Virtual Visual Observer Cameras for BVLOS UAV Airspace Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS), at high altitudes, or in autonomous unattended settings, where there is no certified pilot or human visual observer to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a digital visual observation system using observer devices equipped with high-resolution cameras and ADS-B-in capabilities, which can detect and avoid objects in the airspace, providing a virtual visual observer capability to meet regulatory requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a human visual observer is required to ensure safety and regulatory compliance, then safety and compliance are improved, but operational flexibility and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need for direct visual line of sight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the human visual observer's function through automated systems including cameras, sensors, and image processing algorithms that replicate visual detection and tracking capabilities, allowing UAV operation without a physical human observer while maintaining safety monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human visual observation with an automated electronic system comprising cameras, processors, and control algorithms that perform detection, tracking, and safety monitoring functions previously requiring human eyes and brain processing
2Reliability
If a human visual observer is required to scan airspace for collision hazards, then safety is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase due to the need for direct visual line of sight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the visual observation function into separate modular components including cameras, sensors, image processing modules, and control systems that can independently perform specific tasks such as detection, tracking, and collision avoidance, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service capabilities where the automated visual observer system independently performs airspace scanning, hazard detection, and collision avoidance without requiring human intervention, thereby simplifying the operational structure while ensuring continuous safety monitoring
3Reliability
If a human visual observer is required to maintain constant manual control, then safety is improved, but productivity and duration of action deteriorate due to operator fatigue and limited operational time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous visual observation and safety monitoring through automated systems that can operate without interruption or fatigue, maintaining constant surveillance of the airspace and UAV status throughout the entire operational duration, unlike human observers who require rest periods
4Adaptability or versatility
If UAVs operate beyond visual line of sight or at high altitudes, then operational flexibility and productivity are improved, but safety and detection capability worsen without a human visual observer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends detection capabilities to three-dimensional airspace by utilizing multiple cameras and sensors positioned at different locations and angles, creating a volumetric monitoring system that can detect and track objects beyond visual line of sight and at high altitudes where traditional two-dimensional visual observation fails
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a first device includes multiple fixed first cameras and a movable second camera. A processor is configured to receive, from at least one of the fixed first cameras, a plurality of first images of an airspace corresponding to an area of operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle, and detect, based at least on the first images, a candidate object approaching or within the airspace. Based on detecting the candidate object, the processor controls a movable second camera to direct a field of view of the movable second camera toward the candidate object. Based on one or more second images from the movable second camera captured at a first location and one or more third images from a third camera captured at a second location, the processor may determine that the candidate object is an object of interest and perform at least one action.