in horseshoe shape or in the form of a standard life preserver, without their flight characteristics are significantly impaired. In contrast to solutions based on inflatable buoyancy aids, which are more compact during transport, the proposed rescue drone can transport rigid buoyancy aids such as a standard lifebuoy or a rigid buoyancy aid in horseshoe shape. Such rigid swimming aids are easier to handle than inflatable swimming aids. Furthermore, the standard lifebuoy has proven particularly useful in rescue operations.

The supporting frame may be configured, for example, annular or square. If the supporting frame is of annular design, then the inner and outer diameters of the annular form are preferably selected so that a recorded standard life-preserver covers the frame. A square frame can also be designed such that the square shape of the frame is covered by the captured buoyancy aid. Generally, and regardless of the shape of the supporting frame, it is preferable if the frame of the recorded buoyancy aid is covered. If the rescue drone has a housing or a cover, this can have a shape deviating from the shape of the supporting frame. For example, the cover or housing may be annular, but the shape of the supporting frame disposed within the housing may be square.

The rescue drone may additionally comprise a housing, which in particular surrounds the components arranged on the upper side of the supporting frame, such as the energy source and the control of the rescue drone, and optionally also encloses parts of the supporting frame. In this case, however, the housing is designed so that the area enclosed by the frame inside area is not closed and thus a draft is preferably not restricted by this interior area. Through the housing or covers of the rescue drone, the enclosed inner area may possibly be partially covered, wherein the housing or the cover has at least one opening through which the draft can flow. For example, the housing has a circular opening whose diameter corresponds approximately to the inner diameter of 45 cm of a standard lifebuoy. Preferably, the opening has a diameter which is in the range of 35 cm to 50 cm.

The control of the rescue drone is preferably set up such that the rescue drone can approach a transmitted position, for example in the form of GPS coordinates, autonomously. For this purpose, the controller optionally further sensors and a receiver for signals of a satellite navigation system. The receiver is preferably set up to receive the signals from two or more satellite navigation systems. The satellite navigation system may, for example, be NAVSTAR GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and / or Beidou. By merging signals from multiple satellite navigation systems, the accuracy of positioning can be increased.

The energy source of the rescue drone is designed, for example, as a battery, in particular as a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively or additionally, the energy source can be designed, for example, as a fuel cell.

At least one further rotor is preferably arranged in the center of the inner area enclosed by the supporting frame. In this case, two counter-rotating further rotors are particularly preferably arranged in the center of the inner region. These are arranged in particular one above the other.

By means of the at least one further rotor in the center of the rescue drone, the latter can build up a particularly high thrust force so that the rescue drone has good flight characteristics and can achieve high airspeeds. In particular, the at least one further rotor permits the application of strong tensile forces, which can be used, for example, to tow a buoyancy aid, or allows quick maneuvers to accurately position the rescue drone over a drowning person and / or to keep the drowning person in strong wind Hold position.

If, on the other hand, no further rotor is arranged in the center, the clearance nevertheless has a positive effect on the flight characteristics and the maximum pulling force achievable by the rescue drone, since air can freely flow through this interior space in the center and the rescue drone thus has less aerodynamic drag. In this case, it is particularly preferred if the inner area enclosed by the supporting frame is free from overlapping, so that air can flow unhindered through the inner area. In particular, when the rescue drone has a housing or a cover, at least one part of the inner area not covered by the buoyancy aid is preferably free of further overlaps. The housing or a cover of the rescue drone are shaped accordingly and provided with one or more corresponding openings.

The rescue drone preferably has at least one video camera, a thermal image sensor and / or a thermal imaging camera for recording image data. Furthermore, the control of the rescue drone is preferably arranged to identify drowning persons and / or gestures of helping persons in the image data.

By providing a video camera, a thermal image sensor and / or thermal imaging camera, the rescue drone can obtain data about the environment and, for example, via image analysis methods, which are performed by a component of the controller, persons and / or objects in the environment can be identified. This makes it possible, for example, to directly recognize a drowning person in the vicinity of the rescue drone and to accurately determine their position relative to the rescue drone on the basis of the data obtained. The rescue drone is also preferably configured to determine their position after detection of a drowning person and fly to this position. Thus, the rescue drone is in particular adapted to first approach a roughly determined position of a drowning person, then using sensors, the position of the drowning person to determine more precisely and then fly to this more specific position. This process can be repeated if necessary, so that the specific position gradually becomes more accurate and thus the rescue drone can approach the drowning person more accurate.

