Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Team Members
Ashmit Karki(A8)
Nitin Pant(A22)
Ravi Pandey(B28)
Lalitpur, Nepal
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of premature death globally, particularly
in low- and middle-income countries where healthcare infrastructure is often inadequate
to manage the growing incidence of SCA. This report introduces a novel solution to
address the pressing issue of SCA in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.
Integrating an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
(UAV) and a mobile application, the proposed medical drone system aims to reduce
response times and significantly improve SCA patients' outcomes. The heart of this
solution lies in the designing of an AED, a portable electronic device adept at diagnosing
life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. This synergy with a UAV offers an unprecedented
advantage by drastically slashing response times, thus elevating survival odds for SCA
patients. The mobile application further bridges the gap, allowing real-time tracking of
patients' locations and facilitating seamless communication between users and the
medical system. In addition to its technical prowess, the initiative addresses education
and awareness through a dedicated website, sharing valuable insights on heart health.
Abbreviations
ECG Electrocardiogram
1.1 Background
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major global health concern, causing over 17.9 million
deaths annually. In Nepal, CVD is recognized as a significant health problem, but data on
its incidence and prevalence is lacking due to a lack of recording systems [2]. The World
Health Organization (WHO) reports that CVD accounts for 12.26% of total deaths in
Nepal as of 2020 [3]. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a common cause of CVD deaths,
resulting in over 300,000 fatalities in Europe and the United States [4]. The rate of
survival from SCA is low, typically around 5-10%, but can increase to 50% or higher if a
person is treated with an automated external defibrillator (AED) within 3-4 minutes of
cardiac arrest [5]. Time is a critical factor in SCA survival, as the chance of survival
decreases by 10% for every minute that defibrillation is delayed [6].
However, the response time of ambulances can be slow, particularly in urban areas like
Kathmandu where the average response time is 27 minutes [7]. This can make it
challenging to provide life-saving medical assistance to SCA patients promptly.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have the potential to play a significant role in
providing fast and efficient emergency medical services, including delivering medical
devices like AEDs [8]. This project proposed to design a medical drone system along
with an AED to be delivered at the SCA patient site quickly and efficiently. The drone is
designed to carry a payload of up to 2.5 kg, with the AED taking up 2.5 kg of this load
and the remaining weight allocated to the drone itself. The design of the drone considers
an aluminum frame and components selected to handle a total load of 5 kg.
The proposed AED includes a charging circuit to provide high voltage for charging a
capacitor, a biphasic h-bridge discharge circuit, electrocardiogram (ECG) and
Transthoracic Impedance (TTI) sensors and a microcontroller that controls the overall
functioning of the device. AED device is designed to provide an electrical shock through
the chest to restore normal heart rhythm and contractile function in the event of SCA [9].
The ECG is used to measure the ECG of the patient, and a machine learning algorithm is
employed to identify shockable and non-shockable ECG waveforms. Moreover, a mobile
application using Android Studio is also being designed. The app is used to track the
location of the patient and communicate with our server and includes information on the
patient's age, sex, weight, and a video manual on how to operate the AED device. The
website was built using Html, and CSS which provides project information and includes
blogs about SCA, AED, and healthy heart lifestyles.
2. Drone is faster than Ambulance: Cities having good access to roads are also facing
the problems like traffic, poor condition of the road which takes long time for ambulance
to arrive, drones can fly on straight w to which the arrival of drone to a place is almost
four time than ambulance which gives faster services to the people at emergency. Many
studies of simulated OHCA have compared the time to drone AED delivery versus
ground EMS AED delivery and suggest that drones may improve AED delivery times to
the scene of an OHCA. One study in Sweden found that drones traveling 80 km/hr.
arrived earlier than ground EMS in all OHCA cases, with a median reduction in response
time of 18 min and 39 s. (ciencedirect.com/science /article /pii/ S26665
20422001473#:~:text=Time%20saving%20compared%20to%20ground&text=In
%20another%20Canadian%20simulation%20study,4.4%20min%20faster%20than
%20EMS.)
4. Need of AED for SCA patient: During SCA patient survival rate decreased by 10%
with every minute delay in providing defibrillation [6]. So, the timely response with AED
is critical for saving life.
5. Lack of awareness about AED and CPR: General people lack knowledge in
identifying and understanding in response to SCA and uses of CPR and AED. People
can’t decide whether it is a heart attack or a cardiac arrest. Giving CPR can prolong the
survival chance before the arrival of an AED. Even the medical nurses in Nepal have lack
of knowledge on CPR and AED.
1.2 Objectives
To develop and deploy a comprehensive emergency response system that utilizes a drone,
an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), an Android application, and a website.
The literature review chapter is split into 3 parts: Automatic External Defibrillator
(AED), a medical drone, and an android application, webpage, The part one deals with
the designing, components and working of AED, along with the study of heart, its
structure and physiology, heart problems like sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) etc. and the
second part is related with medical drone, its principles, design, and components. The
final part of the literature review chapter focuses on the design and development of the
android application, webpage and machine learning techniques associated with the AED
and medical drone system. This part explores the integration of modern technology to
enhance the overall functionality and usability of the system. It discusses the design
principles, user interface considerations, and features of the android application, which
allows users to remotely monitor and control the medical drone and AED operations.
Additionally, the webpage component is examined, highlighting its role in providing real-
time data visualization, tracking, and communication capabilities. Different ML
techniques used for classification of shockable wave are discussed. The review covers
relevant research and developments in the field of mobile applications and web
development, and ML ensuring the seamless integration of these components with the
AED and medical drone system.
AED is a medical device that in layman term, resets the rhythm of the heart of a person
with ventricular fibrillation. This section examines the structure of the heart, behavior of
heart signals, the main issues that lead to cardiac arrest and irregular heartbeats, as well
as the usage, design, and functioning of AEDs for patients experiencing cardiac arrest.
The heart is a vital organ positioned within the chest cavity above the diaphragm which
plays a crucial role in circulating blood throughout the body. Deoxygenated blood from
various body parts is collected by the heart, which then propels it to the lungs for
oxygenation, and subsequently distributes the oxygen-rich blood to different areas. The
heart's significance is evident by the fact that while one can function without certain
organs, such as the spleen or a kidney, survival is impossible without a heart. citation
The heart comprises of specialized muscle tissue known as cardiac muscle or
myocardium, that makes the heart contract involuntarily. Similar to skeletal muscles, it
exhibits a striped appearance due to alternating myosin and actin filaments [Citation 18].
When a cardiac muscle cell contracts, actin filaments move toward myosin filaments,
causing the cell to contract. Intercalated discs link cardiac muscle cells and consist of
transverse and lateral portions. The transverse part provides adhesion and transmits
contractile force, while the lateral portion, known as a gap junction, facilitates the transfer
of electrical impulses between cells [Citation 18].
The heart is divided into four chambers: the upper right and left atria, and the lower right
and left ventricles, separated by the interventricular septum. The right atrium gathers
deoxygenated blood from the body, which is then pushed to the right ventricle for
transport to the lungs for oxygenation. The oxygenated blood returns to the left atrium,
and from there, it enters the left ventricle, which pumps it to all parts of the body. Atria
and ventricles are separated by valves (bicuspid/tricuspid), ensuring one-way blood flow.
The heart is enclosed by the pericardium, its outer protective layer. The orchestration of
these chambers, valves, and vessels enables the heart to perform its vital role in
maintaining circulation [Citation 16].
The heart's electrical system comprises nodes and specialized cells known as hearts
natural pacemaker that initiate and coordinate the heart muscle's contractions, resulting in
the pumping of blood. It is located in the upper wall of the right atrium, just above where
the superior vena cava enters.
Purkinje Fibers: These fibers form a network that rapidly spreads the
electrical impulse throughout the ventricles. This prompts ventricular
contraction (ventricular systole), causing blood to move from the ventricles to
their respective arteries.
Figure 2 Electrical activity of heart.
1.3.3 Electrocardiogram
The Electrocardiogram (ECG), also known as EKG, is a test that examines the heart's
electrical activity. This information is shown as a graph displaying different phases of the
electrical signal as it travels through the heart. The ECG signal offers an overview of the
heart's activity and consists of five distinct waves.
The first wave, called the P wave, results from the spread of depolarization throughout
the atria. This is closely followed by atrial contraction, which is seen as a slight rise in the
atrial pressure curve immediately after the P wave. Approximately 0.16 seconds after the
P wave's start, the QRS wave emerges. This is due to the electrical depolarization of the
ventricles, prompting their contraction and initiating the rise of ventricular pressure.
Subsequently, the T wave follows, resulting from the repolarization of the ventricles.
