Geo-containment System for Unmanned Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geo-fencing technologies for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are not reliable enough to prevent unauthorized operations in 'no-fly' zones, as they often rely on GPS and non-aviation-grade autopilot systems, which can fail to meet civil aviation-grade standards for reliability and integrity.
Innovation Solution
A geo-containment system that uses real-time data to detect the position of unmanned aircraft relative to pre-defined operational boundaries, including 'no-fly' zones, and initiates contingency or flight termination maneuvers if boundaries are breached, independent of GPS and autopilot systems, allowing for rigorous mathematical validation and virtually any polygon boundary definition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS and non-aviation-grade autopilot systems are used for geo-fencing, then the system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but reliability and measurement precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides positioning functionality into separate modules: GPS receiver for primary positioning, inertial measurement unit for attitude and velocity, and barometric altimeter for altitude. Each module operates independently and contributes to the overall positioning solution, improving reliability without requiring a single complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The autopilot system serves multiple functions: it controls aircraft flight paths, executes geo-fencing containment maneuvers, and interfaces with the geo-fencing system. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining aviation-grade reliability through proven aircraft control architecture
2Measurement precision
If GPS-dependent geo-fencing is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability worsen due to GPS subject to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary inertial measurement unit between the GPS and the positioning calculation. The IMU provides continuous attitude and velocity data that supplement GPS position information, creating a more precise and reliable positioning solution that works even when GPS signals are degraded or unavailable
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system combines multiple positioning technologies (GPS satellite positioning, inertial navigation, barometric altimetry) into a composite positioning solution. Each technology compensates for the weaknesses of others, achieving superior measurement precision and reliability compared to any single system alone
3Reliability
If aviation-grade redundant positioning systems are implemented, then reliability and measurement precision are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The geo-fencing system automatically monitors positioning data from multiple sources, independently determines boundary violations, and autonomously executes containment maneuvers without requiring pilot intervention. The system self-manages the complex coordination of redundant sensors and automated response, simplifying operation while maintaining high reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors positioning data from GPS, IMU, and barometric sensors, compares current position against geo-fence boundaries, and provides real-time feedback to the autopilot. This closed-loop feedback automatically adjusts flight paths to maintain containment, managing system complexity through automated control rather than manual operation
Data Source
AI summary
A Geo-containment system includes at least one unmanned aircraft and a control system that is configured to limit flight of the unmanned aircraft based, at least in part, on predefined Geo-spatial operational boundaries. These 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 aircraft is in flight utilizing state information of the unmanned aircraft and dynamics and dynamics coefficients of the unmanned aircraft. The state information includes at least position and velocity of the unmanned aircraft. The control system is configured to alter or terminate operation of the unmanned aircraft if the unmanned aircraft violates the primary Geo-spatial operational boundary or the secondary Geo-spatial boundary.