Furthermore, the rescue drone is preferably configured to recognize and evaluate gestures of persons in the vicinity of the rescue drone. In particular, it is preferable to recognize pointing gestures and to interpret them as the direction in which the rescue drone should fly to assist a drowning person. For example, an outstretched arm may be recognized as such a pointing gesture, with the direction in which the arm points being interpreted as the direction in which the drowning person is suspected. This direction is preferably used as a direction of flight for the onward flight of the rescue drone.

Additionally or alternatively, it is possible to identify a direction in which the drowning person is suspected by evaluating the direction in which a mobile device, e.g. a smartphone showing helping person. For this purpose, for example, a digital compass of the mobile device can be read and also transmitted to the central facility and / or directly to the rescue drone. The central facility can then forward this information to the rescue drone. The direction in which the mobile device points may then be interpreted as the direction in which the drowning person is suspected.

Preferably, the receiving device is adapted to release the buoyancy aid automatically, in particular after receiving a remote control signal and / or after reaching the target position and / or after detecting a drowning person. The recognition of a drowning person can be done, for example, by evaluating image data.

Alternatively or additionally, the receiving device is set up to release the buoyancy aid manually. A manual release can for example be done by the drowning person himself, when the drone hovers directly above it. However, a manual release can also be done by a helping person. For example, it is conceivable that the rescue drone approaches a helping person in the vicinity of the drowning person and this then solves the buoyancy aid from the rescue drone and then thrown, for example, a drowning person.

In particular, in embodiments in which the release of the buoyancy aid by the rescue drone takes place automatically, means are preferably provided to determine the altitude of the rescue drone above the water level. The rescue drone can then be set up to automatically measure the height to the water level and then descend to a low altitude, for example to a height of 5 m, to minimize the drop height of the buoyancy aid and reduce the effects of, for example, wind. The sinking of the rescue drone before releasing the buoyancy aid advantageously also avoids a possible risk to the drowning person by falling from a great height and thus at high speed buoyancy aid. In particular, the risk of possible unwanted injury, if the buoyancy device meets the drowning person directly, is thereby avoided.

The receiving device is embodied, for example, as a magnetic holder, as a clamping holder or as a closed chamber with a flap. The receiving device may be configured as a manually operated receiving device in which the buoyancy aid is removed by the drowning person or a helping person. The receiving device can also be configured as a self-actuated receiving device, in which the buoyancy aid is released by a signal of the controller or a remote control signal and is then dropped by the rescue drone. Furthermore, both variants can be combined by, for example, a switch or button is easily accessible on the outside of the rescue drone attached, with the automatic release of the buoyancy aid can be triggered. This allows a helping person or the drowning person to release the buoyancy aid himself from the rescue drone.

In one embodiment of the rescue drone, the receiving device is designed as a magnetic receiving device. If the recording device is set up for automatic release, the magnetic recording device can comprise one or more electromagnets for this purpose. For a release, the electromagnets can be switched off. If the receiving device is set up only for manual release, alternatively one or more permanent magnets can be used.

In a further embodiment of the rescue drone, the receiving device is designed as a closed chamber with a flap. The flap is secured, for example, with a pin, which is manually pulled out in the case of a manual release, or is pulled out electromechanically in the case of an automatic release. For this purpose, for example, an electromagnet or an electric motor can be used. After pulling out the pen, the flap opens due to the effect of gravity and the added buoyancy aid falls out.

Preferably, the receiving device is adapted to attach the buoyancy aid via terminals on the rescue drone. The clamps are preferably biased from the inside of the hoop or horseshoe shape against the buoyancy aid, with a rope connected to the clamps. The rescue drone is preferably set up to release by a pull on the rope, the terminals of the buoyancy aid.

From inside against the ring-shaped or horseshoe-shaped buoyancy pressing clamps have over the outside against the buoyancy pressing clamps the advantage that an unwanted jamming the buoyancy aid can be avoided when throwing off or at least reduced.

Preferably, a prestressed spring is arranged on the rescue drone, which exerts a tension on the rope after a release, for example by an electromechanical retraction of a securing bolt, so that the clamps are released and the buoyancy aid is released. The retraction of the securing bolt may be triggered by the rescue drone, for example, upon detection of the arrival of the rescue drone by a drowning person, or by a center connected to the rescue drone. For this purpose, the securing bolt can be released, for example, electromechanically via a motor or via an electromagnet. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable to provide a manual triggering, for example via a cord connected to the safety bolt, which can be pulled over a handle. In this case, a release of the buoyancy aid by the drowning person can thus take place.

