Multi-Sensor Counter-Drone Detection and Autonomous Interception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drones, particularly those carrying payloads like cameras or improvised explosive devices, are difficult to detect and intercept due to their maneuverability and ease of operation, posing a threat in designated regions.
Innovation Solution
A counter drone system comprising sensor systems, a counter drone, and a processor that fuse data from multiple sensors to identify and intercept threat drones using networked communication and autonomous deployment of counter drones with various payloads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional detection methods are used, then the system is simple, but the detection precision and reliability are insufficient to identify threat drones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor systems (acoustic, RF, optical, radar, thermal) into an integrated sensor network. The processor fuses data from all these sensors to generate a fused data set, enabling reliable threat drone identification through multi-modal data correlation that no single sensor could achieve alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is divided into specialized sensor modules, each optimized for specific detection tasks (acoustic sensors for drone sound, RF sensors for communication signals, optical sensors for visual detection). This segmentation allows each sensor type to excel at its specific function while the system as a whole achieves comprehensive detection capability.
2Reliability
If a single sensor system is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of threat detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors sensor data and updates the fused data set in real-time. The processor analyzes incoming sensor readings against the fused data set, providing feedback that refines threat assessment. This continuous feedback loop enhances detection reliability by confirming threats through multiple independent sensor confirmations.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple independent sensor systems are merged into a unified detection network. Each sensor type provides independent verification of drone presence, and their combined data creates a more reliable detection system than any single sensor could provide, reducing false positives and negatives.
3Productivity
If manual drone interception is used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the response speed and productivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The counter drone system operates autonomously once deployed. The processor automatically analyzes fused sensor data, identifies threats, selects appropriate countermeasures, and controls the counter drone without human intervention. This self-service capability enables rapid response to threats while minimizing the need for continuous human operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Counter drones are pre-positioned and pre-configured with interception payloads before threats are detected. When a threat is identified, the system can immediately deploy pre-prepared countermeasures, reducing response time. The system performs preliminary actions of deployment and configuration in advance of actual interception needs.
4Reliability
If multiple counter drones are deployed, then the interception capability is enhanced, but the loss of substance and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system deploys counter drones with varying levels of engagement - sometimes a single counter drone is sufficient, sometimes multiple are needed. The processor determines the appropriate number of counter drones to deploy based on threat assessment, avoiding unnecessary deployment of excessive countermeasures while ensuring sufficient response capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a fleet of identical or similar counter drone designs, allowing for standardized manufacturing and reduced per-unit costs. Multiple counter drones can be deployed as needed without the complexity of designing entirely different systems for each interception scenario, reducing overall substance loss and cost.
Data Source
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AI summary
The system comprises a plurality of sensor systems, a counter drone, and a processor. A sensor system of the plurality of sensor systems comprises one or more sensors that are connected to a network. The counter drone is connected to the network. The processor is configured to receive an indication of a potential target from the plurality of sensor systems; generate a fused data set for the potential target, determine whether the potential target comprises the threat drone based at least in part on the fused data set; and in response to determining that the potential target comprises the threat drone, provide counter drone instructions to the counter drone.