Aircraft Collision Avoidance via Machine Vision and Mobile Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft collisions during ground operations at airports result in significant damage and operational disruptions, while current methods for fleet management and power supply are costly and environmentally inefficient, particularly due to the reliance on aircraft engines and conventional auxiliary power sources.
Innovation Solution
A system employing multiple sensors and machine vision algorithms to detect obstacles and generate alert signals for collision avoidance, combined with a power management system that uses a mobile energy source to provide alternative power to aircraft during taxiing and reduce engine usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If aircraft engine is operated during taxiing to provide power, then power requirements are met, but fuel consumption increases and engine damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power generation function from the aircraft engine by introducing a separate mobile power source (ground power unit) that can be coupled to the aircraft during ground operations. This allows the engine to remain idle while auxiliary loads are powered externally, directly reducing fuel consumption and eliminating the risk of engine damage from ground debris.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile power source as an intermediary between the electrical grid and the aircraft's auxiliary power system. This mediator provides power during ground operations without requiring the aircraft engine to run, thus solving the contradiction between meeting power requirements and reducing fuel consumption/engine wear.
2Loss of information
If cockpit viewing units are used to monitor environment, then collision awareness is improved, but assessment precision of separation distance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual assessment method (cockpit viewing units) with an electronic sensing and processing system. Sensors detect obstacles and the system calculates precise separation distances using machine vision algorithms, providing quantitative data that far exceeds the precision of visual estimation alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors and a processing system as intermediaries between the aircraft and the environment. These intermediaries capture environmental data and translate it into precise measurements of separation distance, bridging the gap between visual awareness and precise measurement.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors and processing systems are added for collision avoidance, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the sensor system and processing unit to perform multiple functions: obstacle detection, separation distance calculation, and collision risk assessment. By making these components multi-functional, the system achieves high reliability without proportionally increasing complexity, as a single integrated system handles multiple safety-critical tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
A method implemented using at least one processor includes receiving a plurality of images acquired from a plurality of image sensors disposed on a vehicle configured to engage an aircraft for ground operations. The method further includes determining at least one parameter about a potential obstacle based on the plurality of images and a machine vision algorithm. The method also includes generating an alert signal based on the at least one parameter, useful for avoiding collision of the aircraft.