Autonomous UAV Tracking System with Camera Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for unmanned air vehicle (UAV) surveillance and tracking rely heavily on human operators, leading to high costs, errors, and the risk of losing target identification due to bad vehicle position or camera angles, and require multiple operators to maintain uninterrupted tracking of moving targets.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous tracking and surveillance system that includes an automatic target recognition module, multi-sensor integrator, target module, ownship module, and planner module to process video information, air vehicle state, and target state, generating flight and camera steering commands for continuous target observation and tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human operators remotely control UAVs and camera systems to maintain tracking of moving targets, then target identification and tracking can be maintained, but the system requires multiple operators which increases cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the UAV to autonomously perform target tracking and surveillance functions through onboard sensors, processors, and control systems. The UAV automatically detects targets, maintains tracking, adjusts camera angles, and navigates without requiring human operators to manually control each function, thus reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human operators manually controlling UAVs and cameras with an automated electronic control system. Sensors, processors, and algorithms automatically perform target detection, tracking, and vehicle control functions that previously required human operators, thereby reducing the number of people needed while maintaining or improving tracking reliability
2Reliability
If human operators manually control UAV position and camera angles to maintain uninterrupted target observation, then positive identification can be achieved, but human error increases the likelihood of losing target identification
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors target position, UAV state, and camera orientation through onboard sensors and processors. This feedback loop automatically adjusts vehicle position and camera angles to maintain optimal tracking, eliminating human error and ensuring uninterrupted target identification. The system processes sensor data in real-time to make corrective adjustments without human intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV autonomously maintains target identification by automatically adjusting its position and camera orientation based on real-time sensor data and target tracking algorithms. This self-service capability eliminates reliance on human operators and reduces the likelihood of losing target identification due to human error or fatigue
3Reliability
If human operators monitor and control UAV flight to avoid no fly zones and obstructions, then flight safety can be maintained, but the operational difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual human monitoring and control of flight safety with automated electronic systems. Sensors and processors continuously monitor the UAV's position relative to no-fly zones and obstructions, automatically adjusting flight paths to avoid hazards. This substitution reduces operational difficulty while maintaining flight safety through continuous automated surveillance and control
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and methods for autonomously tracking and simultaneously providing surveillance of a target from air vehicles. In one embodiment the system receives inputs from outside sources, creates tracks, identifies the targets and generates flight plans for unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) and camera controls for surveillance of the targets. The system uses predictive algorithms and aircraft control laws. The system comprises a plurality of modules configured to accomplish these tasks. One embodiment comprises an automatic target recognition (ATR) module configured to receive video information, process the video information, and produce ATR information including target information. The embodiment further comprises a multi-sensor integrator (MSI) module configured to receive the ATR information, an air vehicle state input and a target state input, process the inputs and produce track information for the target. The embodiment further comprises a target module configured to receive the track information, process the track information, and produce predicted future state target information. The embodiment further comprises an ownship module configured to receive the track information, process the track information, and produce predicted future state air vehicle information. The embodiment further comprises a planner module configured to receive the predicted future state target information and the predicted future state air vehicle information and generate travel path information including flight and camera steering commands for the air vehicle.