HUMAN DETECTION SYSTEM IN EARTHQUAKE CONDITIONS

Abstract

Earthquakes are among the largest threats posed by natural disasters to both infrastructure and human lives. Efficient rescue operations after such disasters require accurate and immediate location of survivors trapped under collapsed buildings. The classical methods are usually time­consuming, as they involve manual searching and the use of dogs & heavy adverse conditions can also delay a rescue operation. To overcome these challenges, there is a need to utilize higher-powered human detection systems that improve survivor location efficiency. Recent technological advancements allow for the development of systems integrating multiple modalities that obtain more accurate and faster detection. Such an integration of systems contributes much to the success rate in rescue operations. This is a Human Detection System in Earthquake Conditions that makes use of an mm Wave sensor integrated with an ESP32 microcontroller for real-time data processing which uses a web server to control the rover and see the detection and depth status. The system uses a rover that is controlled by an L298N motor driver module which holds a I2V geared motor and PVC pipes that make the movement of the rover possible. Besides detection of the presence of a human, the system is enhanced with an ability to measure distance (depth) to the detected human. This provides valuable information regarding his location under the rubble. The capability of both detection and measurement at depth would also improve the accuracy of rescue operations and provide real-time actionable data to the rescue teams.

Specification

DESCRIPTION:
The project, Human Detection System in Earthquake Conditions is designed to identify and locate individuals trapped under collapsed structures. This system integrates an ESP32 microcontroller with an mm Wave sensor to detect human presence and measure depth, providing this valuable data for targeted rescue operations in disaster scenarios. The sensor and control unit are mounted on a six-wheeled rover driven by high-torque motors, controlled through an L298 motor driver, allowing it to navigate through debris and uneven terrain. Remote operation is made possible via a web server, where real-time detection status is displayed, enabling responders to monitor from a safe distance. The rover's flexible design enables enhanced responsiveness and adaptability in complex rescue environments, giving it a versatile edge in emergency applications.
FIELD OF INVENTION:
The present invention relates to a Human Detection System in Earthquake conditions, particularly using mm Wave sensor technology, a rover and Internet of Things (IoT) integration to enhance search and rescue efforts in collapsed structures after earthquakes. Traditional search and rescue operations, such as manual searches and using dogs are often slow, dangerous and hindered by the debris and unstable conditions of collapsed buildings. These methods are inefficient, as they rely on human intervention and physical searching, which can delay the identification and rescue of trapped individuals. The current invention addresses these limitations by utilizing rover and automated detection technology. In this invention, a robotic rover equipped with an ESP32 microcontroller is deployed to traverse the debris, carrying an mm Wave sensor to detect the presence of survivors under rubble. The mm Wave sensor offers an advantage over traditional sensors by being able to detect through walls and solid obstacles, even identifying human presence through non-line-of-sight conditions. The sensor is capable of determining the depth or distance of detected individuals, enabling rescuers to prioritize their efforts based on the urgency of the situation. This method reduces the time spent searching, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of rescue teams. The rover is powered by 12V geared motors controlled by an L298N motor driver, enabling the rover to maneuver over rough terrain, such as debris-filled environments, tight spaces and areas that are difficult for human rescuers to access. The system provides enhanced mobility and ensures that the rover can operate autonomously without


requiring direct human involvement in hazardous conditions. The robotic rover is designed to be agile and stable, making it suitable for real-time navigation in disaster zones where precision and reliability are crucial. Furthermore, the system is integrated with loT-based communication technology, allowing real-time data sharing with the rescue team via a web server. The web interface allows operators to control the rover's movement and monitor the detection status from a safe distance, ensuring that human rescuers are not put at risk during operations. This communication mechanism provides timely updates, streamlining rescue efforts and improving coordination between teams on the ground. The use of IoT also enables remote monitoring and diagnostics, ensuring that the system is functional throughout the operation. The system's design is modular and adaptable, offering flexibility for integration with additional sensors. With these capabilities, the invention offers a comprehensive solution to improve rescue operations by providing better situational awareness, faster response times and more accurate identification of survivors in post-earthquake scenarios. This innovation in integrating sensor technology and IoT integration is designed to significantly improve the speed, accuracy, and safety of earthquake rescue operations, ensuring that more lives can be saved in the critical hours following a disaster.
By automating the search and rescue process, the system minimizes human exposure to dangerous environments, reduces operational costs and helps disaster response teams make informed decisions more efficiently.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION:
In recent years, the need for more advanced and efficient systems for search and rescue operations in the aftermath of natural disasters, particularly earthquakes have become increasingly evident.
Earthquakes, by their very nature, are unpredictable and can result in devastating damage to infrastructure and human life. After the occurrence of an earthquake, the most critical aspect of disaster response is locating and rescuing survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings and debris. The speed and accuracy of rescue efforts significantly influence the survival rates of victims and traditional rescue methods, while valuable, often face significant limitations in complex disaster environments. Rescue teams typically rely on manual searching and the assistance of trained rescue dogs to locate survivors. However, these methods have several shortcomings, including slow progress in difficult to reach areas, the risk to the safety of the rescuers and an inability to detect survivors who are trapped beneath heavy rubble or other obstacles. Moreover, traditional methods often require the direct physical presence of rescuers in dangerous environments, which may increase the risk of further injuries or casualties.
Technological advancements in the field of rescue operations have led to the exploration of


