Communications of the ACM
Detecting Human Life With Remote Technology
New technology developed by Flinders University engineering students can identify human survivors in disaster and war zones faster and more efficiently than previous techniques.
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Flinders University engineering students have developed new technology for detecting human life that they believe is faster and more efficient than published techniques. They say the technology could be used in disaster and war zones for rescue operations.
As part of their master's thesis project, Laith Al-Shimaysawee and Ali Al-Dabbagh developed an algorithm that utilizes both thermal and color cameras at various resolutions. The algorithm trains their system on samples, such as images of body shapes and poses the system uses to compare against and detect real-life casualties, that are independent of the camera in use, making it more versatile. The number of training samples used is small, which makes the system very fast and results in less comparing and processing.
Flinders' Nasser Asgari says the technology can be fitted to rescue robots to search for people trapped in collapsed buildings or unstable structures. In addition, he says the technology should help soldiers identify wounded people in a battlefield. Moreover, Asgari says the system is versatile enough to be used to develop a helmet or handheld device to assist emergency workers.
From Flinders University
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