Gimbal Camera Obstacle Avoidance for GPS-Denied Aircraft Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft systems lack the capability to automatically avoid obstacles, relying on operator intervention which can lead to collisions, and existing navigation methods like GPS are prone to inaccuracies due to signal strength issues and outdated map data.
Innovation Solution
An obstacle avoidance system for aircraft incorporating image capturing apparatuses, a gimbal stability-enhancement system, and a controller that captures images in multiple directions, determines obstacle presence, adjusts flight direction and speed, and uses distance measurement to prevent collisions, while also allowing for manual control integration and GPS-independent navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS navigation is used for aircraft navigation, then positioning can be achieved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates in areas with insufficient satellite coverage such as areas sheltered by tall buildings or high mountains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visual landmarks as an intermediary reference system. Instead of relying solely on satellite signals, the system uses ground-based visual features (buildings, towers, bridges) as intermediate reference points that can be detected by the aircraft's camera. This mediator allows the aircraft to determine its position through image recognition and comparison with pre-stored landmark data, bypassing the need for direct satellite line-of-sight in GPS-denied environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the navigation system multi-functional by integrating both GPS satellite-based navigation and visual landmark-based navigation. The system can automatically switch between or combine these two navigation methods depending on signal availability. This universal approach allows the same navigation system to function effectively both in open skies with good GPS coverage and in urban canyons or mountainous areas where GPS signals are blocked.
2Measurement precision
If map data is not updated constantly, then system complexity and maintenance burden are reduced, but navigation accuracy deteriorates due to route errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-updating navigation system where the aircraft automatically captures images of ground landmarks during flight and compares them with pre-stored reference landmark data. The system self-corrects navigation errors by detecting discrepancies between expected and actual visual features, eliminating the need for manual map updates. The aircraft serves its own navigation validation and correction needs through autonomous visual recognition and comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-storing comprehensive landmark reference data and multiple possible navigation routes before the aircraft departs. This advance preparation allows the real-time navigation system to quickly compare current visual observations against the pre-established reference database, enabling rapid detection of navigation drift without requiring real-time map updates or complex during-flight data management.
3Reliability
If operator remote control is used for obstacle avoidance, then manual judgment and control are possible, but collision risk increases when the obstacle is outside the operator's field of view or when improper operation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements autonomous obstacle avoidance where the aircraft's onboard camera and image processing system independently detect obstacles and execute avoidance maneuvers without operator intervention. The system continuously monitors the flight path, automatically identifies potential collisions, and triggers evasive actions, making the aircraft self-protecting against obstacles that may be outside human visual range or moving too quickly for manual response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a closed-loop feedback system for obstacle detection and avoidance. The onboard camera continuously captures forward-facing images, the image processing unit analyzes these images for obstacle detection, and when obstacles are detected, the system provides feedback to the flight control system to automatically adjust the flight path. This real-time feedback loop ensures continuous monitoring and immediate response to obstacles, eliminating the delays and errors inherent in manual observation and control.
4Reliability
If multiple image capturing apparatuses are arranged in different directions, then obstacle detection coverage is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple image capturing functions into a single integrated imaging system with a rotatable camera module. Instead of mounting separate fixed cameras in different directions, the system uses one camera that can rotate to scan multiple directions sequentially. This consolidation reduces the number of physical components, simplifies the mechanical structure, and decreases weight while maintaining comprehensive obstacle detection coverage through active scanning rather than passive multi-directional mounting.
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 the aircraft to autonomously avoid obstacles, reducing the risk of collision and improving navigation accuracy by using image-based obstacle detection and distance measurement, even in areas with poor GPS coverage or outdated map data.
Implementation Method 1
an image capturing apparatus...configured for capturing an image
Implementation Method 2
a gimbal stability-enhancement system...including a gimbal body and a gimbal control system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An aircraft and an obstacle avoidance method and system thereof. The obstacle avoidance system comprises an image capturing apparatus (11), a gimbal stability-enhancement system, and a second controller (14). The gimbal stability-enhancement system comprises a gimbal body (12) and a gimbal control system (13). The image capturing apparatus (11) is arranged on the gimbal body (12), and is used for capturing an image in a flying direction when the aircraft is flying. The gimbal control system (13) is connected to the gimbal body (12). The second controller (14) is used for determining whether an obstacle exists in the image captured by the image capturing apparatus (11), and if yes, changing the flying direction of the aircraft according to a position of the obstacle, and if not, controlling the aircraft to fly in the current flying direction. The obstacle avoidance method remedies the shortcoming of an existing aircraft of incapability of automatically avoiding an obstacle, enabling the aircraft to automatically avoid an obstacle ahead without the control of an operator and prevent the aircraft from collision with the obstacle.