Landing Pad Light Pattern Guidance for Jam-Resistant VTOL Landing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle guidance systems for VTOL aircraft, such as those using ground-based augmentation systems (GBAS), are prone to jamming, require complex and expensive equipment, and can increase the weight of the aircraft, while also necessitating radio frequency spectrum allocation.
Innovation Solution
A vision-based guidance system utilizing a landing pad with a first and second perimeter of light sources with different light characteristics, detected by an image sensor to guide the vehicle through interface circuitry and programmable circuitry that calculates the vehicle's position relative to the landing pad and adjusts its movement accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ground-based augmentation system (GBAS) is used for vehicle guidance, then guidance precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the radio frequency-based GBAS with a vision-based guidance system using an image sensor to detect light sources on the landing pad. This substitutes electromagnetic wave-based guidance with optical-based guidance, eliminating the need for complex RF hardware while achieving comparable precision through image processing algorithms that calculate vehicle position and guide movement based on detected light source patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a simplified optical pattern (light sources arranged in specific patterns on the landing pad) that replicates the guidance information function of GBAS. Instead of complex RF signals, simple visual patterns are created that the image sensor can detect and interpret, providing equivalent guidance functionality with much simpler components
2Measurement precision
If ground-based augmentation system (GBAS) is used for vehicle guidance, then guidance precision is improved, but weight of the aircraft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vision-based system replaces heavy RF transmission and reception hardware with a lightweight image sensor and processing system. The image sensor and associated processing electronics weigh significantly less than GBAS equipment, directly reducing aircraft weight while maintaining guidance precision through software-based position calculation from visual patterns
3Measurement precision
If ground-based augmentation system (GBAS) is used for vehicle guidance, then guidance precision is improved, but susceptibility to jamming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes RF-based guidance with optical-based guidance using visible light sources on the landing pad. Since the system uses passive light sources detected by an image sensor rather than active RF transmission, it becomes immune to RF jamming and spoofing attacks that affect GBAS, while maintaining precise guidance through visual pattern recognition
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential vulnerability of visual systems (dependence on line-of-sight) into an advantage by using passive light sources that cannot be remotely jammed. The system benefits from the inherent security of optical detection, where the guidance signal comes from fixed, passive sources on the landing pad that cannot be interfered with by external RF signals
4Measurement precision
If ground-based augmentation system (GBAS) is used for vehicle guidance, then guidance precision is improved, but radio frequency spectrum allocation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces RF spectrum-based communication with optical spectrum-based detection. By using visible light sources and an image sensor, the guidance system operates independently of radio frequency spectrum allocation, eliminating the need for licensed RF bands while achieving precise guidance through visual pattern detection and processing
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 provides a cost-effective, lightweight, and spectrum-independent guidance system that improves precision and reduces the complexity and weight of VTOL aircraft guidance, enabling efficient and accurate landing and takeoff operations.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor of the vehicle for guiding the vehicle toward or away from the landing area
Data Source
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AI summary
Vision-based vehicle guidance is disclosed. An example landing pad (102) for vision-based guidance of a vehicle (101) includes a first perimeter (134) of a landing area (136) defined by the landing pad, the first perimeter having a first array of first light sources, and a second perimeter (132) having a second array of second light sources, the second perimeter around the first perimeter, at least two of the first or second light sources having a different light characteristic to define a pattern to be detected by an image sensor of the vehicle for guiding the vehicle toward or away from the landing area.