1.3.4 The Normal Cardiac Rhythm and Abnormal Heart Rhythms
The normal rhythm of the heart, also known as sinus rhythm, originates from the sinus
node, which is the heart's natural pacemaker. Heart muscle cells, called myocytes, have
electrical activity and generate an action potential that triggers their contraction through a
process called excitation-contraction coupling. These myocytes are connected via protein
channels called gap junctions. When one myocyte experiences an action potential, it
generates a flow of current to adjacent myocytes, causing them to also undergo action
potentials. This sequence creates an activation wavefront that spreads through the heart
muscle, leading to a coordinated wave of contraction [22]. According to the American
Heart Association (AHA), a normal heart rate typically falls between 60 to 100 bpm [5].
On the other hand, abnormal heart rhythms, termed arrhythmias, deviate from the regular
pattern of heartbeats. These irregular heartbeats stem from disruptions in the heart's
electrical system [23]. The irregularities in electrical activity often result from
disturbances like electrical short circuits, often linked to heart conditions such as high
blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, sleep apnea, smoking, and heart valve issues [24].
Shortness of breath
Feelings of anxiety
Urgency to urinate.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a condition where the heart suddenly stops beating
without warning. This happens due to a malfunction in the heart's electrical system,
disrupting its normal pumping function and halting the flow of blood to vital organs like
the brain and lungs. Within moments, the person loses consciousness, and their pulse is
no longer detectable. Without prompt intervention within a few minutes, the chances of
survival are very slim [14].
The following signs and symptoms are to be checked to recognize if someone suffers
from SCA:
Lack of Pulse: The person won't have a detectable pulse, meaning there is no
noticeable heartbeat.
It's important to be aware of these signs and act quickly in case of suspected SCA, as
timely intervention significantly improves the chances of saving a person's life.
1.3.6 Preventive Measures for Cardiac Arrest
In the event of suspecting someone has experienced a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), there
are critical steps to take to enhance their chances of survival.
Seek Immediate Help: Quickly call for an ambulance and, if available, locate
the nearest Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
These preventive actions hold the potential to save lives and can make a substantial
difference in the outcome of sudden cardiac arrest situations.
While often used interchangeably, there are distinct differences between a heart attack
and sudden cardiac arrest:
A heart attack occurs due to a blockage in the blood supply to the heart
muscle, usually caused by a clot in a coronary artery. This blockage hampers
blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart muscle.
b. Patient Condition
A person having a heart attack is usually conscious and breathing. They may
experience chest pain, discomfort, and other symptoms.
c. Intervention
An AED is not used to reset the heart in a heart attack scenario. Medical
treatment may involve medications, interventions to open blocked arteries,
and lifestyle changes.
d. Survival Urgency
The survival rate drops by around 10% for each minute that passes during SCA
without intervention. Immediate CPR and AED application significantly enhance
survival chances.
While prompt medical attention is crucial for a heart attack, the timeline is not as
critical as in SCA.
Understanding these differences can aid in recognizing the nature of the medical
emergency and facilitating the appropriate response for saving lives.
1.3.8 Importance of defibrillation for SCA patients
The significance of a defibrillator for patients experiencing Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)
is paramount. During SCA, the heart abruptly stops beating, leading to reduced blood
flow to vital organs and a potential risk of death. Rapid use of a defibrillator is crucial as
it swiftly restores the heart's rhythm, protecting essential organs like the brain from
irreversible damage. The immediate action of a defibrillator greatly enhances the chances
of survival, particularly since SCA's survivability diminishes rapidly with each passing
minute. Automatic external defibrillators are user-friendly and accessible in public
spaces, making them effective tools for bystanders or first responders to initiate critical
treatment. As SCA is a global concern causing numerous deaths, defibrillators play a
pivotal role in preventing irreversible consequences and creating heart-safe environments,
ultimately making a significant impact on public health.
The American Heart Association (AHA) offers guidelines for addressing Sudden Cardiac
Arrest (SCA) through defibrillation and CPR, outlining two distinct procedures:
Notably, data from 2005 reveals that the effectiveness of healthcare providers' CPR
efforts resulted in survival rates ranging from 51% to 76% of the total time [18]. These
AHA guidelines play a crucial role in standardizing response procedures for SCA and
contribute to enhancing survival rates during critical cardiac events.
1.3.10 Defibrillator
Monophasic Waveform:
The biphasic waveform, on the other hand, delivers shocks in two vectors. All biphasic
waveforms have lower current compared to monophasic defibrillators. This method
delivers two sequential, lower energy shocks, ranging from 120J to 200J, with each shock
moving in opposite polarity. Biphasic waveforms exhibit a significantly higher shock
success rate of around 95% in converting ventricular fibrillation.
Manual Mode Defibrillators: These defibrillators use round metal plates that
come into direct contact with the heart muscle. They deliver a shock through
paddles placed directly on the heart. This method requires medical
professionals to operate the defibrillator and administer the shock manually
[32].
1899: The first defibrillator was invented by Jean-Louis Prevost and Frédéric Batalli.
They experimented on dogs and found that small electrical shock induces ventricular
fibrillation, and that a larger current can restore it.
3. 1980s: The first AED prototype was introduced by Dr. Michel Mirowski and his
colleagues. These early AEDs were relatively large and required significant technical
expertise to operate.
4. 1990s: Technological advancements led to the development of more compact and user-
friendly AEDs. Professor James Francis "Frank" Pentridge is known as the father of
modern AED. Prof. Pentridge developed the first portable defibrillator. His first
model operated from battery of car [41].
5. 1996: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first public-access
AED for over-the-counter sale. This marked a significant step towards making AEDs
more widely available to the public.
6. Early 2000s: AEDs continued to evolve with improvements in size, portability, and
ease of use. They became increasingly common in public places, including airports,
sports facilities, and schools.
7. 2002: Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) programs gained traction, promoting the
placement of AEDs in easily accessible locations and training individuals in their use.
These efforts aimed to increase survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest.
8. 2003: The American Heart Association (AHA) updated its guidelines to include the
recommendation for public access defibrillation and the use of AEDs by laypersons.
10. Present and Future: AEDs are now widely recognized as essential tools for improving
survival rates in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. Ongoing developments focus on further
simplifying operation, enhancing diagnostic capabilities, and improving overall
effectiveness.
Throughout this chronological development, AEDs have become more accessible and
user-friendly, allowing individuals with minimal medical training to effectively respond
to sudden cardiac arrest emergencies. As technology continues to advance, AEDs are
expected to play an even more critical role in saving lives and improving outcomes for
cardiac arrest patients.
The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a very important device for helping
people with heart problems, especially when they suddenly stop breathing. It has different
parts that work together to save lives. One important part is the sensor, which can sense
the heart's signals and other things in the body. This information helps the AED know
what's happening with the heart and decide the best action.
The AED also has a special storage unit called a capacitor. It stores a burst of energy that
is needed to fix the heart's rhythm. There's a clever system that charges the capacitor and
releases the energy in a special way to help the heart get back to its normal beat. And to
keep everything running, there's a special battery that provides power when it's needed
the most.
The boss that coordinates all these parts is called the microcontroller. It makes sure
everything works together smoothly and can even understand the heart's rhythm. By
making all these parts work better, we're aiming to make the AED even more effective in
saving lives when there's an emergency with the heart.
Electrodes: Electrodes are small sticky pads placed on the person's chest. They are
connected to the AED and help the device monitor the heart's electrical signals. These
signals give important information about the heart's rhythm and guide the AED in
determining whether a shock is needed.
Sensors: Sensors are like the AED's eyes and ears. They detect the person's heart rhythm
and analyze it to figure out if there's a problem. These sensors can detect irregular
heartbeats and other abnormalities, which is crucial for the AED to decide the best course
of action.
Batteries: Batteries provide the power needed to run the AED. During an emergency, the
AED needs to deliver a shock to the heart, and the batteries supply the energy for that.
Having reliable and fully charged batteries ensures that the AED is ready to use whenever
it's needed.
Software Algorithms: Algorithms are like smart instructions that tell the AED what to
do based on the information it gathers from the sensors. These algorithms help the AED
decide whether a shock is necessary and when it should be delivered. They are
programmed to make quick and accurate decisions in critical moments.
All these components work together seamlessly to make the AED functional. The
electrodes and sensors gather information about the person's heart, the software
algorithms analyze that information, and if needed, the AED uses the energy from the
batteries to deliver a controlled shock to restore the heart's normal rhythm. This
combination of technology and teamwork makes the AED a life-saving device during
cardiac emergencies.
AED pads play a crucial role in the treatment of sudden cardiac arrest, serving as
essential components of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). These
multifunctional electrode pads, also known as self-adhesive electrodes, are affixed to the
victim's bare chest. Once positioned accurately, they enable the AED to monitor the
patient's heart rhythm and determine whether a shock is necessary. AED pads establish a
vital connection between the AED and the individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
Typically, these pads are larger in size, ranging between 10-13 cm. They fulfill multiple
functions, including measuring the patient's ECG, assessing impedance, and delivering
the required electrical current. Ensuring good pad contact with the skin surface and using
an appropriate pad size is crucial to minimize impedance and maximize the effective
current delivered to the heart [43].
