CPC B64F 1/18 (2013.01) [B64C 39/024 (2013.01); B64F 1/362 (2013.01); B64U 10/25 (2023.01)] | 21 Claims |
1. An apparatus for visual navigation of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the apparatus comprising:
a geo-fiducial mat including:
a landing pad region that provides a location for aligning with a landing pad of the UAV; and
alignment markings disposed on the geo-fiducial mat for indicating the landing pad region and aiding alignment of the landing pad to the landing pad region; and
a plurality of geo-fiducials disposed in or about the landing pad region and each specified for a unique directional and offset position on the geo-fiducial mat, wherein the geo-fiducials each includes a two-dimensional (2D) pattern that visually conveys a code, wherein the 2D pattern of each of the geo-fiducials has a shape from which an optical navigation system of the UAV can visually triangulate a position of the UAV.
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