Optical Sensor for UAV Navigation in GPS Dead Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
GPS-based UAVs face challenges in urban areas due to 'dead zones' and existing vision-based localization systems are inefficient and unreliable, especially in adverse weather conditions, while wing morphing systems are computationally intensive and sensitive to environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
An optical guidance system using mutually distinct signal-modifying electro-optical sensors that detect optical radiation, avoiding radio-frequency interference and providing accurate location and orientation data through modulated optical radiation, even in adverse conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS navigation systems are used for UAV guidance, then navigation can be provided over large areas, but GPS signals do not reach all delivery locations especially in urban settings with buildings creating dead zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical radiation emitting element on the UAV that modulates optical radiation as an intermediary signal carrier. This allows the UAV to transmit its location and orientation information optically to ground-based electro-optical sensors, bypassing the need for GPS signals to reach the UAV in dead zones. The optical radiation serves as a mediator that enables communication and localization where GPS fails.
2Measurement precision
If vision-based localization systems are used for driver assistance, then lane location can be extracted from images, but the systems require millions of image sensor pixels and computationally demanding image processing making them inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex computational image processing with a simpler optical detection system. Instead of using millions of image sensor pixels and heavy computational algorithms to extract lane markings, the system uses electro-optical sensors to detect modulated optical radiation from the UAV. This substitution of mechanical/computational complexity with a more direct optical measurement approach maintains measurement precision while dramatically improving processing efficiency.
3Reliability
If vision-based systems are used for lane detection, then lane markings can be identified, but the systems depend on clear views unobstructed by rain, ice, and fog making them intermittently reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic modulation of optical radiation by the emitting element on the UAV. The optical radiation is modulated in a time-varying manner, allowing ground-based sensors to distinguish the UAV's signal from ambient light conditions. This dynamic signaling approach enables reliable detection regardless of static environmental obstructions like rain, ice, or fog that would block vision-based lane detection systems.
4Measurement precision
If stereoscopic image systems are used for wing deformation measurement, then three-dimensional measurements can be obtained, but the systems require two cameras and high-resolution cameras making them bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex stereoscopic imaging systems. Instead of using two high-resolution cameras to capture three-dimensional wing deformation data, the system places an optical radiation emitting element directly on the UAV that modulates its signal according to its position and orientation. Ground-based electro-optical sensors then detect this modulated radiation, extracting the necessary three-dimensional information without requiring bulky dual-camera setups.
5Measurement precision
If post-processing of monoscopic and stereoscopic images is used for measuring wing deflection and torsion, then deformation data can be obtained, but the systems are computationally inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes computationally intensive post-processing of images with a direct optical measurement system. The emitting element on the UAV modulates optical radiation in real-time according to its dynamic position and orientation, allowing ground-based sensors to capture deformation data without requiring subsequent computational image processing. This replaces the mechanical-computational workflow with a more efficient optical-detection approach that maintains measurement precision while improving computational efficiency.
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
The system enables precise navigation of UAVs in GPS dead zones and improves wing deformation measurement accuracy, reducing computational demands and environmental sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radiation emitting element located at the object for emitting modulated optical radiation
Implementation Method 2
at least two mutually-distinct electro-optical sensors, each of the electro-optical sensors having a detector, and a demodulator for generating a demodulated electrical signal in response to detection of at least a portion of the modulated optical radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical sensor comprising a first lens array (5710) including a plurality of first lenses; a photodetector array (5770) including a plurality of photodetectors, each of the plurality of photodetectors being aligned with a respective one of the plurality of first lenses; and a plurality of signal-modifying elements, each of the plurality of signal-modifying elements being aligned with a respective one of the plurality of first lenses, the plurality of signal-modifying elements including a first signal-modifying optical element having a first spatially-dependent transmission function, and a second signal-modifying optical element having a second spatially-dependent transmission function differing from the first spatially-dependent transmission function.