Project: Multi purpose human finder.
The CO goal is to develop a device, called the HumanFinder, as an aid to rescue teams trying to locate trapped victims in urban search and rescue operations. The HumanFinder is a sensor, incorporating the Novelda Nanoscale Impulse Radar chip, capable of detecting and determine the positioning of trapped victims. It is handheld, portable and easy to use in stressed situations._x000D__x000D_Each year, innocent human lives are lost in rubble or collapsed structures as a consequence of both natural and man-made disasters. In all cases, the sooner a living victim is located, the greater is the chance for survival. While speed is critical in locating victims, so is the reliability of the method of location. Chances for survival decreases while rescue workers fruitlessly are digging in the wrong place. There is a need for a fast, safe, and highly reliable device for early detection and positioning of trapped victims. The device must be cost effective, handheld and easy to use. _x000D__x000D_The unique features of the Novelda Novelda Nanoscale Impulse Radar chip combined with Cinsides expertise, opens up for developing a unique lifesaving rescue product which can fulfill the critical needs mentioned above. The product will use a phased array multi layer patch antenna with one radar chip per antenna element. The product will have an electronically positioned radar beam enabling the system to rapidly report an angle and a distance to the target. _x000D__x000D_The overall research challenge in this project is to realise the detection and positioning functions in a compact and cost effective solution. This requires new antenna solutions, improved radar electronics combined with advanced signal processing._x000D_ _x000D_We have in a previous study examined the feasibility of using modern concepts in antenna technology and signal processing. An expanded variant of one of these evaluated concepts is to be realised in this project. _x000D__x000D_The project consortium consists of Cinside AB, Novelda AS and FOI. To be successful we need a combination of the expertise of Cinside (with experience in system design and signal processing), the specialists of antenna design at FOI, and the state of the art electronics expertise from Novelda. _x000D__x000D_Cinside will be the project coordinator and responsible for overall system integration, system software and signal processing. Novelda will be responsible for the radar chip design and chip production. FOI will be responsible for antenna design and manufacture. Throughout the project, representatives from end-users will participate and give their inputs. The project will deliver a product; the HumanFinder._x000D__x000D_The product can be used in many market segments, but we have to focus on one or two segments to start with, preferably the fire and rescue services. There are 141 cities and 800 fire brigades in Sweden. There are at least 9.000 cities in Europe and USA. Many cities have more than one fire brigade and even more fire trucks. Even with a low market share it would be a realistic estimate to sell at least 10.000 units within five years. At a price of €2.000 per unit, this implies a revenue potential of 20 M€ only in this particularly market segment._x000D__x000D_In every city, there are also other user groups that could benefit from this product such as law enforcement _x000D_and security personnel for see-through-wall and surveillance applications. There is for example an expressed need for 24/7 area surveillance for critical infrastructure protection._x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D__x000D__x000D_
| Acronym | HumanFinder (Reference Number: 6155) |
| Duration | 01/01/2011 - 30/09/2013 |
| Project Topic | The CO goal is to develop a unique low cost, easy to use, portable, and power efficient device that can locate and classify humans in Search And Rescue operations. |
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Project Results (after finalisation) |
The focus of Novelda in the project was to realize a radar module for penetrating collapsed buildings after earthquakes etc. In total nine radar modules were combined with antennas to form the project prototype supporting phased array operation. In addition new knowledge on related aspects were introduced to the Ps. |
| Network | Eurostars |
| Call | Eurostars Cut-Off 5 |
Project partner
| Number | Name | Role | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Cinside AB | Coordinator | Sweden |
| 3 | FOI, Swedish Defence Research Agency | Partner | Sweden |
| 3 | Novelda AS | Partner | Norway |