Structured Light Navigation Aid for Autonomous Landing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems face challenges in performing autonomous landings, especially in dense urban environments where GNSS signals are unreliable due to obstacles and interference, and when multiple autonomous systems operate closely, requiring increased navigation precision.
Innovation Solution
A structured light navigation aid system that includes a structured light emitter and receiver, which emit and detect structured light patterns reflected from surfaces, allowing the system to calculate navigation information and provide precision for autonomous landings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GNSS signals are used for navigation in urban environments, then navigation information can be obtained, but signal reliability deteriorates due to high-rise buildings, multipath interference, and geometric dilution of precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structured light system between the aircraft and the ground. The structured light emitter projects patterns onto the ground surface, and the receiver detects reflected light to calculate navigation information. This intermediary system enables navigation in GNSS-denied environments by providing an alternative information pathway that does not rely on satellite signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the radio wave-based GNSS system with an optical structured light system. Instead of receiving radio signals from satellites, the aircraft uses structured light emission and detection to obtain navigation information. This substitution transitions from electromagnetic radio wave propagation to optical pattern projection and reflection, eliminating dependence on GNSS infrastructure.
2Reliability
If sensor fusion techniques are used to overcome GNSS limitations, then navigation can continue in denied environments, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to drift from ideal output
Solution Approach 1:
The structured light system serves as a fresh intermediary measurement source that does not suffer from the drift problems of inertial sensors. By projecting known patterns onto the ground and detecting their reflection, the system provides absolute position and orientation references that can correct drift in sensor fusion systems without requiring GNSS signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from radio wave-based GNSS coordinates to optical pattern-based spatial relationships. By measuring the position and orientation of structured light patterns reflected from the ground, the system obtains navigation parameters (position, velocity, attitude) with different characteristics that are not subject to the same drift errors as traditional inertial measurement systems.
3Productivity
If multiple autonomous vehicles operate close to one another, then transportation efficiency increases, but navigation precision requirements increase to prevent encroachment within safe operating envelopes
Solution Approach 1:
The structured light system replaces traditional navigation sensors with an optical measurement system that provides high-precision position and orientation data. The ability to detect reflected light patterns with high accuracy enables precise spatial awareness, allowing multiple vehicles to operate in close proximity while maintaining safe separation through accurate real-time position knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The structured light system provides an intermediary high-precision measurement layer between the vehicles and their environment. By projecting patterns and detecting their reflection, the system creates a detailed spatial map that enables precise relative positioning between multiple vehicles, facilitating safe close-quarters operation with enhanced situational awareness.
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 structured light navigation aid system enhances navigation precision and reliability in GNSS-denied environments, enabling safe and accurate autonomous landings by providing additional navigation data that is not subject to drift.
Implementation Method 1
a structured light emitter that emits structured light towards a surface... 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
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.