A novel hybrid algorithm for passive localization of victims in emergency situations

Responding to a disaster means, above all, enabling the rescue teams to acquire information such as the number of victims involved, their health condition and how to reach them. For this purpose, an accurate estimate of the position of emergency workers and victims is required; although the former may be equipped with devices supporting positioning capabilities (e.g. GPS-embedded terminals), the latter may simply own a common mobile phone or a laptop. The present work addresses the most challenging issue of achieving the information concerning victims without relying on their active involvement in the overall procedure. An effective and simple algorithm, called Hybrid Algorithm, suitable for 2D passive localization in cellular networks is presented. This novel method fulfils the stringent requirements of the system developed within the EC FP6 research project WISECOM that aims at restoring GSM or 3G infrastructure, besides providing WiFi and Wimax connections, thanks to the backhauling over satellite and to support logistics of rescue teams during emergency situations by tracking victims as well as themselves. The proposed novel Hybrid Algorithm is capable of providing reliable information to rescue workers regarding every person owing nothing else but an ordinary mobile phone. Moreover, it does not require any software or hardware change in the user's terminal and is fully consistent with GSM standards. Its implementation on a cell phone is even less involved and may represent a convenient option for network providers to offer additional features to their subscribers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.