Mobile Inspection Platform Localization Using Environmental Landmarks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft inspection methods are time-consuming, ergonomically challenging, and prone to human error, while existing automated systems rely on GPS or require environmental markers, which are inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A localization system using a mobile inspection platform with a scanning sensor to detect environmental landmarks, determining their centers from scan data, enabling accurate position and orientation tracking without GPS, and handling various occlusion cases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS is used for location tracking, then location data can be obtained, but GPS signals are blocked by objects such as the fuselage of an aircraft or the roof/walls of an aircraft hangar
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary localization system that uses detectable markers or natural landmarks in the environment as mediators for position determination. Instead of relying on GPS signals that can be blocked, the system uses local visual or sensor-detectable features (such as painted markers on the hangar floor, structural features of the aircraft, or other environmental landmarks) that can be detected by the mobile platform's sensors to calculate position through triangulation or feature matching, thereby bypassing the signal blockage problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS satellite-based electromagnetic signal system with a local sensor-based detection system. The mobile platform uses onboard sensors (such as cameras, LIDAR, or other detection devices) to capture images or data of environmental landmarks, and processing units analyze these data to determine position. This substitution eliminates dependence on external satellite signals that can be blocked and uses local environmental features instead.
2Measurement precision
If markers or tags are placed in the environment for tracking, then location can be determined, but inspection efficiency is reduced and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the localization system universal by enabling it to work with both artificial markers and natural environmental landmarks. The system can automatically detect and use existing environmental features (such as hangar structural elements, ground features, or aircraft components) as localization references, eliminating the need for dedicated marker placement in many cases. This multi-functionality maintains measurement precision while improving inspection efficiency by reducing preparation time and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the environment itself to serve as the localization reference without requiring external intervention for marker placement. The mobile platform's sensors automatically scan and identify suitable environmental landmarks, and the processing unit selects appropriate features for position calculation. This self-service approach eliminates the manual work of placing markers while maintaining accurate location determination.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual visual inspection is performed, then inspection can be conducted, but the process is time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated robotic system equipped with sensors and processing capabilities. The mobile platform autonomously navigates to inspection locations using the localization system, captures images or sensor data of aircraft components, and the processing unit analyzes this data to detect defects or anomalies. This automation eliminates human limitations such as fatigue, subjectivity, and slow inspection speed while maintaining thorough examination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces sensor-based detection as an intermediary between the inspector and the aircraft components. Instead of direct human visual inspection, sensors (such as cameras, thermal detectors, or LIDAR) capture data from the components, and processing algorithms analyze this data to identify issues. This intermediary detection method provides more objective, consistent, and rapid inspection while reducing human physical strain and error.
4Ease of manufacture
If manual inspection is performed, then inspection can be conducted, but it is ergonomically challenging due to difficult viewing angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human inspector's physical body and senses with a mobile robotic platform equipped with sensors and adjustable positioning capabilities. The robot can navigate to precise locations around and under the aircraft, positioning sensors at optimal angles for viewing components that would be difficult or impossible for a human to access comfortably. This eliminates ergonomic challenges while maintaining full inspection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile inspection platform provides dynamic positioning and sensor orientation capabilities, allowing it to adapt its position and viewing angles in real-time to optimize inspection of various aircraft components. The robot can move freely around the aircraft, adjust its height, and orient sensors at precise angles, whereas a human inspector is constrained by fixed body position and limited mobility in certain areas.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of the present disclosure provide localization systems and methods that detect a plurality of landmarks in scan data acquired by a scanning sensor disposed onboard a mobile inspection platform. The localization systems and methods determine, via one or more processors, centers of the landmarks based on scan points in the scan data that impinge perimeter surfaces of the landmarks, and determine a location of the mobile inspection platform in relation to the centers of the landmarks.