Drone Target Tracking Orbit Radius Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drone tracking systems face limitations in maintaining continuous visibility of moving targets and optimizing trajectories, particularly due to range constraints and suboptimal autonomous tracking methods.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining a movement trajectory of a drone using a series of orbits centered on successive positions of the target, with varying orbit radii based on drone performance, target position, elevation angle, and altitude, ensuring continuous visibility and adaptability during flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remote piloting is used to track moving targets, then the operator can control the drone to track the target, but the range of the link between the drone and operator limits the movement autonomy of the drone
Solution Approach 1:
The drone autonomously determines its own trajectory by calculating a series of circular paths centered on successive target positions, adjusting orbit radii based on its own performance characteristics and current state, without requiring continuous operator intervention or external control links
2Extent of automation
If the tangent method is used for autonomous target following, then the drone can autonomously determine a trajectory comprising circles centered on successive target positions, but the trajectory may not ensure continuous visibility of the target
Solution Approach 1:
The orbit radius is dynamically adjusted from one orbit to another based on drone performance data, target position, elevation angle, and altitude, allowing the trajectory to adapt in real-time to maintain optimal viewing conditions and continuous target visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors drone performance parameters, target position, and elevation angle to adjust orbit radii, creating a feedback loop that ensures the trajectory maintains reliable target visibility throughout the tracking sequence
3Extent of automation
If the tangent method is used for autonomous target following, then the drone can autonomously determine a trajectory, but the trajectory optimization is insufficient such that the entire trajectory is not fully flyable by the drone
Solution Approach 1:
The orbit radius parameter is varied based on drone performance characteristics, target position, elevation angle, and altitude, creating a optimized trajectory that accounts for the specific flight capabilities and constraints of the drone
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method (34) for tracking a target (10), using an electronic target tracking system (14) on board a drone (12), the method (34) comprising at least determining (40) a movement trajectory of the drone (12), the trajectory comprising a plurality of successive orbits respectively centered on a plurality of successive positions (C) of the target (10), the orbit radius being able to vary, from one successive orbit to another, based on at least one element belonging to the group comprising:at least one datum (50) associated with the movement performance of the drone (12),the current position of the target (10),a predetermined elevation angle (ζ) of the drone relative to the target (10),the current altitude of the drone (12) relative to the target (10).