Optical Vortex Detection for Unauthorized UAV Flight Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies are inadequate for detecting vortices generated by travelling objects, particularly in the context of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), as radar-based methods are ineffective for this purpose.
Innovation Solution
A system and method involving a media collector to capture visual media files of air regions, using a computer to analyze these files for vortex characteristics, and employing a vortex similarity engine to identify and classify vortices, with additional features for flight plan verification and alert generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radar-based methods are used for detection, then detection capability is provided, but radar-based methods are ineffective for detecting vortices generated by travelling objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radar-based detection (electromagnetic wave-based mechanical system) with optical-based visual media collection and computational analysis. The system uses cameras or other visual media collectors to capture images, and then employs computer algorithms to detect vortex characteristics in the visual data, thereby substituting one detection mechanism with another that is effective for vortex identification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from radar signal characteristics to visual media characteristics. By analyzing parameters such as light refraction patterns, density variations visible in the air, and optical property changes caused by vortices, the system transforms the detection approach to parameters that effectively characterize vortex structures
2Reliability
If visual media collection and analysis is used, then vortex detection capability is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a computer system that can perform multiple functions: collecting visual media data, processing images, detecting vortex characteristics, comparing with flight plan data, and generating alerts. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated platform, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses readily available visual media collectors (such as standard cameras) and leverages existing computational algorithms for image processing and analysis. Rather than requiring specialized custom-built equipment, the system utilizes off-the-shelf components and self-contained software solutions, thereby reducing device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of detecting a vortex made by a travelling object is disclosed. Techniques include positioning a media collector to capture a visual media file of the vortex. In some configurations, a graphic recognition algorithm and vortex similarity engine are used to determine whether a visual media file captured by a media collector contains a vortex. In some configurations, a computer may trigger an alert if a travelling object vortex is not expected to be in the visual media file.