Range Estimation Device Using Passive Sensor Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collision avoidance systems for aerial platforms, particularly UAVs, face inaccuracies in range estimation from passive sensor inputs, leading to potentially unnecessary and premature escape maneuvers due to a lack of reliable range information.
Innovation Solution
A range estimation device that performs own-ship maneuvering based on range uncertainty estimations, using passive sensors to determine accurate and reliable range estimations, thereby improving the calculation of escape trajectories and reducing the risk of mid-air collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If passive sensors are used for collision avoidance, then the system can achieve high image frame rates and high resolution, but the range estimation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using the estimated range and range uncertainty to dynamically adjust the own-ship maneuvering characteristics. The control unit continuously monitors the range uncertainty estimation and modifies the maneuvering parameters (acceleration, direction, duration) to optimize the information gathering for range estimation, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to the measurement quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the aerial platform's motion (velocity, acceleration, trajectory) to create favorable conditions for passive ranging. By deliberately maneuvering the platform, the system transforms the static observation into dynamic measurement, enabling more accurate range estimation from the passive sensor data through the induced geometric changes in the observation angles.
2Measurement precision
If own-ship maneuvering is performed to improve range estimation, then the range estimation accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own motion (own-ship maneuvering) to service the measurement need. By maneuvering itself, the aerial platform creates the geometric diversity required for accurate passive ranging without requiring external assistance or additional specialized equipment. The platform's control system independently determines and executes the maneuvers based on the range uncertainty estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system serves multiple functions: it controls the aerial platform's flight, processes passive sensor data, estimates range and range uncertainty, determines optimal maneuvering characteristics, and executes the maneuvers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each task, thereby managing system complexity while achieving improved range estimation.
3Reliability
If range uncertainty estimations are used to determine maneuvering characteristics, then the reliability of range estimation improves, but the calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of range uncertainty estimation before determining the optimal maneuvering characteristics. This advance assessment allows the control unit to pre-determine the appropriate maneuvering parameters that will most effectively reduce the range uncertainty, rather than reacting to measurement quality in real-time during the maneuver execution.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a range estimation device for use in an aerial platform comprising at least one passive sensor, a trajectory determination unit and a control system. The range estimation device comprises a control unit arranged to indicate to the control system to perform own-ship manoeuvring of said aerial platform such that the characteristics of passive sensor measurements from said at least one passive sensor enable a range estimation to a target to be determined. The range estimation device is characterized by the control unit being arranged to determine the characteristics of the own-ship manoeuvring based on the range uncertainty estimations to the target. The invention also relates to a method and a computer program product for use in range estimation device.