The latest American Heart Association guideline describes two ways of AED pads
placement [45]:
Antero apical: One pad is placed at right of sternum just below clavicle and
another at left V6 position at mid auxiliary line below breast.
Anteroposterior: the anterior pad is placed over the apex of heart and
posterior is placed on back at intracapsular region.
Figure 9 AED pads position
Algorithm:
The basic working algorithm for most of the AED’s follow following steps:
5. Open the AED pads and attach the pads to the victim's chest. A hard lump on
the victim's chest may indicate an implanted pacemaker. Do not place an
AED pad over the lump. Remove any medication patch that is on the chest.
6. Instruct all bystanders to move away while the AED analyzes the victim's
rhythm. DO NOT TOUCH the victim during this analysis. If you get a
message to check the pads, press on each pad to ensure the pads are making
full contact. Occasionally, you may have to apply a new set of pads.
7. If the AED detects a shockable rhythm, it will verbally tell you to not touch
the victim. The AED will advise you to deliver a shock. Ensure that no one is
in contact with the victim. Press the Shock button.
8. If the AED does NOT detect a shockable rhythm, it will tell you to resume
CPR.
9. After performing CPR for 2 minutes, the AED will advise you to stop CPR
and will analyze the rhythm again.
Flowchart:
Microcontroller Unit (MCU): The MCU acts as the brain of the AED. It actively
processes the ECG data, analyzes heart rhythms, and makes informed treatment decisions
based on predefined algorithms.
Sensing and Detection Circuitry: This circuitry actively evaluates the quality of ECG
signals received from the electrodes. It actively filters out noise and artifacts to ensure
accurate rhythm analysis.
Charging Circuit: When a shockable rhythm is detected, the AED actively accumulates
energy from the battery and stores it in a capacitor. This prepares the energy for discharge
to deliver a controlled electric shock to the heart.
Discharge Circuit: The discharge circuit actively releases the stored energy from the
capacitor in a controlled manner. It actively ensures that the shock is accurately timed and
delivered at the appropriate energy level.
User Interface: The AED actively provides a user-friendly interface that guides the
operator throughout the process. It actively offers visual and auditory prompts for
electrode placement, shock delivery, and CPR instructions.
Feedback and Display: Some AEDs actively feature displays that show the patient's
heart rhythm, prompts for electrode placement, and shock delivery progress. These
displays actively provide real-time feedback to the operator.
Speaker and Voice Prompts: AEDs often actively include a speaker to deliver voice
prompts and instructions to the operator. This active feature guides the user through the
entire resuscitation process.
Figure 11 Block diagram of AED
The high voltage board within the AED system serves a pivotal role in delivering the
requisite electrical energy essential for defibrillation. Operating at elevated voltages,
typically ranging from several hundred to a few thousand volts, this component is
analogous to a powerhouse, generating the potent electrical output needed for life-saving
interventions.
Comprising integral components such as the charging circuit, capacitor, and discharge
circuit, the high voltage board orchestrates a sophisticated process. The charging circuit
ensures the gradual accumulation of electrical energy within the capacitor, akin to filling
a reservoir to a precise level. The capacitor, functioning as a reservoir, stores this energy
until needed. When an abnormal heart rhythm is detected by the AED, the discharge
circuit comes into play, methodically releasing the stored energy in a controlled manner.
This controlled release enables the administration of a well-calibrated shock to the heart,
with the aim of restoring its normal rhythm and function.
Inherent to the design of the high voltage board is a stringent focus on safety. Isolation
and insulation measures are systematically integrated to safeguard both the patient and
the operator from potential risks associated with the high voltage operations of the AED
system. Comparable to wearing protective gear in hazardous environments, these
safeguards are fundamental to the responsible use of this critical medical device.
In the quest for effectively charging capacitors to high voltages, thoughtful design is
crucial. A central consideration lies in how we control the charging process. This control
profoundly impacts both the circuit's efficiency and its overall performance. This
becomes particularly important due to the risks associated with handling high voltages.
The design's precision control ensures safe operation.
Moreover, the circuit's physical size matters. Keeping it compact is key, especially where
space is limited. This adaptability to different scenarios underscores the design's
practicality. Striking a balance between meticulous control and compactness is vital for
creating a successful capacitor charging solution. Find a citation
Flyback Charging Circuit: The flyback charging circuit stands as a specialized type of
switched-mode power supply (SMPS) that harnesses a transformer for energy storage and
transfer. This circuit operates by storing energy within the transformer during the
charging phase and subsequently releasing it to the capacitor during discharge. This
design facilitates efficient energy transfer and effective voltage regulation. Its notable
attributes have led to its frequent utilization in AED charging circuits, primarily due to its
capacity to manage high voltages and establish galvanic isolation between input and
output components [23].
Inverter and Multiplier Charging Circuit: The inverter and multiplier charging circuit
serves as a strategic solution for achieving high-voltage capacitors in various
applications, including the context of AED design. This circuit design involves a two-fold
process that efficiently elevates input voltage to the desired high level.
Firstly, the circuit employs an inverter circuit, which transforms the incoming DC (direct
current) voltage into an AC (alternating current) waveform. This AC waveform is then
subjected to voltage multiplication through specialized components known as voltage
multipliers. These multipliers, often based on principles like the Cockcroft-Walton or
Greinacher circuits, take advantage of capacitors and diodes to effectively amplify the
voltage.
Here's how it works: The AC waveform generated by the inverter is passed through a
sequence of capacitors and diodes in the multiplier circuit. These components alternate
between charging and discharging, effectively accumulating voltage across the
capacitors. As the AC waveform continues to oscillate, the voltage across the capacitors
continues to accumulate in a cumulative manner. This iterative process results in a
significant increase in voltage, ultimately reaching the desired high level.
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are life-saving devices that can be used to
shock a person's heart back into a normal rhythm if they are experiencing a cardiac arrest.
AEDs are becoming increasingly common in public places, such as schools, businesses,
and sports stadiums.
There is a growing body of evidence that AED deployment can improve survival rates
from cardiac arrest. A systematic review and meta-analysis by Chan et al. (2018) found
that public access defibrillation programs were associated with a 25% increase in survival
to hospital discharge. The study also found that the greatest benefit was seen in programs
that deployed AEDs in high-traffic areas and that had high rates of bystander use.
Another study, by Nehme et al. (2019), found that AED availability in public spaces was
associated with a 21% increase in survival to hospital discharge and a 15% increase in
survival with good functional outcome. The study also found that the greatest benefit was
seen in people who experienced a cardiac arrest in a public space with high bystander
CPR rates.
The Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians (JACEP) study reviewed
the literature on AED deployment strategies and found that there is no one-size-fits-all
approach. The best deployment strategy will vary depending on the specific needs of the
community. However, the study found that some key factors that should be considered
include:
The study also found that it is important to have a plan for how AEDs will be deployed
and used in an emergency. This plan should include a list of designated AED operators, as
well as instructions on how to access and use the AEDs.
The study by J. Sanfridsson et.al. confirms that using drones to deliver AEDs in
emergencies is safe and effective. Bystanders quickly applied the AED upon the drone's
arrival, finding it easier than CPR or using a phone. This approach reduced delays and
holds potential for improving cardiac emergency responses.
These studies suggest that AED deployment can be an effective strategy for improving
survival rates from cardiac arrest. However, it is important to note that AEDs are only
effective if they are used quickly. The longer the time to defibrillation, the lower the
chance of survival. Therefore, it is important to have AEDs easily accessible in time and
to train people in how to use them.
AED training and public awareness campaigns are important strategies for improving
survival rates from cardiac arrest. Bystanders who are trained in CPR and AED use are
more likely to use an AED in an emergency, and public awareness campaigns can help to
educate people about the importance of AEDs and how to use them.
The study by Brooks et al. (2017) found that a mass media campaign and point-of-
decision prompt intervention were effective in increasing AED use and bystander
response in cases of unwitnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The campaign included
television, radio, and print ads, as well as point-of-decision prompts at AED locations.
The prompt intervention consisted of a sign that said, "Call 911 and Use AED" and a QR
code that linked to a website with information about CPR and AED use.
The study by Shuvy et al. (2018) found that CPR and AED training was effective in
increasing laypersons' willingness and ability to use AEDs during emergencies. The study
included a systematic review of 19 studies that evaluated the effectiveness of CPR and
AED training on laypersons' behavior. The review found that training was effective in
increasing laypersons' willingness to use an AED and their ability to use an AED
correctly.
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are life-saving devices that can be used to
shock a person's heart back into a normal rhythm. However, for AEDs to be effective,
they must be used quickly and correctly. The user interface (UI) and ergonomics of an
AED can have a significant impact on its usability and effectiveness.
A well-designed UI is essential for ensuring that AEDs can be used by people with
varying levels of medical knowledge. The UI should be clear and concise, with simple
instructions that are easy to understand even in a stressful situation. The UI should also
provide visual and auditory feedback to guide the user through the defibrillation process.