Preferably, the buoyancy aid is additionally connected via a tether to the supporting structure of the rescue drone. Additionally, the rescue drone is preferably configured to hold and / or to pull it over the tether at a certain position after release of the buoyancy aid. The rescue drone is preferably equipped with at least one further rotor in the interior. In this way, a drowning person can first pull the buoyancy aid and create this or hold on to it. Then the rescue drone can pull the person by exerting a pull on the buoyancy aid, especially in the direction of the shore or to a nearby ship. As a suitable target position, for example, the specific position of the helping person can be used.

If the buoyancy aid is an annular buoyancy aid, it is preferred as a standard lifebuoy Standard DIN EN 14144: 2003-08 executed. Such a standard lifebuoy has an outer diameter of 75 cm and an inner diameter of 45 cm and weighs about 2.5 kg.

Preferably, the rescue drone comprises in addition to the buoyancy aid at least one further auxiliary device, which is transported by the rescue drone. The auxiliary device is preferably selected from an automatic or semi-automatic defibrillator.

The defibrillator is particularly preferably designed as an automatic or semi-automatic defibrillator, which is set up for operation by lay helpers and can detect whether a shock delivery is necessary or not.

The rescue drone is preferably set up in such a way that a release of one of the recorded further auxiliary devices takes place by the reception of a remote control signal, which can be sent, for example, from a control center. In this way, a situation can be evaluated first by qualified personnel and then release the appropriate tools as needed.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide a system for rescuing drowning persons. The drowning rescue system comprises at least one rescue drone, at least one mobile device and one central device. Furthermore, it is provided that the mobile device is set up to notify the central device, wherein the location of a helping person and / or the location of the drowning person is transmitted to the central device,
the central facility is arranged to select a rescue drone in the vicinity of the conveyed location, which transports a buoyancy aid, and to transmit an instruction to the selected rescue drone to approach that location,
that the rescue drone is set up to fly to the transmitted location and capture image data of the environment after reaching the transmitted location
and that the system is adapted to evaluate the captured image data to identify gestures of the helping person and / or position of the drowning person and to release the buoyancy aid upon reaching the drowning person.

In advantageous embodiments, the mobile device can additionally be set up to transmit further data to the central device. Thus, for example, via a digital compass of the mobile device, the orientation of the mobile device and be transmitted as the direction in which the drowning person is suspected. Furthermore, for example, on a screen of the mobile device, a map can be displayed, on which the helping person can mark a position of the drowning person. Also from this, a direction can be derived in which the drowning person is suspected to be starting from the helping person. Alternatively, this marked position can also be transmitted as a location to the central facility.

In addition, it is possible for the mobile device to request an estimated distance from the helping person and also transmit it to the central facility. For example, 5 m, 10 m, 20 m, 50 m, 100 m, more than 100 meters away from the helping person.

The rescue drone is in particular one of the rescue drones described herein. Accordingly, the rescue drone is preferably configured and / or configured for use with the system described herein. Therefore, features described in the context of the system for the rescue drone and vice versa apply to the system described in the rescue drone. The system is preferably designed and set up such that the approaching of the transmitted position is carried out autonomously by the rescue drone, that is to say without the intervention of a human. A range of action of a rescue drone is preferably chosen such that a fast reaction is possible. Preferably, this is less than 10 km, especially in areas with a high concentration of humans. Accordingly, it is preferred to provide a dense network of stations with rescue drones, so that a nationwide coverage in areas with water surfaces is possible.

The system is preferably set up, after reaching the transmitted location with the rescue drone to capture image data of the environment and evaluate them. In particular, it is provided to identify gestures of the helping person and / or a position of the drowning person.

In identifying the gesture, a pointing gesture is preferably identified, with the direction in which the gesture points being interpreted as the direction in which the drowning person is suspected.

The system is further preferably configured such that upon reaching the transmitted position, the selected rescue drone flies to the identified position of the drowning person and / or that the selected rescue drone is flying in a direction in which the drowning person is suspected.

As long as there is still a connection to the mobile device, it is preferable to continuously transmit the position determined by the mobile device to the central device and / or to the rescue drone and to fly to this updated position. In this case, a connection between the mobile device and the rescue drone can be mediated by the central device or, in particular, take place directly at a short distance.

Preferably, the system is set up to perform a plausibility check before starting a rescue drone. This can be done by the central facility itself or by the rescue drone. As part of the plausibility check, for example, it can be checked whether water is at all close to the transmitted position. For this purpose, the transmitted position can be compared with a stored in the central facility or the rescue drone digital map. The digital map contains in particular information on water surfaces. By performing a plausibility check, abuse of the system can be avoided. After carrying out the plausibility check, the rescue drone is started as directly as possible and without any further delays.

