Active-Light Landing Localization for GPS-Denied eVTOL Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for guiding electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in GPS-denied environments lack the accuracy and reliability needed for precise landing and takeoff operations.
Innovation Solution
The use of an active constellation of infrared or visible spectrum fiducial light sources arranged in a predetermined pattern around the landing site, which are viewed by an onboard camera to calculate the camera pose and provide precise localization guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS-based navigation is used for eVTOL aircraft landing and takeoff, then the system can provide global coverage and basic positioning, but the accuracy and reliability are insufficient in GPS-denied environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical navigation system as an intermediary between the aircraft and the landing site. This system uses light sources arranged in predetermined patterns on the landing surface, which are detected by an onboard camera to calculate camera pose and provide precise localization guidance, enabling reliable operation in GPS-denied environments
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system is segmented into distinct components: light sources arranged in specific patterns on the landing surface, an onboard camera for detection, and a processing system for calculating camera pose. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to solve the GPS-denied navigation problem
2Measurement precision
If light sources are arranged in uniform patterns on the landing surface, then the system is simple to implement, but the precision of camera pose calculation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric and non-uniform light source patterns on the landing surface. Specific arrangements of light sources create unique geometric signatures that enable more accurate camera pose calculation through perspective transformation and pattern recognition algorithms, trading increased pattern complexity for significantly improved measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If the distance between adjacent light sources is uniform, then the manufacturing and deployment is easier, but the precision of position and orientation estimation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local variations in light source spacing and arrangement. Different regions of the landing surface have light sources positioned at different distances from each other, creating locally optimized patterns that enhance the precision of position and orientation estimation in critical measurement zones while maintaining overall system feasibility
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables high-accuracy and high-reliability landing and takeoff operations by reliably calculating the camera pose, even in GPS-denied environments, thereby ensuring safe and precise eVTOL aircraft operations.
Implementation Method 1
a camera configured to generate images based on information transmitted by a plurality of light sources
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of providing guidance to assist eVTOL aerial vehicles in performing landing and takeoff operations at landing locations in GPS-denied environments are disclosed. An exemplary system includes an aerial vehicle comprising a camera configured to generate images based on information transmitted by a plurality of light sources located adjacent a landing surface for the aerial vehicle and a controller circuit configured to receive the generated images and determine a position and an orientation of the aerial vehicle based on the received images, wherein the light sources are arranged in a predetermined pattern on the landing surface, and wherein a characteristic of light emitted from each of the light sources is modulated with respect to time.