The ergonomics of an AED are also important for ensuring that the device can be used
quickly and correctly. The AED should be lightweight and portable, making it easy to
transport to the scene of an emergency. The AED should also be easy to hold and use,
with large buttons and controls that are easy to reach.
Several studies have shown that well-designed UIs and ergonomic AEDs can lead to
increased bystander use of AEDs and improved patient outcomes. For example, a study
by Aarabi et al. (2018) found that AEDs with clear and concise instructions were more
likely to be used by bystanders, and that these AEDs were also associated with better
patient outcomes.
AEDs have played a critical role in saving lives in a variety of settings, including
airports, sports events, public spaces, schools, and cruise ships. Here are a few real-world
examples:
In 2019, during a soccer match in Denmark, a young goalkeeper collapsed on the field
due to cardiac arrest. The quick action of the referee, who retrieved an AED from the
sidelines, and the effective use of the device by a spectator helped revive the player. The
AED's timely intervention played a crucial role in the player's survival.
In 2015, a man collapsed and went into cardiac arrest at a Las Vegas casino. Security
personnel were trained to use AEDs and quickly retrieved one. They followed the
device's instructions and administered shocks, successfully reviving the man before
paramedics arrived. The incident highlighted the importance of training staff in public
places to use AEDs.
In 2018, a high school basketball coach in Illinois collapsed during practice due to
cardiac arrest. The school's athletic trainer, who was trained in CPR and AED use,
immediately grabbed the nearest AED and delivered shocks, successfully resuscitating
the coach. The presence of the AED and the quick response of the trained personnel were
crucial in saving the coach's life.
In 2016, a passenger on a cruise ship sailing in the Caribbean experienced sudden cardiac
arrest. The ship's medical team responded swiftly, using an AED to deliver shocks and
performing CPR. The combination of AED use and medical intervention helped stabilize
the passenger until the ship could reach a port with advanced medical facilities.
In 2020, a man in Australia collapsed while exercising at a gym. Gym staff used an AED
to deliver shocks and perform CPR until paramedics arrived. The AED's automated
guidance and the staff's quick actions contributed to the successful resuscitation of the
individual.
These are just a few examples of how AEDs have been used to save lives. The timely use
of AEDs, often by individuals with varying levels of medical training, has demonstrated
the devices' effectiveness in increasing survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest victims.
The literature review on medical drones encompasses several key areas. Firstly, it
explores the history of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and their evolution,
highlighting their transition from military applications to diverse civilian sectors.
Secondly, it delves into the medical applications of drones, examining studies and
initiatives that have utilized drones for emergency medical transportation, aerial
surveillance in disaster areas, and delivery of medical supplies to remote or inaccessible
regions. Furthermore, the review discusses the operational principles of medical drones,
including their flight capabilities, payload capacities, and navigation systems. It also
addresses the regulatory and legal frameworks surrounding medical drone operations,
emphasizing safety measures, risk management, and compliance with aviation authorities'
guidelines and regulations.
Over time, drones transitioned from primarily military applications, such as anti-aircraft
target practice and information gathering, to a wide range of civilian sectors. Today,
drones find applications in delivery services, search and rescue operations, surveillance
missions, traffic monitoring, weather forecasting, and even filmmaking, agriculture, and
healthcare. Companies like Google and Amazon are investing in drone technology to
revolutionize the delivery of goods through aerial transportation [24], [25]. The drone by
amazon also known as Amazon Prime Air, is estimated to deliver the orders within 30
minutes within 10 miles of distance [1]. According to recent studies, UAVs are also being
increasingly utilized in emergency management and medical delivery systems [26]. The
commercial market size of UAVs has witnessed a substantial growth from 2010 to
present, and this trend is expected to continue up to 2025. Figure 8 displays the growth
rate in terms of commercial drone sales and revenue generation worldwide. Notably,
there is a significant spike in UAV communication observed from 2012 onwards,
indicating an increased adoption and utilization of drones across various industries [27].
This trend highlights the growing significance of drones in the commercial market,
including their potential impact in the medical field.
Drones have emerged as a promising technology in the medical field, offering numerous
benefits for both emergency and non-emergency situations. As drones become more
reliable and cost-effective, healthcare providers are leveraging them to connect with
patients remotely and transport medical supplies. Medical drones play a crucial role in the
entire medical supply chain, enabling the transfer of materials between doctors' offices,
clinics, patients, lab partners, and waste disposal facilities. They are extensively used in
epidemiology for disease surveillance, disaster sites, and biological hazard monitoring
[28]. Telecommunication drones are particularly valuable in remote locations, facilitating
telemonitoring, perioperative evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. These drones have the
potential to transport medications, vaccines, emergency medical equipment, laboratory
samples, and more. Notably, Zipline drones are already being utilized to deliver essential
medical supplies, including blood, lab samples, medicines, and test kits [29].
A drone system, also known as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system, encompasses a
combination of technologies and components that enable the operation of unmanned
aircraft for various applications. These systems consist of the drone itself, which is
equipped with sensors, cameras, and other payloads, along with a ground control station
(GCS) that allows operators to communicate, control, and monitor the UAV's flight.
[Reference: Smith, J. A. (2020). Advances in Drone Technology. Springer International
Publishing.]
The drone system consists of communication unit, Flight control unit and a driving
unit. Communication unit consists of Ground controller system. This system develops
communication to drones and automatically deploys the drone to the targeted location
based on latitude and longitude. Remote Control (RC) Transmitter is also used to
control drone flight in cases of emergency where the deployed location has difficult
geography or bad weather conditions for ground control system to control.
The flight control unit (FCU) is the central component in a drone's control system
that manages and regulates the flight by using information from sensors such as
accelerometers and gyroscopes, processing this information using microprocessors,
and executing commands through actuators such as motors and control surfaces. The
FCU also communicates with other components, implements safety features, and plays
a critical role in ensuring the stability and safe operation of the drone.
The driving unit in a drone refers to the motors and propellers that generate the thrust
required for flight. The flight control unit (FCU) sends signals to the driving unit to
control the speed and direction of the motors, which in turn adjusts the speed and pitch
of the propellers to generate the desired amount of thrust. The driving unit is a crucial
component of a drone as it provides the means for the drone to fly and maneuver in the
air [31].
Multi-Rotor Drones: Multi-rotor drones are the most common and recognizable type of
drones. They have multiple rotors (usually four to eight) that provide vertical lift and
control. Quadcopters (four rotors) and hex copters (six rotors) are common examples.
They are agile, easy to maneuver, and can hover in place. Multi-rotor drones are widely
used for various applications, such as aerial photography, surveillance, and recreational
flying.
Fixed-Wing Drones: Fixed-wing drones resemble traditional airplanes with wings that
provide lift. Unlike multi-rotors, they require forward motion to generate lift and
maintain flight. Fixed-wing drones are known for their longer flight endurance and ability
to cover larger areas in a single flight. They are commonly used for mapping, agricultural
monitoring, and surveillance tasks.
Single Rotor Helicopter Drones: These drones have a single large rotor and a tail rotor
for stability and control. Similar in design to traditional helicopters, they can take off and
land vertically and are capable of hovering in place. Single rotor helicopter drones offer
better stability in certain conditions and can be used for tasks that require precise
maneuvering and hovering, such as search and rescue missions or industrial inspections.
Fixed-Wing Hybrid VTOL Drones: VTOL stands for Vertical Take-Off and Landing.
Fixed-wing hybrid VTOL drones combine features of both fixed-wing and multi-rotor
drones. They can take off and land vertically like multi-rotors, but once in the air, they
can transition into a more efficient fixed-wing flight mode. This allows them to cover
longer distances and achieve greater endurance compared to traditional multi-rotor
drones. These drones are suitable for applications that require both the agility of a multi-
rotor and the efficiency of a fixed wing, such as mapping large areas or conducting
surveys.
The drone structure is designed to withstand all sorts of stress that it undergoes during its
flight operation. The stress acting on drones are:
• Tension stress: the tension is the force which causes a stretch in its structure
due to thrust and drags acting on the drone.
• Shear stress: shear stress acts on the bolts, and fasteners that hold the drone
components together.
• Torsion stress: torsion is stress produced due to the twisting effect.
Designing and creating aircraft and drones heavily relies on the principles of fluid
dynamics, specifically aerodynamics, which govern how air behaves around these
vehicles. This subject encompasses the fundamental understanding of how lift, thrust, and
drag operate in the context of aircraft. Lift, for instance, involves generating an upward
force to counteract gravity. Thrust, on the other hand, propels the vehicle forward, while
drag opposes the thrust. The behavior of air passing over an airfoil or wing is influenced
by factors like pressure, viscosity, and the shape of the profile. This results in a complex
flow pattern around the cross-section of the airfoil or propeller, creating a pressure
differential that produces the upward force known as lift.