alternative solutions that can enhance the efficiency of human detection in post-earthquake scenarios. These technologies aim to overcome the limitations of manual and canine-based methods by providing more accurate and faster detection capabilities. Recent developments in sensor technology, robotics and remote communication systems have all contributed to the evolution of systems that can autonomously search for and detect survivors. These systems can navigate hazardous environments, detect human presence through obstacles and relay crucial information to rescue teams in real-time. One of the major challenges in search and rescue operations is the need to detect survivors who may be hidden beneath layers of debris, walls or collapsed structures. Traditional human detection methods, such as thermal imaging can be effective in some scenarios but struggle to detect survivors who are not exposed to heat sources or who are blocked by physical barriers. In contrast, more advanced systems that combine sensing technologies and mobile platforms have shown significant promise in detecting survivors in complex environments, even though obstacles like rubble or structural collapse. Moreover, another critical factor that enhances the efficiency of search and rescue operations is the ability to deploy systems that are mobile and capable of navigating complex terrains autonomously. As disaster areas are often unstable and difficult to access, systems that can traverse rugged, debris- filled environments with ease provide a distinct advantage. Such systems not only increase the overall coverage of the rescue operation but also reduce the physical risks faced by human rescuers. The demand for technology-driven solutions has led to the development of integrated systems that combine sensing technologies, mobility and real-time communication capabilities.
These systems are designed to operate in environments where traditional methods fall short, providing critical assistance in detecting survivors, guiding rescue teams and ultimately saving lives. Incorporating advancements in autonomous navigation, sensor fusion and communication protocols, these systems are a significant step forward in modernizing search and rescue operations. By allowing for the safe and efficient detection of survivors in challenging conditions, these technologies are poised to greatly improve the overall success and efficiency of rescue missions in earthquake and other disaster scenarios. The invention described herein addresses these critical needs by providing a solution that can significantly enhance the effectiveness of search and rescue operations in post-earthquake environments. The integration of mobile platforms with advanced detection capabilities ensures that rescue teams can locate survivors faster and more accurately, ultimately saving more lives and improving the overall success rate of disaster response efforts.


OBJECTIVES:
The objective of this project is to design a Human Detection System that enhances earthquake search-and-rescue operations by integrating advanced detection, mobility and communication capabilities. This system aims to:
1. Increase Detection Precision and Depth Measurement: Utilize a depth-capable mm Wave sensor integrated with an ESP32 microcontroller to accurately locate survivors under debris and determine their distance. This data will allow rescue teams to prioritize and optimize their efforts effectively.
2. Enhance Accessibility and Maneuverability: Incorporate a rover with ruggedized motors, enabling it to reach inaccessible or hazardous areas within collapsed structures where human rescuers cannot safely go.
3. Enable Real-Time Data Communication: By Implementing Wi-Fi connectivity for real-time data transmission to a centralized interface. This feature will allow rescue teams to remotely monitor survivor locations, improving situational awareness and team coordination throughout rescue operations.
This project's objective is to create a reliable and adaptable system that significantly improves the speed, safety and success rate of locating survivors in earthquake-affected areas.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT:
The proposed invention, Human Detection System in Earthquake Conditions is a state-of-the-art solution designed to enhance search and rescue missions in the aftermath of natural disasters such as earthquakes. The system integrates advanced technologies including mm Wave sensor, rover, and IoT-based communication to address the inefficiencies and dangers associated with traditional rescue methods. This innovative system streamlines rescue efforts by automating the detection of trapped individuals, prioritizing their rescue based on real-time data and reducing the risks faced by human responders. At the core of the system is an ESP32 microcontroller, which serves as the central processing unit, managing sensor data, motor controls and communication protocols. The mm Wave sensor, a pivotal component of the system, detects human presence beneath rubble and estimates the depth or distance to the trapped individuals. Unlike traditional sensors, the mm Wave sensor offers superior performance by penetrating debris and walls,


