Aerial Vehicle Machine Vision Controller for Obstacle-Aware Landing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for aiding aircraft in landing, especially in conditions of limited visibility or unknown positions, rely on complex radar and GPS systems that are dependent on external resources and may fail if communication with the pilot is lost, and do not provide information on obstructions or safe landing conditions.
Innovation Solution
An aerial vehicle equipped with a machine vision controller that processes sensor data from optical, radar, and LIDAR sensors to identify geographic indicators, determine the vehicle's location, and automatically maneuver to ensure safe landing, even in conditions of limited visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex radar and GPS systems are used to aid aircraft landing, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to external dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the landing guidance function from external systems (radar, GPS) and implements it within the aircraft itself through an onboard computer that processes images from onboard cameras. This eliminates dependency on external infrastructure while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image processing algorithms as an intermediary between the camera sensors and the landing guidance decision-making process. These algorithms extract geographic indicators and runway information from images, enabling accurate positioning without complex radar or GPS systems.
2Measurement precision
If complex radar and GPS systems are used to aid aircraft landing, then positioning accuracy is improved, but reliability worsens when communication with pilot is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the aircraft's onboard computer independently processes camera images to determine position and guidance information. The system does not require external communication or control inputs, maintaining reliability even when communication with the pilot is lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes dependency on external communication systems by extracting all necessary landing guidance information from onboard camera sensors and processing it locally, ensuring the system remains operational during communication failures.
3Ease of operation
If traditional instrumentation is used in conditions of limited visibility, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision of aircraft position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/instrument-based position determination systems with an optical/image-based system. The onboard computer processes images from cameras to determine geographic location and runway alignment, providing accurate position information even in limited visibility conditions where traditional instruments fail.
4Measurement precision
If GPS-based systems are used to provide position information, then positioning is improved, but loss of information occurs regarding obstructions and unsafe landing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image processing system multi-functional: it not only determines the aircraft's position and runway alignment but also simultaneously detects obstructions, assesses landing surface conditions, and identifies geographic indicators. A single system performs multiple functions that would otherwise require separate sensors and processing systems.
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
The system enables safer landings by accurately determining the aircraft's location and approach vector, avoiding obstacles, and reducing reliance on external communication systems, thereby enhancing aircraft safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
LIDAR sensors
Implementation Method 2
optical sensors
Data Source
AI summary
An aerial vehicle is provided. The aerial vehicle can include a plurality of sensors mounted thereon, an avionics system configured to operate at least a portion of the aerial vehicle, and a machine vision controller in operative communication with the avionics system and the plurality of sensors. The machine vision controller is configured to perform a method. The method includes obtaining sensor data from at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors, determining performance data from the avionic system or an additional sensor of the plurality of sensors, processing the sensor data based on the performance data to compensate for movement of the unmanned aerial vehicle, identifying at least one geographic indicator based on processing the sensor data, and determining a geographic location of the aerial vehicle based on the at least one geographic indicator.