Onboard Geo-Containment Enforcement for Unmanned Vehicle Boundaries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing geo-fencing technologies for unmanned vehicles rely heavily on GPS and autopilot systems, which are prone to single point failures, inaccuracies, and can be easily confused or overridden, leading to unreliable enforcement of geo-containment boundaries.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses real-time positioning data from a computing device onboard the vehicle to detect proximity to pre-defined operational boundaries, employing a system of buffers and mathematical models to ensure compliance with geo-spatial operational areas, independent of GPS and autopilot systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If GPS and autopilot systems are used for geo-fencing, then the system can provide basic boundary detection functionality, but the system reliability deteriorates due to single point failure, inaccuracies, and susceptibility to being confused or overridden

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeo-containment enforcement reliabilityVSAvoidpositioning system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the positioning function into multiple independent components: GPS receiver, inertial measurement unit (IMU), and multiple sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers). Each component operates independently and contributes to the overall position determination, eliminating single point failure and improving reliability while distributing system complexity across modular segments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple positioning technologies (GPS, inertial navigation, sensor fusion) into a unified geo-fencing system. The controller integrates data from all sources to determine vehicle position and enforce boundary constraints, creating a redundant system where failure of one component does not compromise overall reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If GPS-based geo-fencing is used, then boundary detection can be implemented, but measurement precision deteriorates due to GPS inaccuracies and signal degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition detection precisionVSAvoidpositioning system adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous feedback loops where sensor data (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) is constantly monitored and used to correct GPS position estimates. The controller compares expected position based on inertial measurements with actual GPS position, detecting discrepancies and adjusting the position calculation to maintain high precision even when GPS signals are degraded

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces reliance on purely electronic GPS signaling with a hybrid system that incorporates mechanical inertial measurement units and physical sensors. This substitution provides a backup positioning method that does not depend on external satellite signals, maintaining measurement precision in environments where GPS may be inaccurate or unavailable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If autonomous vehicle operation is increased, then productivity improves through self-navigation capability, but safety and security concerns worsen due to unplanned operations in restricted areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveself-navigation capabilityVSAvoidsafety and security risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes geo-fencing boundaries and operational constraints before autonomous vehicle deployment. The controller is pre-programmed with no-fly zones, restricted areas, and safe operational parameters. This preliminary configuration ensures that the autonomous vehicle automatically adheres to safety requirements without real-time human intervention, enabling productive autonomous operation while preventing harmful unplanned actions in restricted areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12217615B2Assured geo-containment and conformance enforcement system for air, ground, and marine vehicles

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR NAT AERONAUTICS & SPACE ADMINISTRATION

AI summary

A geo-containment system includes at least one unmanned vehicle and an enforcement system that is onboard the unmanned vehicle and configured to limit travel of the unmanned vehicle based, at least in part, on predefined geospatial operational boundaries. Such boundaries may include a primary boundary and at least one secondary boundary that is spaced apart from the primary boundary a minimum safe distance. The minimum safe distance is determined while the unmanned vehicle is traveling. The minimum safe distance is determined using state information of the unmanned vehicle and/or dynamics of the unmanned vehicle. The state information includes at least position and velocity of the unmanned vehicle. The enforcement system is configured to alter and/or terminate operation of the unmanned vehicle if the unmanned vehicle violates the primary geospatial operational boundary and/or the secondary geospatial boundary. The enforcement system may inter-relate with the unmanned vehicle through an onboard vehicle control system.