UAV Navigation via Multi-Direction Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional UAV navigation methods fail to accurately track the position change of an operator, leading to inaccurate return flights, as they assume a fixed operator position, which is not feasible when the operator is in motion.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that involve flying a UAV to multiple destination positions at predetermined distances along various trial directions from an initial position, detecting distances to a base position, determining a return direction based on these distances, and flying a second predetermined distance along that direction to accurately navigate back to the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the operator's position is assumed to be fixed for return flight navigation, then the navigation system is simple, but the accuracy of returning to the operator deteriorates when the operator moves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static navigation approach into a dynamic one by continuously updating the operator's position through multiple destination tests. The system dynamically adjusts the return direction based on real-time position detection, allowing the UAV to track a moving operator rather than relying on a fixed position assumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UAV performs trial flights to multiple destination positions, detects the operator's position at each point, and uses this information to determine the optimal return direction. This closed-loop feedback system continuously refines the navigation accuracy as the operator moves.
2Measurement precision
If the UAV flies to multiple destination positions to detect operator position, then the position tracking accuracy improves, but the navigation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary position detection by flying to multiple destination positions before executing the final return flight. This preliminary action gathers necessary position information in advance, allowing the UAV to make an informed decision about the optimal return direction without prolonged searching during the actual return phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a limited number of predetermined destination positions (excessive action) to ensure comprehensive position detection. By testing a sufficient number of directions rather than relying on a single trial, the system guarantees accurate operator position detection while keeping the overall process efficient through predetermined parameters.
3Productivity
If the UAV uses a fixed return direction based on initial operator position, then the navigation process is simple and fast, but the UAV cannot track the operator when the operator moves during return flight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the return direction dynamic by determining it based on detected operator positions at multiple destination points. Instead of using a fixed direction from the initial position, the system continuously adapts the return path to match the operator's actual position, enabling tracking of moving operators while maintaining navigation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the navigation parameter from a fixed return direction to a dynamically determined direction based on detected positions. By calculating the return direction from the detected operator position rather than using the initial position, the system adapts to operator movement while maintaining efficient navigation through predetermined flight parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for navigating an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from an initial position of the UAV towards a base position comprises A) flying the UAV to a plurality of destination positions each having a first predetermined distance from the initial position of the UAV, wherein the plurality of destination positions correspond to a plurality of trial directions with respect to the initial position, respectively; B) detecting, for each of the plurality of destination positions, a distance from the base position to the destination position when the UAV is at the destination position, thereby to obtain a plurality of detected distances corresponding to the plurality of trial directions, respectively; C) determining a return direction of the UAV on the basis of the plurality of detected distances; and D) flying the UAV a second predetermined distance along the return direction.