NU 2016-210
Inventor
Michael Rubenstein*
Short Description
A low-cost system for accurate position sensing and communication between rotorcraft
Background
Rotorcraft such as quadcopters are being developed for applications in package delivery and warehouse distribution centers as well as in defense. However, the ability to precisely control these systems is still underdeveloped. Currently, many available sensing systems have a number of constraints; they include limitations in their accuracy, ability to work only in the outdoors, expensive pricing and inefficient power consumption.
Abstract
While rotorcraft (eg. Quadrotors) are becoming increasingly popular for entertainment, education, and industrial use, the technology that these devices use to sense their position is limited. Standard technologies such as GPS and camera-based navigation are expensive, energy-consuming and only work outdoors. A Northwestern researcher has addressed these limitations using a system that embeds simple sensors in rotating propellers and allows for low-cost sensing (bearing, azimuth (height) and distance) as well as communication to other rotorcraft and base stations. The system involves placing receivers or transmitters (such as infrared LED's) in the rotating blades of a rotorcraft. By doing this, it becomes possible to measure height and distance between rotorcraft. Communication between rotorcraft can be sent via low-energy wireless Bluetooth. This new system opens up a new space of sensing and control that doesn't exist for rotorcraft for affordable and indoor use. It will allow close range and high precision navigation at low cost.
Applications
Advantages
IP Status
US provisional patent has been filed.