UAV Geofence Privacy Control for Sensor and Payload Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
As unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) increasingly operate in areas with heightened privacy concerns, existing technologies lack effective methods to restrict sensor data capture and payload device operations within geofenced areas.
Innovation Solution
A UAV computer system is configured to limit or disable sensors and payload devices when the UAV is within or near a geofence, by determining its geospatial position relative to the geofence boundary and performing privacy operations such as orienting sensors away from the boundary or disabling their operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the UAV operates sensors and payload devices freely, then data collection capability is improved, but privacy protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively identifies geofenced areas and preemptively restricts sensor operations before privacy violations can occur. The geofence boundary is established in advance, and the UAV computer system automatically disables or reorients sensors when approaching these predefined zones, preventing privacy harm before it happens.
Solution Approach 2:
The geofence acts as an intermediary boundary between the UAV's data collection operations and private areas. This virtual fence mediates the interaction by providing clear spatial delimiters that trigger automated sensor control, separating operational zones from restricted zones without requiring direct human intervention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the UAV restricts sensor operations near geofence boundaries, then privacy protection is improved, but data collection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different operational qualities to different spatial zones. Outside geofenced areas, sensors operate with full capability for comprehensive data collection. Inside or near geofenced areas, sensor operations are locally restricted or reoriented. This spatial differentiation allows maximum data collection where appropriate while implementing privacy protection only where necessary.
3Measurement precision
If the UAV continuously monitors geospatial position and sensor operations, then privacy control precision is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV computer system autonomously manages privacy compliance without requiring external monitoring or complex ground control intervention. The system self-determines its geospatial position, self-evaluates proximity to geofence boundaries, and self-regulates sensor operations accordingly. This automated self-service approach achieves high precision control while minimizing additional system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed in this specification are methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on non-transitory computer storage media for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight operation and privacy controls. Based on geofence types, and UAV distance from a geofence, sensors and other devices connected to a UAV are conditionally operational. Image data collected during a UAV flight may be obfuscated by the UAV while in flight, or via a post-flight process using log data generated by the UAV.