Networked Ground Sensors for UAV Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airspace collision detection systems for UAVs are either cumbersome due to acoustic warning systems that increase UAV size and weight or uneconomical due to traditional RADAR systems, which are expensive and impractical for low-altitude surveillance, especially in environments with terrain limitations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a network of ground-based sensors, including acoustic, camera, laser, and RADAR sensors, positioned to divide airspace into sectors with overlapping detection volumes, allowing for efficient detection and tracking of aircraft positions and trajectories, and transmitting signals to control systems to prevent collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If acoustic warning systems are fitted to UAVs for collision detection, then collision avoidance capability is improved, but UAV size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ground-based acoustic sensors as an intermediary system to detect aircraft collisions. Instead of equipping each UAV with its own acoustic warning system, the detection function is transferred to ground-based sensors that monitor the airspace and communicate collision risks to UAVs, thereby eliminating the weight penalty while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/acoustic system (acoustic sensors mounted on UAVs) with an electromagnetic communication system. Ground-based sensors detect aircraft positions and communicate this information wirelessly to UAVs, substituting physical acoustic detection on the UAV with remote electromagnetic sensing and communication
2Measurement precision
If traditional RADAR systems are used for low-altitude surveillance, then detection capability is improved, but cost and economic feasibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the surveillance function into multiple low-cost ground-based sensor nodes distributed across the airspace. Instead of using a single expensive RADAR system, the airspace is segmented into multiple detection zones, each monitored by affordable sensors that collectively provide comprehensive coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive ground-based acoustic and electromagnetic sensors that can be deployed in large numbers without significant cost. These low-cost sensors replace expensive traditional RADAR systems, making the surveillance network economically viable for low-altitude UAV operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If RADAR systems are deployed to overcome terrain limitations, then line-of-sight detection is improved, but infrastructure requirements and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional RADAR beam coverage to a network of point-based ground sensors. By distributing multiple low-altitude sensor nodes across the terrain, the system achieves comprehensive coverage without requiring elevated RADAR installations, thus avoiding complex tower and infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple identical or similar ground-based sensor units distributed across the surveillance area. Each sensor node is a simplified copy of the basic detection unit, eliminating the need for complex elevated RADAR installations and reducing infrastructure requirements while maintaining coverage
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
Enables safe integration of UAVs into civil airspace by providing economical and scalable surveillance, reducing the complexity and cost of collision avoidance systems while effectively preventing collisions with manned aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
acoustic sensors that detect the sound radiated by an approaching aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting and preventing airspace collision with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes dividing an airspace into a plurality of sectors, positioning a plurality of sensor installations to detect presence of an aircraft at respective boundaries between the sectors, detecting presence of the aircraft at a first of the boundaries based on sensor data collected from a first one of the sensor installations that is positioned to detect presence of the aircraft at the first boundary, and transmitting a signal based on the detection of the presence of the aircraft at the first boundary to a control system of the UAV.