Drone Docking Alignment Using Visible Light Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current property monitoring systems using drones lack an efficient method for drones to dynamically adjust their navigation path to accurately return to a dock, especially in complex environments, which can lead to misalignment and inefficient docking processes.
Innovation Solution
The system employs visible light communication (VLC) devices at the dock to emit light signals that the drone detects using a light detection unit, allowing it to determine its position and adjust its navigation path in real-time, using signal strength and angle of incidence to align with the dock for precise docking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the drone uses a fixed navigation path to return to the dock, then the system complexity is reduced, but the docking precision and reliability deteriorate in complex environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the drone continuously detects light signals from the dock during its return journey. The light detection unit measures signal strength and angle of incidence, which are fed back to the navigation system to dynamically adjust the flight path. This closed-loop feedback enables real-time correction of navigation errors, significantly improving docking precision without requiring overly complex pre-programmed navigation algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical navigation systems with an optical-based light signal detection system. Instead of relying on sophisticated inertial navigation, GPS, or visual obstacle avoidance cameras, the drone uses a light detection unit to sense VLC signals from the dock. This substitution simplifies the navigation system while maintaining high docking precision through optical field-based positioning.
2Reliability
If the drone dynamically adjusts its navigation path using light signals, then the docking reliability is improved, but the use of energy increases due to continuous signal detection and path recalculation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by having the drone detect light signals at specific intervals during its return journey rather than continuously. The navigation path is recalculated at discrete points based on light signal measurements, which reduces computational load and energy consumption compared to continuous real-time adjustment, while still maintaining high docking reliability through periodic corrections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the drone relies on video inputs from cameras for navigation, then the system can handle complex visual environments, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex visual processing systems (cameras and computer vision algorithms) with a simpler optical detection system that measures light signal strength and angle of incidence. This replacement maintains adaptability to complex environments because the light signals provide direct positional information relative to the dock, eliminating the need for complex image processing and environmental interpretation while reducing overall system complexity.
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 method enables the drone to dynamically adjust its navigation path for precise alignment with the dock, improving the efficiency and reliability of the docking process, even in complex environments, independent of video inputs from cameras.
Implementation Method 1
The system employs visible light communication (VLC) devices at the dock to emit light signals that the drone detects using a light detection unit
Implementation Method 2
The drone is configured to dynamically alter the drone's navigation path followed during the drone's return approach to the dock based on signals emitted by the dock. The signals emitted by the dock may include light signals.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for returning a drone to a drone dock. In one aspect, a method includes detecting, by the drone and using a drone-mounted light detection unit, a first light signal and a second light signal generated by one of a plurality of visible light communication devices coupled to the drone dock, obtaining, by the drone, location information based on the first detected light signal and the second detected light signal, determining, by the drone, a position of the drone relative to the drone dock based on the obtained location information, and adjusting, by the drone, the navigation path of the drone in a manner that alters an alignment of at least a portion of the drone relative to the drone dock based on the determined position.