Drone Pollutant Source Localization Using Wind-Guided 3D Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CBR reconnaissance methods for locating chemical pollutant sources are hazardous for human scouts and lack accuracy, necessitating a safer and more precise method to identify pollutant sources within chemical pollutant clouds.
Innovation Solution
An unmanned drone system equipped with a chemical sensor and lidar, which obtains wind direction information, measures pollutant concentrations, and determines a pollutant source candidate area by adjusting altitude and movement directions based on concentration gradients, allowing for safe and accurate identification of pollutant sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If chemical forces conduct CBR reconnaissance to locate pollutant sources, then the location can be determined, but scouts are exposed to fatal CBR weapons and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an unmanned air vehicle (drone) as an intermediary device to conduct pollutant source reconnaissance instead of human scouts. The drone flies into the chemical pollutant cloud region, measures pollutant concentrations using sensors, and transmits data back to the command center, thereby eliminating direct human exposure to CBR weapons while maintaining the ability to locate pollutant sources accurately
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human scouts physically navigating hazardous zones with an automated unmanned aerial system equipped with chemical sensors. The drone uses sensor-based detection and automated flight control to perform reconnaissance tasks that were previously conducted manually, substituting human mechanical operation with automated mechanical and electronic systems
2Measurement precision
If the drone measures pollutant concentrations at multiple altitudes and positions, then the pollutant source location accuracy is improved, but the time required for reconnaissance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first obtaining wind direction information before conducting the actual pollutant source search. The command center receives wind data, determines the initial flight direction for the drone, and pre-plans the search trajectory. This preliminary preparation enables the drone to fly directly toward the pollutant source more efficiently, reducing the overall reconnaissance time while maintaining accurate location determination through subsequent altitude and position measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial measurement by having the drone measure pollutant concentrations at multiple altitude levels (first plane of interest and second plane of interest) and multiple horizontal positions. By adding the vertical dimension (altitude) to the traditional two-dimensional horizontal search, the system can more rapidly triangulate the pollutant source location in 3D space, improving accuracy without proportionally increasing time loss
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The drone system enables safe exploration and increases search accuracy for chemical pollutant clouds, effectively determining the location of pollutant sources, thereby minimizing exposure risks and enhancing detection precision.
Implementation Method 1
a drone equipped with a chemical sensor, the first plane of interest being determined based on a current altitude of the drone
Implementation Method 2
An unmanned drone system equipped with a chemical sensor and lidar, which obtains wind direction information
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a location of a pollutant source, comprises: obtaining wind direction information for a region of interest; measuring pollutant concentrations for a first plane of interest in the region of interest with a movement determined based on the wind direction information using a drone equipped with a chemical sensor, the first plane of interest being determined based on a current altitude of the drone; lowering by a predetermined descending distance an altitude of the drone from a descent position on the first plane of interest determined on the basis of a result of the measuring; and determining a pollutant source candidate area based on a location of the drone after the lowering if the lowered altitude of the drone is equal to or less than a predetermined reference altitude.