A power equipment identification method and system based on a satellite-based control unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

The present application belongs to the field of electric power, and particularly relates to a power equipment identification method and system based on a star-based control unmanned aerial vehicle. The method comprises: acquiring a topographic map of a current area; analyzing the topographic map to obtain a distribution map; determining a satellite connection area according to a star-based positioning parameter of a current position of the unmanned aerial vehicle and the distribution map, and patrolling the current area based on the topographic map and the satellite connection area; and acquiring power equipment information through a detection device carried by the unmanned aerial vehicle. The topographic map is analyzed to obtain a distribution map of a remote signal poor area, which can be estimated in advance to facilitate subsequent relay communication. The satellite connection area is determined according to the current position and the distribution map, which can be used to realize positioning or communication by means of a satellite, thereby improving the adaptability of flight control or data transmission of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The flight height of the unmanned aerial vehicle is reduced, and the current area is patrolled based on the topographic map and the satellite connection area, which can reduce the risk of disconnection of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The information of the power equipment is acquired and output.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of power, and in particular relates to a method and system for identifying power equipment based on a satellite-controlled unmanned aerial vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] As a vital industrial system, power grids are sometimes exported to other countries or regions as export products. The electrical equipment within these grids is crucial industrial equipment; damage to this equipment can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the status of this electrical equipment.

[0003] In theory, the status of electrical equipment is important information and should be properly preserved. However, there are exceptions, such as power grids outside the country / region, where legal or censorship processes prevent the normal or rapid access to corresponding electrical equipment information. Alternatively, electrical equipment information may be lost, making accurate information unavailable. Furthermore, the storage and management of this information are often neglected, leading to its easy loss. Additionally, it is inconvenient for personnel to directly access this information on-site.

[0004] Using drones for information collection is a feasible approach. However, for power equipment, which is an export product, the installation site may be far from the production site. In this case, using drones for data collection will face the problem of poor communication. Communication abnormalities can lead to drone loss or abnormal data transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address or improve the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a method and system for identifying power equipment based on a satellite-controlled unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the specific technical solution of which is as follows:

[0006] This invention provides a method for identifying power equipment based on a satellite-controlled unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), comprising: when the UAV arrives at the designated area, acquiring a topographic map of the current area; parsing the topographic map to obtain a distribution map of areas with poor remote signal; determining a satellite connection area based on the satellite-based positioning parameters of the current location of the UAV and the distribution map; lowering the flight altitude of the UAV and inspecting the current area based on the topographic map and the satellite connection area; and acquiring and outputting information about the power equipment through a detection device carried by the UAV.

[0007] Preferably, the step of parsing the terrain map to obtain a distribution map of areas with poor remote signal includes: parsing the terrain map to obtain terrain parameters, determining, based on the terrain parameters and the remote communication specifications of the UAV, which locations / areas will experience poor remote communication signals, and obtaining the distribution map of areas with poor remote signal.

[0008] Preferably, determining the satellite connection area based on the satellite-based positioning parameters of the current location of the UAV and the distribution map includes: establishing a three-dimensional coordinate system between the UAV and the current area based on the satellite-based positioning parameters by means of image recognition or device ranging; and determining the three-dimensional coordinate set corresponding to the distribution map based on the three-dimensional coordinate system to obtain the satellite connection area.

[0009] Preferably, the step of lowering the UAV's flight altitude and surveying the current area based on the topographic map and the satellite connection area includes: setting a temporary flight path based on the topographic map; determining the location and / or time for establishing a satellite connection within the temporary path based on the satellite connection area; maintaining a remote signal connection between the UAV and the ground control terminal when not in the satellite connection area; establishing a satellite-based signal connection between the UAV and the satellite terminal when in the satellite connection area; and surveying the current area while maintaining either the remote signal connection or the satellite-based signal connection.

