Controller-Based UAV Positioning with Complementary Altitude Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV position control systems face challenges in accurately measuring altitude due to high accuracy errors in geolocation systems, especially in environments with obstacles or weather conditions, leading to unstable altitude measurements.
Innovation Solution
Combining geolocation data with barometric pressure data and using filtering techniques, such as complementary filters, to determine accurate altitude measurements and position a UAV within a three-dimensional space, reducing accuracy errors and stabilizing altitude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If geolocation data alone is used to determine UAV altitude, then the system complexity is low, but the measurement precision is poor due to high accuracy errors in geolocation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines geolocation data from GPS receivers with barometric pressure data from barometric pressure sensors to determine UAV altitude. This merging of multiple sensor data sources compensates for the weaknesses of individual sensors - GPS provides absolute position while barometric sensors provide relative altitude changes with higher precision, resulting in more accurate overall altitude measurement than either sensor alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a complementary filter as an intermediary processing mechanism that fuses geolocation and barometric data. The filter acts as a mediator that combines the absolute position information from GPS with the precise relative altitude changes from barometric sensors, producing a filtered altitude measurement that is more accurate and stable than raw data from either sensor alone.
2Reliability
If geolocation data is used for altitude measurement, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability is poor in environments with obstacles or adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a complementary filter that continuously processes incoming geolocation and barometric data with feedback mechanisms. The filter uses the reliable data from one sensor to correct and stabilize the output from the other sensor, providing feedback that compensates for signal degradation caused by obstacles or adverse weather conditions, thereby maintaining reliable altitude measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies data filtering techniques beforehand to cushion against the effects of obstacles and adverse weather. By processing and filtering sensor data through complementary filters before using it for altitude determination, the system pre-compensates for potential signal degradation, ensuring more reliable altitude measurements even when individual sensor readings are affected by environmental conditions.
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 enhances the accuracy and stability of UAV altitude measurements, even in challenging environments, by integrating geolocation and barometric data for precise position-based control.
Implementation Method 1
a second sensor that produces second sensor data based on a barometric pressure of an environment in which the controller is located
Data Source
AI summary
The position of a UAV within a three-dimensional space is changed based on a change in position of a controller of the UAV. First and second sensor data are produced using sensors of the controller to maintain stable altitude output for the UAV. The first sensor data indicates a geolocation of the controller, and the second sensor data indicates a barometric pressure of an environment in which the controller is located. The first and second sensor data are post-processed using a complementary filter based on respective altitude measurements of the first and second sensor data to determine an altitude of the controller. A position of the controller is determined within a three-dimensional space based on the altitude. Data indicative of the position of the controller within the three-dimensional space is then transmitted to the UAV to cause a change in a position of the UAV within the three-dimensional space.