Terrain Navigation Projector Using Reticle Grid Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Navigation in environments with limited or degraded illumination, such as lunar terrain, is challenging due to the unavailability of Wi-Fi and GPS systems, leading to increased risks of injury and equipment damage from undetectable features in shaded areas.
Innovation Solution
A projector system that includes a light source, a reticle, and a projection lens to illuminate and project navigation features, such as grid patterns or tags, onto the terrain, using visible or laser light, allowing for improved visibility of terrain contours and hazards, even in low-light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Wi-Fi and GPS systems are used for navigation, then navigation accuracy and safety are improved, but these systems are unavailable in lunar environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (projector with grid pattern and depth indicators) that mediates between the unavailable GPS/Wi-Fi systems and the navigation need. The projector displays virtual depth information and terrain features directly in the user's field of view, serving as a bridge to provide navigation assistance in environments where conventional systems fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of depth and terrain information by projecting a grid pattern with depth indicators onto the terrain. This virtual representation copies the essential navigation data that would otherwise be provided by GPS or visual inspection, allowing users to navigate without relying on direct satellite or Wi-Fi connections.
2Illumination intensity
If direct solar illumination is used to illuminate terrain features, then illumination intensity is improved, but features in shaded areas remain invisible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing enhanced illumination and depth information specifically in shaded areas where it is most needed. The projector targets recesses and shadowed regions with virtual depth indicators, while sunlit areas maintain their natural visibility. This localized enhancement ensures terrain features in critical shadow zones become visible without overwhelming the entire field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The projector acts as an intermediary that supplements natural solar illumination by adding virtual depth information and terrain markers in shaded areas. Rather than replacing solar illumination, the system mediates between the limited natural light and the user's navigation needs by projecting enhanced visual cues into the field of view.
3Loss of information
If a projector system is used to project navigation features, then terrain visibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projector system is designed with multi-functionality to justify its complexity. It simultaneously performs depth mapping, terrain feature projection, virtual illumination of shaded areas, and navigation guidance. By consolidating multiple navigation functions into a single integrated system, the patent reduces the need for multiple separate devices and justifies the increased complexity through enhanced capabilities.
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 projector system enhances situational awareness by projecting navigation information onto the terrain, reducing the risk of injury and equipment damage by making hidden features visible, thereby facilitating safer navigation in environments with limited illumination.
Implementation Method 1
A projector system is disclosed which includes a light source, a reticle, and a projection lens
Implementation Method 2
The projection lens is optically coupled to the reticle and arranges the navigation feature image for projection
Data Source
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AI summary
A projector (100) includes a light source (102) arranged along an optical axis, a reticle (106) optically coupled to the light source by the optical axis, and a projection lens. The projection lens is optically coupled to the reticle by the optical axis and has a navigation feature defined thereon for displaying an image of the navigation feature projected along the optical axis on terrain disposed within a field of view of the projector. Projection systems and methods of navigating terrain using projected images are also described.