Drone Swarm Race Course Control for Real-Time Layout Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft racing systems lack the ability to dynamically adapt race courses in real-time, limiting flexibility and innovation in course design and navigation challenges.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising autonomous synchronized unmanned aircraft systems forming a swarm, controlled by a central controller to create dynamic elements such as gates, obstacles, and borders within the race course, allowing for real-time adaptation and mixed reality integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed race course elements are used, then course structure is simple and reliable, but adaptability and real-time customization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming static race course elements into dynamic, movable components. The course elements are mounted on mobile platforms (vehicles, aircraft, robots) that can change position and configuration in real-time during races, allowing the course layout to adapt dynamically without requiring complex manual reconfiguration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs autonomous mobile platforms that self-navigate and self-position to form race course elements. These platforms use onboard sensors, GPS, and autonomous navigation systems to automatically maintain their positions and orientations, eliminating the need for human operators to manually adjust each course element while maintaining high adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If static race course elements are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but real-time adaptation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment systems with automated mobile platforms. Instead of physically moving heavy course elements by hand or using complex mechanical winches and rails, the system uses autonomous vehicles equipped with sensors and navigation systems to automatically position and reposition course elements digitally and physically.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile platforms serving as course elements are designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing multiple roles such as navigation, positioning, sensing, and communication. Each platform can adapt its function based on race requirements, serving as different types of course elements (gates, markers, obstacles) without requiring dedicated infrastructure for each element type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional race course design is used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but navigation challenge diversity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the race course into multiple independent mobile platform units, each capable of autonomous operation. This segmentation allows different platforms to form different types of navigation challenges (gates, markers, obstacles) independently, enabling diverse course configurations without requiring a monolithic complex control system for the entire course structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile platforms are equipped with sensors and communication systems that provide real-time feedback to the central control system and to each other. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of course elements based on racer positions, weather conditions, and race progress, allowing the system to maintain navigation challenge diversity while managing complexity through distributed intelligence.
Data Source
AI summary
An example system for racing aircraft systems includes: a plurality of autonomous synchronized unmanned aircraft systems configured to form a swarm at a race course through which the aircraft systems are to navigate; and a controller configured to be operatively coupled to at least one unmanned aircraft system of the swarm, the controller configured to control the swarm to form an element of the race course.