3D Aerial Routing Maps for UAV Obstacle Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) lack effective multi-dimensional mapping capabilities to ensure safe navigation in uncontrolled airspace, particularly below 100-200 feet where obstructions like buildings and radio towers pose risks, and do not account for dynamic changes or human activity impacts.
Innovation Solution
Development of multi-dimensional mapping algorithms that create 3D maps incorporating terrain and object information, allowing for safe routing above ground obstructions, dynamic route management, and consideration of human activity impacts, with features like aerial traffic lanes, prohibited zones, and geo-location codes to define routes and intersections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional 2D navigation maps are used for UAV routing, then the system complexity remains low, but the system cannot account for ground obstructions and vertical dimension risks in uncontrolled airspace
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D navigation maps to 3D multi-dimensional maps that incorporate vertical dimension data. This enables the system to represent ground obstructions, building heights, and aerial route clearances, allowing UAVs to navigate safely in uncontrolled airspace by visualizing and avoiding obstacles in three dimensions rather than just horizontal planes.
Solution Approach 2:
The 3D map system segments airspace into controlled and uncontrolled zones with specific vertical parameters. By dividing the navigation space into distinct dimensional layers and restricted zones, the system manages complexity through structured organization while providing comprehensive safety coverage for UAV operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If static routing paths are used, then the routing system is simple to implement, but it cannot adapt to dynamic changes in airspace conditions or human activity
Solution Approach 1:
The routing system implements dynamic path adjustment capabilities that allow real-time modification of UAV flight paths based on changing airspace conditions, detected obstacles, or human activity. The system transitions from fixed static routes to adaptive dynamic routing that can respond to environmental changes while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor airspace conditions and adjust routing decisions accordingly. By implementing closed-loop control where routing outcomes are evaluated and fed back into the decision-making process, the system adapts to dynamic changes in uncontrolled airspace while managing complexity through systematic feedback processing.
3Reliability
If comprehensive 3D obstacle data is collected and stored, then collision avoidance capability is improved, but data storage requirements and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and stores only the essential vertical dimension parameters and obstruction data necessary for safe UAV navigation, rather than storing complete comprehensive 3D environmental datasets. By selecting and storing only the critical dimensional information needed for collision avoidance in uncontrolled airspace, the system maintains safety while reducing data storage requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method including retrieving a multi-dimensional map (30) from a navigation system memory (27); determining an aerial route (64) between two locations (60, 62) based at least partially upon the multi-dimensional map (30); and storing the aerial route (64) in the navigation system memory (27). The multi-dimensional map (30) includes terrain information (32) and object information (34). The object information (34) includes information regarding location (42) and size (44) of objects (68, 70, 72) extending above ground level. The objects (68, 70, 72) are in uncontrolled airspace, and the object information (34) includes height information (46) regarding a height above ground level of at least some of the objects (68, 70, 72). The aerial route (64) is limited to the uncontrolled airspace, where the aerial route is over and around at least some of the objects (68, 70, 72), and where the aerial route (64) is determined, at least partially, based upon the height information (46) of the objects (68, 70, 72).