Laser-Guided UAV Navigation With Vision-Based Target Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UAV inspection methods require significant pre-planning or skilled operator intervention, making them inefficient for inspecting inaccessible structures, as they either rely on precise GPS coordinates or manual control, which can be error-prone and operator-dependent.
Innovation Solution
A system using a laser pointer to determine waypoints and guide a UAV to a target position, transitioning to vision-based control once the laser beam is detected, allowing for autonomous and operator-independent navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If autonomous navigation using GPS coordinates is used, then the UAV can navigate automatically to the destination, but the system requires significant pre-planning and is error-prone when precise position information is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by having the operator point the laser at the target beforehand, which automatically determines the destination coordinates and stores them in the navigation system. This eliminates the need for extensive pre-planning while still enabling autonomous navigation, as the laser pointing action pre-establishes the target position data needed for autonomous flight.
2Measurement precision
If manual control is used, then the UAV can be precisely aligned with the destination, but a skilled operator is required and the operation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by having the operator simply point the laser at the target without needing to manually control the UAV or perform complex alignment procedures. The laser automatically provides precise targeting information to the navigation system, which then handles the alignment and navigation automatically. This eliminates the need for skilled manual operation while maintaining high alignment precision.
3Extent of automation
If GPS-based autonomous navigation is used, then the UAV can follow a calculated path, but the system fails when GPS coordinates are inaccurate or unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary solution by using laser ranging and visual recognition as a mediator between the operator's intent and the UAV's navigation. Instead of relying solely on GPS coordinates, the laser provides direct line-of-sight measurement to the target, and the visual system continuously tracks the target, creating a reliable reference that works independently of GPS accuracy or availability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the UAV uses onboard sensors only, then the system can operate autonomously, but it requires extensive pre-programming and cannot adapt to unknown structures
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by transitioning from a static pre-programmed approach to a dynamic adaptive approach. The UAV starts with autonomous path following but dynamically switches to visual-based control when the target is acquired. This allows the system to adapt to unknown structures in real-time without requiring extensive pre-programming, as the visual system can recognize and track targets that were not precisely predefined.
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 efficient and accurate UAV navigation to inaccessible structures without extensive pre-planning or skilled operator involvement, improving the reliability and versatility of UAV inspections.
Implementation Method 1
a laser emitter, and a pose estimation module
Implementation Method 2
detection of the laser beam impinging on a target using an image captured by the imager
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle is guided from an initial position to a target position using a projection of a laser beam on a target. A set of waypoints from the initial position of the vehicle to a position proximate to the target position is determined using an orientation of a laser pointer that projects the laser beam and based on projection of the UAV initial position onto the laser beam pointing at the target. The vehicle is guided along the set of determined waypoints to the position proximate to the target position. The vehicle is guided from the position proximate to the target position using the optical system of the vehicle responsive to detection of a dot of the laser beam on the target by an optical system of the vehicle.