According to the invention, a central device is also provided. In particular, the central device can be a computer device which is set up to receive information from mobile devices and to send instructions to one or more rescue drones. The central device is designed, for example, as a server, in particular as a back-end server in connection with an app, or as a cloud computing service. In this case, the central device can be designed and set up so that it automatically initiates the further steps after receiving a location of a drowning person or the location of a helping person. The central device is set up and / or configured for use with the system described herein. Therefore, features described in the context of the system apply to the central facility, and conversely, features described in the context of the central facility apply to the system.

For receiving information from mobile devices, the central device may in particular comprise means for establishing a connection to the Internet. Mobile devices can then, for example, contact the central device via a cellular connection or a WLAN connection.

The central facility may include a directory of rescue drones and their associated bases, in particular, information about the current position of a rescue drone and the location of the bases of the rescue drones are stored in the directory.

For connection to a rescue drone, the central device may comprise means for communication via a radio link, the rescue drone having corresponding communication means. Alternatively or additionally, the central device may comprise means for connection to the Internet, in which case a rescue drone is also connected to the Internet, for example via a mobile radio connection or a WLAN connection.

The central facility may additionally include one or more terminals through which operators may influence the behavior of the central facility. For example, it can be provided that trained, trained operating personnel undertakes or influences certain steps. For example, it can be provided that the selection and the sending out of a rescue drone is performed by the operating personnel, the release of the buoyancy aid is performed by the operating personnel and / or a release of further auxiliary devices, such as by a defibrillator, by the operating personnel.

The at least one rescue drone of the system may in particular be one of the rescue drones described herein.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide a mobile device for notifying a central facility about a drowning person. The mobile device is set up and / or configured for use with the proposed system. In particular, the mobile device is configured to determine the current location and send it to the central facility along with the notification. Accordingly, features described in the context of the system apply to the mobile device, and conversely, features described for the system within the framework of the mobile device apply.

The mobile device may be a smart device such as a smartphone, smartwatch, or a tablet. Furthermore, the mobile device may be a device specially configured for notifying the central device. Such a device can be configured in particular in the form of a bracelet, which among other things comprises a receiver for a satellite navigation system such as GPS and means for communication with the central device. Such a bracelet can in particular be designed as a rescue band, which can be worn around the wrist.

If a smart device is used as a mobile device, an application or app is preferably installed on the smart device, which is set up to use a receiver present in the smart device for a satellite navigation system for determining the position and a communication link of the smart device for the smart device Notify the central facility to use.

Preferably, the mobile device can also be set up to alert the regular rescue service parallel to the notification of the central facility, for example by placing a call to the local emergency number or to a nearby water rescue service or a water rescue station. For example, the nearby water rescue service may be determined using the location determined by a location feature of the mobile device. For example, the central facility may select from a directory of water rescue services the one closest to the transmitted location or the fastest to reach that location and send a telephone number of the selected water rescue service to the mobile device.

The additional contact a water rescue service is particularly useful if there is no rescue drone in the appropriate area within a certain radius and thus can be expected with a prolonged reaction time by a rescue drone or if it is not possible to send a rescue drone due to the long distance to be covered , For example, provision may be made for an additional call to be dropped when the next rescue drone is 40 km or more away from the location of the mobile device. The information about this can be transmitted to the mobile device, for example, from the central device upon receipt of the position.

In particular, when the mobile device is designed as a rescue band, this preferably comprises a water sensor, which detects a contact with water. The mobile device is then preferably configured to contact the central device when the contact with water is detected, whereby a plausibility check may be carried out beforehand if necessary. In the case of the plausibility check, the position of the mobile device can be compared to a digital map and a response can only be triggered when there is actually a water surface at or in the vicinity of the current position of the mobile device is located. This plausibility check can take place, for example, by the mobile device itself or by the central device.

For example, the system and / or the rescue drone can be used when a person threatens to drown in a lake, river, beach, near the beach, or in the sea (for example, falling from a cruise ship). However, a helping person who notices this situation often can not intervene as a rescuer and must alert a rescuer. This often saves valuable time.

In a first example, the helping person has a smartphone with an app installed on it that enables the smartphone to act as a mobile device in the described system. Via this app, the current location of the helping person can be determined and transmitted to the central facility. The central facility then selects an autonomous rescue drone in the vicinity, communicates the location of the helping person to the rescue drone, and instructs the rescue drone to approach that location. The central device is configured, for example, as a server or as a cloud computing service.