Bernoulli's principle, a cornerstone of fluid dynamics, states that the total energy within a
fluid remains constant along its path. As air moves over an airfoil, the velocity of the
airflow increases on the upper side, leading to decreased air pressure. Conversely, the air
velocity decreases, and pressure rises on the bottom side of the blade. This pressure
difference contributes to the creation of lift, an upward force vital for aircraft and drones
to counteract their weight. The design of these vehicles considers the inclination of the
propeller, which directly influences the magnitude of the lift force generated. By rotating
rapidly, drone rotors push air downward according to Newton's Third Law, which in turn
propels the rotor upward, generating lift. This intricate interplay of forces and principles
guides the aerodynamic design and operation of aircraft and drones, ensuring their
successful flight.
Based on the motion between four propellers, drone movement can be divided into four
categories: throttle, pitch, roll and yaw.
Roll: Rolling motion pertains to the drone's lateral movement around its longitudinal
axis. Accelerating the two right propellers leads the drone to shift to the left. Conversely,
activating the two left propellers at a higher speed prompts the drone to move to the right.
Yaw: Yawing involves the drone's rotation around its vertical axis, either to the left or
right. A counterclockwise rotation occurs when the two right diagonal propellers
accelerate. Similarly, an anticlockwise rotation happens when the two left diagonal
propellers increase their speed.
As a drone takes flight, it encounters a variety of forces that shape its movement through
the air. These forces collectively determine the drone's overall motion and behavior,
influencing its flight dynamics. The key forces that impact a drone's flight are as follows:
Weight: Weight is the force exerted on the drone due to its mass and gravity. It always
acts downward and requires a corresponding upward force (lift) to keep the drone
airborne. The drone's weight is determined by its mass and the acceleration due to
gravity.
Lift: Lift is the upward force that opposes the drone's weight and allows it to rise against
gravity. This force is generated by pressure differences on the drone's surfaces, especially
its propeller blades. Lift is essential for counteracting gravity and achieving flight.
Thrust: Thrust is the force responsible for propelling the drone forward in the direction
of its motion. It is produced by the drone's propellers and their rotation. While hovering,
thrust is directed vertically. To achieve forward or backward motion, the thrust is angled
accordingly by adjusting the speed of specific propellers.
Drag: Drag is the resistance force that acts against the drone's forward motion, slowing it
down. It results from the interaction of the drone with the surrounding air and is
influenced by factors such as air viscosity and pressure differences. Drone designs are
optimized to minimize drag and improve overall aerodynamic efficiency.
These forces collectively influence the drone's flight behavior and dynamics. Proper
management of these forces is crucial for achieving stable and controlled flight, allowing
the drone to perform a range of maneuvers and tasks effectively.
Each propeller on a drone generates thrust perpendicular to its rotation plane, with the
magnitude of thrust directly proportional to the square of the propeller's angular velocity.
This relationship is represented by the equation Fi = kf × ωi^2.
In addition to thrust, each motor has to overcome drag, resulting in a drag moment M,
expressed as M = Km × ω^2.
To ensure stable flight, every motor needs to produce roughly one-fourth of its weight in
thrust for a quadcopter configuration. Plotting Wo = ¼ mg yields the operating speed ω0,
which also generates torque denoted as τ. The motor's selection is based on its ability to
generate the necessary torque to counteract this torque. By using the weight, the
fundamental operating speed for each rotor can be determined, providing insights into the
torque required for each motor.
The relation between motor speed and thrust produce is shown in the given curve.
Weight of the drone (mg) equals the sum of thrust generated by all four propellers:
Mg = F1 + F2 + F3 + F4.
During rise or fall motion (throttle up), the following conditions apply:
- Rise conditions: If the weight (mg) is less than the combined thrust of all propellers
- Fall conditions: If the weight (mg) is greater than the combined thrust of all propellers
Frame: The drone's frame serves as its foundation and protective structure. Different
configurations, such as quadcopters, Tri copters, hex copters, etc., offer varying numbers
of arms and motors. Materials like plastic, carbon fiber, PCB, and aluminum are
commonly used for durability. Carbon fiber, although more expensive, stands out for its
strength and lightweight characteristics.
Motors: Motors are responsible for propeller rotation and generating thrust for flight.
Efficient motors enhance flight duration and battery life. Maintaining consistent thrust
ratings across all motors ensures stability. Larger motors with lower kV ratings generally
provide more reliable and efficient performance compared to smaller motors with higher
kV ratings.
Electronic Speed Controller (ESC): ESCs regulate motor speed and direction through
connections with the flight controller, motor, and battery. A power distribution board
allocates primary battery power to different components and terminals. ESCs manage
current consumption while delivering appropriate voltage.
Flight Controller: The drone's "brain," the flight controller houses microprocessors,
sensors, and I/O pins essential for UAV operation. Various sensors collect data on height
(barometer), speed, direction (compass), and more. Gyroscopes and accelerometers
ensure stability during flight.
Sensors: The selection and integration of sensors and accessories are crucial
considerations that greatly influence the drone's capabilities and functionality. Sensors
such as GPS, gyroscope, accelerometer, and barometer play a pivotal role in providing
essential data for tasks like stabilization, navigation, altitude control, and orientation.
These sensors enable precise positioning, accurate flight path planning, and reliable
altitude maintenance.
By strategically integrating these components, sensors and accessories, drone designs can
be tailored to specific applications, ensuring that the resulting aerial platforms are
versatile, efficient, and equipped to meet a diverse range of needs.
When deploying drones, a key challenge involves solving the problem of path planning.
Different algorithms are used to help drones choose the best path to their destination in
the shortest time possible. Path planning algorithms are grouped into various categories,
each with its own distinct characteristics and approaches [62]. Here are some of them:
Graph Search Algorithm: This algorithm enables the drone to move between two
points, such as from Point A to Point B, within a given area. It finds the most direct and
viable path to connect these two points, making it a foundational method in path
planning.
Biologically Inspired Path Planning: This algorithm is particularly useful when the
landscape is constantly changing. Inspired by nature, it adapts to real-time changes in the
environment, allowing the drone to navigate through environments that undergo
unpredictable alterations.
1.5 Android application, web designing and machine learning
Materials and methodology
This chapter presents a detailed overview of the materials, equipment, and methodology
employed in this study. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of
the experimental setup, data collection procedures, and analytical techniques used to
investigate the integration of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) with a medical
drone. The selection and description of materials, including the AED device, drone
components, sensors, and communication systems, are outlined. Additionally, the
methodology employed for data acquisition, processing, and analysis is discussed in
detail. By delineating the materials and methodology, this chapter establishes the
foundation for the subsequent chapters, facilitating a clear and systematic presentation of
the research findings and outcomes.
1.6 Materials
Drone Chassis: The drone's chassis material is a crucial determinant of its performance
and durability. Aluminum has been chosen for its strength and lightweight properties,
ensuring optimal design. It provides structural support, withstands flight forces, and
offers corrosion resistance for longevity. Moreover, aluminum proves cost-effective
compared to carbon fiber, enhancing the drone's maneuverability, efficiency, and payload
capacity.
BLDC motor: Brushless DC motors (BLDC motors) flip the fields at the appropriate
moment using a non-contact method, like an optical encoder, allowing the motor to spin
constantly in the same direction. BLDC motors offer a longer lifespan and minimal
maintenance needs because there is no friction. As it is intended for long-endurance
multicopper, we are using Sunnysky V4014 330kv for this project. During flight, these
motors operate at their highest level of efficiency and deliver enough torque at low rpm.
To reduce weight and increase thrust-to-weight ratio, the caps of V motors have been
heavily hollow-cut to achieve a maximum thrust of 3900g. The motor weighs 166g.
Weight 166g
Diameter 44.7mm
Length 30.5mm
Lipo cell 6s
ESC 30-40A
Electronic Speed Controller: ESC is mainly used to offer power and high frequency to
the UAV motors. The main function of ESC’s is it converts Direct Current (DC) to 3-
phase Alternate Current (AC) and is also used for alternating the motors speed. The
ESC's function is to serve as a controlling intermediary between the battery and the
electric motor. By sending timed electric signals that are converted into changes in speed,
it regulates the motor's spin. To run brushless motors, brushless ESC systems essentially
produce three-phase AC power, much like a variable frequency drive. For this, we have
selected the x-rotor 40A esc, which works with several flight-control systems and
supports signals up to 621Hz in frequency. High performance and excellent current
endurance are brought by MOSFET’s exceedingly low resistance. The twisted-pair design
of the throttle signal cable effectively reduces the crosstalk produced in signal
transmission and makes flight more stable. It has a special core program for multi-rotor
controllers which greatly improves throttle response. It weighs 30g and provides 40/60A
of cont./peak current.
Figure 23 X-rotor 40 Amp ESC
Input 2-65lipa
Size 68 25 8.7 mm
Weight 26g
Propeller: Devices that convert rotary motion into linear propulsion are called propellers.
