GNSS-Based UAV VLOS Control Near Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) often fly out of visual line of sight (VLOS) of operators, especially when navigating around structures, posing challenges for safe operation and control.
Innovation Solution
A UAV computer system is configured to maintain VLOS by determining the geospatial location using GNSS signals and performing contingency actions, such as navigating to a landing location, to ensure the UAV remains within VLOS of a base location or user device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If UAV operates in manual or autopilot mode without VLOS constraints, then flight flexibility and operational freedom are improved, but safety and operator control are worsened due to potential loss of visual contact
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the UAV's geospatial location using GNSS signals and compares it against the base location to determine visual line of sight status. This real-time feedback loop enables the UAV to automatically detect when it is approaching or has exceeded VLOS boundaries, triggering appropriate contingency actions to restore operator control and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively detecting potential VLOS violations before they occur. By continuously tracking position and predicting future locations, the system can initiate contingency maneuvers in advance, preventing complete loss of visual contact rather than reacting after the violation has already happened
2Adaptability or versatility
If UAV navigates around structures to perform missions, then mission capability and versatility are improved, but risk of flying out of VLOS increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts flight operations based on real-time VLOS conditions. When navigating around structures, the UAV continuously evaluates its position relative to the base location and automatically modifies its flight path or triggers contingency actions when VLOS is compromised, enabling flexible mission execution while maintaining safety constraints
3Reliability
If UAV maintains strict VLOS compliance through contingency actions, then safety and operator control are improved, but flight autonomy and operational efficiency are worsened due to frequent interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial contingency actions based on the severity and duration of VLOS violations. Rather than immediately executing full contingency protocols for minor or transient violations, the system can implement graduated responses, only triggering full contingency actions when violations persist or worsen, thereby maintaining safety while preserving operational efficiency
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
The system effectively prevents UAVs from flying out of VLOS, ensuring safe operation and maintaining visual contact with operators, thereby enhancing safety and control during flights around structures.
Implementation Method 1
periodically receiving global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals; identifying a geospatial location of the UAV using the GNSS signals
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for unmanned aerial vehicle visual line of sight flight operations. A UAV computer system may be configured to ensure the UAV is operating in visual line of sight of one or more ground operators. The UAV may confirm that it has a visual line of sight with the one or more user devices, such as a ground control station, or the UAV may ensure that the UAV does not fly behind or below a structure such that the ground operator would not be able to visually spot the UAV. The UAV computer system may be configured in such a way that UAV operation will maintain the UAV in visual line of sight of a base location.