Sensor Fusion Navigation With Horizon-Stabilized Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional navigational systems for mobile structures, such as watercraft and aircraft, operate independently and do not effectively combine data from disparate sensors like radar, sonar, and GNSS, leading to a fragmented representation of the environment, which hinders intuitive navigation.
Innovation Solution
A sensor fusion system that integrates data from multiple navigational sensors, including imaging devices, sonar, radar, and orientation/position sensors, to generate a unified navigational database and horizon-stabilized images, providing a comprehensive and intuitive view of the environment for enhanced navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple navigational sensors operate independently with separate display views, then each sensor system can perform its dedicated function, but the representation of the environment becomes fragmented and lacks intuitive meaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data from multiple independent navigational sensors (radar, sonar, GNSS, cameras) into a single integrated navigational database. This combining of previously separate systems allows the presentation of a unified, comprehensive environmental view that maintains the reliability of each individual sensor while eliminating the fragmentation problem.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate navigational systems are used for different functions, then each system can be optimized for its specific purpose, but the overall system complexity increases and integration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal navigational system where a single integrated database serves multiple navigational functions simultaneously. The system can perform radar detection, sonar imaging, GNSS positioning, and visual recognition all through one unified database structure, reducing the need for separate specialized systems while maintaining adaptability to different navigational needs.
3Speed
If image data is captured without stabilization, then the imaging device can respond quickly to motion, but the images become distorted by roll and pitch motions of the mobile structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where orientation and position sensor data are continuously used to correct and stabilize image data in real-time. The system monitors the mobile structure's motion through sensors and applies compensatory transformations to the captured images, maintaining stability without sacrificing the quick response capability of the imaging device.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods for video based sensor fusion with respect to mobile structures. A mobile structure may include at least one imaging module and multiple navigational sensors and/or receive navigational data from various sources. A navigational database may be generated that includes data from the imaging module, navigational sensors, and/or other sources. Aspects of the navigational database may then be used to generate an integrated model, forecast weather conditions, warn of dangers, identify hard to spot items, and generally aid in the navigation of the mobile structure.