Airborne acoustic sensor array
AssigneeHoneywell International Inc.
InventorsDan T. Horak, Richard A. Burne
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments for determining the bearings to targets from a remote location are disclosed. The apparatus consists of an array of acoustic sensors that is capable of autonomous flight. The array may be large in diameter, approximately one meter or greater. The apparatus is capable of navigating its flight to arrive at a predetermined location, measuring acoustic sound waves emitted by targets both during flight and after landing. The apparatus may then calculate the bearings to the targets and transmit this information to a remote location.
Claims20
An apparatus for determining bearing angles to a target from a remote location, comprising:
- an array having a plurality of acoustic sensors capable of detecting acoustic sound waves;
- a signal processing system that computes the bearing angles to targets based on the detected acoustic sound waves;
- a propulsion system providing flight for the apparatus;
- and
- a control system in communication with the propulsion system and the signal processing system, wherein the control system operates the propulsion system and provides for communication between the apparatus and a remote location.
A method for determining the bearings to targets from a remote location comprising:
- (a) flying an unmanned apparatus to a desired location, the apparatus comprising a plurality of acoustic sensors;
- (b) landing the apparatus at the desired location;
- (c) measuring acoustic sound waves emitted by targets, using the plurality of acoustic senors;
- (d) estimating the bearings to the targets, using the measurements made by the plurality of acoustic sensors;
- and
- (e) transmitting the estimation of the bearing to a remote location;
- wherein the apparatus includes an engine comprising an internal combustion unit and an electric motor powered by a supercapacitor.
A method for determining the bearings to targets from a remote location comprising:
- (a) flying an unmanned apparatus to a desired location, the apparatus comprising a plurality of acoustic sensors;
- (b) landing the apparatus at the desired location;
- (c) measuring acoustic sound waves emitted by targets, using the plurality of acoustic sensors;
- (d) estimating the bearing to the targets, using the measurements made by the plurality of acoustic sensors;
- and
- (e) transmitting the estimation of the bearing to a remote location;
- wherein the plurality of acoustic sensors are located on sensor arms attached to the apparatus, the method further comprising manually positioning the sensor arms prior to flying the apparatus to the desired location.
A method for determining the bearings to targets from a remote location comprising:
- (a) flying an unmanned apparatus to desired location, the apparatus comprising a plurality of acoustic sensors;
- (b) landing the apparatus at the desired location;
- (c) measuring acoustic sound waves emitted by targets, using the plurality of acoustic sensors;
- (d) estimating the bearing to the targets, using the measurements made by the plurality of acoustic sensors;
- and
- (e) transmitting the estimation of the bearing to a remote location;
- wherein landing the apparatus at the desired location further comprises detaching the plurality of acoustic sensors from a propulsion system and flying the propulsion system to a second location, thereby leaving the plurality of acoustic sensors in the desired location to continue taking measurements, estimating the bearings to the target, and transmitting the estimation to the remote location.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.