By spinning and generating an airflow, drone propellers lift the drone by creating a
differential in pressure between the top and bottom surfaces of the propeller. We
implement an EOLO carbon fiber reinforced nylon propeller for this since it produces a
comparable amount of thrust while being highly efficient and quiet. It balances
dynamically while flying with the least amount of vibration. Its airfoil provides a high lift
to drag ratio. It weighs 21 g and is comprised of a carbon fiber and nylon composite.
Figure 24 Propeller
Size 15 5.5
Weight 21g
AD8232 ECG sensor: The AD8232 is a commonly used ECG sensor integrated circuit
that provides accurate and reliable ECG signal acquisition. It is designed to amplify and
filter the weak electrical signals generated by the heart, making it suitable for various
ECG monitoring applications. The AD8232 offers low power consumption, adjustable
gain settings, and built-in noise reduction features. It can be easily interfaced with
microcontrollers or other data acquisition systems, allowing for real-time ECG signal
processing and analysis. It is a 3-lead ECG sensor that provides analog ECG output
which is easily available in the market. That makes it an ideal choice for ECG sensor for
AED.
Figure 26 AD8232 ECG sensor
The Raspberry Pi Pico: The Raspberry Pi Pico is a microcontroller board that features
the RP2040 microcontroller chip, which is based on the Arm Cortex-M0+ architecture.
The Pico offers a wide range of I/O pins, including digital GPIO pins, analog inputs,
UART, SPI, I2C, and PWM, making it versatile for various project requirements. It can
be programmed using Micro Python or C/C++ programming languages, providing
flexibility for developers. With its compact size and affordable price, the Raspberry Pi
Pico is a popular choice for prototyping and developing embedded systems. The Pico
controller is a small microcontroller board that makes it the ideal choice. The use of
micro python helps to apply ML algorithms more easily.
1.6.3 Software’s
Mission Planner: Mission Planner is a ground control station (GCS) software that is
used with Pixhawk flight controllers. It provides a user-friendly interface for
configuring, planning, and monitoring autonomous missions for drones. Mission
Planner offers a wide range of features to interact with Pixhawk flight controllers. It
allows us to configure flight parameters, calibrate sensors, set up failsafe options, and
perform pre-flight checks. Additionally, it provides a mission planning interface for
creating autonomous flight plans, defining waypoints, setting actions at specific
locations, and enabling complex mission behavior. Mission Planner serves as a ground
control station, providing real-time telemetry data from the Pixhawk flight controller. It
displays critical flight information such as altitude, speed, battery voltage, GPS
position, sensor readings, and more. We can monitor and control the drone's flight
status, change flight modes, and take manual control if necessary. Mission Planner
simplifies the configuration process for Pixhawk flight controllers. It allows us to set
up the hardware parameters, sensor calibration, radio control, motor/ESC
configuration, and other settings required for your specific drone setup. The software
provides a comprehensive interface to access and modify various parameters within the
Pixhawk flight controller. We have done the configuration set up of Pixhawk using
mission planner.
Figure 27 Mission Planner Interface
Visual Studio Code (VS Code): Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a widely used
software for webpage development. It offers a user-friendly interface and a range of
features that enhance productivity, including syntax highlighting, autocompletion, and
integrated terminal. With its extensive library of extensions, developers can customize
their workflow and integrate with popular web technologies like HTML, CSS, and
JavaScript. VS Code's real-time preview and debugging capabilities make it a convenient
choice for designing and building webpages efficiently.
Dart: Dart is the programming language used with Flutter. It's known for its simplicity
and efficiency, making it well-suited for developing mobile applications. Dart offers
features like strong typing, asynchronous programming, and a hot-reload capability that
helps developers see changes immediately.
SMS Manager: The SMS Manager is a built-in Android feature that allows apps to send
SMS messages programmatically. In the application, the SMS Manager is utilized to send
emergency messages containing the user's location (latitude and longitude) to pre-defined
emergency contacts.
Geolocator Plugin: The Geolocator plugin is a Flutter package that provides access to
the device's geolocation services. It enables the application to determine the user's current
location by providing latitude and longitude coordinates. This information is crucial for
accurate location sharing during emergencies.
Android Studio: Android Studio is the integrated development environment (IDE) used
for Flutter app development. It offers a variety of tools, including code editing,
debugging, testing, and emulator support. Android Studio streamlines the development
process by providing an environment tailored for Flutter projects.
1.7 Methodology
1.7.1 Overview
This project aims to develop a comprehensive system for responding to Sudden Cardiac
Arrest (SCA) cases by utilizing a drone equipped with an Automated External
Defibrillator (AED), along with a mobile application and website for effective control
and management. The project focuses on providing a swift response to SCA incidents by
leveraging the capabilities of the medical drone. The mobile application and website
enable seamless sharing of patient location data, facilitating the prompt dispatch of the
drone to the scene. The integration of the user-friendly AED into the drone ensures that
even non-medical personnel can use it effectively. The drone's autonomous deployment,
controlled by the ground control system, adds to the efficiency of the system. The
ultimate goal of this project is to improve survival rates for SCA patients by combining
the capabilities of the drone, AED, mobile application, and website to enable rapid and
efficient emergency response.
Figure 28 Overall system block diagram
Certainly, here's a more detailed explanation of each phase in the development of the
Android application:
1. Requirement Analysis:
In this phase, we thoroughly analyzed the requirements for our mobile application. User
story mapping allowed us to visually map out user interactions and prioritize features. We
used the MoSCoW method (Must have, should have, could have, Won't have) to
categorize and prioritize functionalities. Creating user personas helped us empathize with
our target audience, leading to a design that met their needs and expectations.
2. Technology Selection:
The process of selecting the right technology stack was essential. After evaluating various
cross-platform frameworks, we chose Flutter for its advantages in creating natively
compiled applications for both Android and iOS platforms. This choice facilitated
efficient development and reduced the need for platform-specific code. We conducted
plugin research within the Flutter ecosystem to find suitable options for integrating
geolocation sharing, SMS sending, and designing the user interface.
3. System Design:
Designing the architecture of the application was the next step. We opted for the Model-
View-View Model (MVVM) architectural pattern to ensure a clear separation of concerns
between the different components. The database schema design was supported by
creating entity-relationship diagrams, which helped visualize the relationships between
different data entities. Wireframing and interactive prototyping were employed to craft a
user-friendly interface that accurately reflected the app's layout and user flow.
4. Implementation:
The implementation phase involved translating the design into functional code. We
integrated the geolocation plugin by configuring permissions, accuracy settings, and real-
time updates for location sharing. The SMS Manager API was seamlessly integrated,
allowing the app to send SMS messages while implementing robust error handling and
permission requests. For the AED/CPR instruction module, Flutter's animation and media
capabilities were utilized to create clear and interactive step-by-step guidance for users.
5. Testing:
Testing was a critical phase to ensure the app's functionality and reliability. We conducted
unit tests to validate individual methods and functions, ensuring that they produced the
expected results. Integration testing was carried out to confirm seamless communication
between different components. User scenario testing allowed us to simulate real-world
usage scenarios, uncovering any potential glitches, performance issues, or usability
concerns that needed addressing.
6. Deployment:
The final step involved deploying the application to the intended platforms. We used
Flutter's build tools to generate platform-specific builds – APK files for Android and IPA
files for iOS. These builds underwent thorough testing to ensure they functioned as
intended and maintained a consistent user experience across platforms. Following the
submission guidelines of the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, we successfully
released the app to the public, making it available for users to download and use.
The very first step in building a quadcopter is selecting a chassis or also called frame.
Drone frames are the very foundation of drone that keeps everything in place, like the
motors, propellers, FSU, and all that other gear. 3D model of drone was developed using
SolidWorks. SolidWorks is a powerful 3D CAD software that is used for designing drone
frames and structure for this project. Figure 3. shows the 3D design model of the
proposed drone chassis. The software provides advanced modeling capabilities, including
the creation of complex shapes, assemblies, and 3D models. The frame was designed
according to the system requirements. The system requirements and calculations are
provided in Appendix A.
Figure 30 Design of drone frame in solid works. a) arm b) overall design c) bottom plate
The model is designed to generate around 2800g thrust by each motor and our system
requirement is about (2200-2300) gm. This model consists of a 770mm quadcopter
frame in which we can keep around (15-17) inch propeller that can generate required
thrust in medium power consumption.
Chassis fabrication involves building the frame or body structure that holds and supports
the various components of the drone, such as motors, propellers, electronics, and payload.
It involves cutting, shaping, bending, and joining metal or other suitable materials to
create a sturdy and functional chassis. The fabrication process for the drone frame
involves several steps to ensure the construction of a sturdy and durable structure. Firstly,
the designed 3D model of the drone frame was analyzed taking into consideration the
desired dimensions, weight, and aerodynamic properties. Once the design is finalized, the
frame material, in this case, aluminum, was selected for its lightweight and strength
properties. The aluminum sheets were cut into the required shape and size using
aluminum cutting tools such as saws or CNC machines. The cut aluminum pieces were
then prepared for assembly by drilling holes and using other appropriate methods for
joining them together. The frame components are assembled using screws, bolts, or other
fastening mechanisms, ensuring tight and secure connections. Additionally, reinforcement
techniques such as gussets or braces are incorporated to strengthen critical areas of the
frame. Once the frame is fully assembled, it undergoes quality checks and inspections to
ensure proper alignment, structural integrity, and overall quality.