[0010] Preferably, the method further includes: modifying the flight plan of the UAV based on the information of the power equipment, wherein the flight plan includes power equipment reconfirmation, adjacent area identification, and return trip.

[0011] This invention provides a power equipment identification system based on a satellite-controlled unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), comprising: a first module for acquiring a topographic map of the current area when the UAV arrives at the designated area; a second module for parsing the topographic map to obtain a distribution map of areas with poor remote signal; a third module for determining a satellite connection area based on the satellite-based positioning parameters of the UAV's current position and the distribution map; a fourth module for reducing the UAV's flight altitude and surveying the current area based on the topographic map and the satellite connection area; and a fifth module for acquiring and outputting information about the power equipment through a detection device carried by the UAV.

[0012] Preferably, the step of parsing the topographic map to obtain a distribution map of areas with poor long-range signal includes:

[0013] The terrain map is analyzed to obtain terrain parameters. Based on the terrain parameters and the remote communication specifications of the UAV, it is determined in which locations / areas will have poor remote communication signals, and the distribution map of the areas with poor remote communication signals is obtained.

[0014] Preferably, determining the satellite connection area based on the satellite-based positioning parameters of the UAV's current location and the distribution map includes:

[0015] A three-dimensional coordinate system between the UAV and the current area is established based on the satellite-based positioning parameters using image recognition or device ranging.

[0016] The satellite connection area is obtained by determining the set of three-dimensional coordinates corresponding to the distribution map based on the three-dimensional coordinate system.

[0017] Preferably, lowering the UAV's flight altitude and surveying the current area based on the topographic map and the satellite connection area includes:

[0018] Based on the topographic map, a temporary flight path is set;

[0019] Based on the satellite connection area, determine the location and / or time to establish a satellite connection in the temporary path;

[0020] When not in the satellite connection area, the UAV maintains a remote signal connection with the ground control terminal. When in the satellite connection area, the UAV establishes a satellite-based signal connection with the satellite terminal. The UAV patrols the current area while maintaining the remote signal connection or the satellite-based signal connection.

[0021] Preferably, the fifth unit is further configured to modify the flight plan of the UAV based on the information of the power equipment, wherein the flight plan includes power equipment reconfirmation, adjacent area identification, and return trip.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: obtaining a distribution map of remote signal-poor areas through topographic map analysis allows for the pre-estimation of signal-poor areas, facilitating subsequent relay communication; determining satellite connection areas based on the current location and distribution map enables satellite-based positioning or communication, improving the adaptability of UAV flight control or data transmission; reducing the UAV's flight altitude allows for closer approach to targets, improving identification accuracy; and surveying the current area based on topographic maps and satellite connection areas reduces the risk of UAV disconnection; and acquiring and outputting information about power equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a power equipment identification method based on a satellite-controlled unmanned aerial vehicle according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a power equipment identification system based on a satellite-controlled unmanned aerial vehicle according to the present invention. Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] It should be understood that, when used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or collections thereof.

[0027] It should also be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0028] It should also be further understood that the term "and / or" as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes such combinations.

[0029] To address or improve the problems mentioned in the background, the present invention provides, as follows: Figure 1 The method for identifying power equipment based on a satellite-controlled drone includes: S1, acquiring a topographic map of the current area when the drone arrives at the designated area; S2, parsing the topographic map to obtain a distribution map of areas with poor remote signal; S3, determining the satellite connection area based on the satellite positioning parameters of the drone's current position and the distribution map; S4, lowering the drone's flight altitude and surveying the current area based on the topographic map and the satellite connection area; S5, acquiring and outputting information about the power equipment using the detection equipment carried by the drone.

[0030] In special circumstances, there is a need to quickly obtain information on power equipment located at great distances. On-site data collection by staff faces challenges such as time-consuming international travel procedures and low efficiency. Remote data acquisition via drones, however, offers high efficiency and rapid response. The current problem lies in the distance limitations of drone communication, and the fact that power-related equipment may be located in valleys, dense forests, or other terrains where radio waves do not easily propagate. Forcing drones to collect data could lead to signal interruptions, causing the drone to malfunction or data transmission to be interrupted.

