Context-based navigation of uncrewed vehicles using relative position markers
US12412481B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 8, 2022 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2201/10
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In an example embodiment, a method carried out by an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) may involve receiving a reference map of a cluster of charging pads from a server. The cluster may include a layout of charging pads and fiducial markers distributed across the layout, the reference map representing the layout and fiducial markers. The UAV may fly to the cluster and acquire an image of charging pads and observed fiducial markers near the charging pads. The image may capture an observed constellation of fiducial markers at apparent positions and orientations relative to the charging pads. A reference constellation of fiducial markers at reference positions and orientations relative to reference charging pads may be identified in the reference map. Identities of the reference charging pads and a match of the reference constellation to the observed constellation may be used to disambiguate a particular charging pad from among the charging pads.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.