In the described process, the app automatically performs the determining GPS coordinates of the helping person and transmitting the location to the central facility. Optionally, it can be provided that the app alerts in parallel the regular ambulance service, for example by calling an emergency number.

The rescue drone selected by the central facility launches after transmitting the GPS coordinates from its station and autonomously flies to the coordinates transmitted by the mobile device. On the rescue drone a sensor, for example in the form of a camera, integrated, which provides image data of the environment of the rescue drone.

Preferably, a plausibility check is performed before the start of a rescue drone. For example, the central device compares the transmitted position with a stored in the central device digital map containing information on water surfaces. If a water surface is recognized at the location of the transmitted position, the rescue drone is started as directly as possible and without further delays.

After reaching the position of the helping person indicated by the coordinates, gesture recognition is preferably performed using the obtained image data, and the recognized gestures are evaluated.

The helping person points with an outstretched arm as exactly as possible in the direction in which the drowning person is.

After recognizing the gesture performed by the helping person, it is evaluated and, in the situation described here, determines the direction in which the drowning person is suspected.

The direction in which the drowning person is suspected may also be through the transmission of further data by the mobile device. For example, a mobile device's digital compass may be evaluated and the direction in which the mobile device is pointing used as the direction in which the drowning person is suspected. Alternatively or additionally, for example, using the mobile device, a suspected position of the drowning person can be marked on a map. This position can then be adopted as a position for the drowning person, or the direction in which the drowning person is suspected can be determined based on the position of the person helping.

The rescue drone moves then automatically in the direction in which the drowning person is suspected.

In one embodiment, the rescue drone then transmits via the camera a live image to the central device, which feeds the live image of a rescue center for evaluation. In the rescue center, a monitoring person can then recognize via the camera image when the rescue drone hits the drowning person. This can be supported for example by attached to the rescue drone thermal image sensors. If the rescue drone has reached the drowning person, the supervising person can trigger the release of the buoyancy aid.

Alternatively or additionally, it is provided in an embodiment variant to perform an image analysis of the image data, so that either the rescue drone itself or an evaluation device of the central device automatically recognizes the reaching of the drowning person and correspondingly automatically releasing the buoyancy aid takes place as soon as the rescue drone drowns the person detected.

Preferably, the discarded buoyancy aid is connected via a rope with the rescue drone. In this case, after the drowning person has put the buoyancy aid on the middle rotor, the drone for a short time a high thrust generate, and thus hold the drowning person in position or possibly even land, with the GPS coordinates of the helping person are suitable as the target position. Recognition of the application of the buoyancy aid by the drowning person can in turn be done either automatically via an executed in the rescue drone or the central device evaluation of image data or done manually by a supervising person.

In a second example, the notification of the central device is not made by a helping person, but by the drowning person himself. This has a mobile device, for example in the form of a rescue band, a smartphone or a smartwatch, on which an app is installed, which enabled to be part of the system as a mobile device.

If a person in the water in an emergency situation, for example, when the forces subside while swimming or a person has fallen from a cruise ship into the water, the central facility can be informed about the mobile device. For example, in the case of a rescue band, an emergency button can be pressed or the rescue band can automatically execute the notification when in contact with water. For example, for this purpose, a water sensor can be provided which detects contact with water. In the case of a smart device such as a smartwatch, the corresponding app is then started and the notification is executed when a water contact is detected. This takes advantage of the fact that modern smart devices such as a smartphone or a smartwatch are usually watertight, at least for temporary submersion (for example, IP67 protection).

In the case of variants of a mobile device with a water sensor, a plausibility check may additionally be provided in which, after contact with water, the position is determined and it is checked whether there is a water surface at the current position. In this way, for example, be excluded that spilled liquid activates the water sensor and triggers an unnecessary rescue operation. This plausibility check can be carried out, for example, by the mobile device itself or by the central device, the position being compared with a digital map containing information about water surfaces.

A determination of the coordinates of the drowning person is also possible in this case, as a rule, since radio signals are even several inches under water to places. In particular, an embodiment of the mobile device as a bracelet or a smartwatch is advantageous because the wrist of a drowning person is usually high up on the water surface.

The rescue drone first controls the transmitted coordinates and then begins to record and evaluate image data of the environment to identify the drowning person. Upon recognizing the drowning person, he or she steers the particular position, whereby the taking of the image data is continuously carried out in order to further optimize the determined position. Furthermore, it can be provided, if there is still a connection to the mobile device, to continuously transmit the position determined by the mobile device to the rescue drone and to fly to this updated position. In this case, a connection between the mobile device and the rescue drone can be mediated by the central device or, in particular, take place directly at a short distance.

