Geofencing violations by unmanned aerial systems present significant safety and security challenges. Field data show that unauthorized drone incursions into restricted zones occur at rates of 0.8-2.3 incidents per 100 flight hours in urban environments. These violations generate variable response timelines—from detection to interdiction—averaging 87 seconds in controlled tests but extending to several minutes in complex airspace where signal interference, environmental factors, and drone velocity (typically 10-20 m/s) affect detection reliability.

The fundamental challenge lies in balancing detection sensitivity against false positive rates while maintaining real-time performance across diverse environmental conditions and drone configurations.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including multi-sensor fusion networks that integrate radar and RF detection, trajectory-based risk assessment algorithms that calculate optimal flight paths with crash probability modeling, and dynamic positioning systems that adjust transmission frequency based on tracking area density. These and other approaches provide practical implementation strategies for establishing reliable no-fly zone enforcement while addressing the computational and sensing challenges inherent in drone detection and classification.

1. Surveillance Network Integrating Radar, ADS-B, AIS, and Counter-UAS Sensors for Air and Watercraft Detection and Tracking

ACCIPITER RADAR TECHNOLOGIES INC, 2025

A smart surveillance network for detecting and tracking non-cooperative and cooperative air and watercraft, enabling safe beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and unmanned surface vessels (USV). The system integrates radar, Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), Automatic Identification System (AIS), and counter-UAS sensors to provide real-time situational awareness, automatic sensor performance assessment, and risk-based traffic analysis. It enables authorities to certify airspace or waterways for BVLOS operations, monitor compliance with regulations, and detect potential safety threats.

2. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Collision Avoidance Method with Trajectory Evaluation and Control Transition Mechanism

RUAG AG, 2023

A method for navigating an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to avoid collisions, particularly in complex situations involving multiple intruders. The method determines viable avoidance trajectories based on a recognized air picture, including cooperative and non-cooperative systems, and evaluates candidate trajectories using a combination of factors including similarity to commanded flight paths, compliance with Rules of the Air, and wind effects. The method assigns a resolution advisory level for potential collisions and an automatic avoidance level for urgent situations, and transitions between operator control and automatic control to ensure smooth execution of avoidance maneuvers.

3. Method for Calculating UAV Flight Paths with Trajectory-Based Risk Assessment and Threshold Evaluation

BOEING CO, 2023

Automatically calculating optimal flight paths for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that minimize the risk of crashing into restricted areas in the event of a loss of control. The method involves calculating a trajectory with location points, generating risk scores for each point based on crash probability, determining a threshold risk for the mission type, and loading the trajectory if the overall risk is below the threshold. This optimized 4D trajectory mitigates crashing into restricted areas better than fixed buffers or manual planning. It considers factors like velocity, altitude, and crash probabilities at each point to find the safest path.

4. Multisensor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Detection System with Integrated Video, Audio, and RF Data Processing

DEDRONE HOLDINGS INC, 2022

Unmanned aerial vehicle detection system that uses a combination of video and audio sensors to identify and track UAVs in real-time. The system employs multiple sensors, including video cameras, audio sensors, and RF sensors, to collect and process sensor data. Video cameras capture images of potential UAVs, while audio sensors analyze audio signals to determine their presence. The system combines these data through confidence measures to establish a definitive identification of UAVs. The system stores detected UAVs in a database for further analysis and alerts when UAVs are detected in the airspace.

5. System and Method for Real-Time Object Detection and Classification in UAV Airspace Awareness

SKYGRID LLC, 2022

System and method for updating airspace awareness for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) through real-time object detection and classification. The system uses sensor data from in-flight UAVs to identify and classify detected objects, determine their locations, and generate airspace awareness updates. These updates are then disseminated to UAVs and a central repository to maintain accurate and up-to-date airspace awareness maps.

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6. Dynamic Frequency Adjustment of Live Positioning Information Transmission for UAV Collision Avoidance Based on Tracking Area Density

NOKIA SOLUTIONS AND NETWORKS OY, 2022

A method for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) collision avoidance that dynamically adjusts the frequency of live positioning information (LPI) transmission based on the number of UAVs in a tracking area (TA) and neighboring TAs. The method involves receiving presence information from UAVs, determining the number of UAVs in a TA and neighboring TAs, and instructing UAVs to transmit LPI at different frequencies based on the determined number. When multiple UAVs are detected in the same TA or adjacent TAs, the method estimates collision risk and issues route change commands as necessary.

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7. Drone Operation Control System with Centralized Flight Zone Enforcement and Connectivity Integration

UNIFLY NV, 2022

System for safe and controlled operation of drones at low altitudes in populated areas by proactively intervening to prevent drones from leaving approved flight zones. The system uses a central database platform that defines allowed flight areas based on factors like airspace structure, legislation, obstacles, and planned flights. Drones are equipped with connectivity and location capabilities. If a drone tries to leave its approved zone, the platform can connect to the drone, extract flight plans, and command it to stay within bounds. This prevents unauthorized drone intrusions into restricted areas.

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8. Drone Intrusion Detection System with Integrated Thermal Imaging and 3D Mapping

TELME ELECTRONICS CO LTD, 2022

A drone intrusion detection system that uses thermal imaging cameras to continuously monitor a no-fly zone and rapidly detect and capture intruding drones. The system integrates a thermal imaging camera module with an integrated control device that simultaneously displays a real-time video feed and a 3D space map to enable rapid detection and control of intruding drones. The system can capture and guide an intruding drone to a safe area before destroying it.

9. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Detection and Verification System with Unicast Communication Protocol for Identity Confirmation and Collision Prevention

ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, 2021

Detecting and verifying the legitimacy of flight operations of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in airspace. The system employs a unique unicast communication protocol to enable precise location determination and identification of UAVs, while preventing collisions through concurrent transmission. When a UAV detects the system, it initiates a response sequence to confirm its identity and flight parameters, while the system verifies the UAV's legitimacy through its unique identifier. The system continuously monitors UAV activity, preventing collisions through concurrent transmission and real-time verification.

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10. Multi-Camera System with Cross-Mounted Infrared Cameras and Image Analysis Module for UAV Detection and Tracking

SHENZHEN INST INFORMATION TECH, 2021

A multi-camera system for detecting and tracking unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) without license, comprising four high-definition cameras with infrared function mounted on a cross-shaped bracket. The system includes an image analysis module that analyzes video feeds from the cameras to track and identify UAVs, and a control unit that enables automated pan-tilt and electromagnetic interference capabilities to neutralize unauthorized UAVs.

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11. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System with Real-Time Position Monitoring and Automatic Failsafe Triggering Mechanisms

Steven LU, 2021

A system for safe operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in shared airspace, enabling real-time monitoring of UAV position and proximity to other aircraft, and automatically triggering failsafe mechanisms or collision alerts when safety thresholds are breached. The system integrates with existing UAV designs, providing enhanced safety assurance through real-time traffic monitoring and automatic triggering of drone failsafe mechanisms.

12. Drone Escort System with Secondary Drone GNSS-Signal Transmission and Control-Channel Override for Primary Drone Navigation

Aviv BACHAR, 2021

System and method for escorting drones through GNSS-signal impaired environments, no-fly zones, and complex flight paths using a secondary drone that transmits a GNSS-signal or control-channel override to guide the primary drone to a desired destination. The escort drone continuously adapts its signal to maintain synchronization with the primary drone's position and trajectory, enabling safe navigation through areas with limited or no GNSS reception.

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13. Randomized Camera Arrangement and Timing System for UAV Detection

ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, 2021

A method and apparatus for detecting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using a random arrangement and random time photographing of cameras. The method involves receiving images from multiple cameras positioned in a UAV protected area, analyzing the images to extract UAVs, and training a UAV detection model using the extracted data. The cameras are controlled to capture images at random positions and times, reducing the number of cameras required for detection while maintaining detection accuracy.

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14. Sensor Fusion System for Detection, Tracking, Classification, and Interdiction of Unmanned Aerial Systems

XIDRONE SYSTEMS INC, 2021

Integrated system to detect, track, identify/classify and interdict unmanned aerial systems (UAS) like drones in civilian and commercial environments. The system uses a fusion of sensors like radar, RF direction finding, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imaging, and laser rangefinding. It leverages multi-sensor data to accurately locate, analyze, and disrupt UAS without collateral damage. The sensors share coordinate data to precisely aim countermeasures like tailored RF signals to overwhelm UAS systems. Machine learning aids in UAS type identification.

15. Obstacle Avoidance Method for UAVs Using Radar-Based Relative Trajectory Analysis

SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2020

Obstacle avoidance method for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that improves detection accuracy by determining the flight trajectory of obstacles relative to the UAV based on radar measurement data, rather than relying solely on detected obstacles. The method enables reliable obstacle avoidance even when radar detects clutter, such as ground reflections, by analyzing the trajectory of potential obstacles.

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16. System and Method for Dynamic Control of Drone Operations in Exclusion Zones with Entry Detection and Characteristic-Based Velocity Adjustment

IBM, 2020

System and method for dynamically controlling aerial drone operations within predetermined exclusion zones. The system detects drone entry into a zone and determines the drone's physical characteristics. Based on this information, the system directs the drone to alter its velocity to prevent unauthorized access. The system also enables authentication and authorization of drones seeking access to restricted airspace, with actions such as charging fees or offering rewards triggered upon successful authentication.

17. Drone Control System with Position-Responsive Safe Flight Mode for No-Fly Zone Entry

TOPXGUN ROBOTICS CO LTD, 2020

A no-fly control method for drones that prevents loss of control when entering no-fly zones. The method continuously monitors the drone's position and switches to a safe flight mode when entering a no-fly zone. While in safe flight mode, the drone can still respond to external control commands, allowing it to maintain control and avoid landing. The method determines whether to execute external commands based on the drone's position and movement direction relative to the no-fly zone.

18. System and Method for UAV No-Fly Zone Relationship Determination via Core Network

BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD, 2020

A method and system for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) control that enables accurate determination of UAV-no-fly zone relationships through a core network. The system includes a UAV, a core network device, and a server. The UAV sends attachment request information to the core network, which then requests UAV no-fly zone information from the server. The server provides the no-fly zone information, which is used by the core network to determine the UAV's relationship to the no-fly zone. The UAV receives this relationship information and uses it to determine whether it is allowed to fly.

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19. Drone Navigation System with Polygonal No-Fly Zone Boundary Distance Monitoring

SHARMA PRATIK, 2020

A drone navigation system that prevents flight within polygonal no-fly zones by continuously monitoring the drone's 2D distance to the zone's geometric boundaries and adjusting its flight path when the distance falls below a predefined threshold.

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20. Airborne System with Integrated Surveillance, Imaging, Navigation, and Communication Subsystems for Drone Detection and Reporting

DRONE TRAFFIC LLC, 2020

Airborne system to identify and report errant drone flight operations that alerts pilots of nearby drones and documents unsafe drone flights. The system has a surveillance subsystem to detect drones, an imaging subsystem to capture images, a navigation subsystem for aircraft state, and a communication subsystem to transmit the drone images and aircraft data to a receiving station. This allows pilots to report and document unsafe drone activity to authorities.

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