Passenger Boarding Bridge Automatic Docking via Machine Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for docking a passenger boarding bridge to an airplane require manual operation and rely on identifying specific airplane types, which is inefficient and prone to error.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses machine vision to detect geometric structures on the airplane, such as window rings and door polygons, to automatically align the boarding bridge with the airplane door without needing detailed airplane information or a driver, utilizing a camera and control unit to control the bridge's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to control the drive means of the passenger boarding bridge, then the operator can adjust to different airplane types, but the process is time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the passenger boarding bridge to automatically position itself at the airplane door by detecting geometric features (window rings, door polygons) and autonomously controlling its drive means, eliminating the need for manual operation and significantly reducing docking time
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical control system is replaced with an automated system combining machine vision (camera-based detection) and automatic control algorithms that process geometric features to determine positioning commands, substituting human operation with automated sensing and control
2Extent of automation
If automated docking is implemented using database lookup of airplane types, then manual intervention is reduced, but the system requires detailed airplane information and complex database mediation
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential geometric features (window rings, door polygons) directly from visual images, discarding the need for complex airplane type identification and database lookup processes, thereby simplifying the automated docking system while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the visual appearance of geometric features into standardized polygon representations through image processing, converting varied visual inputs into uniform data structures that simplify subsequent automated positioning calculations without requiring airplane type classification
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system detects geometric features like window rings and door polygons, then it can identify door position without database lookup, but the image processing and feature detection become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing is segmented into distinct sequential steps: detecting window rings, identifying door polygons, calculating relative positions, and generating positioning commands. This segmentation makes the complex detection process more manageable and systematic
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of geometric features (window rings and door polygons) from the image before calculating the final positioning parameters, preparing the necessary geometric data in advance to simplify the subsequent positioning computation
Data Source
AI summary
Method for positioning a passenger boarding bridge (1) at an airplane (2), wherein the passenger boarding bridge comprises a distal end (3), which is to be aligned with a door (4, 13) of the airplane (2), the method comprises the following steps: - taking a picture (10) of the airplane (2) when the airplane is in its parking position; - detecting in the picture (10) a row of at least two side window rings (16, 20), which are, in particular equidistantly, arranged along a line (19, 22), wherein in particular the side window ring (16, 20) is an extraction of a side window (6, 15); - searching for a door polygon (14, 21) adjacent to, in particular left or right of, the row of side window rings (16, 20); - assessing, whether the door polygon (14, 21), found during the step of searching, is to be considered as an extraction (14, 21) of a door (4, 13) to be detected; - calculating a relative position of the door (4, 13), to which the extraction (14, 21) of the door (4, 13) belongs, in particular compared to a position of the distal end (3) of the passenger boarding bridge (1) or compared to a camera (5) taking the picture (10), wherein the step of calculating is based on the position of the extraction (14, 21) of the door (4, 13) within the picture (10); - automatic movement of the passenger boarding bridge (1) based on the calculated relative position in a way, that the distal end (3) of the passenger boarding bridge (1) gets in alignment with the door (4, 13) of the airplane (2), to which the detected extraction (14, 21) belongs.