Drone Swarm Formation Control Using Infrared Tracking Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing formation control algorithms for swarms of unmanned mobile units, such as drones, struggle in scenarios with reduced visibility and limited data communication, making precise relative positioning and collision avoidance challenging, especially at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing infrared light-emitting signal emitters arranged in a geometric pattern on each mobile unit to create a well-defined point pattern, enabling precise relative positioning and orientation determination through computer vision algorithms, with optional communication via pulsed or intensity-modulated signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If computer vision algorithms process video signals to identify other members of formation, then relative position can be determined, but processing time is excessive and precision is insufficient at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex computer vision algorithms that process full video frames with a simplified optical detection system that tracks predefined infrared light patterns. By substituting the mechanical/image processing approach with direct optical signal detection, the system achieves both higher precision and faster processing suitable for high-speed flight formations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the geometric arrangements of infrared light emitters on each mobile unit before flight. This pre-established pattern allows receiving units to quickly identify and track specific geometric configurations without needing to process and analyze general video imagery in real-time, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining precision.
2Measurement precision
If GPS and data links are used for formation control, then positioning accuracy is improved, but system reliability deteriorates in denied or stealth environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a self-contained optical communication and positioning system that functions independently of external infrastructure like GPS or centralized data links. Each mobile unit emits and detects infrared patterns, enabling the swarm to maintain formation control universally across different operational environments including denied and stealth conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by enabling each mobile unit to independently determine its position and orientation relative to other units using only the infrared signals emitted by its peers. This decentralized approach eliminates dependency on external GPS systems or centralized control, ensuring reliability in environments where such external systems are denied or unavailable.
3Reliability
If 360° optical coverage is implemented to guarantee collision-free flight, then safety is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in tracking at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the optical detection task into tracking multiple discrete geometric patterns rather than processing a single complex 360° video scene. Each infrared emitter arrangement creates a distinct segmented pattern that can be independently identified and tracked, making the overall system both comprehensive for collision avoidance and precise for measurement.
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
Enables robust formation control and collision avoidance under low visibility conditions, allowing high-frequency updates and decentralized communication, even in environments with limited data links, by using infrared light emitters and computer vision for precise relative positioning.
Implementation Method 1
emitting infrared light as tracking signals by a plurality of signal emitters arranged on each mobile unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for controlling a formation of a collaborating swarm of unmanned mobile units, in particular a flight formation of a swarm of drones, comprises emitting tracking signals by a plurality of signal emitters arranged on each mobile unit, wherein the signal emitters are distributed over each mobile unit in a geometric arrangement characteristic of the respective mobile unit; detecting the tracking signals of at least adjacent mobile units within the swarm by a signal acquisition system of each mobile unit; determining a current relative position and/or a current orientation of the at least adjacent mobile units with respect to each mobile unit based on the detected tracking signals of the signal emitters on the at least adjacent mobile units; and steering each mobile unit based on the respectively determined current relative positions and/or current orientations of the at least adjacent mobile units to establish and/or maintain a specified formation of the swarm.