Aircraft Surveillance Position Scoring for Reliable LOS Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining surveillance positions for aircraft rely heavily on pilot experience and instinct, leading to inefficiencies and potential task execution failures, as they lack a systematic approach to evaluating suitable positions.
Innovation Solution
A surveillance position determining apparatus and method that uses evaluation tables to quantify the suitability of candidate cells based on factors like peripheral viewing angle, dip, terrain, background presence, and horizontal distance, allowing for the selection of optimal surveillance positions through a scoring system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If surveillance position setting is based on pilot experience and instinct, then the pilot can quickly make decisions, but the reliability and consistency of position selection deteriorates due to subjective judgment variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human pilot judgment with an automated information processing system that calculates surveillance positions using predetermined evaluation criteria. The determination apparatus computes multiple candidate positions based on objective factors such as terrain characteristics, surveillance target locations, and aircraft performance parameters, then selects the optimal position through algorithmic evaluation rather than subjective pilot instinct.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the surveillance position determination from a qualitative subjective judgment into a quantitative parameter-based calculation. By defining specific evaluation parameters (terrain type, distance to target, viewing angle, aircraft altitude) and assigning weights to each, the system converts pilot experience into measurable parameters that can be consistently processed and compared.
2Adaptability or versatility
If surveillance position setting relies on pilot experience, then flexibility in handling various situations is maintained, but the precision and systematic evaluation of position suitability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a multi-parameter evaluation system that quantifies position suitability based on terrain characteristics, surveillance target properties, aircraft performance, and environmental conditions. Each parameter is assigned a weight and evaluated systematically, transforming the imprecise subjective assessment into a precise quantitative measurement that can accurately distinguish between different position qualities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the surveillance position determination into distinct evaluation components: terrain evaluation, target visibility assessment, aircraft performance verification, and的综合 scoring. This segmentation allows each aspect to be evaluated independently with precise metrics, then integrated into a comprehensive position suitability rating.
3Measurement precision
If automated evaluation systems are introduced to improve position determination precision, then systematic and consistent position selection is achieved, but the system complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex determination apparatus into functional modules: terrain data processing unit, target position calculation unit, evaluation criterion application unit, and optimal position selection unit. Each module handles a specific aspect of the determination process, making the overall complex system manageable through functional decomposition and independent verification of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the determination apparatus with universal evaluation criteria that can assess multiple types of surveillance positions (aerial, ground-based, mobile) using the same fundamental methodology. The system accommodates different terrain types, target categories, and aircraft configurations through configurable parameters rather than requiring separate specialized systems for each scenario.
4Measurement precision
If multiple evaluation criteria are used to comprehensively assess surveillance positions, then the accuracy of position selection is improved, but the time required for determination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of terrain data and pre-calculation of potential surveillance positions before the actual determination is needed. By pre-processing geographic information systems data, pre-identifying candidate positions, and pre-establishing evaluation weightings based on mission type, the system reduces the computational burden during actual position determination, allowing comprehensive multi-criteria evaluation to be completed rapidly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a hierarchical evaluation process that quickly eliminates clearly inferior candidate positions through preliminary filtering criteria, then applies comprehensive multi-criteria evaluation only to the remaining promising candidates. This skipping approach allows the system to rush through the evaluation of obvious poor choices while dedicating full computational resources to selecting among the best options.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An aircraft (10) includes a memory (15), and a controller (18). The memory (15) stores map data (155) including at least a predetermined surveillance target region (RA). The controller (18) divides the map data (155) stored in the memory (15) into a plurality of cells (C) in a grid on a horizontal plane. The controller (18) determines an LOS score P for each of candidate cells (Ca) among the cells (C) excluding surveillance target cells (RC) included at least in the surveillance target region (RA). The LOS score P is obtained by quantitatively evaluating easiness of viewing from aircraft (10) and difficulty of being viewed from a surveillance target. The controller (18) sets surveillance positions (SP) on a basis of the LOS score P of each candidate cell (Ca).