Patent ID: 7706979
Filing Date: 2010-04-27
Classification: G01S,G08G

Abstract:
1. A computer-based method for estimating and displaying time and distance of closest approach of first and second aerial vehicles (“AVs”), numbered AVu (u=1, 2), with at least the first AV being an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) controlled from a Ground Control Station (“GCS”), the method comprising: for a selected time t=t0, providing an estimate of a position vector a0(u), a velocity vector a1(u) and an acceleration vector 2a2(u) of AV no. u; for a time interval t≧t0, estimating a future position vector of AV no. u (u=1, 2) as estimating a time of closest approach, t=t has a locally minimum value, and estimating a distance squared of closest approach when |Δr(t=t