UAV Optical Navigation for GPS-Denied Autonomous Following
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UAV navigation systems rely on absolute positioning, which is inadequate for reliable relative navigation, especially in GPS-denied environments and urban/indoor settings, limiting their ability to autonomously follow mobile targets without user intervention.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an airborne device with multiple sensors and advanced fusion algorithms, collaborating with a target device to provide robust relative navigation, obstacle avoidance, and path planning, allowing the UAV to autonomously follow a mobile target independently of GPS, using optical signals and sensor data for accurate positioning and motion prediction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS-based absolute positioning is used for UAV navigation, then global location accuracy is improved, but reliability deteriorates in GPS-denied environments such as urban canyons and indoor settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical signal as an intermediary carrier between the ground target and UAV. The ground target emits optical signals that the UAV's optical detector receives, enabling relative positioning without GPS. This intermediary optical communication channel allows the UAV to determine its position relative to the ground target through optical triangulation and signal processing, resolving the contradiction by providing an alternative positioning mechanism that works independently of GPS satellite signals.
2Extent of automation
If autonomous following capability is implemented, then user intervention is reduced, but system complexity increases due to multiple sensors and fusion algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through autonomous navigation where the UAV automatically tracks and follows the ground target using onboard sensors and processing algorithms. The UAV independently processes optical signals, determines relative position, plans paths, and adjusts its flight without continuous human intervention. This self-service capability achieves high automation by enabling the UAV to autonomously complete the following task, managing the complexity through integrated sensor fusion and automated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multi-functionality by using a single optical detection system that serves multiple purposes: relative positioning, obstacle detection, and navigation guidance. The same optical detector and processing algorithms are used for both determining position relative to the ground target and detecting obstacles in the flight path. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity by consolidating functions into unified sensor and processing modules rather than requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
3Reliability
If optical signals are used for relative positioning, then GPS independence is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate in challenging lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting optical detection parameters based on environmental lighting conditions. The optical detector modifies its sensitivity, integration time, and signal processing thresholds according to the prevailing light levels. This adaptive parameter adjustment maintains positioning precision across varying lighting conditions while preserving GPS independence, as the system can optimize its optical signal reception to compensate for challenging environmental factors.
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 reliable, high-accuracy, and autonomous UAV navigation in diverse environments, reducing the need for user input and ensuring safety by avoiding obstacles, making it suitable for various applications including surveillance, search and rescue, and recreational use.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, at an optical detector on the airborne device, an optical signal generated by an LED on the target
Data Source
AI summary
A method for navigating an airborne device relative to a target comprises detecting, at an optical detector on the airborne device, an optical signal generated by one or more LEDs on the target; comparing the detected optical signal with a previously-detected optical signal; determining, based on the comparison, a change in location of at least one of the airborne device or the target; adjusting a position of the airborne device based on the determined change in location; predicting a movement of the target based on information indicative of at least one of a position, a rotation, an orientation, an acceleration, a velocity, or an altitude of the target, wherein the position of the airborne device is adjusted based on the predicted movement; detecting an obstacle in a flight path associated with the airborne device and adjusting a position of the airborne device based on detected obstacle information.