Multi-Sensor Grid Navigation for 3D Feature Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contemporary airborne sensor systems are limited in three-dimensional feature extraction due to the proximity of camera systems, which results in reduced image quality and precision, necessitating a solution to enhance data collection and processing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising multiple airborne sensors operably coupled to an aircraft, utilizing a grid generator to project a relative navigation grid, with sensors positioned within this grid to enhance data collection and processing, allowing for improved detection and imaging artifacts removal through coordinated sensor outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If camera systems are positioned close together, then the system structure is compact and easier to deploy, but image quality deteriorates and precision of three-dimensional feature extraction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional sensor arrays to three-dimensional configurations by deploying sensors at different altitudes and horizontal positions. Multiple aircraft fly in formation at varying heights, creating a volumetric sensor network that simultaneously achieves compact deployment and high measurement precision through spatial separation in three dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is divided into multiple independent sensor units distributed across multiple aircraft platforms. Each aircraft carries one or more sensors, and the segmented system works cooperatively to achieve high-precision three-dimensional feature extraction while maintaining flexible and compact deployment through distributed positioning.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are separated to improve image quality, then measurement precision improves, but the system becomes more complex and requires larger platform separation
Solution Approach 1:
Each aircraft in the formation serves multiple functions: it acts as a platform for sensors, a navigation reference, and a coordination node. The sensors themselves perform multiple tasks including imaging, positioning, and synchronization. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite increased spatial separation, as each component serves several purposes simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback through continuous position tracking and coordination between multiple aircraft. Sensors and platforms exchange data about their relative positions and orientations, allowing dynamic adjustment of separation distances and coordination of data collection. This feedback mechanism manages system complexity by enabling adaptive control of the distributed sensor network.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor system (10) having multiple sensors (14) and having a grid generator (12) projecting into space a relative navigation grid (24) and a method of utilizing multiple airborne sensors (14) operably coupled to an aircraft (10) and coordinating the sensor outputs from the airborne sensors (14) based on the determined spatial location of the multiple sensors (14).