UAV Laser Beam Control for GNSS-Less Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face challenges in achieving precise positioning and movement, especially in environments with external influences like wind and limited GNSS signal availability, leading to accuracy issues and restricted use in areas such as built-up zones or tunnels.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a theodolite, total station, laser tracker, or rotational laser with a control unit that interacts with the UAV via laser beams and radio signals to determine its position and alignment, enabling precise control and movement independent of GNSS signals, using correction parameters to guide the UAV along defined trajectories or planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual control or GNSS-based autonomous control is used, then the aerial vehicle can be operated with simple control mechanisms, but positioning accuracy deteriorates under external influences like wind and in areas with limited GNSS coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical beam (laser) as an intermediary between the measuring instrument and the aerial vehicle. The beam serves as a reference that enables precise position and orientation determination without relying on GNSS signals, thereby resolving the contradiction between positioning accuracy and system complexity in environments with limited GNSS coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/GNSS-based positioning system with an optical measurement system. By using a laser beam and optical sensors instead of GNSS satellites, the system achieves higher positioning accuracy while maintaining manageable complexity through the use of standard optical components
2Measurement precision
If image comparison methods are used for navigation, then the aerial vehicle can be controlled in built-up areas without GNSS, but measurement precision is limited by camera resolution and changes in surroundings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces image-based optical flow methods with direct optical beam measurement. The laser beam provides a stable, high-precision reference that is not affected by changes in the surrounding environment, camera resolution limitations, or lighting conditions, thereby achieving superior measurement precision and environmental adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from image pixel coordinates (limited by camera resolution) to direct optical beam position and angle measurements. This parameter change enables precision beyond camera limitations and makes the measurement invariant to environmental changes
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
This solution allows for more robust, user-friendly, and precise control of UAVs, enabling accurate positioning and movement in various environments, including those with limited GNSS coverage, by continuously adjusting the UAV's position and alignment to maintain a stable laser beam or plane alignment, thereby enhancing automation and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
By means of this unit, it is possible to determine an angle of incidence of the laser beam relative to the reception unit
Implementation Method 2
a distance between the aerial vehicle and the measuring instrument can be determined by reflection of the beam and reception at the measuring instrument
Data Source
AI summary
A geodetic measuring system having a geodetic measuring unit having a beam source for emitting a substantially collimated optical beam. The measuring system also has an automotive, unmanned, controllable air vehicle having an optical module. An evaluation unit is also provided, wherein the evaluation unit is configured in such a manner that an actual state of the air vehicle, as determined by a position, an orientation and/or a change in position, can be determined in a coordinate system from interaction between the optical beam and the optical module. The measuring system has a control unit for controlling the air vehicle, wherein the control unit is configured in such a manner that control data can be produced using an algorithm on the basis of the actual state, which can be continuously determined in particular, and a defined desired state, and the air vehicle can be automatically changed to the desired state.