The rest of the procedure is preferably as described with reference to the first example.

list of figures

• 1 eine Schnittansicht durch eine Rettungsdrohne einer ersten Ausführungsform.
• 2 eine Schnittansicht durch eine Rettungsdrohne einer zweiten Ausführungsform
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung des Ablaufs zur Rettung einer ertrinkenden Person,
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung einer Klemmvorrichtung von unten in einem geschlossenem Zustand und
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung der Klemmvorrichtung von unten in einem offenen Zustand.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. Show it

• 1 a sectional view through a rescue drone of a first embodiment.
• 2 a sectional view through a rescue drone of a second embodiment
• 3 a schematic representation of the procedure for the rescue of a drowning person,
• 4 a schematic representation of a clamping device from below in a closed state and
• 5 a schematic representation of the clamping device from below in an open state.

In the following description of the embodiments of the invention, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, wherein a repeated description of these components is omitted in individual cases. The figures illustrate the subject matter of the invention only schematically.

1 shows a first embodiment of a rescue drone 10 in a schematic sectional view. The rescue drone 10 has a load-bearing structure 12 on which a supporting frame 14 includes, which is arranged in a horizontal plane.

On the supporting frame 14 are shots 16 for rotors 18 arranged. The rescue drone 10 includes, for example, four rotors 18 and four shots accordingly 16 , wherein in the sectional view of 1 only two rotors each 18 and recordings 16 are visible. The pictures 16 are doing so on the supporting frame 14 appropriate that this starting from the supporting frame 14 to the outside, ie from the center of the rescue drone 10 point away.

For the flight operation includes the rescue drone 10 Furthermore, a controller 24 which the rotors 18 controls and is set up, with a central facility 200 , compare 3 , to communicate. For the supply of energy is a battery 26 intended. Both the battery 26 as well as the controller 24 are on top of each of the supporting frame 14 arranged so that a buoyancy aid 22 on the underside of a recording device 20 can be attached.

The supporting frame 14 In the example shown, it is of annular design and encloses an interior area 29 , In an alternative embodiment, the supporting frame could 14 also be configured square, for example. This interior 29 is in the in 1 illustrated embodiment neither by the buoyancy aid 22 still by components of the rescue drone 10 even like the battery 26 covered so that it is free. Air can in flight operation of the rescue drone 10 unhindered by the interior 29 to flow through, so that the flight characteristics are improved.

For example, gestures from helping people 110 or drowning people 100 to be able to identify, compare 3 , has the rescue drone 10 also via sensors. In the presentation of the 1 is this a video camera 28 to recognize which image data about the environment of the rescue drone 10 supplies. This image data can be, for example, by the controller 24 in the rescue drone 10 themselves or may alternatively or additionally be sent to the central facility 200 to be transferred, cf. 3 to be evaluated there.

The cradle 20 of the 1 is designed as a magnetic recording device. Should the buoyancy aid 22 can only be removed manually, so the recording device 20 For example, permanent magnets on the supporting frame 14 and non-permanent magnetic counterparts on the buoyancy aid 22 exhibit. Should be released by the controller 24 take place, for example, upon receipt of a remote control signal, the recording device comprises 20 for example, electromagnets on the supporting frame 14 and non-permanent magnetic counterparts on the buoyancy aid 22 ,

The control 24 the rescue drone 10 is preferably with the receiving device 20 and the camera 28 in contact and is set up, when recognizing a drowning person 100 over the recording device 20 the buoyancy aid 20 to release and thus over a drowning person 100 to throw off, compare 3 ,

2 shows a second embodiment of the rescue drone 10 in a schematic sectional view of the page.

The rescue drone 10 As already mentioned with reference to 1 described a load-bearing structure 12 on which a supporting frame 14 includes, which is arranged in a horizontal plane. On the supporting frame 14 are shots 16 for rotors 18 arranged in the representation of the 2 two rotors each 18 and recordings 16 are visible.

On the top of the supporting frame 14 are the controls again 24 , a video camera 28 and the battery 26 arranged. At the bottom of the supporting frame 14 is the cradle 20 arranged, which is a buoyancy aid 22 wearing.

In contrast to the first embodiment of the 1 are indoors 29 two more rotors 30 . 30` arranged. The center of the other rotors 30 . 30` lies in each case in the center of the interior 29 , the two other rotors 30 . 30` are arranged stacked and are arranged to rotate in opposite directions to each other.

