Stereo-Vision Aircraft Tracking for Proximate Fast-Moving UAVs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerial defense systems are inadequate for defending against low-cost, invasive unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) due to high costs and impracticality, and they struggle to effectively intercept and incapacitate multiple fast-moving targets, especially when sensors mounted on gimbals and turrets are not suitable for proximate, fast-moving aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A modular aerial defense system utilizing modified low-cost commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) aircraft equipped with a structured light source, inertial measurement unit (IMU), and a stereo-vision system, including cameras and a mirror, to track and image moving objects in 3D, along with a virtual reality simulation environment for improved autonomy and reduced costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional anti-aircraft systems use sensors mounted on gimbals and turrets, then they are suitable for target aircraft at a distance, but they are not suitable for proximate fast moving objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical gimbal and turret mounting systems with a fixed-mount stereo-vision system. The solution uses computer vision algorithms and image processing to achieve accurate tracking of proximate fast-moving targets without the mechanical complexity and inertia of gimbals and turrets, enabling the system to respond rapidly to close-range threats.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D imaging with single cameras to 3D spatial understanding using stereo-vision with multiple cameras. This dimensional enhancement provides depth perception and improved tracking capability for fast-moving proximate targets, allowing the system to accurately determine target position and velocity in three-dimensional space.
2Reliability
If aerial defense systems use expensive anti-aircraft missiles or guns, then they can defend against aerial threats, but they are cost-prohibitive compared to the potential harm caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs low-cost commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) cameras and computing components to build the aerial defense system. By using inexpensive, readily available components rather than specialized military-grade equipment, the system achieves reliable threat detection and tracking at a fraction of the cost of traditional anti-aircraft systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a multi-functional system where the same stereo-vision platform can detect, track, and guide against various aerial threats including drones, missiles, and aircraft. This universal approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized systems, reducing overall cost while maintaining comprehensive defense capability.
3Reliability
If tube-launched small unmanned aerial systems are used, then they can defend against aerial threats, but they are slower and less maneuverable due to sizing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the defense function into separate stages: detection and tracking by the aerial platform, and guidance to the target. This segmentation allows the defense system to remain stationary or move slowly while still achieving high-speed interception through precise real-time tracking and guidance algorithms that account for target motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical tube-launching mechanisms with a more flexible deployment system. The aerial defense platform can launch interceptors or guide weapons from multiple directions without being constrained by tube geometry, enabling faster and more maneuverable response to aerial threats.
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
The system enables effective, low-cost defense against multiple invasive UAVs by providing a scalable, maneuverable, and cost-effective solution for tracking and targeting, while reducing the need for expensive components and experimental flight hours through virtual reality simulations.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror to steer light from the light source toward the object
Implementation Method 2
an inertial measurement unit (IMU) operatively coupled with the processor, wherein the IMU is configured to generate position data representing a position of the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
a stereo-vision system having a first camera and a second camera, the stereo-vision system being operatively coupled to the processor, wherein the stereo-vision system is configured to determine a three-dimensional position of the object
Data Source
AI summary
The subject disclosure relates to a tracking system to mount to an aircraft and to image and track a target aircraft. The tracking system may include a structured light source operatively coupled to a processor, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) operatively coupled with the processor, a mirror to steer light from the light source toward the target aircraft, and a stereo-vision system having a first camera and a second camera. The IMU may be configured to generate position data representing a position of the aircraft. The stereo-vision system may be operatively coupled to the processor and configured to determine a 3D position of the target aircraft as a function of the position data. The processor may be configured to adjust the mirror position as a function of a mirror position.