Rikei Corporation (Head Office: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Satoru Isaka; hereinafter “Rikei”) is pleased to announce that on Dec. 12, it participated in a second test organized by Team Shinjuku(*), which consists of members of the Council for Measures to Reduce Disaster Risks in the Shinjuku Station Area. The test focused on the use of Drones to gather information and guide stranded people in skyscraper areas during times of disaster.

As part of the test, in addition to confirming the effectiveness of using unmanned small aircrafts (Drones) and issues to be addressed in conducting such activities in the future, the team members also constructed an FWA (fixed wireless access) network that enables relaying of voice-based remote instructions from an on-site headquarters (at Kogakuin University) some distance away from the Drone’s takeoff and landing sites.

* Team Shinjuku consists of members of the Council for Measures to Reduce Disaster Risks in the Shinjuku Station Area: Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Insurance Inc., Sompo Risk Management & Health Care Inc., Kogakuin University, Rikei Corporation, and Shinjuku City.

Overview of the System

In addition to a system for enabling the sharing of video data from Drones using a long-distance wireless LAN (self-operated network), the team also constructed a new IP phone system within the LAN itself to connect the on-site headquarters with its various bases.

Using this IP phone system, it is possible to issue verbal instructions to persons at Drone takeoff/landing sites and other bases from the on-site headquarters (i.e. a remote location).

FWA (long-range wireless) antenna

In the test, using a combination of this IP phone system and other equipment provided by cooperative partner companies, at the on-site headquarters, Drone takeoff and landing sites and other bases, team members confirmed the practicality of using Drone-obtained video data and speakers mounted on Drones to guide stranded people during times of disaster.

(1) Backbone infrastructure

Rikei and Nitto Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (“Nitto Telecommunications”) constructed a long-distance wireless LAN system (approximately 100Mbps self-operated wireless infrastructure connecting the on-site headquarters with other bases).

(2) Voice gateway equipment

Using Nitto Telecommunications’ LEGASip technology, the team constructed an IP phone system within the LAN, connecting the on-site headquarters and other bases, as well as providing voice gateway functionality for communicating voice instructions from the IP phone system to the Drone-mounted speakers.

(3) Drone video sharing and video verification equipment (for verifying the situation at each location)

Using network cameras and an HLD-300C (Hyper Low Delay H.264 codec) encoder/decoder manufactuerd by IBEX Technology Co., Ltd., the team created a system for multicasting Drone video footage, and video footage of the situation at each base location.

(4) Realtime video communication technology

The system makes use of V-cube Robotics, Inc.’s realtime video communication technology in making decisions between various locations based on data gathered, using a cloud-based server.

(5) Large-sized mobile displays

For video data transmission and viewing, the system makes use of System5 Co., Ltd. mobile broadcasting van displays, which are effective for use both during times of disaster and for event coverage.

Future Plans

In 2003, Rikei proposed J-Alert (a system for the national government to communicate emergency information to people instantaneously) to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Going forward, Rikei will continue taking part in disaster response tests making the most of the results it has brought by working on disaster risk reduction (DRR) systems. It will also propose and build useful and practical disaster information systems for local governments, thus contributing further to society in the DRR area.

About Rikei Corporation

Established in 1957, Rikei Corporation is a solution provider for the IT and electronics industries.

Rikei offers a wide variety of solutions centered on the world’s cutting edge technologies and advanced products in the fields of system solutions, such as entrance exam and educational affairs systems and IT infrastructure, business strategy, and information security solutions. It also provides network solutions, such as satellite communication data transfer systems, digital video transfer systems, network systems for telecommunication operators and other private companies, wireless access systems, and disaster management information systems. In addition to solutions, Rikei provides electronic components and devices, such as high frequency components, high performance adhesives for industrial use, testers for automotive audio and navigation equipment, power grid analysis systems, defense-related machinery and security systems.