3D LIDAR Aircraft Docking Guidance for Curved-Path Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft docking guidance systems face limitations due to fixed fields of view, weather interference, visibility issues, and difficulty in tracking aircraft over curved paths, leading to inaccurate positioning and potential delays.
Innovation Solution
A system combining three-dimensional LIDAR data with machine learning models simulates a complete aircraft model for navigation guidance, providing accurate tracking and docking in various weather conditions and aircraft sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional docking guidance systems use fixed field of view sensors, then system complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and tracking accuracy deteriorate due to inability to track aircraft over curved paths and in various weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional camera-based guidance to three-dimensional LIDAR-based guidance. The LIDAR sensor captures depth information and generates three-dimensional point cloud data of the aircraft, enabling accurate tracking and positioning even over curved paths and in various weather conditions. This dimensional enhancement resolves the contradiction by providing superior measurement precision while the integrated processing system manages the added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a simulated three-dimensional model as an intermediary between the LIDAR sensor data and the guidance display. The system generates a simulated aircraft model that aligns with the captured point cloud data, facilitating accurate tracking and positioning. This intermediary representation simplifies the complex relationship between raw sensor data and guidance information, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
2Reliability
If visual docking guidance systems rely on optical cameras, then device complexity is minimized, but reliability deteriorates due to weather interference and visibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical camera-based visual guidance with LIDAR-based guidance. LIDAR sensors emit laser pulses and measure the time of flight to create three-dimensional point cloud data, which is不受affected by weather conditions like fog, rain, or darkness that plague optical systems. This substitution of the sensing mechanism dramatically improves reliability while the integrated processing system manages the added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter of the guidance system from visible light detection to laser time-of-flight measurement. By operating in the laser domain rather than the visible spectrum, the system achieves immunity to weather interference and visibility issues. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
3Productivity
If docking guidance systems use manual visual guidance methods, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to errors and inconsistencies in guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated docking guidance system that performs detection, tracking, and guidance functions without human intervention. The LIDAR sensor automatically captures aircraft position, the processing system generates the simulated three-dimensional model, and the guidance information is displayed to the pilot autonomously. This self-service automation eliminates human error and inconsistency, dramatically improving docking efficiency while the integrated system manages the complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where the LIDAR sensor continuously tracks the aircraft's position and orientation, the processing system compares the actual position with the desired docking position, and the guidance information is updated in real-time to guide the aircraft to the correct position. This continuous feedback loop ensures high docking efficiency and precision, resolving the contradiction between productivity and complexity.
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
Enhances aircraft positioning accuracy and safety by generating a simulated three-dimensional model for real-time navigation, overcoming limitations of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
capturing, by a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor, LIDAR sensor data of an aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, methods, and systems for aircraft detection, tracking, and docking using three-dimensional sensor data are described herein. One method includes capturing, by a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor, LIDAR sensor data of an aircraft while the aircraft is approaching a docking area of an airport, receiving, from the LIDAR sensor, the sensor data of the aircraft while the aircraft is approaching a docking area, retrieving, by a computing device, a simulated two-dimensional image of the aircraft generated based on simulated data of the aircraft, tracking, by the computing device, a position of the aircraft while the aircraft is approaching the docking area using the LIDAR sensor data and the simulated two-dimensional image, and displaying an image including the position of the aircraft while the aircraft is approaching the docking area to provide navigation guidance to a pilot.