The other rotors 30 . 30` preferably have a larger diameter than that of the recordings 16 arranged rotors 18 , With the other rotors 30 . 30 ' Additional thrust can be provided, increasing the flight characteristics of the rescue drone 10 is further improved. By the arrangement in addition to the other rotors 30 . 30` and their holder or motors free interior 29 the rescue drone 10 This can be compact despite comparatively large rotors.

In 3 is an example of the process of rescuing a drowning person 100 sketched schematically.

A helping person 110 notices a drowning person 100 Need help. This helping person 110 leads a mobile device 112 With, for example, in the form of a smartphone with an app set up for the system.

The helping person 110 can then via the mobile device 112 a central facility 200 inform, being through the mobile device 112 the position of the helping person 110 is determined, for example via a satellite navigation system such as GPS, and also to the central facility 200 is transmitted. In the example sketched, the helping person starts 110 for this an app which determines the GPS coordinates of the smartphone and along with a message that a drowning person 100 Need help, via a cellular or Wi-Fi connection to the central facility 200 sends.

The central facility 200 which is configured, for example, as a server connected to the Internet, receives from the mobile device 112 the message that the drowning person 100 Help is needed and receives the position of the helping person 110 , The central facility 200 includes a directory in the available rescue drones 10 and the location of the rescue drones 10 assigned bases are stored. The central facility 200 chooses an available rescue drone 10 in the vicinity of the transmitted position, sends the transmitted position as a destination to the available rescue drone 10 and instructs them to fly to the transmitted position.

After receiving the position the rescue drone starts 10 and flies to the transmitted position. Arrived there, the rescue drone captured 10 Image data using the video camera 28 , Using image evaluation techniques, the rescue drone recognizes 10 the helping person 110 and evaluates gestures of the helping person 110 out. In the illustrated situation, the helping person shows 110 with an outstretched arm 114 towards the drowning person 100 , Based on this gesture recognizes the rescue drone 10 in which direction the drowning person is 100 and fly in that direction.

During the flight will continue using the video camera 28 Image data of the environment recorded and evaluated. Recognize the rescue drone 10 the drowning person 100 in the image data, this is how the rescue drone positions itself 10 over the drowning person 100 and gives a guided buoyancy aid 22 free. Im in 3 sketched example is the buoyancy aid 22 a standard rescue ring. The drowning person 100 now the buoyancy aid 22 invest.

In preferred variants, via the mobile device 112 parallel dispatched an emergency call. When using a smartphone as a mobile device 112 This can be done, for example, after transmitting the position to the central facility 200 the emergency number are called.

4 shows a schematic representation of an alternative recording device 20 for receiving a buoyancy aid 22 in a schematic view from below.

The cradle 20 In the alternative embodiment, it is designed as a clamping device which has a plurality of clamps 40 having. In the embodiment of 4 has the receiving device 20 five terminals 40 on, which respectively from the inside against the recorded ring buoyancy aid 22 to press. The clamps 40 For this purpose, for example, designed as a bending beam, which against the buoyancy aid 22 are biased. The 4 shows the recording device 20 in a closed state in which the buoyancy aid 22 is not released.

The clamps 40 are each with a wire rope 42 connected in the example of the 4 only a single wire rope 42 is present, which starting from a first terminal 40 ' through eyelets at the other terminals 40 passes through. A first end of the wire rope 42 ends at the first terminal 40` , a second end of the wire rope 42 ends at a spring device, which is a spring 46 and a safety bolt 44 includes.

The feather 46 is curious and about the safety bolt 44 secured in the tensioned state. After a release of the safety bolt 44 , For example, by an electromechanical retraction of a locking bolt 44 which by the control 24 causes the spring exercises 46 a tension on the wire rope 42 out. This will cause the terminals 40 withdrawn, compare 5 , and the buoyancy aid 22 will be released. The retraction of the safety bolt 44 can from the rescue drone 10 be triggered, for example, upon detection of the arrival of the rescue drone 10 with a drowning person 110 , or by a remote control signal with the rescue drone 10 related central facility 200 , For this purpose, the safety bolt 44 be released electromechanically via a motor or via an electromagnet, for example

5 shows a schematic representation of the clamping device designed as a receiving device 20 from below in an open condition. Through the taut wire rope 42 are the terminals 40 withdrawn so that they are no longer against the buoyancy aid 22 to press. The buoyancy aid 22 is now released.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

rescue drone

12

carrying structure

14

carrying frame

16

Recording rotor

18

rotor

20

Receiving device for buoyancy aid

22

float

24

control

26

battery

28

video camera

29

interior

30, 30 '

another rotor

40

clamp

40 '

first clamp

42

rope

44

safety bolt

46

feather

100

drowning person

110

helping person

112

mobile device

114

outstretched arm

200

central facility

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 202015105415 U1 [0003]
• DE 202019000101 U1 [0004]
• DE 102018125763 A1 [0005]

