Active-Light Landing Localization for GPS-Denied eVTOL Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing GPS-based localization systems fail to provide high-accuracy and high-reliability landing and takeoff guidance in GPS-denied environments, which are common in urban settings with degraded or obstructed satellite signals.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing an active constellation of infrared or visible spectrum fiducial light sources arranged in a predetermined pattern on a landing surface, modulated with respect to time, and detected by an onboard camera to calculate the aerial vehicle's pose for precise landing and takeoff.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS-based localization systems are used, then localization can be provided in open environments, but high-accuracy and high-reliability landing and takeoff guidance cannot be achieved in GPS-denied environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical localization system consisting of light sources arranged in predetermined patterns on the landing surface and detected by onboard cameras. This intermediary system bridges the gap when GPS is unavailable, providing reliable localization through optical signal detection and pose estimation algorithms that calculate vehicle position and orientation based on light pattern geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the radio-frequency GPS-based localization system with an optical-based active light constellation system. This substitution uses visible or infrared light sources and camera-based detection instead of satellite radio signals, enabling operation in GPS-denied environments while maintaining high accuracy for landing and takeoff guidance
2Measurement precision
If active light constellations are used for precision localization, then high-accuracy pose estimation is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the localization system into distinct functional components: light sources arranged in predetermined patterns on the landing surface, onboard cameras for detection, and processing systems for pose estimation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system accuracy and reducing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the optical domain, specifically varying the wavelength (visible or infrared spectrum), intensity modulation, and geometric arrangement of light sources. These parameter variations enable precise pose estimation through camera detection while managing system complexity through controlled optimization of optical parameters
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
Enables high-accuracy and high-reliability landing and takeoff operations in GPS-denied environments by providing precise position and orientation estimation of the aerial vehicle using modulated light patterns, enhancing safety and efficiency in urban air transportation.
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.