Drone Approach Control via Visual Markers and GPS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current delivery drone systems face challenges in safely and accurately approaching destinations, especially in densely built-up areas and apartment buildings without suitable open spaces, due to limitations in navigation accuracy and safety concerns from unforeseen obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a delivery drone equipped with a mobile data connection, light source for coded signals, and distance sensors, paired with a recipient's mobile device using GPS, compass, elevation angle sensor, and camera for image analysis and control, allowing for precise and safe target approach without requiring special infrastructure or equipment at the delivery location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard GPS receivers are used for navigation, then the system is simple and widely available, but the navigation accuracy is insufficient for precise target approach in densely populated areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple navigation systems (GPS, visual markers, computer vision) into an integrated navigation system. The drone uses GPS for coarse positioning and visual markers for fine positioning, merging the advantages of both systems to achieve high precision without requiring a single complex system
Solution Approach 2:
Visual markers serve as intermediaries between the GPS system and the drone's positioning system. These markers provide additional reference points that bridge the gap between satellite-based GPS and ground-based precise positioning, enabling accurate target approach
2Productivity
If autonomous fully automated delivery is implemented, then operational efficiency increases, but safety risks from unforeseen obstacles and liability issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the drone's position is constantly monitored and compared with the target position. Visual markers provide real-time feedback for position correction, and the system can detect obstacles and adjust the flight path accordingly, ensuring safe autonomous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares for potential safety issues in advance by implementing obstacle detection systems, emergency stop protocols, and predefined safe flight corridors. These preventive measures cushion against unforeseen obstacles and reduce liability risks before incidents occur
3Reliability
If parcel boxes or designated landing zones are required at the recipient's location, then safe delivery is enabled, but the system becomes incompatible with densely populated areas and apartment buildings without suitable open spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The visual marker system serves multiple functions: it provides positioning references for the drone, indicates the target location to the recipient, and can be placed on various surfaces (walls, windows, balconies). This universal solution works across different delivery scenarios including apartment buildings, densely populated areas, and open spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from requiring ground-level landing zones to using vertical surfaces for marker placement. By placing visual markers on walls, windows, or balconies at different heights and positions, the system enables deliveries to locations that were previously inaccessible to drones
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, precise, and flexible delivery to any location, including densely populated areas, with the recipient able to intervene if necessary, and built-in security features preventing misuse, while eliminating the need for special infrastructure or precise geographic information.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for emitting bright, coded light signals
Implementation Method 2
camera for image analysis and control
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Method for the safe and reliable target approach control of unmanned aerial vehicles, in particular delivery drones, to any location specified by the recipient.