LIDAR Landing-Zone Distance Measurement for Rotorcraft Hazard Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current altitude measurement systems for rotorcraft, such as radar-based and barometric altimeters, face limitations in resolution and accuracy, particularly for unmanned aircraft, and fail to account for potential hazards like buildings or terrain, posing risks during landing.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using LIDAR data to determine the distance between a rotorcraft and its landing zone, employing a linear estimation algorithm to filter noise and define a surface plane, enabling accurate altitude measurement and hazard detection, with the ability to automatically adjust vehicle controls for safe landing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radar-based altimeters are used to measure aircraft altitude, then the measurement can be obtained, but the resolution is poor and only single-point distance is measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement task by using multiple LIDAR sensors positioned at different locations on the aircraft to measure distances to multiple discrete points on the ground surface. This segmentation of the measurement field enables both high precision individual measurements and comprehensive surface information collection, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and information loss.
2Measurement precision
If barometric altimeters are used to determine aircraft altitude, then altitude relative to sea level can be obtained, but the readings vary with weather and do not account for potential hazards below the aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces LIDAR technology as an intermediary measurement tool that directly measures the distance to the ground surface and identifies potential hazards such as buildings, trees, and terrain features. This intermediary system provides reliable, weather-independent measurements that directly inform landing safety decisions, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and landing safety reliability.
3Loss of information
If LIDAR data is collected for hazard detection, then comprehensive surface information is obtained, but noise filtering and surface plane definition are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the surface plane model and noise filtering criteria before processing the LIDAR data. The system establishes expected surface characteristics and hazard profiles in advance, then uses these pre-established models to efficiently filter and interpret the collected LIDAR measurements, reducing the complexity of real-time data processing while maintaining comprehensive hazard detection capability.
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 precise altitude measurement and hazard detection, ensuring safe landing operations by filtering LIDAR data to define a surface plane and automatically adjusting the rotorcraft's orientation, thereby improving landing safety and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor system; a processor and memory in communication with the sensor system configured to: receive sensor signals indicative of LIDAR data
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system and method for determining the distance between at least one point on a vehicle and at least one projected area off of the vehicle includes receiving, with a processor, sensor signals indicative of LIDAR data for the projected area off the vehicle; applying, with the processor, a linear estimation algorithm to filter out noise within the LIDAR data and define a surface plane for the projected area; evaluating, with the processor, the LIDAR data against a vehicle state model; determining, with the processor, the distance between the at least one point on the vehicle and the at least one projected area off the vehicle; and commanding a response in the vehicle controls.