Drone Visual Identification Using Light and Maneuver Disambiguation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a shared airspace, positively identifying robotic vehicles, especially when multiple vehicles are visible, is challenging due to the inability of wireless connections to visually distinguish one vehicle from another, which is crucial for management and regulatory compliance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of systems and methods that allow robotic vehicles to execute identifying maneuvers, such as light flashes or movements, in response to disambiguation messages from observer devices, enabling visual identification and verification, even in crowded airspace scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If wireless connections are used to identify robotic vehicles, then communication and control between observer devices and vehicles is enabled, but visual distinction between multiple vehicles remains impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by implementing visual indicators (such as LED lights) on robotic vehicles that can change color or emit different colored light to represent different states, identities, or selection statuses. This allows observers to visually distinguish between multiple vehicles and identify the selected target without relying solely on wireless communication data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through identifying maneuvers that vehicles perform at specific intervals or in response to disambiguation requests. These maneuvers (such as hovering, rotating, or repeating visual patterns) create periodic visual signals that help observers distinguish the selected vehicle from others in the fleet.
2Productivity
If multiple robotic vehicles operate in shared airspace, then airspace utilization and productivity increase, but difficulty in visually distinguishing individual vehicles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning unique visual characteristics to specific vehicles within the fleet. Each vehicle can have distinct visual indicators, colors, or identifying features that differentiate it from others, allowing observers to easily identify individual vehicles even when multiple vehicles are operating simultaneously in the same airspace.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color changes as a dynamic identification mechanism where vehicles can change their visual appearance (color, light pattern) to indicate selection status, operational state, or identity. This enables observers to distinguish between multiple vehicles and identify the active target for control or observation.
3Measurement precision
If visual indicators and identifying maneuvers are implemented, then visual identification accuracy improves, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing visual indicators and identifying maneuvers that serve multiple functions simultaneously. For example, visual indicators not only provide identification but also indicate operational status, alert observers to selected vehicles, and communicate vehicle state. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and minimizes overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling robotic vehicles to autonomously perform identifying maneuvers and control their own visual indicators based on received disambiguation requests. The vehicles independently execute identification actions without requiring complex external control systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high identification accuracy.
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
This solution allows for effective visual disambiguation of robotic vehicles, reducing the risk of false positives and spoofing, and ensuring accurate identification and tracking, thereby enhancing safety and regulatory compliance in shared airspace operations.
Implementation Method 1
activating or changing a light emitting device of the robotic vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments enable local visual identification and verification of robotic vehicles. Various embodiments may enable disambiguation of a robotic vehicle from among a plurality of robotic vehicles.