3D Drone Positioning Using Reference Maps and LiDAR Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position determination methods for flying bodies, such as drones, face challenges in achieving high accuracy, especially when measuring aged deterioration of targets, as decreased position accuracy makes it difficult to fly on the same route consistently.
Innovation Solution
A position determination apparatus comprising a reference information acquisition unit, a surrounding information acquisition unit, and a position determination unit that uses three-dimensional reference map information and surrounding information to accurately determine the flying body's position, incorporating sensors like image capturing units and LiDAR for precise mapping and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional position determination methods are used for flying bodies, then the system complexity is reduced, but the position determination accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple information sources (reference map information from pre-acquired three-dimensional maps and surrounding information from real-time sensors) into a unified position determination system. This merging of data sources enables high-accuracy position determination without requiring complex individual sensing systems, as the system leverages existing map data combined with relatively simple onboard sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary acquisition of reference map information before the flying body's operation. By pre-processing and storing three-dimensional map data of the measurement area, the system eliminates the need for complex real-time processing during flight, thereby maintaining high position determination accuracy while keeping the operational system relatively simple.
2Measurement precision
If high-accuracy position determination is achieved using multiple sensors and processing units, then the position accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flying body is equipped with multi-functional sensors that serve both measurement purposes (capturing surrounding information) and position determination purposes. The same sensors used for collecting environmental data also provide the information needed for position determination, eliminating the need for separate dedicated position sensing systems and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an information processing apparatus as an intermediary that handles the complex computations for position determination. This external processing unit receives data from the flying body's sensors and performs the sophisticated analysis needed for high-accuracy position determination, allowing the flying body itself to maintain a simpler onboard system.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the flying body flies on the same route multiple times for measurement, then the measurement consistency is improved, but the requirement for position accuracy increases the difficulty of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously determines the flying body's position with high accuracy using the combined reference map and surrounding information, and this position information is fed back to the control system. This feedback enables real-time corrections to maintain precise route following, making it easier to achieve consistent measurement paths across multiple flights without requiring extremely difficult manual control precision.
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 solution enables high-accuracy position determination of flying bodies, allowing them to fly consistently on the same route and detect unmeasured parts in measurement targets, even in areas where GPS signals are weak or unavailable.
Implementation Method 1
an image capturing unit that captures a surrounding environment of the flying body and generates image data
Implementation Method 2
a LiDAR that measures a three-dimensional shape of the surrounding environment and generates point group data
Implementation Method 3
a LiDAR that measures a three-dimensional shape of the surrounding environment and generates point group data
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit (150) of a flying body includes a reference information acquisition unit (151), a surrounding information acquisition unit (152), and a position determination unit (153). The reference information acquisition unit (151) acquires reference map information being three-dimensional map information of an area in which a flying body is to be flown. The surrounding information acquisition unit (152) acquires surrounding information indicating a three-dimensional shape around the flying body. The surrounding information is generated by, for example, a sensor mounted on the flying body. The position determination unit (153) determines a three-dimensional position of the flying body in the reference map information by using the reference map information and the surrounding information.