Dynamic Sensor Geometry via Formation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems on craft have limited coverage and efficiency due to constraints in measuring technique, making it difficult to achieve desired sensor geometry and effective data collection, especially in dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
A method for dynamic sensor geometry through formation control of sensor-carrying craft, allowing for adjustable sensor configurations and relative positioning to maintain desired sensor geometry and coverage, using a control system that acquires and compares state vectors to calculate and apply control power for optimal sensor arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the speed of the sensor carriers is increased to cover a larger area per unit time, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to limitations in measuring technique
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement task across multiple sensor carriers (craft 11, 12a-d) that operate in coordinated formations. Each carrier covers a specific sector while maintaining precise relative positioning, enabling parallel data collection that increases overall productivity without compromising measurement precision through controlled segmentation of the survey area
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor carriers operate with dynamic speed and position adjustments based on real-time formation control. The system continuously calculates desired state vectors and adjusts control power to maintain optimal sensor geometry while adapting to varying operational requirements, allowing speed optimization without sacrificing measurement quality
2Productivity
If the coverage of the sensors is increased to survey larger areas, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to the need for high sensor resolution which limits effective search area
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor carriers each equipped with high-resolution sensors survey different sectors simultaneously. The segmentation of the total survey area into multiple smaller zones allows each sensor to maintain high resolution while the collective system achieves comprehensive area coverage through coordinated operation of multiple units
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-carrier two-dimensional survey approach to a multi-carrier three-dimensional formation configuration. By adding the spatial dimension of multiple carriers operating at different positions and orientations, the system achieves both high resolution (through individual sensor performance) and large area coverage (through multi-carrier coordination)
3Productivity
If the number of sensors is increased to improve coverage, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for arranging multiple sensors on craft with overlapping coverage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding multiple sensors to a single craft, the system segments the sensor array across multiple independent craft. Each craft carries fewer sensors with non-overlapping coverage zones, simplifying individual craft sensor arrangements while achieving comprehensive coverage through the coordinated fleet. This segmentation eliminates the complexity of managing overlapping coverage zones on a single platform
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary that coordinates between multiple sensor carriers, managing their positions, speeds, and sensor orientations. This centralized mediation simplifies the overall system complexity by providing automated formation control and geometry maintenance, eliminating the need for manual coordination of multiple sensors across multiple craft
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for dynamical sensor geometry by means of formation control of sensor carrying craft, which operate below the water surface, on the ground, at the water surface and/or in the air, are manned and/or unmanned, and which are provided with one or more sensors. The sensors are arranged on the sensor carrying craft, and/or arranged with the sensor carrying craft in other suitable ways, such as towed behind the craft.