Fraunhofer acoustically localizes drones
Drones are usually detected optically or via radar-based systems. Acoustic sensors can further improve localization.
Drones can be localized via multiple acoustic sensors distributed across terrain.
(Image: Fraunhofer IDMT/Leona Hofmann)
A research team from the Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology (IDMT) has developed a sensor system that can localize drones that are out of sight but within hearing range. The acoustic sensor can complement optical and radar-based systems for better drone detection.
Drones increasingly pose a threat to critical infrastructure. Therefore, it is important to detect them early to potentially initiate countermeasures. Most systems use detection systems that require visual contact with the drone, such as cameras, radar, and lidar. Limitations, such as those caused by terrain formation, weather, or technical measures, can hinder detection, leading to incorrect drone identification.
The IDMT's acoustic sensor does not rely on visual contact with the drone. The nature of the terrain, for example, plays no role for it. It can also be used in wooded or built-up areas to detect drone movements.
Localization via sound patterns
The sensor listens to the surroundings 360 degrees via microphones to capture specific sound patterns of drones and recognize them with algorithms. Depending on the strength of any interfering noise, detection of drones within 50 to 200 m is possible. The temporal resolution is one second. Precise localization is possible when several of these acoustic sensors are used distributed across the terrain.
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In principle, the acoustic sensor can also be used to detect other sound patterns, such as those of vehicles or gunshots.
However, the researchers emphasize that the system is only a supplement to optical and radar-based detection systems for drone detection to increase the quality of detection.
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The sensors can be applied not only to critical infrastructure but also in other security-relevant areas, for example, for monitoring company premises or large events. Additionally, military applications are conceivable. The costs are low, and the system itself requires little maintenance. Thus, the sensors can also be deployed in larger numbers in an area without costs spiraling.
(olb)