After the assembly of the chassis, additional components like motor mounts, landing
gear, and battery compartments were attached. The installation process for other drone
components involved several steps to ensure proper integration and functionality. Firstly,
the flight controller was mounted onto the frame. It was securely attached using screws.
The electronic speed controllers (ESCs) were connected to the flight controller, and the
motors were attached to the corresponding ESCs. Wiring connections were made between
the flight controllers, ESCs, and motors, following the specified wiring diagrams. The
power distribution board was installed to distribute power from the battery to the various
components. The radio receiver was connected to the flight controller, enabling remote
control of the drone. Each component was carefully connected and secured in its
designated location, ensuring proper alignment and cable management. Once all the
components were installed, a thorough functional test was conducted to verify proper
operation and communication between the components. This installation process ensured
the successful integration of the various drone components, resulting in a fully
operational and functional drone.
The setup procedure using Mission Planner involved several steps to configure and
calibrate the drone for mission planning and autonomous flight. Firstly, the Mission
Planner software was downloaded and installed on a computer. The drone was connected
to the computer via a USB cable. In Mission Planner, the appropriate COM port was
selected to establish a connection with the drone's flight controller. Next, the initial
configuration was performed, including setting up the flight modes, transmitter setup, and
radio calibration. The parameters related to the drone's performance, such as throttle,
yaw, and pitch, were adjusted to ensure smooth and stable flight. Additionally, the GPS
module was configured, and the compass calibration was carried out to enable accurate
positioning and heading information. The accelerometer and gyro calibration were
performed to ensure precise attitude control. Once the initial setup was completed, the
mission planning feature in Mission Planner was utilized to define waypoints, set flight
paths, and plan autonomous missions. The setup procedure in Mission Planner allowed
for comprehensive configuration and customization of the drone's settings, enabling
efficient mission planning and autonomous flight operations. The screenshot of mission
planner setup procedure is provided in Appendix II.
Testing of payload capacity: The payload capacity of a drone, which refers to the
maximum weight it can carry in addition to its own weight, is a crucial factor that
impacts the drone's functionality and applications. Testing the payload capacity of a drone
is important to ensure safe and efficient operation when carrying additional load. Drones
with sufficient payload capacity can cover larger areas in a single flight. A drone with a
well-balanced payload can maintain stability and flight performance, ensuring smooth
and controlled flights even when carrying additional weight. A higher payload capacity
allows the drone to carry a wider range of equipment and sensors, making it versatile for
various applications.
We did payload capacity testing by taking load of 1kg first with which drone flight was
successful and normal. For the second time we increased the load by 1kg which was also
successful. On further increasing load and when we placed 2.5 kg of total, it was
observed that drone was unable to take flight with that load.
Testing of flight time: Testing the flight time of a drone is essential to understand how
long the drone can stay airborne on a single battery charge. Flight time is influenced by
various factors, including battery capacity, weight, weather conditions, and flying style.
Flight time can be affected by weather conditions such as wind speed and temperature.
Testing in different conditions can provide a broader understanding of real-world flight
time. Flight time can also be influenced by the condition of the battery. Over time,
batteries can degrade, leading to shorter flight times. Flight time testing provides valuable
information about drone's capabilities, but it's just one aspect of performance.
We did flight time testing by placing batteries with different capacities with varying
loads. First, we kept a 1 kg constant load and varied the capacity of batteries from 4200-
10000mAH. Then we varied the load by 1kg next time and by 0.5 kg finally.
GPS accuracy testing: The GPS accuracy of a drone refers to how closely its reported
position (latitude, longitude, and altitude) matches its actual physical location. Testing the
GPS accuracy of a drone is crucial to ensure precise navigation, location tracking, and
reliable performance. GPS accuracy is particularly important for tasks such as
autonomous flight and waypoint-based flight. PS accuracy can vary based on factors such
as satellite signal strength, interference, and atmospheric conditions. Buildings, trees,
mountains, and other obstacles can block or reflect GPS signals, leading to reduced
accuracy. Flying in open areas with clear line of sight to the sky improves accuracy.
Magnetic interference from metallic objects, such as bridges or large structures, can
affect the drone's compass and subsequently its GPS accuracy. PS accuracy requires a
combination of proper hardware, software settings, environmental conditions, and pilot
technique.
We conducted GPS testing on the drone, analyzing its accuracy across diverse locations.
Average accuracy was within a few meters, aligning with standard consumer-grade
performance. Signal strength and satellite visibility impacted results. Further tests with
enhanced signal correction methods could potentially yield more precise outcomes.
The charging circuit is responsible for storing energy in a capacitor or capacitors, which
will be used to deliver the defibrillation shock. This circuit must be able to charge the
capacitors quickly and accurately to ensure that the defibrillation shock is delivered at the
correct energy level. The desired energy level for the defibrillator is 100J to 300J. We
studied and worked on various charging circuits to obtain the high voltage current. The
simulation studies are conducted on these circuits using various simulation software like
Proteus, and LTspice. The two different circuit designs for charging circuits are:
B. Flyback Topology
In the inverter circuit, the 12V DC supply is passed through the two transistors in a push-
pull configuration for AC output. Whenever the transistor T1 is supplied with the voltage,
the transistor T2 is off. When the transistor T1 reaches the saturation region the T1 is cut
off and the T2 is ON. Now, when T2 is On the T1 is in the OFF state, after T2 reaches the
saturation region, T2 is now In OFF state and T1 is now in ON state. In this way,
transistors switch rapidly for energy transfer. One transistor conducts current during the
positive half of the input voltage, the other during the negative half.
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Thus, the transistor switching creates AC output. And hence the doubled output power
increases efficiency. It is the most common way or method for DC to AC conversion. We
designed the circuit using the TTI2500 transistor. And 12-0-12 2Amp step up transformer.
The problem with the above circuit is that for the multiplier circuit for high voltage, we
need high-frequency AC, but the above circuit only generates 50 Hz AC at output R7.
Therefore, a new model is designed using multivariate IC. 555 IC or CD4047BCM can
be used to generate the square wave of a desired frequency. By changing the value of
POT RV1 we can set the frequency of switching. Also, MOSFET can be used as it is a
voltage- controlled device so controlling MOSFET is easy over Transistor. A high voltage
rating MOSFET should be used.
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. For Defibrillator, very high voltage is required, for our project approximately 2000 V is
required. So, the voltage obtained from the inverter circuit is very less as compared to
what voltage is required for our AED. Therefore, a voltage multiplier circuit is required to
obtain as much of the voltage required for our AED. The inverter circuit was used to
obtain direct current DC to AC. The obtained AC was then multiplied using a step-up
transformer. The voltage multiplier circuits can generate very high voltage needed for
defibrillation, in our case usually up to 2000 V. The high voltage generated is used to
charge a high energy, high voltage capacitor so that it can be discharged within a fraction
of a second to deliver a current shock to the heart to achieve successful defibrillation.
Simple voltage multiplier circuits are arrays of diodes and capacitors, arranged in a
particular sequence.
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B. Flyback topology
Flyback transformers are used to generate very high DC output. The circuit consists of an
inverted polarity inductive transformer. The core the of transformer is a ferrite core. A
switching MOSFET is used to provide current in a pulse to the transformer. Here we have
simulated the circuit in LTspice. We have used LTspice for this simulation because
proteus does not have an inverted polarity transformer and LTspice is easy to use. Here
when M1 is on the current in primary flows in a clockwise direction but in secondary the
anticlockwise. The diode D1 prevents the current from flowing as it is in reverse bias.
Thus, the energy is stored in the core of the transformer. Now, when M1 is off the
polarity reverses and the diode D1 is in forward bias allowing the current flow. In this
way capacitor charges to the high voltage. The voltage is determined by number of turns
in the primary and secondary of a flyback transformer.
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1.7.11 PCB Design
After thoroughly exploring and working with both design approaches, namely the
inverter and flyback methods, we concluded that designing the inverter circuit was more
straightforward. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of various techniques within the
inverter circuit design realm. Subsequently, we proceeded to create a PCB layout using
Proteus design software. During this process, we carefully positioned and integrated the
chosen electronic components onto the PCB board. The selected components were
strategically placed to ensure optimal functionality and efficiency of the inverter circuit.
The calibration and testing of the AD8232 ECG sensor using Arduino and Raspberry Pi
Pico involved several steps to ensure accurate and reliable measurements. Firstly, the
AD8232 sensor was connected to the respective microcontroller (Arduino or Raspberry
Pi Pico) using the appropriate pins and wiring. The sensor was powered up using the
designated power source and the necessary libraries or drivers were installed in the
microcontroller's programming environment.