[0031] Due to insufficient information at the scene, the drone needs to be deployed to a designated area first. This designated area could be the possible / approximate location of the power equipment to be identified. Then, the drone acquires ground images of the designated / current area from high altitude and identifies the terrain.

[0032] Different terrains can affect the propagation of radio waves. By analyzing the terrain map, we can determine which locations or areas may adversely affect the communication radio waves of drones. These locations or areas are the distribution map of areas with poor long-range signal.

[0033] Drones can be equipped with satellite positioning devices to determine their current coordinates, and can then carry devices such as atmospheric pressure sensors to determine their current altitude. Combining coordinates and altitude, satellite-based positioning parameters are obtained. Based on these parameters and a distribution map, locations requiring satellite connections are identified for positioning, navigation, and communication. Specifically, if the drone can communicate with satellites, remote control via ground-satellite-drone is possible; if the drone can only obtain satellite positioning information, then the system needs to acquire positioning information and execute local path planning and control.

[0034] Electrical equipment has a unique shape and generates electromagnetic fields during operation. Therefore, drones can identify electrical equipment using onboard cameras or other devices such as electromagnetic signal measuring instruments. However, drones themselves have limitations, such as not being able to carry high-precision and heavy equipment, or high-performance equipment due to cost constraints. Drones need to be kept close to the ground to improve identification efficiency. However, lowering the altitude may cause the drone to collide with the ground, tree branches, or buildings, requiring specific path planning and flight control.

[0035] By using the detection equipment carried by the drone to acquire and output information about the power equipment, remote identification of the power equipment can be achieved.

[0036] The step of parsing the terrain map to obtain a distribution map of areas with poor remote signal includes: parsing the terrain map to obtain terrain parameters, and determining, based on the terrain parameters and the remote communication specifications of the UAV, which locations / areas will experience poor remote communication signals, thereby obtaining the distribution map of areas with poor remote signal.

[0037] Image recognition can be used to extract information such as buildings, terrain, vegetation, and water resources from topographic maps. Based on this information and data obtained from prior experiments, the extent of communication interference in specific environments can be determined. Furthermore, the long-range communication capabilities of different drone sizes vary, requiring specific analysis. For example, area A is a canyon with high levels of communication interference; drone B has low anti-interference capabilities, while drone C has high anti-interference capabilities. By identifying areas with poor long-range signal, preparations can be made in advance for signal interruptions, such as changing communication modes or establishing alternative communication channels.

[0038] The step of determining the satellite connection area based on the satellite-based positioning parameters of the current location of the UAV and the distribution map includes: establishing a three-dimensional coordinate system between the UAV and the current area based on the satellite-based positioning parameters by means of image recognition or device ranging; and determining the three-dimensional coordinate set corresponding to the distribution map based on the three-dimensional coordinate system to obtain the satellite connection area.

[0039] Drone control requires coordinate relationships, necessitating the conversion of distribution maps into coordinate systems for better drone control. Most drones are equipped with cameras, which acquire ground images. Furthermore, image recognition methods can be used to roughly estimate the drone's distance to a specified point on the image (e.g., distance measurement, triangulation). Additionally, drones can be equipped with rangefinders to measure their distance to further specified points on the image. By establishing the drone's position relative to the specified point, a three-dimensional coordinate system for the current area can be created. This data can then be used to calculate the corresponding three-dimensional coordinate set on the distribution map to determine the satellite connectivity area.

[0040] The step of lowering the UAV's flight altitude and surveying the current area based on the topographic map and the satellite connection area includes: setting a temporary flight path based on the topographic map; determining the location and / or time to establish a satellite connection within the temporary path based on the satellite connection area; maintaining a remote signal connection between the UAV and the ground control unit when not in the satellite connection area; establishing a satellite-based signal connection between the UAV and the satellite when in the satellite connection area; and surveying the current area while maintaining either the remote signal connection or the satellite-based signal connection.

