EAGER- Aerial Communication Infrastructure for Smart Emergency Response Poster.pdf

The objective of this proposal is to exploit an early concept of a flexible, low-cost, and drone-carried broadband long-distance communication infrastructure and investigates its capability for immediate smart-city application in emergency response. Three interconnected tasks include: 1) development of cyber-physical systems (CPS) technology that enables robust long-range drone-to-drone communication infrastructure; 2) practical drone system design and performance evaluation for WiFi provision; and 3) a systematic investigation of its capability to address smart-city emergency response needs, through both analysis and participation in fire-fighting exercises, as a case study.
We have achieved the following results 11/2015 to 10/2016.
1. Algorithm Design and Implementation We upgraded the directional antenna control algorithm so that it works when GPS is not available. Unstable GPS happens frequently during our testing. An effective algorithm that allows two antennas to quickly align with each other was simulated and successfully implemented in the drone prototype. We successfully retrieved received signal strength (RSS) information without additional hardware or introducing more computation burden to the controller. We also conducted extensive experimental study on identifying the factors that impact RSS, including distance, heading angle, and gain of antennae. This experimental study helped us to develop the RSSI model, which is used for robust heading control algorithm. Instead of relying purely on the GPS signal, the heading control utilizes RSS, tracking algorithms, and fusion algorithms to maintain connection on the move.
2. Hardware Design and Implementation We redesigned components/circuits of the drone-carried WiFi project to reduce signal disturbance and improve communication performance. We also made our system more compact. The original prototype was designed using simple microcontrollers. We also worked on FPGA implementation of the newest prototype for high performance. Switching of the whole design to FPGA can significantly improve the performance of the system. The Beaglebone implementation was also developed for extendibility of more complex algorithms. We also revised the prototype for specific emergency application needs per discussion with collaborative emergency professionals. For instance, infrared sensors were added according to the input from the conversation with the emergency response team of City of Denton.
3. Field Tests and Demonstrations We designed communication performance testing software, and conducted a large number of field tests. We successfully participated in two demonstration events in this time framework. In the first one, we successfully participated in the 2016 Full-Scale Disaster Exercise by City of Denton in May. This was a major training event planned over half an year, involving fire departments, hospitals, the Red Cross, and police. This year's exercise was the first time for the City of Denton to utilize drone technologies. We successfully deployed the drone
WiFi system to scan the disaster area and transmit real-time video and infrared stream to the officers in the control center. The drill demonstrated the capability of drone technology in support of mass search and rescue operations at the onset of the emergency. In the second one, we worked with Tarrant County Fire Service Training Center and demonstrated to Discovery Channel Canada on how drones assist emergency operations. We showcased three scenarios: 1) tracking victims flushed away in water, 2) fighting wildfire, and 3) assisting ground robot to check a criminal's condition in a car accident.
4. Other Outreach Activities We conducted multiple outreach activities, including the following: 1) Invited demonstration at Denton Public Safety Day, September 2016 Demonstrated at GCTC Expo, June 2016; 2) Invited demonstration in the 2016 Emergency Preparedness Summit invited by deputy district director, April 2016; 3) Demonstrated at Defense Innovation Challenge, December 2015; 4) Demonstrated at GCTC Expo, June 2016; 5) Demonstrated at SXSW, April 2016; 6) Involved high school students and undergraduate students in the project, supported by the Tech Titan of the Future - University Level Award issued by Metroplex Technology Association of North Texas, 2015-2016; 7) Accomplished two MOUs with Austin Fire Department and Tarrant County Fire Service Training Center, 2016. 8) Participated in regular meetings of the Air Quality Consortium in Dallas, 2016.