For calibration, a known ECG signal source or a reference signal was applied to the
AD8232 sensor. The sensor's gain and filtering parameters were adjusted to match the
desired signal amplification and noise filtering requirements. This calibration process
ensured that the ECG sensor produced accurate and consistent readings for subsequent
measurements.
Once calibrated, the ECG sensor was tested by acquiring real-time ECG signals from a
human subject. The sensor electrodes were properly placed on the subject's skin
according to the standard ECG lead positions. The microcontroller's programming code
was executed to read and process the analog signals from the ECG sensor. The acquired
data was then analyzed and visualized using suitable algorithms and software tools to
detect and interpret the ECG waveform and relevant cardiac parameters.
Throughout the calibration and testing process, the performance of the AD8232 ECG
sensor, along with the Arduino or Raspberry Pi Pico, was evaluated for accuracy,
sensitivity, noise rejection, and overall signal quality. Any necessary adjustments or fine-
tuning of the sensor's parameters were made to optimize its performance.
By calibrating and testing the AD8232 ECG sensor using Arduino or Raspberry Pi Pico,
the system was able to accurately capture and analyze ECG signals, enabling the
development of reliable and effective healthcare applications and diagnostics.
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The ECG signal needs to be analyzed to detect ventricular tachycardia and fibrilla-ton.
Indeed, a shock will be delivered only if the ECG rhythm is detected as shockable.
Dataset
For training and testing machine learning models in this study, ECG recordings from two
databases were utilized. These databases can be accessed through the Physionet Bank
[48]. The first database used is the MIT-BIH Malignant Ventricular Ectopy Database
(VFDB), which originates from the publication by Greenwald SD titled "Development
and analysis of a ventricular fibrillation detector" (M.S. thesis, MIT Dept. of Electrical
Engineering and Computer Science, 1986). The second database is the CU Ventricular
Tachyarrhythmia Database (CUVT) from the publication by Nolle FM, Badura FK,
Catlett JM, Bowser RW, Sketch MH titled "CREI-GARD, a new concept in computerized
arrhythmia monitoring systems" (Computers in Cardiology 13:515-518, 1986). Appendix
G provides examples of recordings available in these databases, highlighting the diversity
of ECG data that can be utilized for training and evaluation purposes.
In their study [10], the researchers employed 47 recordings from the MIT-BIH dataset for
their experiment. To prepare the data for analysis, they down sampled the sampling
frequency of the ECG signals from 360Hz to 125Hz. The following steps were followed
to extract ECG beats from the original signal: i) The original continuous ECG signal was
divided into 10-second windows, and a specific window was selected for analysis; ii) The
amplitude of the extracted signal was normalized to a range between zero and one; iii)
The local maximums with a threshold of 0.9, representing ECG R-peaks, were extracted;
iv) The extracted R-R intervals were padded with zeros to ensure that all the beats had
identical lengths.
Preprocessing
The MIT-BIH training dataset exhibits a significant class imbalance, where the "Normal"
class accounts for 82.8% of the total instances. This class imbalance poses a challenge in
training a model as there is a higher likelihood of overfitting or biasing towards the
majority class. In such cases, the model may tend to generalize other classes as "Normal,"
leading to reduced accuracy in detecting and classifying abnormal ECG patterns.
To upsample the minority classes and balance the dataset, the resample function is used
for each class separately. It performs the upsampling by randomly selecting instances
from the minority class with replacement, ensuring that the number of samples matches
the specified n_samples parameter (in this case, 20,000 for each class). The
random_state parameter is set to different values for each class to ensure reproducibility.
Data Splicing
This stage involves the data split into train & test sets. The training data will be used for
training our model, and the testing data will be used to check the performance of model
on unseen dataset. We're using a split of 80-20, i.e., 80% data to be used for training
& 20% to be used for testing purposes.
Models
Logistic regression
1D-CNN
Steps:
After then, the model will be tested on unseen data to make predictions.
Results and discussion
The arm of a drone after cutting manually with aluminum cutting blade is shown in
Figure13. The figure shows the frames of drones made from aluminum cut into
dimensions designed in solid works. Due to the manual cutting of the frame it took a lot
of time. The frame was cut some inch more than filed carefully as desired dimension.
Simulation for the selection of drone components was carried out in ecalc software. It is a
paid website that has a wide library of drone components and their tests. We have tried
different components according to our requirements and the result obtained is found
good.
No of rotors: 4
Frame size: 720mm
Thrust/Weight: 1.9
Based on the above simulation results the best available components was selected as
described in material section.
A quadcopter was designed and developed with the required specifications that have
the capability of vertical take-off and landing. After everything has been setup
correctly, quadcopter is ready to take-off. This quadcopter can carry payload of 2kg
and fly with speed of 10m/s.
Figure 33 medical drone ready to flight
The following graph shows the results of our testing with different loads.
This graph demonstrates the result of drone flight time without loads in various battery
capacity. At 4200mAH it can fly up to 10minutes at normal environment. Similarly with
6500mAH and 10000mAH it can airborne for 13minutes and 18 minutes respectively.
This graph demonstrates the result of drone flight time with 1kg loads in various battery
capacity. At 4200mAH it can fly up to 5minutes at normal environment. Similarly with
6500mAH and 10000mAH it can airborne for 8minutes and 11minutes respectively.
This graph demonstrates the result of drone flight time with 1.5kg loads in various battery
capacity. At 4200mAH it can fly up to 3.5 minutes at normal environment. Similarly with
6500mAH and 10000mAH it can airborne for 6 minutes and 8.5 minutes respectively.
This graph demonstrates the result of drone flight time with 2kg loads in various battery
capacity. At 4200mAH it can fly up to 2.5minutes at normal environment. Similarly with
6500mAH and 10000mAH it can airborne for 4minutes and 5.5minutes respectively.
Flyback circuit
Figure 36 Graph of input voltage, output voltage and output current vs time. Blue: output
voltage. Red: Input voltage. Green: output current.
The graph as shown above is obtained after running simulation of flyback transformer.
The input of 15 volt is converted to output of 170 V with load current of 2.2 Amp.
The output Voltage can be changed by changing the value of L2 in figure 10. But the
MOSFET should be changed accordingly. Here the graph shows that a low voltage DC
can be changed to high voltage DC very easily.
The two-charging circuit was successfully made and analyzed. Figure 36 shows two
circuits that produce higher DC voltage from 12 v DC source. We have obtained the
140V dc from the first circuit. So later the circuit is changed and made using 555 timer
and the output obtained is much higher nearly 380 V. This voltage can be multiplied 2x
times further to obtain the voltage of nearly 700V. After going on higher voltages, the
current also increases this results to the damage in the circuit components.
Figure 37 charging circuit a) simple inverter circuit using TTI5200, b) charging circuit
using 555 timers
The graph as in figure 17 was obtained after running the AD8232 ECG sensor through
Arduino. The simple graph obtained from Arduino IDE was shown in figure 17. The code
for ECG is provided in appendix B. The ECG is obtained from running a diagnosis on
subject.
Logistic regression
Accuracy: 82.77%
Precision: 91.55%
Recall: 84.95%
F1 Score: 88.13%
Accuracy: 9116%
Precision: 94.31%
Recall: 94.62%
F1 Score: 94.47%
KNearest Classifier
Accuracy: 91.71%
Precision: 93.32%
Recall: 95.77%
F1 Score: 94.52%
Accuracy: 96.53%
Precision: 98.83%
Recall: 96.54%
F1 Score: 97.67%
1D-CNN
Android application
Android studio is used to develop the application. Two separate layouts have been
designed as shown in Appendix C. First page of the application where the user can enter
the phone no. and messages and click on go! To enter the second page. On the second
page there are two buttons. One is alert! Button which is used to send SMS, and another
is logout to clear the given no. and message.
Webpage layout
The webpage layout has been developed as shown in Appendix D. It contains the
information about the project. The webpage is one page developed with Html and CSS.
The webpage was hosted directly from GitHub repository. The following is the local
URL of the website. https://nitin-pant44.github.io/medicopter
The project has successfully accomplished several key objectives. The fabrication of the
drone system, including the stable frame, is a significant achievement. The assembly of
all the components, along with the development of a charging circuit for the AED,
demonstrates progress in creating a functional system. ECG acquisition using the Arduino
board and exploration of the Pico controller show promising advancements in signal
processing. The classification of shockable ECG signals using various ML models,
particularly the 1D CNN model, indicates the potential for accurate detection. The
website layout and hosting on GitHub, as well as the design of the Android application,
highlight efforts to create user-friendly interfaces.
In conclusion, the project has made significant strides towards the development of a
drone-based AED system for emergency response. The fabrication of the drone frame,
assembly of components, and successful classification of shockable ECG signals using
ML models showcase the technical accomplishments. The website and Android
application provide platforms for interaction and dissemination of information.