Drone Shadow Casting for UV Protection and Privacy Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for protecting against the sun's harmful UV rays, such as umbrellas, are cumbersome, and there is a lack of practical methods to prevent privacy invasion by drones flying over personal spaces with unauthorized cameras.
Innovation Solution
A drone equipped with a covering member and a Flight Control System (FCS) that uses sensors like image, sound, infrared, ultrasonic, GPS, barometer, gyro, compass, or accelerometer to provide shade and shield against both sun exposure and unwanted onlookers, including other drones, by adjusting its position to optimize protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If sun umbrellas are used to protect against UV rays, then protection effectiveness is improved, but portability and ease of carrying deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical umbrella system with an aerial robotic system that provides shade through positioning and shadow casting, eliminating the need for manual carrying and deployment while maintaining UV protection effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The drone system serves multiple functions including sun protection through shadow casting, privacy protection by blocking camera views, and potential surveillance capabilities, replacing the single-function umbrella with a multi-functional aerial platform
2Loss of information
If drones are used to monitor backyard areas, then surveillance capability is improved, but privacy protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful surveillance capability of drones into a beneficial privacy protection mechanism by using the drone's own shadow to block camera views, thereby protecting privacy while maintaining the drone's presence and monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The drone provides localized privacy protection by positioning its covering member to cast shadows over specific areas where individuals are present, rather than providing uniform coverage, thus protecting privacy in needed locations while maintaining surveillance capability elsewhere
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 effectively blocks a significant portion of UV rays and shields individuals from spying cameras, offering portable and adaptive protection against sun exposure and privacy intrusion.
Implementation Method 1
The black umbrellas intercepted 90% of the sun's rays. This makes umbrellas almost as effective as sunscreen.
Implementation Method 2
a measuring device is configured to provide the FCS information for flying the drone on a holding position over a stationary user. The measuring device comprises of at least one of the following sensors: image, sound, infrared (IR), ultrasonic, pressure/force, Global Positioning System (GPS), barometer, gyro, compass, or accelerometer.
Implementation Method 3
The measuring device comprises of at least one of the following sensors: image, sound, infrared (IR), ultrasonic, pressure/force, Global Positioning System (GPS), barometer, gyro, compass, or accelerometer.
Implementation Method 4
a drone with four rotors is used. The drone has a covering member that acts as an overhead covering.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to systems for protecting against sun's damaging rays, and against unwanted onlookers like drones. The systems comprise a drone and a covering member attached to the drone. In one aspect, a Flight Control System, FCS, flies the drone in a selected spot. In one embodiment, the covering member acts like an overhead covering, and a measuring device provides the FCS information for flying the drone on a holding position over a stationary user. In another embodiment, a measuring device enables the FCS to fly the drone over a non-stationary user and to tracking him. Further, the FCS adjusts the drone position with respect to the position of either the sun or a detected drone in the sky. In another embodiment, a radio control, transmitter receiver, pair is used to communicate user's requests to the FCS. One request may be to turn on the motors.