Broadband Light Diffracting Transmitter for Relative Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current relative navigation systems for applications like autonomous vehicle navigation and space docking are time-consuming and often require multiple detectors to determine the relative position and attitude between objects, which can be inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating and diffracting broadband light to create optical frequency combs, allowing for the detection of relative angular direction and position using a single system with two detectors, by converting optical frequencies into electronic frequencies for easier measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple detectors or systems are used to determine relative position and attitude, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions (range and attitude measurement) into a single detector system. The grid lines are detected from a single location on the target object, and both range and attitude information are extracted from this single detection point, eliminating the need for multiple separate detectors or triangular vertex arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The single detector system performs multiple functions: it detects grid lines to determine both the range between objects and the relative attitude (pitch, yaw, roll). This multi-functional approach allows one detector to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors or systems.
2Measurement precision
If time-consuming algorithms are used for acknowledging relative position, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-structures the measurement approach by projecting a known grid pattern with predetermined geometric relationships. This preliminary setup allows the detector to directly calculate position and attitude from the detected grid line intersections without requiring complex iterative algorithms during the measurement phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex computational algorithms with a more direct measurement approach. By using the geometric relationships of the projected grid lines and their intersections, the system derives position and attitude information through straightforward calculations rather than time-consuming iterative processing.
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
This approach enables quick and accurate determination of angular direction and position, reducing the need for multiple detectors and improving efficiency in navigation tasks such as aircraft guidance.
Implementation Method 1
the generation of the one or more light beams comprises diffracting broadband light in such a way that different optical frequency wavelengths are diffracted differently
Implementation Method 2
a relative angular direction θ is detected by reading the optical frequency wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining the relative angular direction θ between a target and a transmitter. A generation of one or more light beams at the transmitter comprises diffracting broadband light in such a way that different optical frequency wavelengths are diffracted differently and a relative angular direction θ is detected by reading the optical frequency wavelength. A system is provided for determining the relative angular direction between a target and a transmitter and a system is provided for determining a relative position between a target and a transmitter in an area, wherein relative position is defined by the parameters: relative angular direction (θ1, θ2), and distance.