Aircraft Radar Localization Using Ground Image Map Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional GNSS systems for aircraft navigation lack the availability, continuity, and integrity required for autonomous flight, particularly in environments where GNSS data is unavailable or inaccurate.
Innovation Solution
A radar-based localization system that utilizes multiple radar systems to compute velocity, altitude, and position estimates of an aircraft without relying on GNSS data, incorporating forward-looking and side-looking radar systems for image generation and localization on a radar map.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GNSS-based positioning is used for aircraft navigation, then position estimates can be obtained, but the accuracy, availability, and integrity are insufficient for autonomous flight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces radar systems as an intermediary measurement tool to obtain position and velocity estimates independently of GNSS. The radar actively emits electromagnetic waves and processes the reflected signals from the ground to derive navigation parameters, serving as a mediator that provides reliable positioning data when GNSS is unavailable or inaccurate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive receiving system of GNSS with an active radar system that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves. This substitution transforms the navigation approach from relying on external satellite signals to using onboard active sensing, thereby improving availability and integrity for autonomous flight operations
2Reliability
If radar systems are used for active sensing and image generation, then position and velocity estimates can be obtained without GNSS, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs radar systems that perform multiple functions: velocity estimation through Doppler processing, altitude measurement through range calculation, and position determination through image localization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors and systems, thereby managing complexity while improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines velocity estimation, altitude measurement, and position determination into a unified radar-based navigation system. By merging these functions into a single integrated approach using radar imagery and processing, the system achieves high reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
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
Provides high-integrity position and velocity estimates for aircraft during all phases of flight, stabilizing navigation and ensuring accurate positioning even when GNSS data is unavailable, thereby supporting fully autonomous operations.
Implementation Method 1
a radar system that utilizes multiple radar systems to compute velocity, altitude, and position estimates of an aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
A method for radar-based localization includes accessing data from one or more radar systems on the aircraft, computing a velocity estimate of the aircraft based at least in part on the data from the one or more radar systems on the aircraft, computing a radar image of a landscape below the aircraft based at least in part on the velocity estimate of the aircraft, and computing a position estimate of the aircraft based at least in part on a localization of the computed radar image on a map of the landscape.