SYSTEM AND METHODS RELATING TO AUTONOMOUS TRACKING AND SURVEILLANCE

• US 20100042269A1
• Filed: 12/12/2008
• Published: 02/18/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 12/14/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Original Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Inventors: Olson, Trevor L., Munoz, Michael L., Cathey, Frederick W., Hilliard, David J., Lutter, Robert P., Kokkeby, Kristen L.
• Granted Patent: US 9,026,272 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/3
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/723 by using numerical data
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 3/7864 T.V. type tracking systems
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0094 involving pointing a payload, e.g. camera, weapon, sensor, towards a fixed or moving target

Abstract

A method of protecting an asset using at least one unmanned vehicle. The method includes establishing a plurality of boundaries around the asset. The boundaries define edges of zones. The method further includes observing a target in a first one of the zones. The method further includes deploying the unmanned vehicle to a location in a vicinity of the asset and tasking the vehicle to perform a first defensive measure as long as the target remains in the first zone. If the target crosses a boundary from the first zone into a second one of the zones, where the second zone is more proximate to the asset than the first zone, the method further includes tasking the vehicle to perform a second defensive measure.

Claims

1. A method of protecting an asset using at least one unmanned vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:

establishing a plurality of boundaries around the asset, the boundaries defining edges of zones;

observing a target in a first one of the zones;

deploying the unmanned vehicle to a location in a vicinity of the asset and tasking the vehicle to perform a first defensive measure as long as the target remains in the first zone; and

if the target crosses a boundary from the first zone into a second one of the zones, where the second zone is more proximate to the asset than the first zone, tasking the vehicle to perform a second defensive measure.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the unmanned vehicle is an unmanned aircraft.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first defensive measure comprises tracking the target'"'"'s movement.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the second defensive measure comprises identifying the target, determining its intentions and assessing what threat, if any, the target poses to the asset.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of tasking the unmanned vehicle to perform a third defensive measure if the target crosses into a third one of the zones.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the third defensive measure comprises engaging the target.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of the asset fleeing the target if the target crosses into a third one of the zones.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein three boundaries are established around the asset, and all boundaries are concentric circles with the asset at the center.

9. A method of providing communication between a first individual or group and a second individual or group, where the first individual or group and the second individual or group cannot communicate directly with one another, the method comprising the steps of:

deploying an unmanned vehicle to a location in a vicinity of both the first individual or group and the second individual or group, such that the first individual or group is capable of communicating directly with the vehicle and the second individual or group is capable of communicating directly with the vehicle, but the first individual or group and the second individual or group cannot communicate directly with one another;

relaying communications between the first individual or group and the second individual or group through the vehicle; and

the vehicle autonomously tracking the first individual or group to maintain a desired distance between the vehicle and the first individual or group;

wherein the step of autonomously tracking includes generating a travel path for the vehicle based on predicted future states of the vehicle and the first individual or group.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising at least one of

generating a weave plan for the unmanned vehicle, the weave plan being designed to maintain a desired distance between the vehicle and the first individual or group while the first individual or group is moving and while maintaining the air vehicle within boundaries;

generating a loiter plan for the unmanned vehicle, the loiter plan being designed to maintain a desired distance between the vehicle and the first individual or group while the first individual or group is stationary; and

analyzing an anticipated path of travel for the unmanned vehicle and determining whether the path crosses into any restricted airspace or intersects any obstructions.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of maintaining an offset between the unmanned vehicle and the first individual or group in order to avoid making the position of the first individual or group apparent to third parties.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of the unmanned vehicle following a random travel path that nevertheless maintains the desired distance between the vehicle and the first individual or group.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the unmanned vehicle is an unmanned aircraft.

14. A method of securing an area prior to a vehicle entering the area in order to protect the vehicle and persons within the vehicle or within the area, the method comprising the steps of:

controlling an unmanned vehicle from the vehicle;

commanding the unmanned vehicle to enter the area prior to the vehicle'"'"'s arrival;

commanding the unmanned vehicle to surveil the area and locate targets, if any targets are present in the area;

if targets are present in the area, commanding the unmanned vehicle to determine whether the targets pose a threat to the vehicle; and

if the targets pose a threat to the vehicle, commanding the unmanned vehicle to neutralize the threat.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the method is performed in connection with a troop deployment or evacuation.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the vehicle is a tactical aircraft.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of assuming control of the unmanned vehicle from a command and control center.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of returning control of the unmanned vehicle to the command and control center.