Aircraft Landing Site Localization Using Camera-IMU Pose Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft landing systems lack the precision and reliability required for automated landing procedures, often requiring expensive and maintenance-intensive apparatus and being prone to interference.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising flight data subsystems on the aircraft and remote components processes sensor-derived data to dynamically generate and update position and orientation analyses relative to a landing site, providing real-time flight control instructions for precise landing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional navigation systems are used for aircraft landing, then the system structure is established, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient for automated landing procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the landing navigation function into multiple independent sensor components (camera subsystem, IMU, barometer, GPS) that work together. Each sensor provides specific data (visual features, acceleration, pressure, position) that collectively achieve high-precision positioning and orientation without requiring a single complex expensive apparatus
Solution Approach 2:
The camera subsystem serves multiple functions: capturing images for feature detection, providing visual navigation data, and working in conjunction with IMU data for pose estimation. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized expensive apparatus with a unified sensor fusion system that achieves both precision and reliability
2Reliability
If expensive apparatus are installed for navigation, then the system can operate, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple navigation functions into a single integrated system that processes data from camera, IMU, barometer, and GPS through a unified algorithm. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate expensive apparatus while maintaining reliability through sensor fusion
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses readily available commercial sensors (camera, IMU, barometer, GPS) that require minimal maintenance compared to specialized aviation apparatus. The software-based processing approach allows the system to self-calibrate and adapt, reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining reliability
3Measurement precision
If current navigation systems are used, then basic navigation is possible, but the precision required for automated landing procedures cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical navigation apparatus with software-based image processing and sensor fusion algorithms. The camera captures images that are processed through computer vision algorithms to extract position and orientation data, achieving high precision without complex mechanical systems that are difficult to manufacture and maintain
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameters from traditional radio-based navigation to visual feature-based navigation combined with inertial data. By detecting visual features in images and combining them with IMU data, the system achieves precise position and orientation measurement while simplifying the overall system architecture
Data Source
AI summary
A system having components coupled to an aircraft and components remote from the aircraft processes sensor-derived data, transmits information between aircraft system components and remote system components, and dynamically generates updated analyses of position and orientation of the aircraft relative to a desired landing site, while the aircraft is in flight toward the desired landing site. Based on the position and orientation information, the system generates instructions for flight control of the aircraft toward a flight path to the landing site, and can update flight control instructions as new data is received and processed.