UAV Reflector for Extended Visual Tracking Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV operations are limited by the need for visual contact between the operator and the vehicle, which becomes difficult at longer distances due to visibility constraints, and this requires the UAV to consume power for lighting and carry a light source, reducing its operational range.
Innovation Solution
The system uses a reflector on the UAV to reflect light from an external source, increasing visibility without the need for the UAV to emit light, thus reducing power consumption and weight, allowing for extended operational ranges while maintaining visual contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the UAV emits light to improve visibility, then visibility is improved, but power consumption increases and operational range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external light source as an intermediary element. Instead of the UAV generating light itself, a ground-based or remote light source illuminates the UAV, and the reflected light is captured by the observer. This mediator (external light source) resolves the contradiction by providing illumination without requiring the UAV to consume power for light generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by having the observer detect light reflected from the UAV rather than the UAV emitting light directly to the observer. This inversion allows the UAV to remain passive (low power consumption) while still achieving visibility through the reflected light from external sources.
2Illumination intensity
If the UAV carries a light source to improve visibility, then visibility is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light source function from the UAV system and places it externally. The UAV no longer needs to carry its own light source, as the illumination function is provided by an external device. This extraction resolves the weight contradiction by removing the light source mass from the UAV while maintaining the visibility function through reflected light detection.
3Length of stationary object
If the operational range is extended beyond visual contact distance, then operational range is improved, but visual contact is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/physiological limitation of human visual range with an optical detection system. By using a camera or sensor to detect reflected light from the UAV, the system overcomes the natural limits of unaided human vision, allowing visual contact to be maintained at extended distances through technological augmentation rather than biological capability.
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
This solution enhances the operational range of UAVs by improving visibility through reflected light, reducing power consumption, and eliminating the need for onboard lighting, thereby extending the distance of safe operation while maintaining visual contact.
Implementation Method 1
A light source at an origin location is aligned and emitted toward a position of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The emitted light source reflects off a reflector coupled to the unmanned aerial vehicle and toward a location of the operator or visual observer working with the operator.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes systems and methods for visually tracking a position of an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) using reflected light. A light source at an origin location, such as the location of an operator of the UAV, is aligned and emitted toward the position of the UAV. The emitted light source reflects off a reflector coupled to the UAV toward a location of the operator or a visual observer working with the operator. The reflected light increases the visibility of the UAV, thereby extending the distance from an operator at which the UAV can be operated while maintaining visible contact between the operator and/or a visual observer working with the operator and the UAV.