UAS Infrared Navigation Aid for Obstacle Detection Around Mobile Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned aerial systems (UAS) lack effective integration with mobile structures for real-time environmental data collection and navigation, leading to inefficiencies in piloting and operation, particularly in dynamic environments like waterways where line-of-sight obstacles hinder detection of objects and navigation.
Innovation Solution
The integration of UAS-based infrared imaging systems with mobile structures, enabling the receipt and processing of thermal camera data to determine environmental conditions, which are then used to aid in navigation and operation, including the use of multiple sensors and communication modules to synchronize data and generate integrated models for improved situational awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If UAS-based infrared imaging systems are integrated with mobile structures, then environmental condition detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines UAS-based infrared imaging systems with mobile structure sensors and communication modules into an integrated navigational system. The logic device receives and processes data from multiple sources (thermal cameras, GPS, communication modules) to determine environmental conditions, merging previously separate systems into a unified platform that enhances detection capability while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system performs multiple functions: environmental condition detection via infrared imaging, navigation assistance, obstacle detection, and data communication. The logic device serves as a central processing unit that handles various data types from different sensors and communicates with multiple external systems, making the system versatile and multi-functional rather than single-purpose.
2Productivity
If real-time UAS data processing is implemented, then navigation efficiency is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing of UAS data by the logic device to determine environmental conditions before full navigation operations commence. By pre-processing thermal camera data and identifying key environmental factors in advance, the system reduces the computational energy required during active navigation, as critical information is already prepared and filtered.
Solution Approach 2:
The logic device autonomously processes UAS data and determines environmental conditions without requiring continuous external intervention. The system self-manages the data flow from thermal cameras and communication modules, automatically interpreting environmental conditions and providing navigation assistance, thereby reducing the energy overhead associated with manual system management.
3Loss of information
If multiple sensors and communication modules are integrated, then situational awareness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data from multiple sensors (thermal cameras, GPS, communication modules) into a unified environmental condition determination process. The logic device integrates these diverse data sources to create a comprehensive situational awareness picture, combining previously separate information streams into a cohesive navigational decision-making system.
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
Enhances navigation and operation of mobile structures by providing real-time environmental data, improving detection of objects and obstacles, and enabling safer navigation through dynamic environments by integrating UAS data with mobile structure sensors and systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the UAS data comprises data associated with a thermal camera coupled to the one or more UASs
Data Source
AI summary
Flight based infrared imaging systems and related techniques, and in particular unmanned aerial system (UAS) based systems, are provided for aiding in operation and/or piloting of a mobile structure. Such systems and techniques may include determining environmental conditions around the mobile structure with the UAS detecting the presence of objects and/or persons around the mobile structure and/or determining the presence of other structures around the mobile structure. Instructions for the operation of such mobile structures may then be accordingly determined responsive to such data.