Drone Altitude Control Using Optical Marker Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flying object systems rely on satellite positioning systems for vertical positioning, which can be unreliable or unavailable in certain environments.
Innovation Solution
A control device and method that uses an optical sensor to detect the position of a marker with a variable vertical position, allowing the flying object to maintain or adjust its vertical position based on this detection, without relying on satellite systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite positioning systems are used for vertical positioning of flying objects, then positioning coverage is improved, but reliability deteriorates in environments where satellite signals are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a marker as an intermediary object placed on the ground that reflects or emits light signals. The optical sensor on the flying object detects this marker to determine vertical position, replacing direct satellite signal dependency with a local intermediary reference that works in signal-denied environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the satellite-based electromagnetic signal system with a local optical detection system using markers and optical sensors. This substitution enables positioning in environments where satellite signals are blocked by using ground-based optical references instead of space-based electromagnetic signals.
2Reliability
If optical sensors and markers are used for vertical positioning, then reliability in signal-denied environments is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple, inexpensive markers that can be easily deployed and removed on the ground, and optical sensors that are compact and low-cost compared to satellite positioning infrastructure. These simple components provide reliable positioning without requiring complex system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential positioning function from the complex satellite system and implements it locally using simple optical components. By separating the positioning reference (marker) from the detection system (optical sensor on flying object), the system achieves reliability without overall complexity.
3Measurement precision
If satellite positioning systems are used, then positioning coverage is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing a dedicated marker at the specific location where positioning is needed. This local reference provides high-precision vertical position measurement for that particular area, overcoming the limitations of satellite signals in that specific environment.
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 precise vertical positioning of flying objects using optical sensors, enhancing control and reliability in environments where satellite systems are unavailable.
Implementation Method 1
acquire, for a marker of which a position in a vertical direction is variable with a displacement mechanism, the position of the marker in the vertical direction detected by an optical sensor mounted on a flying object
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a control device including a processor and a memory connected to or built into the processor. The processor acquires, for a marker of which a position in a vertical direction is variable with a displacement mechanism, the position of the marker in the vertical direction detected by an optical sensor mounted on a flying object and performs control of maintaining or changing a position of the flying object in the vertical direction, with respect to the flying object, based on the position of the marker in the vertical direction.