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UAV-Assisted Maritime Search and Rescue: A Holistic Approach

Martin Messmer, Benjamin Kiefer, Leon Amadeus Varga, Andreas Zell

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in maritime search and rescue (mSAR) missions, focusing on medium-sized fixed-wing drones and quadcopters. We address the challenges and limitations inherent in operating some of the different classes of UAVs, particularly in search operations. Our research includes the development of a comprehensive software framework designed to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of SAR operations. This framework combines preliminary detection onboard UAVs with advanced object detection at ground stations, aiming to reduce visual strain and improve decision-making for operators. It will be made publicly available upon publication. We conduct experiments to evaluate various Region of Interest (RoI) proposal methods, especially by imposing simulated limited bandwidth on them, an important consideration when flying remote or offshore operations. This forces the algorithm to prioritize some predictions over others.

UAV-Assisted Maritime Search and Rescue: A Holistic Approach

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in maritime search and rescue (mSAR) missions, focusing on medium-sized fixed-wing drones and quadcopters. We address the challenges and limitations inherent in operating some of the different classes of UAVs, particularly in search operations. Our research includes the development of a comprehensive software framework designed to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of SAR operations. This framework combines preliminary detection onboard UAVs with advanced object detection at ground stations, aiming to reduce visual strain and improve decision-making for operators. It will be made publicly available upon publication. We conduct experiments to evaluate various Region of Interest (RoI) proposal methods, especially by imposing simulated limited bandwidth on them, an important consideration when flying remote or offshore operations. This forces the algorithm to prioritize some predictions over others.
Paper Structure (5 sections, 3 equations, 9 figures, 1 table)

This paper contains 5 sections, 3 equations, 9 figures, 1 table.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Choosing the Right Drone for mSAR Missions
  3. Software Solution for SAR Drones
  4. Experiments
  5. Conclusion

Figures (9)

  • Figure 1: The maritime surface is captured by the drone and then, together with the preliminary detections (RoIs) transmitted to a GPU server on the ground. This then performs fine-grained detection on the RoIs and displays the whole scene to the SAR operator.
  • Figure 2: DJI Matrice 210
  • Figure 3: Quantum Systems Trininty F90+
  • Figure 4: ElevonX SkyEye Sierra VTOL
  • Figure 5: Example footage from the GUI of the ground station software.
  • ...and 4 more figures