Downward Gimbal Camera Navigation Without GPS Signal Dependence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft navigation systems face challenges due to imaging errors caused by multiple compensation methods, insufficient GPS signal strength in obstructed areas, and the need for frequent map updates, leading to navigation inaccuracies and increased risk of collisions with obstacles during flight.
Innovation Solution
A navigation system for aircraft featuring a gimbal stability-enhancement system with a three-axis motor control system to maintain a vertically downward image capturing direction, combined with a navigation system that uses reference images to correct flight routes and avoid obstacles without GPS, enabling autonomous flight and obstacle avoidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple compensation methods (computer calculation compensation and sensor angle compensation) are used to improve imaging stability, then imaging quality is improved, but imaging error increases significantly and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex multiple compensation methods (computer calculation compensation and sensor angle compensation) from the imaging system. Instead of using multiple compensation layers, the invention directly captures ground images with the camera, eliminating the need for subsequent compensation calculations and thereby reducing imaging error while maintaining imaging quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by ensuring the camera lens always faces the ground directly through mechanical stabilization (gimbal system) rather than capturing images at angles and then compensating through calculations. This inversion of the imaging approach eliminates cumulative compensation errors.
2Reliability
If GPS is used for navigation, then positioning can be achieved, but signal strength is insufficient in areas sheltered by tall buildings or high mountains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visual features from captured ground images as an intermediary for positioning and navigation. Instead of relying solely on GPS satellite signals that are blocked by obstacles, the system uses visual landmarks and features detected in ground images to determine position and navigate, providing a complementary positioning method that works in GPS-denied environments.
3Measurement precision
If map data is used for navigation, then navigation accuracy is improved, but map data needs to be updated constantly which increases loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the navigation system to self-update by capturing and processing real-time ground images to identify and locate visual features. The system autonomously builds and updates its own navigation map using visual features from the environment, eliminating the need for external map data updates and allowing continuous operation without time loss for updates.
4Ease of operation
If operator remote control is used for obstacle avoidance, then obstacle detection can be performed, but the operator can't determine obstacles outside field of view and may perform improper operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic obstacle avoidance by enabling the system to autonomously detect obstacles in captured images, determine their positions, and automatically adjust flight path to avoid collisions. The navigation system processes ground images to identify obstacles and executes avoidance maneuvers without operator intervention, eliminating human error and extending detection beyond the operator's field of view.
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
The system achieves stable and accurate ground imaging, allows for autonomous aircraft return and obstacle avoidance, reducing navigation errors and collisions, and eliminates the need for frequent map updates.
Implementation Method 1
a gimbal stability-enhancement system configured for stabilizing the image capturing apparatus, and ensuring that an image capturing direction of the image capturing apparatus is vertically downward
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a geo-location or navigation camera, and an aircraft and a navigation method therefor. The geo-location or navigation camera comprises an image capturing apparatus (15), an image capturing direction of the image capturing apparatus (15) being vertically downward. The camera further comprises a gimbal stability-enhancement system comprising a gimbal body and a gimbal control system connected to the gimbal body. The image capturing apparatus (15) is arranged on the gimbal body. By means of the balance control and shock absorption effects of the gimbal stability-enhancement system, the stability of the image capturing apparatus (15) is better, and the image capturing direction of the image capturing apparatus (15) is maintained to be always vertically downward. The aircraft can still be navigated without a GPS. The method has advantages of being highly accurate and widely applicable.