[0041] Existing technologies possess sufficient control algorithms to allow drones to establish temporary flight paths for flight within designated spaces. These temporary flight paths may traverse satellite-connected areas, necessitating the establishment of satellite connections to obtain satellite positioning information or satellite relay communication paths. Power equipment is highly sensitive due to security requirements, and prolonged communication interruptions for drones are unacceptable. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain both remote and satellite-based signal connections while patrolling the current area.

[0042] The method further includes: modifying the flight plan of the UAV based on the information of the power equipment, wherein the flight plan includes power equipment reconfirmation, adjacent area identification, and return trip.

[0043] If information about a power device is successfully collected, but the device is particularly important or the collection accuracy is insufficient, the drone can be driven back to its original location to reconfirm the power device, thus ensuring the accuracy of the identification.

[0044] Power equipment is not usually isolated. If a device is identified, the approximate location of the next device, i.e. the adjacent area, can be determined based on factors such as power lines. Driving a drone to the adjacent area to identify the next power device can completely identify the power grid information corresponding to the power device, i.e., adjacent area identification.

[0045] After successfully collecting information on the power equipment and completing the objective, a drone can be deployed to ascend to a higher altitude and return.

[0046] This invention provides, for example Figure 2 The system describes a power equipment identification system based on a satellite-controlled unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), comprising: a first module 1 for acquiring a topographic map of the current area when the UAV arrives at the designated area; a second module 2 for parsing the topographic map to obtain a distribution map of areas with poor remote signal; a third module 3 for determining satellite connection areas based on the satellite-based positioning parameters of the UAV's current location and the distribution map; a fourth module 4 for lowering the UAV's flight altitude and surveying the current area based on the topographic map and the satellite connection areas; and a fifth module 5 for acquiring and outputting information about the power equipment through a detection device carried by the UAV.

[0047] The step of parsing the terrain map to obtain a distribution map of areas with poor remote signal includes: parsing the terrain map to obtain terrain parameters, and determining, based on the terrain parameters and the remote communication specifications of the UAV, which locations / areas will experience poor remote communication signals, thereby obtaining the distribution map of areas with poor remote signal.

[0048] The step of determining the satellite connection area based on the satellite-based positioning parameters of the current location of the UAV and the distribution map includes: establishing a three-dimensional coordinate system between the UAV and the current area based on the satellite-based positioning parameters by means of image recognition or device ranging; and determining the three-dimensional coordinate set corresponding to the distribution map based on the three-dimensional coordinate system to obtain the satellite connection area.

[0049] The step of lowering the UAV's flight altitude and surveying the current area based on the topographic map and the satellite connection area includes: setting a temporary flight path based on the topographic map; determining the location and / or time to establish a satellite connection within the temporary path based on the satellite connection area; maintaining a remote signal connection between the UAV and the ground control unit when not in the satellite connection area; establishing a satellite-based signal connection between the UAV and the satellite when in the satellite connection area; and surveying the current area while maintaining either the remote signal connection or the satellite-based signal connection.

[0050] The fifth unit is also used to modify the flight plan of the UAV based on the information of the power equipment, wherein the flight plan includes power equipment reconfirmation, adjacent area identification, and return trip.

[0051] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units of the various examples described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the components of each example have been generally described in terms of function in the foregoing description. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this invention.

[0052] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the division of units is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units can be combined into one unit, one unit can be split into multiple units, or some features can be ignored.

