UAV Exterior Display Control for In-Flight Visual Differentiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face challenges in distinguishing themselves from one another, especially when multiple UAVs are operating in close proximity, making it difficult for users to identify their intended UAV, due to their static coloration and lack of dynamic appearance adjustment.

Innovation Solution

Equipping UAVs with a computing system and exterior displays that can dynamically change appearance based on received journey information, including core purpose, payload details, navigation, and environmental factors, allowing for unique and contextually appropriate visual identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If UAVs use static coloration set during manufacturing, then manufacturing process is simple and cost-effective, but UAVs cannot be distinguished from one another when multiple UAVs are present in the same airspace

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveappearance adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static manufacturing-set coloration to dynamic appearance changes during operation. The computing system receives journey information and actively changes the display appearance based on core purpose, payload details, navigation, and environmental factors, making the UAV adaptable to different operational contexts while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the visual parameters (color, pattern, brightness) of the UAV exterior display based on journey information. The computing system adjusts these appearance parameters dynamically to reflect different core purposes, payloads, and environmental conditions, enabling distinction between multiple UAVs without complex structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If UAVs use dynamic appearance changes based on journey information, then user identification and operational efficiency are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser identificationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the UAV to autonomously determine and adjust its own appearance based on received journey information. The computing system automatically processes information about core purpose, payload, navigation, and environment to set appropriate display parameters, eliminating the need for manual appearance configuration by users while improving identification and operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by having the computing system continuously monitor journey information and adjust the exterior display appearance accordingly. The system receives feedback about operational context (core purpose, payload, environment) and uses this feedback to dynamically modify appearance parameters, ensuring optimal visibility and identification throughout the mission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If multiple UAVs have similar appearances, then manufacturing and deployment is efficient, but conflict resolution and identification become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment efficiencyVSAvoididentification information
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different appearance characteristics to different aspects of the UAV operation. Each UAV maintains a base appearance but can modify specific local features (color, pattern, brightness) based on its unique journey information, core purpose, and environmental context, allowing efficient deployment with standardized components while preserving individual identification capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12060164B2Differentiating unmanned vehicles by changing exterior appearance
Publication Date: 2024.08.13 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US12060164B2 patent drawing
  • US12060164B2 patent drawing
  • US12060164B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An unmanned vehicle includes a body, a propulsion system connected to the body, a computing system connected to the body, and a display connected to an exterior of the body and electrically connected to the computing system. In addition, the computing system is configured to dynamically change the appearance of the display during operation of the unmanned vehicle.