making it capable of detecting survivors in non-line-of-sight conditions. This ability to gather precise detection data in challenging environments significantly improves the speed and accuracy of rescue operations. The detection system is mounted on a six-wheeled rover, designed for mobility and adaptability in disaster zones. The rover is powered by 12V geared motors, providing sufficient torque to navigate through uneven and debris-laden terrains. These motors are controlled by an L298N motor driver, which ensures precise movement and stability of the rover. The design includes high-torque capabilities, enabling the rover to traverse over obstacles and reach areas inaccessible to human rescuers. This robust mobility is crucial in navigating the unpredictable and hazardous conditions of collapsed structures. One of the standout features of the system is its IoT-based communication mechanism, which facilitates remote monitoring and control. The ESP32 is configured to host a web server, enabling rescue operators to access real­time detection data and control the rover from a safe distance. The web interface displays vital information, such as the presence and depth of detected individuals, ensuring that rescue efforts can be prioritized efficiently. This remote operation capability minimizes human exposure to dangerous environments while allowing precise navigation of the rover to critical areas. The rover's design is modular and scalable, allowing for easy integration of additional sensors and tools. This flexibility ensures that the system can be tailored to specific rescue scenarios, making it a versatile tool for disaster response teams. The rover is powered by a reliable 12V battery, ensuring continuous operation during prolonged rescue missions. The system's innovative design overcomes the limitations of traditional methods, such as manual searches or the use of search dogs, which are often slow and hindered by debris and unsafe conditions. By automating the search process, the system not only increases the speed and accuracy of detection but also reduces the physical and psychological burden on rescue teams. The ability to remotely operate the system further ensures that rescuers remain safe while gaining valuable situational awareness in real time.
The mm Wave sensor's capability to measure depth adds another critical layer of functionality, enabling rescue teams to understand the severity and complexity of the entrapment. This information helps in resource allocation and decision-making, ensuring that high-priority cases are addressed promptly. Additionally, the system's data logging feature allows for the collection of valuable information that can be used to analyze and improve future rescue operations. The entire system is designed with disaster response in mind, ensuring durability, reliability and ease of deployment. The rover's six-wheeled design provides enhanced stability and traction, allowing it to operate effectively on unstable and uneven surfaces. The components, including the motors, sensors and esp microcontroller are housed in a sturdy yet lightweight chassis, ensuring that the system remains operational in harsh conditions. In summary, this Human Detection System in


Earthquake conditions combines the latest advancements in sensor & rover technology with IoT to deliver a comprehensive solution for post-disaster search and rescue missions. By automating the detection and monitoring process, the system significantly reduces the time required to locate survivors, increases the accuracy of rescue operations and minimizes risks to human responders.
Its modular and adaptable design ensures that it can be customized for various applications, making it a valuable asset in disaster management. This innovation has the potential to save countless lives by enabling faster, safer and more effective rescue operations.
SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT:
This project enhances a Human Detection System for earthquake rescue operations through three key customizations:
1. Human detection & Depth Detection with mmWave Sensor: The system integrates a mm Wave sensor connected to an ESP32 microcontroller, allowing it to accurately locate survivors under rubble and determine their distance. This feature provides rescue teams with human detection status, critical depth information, enabling faster, more focused rescue efforts.
2. Enhanced the Safety: This mobility allows the system to access areas that are hazardous or unreachable for human rescuers, extending the detection range in complex rescue environments which is equipped with an L298N motor driver and 12V geared motors, the rover platform can traverse debris and confined spaces typical of collapsed buildings.
3. Real-Time Communication: With added Wi-Fi (ESP32) modules, the system supports real time data transmission to a central interface i.e. web server. Rescue teams can remotely monitor live updates on survivor detection, enhancing coordination and response effectiveness in challenging post-disaster conditions.

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