Drone Visual Identification Using Light and Movement Cues
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Solution Overview
Problem
In shared airspace, positively identifying robotic vehicles is challenging due to the difficulty in visually distinguishing one vehicle from multiple similar vehicles, especially when an observer is far away, as wireless connections do not aid in visual identification.
Innovation Solution
Implementing systems and methods that allow robotic vehicles to execute identifying maneuvers, such as lighting or movement patterns, in response to disambiguation messages from observer devices, enabling local visual identification and verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If wireless connection is used to identify robotic vehicles, then communication between observer and vehicle is enabled, but visual identification among multiple vehicles remains difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by implementing visual indicators (such as LED lights) on robotic vehicles that display different colors or patterns to represent unique identifiers. This allows observers to visually distinguish between multiple vehicles in shared airspace, directly addressing the problem of visual identification difficulty while maintaining wireless communication capabilities.
2Productivity
If multiple robotic vehicles operate in shared airspace, then airspace utilization is improved, but identification and tracking of individual vehicles becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the identification system into distinct components: unique identifier assignment to each vehicle, visual indicator displays showing these identifiers, and observer device interfaces for selecting and tracking specific vehicles. This segmented approach enables precise identification and tracking of individual vehicles even when multiple vehicles operate simultaneously in shared airspace, thereby maintaining high airspace utilization while achieving accurate vehicle identification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If observer is positioned far from robotic vehicles, then operational flexibility is improved, but visual identification capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing wireless communication devices as a mediator between the observer and robotic vehicles. The observer device receives identifier information from vehicles via wireless transmission, enabling the observer to identify and track vehicles accurately even when positioned at a distance. This intermediary system bridges the gap between physical distance and identification capability, maintaining both operational flexibility and 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
Enables effective disambiguation of robotic vehicles, reducing the risk of false positives and spoofing by using a series of actions or a specific action within an identification window, thereby improving visual identification and management of shared airspace resources.
Implementation Method 1
controlling the visual indicator may include 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.