Laser Ranging Camera for Unmanned Aircraft Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned aircraft lack effective and lightweight surveillance systems to accurately detect relative position data of objects around them, particularly for midair collision avoidance, as existing solutions like millimeter-wave radar are heavy and power-intensive, and visual surveillance is not feasible without a pilot on board.
Innovation Solution
A small and lightweight aerial surveillance system incorporating a camera, laser ranging system, and a rotary optical system that rotates to measure distances and generate panoramic image data, allowing for the detection of azimuth and relative height of objects, without the need for millimeter-wave radar, and enabling the unmanned aircraft to avoid collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If millimeter-wave radar is used to detect objects and measure distance, then measurement precision is improved, but weight and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the camera and laser ranging system into an integrated surveillance unit. The camera captures images while the laser ranging system measures distances to objects in the image, merging visual detection with precise ranging in a single compact system that weighs less than separate radar systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the millimeter-wave radar system with an optical-mechanical system consisting of a camera and laser ranging system. This substitution achieves comparable or superior measurement precision while significantly reducing weight and power consumption, as the laser-camera system is much lighter than radar hardware.
2Reliability
If millimeter-wave radar is installed to avoid midair collision, then reliability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera and laser ranging system are merged into a single surveillance unit that performs both visual detection and distance measurement simultaneously. This integration improves reliability by providing redundant detection capabilities while consuming less power than separate radar systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the high-power millimeter-wave radar with a lower-power optical system. The camera consumes minimal power for imaging, and the laser ranging system uses pulsed laser emission that requires far less energy than continuous radar transmission, yet maintains reliable collision avoidance detection.
3Measurement precision
If two TV cameras are installed in both wings to calculate distance, then measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to wing twist influence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the surveillance function into two independent but coordinated components: the camera for image capture and the laser ranging system for direct distance measurement. This segmentation allows each component to be calibrated independently, eliminating the need for precise relative positioning between multiple cameras that would be affected by wing twist.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser ranging system acts as an intermediary that provides direct, accurate distance measurements to objects detected by the camera. This intermediary measurement system bypasses the need for complex geometric calculations based on camera positions, eliminating errors introduced by wing twist and installation precision variations.
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 accurate acquisition of relative position data using a lightweight unit, preventing midair collisions by ensuring reliable distance measurement and panoramic imaging, allowing the unmanned aircraft to autonomously avoid obstacles through controlled flight surfaces and thrust systems.
Implementation Method 1
a laser ranging system configured to measure a distance to an object in a field of view of the camera
Data Source
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AI summary
An unmanned aircraft includes a camera, a laser ranging system and a driving unit. The laser ranging system measures a distance to an object in the field of view of the camera. The driving unit rotates the field of view. Thus, it is possible to acquire relative position data of the object around the unmanned aircraft with a small and light-weight unit.