Autonomous reconnaissance sonde, and method for deployment thereof
A method for deploying a reconnaissance sonde, including the steps of: incorporating at least one environmental sensor and an associated communication device into a robust, aerodynamically efficient casing; deploying the sonde by imparting a spin and a directional velocity to the casing, sufficient to carry the sonde into a region of interest; and establishing communication with the communication device, thereby enabling data from the sensor(s) to be transmitted to a remote location. A sonde for remote data collection is also provided, including at least one environmental sensor, an energy source and communication means. The sonde is generally shaped as a discus or saucer, a clay pigeon or skeet, for deployment by applying a spin and directional velocity to the sonde.
1. A method for deploying a reconnaissance sonde for providing information regarding a region of interest, said method comprising:
providing a reconnaissance sonde incorporating an energy source, at least one environmental sensor and an associated communication device in a robust, aerodynamically efficient casing;
deploying the sonde by imparting an axial spin and a radial directional velocity to the casing, sufficient to carry the sonde into the region of interest; and
after the sonde has arrived in the region of interest, communicating with the communication device, whereby said sonde is enabled to transmit to a remote location sensor data from said at least one sensor, which sensor data characterize said region of interest.
2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:
placing a launching device on a vehicle;
driving the vehicle through or alongside a region of interest;
launching at least one reconnaissance sonde into the region of interest;
withdrawing the vehicle from the region of interest; and
establishing communication between the sonde and an operator located outside of the region of interest.
3. The method according to claim 1 , where the step of deploying the sonde is performed by a mechanical launcher.
4. The method according to claim 1 , where the step of deploying the sonde is performed by hand, by throwing the sonde in a manner which imparts to it both a radially oriented linear velocity and a rotational velocity about an axis that is oriented to provide gyro stabilization of the sonde in flight.
5.
6. A reconnaissance sonde for remote data collection, said sonde comprising:
an outer casing;
at least one environmental sensor, an energy source and communication device contained in said casing; wherein:
the outer casing is shaped as one of a discus, a saucer, a clay pigeon and a sheet, for deployment of said sonde by applying an axial spin and a radial directional velocity to the outer casing; and
the communication device is configured to operate when the sonde has arrived at a desired location in a region of interest, and to transmit data that characterize said region of interest, from the at least one sensor, to a remote location.
7. The sonde according to claim 6 , wherein said casing is made of resilient material.
8. The sonde according to claim 6 , further comprising a resilient ring around its outer periphery, for partially absorbing the shock of landing.
9. Sonde according to claim 6 , wherein:
the casing comprises upper and lower parts; and
a cavity is formed between said upper and lower parts, for storage of the energy source, communication and control circuitry, and at least one sensor.
10. The sonde according to claim 6 , wherein communications and control circuitry are provided on at least one circuit board, mounted inside the casing, between shock absorbing means.
11. The sonde according to claim 6 , wherein the casing is formed in a single moulded part, including the energy source, communication and control circuitry, and the at least one sensor embedded therein.
12. The sonde according to claim 6 , further comprising retractable antennas.
13. The sonde according to claim 6 , wherein the at least one environmental sensor comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of:
a video camera;
a gas detector;
a detector of biological species;
a microphone;
a seismometer;
a radiation detector;
a humidity detector;
an air pressure sensor; and
a presence and/or motion detector.
14. A method for launching a remote data collection sonde having at least one environmental sensor, an energy source and a communication device with retractable antennas, all of which are contained in an outer casing that is shaped as one of a discus, a saucer, a clay pigeon and a skeet, said method comprising:
deploying the sonde by imparting an axial spin and a radial directional velocity to the casing, sufficient to carry the sonde into a region of interest;
after the sonde has arrived in the region of interest, communicating with the communication device, whereby said sonde is enabled to transmit to a remote location sensor data from said at least one sensor, which sensor data characterize said region of interest;
maintaining the antennas in a retracted position during storage, during launching and during flight; and
moving the antennas to an operational position after deployment of the sonde in said region of interest.
15. The method according to claim 14 , wherein:
the antennas are spring-loaded, and are initially latched into the retracted position; and
impact of landing causes the latching to release, allowing the spring-loaded antennas to move under the action of the springs into their operational position.