Drone Flight Path Authorization via Centralized Property Database
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for determining drone flight paths over private property are complex due to regulations, property rights, and privacy concerns, leading to legal ramifications, confusion, and time-consuming processes for users.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic, cooperative database system for drone authorization that includes property owner permissions, using modern communication technologies like high-bandwidth two-way communications and blockchain for centralized regulation management, allowing for auction markets and smart contracts to facilitate safe and legal drone flights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drone flights are conducted below 400 feet to comply with FAA regulations, then the drone can operate in lower airspace, but it may fly over private property requiring landowner permission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized database system that acts as an intermediary between drone operators and landowners. This database stores landowner permissions, property boundaries, and authorization information, eliminating the need for direct negotiation between each drone operator and landowner. The system mediates the permission acquisition process by providing automated verification of landowner consent.
Solution Approach 2:
The system requires landowners to pre-register their properties and grant permissions in advance through the database. This preliminary action stores authorization information before drone flights occur, allowing operators to quickly verify permissions without real-time negotiation. The patent implements this through pre-registration of properties and pre-granting of flight authorizations.
2Reliability
If individual landowner permissions are obtained for each property, then property rights are respected, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex for drone users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual permission acquisitions into a single centralized authorization process. Instead of contacting each landowner separately, the system combines all property permissions into one database that can be queried simultaneously. This merging reduces the time required from potentially hours of individual negotiations to a single database lookup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of landowner permissions and property information in the centralized database. These digital copies allow automated verification without requiring landowners to be physically present or directly contacted for each flight request. The patent implements this through digital property records and electronic authorization certificates.
3Productivity
If a centralized database system is implemented for drone authorization, then the permission process is streamlined, but the system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the centralized database system to serve multiple functions: storing property boundaries, managing landowner permissions, verifying drone authorizations, and providing flight path planning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each function, thereby reducing overall infrastructure complexity while maintaining high processing efficiency.
4Reliability
If drone flights require multiple authorizations including FAA regulations and landowner permission, then legal compliance is ensured, but the overall process becomes burdensome and confusing for users
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service functionality where drone operators can independently query the database for available flight paths, check permissions, and receive automated authorization decisions without requiring legal experts or intermediaries. The patent enables this through automated regulatory rule engines that evaluate flight requests against stored regulations and permissions, providing clear yes/no authorization decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
Data regarding possible flight paths for a drone in relation to a start location and a destination is analyzed using a computer. Air space accessibility over a plurality of properties is determined, as part of a criteria, and the air space accessibility includes property owner permission and authorization for drone flight paths over the properties, respectively. Legal regulations regarding the possible drone flight paths over locations including the plurality of properties is determined as part of the criteria. An approved flight path is generated which includes permissions for the flight path granted by the property owners for flying through respective air space over the respective properties, and meeting legal regulations for flying over the locations including the respective properties on the possible flight paths. The approved flight path is sent to the drone or a drone control system for initiating a flight of the drone along the approved flight path.