Systems and methods for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) navigation are presented. In a preferred embodiment, a UAV is configured with at least one flight corridor and flight path, and a first UAV flight plan is calculated. During operation of the first UAV flight plan, the UAV visually detects an obstacle, and calculates a second UAV flight plan to avoid the obstacle. Furthermore, during operation of either the first or the second UAV flight plan, the UAV acoustically detects an unknown aircraft, and calculates a third UAV flight plan to avoid the unknown aircraft. Additionally, the UAV may calculate a new flight plan based on other input, such as information received from a ground control station.

Systems and methods for unmanned aerial vehicle navigation

A system and method to avoid collisions on highways, and to minimize the fatalities, injury, and damage when a collision is unavoidable. The system includes sensor means to detect other vehicles, and computing means to evaluate when a collision is imminent and to determine whether the collision is avoidable. If the collision is avoidable by a sequence of controlled accelerations and decelerations and steering, the system implements that sequence of actions automatically. If the collision is unavoidable, a different sequence is implemented to minimize the overall harm of the unavoidable collision. The system further includes indirect mitigation steps such as flashing the brake lights automatically. An optional post-collision strategy is implemented to prevent secondary collisions, particularly if the driver is incapacitated. Adjustment means enable the driver to set the type and timing of automatic interventions.

Systems and methods for hazard mitigation

Method and arrangement for obtaining information about a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device or an object on which the RFID device is mounted when the RFID device is in a space defined by a frame includes arranging a plurality of antennas on the frame to enable transmission of signals into the space and reception of signals from the space, controlling transmission of signals by the antennas by means of an interrogator, and directing radio frequency signals from at least one of the antennas into the space to cause a RFID device in the space to return a signal if it receives any signal from any of the antennas The return signals from the RFID device are received, eg, by the interrogator or an associated receiver, and information about the RFID device or object to which the RFID device is attached is derived based on the return signals

Method and System for Obtaining Information about RFID-Equipped Objects

Techniques for determining whether data associated with an autonomous operation of a first unmanned vehicle may be trusted. For example, the first unmanned vehicle may receive an indication related to the data and originating from a second unmanned vehicle over a network. For instance, the indication may indicate that similar data for a similar autonomous operation of the second unmanned vehicle may be untrusted. Based on a level of trust accorded to the indication, the first unmanned vehicle may determine that the data may be untrusted and the autonomous navigation may be directed independently of the data.

Communication of navigation data spoofing between unmanned vehicles

Systems and methods for avoiding a collision. A first sensor is located, for example, in a front portion of a vehicle and is configured to monitor a first area. A second sensor is located, for example, in a top portion of the vehicle and is configured to execute a 360-degree sweep of the area surrounding the vehicle. In a first position, the second sensor is retracted below an outer surface of the vehicle. In a second position, the second sensor is protracted above the outer surface of the vehicle. A controller is configured to detect a critical situation using the first sensor, detect zero or more additional critical situations using the second sensor, and initiate an evasive driving maneuver to avoid each of the critical situations.

Collision avoidance system and method

An embodiment of the present invention provides a collision avoidance system for a host aircraft comprising a plurality of sensors for providing data about other aircraft that may be employed to determine one or more parameters to calculate future positions of the other aircraft, a processor to determine whether any combinations of the calculated future positions of the other aircraft are correlated or uncorrelated, and a collision avoidance module that uses the correlated or uncorrelated calculated future positions to provide a signal instructing the performance of a collision avoidance maneuver when a collision threat exists between the host aircraft and at least one of the other aircraft.

Systems and methods for multi-sensor collision avoidance

Spoof detection can be performed by various systems and methods. The systems and methods can provide for detection by passive listening, active interrogation, and other techniques. Moreover, systems and methods can also provide for reporting and displaying information relating to detected spoofing. For example, a method can include receiving, on a device, a signal providing a report for an aircraft. The method can also include determining, with the device, a first parameter for the aircraft from information in the report. The method can further include determining, with the device, a second parameter for the aircraft from at least one signal characteristic of the signal. The method can additionally include determining, with the device, a validity status of the report based on comparing the first parameter and the second parameter.

Systems and methods for providing spoof detection

A transmitter provides a plurality of output signals. The transmitter includes a processor, a modulator, a first circuit, and a second circuit. The modulator provides a modulated signal responsive to the processor. The modulated signal includes an amplitude modulated radio frequency for transmitting a pulse. The first circuit provides a first output signal, responsive to and with higher power than the modulated signal. The first output signal has a first phase during transmitting of the pulse. The second circuit provides a second output signal, responsive to and with higher power than the modulated signal. The second output signal has a second phase during transmitting of the pulse. The second phase is controlled by the second circuit in accordance with the first phase, the second phase, and indicia of a third phase provided by the processor.

Pulse transmitters having multiple outputs in phase relationship and methods of operation

A method of transmitting from a traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS) directional antenna, the TCAS directional antenna including a plurality of antenna elements connected to an integrated beam forming network, according to various aspects of the present invention comprises: providing a signal to each input of the integrated beam forming network, wherein each signal is of equal phase and equal amplitude to result in transmitting omnidirectionally from the TCAS directional antenna

Gregory T. Stayton

Papers

Systems and methods for multi-sensor collision avoidance

Systems and methods for providing spoof detection

Pulse transmitters having multiple outputs in phase relationship and methods of operation

Systems and methods for using a TCAS directional antenna for omnidirectional transmission

Multi-sensor system and method for collision avoidance