Vehicle Escort Drone Control for Weather-Aware Operator Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle safety features do not assist operators in safely traveling to the vehicle, particularly in adverse weather conditions or when the vehicle is in motion.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a vehicle with a drone docking station, a vehicle electronic control unit (ECU), and a remote operating device that allows for the deployment and control of an aerial drone to escort the operator to and from the vehicle, considering weather conditions and vehicle status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional vehicle safety features (lights, horn, remote start) are used, then vehicle security and convenience are improved, but the operator cannot be assisted during travel to the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the security assistance function into two distinct operational modes: escort mode (active protection during travel) and surveillance mode (passive monitoring when stationary). This segmentation allows the complex drone system to provide targeted assistance without requiring continuous complex operation, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drone acts as an intermediary between the operator and potential threats during travel to the vehicle. Rather than requiring direct operator intervention with complex safety features, the drone mediates protection by providing active escort, illumination, and threat detection, simplifying the operator's interaction while maintaining high security.
2Reliability
If the drone conducts escort flight operations in adverse weather, then operator protection is improved, but flight reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by having the drone position itself between the operator and adverse environmental factors (cold, darkness, potential threats) before the operator is exposed. The drone's illumination system activates beforehand to counter darkness, and the drone maintains protective positioning to shield the operator from harmful conditions during the approach to the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful effect of adverse weather into a benefit by using the drone's illumination system to counteract darkness and cold, and by using the drone's protected position to transform the vulnerable travel condition into a secure escorted journey. The harmful weather conditions become the very reason the drone's protective capabilities become beneficial.
3Reliability
If the drone provides continuous escort, then operator safety is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by alternating between active escort operations (when the operator is traveling to the vehicle) and inactive or surveillance-only operations (when the operator has arrived or is stationary). This periodic activation pattern maintains operator safety during critical travel periods while reducing overall energy consumption during non-critical periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by making the drone's escort function adaptive rather than static. The drone adjusts its level of engagement based on real-time conditions: providing full active escort when the operator is vulnerable during travel, and reducing to surveillance or idle mode when the operator is safe at the vehicle. This dynamic adjustment optimizes energy consumption while maintaining safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method including an aerial drone associated with a vehicle that can serve as an escort for someone either traveling from a motor vehicle to a location remote from the vehicle, or for someone travelling from the location remote from the vehicle back to the vehicle. The vehicle may include a vehicle electronic control unit and drone docking station that are configured to communicate with and control the drone during escort flight operations.