[0053] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for identifying power equipment based on a satellite-controlled unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), characterized in that, include: When the drone arrives at the designated area, it acquires a topographic map of the current area; The topographic map was analyzed to obtain a distribution map of areas with poor long-range signal. Based on the satellite-based positioning parameters of the UAV's current location and the distribution map, the satellite connection area is determined; The drone lowers its flight altitude and, based on the topographic map and the satellite connection area, surveys the current area. The drone carries a detection device that acquires and outputs information about the power equipment. The step of lowering the drone's flight altitude and surveying the current area based on the topographic map and the satellite connection area includes: Based on the topographic map, a temporary flight path is set; Based on the satellite connection area, determine the location and / or time to establish a satellite connection within the temporary flight path; When not in the satellite connection area, the UAV maintains a remote signal connection with the ground control terminal. When in the satellite connection area, the UAV establishes a satellite-based signal connection with the satellite terminal. The UAV patrols the current area while maintaining the remote signal connection or the satellite-based signal connection.

2. The power equipment identification method based on satellite-controlled UAVs according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of analyzing the topographic map to obtain a distribution map of areas with poor long-range signal includes: The terrain map is analyzed to obtain terrain parameters. Based on the terrain parameters and the remote communication specifications of the UAV, it is determined in which locations / areas will have poor remote communication signals, and the distribution map of the areas with poor remote communication signals is obtained.

3. The power equipment identification method based on satellite-controlled UAVs according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of determining the satellite connection area based on the satellite-based positioning parameters of the current location of the UAV and the distribution map includes: A three-dimensional coordinate system between the UAV and the current area is established based on the satellite-based positioning parameters using image recognition or device ranging. The satellite connection area is obtained by determining the set of three-dimensional coordinates corresponding to the distribution map based on the three-dimensional coordinate system.

4. The method for identifying power equipment based on a satellite-controlled UAV according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Based on the information from the power equipment, the flight plan of the UAV is modified, wherein the flight plan includes power equipment reconfirmation, adjacent area identification, and return trip.

5. A power equipment identification system based on a satellite-controlled unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), characterized in that, include: The first module is used to acquire a topographic map of the current area when the drone arrives at the designated area; The second module is used to analyze the topographic map to obtain a distribution map of areas with poor remote signal. The third module is used to determine the satellite connection area based on the satellite-based positioning parameters of the current location of the UAV and the distribution map; The fourth module is used to reduce the flight altitude of the UAV and to survey the current area based on the topographic map and the satellite connection area; The fifth module is used to acquire and output information about the power equipment through the detection equipment carried by the UAV; The step of lowering the drone's flight altitude and surveying the current area based on the topographic map and the satellite connection area includes: Based on the topographic map, a temporary flight path is set; Based on the satellite connection area, determine the location and / or time to establish a satellite connection within the temporary flight path; When not in the satellite connection area, the UAV maintains a remote signal connection with the ground control terminal. When in the satellite connection area, the UAV establishes a satellite-based signal connection with the satellite terminal. The UAV patrols the current area while maintaining the remote signal connection or the satellite-based signal connection.

6. The power equipment identification system based on satellite-controlled UAVs according to claim 5, characterized in that, The process of analyzing the topographic map to obtain a distribution map of areas with poor long-range signal includes: The terrain map is analyzed to obtain terrain parameters. Based on the terrain parameters and the remote communication specifications of the UAV, it is determined in which locations / areas will have poor remote communication signals, and the distribution map of the areas with poor remote communication signals is obtained.

7. The power equipment identification system based on satellite-controlled UAVs according to claim 6, characterized in that, The step of determining the satellite connection area based on the satellite-based positioning parameters of the current location of the UAV and the distribution map includes: A three-dimensional coordinate system between the UAV and the current area is established based on the satellite-based positioning parameters using image recognition or device ranging. The satellite connection area is obtained by determining the set of three-dimensional coordinates corresponding to the distribution map based on the three-dimensional coordinate system.

8. The power equipment identification system based on satellite-controlled UAVs according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fifth module is also used to modify the flight plan of the UAV based on the information of the power equipment, wherein the flight plan includes power equipment reconfirmation, adjacent area identification, and return trip.

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