UAV Laser Guidance With Vision Handover for Precise Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UAV inspection methods require significant pre-planning or skilled operator intervention, making them inefficient for accessing hard-to-reach structures, as they either rely on precise GPS coordinates or manual control, which can be error-prone and operator-dependent.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a laser pointer to determine waypoints for an UAV, allowing it to navigate to a target position by projecting a laser beam, and then switching to vision-based control using the UAV's optical system to prevent obstruction and ensure accurate targeting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If autonomous navigation using GPS coordinates is used, then the UAV can operate without operator intervention, but it requires significant pre-planning and is error-prone when precise position information is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating waypoints along the laser beam path from the initial position to the target position. These waypoints are computed in advance based on the laser direction vector and occlusion offset, allowing the UAV to immediately follow the predetermined path without requiring operator intervention or extensive pre-planning during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser beam serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the operator's intuitive pointing action and the UAV's navigation. The laser provides visual guidance and defines the target direction, while the calculated waypoints translate this visual cue into precise navigation instructions, eliminating the need for either extensive pre-planning or skilled manual operation.
2Measurement precision
If manual control is used to align the UAV with the destination, then the UAV can reach the target accurately, but it requires a trained operator and is difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the operator to simply point the laser at the target without requiring manual control skills. The UAV autonomously calculates the waypoints based on the laser direction and automatically navigates to the target position, performing the complex alignment and positioning tasks itself rather than requiring the operator to manually control the UAV.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical manual control system with an optical-laser guidance system combined with automated waypoint calculation. Instead of requiring the operator to manually manipulate flight controls, the laser optical field defines the target direction, and the computational system automatically generates navigation commands, substituting mechanical control with optical and computational systems.
3Device complexity
If the UAV follows the laser beam directly, then the path is simple to determine, but the UAV may obstruct the laser beam
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by introducing an occlusion offset specifically at the beginning of the path where the UAV is most likely to obstruct the laser beam. The waypoints are calculated with this offset applied locally to the initial position, allowing the UAV to start from a position that does not block the beam while still following the laser direction to reach the target.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements preliminary anti-action by pre-calculating and applying an occlusion offset to the initial waypoint position before the UAV begins flight. This anticipates and prevents the potential harm of laser beam obstruction by positioning the UAV's starting point and initial path segment away from the laser beam, eliminating the need for reactive adjustments during flight.
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
Enables UAVs to operate with reduced pre-planning and operator skill requirements, allowing for efficient and accurate inspection of hard-to-reach structures by determining waypoints based on a laser beam projection and transitioning to vision-based control for precise positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a laser emitter configured to emit a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
an optical system comprising an imager configured to detect a projection of the laser beam on a target
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4B
AI summary
An UAV, unmanned aerial vehicle (205), is guided from an initial position to a target position (220) using a projection of a laser beam (215) on a target (220). A set of waypoints from the initial position of the UAV (205) to a position proximate to the target position is determined using an orientation of a laser pointer that projects the laser beam and based on projection of the UAV initial position onto the laser beam (215) pointing at the target (220). The UAV is guided along the set of determined waypoints to the position proximate to the target position. The UAV is guided from the position proximate to the target position using the optical system of the vehicle responsive to detection of a dot of the laser beam on the target by an optical system arranged on the UAV.