UAV Target Tracking Mode Switching Under Atmospheric Turbulence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing target tracking systems face challenges in efficiently identifying and tracking unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) due to atmospheric turbulence, which affects image quality and requires high computation costs and long processing times, especially when clear images of vulnerable parts are not available.

Innovation Solution

A target tracking device and method that selects between precision and rough tracking modes based on atmospheric conditions and target position, using a weather observation device to determine the appropriate tracking mode without relying on image recognition, thereby reducing computation costs and increasing processing speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If image recognition technology using AI is used to determine whether the target image is clear enough to recognize the vulnerable part, then the determination accuracy is improved, but the computation cost and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetermination accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of tracking mode (precision vs. rough) based on atmospheric conditions and target position rather than relying on computationally intensive image recognition. This parameter change allows the system to maintain determination accuracy while avoiding the high computation cost and long processing time associated with AI-based image analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (atmospheric condition monitoring and position-based determination) that mediates between the need for accurate vulnerable part identification and the constraint of computation time. Instead of directly analyzing images to determine clarity, the system uses atmospheric data and position information as intermediaries to select appropriate tracking modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If image recognition technology using AI is used to determine whether the target image is clear enough to recognize the vulnerable part, then the determination accuracy is improved, but the computation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetermination accuracyVSAvoidcomputation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of tracking mode (precision vs. rough) based on atmospheric conditions and target position rather than relying on computationally intensive image recognition. This parameter change allows the system to maintain determination accuracy while avoiding the high computation cost associated with AI-based image analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (atmospheric condition monitoring and position-based determination) that mediates between the need for accurate vulnerable part identification and the constraint of computation cost. Instead of directly analyzing images to determine clarity, the system uses atmospheric data and position information as intermediaries to select appropriate tracking modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If precision tracking mode is used to focus on the vulnerable part of the target, then the countermeasure effectiveness is improved, but the tracking complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecountermeasure effectivenessVSAvoidtracking complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between precision tracking mode and rough tracking mode based on atmospheric conditions and target position. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to use complex precision tracking only when necessary (when atmospheric conditions are good and vulnerable parts are visible), while using simpler rough tracking in other conditions, thereby balancing countermeasure effectiveness with tracking complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different tracking modes (different levels of precision and complexity) to different local conditions (atmospheric conditions and target positions). Precision tracking is applied locally when conditions permit, while rough tracking is used in other areas, optimizing the balance between effectiveness and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If rough tracking mode is used to focus on the center-of-gravity part of the target, then the tracking simplicity is improved, but the countermeasure effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking simplicityVSAvoidcountermeasure effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between precision tracking mode and rough tracking mode based on atmospheric conditions and target position. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to use complex precision tracking only when necessary (when atmospheric conditions are good and vulnerable parts are visible), while using simpler rough tracking in other conditions, thereby balancing countermeasure effectiveness with tracking complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different tracking modes (different levels of precision and complexity) to different local conditions (atmospheric conditions and target positions). Precision tracking is applied locally when conditions permit, while rough tracking is used in other areas, optimizing the balance between effectiveness and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Efficient tracking of UAVs is achieved by selectively using precision or rough tracking modes, significantly reducing computation costs and processing times while maintaining accurate target engagement.

Implementation Method 1

Atmospheric turbulence is one of causes of being unable to obtain a clear image of the target. In a case where a ground surface is warmed by sunlight, atmosphere near the ground surface is warmed by the ground surface, and the atmospheric turbulence may occur.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAtmospheric turbulence: Turbulence

Implementation Method 2

the countermeasure can be performed in a short time by irradiating a vulnerable part of a target... performing a countermeasure by irradiating a focused part of the target with a laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser irradiation: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS12568310B2Target tracking device, target tracking method, and recording medium for storing target tracking program
Publication Date: 2026.03.03 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND LTD
  • US12568310B2 patent drawing
  • US12568310B2 patent drawing
  • US12568310B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are a target tracking device that efficiently tracks a target, a target tracking method, and a recording medium for storing a target tracking program. This target tracking device comprises a determination condition selector and a tracker. The determination condition selector selects a tracking mode for tracking a detected target from among a plurality of tracking modes on the basis of a group of determination conditions related to the position of the target. The tracker tracks the target in the selected tracking mode. The plurality of tracking modes include a first tracking mode that focuses on the vulnerable portion of the target and a second tracking mode that focuses on the center of gravity of the target. The target tracking device further comprises a coping device that irradiates the focused portion of the target with a laser beam to cope with the target.