Search Schedule Determining Apparatus for Target Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current search technologies face limitations in determining efficient search schedules for finite search vehicles due to constraints such as limited satellite orbit time, aircraft endurance, and weather conditions, which affect the probability of discovering targets effectively.
Innovation Solution
A search schedule determining apparatus and method that calculates a target probability distribution and search ability for each vehicle, optimizing the deployment of search vehicles to maximize the probability of target discovery by determining a search effort distribution that balances vehicle capabilities and target likelihoods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If low orbit satellite is used to secure imaging resolution, then target detection precision is improved, but duration of action is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static ground-based sensors to mobile search vehicles (aircraft, satellites) that can dynamically reposition themselves. This allows the system to maintain high-resolution imaging capability while extending the effective search duration by moving to different orbital positions or flight paths, thereby resolving the contradiction between resolution and time zone limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dimensional changes by utilizing aerial and orbital platforms instead of ground-based fixed sensors. By moving the search capability into three-dimensional space (aircraft flight paths, satellite orbits), the system can cover larger areas over time while maintaining imaging resolution, thus extending the effective duration of action without sacrificing measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If aircraft is used for search operation, then adaptability is improved, but duration of action is reduced due to fuel replenishment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple search vehicles into a coordinated system where aircraft can operate in conjunction with satellites and ground facilities. This allows fuel-constrained aircraft to perform shorter, more intensive search missions while other platforms cover different time zones, effectively extending the overall duration of action while maintaining the adaptability benefits of using diverse vehicle types.
3Reliability
If infrared sensor is used for search operation, then ability to detect targets is improved, but reliability is reduced in bad weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by equipping search vehicles with multiple sensor types including infrared sensors, visible light cameras, and radar systems. This allows the system to switch between different sensing modalities depending on weather conditions - using infrared in clear conditions for high target detection capability, and switching to radar or other sensors in bad weather to maintain reliable operation.
4Measurement precision
If visible ray imaging is used for search operation, then imaging quality is improved, but reliability is reduced at night
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating multiple imaging systems including visible light cameras and infrared sensors on the same search vehicles. This allows the system to use high-quality visible light imaging during daytime when imaging quality is paramount, and automatically switch to infrared imaging during nighttime operations to maintain reliable target detection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
In a search schedule determining apparatus, a target probability distribution showing a distribution of probabilities of positions of a target in a time zone is calculated based on target previous information. A search ability showing a quantitative evaluation of an ability to discover the target is calculated based on search vehicle previous information. A search effort distribution is calculated based on the target probability distribution and the search ability such that a combination of probabilities in which each of the search vehicles discovers the target has a maximum. A search schedule is automatically determined based on the target previous information and the search vehicle previous information such that the search vehicles are operated to realize the search effort distribution.