Structured Light Navigation for GNSS-Denied Landing Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Navigation systems face challenges in dense urban environments due to limitations in airborne radio and navigation sensors, particularly the loss of GNSS signals, which affects the accuracy and reliability of autonomous landings, and the drift of sensor fusion techniques in GNSS-denied environments.
Innovation Solution
A structured light navigation aid system that includes a structured light emitter and receiver, capable of emitting and detecting structured light patterns to provide additional navigation information, independent of GNSS signals, using processors to control and process the light patterns for navigation data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensor fusion techniques are used to overcome GNSS signal loss in dense urban environments, then navigation reliability is improved, but the system drifts from ideal output in GNSS-denied environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a structured light system as an intermediary navigation aid that operates independently of GNSS signals. The structured light emitter projects coded light patterns onto the ground, and the receiver detects these patterns to determine position and orientation. This intermediary system provides reliable navigation information in GNSS-denied environments without suffering from the drift problems of sensor fusion techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor fusion system (which combines data from accelerometers, gyroscopes, and other sensors) with an optical system based on structured light. This substitution eliminates the drift inherent in mechanical sensor systems while providing direct, accurate navigation measurements independent of GNSS signals.
2Productivity
If multiple autonomous vehicles operate close to one another, then productivity is improved, but navigation precision must be increased to prevent encroachment within safe operating envelopes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional sensor-based navigation systems with an optical structured light system that provides superior precision. The coded light patterns enable accurate determination of position and orientation, allowing multiple vehicles to operate in close proximity while maintaining safe separation through precise navigation information.
3Measurement precision
If GNSS signals are used for navigation, then measurement precision is improved, but signals become inaccessible in dense urban environments due to high-rise buildings and multipath interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a local structured light navigation system as an intermediary that does not depend on distant GNSS satellites. The emitter and receiver create a localized navigation reference frame that works independently of satellite signals, providing reliable navigation in urban canyons where GNSS signals are blocked or interfered with by buildings.
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
Enhances navigation precision and stability by providing reliable navigation information in GNSS-denied environments, reducing drift and improving the accuracy of autonomous landings and vehicle positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a structured light receiver that receives light from an environment, wherein the structured light receiver identifies reflected structured light from the surface in the received light
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and Embodiments for a structured light navigation aid are provided. In certain embodiments, a system includes a structured light emitter that emits structured light towards a surface, wherein the structured light emitter can movably change a direction of emitted structured light. Additionally, the system includes a structured light receiver that receives light from an environment, wherein the structured light receiver identifies reflected structured light from the surface in the received light and calculates navigation information from the reflected structured light. Further, the system includes one or more processors that control the structured light as one of a pre-programmed pattern or a pattern determined during operation of the structured light emitter.