Aircraft Landing Platform Identification Using Convex Hull Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Landing an aircraft on a platform in a field of platforms at sea is challenging due to difficulties in visual identification, especially at night, and existing methods like beacons or transponders struggle when platforms are close, making it hard for pilots to accurately identify the target platform.
Innovation Solution
A method using acquisition means to create an instantaneous visual representation of the platform field, processing it to extract convex hulls, determining their characteristics, and matching them with a database to identify and display target platforms, along with guidance for safe landing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If beacons or transponders with radars are used to identify platforms, then platform identification is enabled, but identification becomes difficult when platforms are close together
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the visual appearance of each platform (convex hull characteristics) and stores it in a database. The recognition system compares the visual copy captured by the aircraft's camera with the stored digital copies to identify the target platform, enabling accurate identification even when platforms are close together.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the identification parameters from electronic signals (beacons, transponders, radars) to visual geometric parameters (convex hull characteristics). By extracting and comparing geometric features such as area, perimeter, and shape descriptors from visual images, the system achieves reliable platform identification based on visual appearance rather than electronic signals.
2Ease of operation
If visual identification methods are used, then platform recognition is attempted, but identification becomes difficult especially at night
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-processing and storing the visual characteristics (convex hulls) of all platforms in a database before the aircraft arrives. This preparation includes extracting geometric features and creating reference profiles, so that during nighttime operations, the system can quickly compare captured images against pre-stored references without requiring additional lighting or complex real-time processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple platforms are present in a restricted area, then platform field operations are enabled, but pilot workload and landing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously displaying the recognized platform identity and confirmation to the pilot during the approach. The system provides real-time feedback by comparing captured visual data with the database and presenting the identification result, allowing the pilot to verify the target platform and reducing the complexity of navigating among multiple platforms.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The method involves processing instantaneous visual representation (21) of a platform area to extract a convex envelope (22) representing a target platform. A set of characteristics of the envelope is determined based on distinct attributes. Determination is made whether the characteristics set corresponds to a candidate platform stored in a database (4). The representation is displayed on a display screen (20). Identifiers (PLT1, PLT2) of identified platforms are displayed by overprinting, where each identified platform is convex envelope whose characteristics set is present in the database. An independent claim is also included for a device for assisting in piloting an aircraft to land the aircraft on a target platform.