Autonomous Landing System Using Projected Laser Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for autonomous landing of aerial vehicles on a surface, such as unmanned helicopters, rely on devices on the landing platform or complex calculations, and lack the ability to independently determine when a successful landing has occurred, especially in dynamic environments like a ship at sea.
Innovation Solution
A system using beam emitting means to project a pattern of at least four beams onto the surface, with image capturing and processing means to analyze the pattern, allowing for real-time determination of the vehicle's attitude, altitude, and movement relative to the surface, and predicting a favorable landing time by analyzing the movement of the pattern over a time interval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices such as photosensitive cells or mirrors are placed on the landing platform, then landing guidance information can be obtained, but the system becomes dependent on platform devices and cannot achieve independent autonomous landing
Solution Approach 1:
The aerial vehicle carries its own beam emitting means (lasers) and image capturing means (camera) to project patterns and capture images independently. The vehicle processes its own image data through on-board processing means to determine attitude, altitude, and landing status without relying on external platform devices like photosensitive cells or mirrors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the landing guidance functionality from the platform by moving the beam emitting means and image capturing means onto the aerial vehicle itself. This transfers the measurement and control capabilities from the platform to the vehicle, enabling independent operation.
2Loss of time
If complex plane calculation models are used to predict time to land, then landing prediction can be achieved, but the system requires complex calculations and additional processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical/mathematical plane calculation models with optical measurement. By projecting known laser patterns and capturing their images, the system directly measures attitude and altitude through image processing, avoiding the need for complex sequential calculations of time to land based on multiple variables.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy of the laser pattern on the platform surface and captures it through the camera. This optical copy contains direct information about the vehicle's attitude and altitude, which can be extracted through image processing rather than requiring complex mathematical modeling of the landing trajectory.
3Reliability
If traditional landing systems are used, then landing guidance is provided, but the system cannot independently determine when a successful landing has occurred
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously captures images of the laser pattern and processes the image data to provide real-time feedback on the vehicle's status. By analyzing changes in the captured pattern, the system automatically detects when the vehicle has landed, providing closed-loop feedback for landing completion confirmation without requiring external signals.
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 autonomous landing independent of platform devices, unaffected by obscurities like fog or clouds, and accurately determines when the vehicle is landed by merging projected spots, while predicting platform movements to ensure a safe and parallel landing.
Implementation Method 1
beam emitting means to emit simultaneously at least four beams directed towards the surface in order to project a pattern thereon
Implementation Method 2
the image capturing means captures subsequent images of the pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A system for facilitating autonomous landing of aerial vehicles on a surface (2), comprising beam emitting means (4, 5, 6, 7, 8) directed downwards and control means to govern the vehicle. According to the invention it comprises image capturing means (9) and processing means (10) to process image data, wherein the beam emitting means (4, 5, 6, 7, 8) are arranged to emit simultaneously at least four beams directed towards the surface (2) in order to project a pattern (4p, 5p, 6p, 7p, 8p) thereon, wherein one beam emitting means (4) of the at least four beam emitting means is placed in the centre; and that the image capturing means (9) captures subsequent images of the pattern.