Cited non-patent literature

• Standard DIN EN 14144: 2003-08 [0030]

Claims (15)

Rescue drone (10) to the rescue drowning persons (100) comprising a supporting structure (12) comprising at least three seats (16) for rotors (18) and a lying in a horizontal plane supporting frame (14), characterized in that the supporting frame (14) has an opening in the center, so that the frame encloses an inner region (29), on its underside a receiving device (20) for receiving an annular or horseshoe-shaped buoyancy aid (22), on the upper side of the supporting frame (14) a Control (24) and a power source (26) for operating the rescue drone (10) are arranged and the rescue drone (10) is configured such that the load-bearing frame (14) enclosed inside region (29) is permeable to draft. Rescue drone (10) after Claim 1 , characterized in that at least one further rotor (30, 30 ') in the center of the supporting frame (14) enclosed inside region (29) is arranged. Rescue drone (10) after Claim 2 , characterized in that in the frame (14) enclosed by the inner region (29) two further rotors (30, 30 ') are arranged one above the other, wherein the further rotors (30, 30') are arranged to rotate in opposite directions. Rescue drone (10) after Claim 1 , characterized in that at least one part of the inner region (29) not covered by the buoyancy aid (22) is free of overlaps, so that air can flow unhindered through the inner region (29). Rescue drone (10) after one of Claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that the rescue drone (10) at least one video camera (28), a thermal image sensor and / or a thermal imaging camera for recording image data and the controller (24) is set up, drowning people (100) and / or gestures of helping people (110) in the image data. Rescue drone (10) after one of Claims 1 to 5 Characterized in that the receiving device (20) is adapted to release the swimming aid (22) after receiving a remote control signal and / or after reaching the target position and / or after reaching a identified in the image data drowning person (100). Rescue drone (10) after one of Claims 1 to 6 , characterized in that the receiving device (20) is designed as a magnetic holder, as a clamp holder or as a closed chamber with a flap. Rescue drone (10) after Claim 7 characterized in that the buoyancy aid (22) is secured to the rescue drone (10) by clamps (40) biased against the buoyancy aid (22) by the inside of the hoop or horseshoe shape, a rope (42) being connected to the buoy Clamp (44) is connected and the rescue drone (10) is arranged to release by a train on the rope (42), the terminals (44) of the buoyancy aid (22). Rescue drone (10) after Claim 1 to 8th , Characterized in that the swimming aid (22) is additionally connected via a tether to the supporting structure (12), said rescue drone (10) is adapted to draw these on the tether to a release of the swimming aid (22). Rescue drone (10) after one of Claims 1 to 9 , characterized in that the annular buoyancy aid (22) is a standard life buoy according to standard DIN EN 14144: 2003-08. Rescue drone (10) after one of Claims 1 to 10 , characterized in that the rescue drone (10) additionally comprises at least one further auxiliary device, which is transported by the rescue drone (10), wherein the auxiliary device is selected from an automatic or a semi-automatic defibrillator. System for rescuing drowning persons (100) comprising at least one rescue drone (10), at least one mobile device (112) and one central device (200), characterized in that the mobile device (112) is set up, the central device (200) wherein the location of a helping person (110) and / or the location of the drowning person (100) is communicated to the central facility (200) that the central facility (200) is arranged to have a rescue drone (10) in the Selecting proximity of the transmitted location, which transports a buoyancy aid (22), and an instruction to the selected rescue drone (10) to fly to this location, to convey that the rescue drone (10) is arranged to approach the transmitted location and after reaching the transmitted Location image data of the environment to capture and that the system is set up to evaluate the captured image data to gestures the he identifying person (110) and / or a position of the drowning person (100) and release the buoyancy aid (22) after reaching the drowning person (100). System after Claim 12 , characterized in that the rescue drone (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 11 is designed. Mobile device (112) for notifying a central device (200) about a drowning person (100), characterized in that the mobile device (112) is for use with the system of the Claim 12 or 13 is set up, and configured to determine the current location and to send this together with the notification to the central facility (200). A central device (200), characterized in that it is arranged to receive a location from a mobile device (112) and to select a rescue drone (10) in the vicinity of the transmitted location and that the central device (200) for use with the System of Claim 12 or 13 is set up.

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