Helicopter Search Light Autonomous Tracking System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Helicopter search lights require manual adjustment to track moving objects, which can be hazardous, especially in difficult terrain or adverse weather conditions, as pilots must simultaneously control the light direction and the helicopter.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a search light connected to a camera and a processor with an object detection module that automatically adjusts the search light's direction based on image analysis, allowing for autonomous tracking of anomalous behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual adjustment of search light direction is used, then the system is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the pilot workload increases and safety decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The search light system performs self-tracking by automatically detecting and following moving objects using image processing algorithms. The system monitors its own field of view and autonomously adjusts the search light direction without requiring external manual control, thereby reducing pilot workload while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control of the search light with an automated optical-electronic system. Image capture devices and processors substitute for manual visual observation and mechanical adjustment, using digital image analysis to automatically determine and track moving objects, thereby eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If automated object detection and tracking is implemented, then tracking precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously captures images, processes them to detect moving objects, and uses the detection results to automatically adjust the search light direction. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures continuous tracking of anomalous objects with high precision, maintaining accurate illumination on moving targets throughout their motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processing module as an intermediary between the search light system and the moving objects. This intermediary automatically analyzes captured images, identifies anomalous behavior patterns, and generates control signals for search light positioning, thereby achieving precise tracking without direct manual intervention.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2C
AI summary
A system for detecting and tracking an object that is exhibiting an anomalous behavior from a helicopter (100) is disclosed. The system includes a search light (102) connected to the helicopter; a camera; and a processor including an object detection module (350) coupled to the search light and the camera, the object detection module being configured to receive a plurality of images from the camera, compare the plurality of images against a pattern database, determine the object is exhibiting the anomalous behavior and instruct the search light to point toward the object.