System and method for autonomous taxiing
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12705989-B2
Publication Date
2026-08-11
Expiration Date
Abstract
A system comprises a controller onboard a vehicle that provides for autonomous taxiing of the vehicle at an airport. Onboard optical sensors include look-forward and look-down optical sensors. An onboard bidirectional radio receives ATC clearance information. The system also includes onboard aiding sensors, and an airport moving map database. An ATC clearance processing module translates the ATC clearance information into processor readable information. An image processing module receives image data from the optical sensors, and provides object detection and image interpretation functions. A taxi route generation module receives translated ATC clearance information and map information to generate a travel route at the airport for the vehicle. An aiding sensor data processing module determines state information for the vehicle based on vehicle state data. A command generation module generates commands for driving the vehicle. A control module automatically drives the vehicle on an airport surface, and controls a brake and throttle.
Core Innovation
The invention describes an onboard autonomous airport-taxiing system for a vehicle, including a crewed aircraft, an uncrewed aircraft, or a ground vehicle. The system combines air traffic control clearance information, an airport moving map database, optical sensor data, and vehicle state information to generate commands for taxiing and vehicle control. Its image processing module provides object detection and image interpretation, including distance estimation for a proceeding aircraft or other object.
The method describes interpreting an air traffic control taxi clearance, generating a route from vehicle position and airport map information, and using airport images to assess clearance conditions and support taxiing to a destination. The stated context concerns autonomous taxiing in complex airport environments and operation of uncrewed vehicles, while generating vehicle-driving commands to automatically control movement, braking, and throttle.
Claims Coverage
The two independent claims are claim 1, directed to a system, and claim 16, directed to a method, covering four inventive features.
Onboard autonomous airport-taxiing system
Claim 1 recites a vehicle-mounted controller, optical sensors, a bidirectional communication radio, aiding sensors, and an airport moving map database, with processing and control modules configured to support autonomous airport taxiing.
Image processing and distance estimation
Claim 1 recites an image processing module that receives optical sensor image data and provides object detection and image interpretation, including calculating the distance to a proceeding aircraft or other object using an artificial intelligence algorithm and a deep mapping method.
Clearance-based taxi route generation and vehicle control
Claim 1 recites processing air traffic control clearance information into processor-readable information and generating a geographic travel route using the clearance information and airport moving map information. It also recites generating vehicle-driving commands and automatically controlling airport-surface movement, braking, and throttle to adjust speed.
Image-guided autonomous taxiing method
Claim 16 recites interpreting an air traffic control taxi clearance, generating a route from vehicle position and airport map information, and using airport images to assess any clearance condition and support taxiing to a destination. The method also recites identifying centerline deviation, calculating obstacle distance, and determining and executing vehicle commands.
Claim 1 covers an onboard system that processes clearance, map, sensor, and vehicle-state information to generate route and vehicle-control commands. Claim 16 covers a method that uses clearance interpretation, route generation, and airport imagery to guide autonomous taxiing.
Stated Advantages
Supports autonomous taxiing in complex airport environments.
Reduces workload and improves operation of uncrewed vehicles.
Uses existing onboard sensors.
Documented Applications
Autonomous airport taxiing of crewed aircraft, uncrewed aircraft, and ground vehicles.
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