UAV Visual Line-of-Sight Control Around Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) often fly out of visual line of sight (VLOS) of operators, especially when navigating around structures, posing challenges for safe operation and control.
Innovation Solution
A UAV computer system is configured to maintain VLOS by determining the geospatial location using GNSS signals and performing contingency actions, such as navigating to a landing location, to ensure the UAV remains within the operator's visual range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UAV navigates around structures to perform operations, then the operational versatility and mission capability are improved, but the visual line of sight (VLOS) with the ground operator is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the VLOS status between the UAV and ground operator using sensor data and geospatial information. When the UAV approaches a structure that may block visual contact, the system provides feedback to the operator through the user interface, allowing real-time adjustment of flight parameters or operator position to maintain VLOS while completing the mission
Solution Approach 2:
Before the UAV enters a area where VLOS may be interrupted, the system performs preliminary calculations using the geospatial database and current flight parameters to predict potential visual contact loss. The operator is alerted in advance, and corrective actions can be taken before the interruption occurs, ensuring continuous operational control
2Productivity
If the UAV flies at higher altitude or farther distance to expand operational area, then the coverage area and productivity are improved, but the visual contact with the operator is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from purely visual monitoring to multi-dimensional situational awareness by integrating GNSS geospatial data, UAV telemetry, and structure location information. This creates a digital representation of the operational environment that extends beyond visual range, allowing the operator to maintain situational control even when direct visual contact is interrupted
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer of technological assistance between the operator and UAV, using automated VLOS monitoring and geospatial awareness tools to bridge the gap when visual contact is lost. This intermediary system provides continuous information about UAV position relative to the operator and surrounding structures, maintaining operational reliability at extended distances
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 prevents UAVs from flying out of VLOS, enhancing safety and operational control by ensuring continuous visual contact between the UAV and the operator, even in complex environments.
Implementation Method 1
periodically receiving global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals; identifying a geospatial location of the UAV using the GNSS signals
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for unmanned aerial vehicle visual line of sight flight operations. A UAV computer system may be configured to ensure the UAV is operating in visual line of sight of one or more ground operators. The UAV may confirm that it has a visual line of sight with the one or more user devices, such as a ground control station, or the UAV may ensure that the UAV does not fly behind or below a structure such that the ground operator would not be able to visually spot the UAV. The UAV computer system may be configured in such a way that UAV operation will maintain the UAV in visual line of sight of a base location.