Drone Destination Approach Control via Optical Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for destination approach control of delivery drones face challenges in safely navigating to recipients in densely built-up areas and multi-family homes without suitable open spaces, and lack accurate navigation beyond conventional GPS, leading to security concerns and liability issues.
Innovation Solution
A method using a mobile device with GPS, compass, inclination angle sensor, and camera to define a safe approach corridor for the drone, which emits coded light signals for identification and position correction, allowing for precise and secure autonomous navigation to any location without requiring special infrastructure or precise geographical information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional GPS navigation is used for drone delivery, then the system is simple and widely compatible, but the navigation precision is insufficient for precise destination approach in densely built-up areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical recognition system consisting of light sources placed at the destination and optical sensors on the drone. This intermediary system bridges the gap between conventional GPS navigation and precise destination approach, enabling the drone to detect and navigate to the exact delivery location using optical signals as mediators without requiring complex infrastructure changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the reliance on purely mechanical/GPS-based navigation with an optical detection and recognition system. The drone uses optical sensors to detect light sources and coded optical signals, substituting the mechanical navigation approach with optical field-based positioning and guidance, thereby achieving higher precision without proportionally increasing system complexity
2Ease of operation
If parcel boxes or marked landing zones are used for delivery, then the delivery process is simplified, but special infrastructure is required which is not available in densely built-up areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the destination location to serve itself by placing passive or active light sources at the delivery address. The drone autonomously detects these light sources and navigates to them without requiring human intervention to prepare special infrastructure. The existing environment (buildings, addresses) serves the delivery function through the added optical markers, eliminating the need for parcel boxes or marked zones
Solution Approach 2:
The optical recognition system serves multiple functions: it provides destination identification, position verification, and approach guidance. The same light sources and optical signals that mark the delivery location also guide the drone's approach corridor, eliminating the need for separate infrastructure elements and making the system adaptable to any location with line-of-sight visibility
3Measurement precision
If the drone approaches closely to the recipient for delivery, then the delivery accuracy is improved, but security risks increase due to unforeseen obstacles like kids playing or animals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary safety checks by defining an approach corridor before the drone begins its final approach. The system预先 identifies safe flight paths and monitors the environment for obstacles. The drone only enters the precise delivery zone after confirming the approach corridor is clear, thereby preventing collisions with unforeseen obstacles like children or animals while maintaining accurate delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs continuous feedback mechanisms where optical sensors on the drone detect light sources and coded signals in real-time, providing feedback on position and approach status. This feedback loop enables the drone to adjust its trajectory dynamically, maintain safe distances from obstacles, and only complete the delivery when precise positioning is confirmed without safety risks
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 safe, reliable, and precise drone delivery to any location, including densely built-up areas, with enhanced security features and no need for specific receiving stations or infrastructure, allowing recipients to intervene if necessary and ensuring secure and flexible delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a light source (G) for emitting bright and coded light signals
Implementation Method 2
an electronic camera... The light emitted from the light signal (G) of the drone (K) is recognized by the camera of the mobile device (A)
Implementation Method 3
a compass... the fixed point in the sky and the approach corridor are determined from the current position of the mobile device, the compass angle
Implementation Method 4
an inclination angle sensor... the inclination angle of the mobile device (A)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for destination approach control of unmanned aerial vehicles, in particular delivery drones, to an arbitrary location defined by the recipient.