UAV Obstacle Avoidance via Radar and Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV navigation obstacle avoidance systems are limited in their ability to detect obstacles beyond visual range and lack automatic navigation functions, particularly in adverse weather conditions and when obstacles are not significant, leading to weakened obstacle avoidance performance and no provision for position and inertial sensors.
Innovation Solution
A UAV navigation obstacle avoidance system comprising a communication module, a sensing device, and a signal processing module that generates flight control signals to control the UAV's motive power sources, incorporating GPS/GNSS, IMU, cameras, and radar for detecting relative direction, velocity, and distance to obstacles, enabling real-time navigation and route revision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic or optical sensors are used for obstacle detection, then the system can detect obstacles within visual range, but the obstacle avoidance performance is weakened when obstacles are not big enough or weather conditions are adverse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing devices including radar, ultrasonic sensors, and optical sensors with infrared rays into a single obstacle avoidance system. The radar provides long-range detection capability that works effectively in adverse weather conditions, while ultrasonic and optical sensors provide precise short-range detection. This multi-sensor fusion approach resolves the contradiction by ensuring reliable obstacle detection across all conditions - radar handles adverse weather and long-range detection, while other sensors handle close-range precision detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements multi-functional sensing capabilities where radar serves both long-range obstacle detection and weather penetration functions, while ultrasonic and optical sensors provide complementary short-range detection. This universal approach ensures the system maintains obstacle avoidance performance regardless of obstacle size or weather conditions, resolving the reliability issue.
2Length of moving object
If the flight distance and altitude of the UAV are increased to extend wireless remote control range, then the effective distance is improved, but the UAV cannot fly safely beyond visual range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual-range-dependent mechanical control with radar-based electromagnetic wave detection for obstacle avoidance. The radar system enables the UAV to detect obstacles beyond visual range by using electromagnetic waves that can travel longer distances and penetrate adverse weather conditions, allowing safe flight at extended distances and altitudes.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system acts as an intermediary between the UAV and distant obstacles, providing detection capability that extends beyond the operator's visual range. This intermediary radar detection system enables safe beyond-visual-range operation by providing obstacle information that would otherwise be unavailable to the remote operator.
3Device complexity
If only ultrasonic and optical sensors are equipped, then the system structure is simple, but the system lacks automatic navigation function and position sensing capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges radar detection capability with position and inertial sensors into the obstacle avoidance system, transforming it from a simple obstacle detection device into an integrated navigation system. This combination provides both obstacle avoidance and automatic navigation functions while maintaining reasonable system complexity through shared hardware resources and integrated processing.
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 effectively controls UAV flight, ensures obstacle avoidance, and maintains the original flight route by integrating sensors and communication modules for real-time data processing and control, enhancing safety and navigation capabilities beyond visual range and in adverse conditions.
Implementation Method 1
uses ultrasonic, optical sensors with infrared rays, laser or the like or radar to detect the relative distance
Implementation Method 2
detecting real-time position and flight attitude and inertia signals of a UAV through a sensing device
Implementation Method 3
detecting real-time position and flight attitude and inertia signals of a UAV
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) navigation obstacle avoidance system and method thereof are introduced. The UAV navigation obstacle avoidance system provides with functions of automatically controlling the UAV motive power sources to control the flight of UAV and avoid the obstacle. The system comprises a sensing device, a signal processing module, a communication module, a control module. The sensing device detects the relative direction, velocity and distance between a UAV and a dynamic or static obstacle. The sensing device also detects the real-time position, flight attitude and inertia signals of the UAV. The signal processing module generates a UAV flight control signal. The control module receives the UAV flight control signal and controls each of the UAV motive power sources. Therefore, the system achieves the purpose of controlling flight and obstacle avoidance and forward to the original planned follow-on flight route after the avoidance.