UAV Route Blocking Control Using Rotor Wind Near Restricted Areas

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing security surveillance systems using unmanned aircraft struggle to prevent moving objects from entering specific areas, as they rely solely on intimidation through alarming devices, which may not effectively deter objects from entering prohibited zones.

Innovation Solution

An unmanned aircraft equipped with sensors to detect moving objects and area information, using a flight controller to position itself between the object and the prohibited area, generating wind to prevent entry by hovering at the narrowest point of the route, thereby blocking the path without increasing the aircraft's weight or requiring additional devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the unmanned aircraft uses alarming devices to intimidate suspicious persons, then the suspicious person may be deterred, but the system cannot effectively prevent moving objects from entering prohibited areas when intimidation fails

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention effectivenessVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a flight controller as an intermediary component that coordinates between the sensor, detector, and alarming device. The flight controller enables the unmanned aircraft to dynamically position itself to block the route between the suspicious person and the prohibited area, creating a physical barrier that complements the alarming device's intimidation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic positioning capabilities where the unmanned aircraft can adjust its position in real-time based on the detected location of moving objects and the geometry of prohibited areas. The aircraft hovers at calculated blocking positions along potential routes, adapting its location as the situation evolves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the unmanned aircraft positions itself to block routes by hovering, then entry to prohibited areas is prevented, but additional devices or weight increases are avoided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention effectivenessVSAvoidaircraft weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the unmanned aircraft's existing components serve multiple functions. The sensor system not only detects objects but also tracks their movement patterns. The flight controller not only manages flight but also performs route calculation and blocking position determination. This multi-functionality prevents the need for additional specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The unmanned aircraft uses its own flight capabilities and existing sensors to perform the blocking function. Rather than requiring external equipment or additional heavy components, the system leverages its inherent mobility and detection abilities to create the protective barrier, effectively making the aircraft serve its own prevention function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the unmanned aircraft continuously monitors and positions itself to block all potential routes, then prevention coverage is maximized, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention coverageVSAvoidbattery consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies prevention resources selectively rather than uniformly. The sensor system focuses detection on areas where moving objects are detected or where routes to prohibited areas exist. The unmanned aircraft positions itself only at specific blocking points along actual potential routes, rather than continuously monitoring all possible paths, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements prevention actions only when and where necessary. Rather than maintaining constant blocking positions along all potential routes, the unmanned aircraft activates blocking behavior selectively based on detected object trajectories and proximity to prohibited areas, performing partial action sufficient for prevention without excessive energy expenditure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Effectively prevents moving objects from entering undesirable areas by utilizing wind generated from its flight operations, enhancing security without additional equipment or weight, and optimizing battery usage by only engaging when necessary.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing wind generated from its flight operations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWind generation through flight operations:

Data Source

PatentEP3889928B1Unmanned aerial vehicle, control method, and program
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3889928B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3889928B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3889928B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An unmanned aircraft (1) includes: a sensor (person detection sensor (100) and so forth) that performs sensing of an external environment of the unmanned aircraft (l); a detector (suspicious person identifier (110)) that detects a moving object based on a result of the sensing performed by the sensor; an obtainer (movement prohibition position determiner (113)) that obtains area information indicating an area, entry to which by the moving object is undesirable; and a flight controller (114) that causes the unmanned aircraft (1) to move to a position between the moving object and the area indicated by the area information, based on a positional relation between the moving object and the area, and fly at the position that is a destination position.