Demonstrations of Post-disaster Resilient Communications and Decision-Support Platform With UAVs, Ground Teams and Vehicles Using Delay-Tolerant Information Networks on Sub-GHz Frequencies

Authors

G Abrajano, Ateneo de Manila University
C Favila, Ateneo Innovation Center, Ateneo de Manila University
Chiang-Yi Luo, Toyota Infotech Center, Japan
E Trono, Nara Institute of Science and Technology
D Lagazo, Ateneo Innovation Center, Ateneo de Manila University
Benjz Sevilla, Ateneo Innovation Center, Ateneo de Manila University
J Honrado, Ateneo Innovation Center, Ateneo de Manila University
Dominic B. Solpico, Ateneo Innovation Center, Ateneo de Manila University
Joshua Yu, Ateneo de Manila University
Kyle Chua, Ateneo de Manila University
John Paul A. Marmadlo, Ateneo de Manila University
Carlex Jose, Ateneo de Manila University
C J Yao, Ateneo de Manila University
J A dela Cruz, Ateneo de Manila University
Ellice Ancheta, Ateneo de Manila University
April Domingo, Ateneo de Manila University
J Ong, Ateneo de Manila University
Jynariz Datuin, Ateneo de Manila University
K Yasumoto, Nara Institute of Science and Technology
Nathaniel Joseph C. Libatique, Ateneo de Manila UniversityFollow
Gregory L. Tangonan, Ateneo Innovation Center, Ateneo de Manila UniversityFollow

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-2017

Abstract

We developed an approach to a resilient communications system for post-disaster situations that make use of cooperative missions involving multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), ground teams, and vehicle communication hubs (VHUB). In this paper, we will discuss how the communication system can operate even without relying on conventional communication networks such as the cellular network and Internet, which we assume may not be available in a post-disaster scenario, by using the concept of delay-tolerant networks (DTN). By using sub-GHz radio frequencies, we can also extend the range of transmission of responder nodes from several hundred meters to a few kilometers, allowing for the ground-to-ground and ground-to-sky communications. We will also discuss and demonstrate the components of the system and several applications on victim finding, rescue, and identification. Other key capabilities of the decision support node include mapping and visualization of disaster area and victim locations, information dissemination through ad-hoc broadcast messaging, and other disaster mobile kiosk applications. We envision the technical approach discussed in this paper to eventually be deployed in future post-disaster decision-support systems based on accurate situational awareness data. Maps, videos, and other post-disaster operational information will eventually be provided to partner organizations in an effective and timely manner.

Recommended Citation

Abrajano, G., Favila, C., Luo, C. Y., Trono, E., Lagazo, D., Sevilla, B., Honrado, J., Solpico, D., Yu, J., Chua, K., Mamaradlo, J., Jose, C., Yao, C. J., dela Cruz, J., Ancheta, E., Domingo, A., Ong, J., Datuin, J., Yasumoto, K., … Tangonan, G. (2017). Demonstrations of post-disaster resilient communications and decision-support platform with UAVs, ground teams and vehicles using delay-tolerant information networks on sub-GHz frequencies. 2017 IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference (GHTC), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1109/GHTC.2017.8239327